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Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

The Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B and the Nostalgia MWF5A waffle makers share the same cooking performance, design, and ease of use. So, which one to pick?

By , , , and ·Updated

Holstein Housewares

Nostalgia Mini

Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: Remarkably Similar!

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use Holstein HousewaresNostalgia Mini6.56.37.06.56.76.38.46.3
Showing: 2/2 Items

Between the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, it’s difficult to say which one is better. Their overall scores are in the same ballpark as one another.

The Holstein did slightly better in our performance test pre-mix recipe waffle test. But the Nostalgia caught up by doing better in the test with our self-made recipe. In the end, both waffle makers received the same performance scores.

In terms of design and ease of use, the two waffle makers are remarkably similar, too. They have the same compact form factor and are built from lightweight (and rather cheap) plastic.

This makes both models a good fit for travelers and adventurers who want freshly-baked waffles on the go. At home, the 4-inch waffles they produce will make for good snacks.

And to make things even more complicated, they have the same list price.

So, our only recommendation is to choose the model on which you could get the best deal.

Pros & Cons

  • Highly affordable
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • Handling is simple and smooth
  • Acceptable build quality
  • Excellent cleanability rating
  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Mediocre cooking performance with our self-mixed recipe
  • Cheap-looking design
  • Lacks a control panel
  • Safety rating is very low
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
N/A
N/A
Dimensions
L5.1 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.1 pound
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$16.70
$15.18

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.3
6.8
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
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
3
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.3
5.9
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
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
7.0
8.4

In the Box

The glossy black Holstein 4 inch waffle maker next to its instruction manual and the shipping box.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

Dimensions

A side profile of the glossy black Holstein personal mini waffle maker.
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
5.1" (13.0 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
6.5" (16.5 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
3.5" (9.0 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
9.0
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.
 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

9.5
10
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.
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
Classic-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
17.72 inches
15.9 inches
Plate Length
4.8" (12.1 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
4.8" (12.1 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

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

Power Cord

The power cord of the Holstein mini waffle maker. The plug is Type A.
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
2.1 ft (0.6 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
6.5
6.3

Handling

9.0
7.5

Safety

1.8
2.5
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.
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
234°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
105°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter pouring from  out of the Holstein waffle maker and into small pools at the base of the unit.
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
The red ring-shaped indicator light at the top of the Holstein’s lid. It is shining dimly in the studio lighting.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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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