At this point, I'm wondering if one of the closest things to what I'm envisioning is a roaster that can double as a slow cooker, like a Nesco 6 quart. Without the bottom element, I couldn't sear, but I could roast for a bit then slow cook.

Trying to re-envision what I had in mind. What I originally had in mind was something like a cast iron insert, but that doesn't seem to be something that's made or feasible.

Yes! Apparently Rival used to make a Crock Pot Versaware series that used stove-top safe stoneware (with a converter for electric ranges). But the series seems to have been discontinued.

Wow--I had never heard of these before! Very, very cool!

Yes, that's what I usually do. Wondering if an insert might save a couple of steps, but if I can't find a non-nonstick one, then I'll probably continue doing that.

Thank you to all of you for your advice, I really appreciate it!

That's a good idea. I've been gazing at the gorgeous cast iron dutch ovens at our localish Lodge cast iron outlet.

I do need to replace our current slow cooker, but one option might be a less expensive model with ceramic insert + a dutch oven.

I feel like my post may have been confusing (it's hard not to use a double-negative with non-stick coating). I'm intrigued by the idea of searing in the slow cooker insert itself, but I really *don't* want a nonstick coating (because of the concerns you outlined). Most that I'm finding *do* have a non-stick coating, and I wouldn't want to purchase them.

Perhaps it's a pipe dream to find a coating-free metal insert. :-)

Hi all!

I've been reading through threads on ChowHound for years, and finally decided to join.

I couldn't find an answer to this in a past thread, but perhaps you could redirect me?

I'm really interested in getting a slow cooker that can be used on the stovetop to sear. But I really don't want a non-stick coating that could flake off. I've done a variety of searches, and am having trouble finding a model like that. Possibly the Hamilton Beach Premiere Cookware slow cooker, but even that seems unclear. It's advertised as cast aluminum, but it sounds like users have had a nonstick coating come off.

ETA: just realized this might fit better into the Cookware category.