Can you brown meat in the ceramic insert, add veggies and then slow cook or do you have to use another pan to brown in?
253173
It is ceramic and can not be put on the stove top. You would need to brown in a separate pan then transfer. Also, a word of caution, my digital display conked out after 10-15 uses and now it is no longer under the 1 year warranty and has to be thrown out:( Try another brand for a fraction of the cost.
253174
No, you cannot brown meat in the ceramic insert. I bought the aluminum so that I could brown meat, sauté veggies, etc. on the stovetop.I really do enjoy and recommend the aluminum. It is also nonstick, lighter and easier to clean than ceramic.
1766531
yes, you can cook meat and add vegetables later. Shorten the cooking time of the meat in proportion to the size, weight and type of meat you are cooking. I have found that if I turn the cooker completely off rather than letting it cycle to "keep warm" that it drops steam pressure faster and you can remove lid sooner. When adding vegetables, make sure you have enough liquid in the cooker; if needed, you could add a little chicken or beef broth to enhance the flavor and provide the necessary liquid. Since most vegetables cook quickly under steam I would not cook them more than 15 minutes or everything will fall apart, meat included.Hope this helps. yes, you can cook meat and add vegetables later. Shorten the cooking time of the meat in proportion to the size, weight and type of meat you are cooking. I have found that if I turn the cooker completely off rather than letting it cycle to "keep warm" that it drops steam pressure faster and you can remove lid sooner. When adding vegetables, make sure you have enough liquid in the cooker; if needed, you could add a little chicken or beef broth to enhance the flavor and provide the necessary liquid. Since most vegetables cook quickly under steam I would not cook them more than 15... » Read More yes, you can cook meat and add vegetables later. Shorten the cooking time of the meat in proportion to the size, weight and type of meat you are cooking. I have found that if I turn the cooker completely off rather than letting it cycle to "keep warm" that it drops steam pressure faster and you can remove lid sooner. When adding vegetables, make sure you have enough liquid in the cooker; if needed, you could add a little chicken or beef broth to enhance the flavor and provide the necessary liquid. Since most vegetables cook quickly under steam I would not cook them more than 15 minutes or everything will fall apart, meat included.Hope this helps. « Show Less
2098272
ABSOLUTELY! This is the best 'soup pot' going. Brown the meat, do your thing with the veggies, then make the soup - all right in one pot. It is a slow cooker, too. Boiled roast? No problem. We've used these pots for years! They are a major tool in our kitchen.
442908
I am trying to think why the company suggest this.I can't come up with anything.even if I brown meat I don't pre heat the pan,,and have not had any problems..sounds odd to me,,,,,
2073467
One thing to note: if you're going to be adding something to the egg (I sometimes add veggies or salsa), make sure the add-in is warm or room-temp first, otherwise it will severely slow the cooking of the egg.
1795024
Yes, you put the aluminum insert into the stoneware pot after searing and continue cooking. You need to let the insert cool after searing, so the food does not over cook in the crockpot. It works great.
2201237
I know this is an old question, but if you switch over to slow cook after you sear the meat, it will always come out juicy and perfect. Slow cook and set the timer.
100987
The only drawback not mentioned below (leftovers) is that you would need to clean the crock pot before putting in more food to slow cook. The outside of the crock pot needs to be dry before it is put back into the cooker. Recipes? Really?
1063942
I use the pan on my gas stovetop over the griddle burner. When I brown rice I make sure to use plenty of olive oil or chicken/pork/beef fat. I stir almost constantly, leaving the rice in one place just long enough to give it a little crunch.
373969
Sorry. I have never used slow cooking, cause I do not know whar slow cooking is for.
1740753
This works just like a slow cooker except that it is clay lined. You could certainly make broth with it but you may have to restart it.
1338375
First, why would you want to? The cooker browns nicely but takes time to heat up. Second, if you need to brown more quickly than the cooker can do it, get out a saute pan and put the meat in the cooker once it is browned to your satisfaction.
1727437
Anything you put in while it is blending/cooking will be blended to liquid...you have to add cut veggies after it is hot...there is a recipe booklet that tells you how to make different soups
2188571
I always brown my meat(pot roast) on the stove with some oil. If you want gravy, immerse the meat first with plenty of flour, salt and pepper. Place it on the stove to brown without the lid, then I add water and then cover, temp to medium-low. When the lid is on the meat steams so uncovered causes the meat to brown. TOO much info? Only practice and trial and error worked for me.
1142616
This is not a slow cooker. The insert is a metal pan. The lid is a thin metal top.
20680
absolutely you can slow cook, they have medium low and high heats selections, i use medium for the all day slow cooking and when i come in I check it and turn it to low so it keeps but does not overcook.
1462004
sure, you can. I preheat the pot on medium heat and cook meat for a few minutes with the cover off to brown.