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DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Side-by-Side Comparison

Matthew Lee
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated May 27, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Jun 3, 2023
The aqua-colored Dash Mini waffle maker next to its shipping box (left) and instruction manuals (right).
The Cuisinart Double waffle maker WAF-F20P1 with its box and user manual

Our Verdict

6.9
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.5/10
  • Design (20%)
    6.0/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    8.3/10
8.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    8.0/10
  • Design (20%)
    9.2/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    8.7/10

The difference between the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker is in more than just their size. It’s in their intended uses, too.

For travelers who need something light and compact that can prepare breakfasts or snacks on the go, the DASH DMW001AQ Mini’s small form factor is perfect. Another group of users who will benefit from the DASH DMW001AQ’s small 4-inch waffle plates are those cooking breakfasts for children or wanting small, easy-to-prep snacks throughout the day.

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker is better for making meals at home. Also, with its double-sided design, you can cook waffles in bulk. This model is especially great for large families or if you have to cook a lot of waffles regularly.

Outside of performance, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 easily won the competition in terms of build quality with its solid stainless steel construction. The DASH DMW001AQ, a budget waffle maker, is built from cheap-looking plastic and has a flimsy coat of paint.

A Mixed Bag

DASH Mini Waffle Maker DMW001AQ’s Performance

Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker’s Performance: Not Restaurant-Grade … But Close
6.5
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.0/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)7.0/10
8.0
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.5/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)9.6/10
6.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.5
DASH DMW001AQ Mini Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The golden-very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The golden-very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing a dense core with few air bubbles.
A waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency.
Color: 6
35% * 6 = 2.1
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 6
40% * 6 = 2.4
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

In all three aspects (coloration, texture, and taste,) the DASH Mini still received mediocre scores. Nonetheless, compared to the test results in the first testing methodology (v1.0,) the DASH Mini still saw marked improvements.

Color (35%) — 6

  • Color tone: Very dark brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Uneven

The waffle’s coloration was mediocre, and we assessed the waffle maker to have done a lousy job at cooking the waffle evenly. Inside some of the wells, the crust was cooked to a dark brown color, almost like they were charred. Upon closer inspection, it seems like they were only overcooked rather than burnt.

The crust was mixed between dark gold and light brown outside the wells.

Texture (25%) — 6

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low, air bubbles were small and weren’t well-distributed

The interior was decently aerated. Air bubbles have begun to form on the inside of the waffle. However, they were pretty small and weren’t distributed evenly. As a result, the waffle was still relatively chewy and didn’t have the spongy softness we were looking for.

Taste (40%) — 6

  • Flavor: Sweet and savory with a hint of bitterness
  • Mouthfeel: Dense and dry

The taste was also mediocre. Our chef did recognize the sweet and slightly savory taste of the batter in the waffle. Unfortunately, the haphazardly burnt crust introduced a somewhat bitter taste to the waffle’s flavor profile. Plus, the underwhelming mouthfeel of the waffle also contributed to the waffle’s relatively low taste score.

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Self-Mixed Recipe
The top side of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 in 5 minutes
The top crust of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker in 5 minutes
The golden core of the waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being torn by hand to test its consistency and texture.
Color: 6.5
35% * 6.5 = 2.3
Texture: 5.5
25% * 5.5 = 1.4
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The Cuisinart waffle maker did a great job in the second version of the self-mixed recipe test. Compared to the result from the first attempt, the scores saw significant improvements. The coloring was darker than we’d prefer, but the crust wasn’t charred. And despite the texture being fairly mediocre, the waffle was flavorful, nevertheless.

Color (6.5/10) — 35%

  • Color tone: Very dark brown — Light gold (Both sides)
  • Color distribution: Even

The coloring was not optimal. Both sides of the waffle have a dark, toasted-looking appearance. The dark brown shading notably concentrated inside the waffle's wells and on the waffle's outer sections. Outside the wells and toward the center, the waffle has a very beautiful golden brown color.

Texture (5.5/10) — 25%

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; bubbles were few and under-developed

Unfortunately, the texture was mediocre. Aeration was minimal, resulting in a fairly dense waffle that wasn’t as soft or spongy as we would have liked.

