DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Euro Cuisine WM520 Side-by-Side Comparison
Can’t decide between the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and the Euro Cuisine WM520? Here is our side-by-side comparison of the two.
Specifications
Design
Since it’s such an affordable model, when we ordered the Dash DMW001AQ Mini waffle maker, we already expected its design to be unremarkable. And true to our expectation, the waffle maker didn’t score well in design assessments. The build quality is low and our reviewers have spotted many design-related issues, resulting in a low overall design score.
The Euro Cuisine WM520 has a luxe, chrome-plated housing. It gives the waffle maker a very luxurious appearance.
Though overall construction is sound, the flimsy lid hinges could do some refinement. Positioned on top of the lid is an intuitive control panel that pairs a dial for adjusting browning levels with two indicator lights (one for power, one for the ready status of the waffle maker).
Usability Comparison
At first glance, the waffle maker appears quite simple to use. Wait until the indicator light at the top turns off, pour in your batter, and then patiently wait out the cooking time—easy enough.
Unfortunately, safety considerations slightly inhibited its overall score in this category.
The Euro Cuisine WM520's sole control input is the browning control dial, which lets you set the desired browning level by tuning it. Two indicator lights at the top inform you how far along your food is in cooking. Once you're finished cooking, the non-stick coating on the plates helps simplify cleaning.
Unfortunately, it didn't fare well in our safety test due to an alarmingly hot handle. Still, that doesn't detract from its overall ease of use and convenience.
Performance Test
The Dash Mini waffle maker produced less-than-desirable results in our test using the self-mixed recipe. Most of the waffles had charrings on the exterior, while the insides were still undercooked and soggy. However, after changing to a pre-made Birch Benders waffle mix, the quality of the waffles was significantly improved. The color, texture, and taste were all acceptable, according to our chef.
Compared to the other mini-style models we’ve tested, it turns out that the DASH Mini is among the best.
Using the Euro Cuisine WM520, we were pleased with its consistent performance throughout our tests. Although not of five-star quality, the fluffy waffles would still be an ideal accompaniment to any breakfast table.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Does a decent job at making pre-mixed waffles
- The waffle plates’ non-stick layer works well
- Easy to use ‘plug-and-play’ design
- Great cleanability
- Did a passable job in our self-mixed recipe test
- Luxurious design with chrome lid
- Easy to use control panel with clicky, responsive browning level dial
- Eco-friendly PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic coating on the plates
- Excellent cleanability
- Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
- Relatively slow cooking speed
- Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
- Many safety issues
- Loose lid hinges
- The rubber screw protectors can be easily lost
- Many surfaces of the waffle maker became scorching hot after two-three cooking sessions
Conclusion
Each waffle maker offers distinct benefits, making it easier to choose between them.
The selling points of the DASH DMW001AQ Mini are its small, compact design and the bite-sized, 4-inch waffles it makes. Its size makes it the perfect purchase for travelers, campers, and hikers. The DASH Mini can fit inside a backpack or luggage and help you cook fresh waffles on the go.
And at home, the small size of the waffles shines. You can cook several of these 4-inch waffles and turn them into a full breakfast platter. Alternatively, you can use the small waffles as quick snacks throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the Euro Cuisine WM520 can help if you want to bring a special touch to your morning breakfast. Instead of a traditional, blocky Belgian-style or classic-style pattern, the Euro Cuisine WM520 features a heart-shaped pattern imprinted on its plates (also called “Norwegian-style”).
The beautiful waffles it makes are not just fabulous for festive times, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, they also work for daily breakfasts and meals!
Behind the Comparison
Matthew Lee is a writer and editor for HealthyKitchen101. With over 8 years working for various outlets and agencies, specializing in tech review and other subjects of note, such as current affairs.
Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.
Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.
