does it brown meat well enough?
1752259
Absolutely. I always brown meat before braising at pressure, and it gets a nice crust.
1752260
Not really. for Pork Chops or a roast it works best if you brown it on the stove..it also helps to seal the meat juices in...
1752261
Yes. I use it to brown meat even when I'm not pressure cooking. I like it because it doesn't spatter all over.
1292876
Yes, but don't let it sit on very heat and forget about it. I did And almost warped. Good pan. Browns well on top of stove then in the oven for a tender cooked center. Use for small pork roast. Beef roast. Just season meat. Rub with olive oil then keep turning
1202692
This product does not have a grill pan, but meat still browns nicely. There's a reservoir around the edge where grease can run off. I checked microhearth.com to help me make a decision. This version is more versatile in my opinion.
1404936
I brown meat all the time. I put in a tablespoon of olive oil and turn the timer to 15 minutes so it gets nice and hot...leave the lid off. It browns beautiful in a few minutes on each side. I take the meat out and pour in my liquid (stock, water, wine or beer) just a 1/4 cup and scrape up the good brown bits then put the meat back in with vegetables, rice, etc., and set the timer. Dinner is ready in a few minutes.
1542347
Absolutely! You can brown your meat first like beef stew cubes or chicken. It will make gravy eventually, so make sure that you add plenty of water. I cannot understand why more people don't use them. Wait until you see how TENDER everthing is. Also make sure to season slightly. You will love it!
276408
Yes, I have used mine on my gas stove top to brown meat. It has worked fine.
292711
No, it's a pressure cooker. You can brown your meat and then put it in for cooking, but it's not a frying pan.
1678172
not really, food is not pressed down..so stays juicy and you can cook meats with bone in. However, like all inside grills..it doesn't taste like char broiled food...
2255766
I have never tried bread in this machine, but did try pizza and the crust did not cook as crisp as I would have liked. Meat will brown, especially if it is on the top rack and closer to the heat source. The best thing about this cooker is the pre-programmed settings, i.e. one for steaks, salmon, pork chops, etc. Most often, I put the food in, select a setting and when the cooker shuts itself off, the food is moist and cooked beautifully. I think they make a version without the pre-programmed settings, but for me, I love the convenience of pressing a button and letting the cooker do the work. I have had two of these cookers over the past few years and would definitely buy this model again. I have never tried bread in this machine, but did try pizza and the crust did not cook as crisp as I would have liked. Meat will brown, especially if it is on the top rack and closer to the heat source. The best thing about this cooker is the pre-programmed settings, i.e. one for steaks, salmon, pork chops, etc. Most often, I put the food in, select a setting and when the cooker shuts itself off, the food is moist and cooked beautifully. I think they make a version without the pre-programmed settings, but for me, I love the convenience of pressing a button and letting the cooker do the... » Read More I have never tried bread in this machine, but did try pizza and the crust did not cook as crisp as I would have liked. Meat will brown, especially if it is on the top rack and closer to the heat source. The best thing about this cooker is the pre-programmed settings, i.e. one for steaks, salmon, pork chops, etc. Most often, I put the food in, select a setting and when the cooker shuts itself off, the food is moist and cooked beautifully. I think they make a version without the pre-programmed settings, but for me, I love the convenience of pressing a button and letting the cooker do the work. I have had two of these cookers over the past few years and would definitely buy this model again. « Show Less
2153043
It's certainly sharp enough; I've cut up a bit of meat with it, no hassle. As for cleaning and skinning anything, I've not had the privilege of attempting that yet.
530775
Yes it is anodized and pre-seasoned. It is easy to clean, lightweight and the best part, I can brown meat from the same insert prior to starting the slow cooking process. Browning the meat makes it a tastier dish.
980099
I haven't had either issue with this rice cooker. Occasionally some of the bottom rice will brown slightly, but I never get burnt rice the way I used to in my old cooker and the texture is consistently good.
2003645
It is pretty much a pate style. It has a bit of a ground meat texture, but very fine.
36597
It browns as well as a good pan with a decent core would. You definitely don't feel like you're sacrificing performance for convenience.
1201580
This is a one pot solution, you can brown the meats, and caramelize onions and so forth. Nice thing is ALL the flavor stays in. High sides prevent spattering so go ahead and enjoy.
2035014
You need to pre-weigh the meat first, then it makes a perfect patty. Be sure to use patty papers to keep everything neat.
355769
I believe it is and is holding up quite well for us. Cooks great and gives a great sear on the meat.