Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Allrecipes (Updated | Dec 9th)
Craving that velvety, homemade mac and cheese but short on time? Your slow cooker might just become your new best friend! We’ve scoured Allrecipes to bring you the creamiest, most decadent slow cooker mac and cheese recipes that practically cook themselves. From sharp cheddar classics to creative twists with bacon or jalapeños, these recipes promise that perfect gooey texture without constant stirring. Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese forever—your family will thank you for these foolproof, crowd-pleasing versions that turn simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for quick mac fix: Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm
- Best for speedy mac solution: Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm
- Best for rapid mac maker: Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm
- Best for game day helper: Nostalgia Game Day 2.5-Quart 2-Section Slow Cooker with Lid and Ladle
- Best for 5-minute mac: Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm
- Best for smart temp control: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
- Best for stovetop versatility: Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for spill-proof travel: Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for secure transport cooker: Presto 06016 6-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for limited edition traveler: Presto 06019 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Allrecipes
Quick Mac Fix
Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm, Small Kitchen or Office | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwaveable, BPA-Free (Blue, 1-Pack)…
Rapid Brands
- A TOOL TO MANAGE ALL – You will no longer need strainers or boilers. Our microwave cookware is all you need to prepare a bowl of your favorite mac and cheese. Less stress, right?
- EASY SHAPE COOKING – Enjoy hassle-free cooking with our microwave-safe cookware – put your paste and cheese in the container and leave it all in the microwave.
- REHEAT AND EAT – Do you have some mac and cheese in the fridge? Don’t worry about wasting because our Rapid Mac Stove is perfect for reheating residues.
- SIMPLE CLEANING – Don’t have time or energy to wash dishes? Don’t Worry — Our Rapid Mac Stove is completely dishwasher safe. Cleaning up after a quick meal has never been easier
- Perfect for the person on the go – Do you only have a few minutes to eat? Our mac and cheese bowl is perfect when you are short of time and the longing for pasta. This tool is ideal for busy parents, college students or office workers.
Speedy Mac Solution
Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm, Small Kitchen or Office | Dishwasher Safe, Microwaveable, BPA-Free | Blue, 2 Pack
Rapid Brands
- ONE TOOL TO RULE THEM ALL – You won’t need strainers or boilers anymore. Our microwavable cookware is the only thing you’ll need to whip up a bowl of your favorite mac and cheese. Less stress, right?
- EASY PEASY COOKING – Enjoy hassle-free cooking with our microwave safe cookware — just put your mac and cheese in the container and let the microwave do ALL the work.
- REHEAT AND EAT – Have some mac and cheese in the fridge? Don’t worry about wasting it because our Rapid Mac Cooker is perfect for reheating leftovers.
- SIMPLE CLEAN UP – Don’t have the time or energy to do the dishes? Don’t worry— our Rapid Mac Cooker is completely dishwasher safe. Cleaning up after a quick meal has never been this easy!
- PERFECT FOR THE PERSON ON THE GO – Only have a few minutes to spare for a meal? Our mac and cheese bowl is perfect for when you’re short on time and craving pasta. This tool is ideal for busy parents, college students, or office workers.
Rapid Mac Maker
Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm, Small Kitchen or Office | Dishwasher Safe, Microwaveable, BPA-Free | Blue
Rapid Brands
Game Day Helper
Nostalgia Game Day 2.5-Quart 2-Section Slow Cooker with Lid and Ladle, Keg-Like Design, Cooks Chicken Wings, Meatballs, Chilli, Cheese, Soup, Stews, and More
Nostalgia
- BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER: Serve up crowd-pleasing apps and snacks for everyone to enjoy during the game or any other get-together! Great for chili, nacho cheese, drinks, dips, and more.
- 1.25 QT. CAPACITY TIMES TWO: Two 1.25-quart ceramic heating pots hold your favorite brews and stews, equipped with a lid and serving ladle.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL: Control the temperature of each warming pot with the 4-position temperature control dials allowing Off, High, Low, and Warm settings.
