7 Best Slow Cookers With Browning Features For 2024

Choosing the best slow cooker with a browning feature can significantly enhance your cooking experience. This function allows you to sear and brown meat directly in the slow cooker, eliminating the need for additional pots and pans.

It not only saves time and reduces the number of dishes to clean but also locks in the flavors and juices of the meat, resulting in a richer and more delicious meal.

Some of the best browning slow cookers come with advanced features such as programmable settings, temperature control, and timer functions. This ensures your meal is cooked to perfection while you go about your day.

Cuisinart MSC-800 7-Quart 4-in-1

Benefits of Slow Cooker with Browning Feature

Investing in a slow cooker with a browning feature is like getting two kitchen appliances in one. The browning function allows you to sear meat directly in the cooker before switching to the slow-cooking mode. This means fewer dishes to wash, as you don’t need to use a separate pan for searing. Less clutter and less cleaning time translate into more convenience for busy people.

The feature also enhances the flavor of your dishes. Searing meat caramelizes its natural sugars and locks in juices, giving your slow-cooked meals a rich and deep taste. The aroma that fills your kitchen during the cooking process is yet another sensory treat. So, this is not just a functional addition but a feature that substantially upgrades the quality of your meals.

Energy efficiency is another benefit. Slow cookers already use less energy than a standard oven, and a built-in browning feature means you don’t have to use additional appliances. The convenience factor is also hard to beat.

You can set your meal to cook and forget it, knowing that the end result will be deliciously browned and slow-cooked to perfection. This makes meal prepping easier and less time-consuming.

Best Slow Cooker with Browning Option Reviews

1. GreenPan Elite 6 Quart Electric Slow Cooker

Indulge in healthy and delicious cooking with the GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6-Quart Electric Slow Cooker. Equipped with a revolutionary ceramic nonstick coating, Thermolon Volt, this multi-cooker is designed to withstand the strain of modern appliances while making your meals healthier.

It is free of toxins like PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium and has a roomy 6QT pot crafted from hard-anodized aluminum for quick and even heating. The built-in browning feature allows you to brown your meat or veggies directly in the pot, enhancing the flavors of your ingredients.

Moreover, the easy-to-read LCD display and one-touch presets make cooking simpler, while the silicone side handles and cord wrap make it convenient to move and store. The pot is also dishwasher safe, which makes the cleanup easy and hassle-free.

• Material: Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, PFAS-Free, Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 6 Quarts

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Why Best

• Revolutionary ceramic nonstick coating
• Built-in browning feature
• Easy-to-read LCD display
• Silicone side handles for comfort
• Dishwasher safe pot

Compatible For

• Modern appliances
• Family-sized meals
• Any ingredient (meat, veggies, etc.)

Where Need to Improve

• Complaints the pot loses heat quickly

2. Cuisinart MSC-800 7-Quart Multicooker

This 4-in-1 multicooker offers programmable functions for slow cooking, roasting, browning/sauteing, and steaming, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

With temperatures up to 500 degrees, you can brown and sauté your ingredients to perfection before slow cooking or roasting. The removable 7-quart nonstick cast aluminum cooking pot with Teflon coating is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless.

Moreover, the cooker comes with a reversible roasting/steaming rack, enhancing its functionality.

• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 6.62 Liters

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Why Best

• 4 programmable functions
• One-touch mode switch
• Dishwasher-safe pot and lid
• Includes reversible roasting/steaming rack
• Temperature up to 500 degrees for browning

Compatible For

• Combination cooking recipes
• Large meals
• Various cooking methods (steaming, roasting, etc.)

Where Need to Improve

• A few users experienced inconsistent temperature control

3. Calphalon 5.3 Quarts Slow Cooker

Make cooking more convenient and enjoyable with the Calphalon Slow Cooker with Digital Timer and Programmable Controls. This 5.3-quart stainless steel cooker allows you to sear, brown, sauté, and slow cook all in one pot, ensuring maximum flavor.

The ceramic cooking surface is 11 times more durable and provides 20% more even heat compared to standard nonstick surfaces.

The digital programmable controls make it easy to set the cooking time and temperature, while the fast food release and easy-to-clean surface make maintenance a breeze.

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 5.3 Quarts

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Why Best

• All-in-one cooking pot
• Durable ceramic cooking surface
• Digital programmable controls
• Fast food release and easy cleaning
• Oven safe and compatible with various cooktops

Compatible For

• Electric, gas, and induction cooktops
• Oven cooking
• Various cooking methods (searing, browning, etc.)

Where Need to Improve

• May digital controls confusing for some
• A few users experienced slow heating time

4. DeLonghi Livenza Multi-Cooker

The DeLonghi Livenza Multi-Cooker is not just a slow cooker; it’s an all-in-one wonder pot that can steam, brown, sauté, bake, and slow cook complete dishes, making it an essential addition to your kitchen.

