10 Best Crock Pots That Brown Meat 2026 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing (which is the browning function), and more, making it a good choice if you want a crock-pot that can brown meat before slow cooking. Its stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom helps distribute heat evenly, which is great for browning. The 8-quart capacity is generous, perfect for larger families or batch cooking.

You’ll find 13 customizable smart programs that make cooking different meals pretty easy without guesswork, so it caters well to those who like some automation. The removable stainless-steel pot and dishwasher-safe parts help with easy cleanup. While it offers temperature control through its preset programs, it doesn’t allow manual temperature adjustments during slow cooking as some dedicated slow cookers might. Also, the lid locks securely for pressure cooking but isn’t designed to be used while browning or slow cooking, so you may need to remove it when sautéing meat.

The build quality is solid, with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and safety features like overheat protection. If you want a multi-functional cooker that can brown meat and then slow cook or pressure cook in one pot, this Instant Pot is a suitable option, although it may not replace a dedicated slow cooker with more flexible temperature options.

The Instant Pot Pro 8-quart is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, and several other cooking tools in one device. It stands out for having a sauté (browning) function, which allows you to brown meat directly in the pot before slow cooking, saving you extra steps and dishes. With precise temperature control and programmable settings, you can customize cooking times and methods easily through its touch controls or linked app, which also offers lots of recipes for guidance. The 8-quart capacity is generous, making it ideal for families or those who like to prepare meals in bulk. The removable stainless steel insert is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup straightforward.

The build quality feels solid with safety features like a locking lid and overheat protection, giving extra peace of mind during use. One small downside is that while it’s excellent for browning and multi-cooking tasks, it may be larger and heavier than traditional crock-pots, which might take up more kitchen space and require careful handling. For those looking for a smart, multi-function slow cooker that can brown meat well and speed up cooking times, this Instant Pot model is a strong choice.

The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is a versatile and robust multi-cooker designed to replace 14 different cooking tools and appliances, making it a space-saver in your kitchen. A key feature is its ability to brown meat directly in the pot using its bottom heating elements, eliminating the need for stovetop transfers. This is complemented by its 8.5-quart capacity, which is ideal for entertaining large groups. The cooker is equipped with 8 programmable settings, including sear/sauté, slow cook, steam, and braise, providing flexibility for various cooking needs.

Its durable non-stick ceramic coating ensures easy cleanup and is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, cadmium, and lead. Additionally, the removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, allowing for finishing touches like crispy tops. The triple fusion heat technology is another highlight, cooking up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, thanks to the combination of bottom, side, and steam heat. However, it's notable that the pot is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing to maintain its longevity.

At 12.02 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for those with limited counter space. Additionally, it can be a bit complex to navigate for users who are not familiar with multi-functional cookers due to the variety of functions available. To sum up, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is an excellent choice for those looking for a multi-purpose cooker with strong browning capabilities and ample cooking options, albeit with some attention needed for its care and maintenance.