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7 Great Slow Cookers with Browning Feature
Slow cookers are wonderful, especially for bulk cooking, but a browning or saute feature makes them even better. While most slow cooker inner pots can go in the oven, they can’t be used on the stovetop. So, if you want to brown meat or vegetables, you have to do that first in a separate pan.
When your slow cooker has a browning function, you can brown meat or vegetables right there in the unit on the stovetop. It saves you the trouble to having to use and clean a second pan.
Top Picks
Go straight to our favorites here. Or you can scroll down for in-depth reviews. You can also read more about how we choose products.
- Best Overall: GreenPan 6QT 8-in-1 Slow Cooker
- Runner Up: All-Clad Slow Cooker, 7 Quart, Silver
- Best All-in-One: De’Longhi Livenza 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker Programmable Slow Cooker
- Best for Induction Cooktops: Calphalon Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
- Most User Friendly: Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker
- Biggest Capacity: Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart
- Budget Choice: West Bend Slow Cooker Large Capacity
What to Look for in Slow Cookers
Capacity. Smaller units that range from 1 to 3 quarts are perfect for individuals or couples, while medium-sized cookers of 4 to 6 quarts are suitable for a small family. If you often cook for large groups or have a big family, a slow cooker with a capacity of 7 quarts or more will serve you well.
Shape. The shape of the slow cooker also plays an important role in your cooking. Oval-shaped cookers can accommodate larger items like whole chickens or sizeable roasts, whereas round cookers are more space-efficient and better for soups and stews.
Liner material. The material of the liner is another key feature to look at. Ceramic liners are heavier and ensure even heat distribution, while metal ones, usually made of aluminum, are lighter and often come with a non-stick surface for easier cleaning.
Temperature Settings. Temperature settings range from basic manual options that include low, high, and warm to more advanced programmable models that allow you to set cooking times and automatically switch to a warming setting once cooking is complete.
Advanced features. Depending how you like to cook, you may want or actually not want advanced programmable features to control your slow cooker. If you want them, do some research to discover which ones are important to you and make sure your cooker has them.
Ease of Cleaning. Removable inserts are a must-have for ease of cleaning, with dishwasher-safe options adding an extra layer of convenience.
Safety features. Cool-touch handles are an important safety feature to prevent burns when handling the cooker.
Brand. Brand reputation and price are also key considerations. Opt for well-known brands with a track record for quality and longevity. Many higher-quality models come with a warranty, which can provide peace of mind. While it’s important to set a budget, investing in a slightly more expensive model may pay off in terms of features and durability.
How much room will it take up? Look at your available kitchen space to ensure that your new appliance will fit comfortably.
Best Slow Cookers with Browning Feature
This slow cooker is generously sized and features a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating that was designed to stand up to modern cooking. It makes cleanup easier, and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
You can slow cook, steam, or even saute your food in this cooker. The built in browning lets you brown meat and veggies directly in the pot.
And it's so easy to use, with 8 presets that do everything you need.
Pros:- Capacity: 6 Quarts
- One touch presets do it all: Slow Cook, Sauté, Steam, Simmer/Buffet, Proof, Bake, Reheat, High, Low, Warm.
- Special diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating is more durable than standard non-stick coating. No reviews mention problems with the coating cracking or peeling.
- Has a Keep Warm feature
- All the cooking happens directly in the pot. No worries about whether it will work with your type of cooktop
- Easy-to-Read LCD Display
- Stainless steel steamer makes tasty dumplings, veggies and shellfish
- Presets include: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Sauté, and Steam
- The removable pot is dishwasher safe
- It's more expensive than most of the others.
The All-Clad 7-Quart Slow Cooker is a premium kitchen appliance known for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Manufactured by a reputable brand, this slow cooker comes with unique features that enhance your cooking experience. However, while some customers are satisfied with its performance, others share different experiences.
Pros:- Large Capacity: The 7-quart capacity is perfect for preparing meals for larger families or gatherings.
- Durable Construction: Designed to withstand frequent use, it has robust handles and quality materials.
