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Presto Flipside Belgian vs DASH No-Drip Belgian 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 Mar 25, 2023
The Presto waffle maker on its side, to its right is the instruction manual and to its left is the shipping box.
The Dash No-Drip waffle maker with its lid opened, revealing its black waffle plates. To either side are instruction manuals.

Our Verdict

7.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.5/10
  • Design (20%)
    6.6/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.2/10
8.0
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.7/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.7/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.6/10

Regarding this pair, the most important question is whether the bulk-cooking ability is important to you.

The Presto Flipside is a "traditional" Belgian waffle maker, so the waffle plates are designed to cook 7-inch waffles.

However, it's only able to cook one waffle at a time. That's where the DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker comes in.

If you want to cook several waffles simultaneously, look to the DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker instead. While it may not have all of the fancy features of the Presto, like a flippable design or a timer, it comes with large waffle plates that can cook four small, 4-inch waffles at a time.

In terms of cooking performance, both models generally performed well. They weren't spectacular, but their waffles were sufficient for breakfasts and light snacks.

More than Meets the Eyes

Presto Waffle Maker’s Performance

DASH No Drip Waffle Maker’s Performance: Great in All But One Thing
6.5
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.0/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)7.0/10
6.7
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.5/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.9/10
6.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.5
Presto Flipside Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe video
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, with black charring inside its pockets.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, with black charring inside its pockets.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The inside is dense with a few air bubbles.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe is torn by hand down the middle, revealing the waffle’s interior.
Color: 5.5
35% * 5.5 = 1.9
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The Presto waffle maker did a mediocre job in this test. The crust was overdone, as evidenced by the dark coloring of the crust. Though there were quite a few air bubbles and cavities in the waffle’s interior, they weren’t large enough to give it the ideal consistency we were looking for. As for the taste, the bitterness of the carbonized crust carried over the tongue with each bite due to the burnt crust.

Color (35%) — 5.5/10

  • Color tone: Charred black (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The Presto has very strong heating elements. Combined with the lack of any temperature control function, the outer crust of the waffle was close to being burnt. The wells on the waffle have very dark brown coloring. Some of which were approaching the point of blackening.

The bottom of the waffle was lighter in color, but the wells were still dark brown.

Texture (25%) - 6/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; the aeration process had begun, but the air bubbles were still too small

The intense heat cooked the batter enough to kick-start the aeration process. But, by the 5-minute mark, the air bubbles were still tiny. Excess moisture was still present inside the waffle, making the waffle very mushy.

Taste (40%) - 6.5/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but bitter from the overcooked crust
  • Mouthfeel: Dry on the outside, mushy on the inside

The desired sweetness of the sugar and the buttery aftertaste of the batter was there. But unfortunately, the bitterness of the charred spots on the crust ruined the tasting experience.

The crust felt dry on the tongue, which was an off-putting contrast against the mushy core.

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.

7.0

Birch Benders Mix

6.9
Presto Flipside Belgian Birch Benders Mix video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds using batter made from Birch Benders mix.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds, revealing its dense core with tiny air bubbles.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency and texture, revealing its golden interior.
Color: 7.25
35% * 7.25 = 2.5
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 6 minutes 30 seconds

The Presto did a great job on this test. After 6 minutes and 30 seconds, the waffle came out with a beautiful, light brown crust. Taste-testing the waffle, our chef considered it to be very flavorful. However, the texture was a bit too spongy due to a low aeration rate.

Color (35%) — 7.25/10

  • Color result: Light brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The waffle’s coloration was great. Both sides sported a brown, crispy crust that was light in the middle and gradually darkened the farther it got from the center. Inside of the wells, the batter was cooked to a dark brown. Fortunately, none of the wells were charred.

Texture (25%) — 5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low, few air bubbles

For texture, it didn’t score highly due to a low aeration rate. Air bubbles were small in size and few in number, resulting in a fairly dense-looking interior that indicated mushiness. And indeed, the waffle’s texture was quite mediocre.

Taste (40%) — 8/10

  • Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy due to the waffle’s underdeveloped interior

Our chef rated the waffle as flavorful: savory, and pleasantly sweet. But the mushy mouthfeel detracted from the tasting experience.

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.

Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design

DASH Deluxe No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design
6.6
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)6.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)8.0/10
  • Control Panel (10%)6.0/10
8.7
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)9.5/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)0/10

In The Box

What’s in the Box of the DASH No-Drip Waffle Maker
The Presto Belgian waffle maker with black-and-red plastic detailing and glossy metallic body next to its instruction manual.
  • Presto Flipside waffle maker
  • Instruction manuals

The shipping box is simplistic. Inside, you will find the waffle maker and the user manual. No extra accessory is included.

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.

Dimensions & Weight of the Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker

Dimensions
The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in vertical form. Length is 11 inches, height is 11.5 inches, and width is 4.5 inches.
The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in vertical form. Length is 11 inches, height is 11.5 inches, and width is 4.5 inches.
The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in horizontal form. Length is 12 inches, height is 4.4 inches, and width is 11 inches.
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Dimensions Video
  • Length:
    12.0" (30.5 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    4.4" (11.2 cm)
  • Weight:
    4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)

Its compact size sets the Presto 03510 apart from every other flip waffle maker. Thanks to its unique design, the waffle maker measures only 4.4 inches tall (on its side). That’s less than half as tall as the more “traditional” flippable models like the Hamilton Beach 26031, which measures 8.7 inches in height.

However, while it is more compact vertically, the waffle maker takes up a lot of counter space. As you flip it back and forth, the waffle maker requires a working area two times its length (around 25 inches on both sides of the waffle maker).

