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DASH No-Drip Belgian vs Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Side-by-Side Comparison

Matthew Lee
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated May 27, 2023
The Dash No-Drip waffle maker with its lid opened, revealing its black waffle plates. To either side are instruction manuals.
The Holstein personal waffle maker next to its shipping box (left) and instruction manual (right).

Our Verdict

8.0
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.7/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.7/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.6/10
6.5
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.3/10
  • Design (20%)
    7.0/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    6.5/10

The DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker is built for bulk cooking. Its large waffle plates can cook four square waffles, each measuring about 4 inches.

On the other hand, the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B is a mini waffle maker. It has a compact form factor of about the same size as a softball. And, like the DASH No-Drip Belgian, the Holstein also makes 4-inch waffles. However, it can only make one at a time.

So, the deciding factor here is whether you think the DASH No-Drip Belgian’s bulk-cooking ability is worth it. It would be extremely useful for those with large families. On the other hand, the Holstein will suffice for bachelors, snackers, or those who don’t cook waffles very often.

Great in All But One Thing

DASH No Drip Waffle Maker’s Performance

Holstein Housewares Black Waffle Maker’s Performance: Decent, Yet Unremarkable
6.7
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.5/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.9/10
6.3
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.4/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.3/10
6.5

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.4
DASH No-Drip Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe
The golden - very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The golden - very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing the air bubble-filled inner core.
A waffle being torn by hand to test its consistency and texture. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
Color: 5
35% * 5 = 1.8
Texture: 7
25% * 7 = 1.8
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 3 minutes

The coloration of the waffle wasn’t great but still passable. There were some prominent burnt spots on the crust that introduced a degree of bitterness and dryness to the waffle. The interior of the waffle was soft, which garnered a good score from us. However, it was still slightly mushy. And taste-wise, our chef judged the waffle to be flavorful, despite the bitter aftertaste that the burnt spots on the waffle produced.

Color (35%) — 5

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

There were prominent dark spots on both faces of the waffle. They mainly concentrated inside the wells and on the right side. On the left side, the coloring was light.

The uneven color distribution and the burnt spots ruined the waffle’s aesthetic. But since the burnt spots weren’t charred black and the light spots weren’t so pale that they looked undercooked, the waffle still passed this part of the test.

Texture (25%) — 7

  • Texture: Good
  • Aeration level: Medium, small bubbles were filling the interior of the waffle, but large cavities hadn’t formed yet

The texture of the waffle was soft and spongy, which was a pleasant surprise considering the half-burnt state of the crust. Additionally, though not numerous, there were a lot of tiny air bubbles and cavities within the waffle, which explained its softness.

Unfortunately, the waffle's interior was still developing, so the consistency was slightly mushy.

Taste (40%) — 7.5

  • Flavor: Sweet and rich, but with a hint of bitterness due to burnt spots on the crust
  • Mouthfeel: Soft and pliant, dry at the burnt spots

Though it didn't look quite as appealing, our chef judged the waffle as flavorful. The mouthfeel was great (soft and pliant). But, as we mentioned earlier, the burnt spots were dry, tough, and bitter in the mouth. Due to the bitterness, we knocked a few points off for this section.

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
Top
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its bottom crust with a very dark brown color.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Prominent air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency. The air bubble-filled core is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed Recipe Video
Color: 5.75
35% * 5.75 = 2.0
Texture: 7
25% * 7 = 1.8
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The coloration was decent but looked slightly burnt. The interior was filled nicely with bubbles and softened, though it was still mushy. As for the taste, the waffle only received a mediocre score from our chef, on account of its mushy core and slightly bland taste.

Color (35%) — 5.75/10

  • Color tone: Very dark brown
  • Color distribution: Uneven

Most of the waffle’s crust was a light gold color but within the deep wells are dark brown spots that indicate overcooking. Several of the wells were darkened beyond the point of “overcooked” and into “burnt” territory.

The color distribution is messy. The upper left-hand side is darker than the rest, which is a symptom of an uneven heating grid.

Texture (25%) - 7/10

  • Texture: Soft and fluffy, but still slightly mushy
  • Aeration level: High, with multiple air bubbles and pockets within the waffle’s core

Texturally, the waffle had filled out nicely with bubbles and air pockets all through its interior. This resulted in a decently soft and airy consistency. But our chef assessed the interior to be excessively moist and mushy still, resulting in only a “Good” score.

Taste (40%) - 6.5/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but has off-tastes from burnt spots on the crust (bitter) and undercooked spots in the interior (raw batter taste)
  • Mouthfeel: Soft and fluffy, dry at burnt spots, and mushy on the inside

The overall taste was flavorful. The waffle’s flavor profile was sweet and buttery. However, burnt spots on the crust imparted a slightly bitter taste. And within the waffle, the mushy, undercooked spots also gave the waffle a raw batter-like taste. They effectively ruined the overall tasting experience.