The 24-hour programmability, self-regulating precision, and easy-to-read LCD display ensure you always know what’s cooking and when it’ll be ready. TrueTemp technology guarantees the best results with intelligently regulated timing and temperature settings, and it even switches from Cook mode to Keep Warm mode for up to 12 hours, ensuring your meal is ready to eat when you are.

It offers seven modes: Low, Medium, High, Oven Bake, Brown/Saute, Steam, and Rice, making it incredibly versatile. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with only one dishwasher-safe pot to clean.

• Material: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 6 Quarts

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Why Best

• All-in-one functionality: steam, brown, sauté, bake, slow cook
• 24-hour programmability with self-regulating precision
• TrueTemp technology for intelligently regulated timing and temperature
• Automatically switches to Keep Warm mode for up to 12 hours
• Seven modes for versatile cooking

Compatible For

• Steaming vegetables and rice
• Browning meats
• Sautéing vegetables
• Baking casseroles
• Slow-cooking stews and soups

Where Need to Improve

• Could have more intuitive controls
• Some users may find it bulky for small kitchens

5. Hamilton Beach 33662 Programmable Slow Cooker

This 6-quart slow cooker offers the convenience of one-pan cooking by allowing you to sear right on the stovetop and then finish the meal in the same pan. The removable nonstick pot cooks directly on gas, electric, or ceramic stovetops and has 15 heating options to mix and match high, low, or warm heat settings with your choice of cooking time.

Perfect for serving 7+ people, this slow cooker is ideal for cooking a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast.

Once your cooking time is up, the slow cooker automatically shifts to warm to keep food at the perfect temperature until serving time. Plus, the removable crock and lid are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup.

• Material: Aluminum
• Capacity: 6 Quarts

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Why Best

• Stovetop-safe sear and cook crock for one-pan convenience
• 15 heating options for versatile cooking
• Serves 7+ people, perfect for families or gatherings
• Automatic keep warm feature keeps food at the perfect temperature
• Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe crock and lid

Compatible For

• Searing meats on the stovetop
• Cooking meals on gas, electric, or ceramic stovetops
• Serving 7+ people or buffet-style meals

Where Need to Improve

• Some users may find the exterior gets too hot
• The cord could be longer for more flexibility in kitchen placement

6. Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker

Make family-sized meals effortlessly with the Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker. This electric countertop cooker is perfect for all-day cooking; simply add your ingredients, set it, and forget it until your meals are ready.

The stovetop and oven-safe removable insert allow for browning and sautéing directly before slow cooking, adding greater depth of flavor to your dishes. The die-cast insert is portable, making it easy to transport meals to family dinners and events.

The easy-to-use dial control offers two heat settings, low and high, and a warm setting to keep your food plate ready all day. Cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick and dishwasher-safe insert and glass lid.

• Material: Metal
• Capacity: 6 Quarts

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Why Best

• Stovetop and oven-safe removable insert for browning and sautéing
• Intuitive dial control with low, high, and warm settings
• Nonstick and dishwasher-safe insert and glass lid for easy cleanup
• Portable die-cast insert for easy transport of meals

Compatible For

• Browning and sautéing meats and vegetables
• Slow-cooking family-sized stews, soups, chilis, and braises
• Transporting meals to family dinners and events

Where Need to Improve

• Some users may find it heavy to transport.

7. GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker

This 6-quart multi-cooker features a revolutionary ceramic nonstick coating, Thermolon Volt, designed to withstand the strain of modern appliances. It’s extra tough, cleans easily, and makes any meal healthier as it’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.

The roomy pot is crafted from hard anodized aluminum for quick and even heating, making it perfect for family-sized meals. With 8 powerful one-touch presets, including Slow Cook, Sauté, Steam, Simmer/Buffet, Reheat, High, Low, and Warm, finding the right setting for your next meal is simple.

The built-in browning feature allows you to brown your meat or veggies directly in the pot before going low and slow to finish the cooking process.

Plus, the easy-to-read LCD display, silicone side handles, tempered glass lid, stainless steel steamer, and simple cleanup make this slow cooker a must-have in any kitchen.

• Material: Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, PFAS-Free, Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 6 Quarts

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Why Best

• Revolutionary ceramic nonstick coating, free of toxins
• 8 powerful one-touch presets for versatile cooking
• Built-in browning feature for enhanced flavors
• Easy-to-read LCD display and comfortable silicone side handles
• Includes stainless steel steamer and dishwasher-safe pot for simple cleanup

Compatible For

• Browning meat and vegetables
• Steaming dumplings, veggies, and chicken
• Slow cooking, sautéing, simmering, reheating, and keeping food warm

Where Need to Improve

• Some users may find the LCD screen too bright

How We Selected the Best Browning Slow Cookers

Purchasing the best slow cooker with a browning feature can be a bit challenging due to the plethora of options available in the market. This buying guide aims to help you make an informed decision by outlining the critical indecency of how we selected the products.

