Can the duo plus get a sear/browning on meat?

I just purchased a duo plus and used the saute function on high, waited until it was ready and put a bunch of stew beef in to sear it. It didn't sear it at all - only started cooking it regularly. No fond at all.

Did I simply put in too much beef? It was all a single layer. Or is this model not powerful enough to sear meat for a good browning and fond for a stew? And I should get the pro model?

I can try again with less meat, working in small batches, just wanted to ask here for experiences.