In the mouth, the waffle was generally soft and spongy, but it wasn’t a consistent experience. Burnt spots on the crust felt dry on the tongue. And the undercooked portions within the waffle’s interior were disconcertingly wet and mushy.

6.9

Birch Benders Mix

6.3
DASH No-Drip Belgian Birch Benders Mix
The top crust of a waffle baked for 4 minutes using a batter made from Birch Benders mix. It has a very light gold color.
The bottom crust of a waffle baked for 4 minutes using a batter made from Birch Benders mix. It has a very light gold color
A cross-section of a waffle, revealing its core with prominent air cavities and multiple air bubbles.
A waffle, baked for 4 minutes, torn down the middle by hand to test it for consistency and texture.
Color: 6.5
35% * 6.5 = 2.3
Texture: 6.5
25% * 6.5 = 1.6
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The waffle was mediocre in all aspects: the coloration and texture were acceptable but weren’t outstanding. Taste-wise, according to our chef, it was palatable and relatively flavorful. The spongy mouthfeel, however, prevented it from getting a better score.

Color (35%) — 6.5/10

  • Color tone: Very light gold (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The waffle has the appearance of being undercooked with its pale gold crust. Some of the wells on the waffle were dark brown, slightly improving its look. But, as a whole, we still found the coloration to be poor.

Texture (25%) - 6.5/10

  • Texture: Soft and pliant, lacks crispiness
  • Aeration level: Medium

The waffle was nicely aerated but compared to some of the better waffles we have tested (like that of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1), the air pockets were quite small few in number.

Still, despite the room for improvement, the waffle was soft and pliant. It was a bit limp and there was little to no crispiness but not to the point of being gooey.

Taste (40%) - 7.5/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and slightly salty
  • Mouthfeel: Fluffy and soft

Our chef gave the waffle a “Good” score. It was flavorful: the sweet and slightly salty flavor of the Birch Benders mix goes very well with the soft texture of the waffle. However, the waffle could use some crispiness in the crust, which would have improved its score significantly.

The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Top
The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using the Birch Benders batter mix. Air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands to test its consistency. The air bubble-filled interior of the waffle is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Birch Benders Mix Video
Color: 5.25
35% * 5.25 = 1.8
Texture: 6.5
25% * 6.5 = 1.6
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Though the waffle may not be the most attractive or have the best texture, it was edible and, most importantly, quite tasty. It would do the trick for breakfasts or snacking.

Color (35%) — 5.25/10

  • Color tone: Very light gold (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The waffle had a very light gold crust, with the deep wells having a dark brown tone. Although the color distribution on both sides of the waffle was even, we noticed the wells at the top to be more erratically colored. Notably, some wells are darker than others. This may indicate that the top lid's heating element is slightly unbalanced.

Texture (25%) - 6.5/10

  • Texture: Soft, but overly moist and mushy
  • Aeration level: Medium

The waffle’s texture was acceptable. It had a medium aeration rate, and air pockets had populated the waffle’s interior. But many portions of the waffle were still quite dense. These thick, mealy parts significantly affected the overall texture.

Taste (40%) - 7/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and slightly savory
  • Mouthfeel: Soft, but certain parts are mushy

The flavor was well-developed. Our chef appreciated the sweet and slightly savory taste of the waffle. The tasting experience was impacted by the mushy mouthfeel of the underdeveloped parts, though.

DASH Deluxe No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design

Holstein Housewares Waffle Maker’s Design
8.7
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)9.5/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)0/10
7.0
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)7.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)9.5/10
  • Control Panel (10%)0/10

What’s in the Box of the DASH No-Drip Waffle Maker

Holstein Housewares Black Waffle Maker: What’s in the Box?
The blue Dash No-Drip waffle maker next to its shipping box and instruction manuals.
  • DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker
  • Instruction manuals and leaflets

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

The glossy black Holstein 4 inch waffle maker next to its instruction manual and the shipping box.
  • Holstein Housewares 4” Personal Waffle Maker
  • User manual

The box contains the waffle maker itself and the instruction manual.

Dimensions

A side profile of the Dash No-Drip Belgian waffle maker. It has a blue plastic lid and black-painted base.
  • Length:
    6.3" (16.0 cm)
  • Width:
    5.0" (12.7 cm)
  • Height:
    2.5" (6.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    8.0 lbs (3.6 kg)

Due to its bulky frame, the DASH DNMWM400AQ takes up a lot of room on the countertop. It is heavy to boot at 8 pounds. Unless you just leave the waffle maker on the countertop, finding somewhere to store it could be a problem.

