I believe there's an IP thread in the dining forum.

You can use the saute function and brown the meat in the pot.

It has many more safeguards than a traditional pressure cooker and I've never heard of one exploding. But if doing the quick release steam method, watch your fingers.

They are far more than a pressure cooker. It's just as much a slow cooker, but can also be used to saute, steam, cook rice, etc.