Taste (7/10) — 10%

  • Flavor: Tasty; creamy from the butter and sweet, slightly salty
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy due to the dense, un-aerated core

Despite the less-than-ideal coloring and texture, our chef gave the waffle a decent score. The addition of new ingredients to the recipe has fortified the waffle’s flavor profile. Alongside the usual sweetness of sugar, there was a rich, creamy taste of butter. And with one teaspoon of salt mixed in, the waffle also gained a slightly salty taste.

Overall, the WAF-F20P1 did a great job unlocking the batter's flavor profile.

7.0

Birch Benders Mix

9.6
DASH DMW001AQ Mini Birch Benders Mix Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using a batter made from our Birch Benders mix.
The very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using a batter made from our Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders waffle mix. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
A waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders waffle mix is torn down the middle by hands to test its consistency.
Color: 6.3
35% * 6.3 = 2.2
Texture: 6.5
25% * 6.5 = 1.6
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Heat Level:  N/A
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

Compared to the results using the self-mixed recipe, the test results using the Birch Benders mix were significantly better. Coloration was still slightly messy, but it was smoother and more attractive. The texture was soft and spongy, but the interior was still too moist to garner a higher score though the waffle certainly was flavorful.

Color (35%) — 6.3

  • Color tone: Very dark brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Uneven at the top, uniform at the bottom

The coloring on the top was still not great. The upper crust was still marked with seemingly random dark and light spots—the darker burnt areas being mainly concentrated within the waffle’s wells.

The underside was significantly better. It enjoyed a prettier color gradient that ranged from light gold to golden brown. The distribution of color was excellent.

Texture (25%) — 6.5

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: High, the interior was filled with sizable air bubbles

The aeration level was high, and large air bubbles could be seen within the interior of the waffle. This resulted in a decently soft and fluffy texture. However, our chef judged the inside to be still too moist to get a better score.

Taste (40%) — 8

  • Flavor: Tasty, but a hint of raw batter is present
  • Mouthfeel: Crunchy outer crust with slightly mushy interior

The Dash Mini was able to bring out the complete flavor profile of the batter. Sweet and savory, it was a great-tasting waffle. The well-developed crust gave the waffle a nice crunch. Sadly, the slight mushiness of the interior prevented us from giving it a perfect score.

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Birch Benders Mix
The golden brown top side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double flip waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The golden brown bottom side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The fluffy interior of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 that’s visibly filled with air bubbles.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being torn by hand to test for its consistency and texture.
Color: 10
35% * 10 = 3.5
Texture: 8.5
25% * 8.5 = 2.1
Taste: 10
40% * 10 = 4.0
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The waffle maker performed wonderfully in our test with the Birch Benders mix. It is the first waffle maker so far to get two consecutive perfect scores from our chef. The coloration is excellent, with an evenly cooked golden-brown crust. The waffle's texture can still be improved, but ultimately very good. Taste-wise, though there were minor issues here and there (like an interior that's a bit too moist), our chef gave it a perfect score due to its great flavor and mouthfeel.

Color (10/10)

  • Color tone: Golden brown
  • Color distribution: Even

The coloration is one of the best we’ve seen. Thus, it got a perfect score in this section. The crust on both sides has a beautiful golden brown tone, distributed evenly across the entire waffle.

Texture (8.5/10)

  • Texture: Excellent
  • Aeration level: High; air bubbles were fully developed

The waffle has nicely developed. Air bubbles can be seen throughout the waffle’s core, which explains the soft and fluffy texture. Unfortunately, it is not perfect: the waffle still contains too much moisture.

Taste (10/10)

  • Flavor: Sweet and slightly savory
  • Mouthfeel: Soft and pliant

It is a delicious waffle with a sweet and savory flavor. The mouthfeel is excellent, with it being soft and pliant in the mouth.

Although, as previously mentioned, the texture is too moist, it didn’t affect the overall tasting experience much. Our chef was willing to overlook this detail to give the waffle a full score.

Expectedly Mediocre

Mini Dash Waffle Maker’s Design

Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design
6.0
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)5.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)0/10
9.2
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)9.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)9.5/10
  • Control Panel (10%)9.5/10

In The Box

What’s in the Box of the Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker
The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.
  • Dash Mini waffle maker
  • Instruction manuals and leaflets

The shipping box contained the waffle maker along with the instruction manuals and advertising leaflets. This waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker sitting on a table next to its user manuals and a measuring cup.
  • Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker
  • User manuals
  • Measuring cup

The shipping box includes the waffle maker, the user manual and quick-start guides, and a measuring cup.