A side profile of the glossy black Holstein personal mini waffle maker.
  • Length:
    5.1" (13.0 cm)
  • Width:
    6.5" (16.5 cm)
  • Height:
    3.5" (9.0 cm)
  • Weight:
    1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)

The Holstein 4-inch waffle maker fits perfectly into the Mini class size, weighing only one pound and compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its compact, lightweight design may put it on the radar of hikers and travelers who want a portable waffle maker to cook on the go.

For those at home, the small size takes up very little space on the countertop. And when you have to put it away for storage, it can fit easily into a cupboard or a drawer.

9.5

Build Quality

7.0
DASH No-Drip Belgian Build Quality
DASH No-Drip Belgian Build QualityA close-up view of the back side of the DASH No-Drip waffle maker’s lid in the closed position.
A close-up view of the lid hinges of the Dash No Drip Waffle maker.
Side view of the DASH No Drip waffle maker. The blue top lid and the black bottom of the waffle maker can be seen here.

Overall build quality is good despite the cheap-looking design. The unit was spotless when first taken out of the box (no scratches, scrapes, or dents). Every detail is well-built and solid. The hinges have very little travel, so the lid doesn’t wobble when we shake it.

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Build Quality
The back side of the Holstein waffle cooker. Components of its lid hinges and the root of its power cord can be seen.
The black plastic hinges of the Holstein waffle maker’s lid. It is currently in its open position.

The build quality of the Holstein 4-inch is acceptable.

It is made almost entirely from plastic except for the cast-aluminum waffle plates. The plastic shell feels far cheaper than some other waffle makers we have tested that are made of metal. And of course, compared to metal, plastic can be more prone to damage, too. Still, at this price point, we can't ask for more.

Certain parts of the waffle maker are very well-built. The lid hinges, for example, are solid and don't wobble a lot when opened or closed.

But when inspected closely, various manufacturing flaws reflect this waffle maker's budget price. We observed hideous gashes on the plastic at the back of the unit and exposed electrical wirings.

10

Waffle Plates

9.5
One of the waffle plates of the DASH No Drip waffle maker. It’s separated into four sections, each can cook a small waffle.
One of the waffle plates of the DASH No Drip waffle maker. It’s separated into four sections, each can cook a small waffle.
A zoomed-in view of the anti-drip moat on either side of the DASH Deluxe No-Drip Belgian waffle maker.
Waffle batter overflowing from the waffle plates and into the anti-drip moat during a cooking test.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    69.6 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    8.7" (22.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    8.0" (20.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The plates are the most impressive part of this waffle maker. They are made from aluminum and coated with a Teflon non-stick layer. During our performance tests, the coating worked very well. It didn't take much effort to coax a cooked waffle off the plates.

The plates are divided into four equal quadrants, each measuring around 4 inches.

DASH have built large gaps onto the lines that divvy up the plates to form "links" between the four waffles. You can shear off these links with your hands and separate the waffles. However, these gaps are troublesome if you want to pour enough batter to fill one section and cook a single waffle. The waffle will form stubby lumps that you must cut off if you want a symmetric waffle.

Attached to either side of the waffle plates are large trenches. In the event of a batter spill, the trenches will catch the excess and stop them from flowing out of the machine. The plates are smartly designed with four "ventilation holes'' on each side to discourage the liquid batter from flowing through the machine's front or back.

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
A close-up shot of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plate. It is black and treated with a glossy layer of non-stick.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Classic-style
  • Plate Area:
    17.72 inches2
  • Plate Length:
    4.8" (12.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    4.8" (12.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle maker has a set of two cast-aluminum waffle plates. They are treated with a layer of smooth non-stick that, throughout our performance test, seemed to work very well. We never had to deal with a sticky waffle, and we could easily wipe off debris and residues.

Surrounding the plates is a small anti-spill channel. It will help minimize the mess in the event of a minor batter spill.

0.0

Control Panel

0.0
The blue top lid of the DASH No Drip waffle maker. The indicator lights can also be seen here. They’re currently off.
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    No

The DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker does not come with any control feature. It has a pair of indicator lights at the top so that you can monitor the cooking process, but that’s it.

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

The Holstein 4-inch waffle maker doesn’t come with a control panel. The only thing it has is an indicator light at the top. When you plug the unit in, the light will brighten to indicate that it is receiving power. Once the plates are heated and ready for use, the light will turn off.

DASH No-Drip Waffle Maker’s Power Cord

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
The power plug of the Dash No Drip waffle maker, focusing on its Type-A prongs.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.3 ft (0.7 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cable of the unit is fairly long, at 31.5 inches. You most likely won’t need an extension cord for it.