- DURABLE MATERIAL: Long-lasting stainless steel and ceramic materials ensures your appliance is built to last.
- MOVE AND STORE WITH EASE: The built-in side handles allow you to transport your slow cooker with you wherever the game is; then easily store with the wrap-around cord storage.
5-Minute Mac
Rapid Mac Cooker | Microwave Macaroni & Cheese in 5 Minutes | Perfect for Dorm, Small Kitchen or Office | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwaveable, BPA-Free (Blue, 1-Pack)
Rapid Brands
- ONE TOOL TO RULE THEM ALL – You won’t need strainers or boilers anymore. Our microwavable cookware is the only thing you’ll need to whip up a bowl of your favorite mac and cheese. Less stress, right?
- EASY PEASY COOKING – Enjoy hassle-free cooking with our microwave safe cookware — just put your mac and cheese in the container and let the microwave do ALL the work.
- REHEAT AND EAT – Have some mac and cheese in the fridge? Don’t worry about wasting it because our Rapid Mac Cooker is perfect for reheating leftovers.
- SIMPLE CLEAN UP – Don’t have the time or energy to do the dishes? Don’t worry— our Rapid Mac Cooker is completely dishwasher safe. Cleaning up after a quick meal has never been this easy!
- PERFECT FOR THE PERSON ON THE GO – Only have a few minutes to spare for a meal? Our mac and cheese bowl is perfect for when you’re short on time and craving pasta. This tool is ideal for busy parents, college students, or office workers.
Smart Temp Control
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
Hamilton Beach
- NOT YOUR MOM’S SLOW COOKER: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or specific temperature, before automatically switching to Warm when it’s done.
- PATENTED TEMPERATURE PROBE: Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat to cook to a precise temperature. The control panel will display the food’s exact temperature as it cooks.
- CLIP-TIGHT GASKET LID: The lid clips securely in place, perfect for taking the slow cooker to a party, potluck or tailgate. The tight seal helps prevent messy spills along the way.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable and dishwasher safe crock and glass lid make cleanup simple.
- 6 QUART CAPACITY: Spacious size is perfect for a 6 lb. chicken or 4 lb. roast.
- YOUR CHOICE COOKING: Three smart settings – probe, program and manual – allow you to cook foods to a specific temperature, for a set number of hours or on High, Low or Warm settings for up to 24 hrs
- POWER INTERRUPT PROTECTION: During a momentary power interruption of 5 seconds or less, the slow cooker will remember the programmed heat and time settings and continue cooking.
Stovetop Versatility
Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker, Electric Countertop Cooking, Stovetop & Oven-Safe Removable Insert for Browning & Sautéing, Family-Size Soups & Stews, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Interior,Stainless Steel
Chefman
- FAMILY SIZE ONE-POT MEALS: This 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for all-day electric countertop cooking. Add your ingredients, and then set it and forget it for meals ready when you are. Tenderize meat or cook family-sized stews, soups, chilis, and braises in one convenient cooker.
- REMOVABLE COOKING INSERT: Brown and sauté directly in the stovetop and oven-safe removable insert before slow cooking for greater depth of flavor. The die-cast insert is portable, so you can easily transport your meals to family dinners and events.
- INTUITIVE DIAL CONTROL: Enjoy easy-to-use dial control for two heat settings, low and high. Set your slow cooker to the Warm setting after cooking so your food can stay plate-ready all day.