Baby DASH Waffle Maker’s Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions
The DASH DMW001AQ Mini waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 6.3 inches, height 2.5 inches, and width 5 inches.
  • Length:
    6.3" (16.0 cm)
  • Width:
    5.0" (12.7 cm)
  • Height:
    2.5" (6.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

The Dash Mini has a very compact form factor. All three of its dimensions measure less than 10 inches taking up very little space on the kitchen countertop. You can also easily fit the waffle maker into a cupboard when it’s not in use.

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker dimension measurement chart. Its length is noted as 15 inches, width is 9.5 inches, and its height is 9 inches.
  • Length:
    15.0" (38.1 cm)
  • Width:
    9.5" (24.1 cm)
  • Height:
    9.0" (22.9 cm)
  • Weight:
    12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)

Due to the double-sided design, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is larger and bulkier than your average waffle maker. Additionally, because it is primarily made of metal, it’s also heavier than most, coming in at 12 pounds. Moving the waffle maker in and out of storage is difficult.

5.0

Build Quality

9.0
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
DASH DMW001AQ Mini Build Quality video

Build quality is not good. The waffle maker’s outer body is made entirely from plastic with a very thin layer of paint sprayed on the top. During our tests, we noticed that the paint flaked off very easily. In fact, the layer of paint was so flimsy that fingernails could scrape it off.

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Build Quality Video
A close-up view of the spring and internal mechanisms of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker.
A close-up view of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.

Build quality is good. Many of the machine’s parts are made of stainless steel, such as the lid shells. They give the machine an aesthetically-pleasing look and a luxurious shine.

However, only some parts are made from metal. The outer rim of the base, as well as the supporting legs, are made from plastic. They’re merely painted silver to mimic the look of brushed metal. Cuisinart didn’t disclose this information in the marketing spread, which has angered many customers.

10

Waffle Plates

9.5
An overview of the DASH Mini’s waffle plates. The plates are black and have a classic-style waffle print.
An overview of the DASH Mini’s waffle plates. The plates are black and have a classic-style waffle print.
A close-up shot of the DASH Mini waffle maker’s waffle plate. It is black and treated with a layer of textured non-stick.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Classic-style
  • Plate Area:
    12.57 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    4.0" (10.2 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    4.0" (10.2 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle plates, however, are excellent and are coated with a layer of PFOA-free non-stick. As a result, cleaning the plates is effortless. We only needed to give them a cursory wipe with paper towels to clean off crumbs and other small pieces of food debris. We never had to deal with a sticky waffle throughout our week-long test.

An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
A top-down view of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker’s black, Belgian-style cooking plates.
  • Number of Plates:
    4
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    36.32 inches2
  • Plate Length:
    6.8" (17.3 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    6.8" (17.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

Cuisinart designed and constructed the waffle plates well. They’re made from cast aluminum and coated with a non-stick Teflon layer.

Our temperature tests found that both sets of waffle plates heated evenly. Most of the time, they were at the same temperature. 

Unfortunately, the waffle plates aren’t removable, so they’re tricky to clean.

0.0

Control Panel

9.5
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    No

The Dash Mini doesn’t have a control panel. The only feature is the indicator light at the top, which turns on when the waffle maker is plugged in. Once the plates are heated and ready for use, the light will turn off.

With no controls, it gets a zero in this section.

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Control Panel Video
A close-up of the control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian waffle maker, with the silvery browning control knob to the left and the black power switch to the right.
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    Yes
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    Yes

The control panel consists of a temperature knob and a power switch. Both are easy to use.

There are two indicator lights on either side of the waffle maker. These green lights (READY lights) turn on when the waffle plates have been heated to the correct temperature. This model also comes with an audible alarm, which beeps when the waffle maker is ready.

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 does not have a POWER indicator to show if it’s receiving power. We had to hold a hand over the warming waffle plates to confirm the machine was getting power. Not only is that a hassle, but it’s also a possible safety issue. If you’re not in a hurry, you can always wait to see if the READY lights illuminate.

DASH Mini Waffle Machine’s Power Cord

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
The power cord of the DASH Mini waffle maker. It has a Type A plug.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.5 ft (0.8 m)
  • Cable Management:
    No

The Dash Mini has a very long power cord measuring 30 inches. Though it gives the waffle maker greater usability, the long cord can be an issue when it comes to storage. We had to loop the cord around the waffle maker’s body to store it.

