DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Side-by-Side Comparison
Wondering what to pick between the DASH DMW001AQ Mini waffle maker and the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B? Here’s our comparison.
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.
Considering the affordability of this model, we didn’t expect it to have a very premium design from the get-go. The design assessment confirmed it. The waffle maker has a cheap-feeling plastic housing, so it definitely won’t be the most good-looking model you’ll have come across. Despite the mediocre appearance, the build quality is very good: the lid hinges are solid, and the waffle plates are well-built.
Like many other mini models, the Holstein waffle maker lacks a control panel.
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 Holstein 4-inch Waffle Maker is user-friendly. Much of the operation is simplified due to the lack of a control panel.
Once the indicator light at the top shuts off, pour in your batter and wait until your waffle is cooked to your liking. Due to its compact size, all of the surfaces on the waffle maker become piping hot after a few cooking sessions, so make sure to wear oven mitts while handling it. It’s because of this reason that the Holstein doesn’t score very well in our safety tests.
Cleaning the waffle maker after cooking is easy. The plastic housing doesn’t grip aggressively onto the dried batter, and the waffle plates’ non-stick coating ensures that it’s a mess-less affair.
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.
Though our chef was satisfied with the waffle's quality and noted it as “decent”, it didn’t stand out from the other mini models in our test.
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
- Highly affordable
- Compact size and lightweight
- Handling is simple and smooth
- Acceptable build quality
- Excellent cleanability rating
- Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
- Relatively slow cooking speed
- Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
- Many safety issues
- Mediocre cooking performance with our self-mixed recipe
- Cheap-looking design
- Lacks a control panel
- Safety rating is very low
Conclusion
Both the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B are in the same size class, being “Mini waffle makers”.
Both models are no larger than a softball, which makes them hugely appealing among travelers. You can fit these waffle makers into a backpack with ease. Plug it into a portable power source, pour in some preserved batter, and you can have freshly-baked waffles anytime, anywhere.
Their cooking performances were only mediocre during our tests. However, as long as you don’t expect restaurant-level quality, these models can make some decent waffles for breakfasts, snacking, or trips.
So, in the end, it mostly comes down to the price for these two. The DASH Mini waffle maker is slightly cheaper!
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.
