What Does Sear and Stew Mean on a Slow Cooker?
Sear and stew refers to the ability to brown ingredients directly in the slow cooker pot before switching to a slow cooking setting. This extra step builds deeper flavour by caramelising meat and vegetables on the hob, then letting them simmer slowly in the same pot. Not every slow cooker can do this, but models with a hob-safe cooking pot make it possible.
Model That Supports Sear and Stew
- Accents Sear & Stew 3.5L Purple Slow Cooker: Hob Safe : Brown meat or sauté ingredients directly in the pot before slow cooking for added flavour. *Not suitable for induction hobs. This confirms the Accents Sear & Stew 3.5L Purple Slow Cooker allows you to sear on a gas or electric hob, then stew in the same pot, saving washing up and boosting flavour.
Accents Sear & Stew 3.5L Purple Slow Cooker
How to Use the Sear and Stew Function
Follow these steps to get the most out of a hob-safe slow cooker.
- Prepare your ingredients: Cut meat into even chunks and pat dry with kitchen paper. Season with salt and pepper. Chop onions, garlic, or vegetables you want to brown.
- Sear on the hob: Place the non-stick cooking pot on a gas or electric hob (not induction). Add a little oil and heat over medium-high. Brown meat in batches so the pot stays hot, then remove and set aside. Sauté vegetables until softened.
- Deglaze (optional): Add a splash of stock, wine, or water to the hot pot and stir to lift the browned bits from the bottom. This adds rich flavour to the stew.
- Return ingredients and switch to slow cook: Put the meat and vegetables back into the pot. Add liquid and seasonings. Place the glass lid on and select low, medium, or high setting. Cook for the recommended time.
- Monitor without lifting the lid: The clear glass lid lets you check progress without releasing heat. Only lift when adding ingredients or checking doneness near the end.
Why Sear Before Stew?
Browning meat creates complex flavours through the Maillard reaction that you cannot get from slow cooking alone. Searing vegetables adds sweetness and depth. Because the Accents Sear & Stew pot is non-stick and hob-safe, you can do this in one pot without extra pans. The non-stick coating also makes cleanup easier, and both the pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe.
When to Skip the Sear
If you are short on time or using very tender cuts, you can still make a good stew without searing. The slow cooker will still tenderise meat and blend flavours. The sear step is optional, but it adds noticeable richness for minimal extra effort.
