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DASH No-Drip Belgian vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

The DASH No-Drip Belgian and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ may look very different. But upon closer inspection, they’re more similar than you’d think!

By , , , and ·Updated

DASH No-Drip

Nostalgia Mini

DASH No-Drip Belgian vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: More Similar Than You’d Think!

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use DASH No-DripNostalgia Mini8.06.78.79.66.76.38.46.3
Showing: 2/2 Items

At a glance, it may seem like the DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker, and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ are in totally different classes. The former is a giant waffle maker about as big as a dinner plate, and the latter can fit in the palm of your hand.

But they share one key difference: both of them make 4-inch waffles. The DASH No-Drip, with its large waffle plates, can make four square waffles simultaneously, each one measuring about 4 inches. The Nostalgia MWF5AQ can only make one waffle at a time, measuring 4 inches across but in the more traditional round shape.

So, if you are looking for a waffle maker that can cook in bulk, the DASH No-Drip is the one to go for. On the other hand, if you want a cheap, compact waffle maker, try the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Capable of bulk cooking (can make four waffles at once)
  • Did an acceptable job in our test with the self-mixed recipe
  • Solid build quality
  • High safety rating
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • The unit’s appearance looks quite cheap
  • Lacks a control panel
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
None
N/A
Dimensions
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Plastic housing, aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
8 pounds
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$49.99
$15.18

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.5
6.8
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light 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. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.9
5.9
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.7
8.4

In the Box

The blue Dash No-Drip waffle maker next to its shipping box and instruction manuals.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

Dimensions

A side profile of the Dash No-Drip Belgian waffle maker. It has a blue plastic lid and black-painted base.
The side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
2.5" (6.4 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
8.0 lbs (3.6 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

9.5
9.0
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

Waffle Plates

10
10
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.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
69.6 inch
15.9 inches
Plate Length
8.7" (22.1 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

0.0
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
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
No
No

Power Cord

The power plug of the Dash No Drip waffle maker, focusing on its Type-A prongs.
The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
Cable Management
Yes
Yes

Accessories

Material
N/A
N/A
Removable
N/A
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
N/A
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.6
6.3

Handling

9.5
7.5

Safety

9.2
2.5
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.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
202.3°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
151.5°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
120°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter overflowing from one of the waffle plates and into the anti-spill moat during a cooking test.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Indicator Light Visibility

10
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 red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Matthew Lee
Matthew LeeReviewer

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.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

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.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

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.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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