Market Research

We began by conducting thorough market research to identify the most popular and highly rated slow cookers with browning features. We compared various brands and models based on their specifications, features, and price points. This helped us narrow down the list to the top contenders in the market.

Customer Review Analysis

Next, we analyzed customer reviews and ratings on various online platforms. This gave us insights into the actual performance of the products and the satisfaction level of the users. We took into account both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each product.

Feature Comparison

We then compared the features of the selected products. Key features considered included the browning function, capacity, temperature settings, programmability, and ease of cleaning. We also evaluated the build quality, design, and durability of the products.

Price Comparison

Price is always a crucial factor in any purchase decision. We compared the prices of the selected products to ensure they offer good value for money. We considered both affordable and high-end options to cater to different budget ranges.

Testing

Also, we tested the selected products to evaluate their performance firsthand. We assessed the browning function, cooking efficiency, ease of use, and cleaning process. This helped us to confirm our findings and finalize our list of recommended products.

Related: 6 Best Programmable Crock Pots

Benefits of Slow Cooker with Browning Feature

Investing in a slow cooker with a browning feature is like getting two kitchen appliances in one. The browning function allows you to sear meat directly in the cooker before switching to the slow-cooking mode.

This means fewer dishes to wash, as you don’t need to use a separate pan for searing. Less clutter and less cleaning time translate into more convenience for busy people.

The feature also enhances the flavor of your dishes. Searing meat caramelizes its natural sugars and locks in juices, giving your slow-cooked meals a rich and deep taste.

The aroma that fills your kitchen during the cooking process is yet another sensory treat. So, this is not just a functional addition but a feature that substantially upgrades the quality of your meals.

Energy efficiency is another benefit. Slow cookers already use less energy than a standard oven, and a built-in browning feature means you don’t have to use additional appliances. The convenience factor is also hard to beat.

You can set your meal to cook and forget it, knowing that the end result will be deliciously browned and slow-cooked to perfection. This makes meal prepping easier and less time-consuming.

How to Make the Most of Your Slow Cooker with Browning Function?

Getting a slow cooker with a browning feature is just the first step; optimizing its use is the next. Start by reading the instruction manual carefully. Manufacturers often provide tips and recipes that are tailored to your appliance. Trust the experts to guide you through the initial stages of using your new kitchen companion.

Next, try a variety of recipes. The browning feature isn’t just for meat; it can elevate vegetable dishes and even some desserts. Caramelize onions or sear peppers before slow-cooking them into a stew or soup. The textures and flavors will be noticeably improved.

Also, keep an eye on the cooking times. While the slow cooker is forgiving, browning is a quick process that requires attention.

Too little time and you miss out on the flavor; too much and you risk burning your food. Mastering the timing can make a significant difference in the end result.

Cleaning, Use and Maintenance

Proper care can extend the lifespan of your slow cooker with a browning feature. Start by wiping down the exterior after every use. The build-up of grease and food particles can affect performance over time.

Most slow cookers with browning features have removable inner pots, making cleaning a breeze. Usually, these pots are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

The lid and seal should be washed after every use to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Don’t ignore the control panel; a simple wipe with a damp cloth can keep it functioning optimally.

Regarding maintenance, occasional checks of the electrical cord and plug can help prevent accidents. If your slow cooker comes with detachable parts, inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged components immediately, as a small issue can quickly turn into a big problem if neglected.

So, if you take proper care of your slow cooker, it should serve you well for years, making your investment worthwhile.

Learn More: Why Does My Stove Top Get So Hot and What to Do?

Common Questions About Slow Cooker

Can I Use the Browning Feature for All Types of Meat?

Yes, the browning feature can be used for all types of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. It is particularly useful for tougher cuts of meat, as searing the meat before slow cooking can help to break down the fibers and make the meat more tender.

Is It Possible to Over-Brown the Meat?

Yes, it is possible to over-brown the meat if you leave it on the browning setting for too long. Be sure to keep an eye on the meat and follow the recipe instructions for the recommended browning time.

Can I Brown Frozen Meat in My Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended to brown frozen meat directly in your slow cooker as it will not brown evenly and may result in a soggy texture. It is always best to thaw the meat completely before browning.

Do I Need to Use Oil for the Browning Process?

It is advisable to use a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker and to help achieve a nice, even browning.

Can I Use the Browning Feature for Vegetables?

Yes, you can use the browning feature for vegetables as well. It is a great way to caramelize onions or brown mushrooms before adding them to your slow-cooked dish.

Should I Stir the Food During the Browning Process?

It is not necessary to stir the food during the browning process, but you can give it a quick stir to ensure even browning if needed. Remember to use oven mitts or tongs, as the pot will be very hot.

Does the Browning Feature Affect the Cooking Time?

Using the browning feature does not affect the overall cooking time, as it is a separate function that is used before the slow cooking process begins. However, it is important to note that the browning time is not included in the total cooking time specified in the recipe.