A close-up of the power plug of the Cuisinart Double waffle maker WAF-F20P1’s power plug.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.6 ft (0.8 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cord of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 measures 31 inches long, which is reasonable. Underneath the base, you’ll find a pair of hooks inside a large enclosure. You can wrap the power cord around the hooks, then nestle the cord bundle into the compartment. It makes storage neater.

N/A

Accessories

Measuring Cup
  • Material:
    N/A
  • Removable:
    N/A
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    N/A

The Dash Mini waffle maker does not come with any kind of accessory.

The included batter measuring cup of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1. It is made from
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 comes with a dishwasher-safe measuring cup.

Ease of Use

Dash Mini Waffle Maker Review

Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker WAF-F20P1 Review: Ease of Use
8.3
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)8.0/10
  • Safety (40%)8.0/10
  • Cleanability (25%)10/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)6.0/10
8.7
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.0/10
  • Safety (40%)9.5/10
  • Cleanability (25%)6.5/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
8.0

Handling

9.0

Handling is adequate. As previously mentioned, there aren’t any manual controls on this waffle maker, so it functions as a ‘plug-and-play’ device. You only need to plug in the power cord, wait until the top light turns off, then pour in the batter.

The lid opens and closes smoothly. When pushed back, the lid leans backward at an angle. This effectively prevents the top from snapping closed unexpectedly.

The lid opens and closes smoothly. An intuitive lid lock mechanism secures the lid. The lock disengages on its own when you pull the handle upward. The safety will click into place again when you close the lid.

The waffle iron section rotates smoothly and easily. However, it is heavy, so it takes a little force.

8.0

Safety

9.5
The temperature of the top lid of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 191.3°F.
The temperature of the top lid of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 191.3°F.
The temperature of the base of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 120.2°F.
The temperature of the handle of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 98.2°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    191°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    120°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    98°F

Due to its small size, the entire waffle maker heats up after just one cooking session. We had to pick up the waffle maker by the power cord and let the machine dangle by the end to move it off the countertop after testing. 

Additionally, upon opening the lid after a waffle has finished cooking, you could be subjected to a startling plume of hot air from the waffle plates. The hot air isn’t dangerous, but the flash of considerable heat can still feel extremely uncomfortable.

The top surface reached a temperature of 191°F.

It is only slightly warm at the handle, measuring 98°F. However, like we mentioned earlier, beware of the plume of hot air when you open up the lid.

The base of the waffle maker is uncomfortably warm at 120°F.

The temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
The temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
Temperature of the front control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being taken using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 85.6°F.
Temperature of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s top lid being measured using a thermometer, which reads 105.8°F during a thermal safety test.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    234°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    85°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    105°F

The most noteworthy issue is the lack of a POWER light, which, as we mentioned earlier, is a safety risk.

Other than that, the waffle maker is safe to use. The lid is rock-solid and won’t snap down suddenly. After several cooking sessions, the handle was only warm to the touch (105°F).

The top side measures around 234°F.

Because the base is removed from the waffle maker’s body, it remains at room temperature (89°F).

10

Cleanability

6.5

The waffle maker is easy to clean. We only needed to wipe down the non-stick waffle plates once in a while to scoop up leftover debris.

Dried-out waffle batter doesn’t stick hard to the smooth plastic body when a spill happens. Cooking residues can be dealt with using mild detergent and a few scrubs with a cloth.

The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 with excess batter overflowing and dripping down from both sets of cooking plates on the waffle maker.

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 doesn’t come with a drip tray, so spills weren’t easy to clean up. We also found it very difficult to clean the side of the waffle maker once the batter had solidified. The batter’s grip on the metal was so firm that we had to use detergent to get it off. Even after getting the clumps off, we could still see residue.

The waffle plates were easy to clean, thanks to their non-stick layer. Cooked waffles usually slid cleanly off the plates. Leftover crumbs and debris could be quickly swept up with paper towels.

6.0

Indicator Light Visibility

10
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.

The waffle maker has a large indicator light at the top. It’s difficult to see under harsh studio lighting and daylight. Under normal lighting conditions, however, the light should be clear.

The green READY button of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is on, indicating that the plates are heated and ready to use.

The READY lights can be seen clearly, even under harsh studio lighting.