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

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.

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that goes beyond a typical crock-pot by including a sauté function, which allows you to brown meat directly in the pot before slow cooking. This feature enhances flavor without needing extra pans. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s suitable for larger families or meal prep, comfortably handling meals for up to 8 people. The temperature control offers 28 preset programs plus 5 customizable ones, making it easy to cook a wide variety of dishes with minimal guesswork. Its removable stainless-steel insert is dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup. The build is sturdy, featuring stainless steel and a matte finish, and it includes safety features like an upgraded steam release to reduce noise and prevent splatters.

Primarily designed as a pressure cooker with slow cooking capabilities rather than being a traditional crock-pot, it might feel a bit more complex for those seeking a simple, dedicated slow cooker. While it browns meat well, it may not sear as deeply as some standalone stovetop pans. The included app with over 800 recipes provides helpful cooking inspiration. This Instant Pot is well-suited for those who want a multi-use cooker with reliable browning, programmable settings, and solid build quality, especially if time-saving pressure cooking alongside slow cooking is important.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is a versatile multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing (browning), and several other functions in one device. Its sauté function allows you to brown meat directly in the stainless-steel inner pot, which has a tri-ply bottom designed for even heat distribution. This means you can develop flavor by browning meat before slow cooking, a key feature for those wanting a traditional crock-pot experience with added versatility. Temperature control is managed automatically via preset smart programs, making it simple to use without manual adjustments, though it lacks fine-grained temperature settings common in dedicated slow cookers. The removable stainless-steel insert is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier compared to non-removable ceramic pots.

With a 3-quart capacity, it’s best suited for small families or meal prepping for one or two people, but might be small for larger groups. Programmable settings are robust, including 15 smart programs for different foods, allowing customized cooking without guesswork. Build quality is strong, with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and over 10 built-in safety features ensuring durability and safe use.

Compared to traditional crock-pots designed solely for slow cooking and browning, this Instant Pot may have a learning curve and requires assembly, which might not appeal to everyone. For those seeking a compact, multi-use cooker that can brown meat and slow cook with easy programming, this model fits well. However, if a larger slow cooker dedicated to browning and slow cooking with manual temperature control is preferred, this might feel a bit limited in size and flexibility.