- Versatile Settings: High, low and warm settings offer control over how you want to cook your meals.
- Easy-to-read Display: The display shows time remaining and is generally user-friendly.
- Removable Insert: Users appreciate being able to start cooking on
the stovetop and seamlessly transfer the insert into the slow cooker.
- Lack of Durability in Lid: Some users reported issues with the glass lid breaking during use.
- Inconsistent Customer Service Experience: While some had positive
interactions with All Clad's customer service, others reported
disappointment. - Expensive Replacement Parts: If something breaks or needs replacement (like lids), they're quite expensive.
The All-Clad 7-quart slow cooker shines in terms of both form and function. This well-designed appliance offers simple push-button controls for easy operation. It also boasts of a programmable timer feature that can switch to warming mode once your food is cooked.
Furthermore, the non-stick aluminum insert is not just removable but
also dishwasher safe - making cleanup a breeze. Despite certain drawbacks such as an issue with lid durability and costly replacement parts, this machine still stands as a worthwhile investment for those who frequently employ slow cooking methods in their culinary endeavors.
This slow cooker can bake, brown, saute, rice, steam and warm. It's easy to use and clean, with a nonstick surface coating in the pot that's dishwasher safe.
Pros:- Capacity: 6 Quarts, Stainless steel
- Easy to use with 24-hour programming.
- Has illuminated temperatures and times
- Keep warm feature
- Easy cleanup
- Some say the non-stick coating will wear off over time. The company will replace the pot.
This slow cooker has a nice big size, digital programmable controls, and you can use it on electric, gas and induction cooktops. But what stands out is the lack of complaints about the non-stick coating.
This cooker has a ceramic cooking surface with a proprietary non-stick coating. It claims to be more durable than the non-stick coating used in most slow cookers. They also claim this surface provides more even heat.
Pros:
- Capacity: 5.3 Quarts
- More durable than standard non-stick coating. This is backed up by a lack of reviews mentioning any problems with it.
- Compatible with electric, gas, and even induction cooktops
- Ceramic cooking surface provides 20% more even heat (Compared to standard nonstick)
Cons:
- Some reviewers note that the pot can retain odors from previously cooked foods.
Sear on the stovetop and then start your slow cooking in the same pan. You can use the removable nonstick pot directly on gas or electric or stovetops.
This one is programmable with lots of timing and heat options. Both the bot and lid are dishwasher safe.
Note that it cooks in two hour increments. If you want your cooktimes to be in between those, there's not an option for that. This doesn't seem to bother most users, but is a deal-breaker for others.
Pros:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Easy to clean
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Cooks hotter than some other slow cookers (which isn't necessarily a bad thing)
- You may wish it had more settings
This slow cooker is designed for you if you enjoy preparing large meals or hosting gatherings. With its large capacity, it fits a substantial amount of food, providing plenty of space for soups, stews, chili, and more.
The cooker's design is sleek and its lightweight metal pot is easily removable, making it a practical choice for both cooking and cleaning. It features simple settings including off, low, high, and warm, which enhance its usability for all users, including those with visual impairments.
PROS:
- Large capacity for cooking bulk meals and suitable for large gatherings.
- Easy to clean, easy to use
- Lightweight and easy to carry and handle, even with one hand.
CONS:
- Some users report that it cooks hotter than expected or that the warm setting is inadequate.
- Lacks advanced time and temperature controls found in some other models.
You can use this pot directly on your stovetop to brown, braise, sauté, and make sauces. For even more versatility, you can use the heating base as a griddle. It will cook eggs, french toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, vegetables, meats, fish, etc.
Whether you're taking your slow cooker to a pot luck or on a camping trip, the travel lid and thermal travel bag make it really easy to do this without worrying about spills.
Pros:
- So versatile, with features like a griddle.
- Carrying bag and travel lid, perfect if you don't just use your slow cooker at home
- Most reviewers are replacing very old WestBend slow cookers that finally gave out, so this brand has a reputation for lasting.
Cons:
- Some complaints about an annoying clicking noise every few seconds while cooking. Seems to be normal behavior for this unit.
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