- EASY CLEANUP: Enjoy a nonstick and dishwasher-safe insert for convenient one-pot cleanup. The glass lid is also dishwasher-safe. After cooking, simply remove the insert and lid and load it in the dishwasher alleviate the stress of after-dinner scrubbing.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free – we’ve got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 350 Watts/120 Volts – RJ15-6-DC-V2
Spill-Proof Travel
Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Blue
Presto
- Extra-large 8-quart slow cooker, contemporary blue
- Locking lid with seal-tight gasket for spill-proof transportation
- Cool-touch exterior and swing-up handle
- Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs when traveling
- Silicone cord secures a utensil in transit
- Detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest
- Removable porcelain enameled cooking pot—PFAS-free
- Dry erase board and marker
- Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm
- Condensation cup collects moisture and power light
Secure Transport Cooker
Presto 06016 6-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Locking Lid, Dry Erase Board, Green
Presto
- Portable Design: This 6-quart slow cooker has a wide-profile, cool-touch exterior and a swing-up handle that locks the lid for spill-proof transportation.
- Versatile Cooking: Ideal for preparing pulled pork, chicken wings, sloppy joes, shredded meats, soups, stews, side dishes and more.
- Secure Utensil Holder: Features a utensil holder with a silicone cord to secure a utensil during transport, removable from the lid when serving.
- Rugged Construction: Styled in a durable green finish, this slow cooker is designed for travel and outdoor use.
- Convenient Size: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker offers ample room for family-sized meals or potluck dishes.
Limited Edition Traveler
Presto 06019 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Locking Lid, Dry Erase Board, Green/Gold
Presto
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling traveling slow cooker now in a special edition color – Green and Gold. Makes the perfect gift!
- SPECIAL FEATURES: Extra-large 8-quart slow cooker with locking lid for spill-proof travel, silicone cord secures utensils, and detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest. Includes a dry erase board and marker for notes or recipes, and a condensation cup to collect moisture when the cover is opened.
- EASY TRANSPORT: Cool-touch exterior and swing-up locking handle for effortless transport. Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs.
- VERSATILE: Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm. Perfect for buffet-style food at home or away: pulled pork, chicken wings, sloppy joes, hot beef, soups, and more!
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Removable cooking pot and cover with large viewing window, plus built-in cord storage for easy storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size slow cooker is best for mac and cheese?
A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for most mac and cheese recipes, providing enough space for even cooking. Smaller sizes may overcrowd, while larger ones can cause the dish to dry out. Always check the recipe for specific capacity recommendations.
Which slow cooker features are most important for creamy mac and cheese?
Look for a model with adjustable temperature settings, as low and slow cooking prevents curdling. A timer or automatic keep-warm function helps avoid overcooking. Removable, non-stick inserts make cleanup easier after cheesy dishes.
How do manual and programmable slow cookers compare for mac and cheese?
Manual models are simpler and budget-friendly but require monitoring to prevent overcooking. Programmable slow cookers offer precise timing and automatic shut-off, ensuring perfect consistency. Choose based on your convenience and budget preferences.
Are expensive slow cookers worth it for mac and cheese?
Higher-end models often provide better temperature control and durability, which can improve texture. However, budget options can still deliver great results with proper technique. Consider how frequently you’ll use it and your desired features.
Can I make mac and cheese in a multi-cooker instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, multi-cookers like Instant Pots have slow cooker settings and can handle mac and cheese recipes. However, dedicated slow cookers often provide more consistent low-heat results. Choose based on versatility versus specialized performance.
What’s the best way to prevent mac and cheese from sticking to the slow cooker?
Grease the insert lightly with butter or oil before adding ingredients. Stir occasionally, if the recipe allows, to ensure even cooking. Non-stick or ceramic inserts can also reduce sticking.
How do I know if a slow cooker heats evenly for mac and cheese?
Check user reviews for mentions of hot spots or uneven cooking. Models with oval or round shapes tend to distribute heat more uniformly. Testing with a simple recipe can help assess performance before committing.
Is a glass or ceramic lid better for slow cooker mac and cheese?
Both work well, but glass lids allow you to monitor cooking without lifting the lid. Ceramic lids retain heat effectively but obscure visibility. Choose based on your preference for convenience and heat retention.