When it’s time to store it away, you need to grab it by the handle and lift the body upright. Then, there is a “vertical lock” — a red piece of plastic attached to the base — that you can use to keep it standing vertically.

It brings the waffle maker’s height to 11.5 inches. In return, its length is reduced to just 4.5 inches.

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.

6.0

Build Quality

9.5
A close-up of the gashes on the black plastic detailing of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.
A close-up of the gashes on the black plastic detailing of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.
Zoomed-in shot of a gap in the black plastic joint that connects the waffle maker’s baking chamber with the base.
Close-up shot of the red plastic retainer that keeps the baking chamber of the Presto waffle maker aloft when stored upright.
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Build Quality video

Build quality is great, but it could be better in some respects. The body of the waffle maker is made from solid stainless steel. Its metallic gleam gives the waffle maker a beautiful, premium look.

The base is made from plastic. It looked sturdy at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, we observed many design and manufacturing flaws.

At the bottom of the handle, two big dents can be seen. They were already there when we took it out of the box, so it’s likely to be a manufacturing defect.

In addition to the damaged handle, a large gap can be seen in the joints that connect the waffle maker’s body with the base. The way that they’re unevenly set made us suspicious of bad workmanship.

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.

8.0

Waffle Plates

10
An overview of the Presto Flipside waffle maker’s gray, Belgian-style waffle plates.
An overview of the Presto Flipside waffle maker’s gray, Belgian-style waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the gray ceramic waffle plates of the Presto Flip Side waffle maker.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    44.18 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Ceramic
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle maker comes with a pair of ceramic plates coated with a layer of non-stick. Each measures 7.5 inches in diameter and has a small moat running around the perimeter of the plate to catch spilled batter.

The non-stick coating works most of the time. But, every so often, a waffle would stick to the plates, and we would have to pry it out with utensils.

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.

6.0

Control Panel

0.0
A close-up shot of the timer to the side of the Presto waffle maker’s base. A button and speaker holes are visible.
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    Yes
  • Timer:
    Yes
  • Browning Control:
    No

A large red light is situated on one side of the waffle. When you plug the waffle in, the light will glow red. Once the waffle plates have reached the right temperature, the light will turn off.

Underneath the light is a timer with a digital screen. You can set the countdown via the small button underneath the screen. The corresponding numbers will appear on the display. Once the countdown is completed, a small speaker will alarm you.

Note that the timer only keeps the time. It won’t shut down or control the waffle maker for you. The timer is a separate component from the waffle maker and operates on batteries. So, even if you unplug the unit, the timer will still work.

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.

Presto Flipside Waffle Maker’s Power Cord

DASH No-Drip Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
The 36.5-inch long power cord of the Presto waffle maker. The Type-A plug is clearly shown.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    3.0 ft (0.9 m)
  • Cable Management:
    No

The power cord is very long, measuring over 36.5 inches. There’s no cable management feature. When we need to put it away and into storage, we have to wrap the cord around the waffle maker's body.

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.

N/A

Accessories

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

The Presto waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

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

The DASH waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

Ease of Use

Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Review

DASH No Drip Belgian Waffle Maker Review: Ease of Use
9.2
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.5/10
  • Safety (40%)9.8/10
  • Cleanability (25%)7.5/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
9.6
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.5/10
  • Safety (40%)9.2/10
  • Cleanability (25%)10/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
9.5

Handling

9.5
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Handling video
A large gap in-between the two-piece handles of the Presto waffle maker when it’s stored in its vertical configuration.
The Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian waffle maker’s handle being held in one hand by a product tester.
The entire Presto waffle maker is held in the air by the handle with one hand of a product tester.

Handling is great. The hinges – of the lid and the flipping mechanism — are built exceptionally well. The lid opens and closes without wobbling. We can flip the waffle maker back and forth fluidly, too.

The handle is made up of two halves. Each half is built into the two lids of the waffle maker. You just need to split them apart when you want to open up the lid.

When you need to flip or carry the waffle maker around, bring the two halves together to make a complete handle.

Our only issue is with the timer. Even after reading the manual, it’s still hard to use and imprecise. So, for all of our tests, we use our timer rather than the built-in one. Fortunately, this is a minor annoyance.

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.

9.8

Safety

9.2
The temperature of a plastic foot of the Presto waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 167.9°F.
The temperature of a plastic foot of the Presto waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 167.9°F.
The temperature of the Presto waffle maker’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 95.4°F.
The temperature of the Presto waffle maker’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 94.9°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    167°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    95°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    94°F

Safety is excellent for the Presto waffle maker.

We recorded a top-side temperature of 167°F. While the temperature is dangerous, you’re never meant to touch the top of any waffle maker. Thus, the figure here doesn’t affect scoring much.

The base and the handle are both at room temperature. They were found to have a temperature of 95°F and 94°F, respectively.

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.

7.5

Cleanability

10
Close-up on the gunks accumulated on the inner part of the black plastic handle of the Presto Belgian waffle maker.

Cleaning the waffle maker is easy for the most part. We rarely have to clean the plates, thanks to the non-stick coating. However, as aforementioned, the coating can sometimes fail and leave sticky remains on the plates. Fortunately, the residues can be easily removed with some vigorous scrubbing.

Certain parts of the waffle maker are challenging to clean, like the inside of the handle. The dried batter can bind to the plastic here very tightly. We could not scrub droplets of dried batter off even after applying mild detergent.

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.

10

Indicator Light Visibility

10
The red indicator light located on the base of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.

The indicator light to the side of the waffle maker was very bright. It’s easy to see even under studio lighting.

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.