There is a grommet built onto the back foot of the waffle maker. The cord can be wrapped around it for easier storage.

The power cord of the Holstein mini waffle maker. The plug is Type A.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.1 ft (0.6 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cord measures roughly 25 inches long, which is shorter than average compared to other models in our database. Some users may have to rely on an extension cord.

Integrated to the back foot of the waffle maker is a small grommet. When you have to put the waffle maker away into storage, you can wrap the cord around it for easier management.

N/A

Accessories

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

The DASH waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

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

The Holstein 4-inch waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

Ease of Use

DASH No Drip Belgian Waffle Maker Review

Holstein Housewares 4 inch Waffle Maker Review: Ease of Use
9.6
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.5/10
  • Safety (40%)9.2/10
  • Cleanability (25%)10/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
6.5
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.0/10
  • Safety (40%)1.8/10
  • Cleanability (25%)10/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
9.5

Handling

9.0

The DASH waffle maker is easy to handle. As we said earlier, the lack of a control panel makes using it as straightforward as can be. You can start using it without having to read the user’s manual at all.

The lid can be opened and closed via the large handle at the front, which doesn’t heat up at all despite being made from plastic.

Since the waffle maker lacks any control feature, the Holstein is a “plug-and-play” device. You only need to plug it in and let it handle the rest.

We can open and close the lid smoothly. When pushed back, the lid leans at an angle. As a result, there’s no risk of it unexpectedly snapping shut on your hand while you’re pouring the batter.

However, the lack of a control panel greatly reduces the waffle maker’s versatility.

9.2

Safety

1.8
The temperature of the DASH No Drip waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 202.3°F.
The temperature of the DASH No Drip waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 202.3°F.
The temperature of the underside of the DASH No Drip’s handle is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 151.5°F.
The temperature of the top side of the DASH No-Drip’s handle is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 120.0°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    202.3°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    151.5°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    120°F

Safety is great for this particular model. After several continuous cooking sessions, using a thermometer, we found that most of the waffle maker’s surfaces were still at acceptable levels. Especially the handle, which was only warm to the touch, not scorching hot.

Top side temperature was recorded at 202°F.

The temperature at the bottom, around the front foot of the unit, was at 151°F.

In the areas surrounding the handle, we recorded a relatively cool temperature of 120°F, which was merely warm.

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
The temperature of the base of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 113.7°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 160.7°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    234°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    85°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    105°F

The waffle maker doesn’t do well in our safety assessment. It suffers from the same all-surface heating issue as the other mini waffle makers we tested. Particularly, after two or three cooking sessions, every surface on the unit becomes piping hot, including the handle. It warrants wearing oven mitts throughout the entire process.

But with our thermometer, the waffle maker fared significantly worse than any other mini waffle makers we have tested.

The top lid measured 219°F. This is hot enough to cause a serious burn injury.

The bottom is considered warm at 113.7°F, which is great if you need to move the waffle maker immediately after cooking. However, we still recommend wearing your oven mitts when you touch the unit, just in case.

At 160.7°F, the handle is unacceptably hot.

We also noticed a problem with steam. After a few cooking sessions and when the plates are thoroughly heated, a plume of hot steam can eject from the plates whenever the lid is lifted. It’s not going to seriously injure, but it can be startling if you’re unprepared or aren’t wearing oven mitts to insulate your hands.

10

Cleanability

10
Excess batter overflowing from one of the waffle plates and into the anti-spill moat during a cooking test.

The large anti-spill channels to the side of the waffle maker are very effective at catching excess batter. We noticed that these channels are easier to clean than the add-on drip tray that many waffle makers use these days.

The non-stick coating of the waffle plates further improves cleanability. We never encountered one sticky waffle throughout the performance test phase.

Excess batter pouring from  out of the Holstein waffle maker and into small pools at the base of the unit.

The waffle maker has excellent cleanability from a variety of factors. The non-stick waffle plates are helpful during post-cooking clean-ups. Any cooking residue can be easily wiped off with a cloth. And if there were to be a batter spill, the anti-spill channel surrounding the plates will minimize the amount of batter ending up on the table.

As it is made from smooth plastic, the exterior of the waffle maker doesn’t grip the batter tightly. So, even after the batter had dried out, we could quickly deal with it with a few spritzes of light detergent followed by a little buffing with a cloth.

10

Indicator Light Visibility

10
Indicator lights at the top of the DASH No-Drip waffle maker. Left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.

The indicator lights are bright enough to be clearly visible under studio lighting.

The red ring-shaped indicator light at the top of the Holstein’s lid. It is shining dimly in the studio lighting.

The sole indicator light on top of the lid is fairly bright. We could easily observe it from afar, under harsh studio lighting.