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BELLA 13991 Classic vs DASH DMW001AQ Mini Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

BELLA Rotating

$31.54 from Amazon

DASH Mini

$9.99 from Amazon(+2 more)
BELLA 13991 Classic vs DASH DMW001AQ Mini: Small But Mighty

Overall Verdict

Both of these waffle makers are in totally separate classes. The Dash DMW001AQ Mini, like its name suggests, is a mini waffle maker that can fit snugly in the palm of your hand. It serves bite-sized 4-inch waffles. Meanwhile, the Bella 13991 Classic waffle maker is a full-size waffle maker that bakes 7-inch Belgian waffles.

The Dash Mini is a good fit for making breakfasts for small children or creating mid-day snacks. You can also use it to make regular breakfasts but an adult serving of 4-inch waffles may add up to 3 or 4 waffles. In that case, the Bella 13991 will be a better fit.

Performance-wise, the Bella does a better job at making tasty, evenly-cooked waffles compared to the Dash Mini. The former has a notable tendency to overcook and scorch the crust of its waffles, significantly impacting its overall performance score.

However, the Dash Mini is unmatched in terms of lightweight or compactness. This brings up another interesting use for this tiny waffle maker: it would be a good fit for travelers, campers, and RV-ers.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • 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
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Relatively slow cooking speed
  • Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
  • Many safety issues

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
N/A
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$12.13
$31.54 at Amazon
$9.99 at AmazonCheck Price on DASHCheck Price on Walmart

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
6.5

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
6.0
BELLA 13991 Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown in certain spots to light brown.
The bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown to light brown.
The cross section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing the core with air bubbles and cavities inside.
A waffle baked for 7 minutes being torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for consistency and texture.
The golden-very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Top
The golden-very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The golden-very dark 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 using our self-mixed recipe, revealing a dense core with few air bubbles.
A waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency.
Heat Level
Maximum
N/A
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
7.0
BELLA 13991 Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The golden bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing its internal core filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle baked for 8 minutes being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency and texture.
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using a batter made from our Birch Benders mix.
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using a batter made from our Birch Benders mix.
The very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using a batter made from our Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders waffle mix. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
A waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders waffle mix is torn down the middle by hands to test its consistency.
Heat Level
Maximum
 N/A
Cooking Time
8 minutes
7 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
6.0

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.

Dimensions

The Bella rotating Belgian waffle maker (13991) with measurements marked next to it. The height is 7.3 inches, length is 16.7 inches, and width is 7.7 inches.
The DASH DMW001AQ Mini waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 6.3 inches, height 2.5 inches, and width 5 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
2.5" (6.4 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
5.0
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 waffle maker in its standard rest position with the control panel facing upward.
BELLA 13991 Classic Build Quality video
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.

Waffle Plates

9.0
10
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
An overview of the Bella 13991’s double waffle plates.
An overview of the DASH Mini’s waffle plates. The plates are black and have a classic-style waffle print.
An overview of the DASH Mini’s waffle plates. The plates are black and have a classic-style waffle print.
A close-up shot of the DASH Mini waffle maker’s waffle plate. It is black and treated with a layer of textured non-stick.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
12.57 inch
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
0.0
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
BELLA 13991 Classic Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
No

Power Cord

The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
The power cord of the DASH Mini waffle maker. It has a Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
2.5 ft (0.8 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Accessories

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Material
Plastic
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
8.3

Handling

3.0
8.0

Safety

7.9
8.1
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The surface temperature of the Bella 13991’s control panel is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 153.5°F.
The temperature of the black plastic handle of the Bella 13991 is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 90.5°F.
The temperature of the top lid of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 191.3°F.
DASH DMW001AQ Safety Top-side temperature
The temperature of the top lid of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 191.3°F.
The temperature of the base of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 120.2°F.
The temperature of the handle of the DASH Mini waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 98.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
191°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
120°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
98°F

Cleanability

9.5
10
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
6.0
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The shining READY light at the bottom of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker.
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.