DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison
Can’t decide on what to buy between the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and Nostalgia MWF5AQ waffle maker? Here’s our short 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.
The Nostalgia MWF5AQ is quite impressive out of the box with its eye-catching "Aqua" light blue color. The plastic construction is expected from such an affordable and compact model, but it doesn't feel cheap.
One drawback to this product is that it lacks a control panel. You only get an indicator light at the top, which helps you track the cooking process.
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 Nostalgia is extremely easy to use since it has no control panel — wait until the top indicator light signals that your plates are heated, then pour in the batter and begin cooking.
Safety is a concern, as with most mini models we’ve tested. After a few cooking sessions, the whole waffle maker becomes piping hot. To handle it, you need to wear oven mitts.
Cleanability is great. The plastic housing doesn’t grip aggressively onto the dried batter. The non-stick coating on the waffle plates also works very well to prevent messy batter residues.
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.
To our surprise, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ proved to be one of the top performers in the mini category within our database. In our self-mixed recipe, the waffle that it churned out was delicious, according to our chef. While the waffle it made with the Birch Benders mix wasn’t quite as good in most respects (besides texture), it’s still considered palatable.
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
- Affordable
- Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
- High build quality; solid lid hinges
- Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
- Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
- Relatively slow cooking speed
- Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
- Many safety issues
- No control feature
- Oven mitts are required for handling
Conclusion
Both the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ are mini waffle makers. Due to their compact sizes, they are hugely popular among travelers. Being no larger than a softball, they can fit inside a backpack or suitcase with ease and provide freshly-baked waffles on the go.
Performance-wise, both waffle makers performed passably, with the Nostalgia MWF5AQ being the better one of the two. The waffles they made weren’t restaurant-grade, but for morning breakfasts, camping, and snacking, both models’ waffles are more than sufficient.
We have good things to say about the build quality of both models. In this respect, they are more or less equal.
Pricing is about the same, with the Dash Mini being cheaper (but not by much).
Based on cooking performance, we’ll give it to the Nostalgia MWF5AQ as a slightly better buy for this pairing!
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.
