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Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs DASH No-Drip Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic

$29.95 from Amazon

DASH No-Drip

Check Price on Amazon
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs DASH No-Drip Belgian: Classic-Style vs. Belgian

Overall Verdict

The most distinguishing feature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is its waffle plates, designed in the classic style (also called “American style”). Besides  the smaller pockets, its waffles are also thinner when compared to Belgian-style waffles.

Due to their reduced size, classic-style waffles cook far faster than their Belgian counterpart, which is a major reason classic models like the Cuisinart WMR-CA are still popular today. And sure enough, during our tests, the Cuisinart WMR-CA produced a waffle in about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, the DASH No-Drip Belgian waffle maker has plates imprinted in Belgian patterning. The plates are large and can cook four 4-inch square waffles. This waffle maker is excellent for bulk cooking.

Quality-wise, both models are considered mediocre by our chef. The taste won’t wow you, but works fine for breakfasts and daily meals.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fast cooking time
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
  • 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
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights
  • The unit’s appearance looks quite cheap
  • Lacks a control panel

Key Specs

Features
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
5
None
Dimensions
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing, aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1 pound
8 pounds
Waffle diameter
6.8" (17.3 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$29.95
$49.99
$29.95 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.2
6.7

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.7
6.5
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 3 minutes, revealing small air cavities within the waffle’s interior.
The 3-minute waffle being torn by hand down the middle to test it for consistency and texture.
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.
Heat Level
3
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
3 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.7
6.9
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The bottom golden crust of a waffle baked for 4 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle, revealing the large air cavities and air bubbles inside.
A waffle is torn down the middle to test for its consistency and texture. The core of the waffle is revealed.
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.
Heat Level
3
N/A
Cooking Time
4 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.7
8.7

In the Box

The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.
The blue Dash No-Drip waffle maker next to its shipping box and instruction manuals.

Dimensions

The Cuisinart WMR-CA’s dimensions are measured with its length being 9.7 inches, height 3.3 inches, and width 7.9 inches.
A side profile of the Dash No-Drip Belgian waffle maker. It has a blue plastic lid and black-painted base.
Length
9.7" (24.6 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)
Width
7.9" (20.1 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Height
3.3" (8.4 cm)
2.5" (6.4 cm)
Weight
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
8.0 lbs (3.6 kg)

Build Quality

8.0
9.5
The back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
The back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Build Quality Video
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.

Waffle Plates

7.0
10
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
A close-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s waffle plate. It has classic-style patterning and is coated in black non-stick.
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
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
47.78 inches
69.6 inch
Plate Length
7.8" (19.8 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Plate Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast iron
Aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.0
0.0
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Control Panel
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
Yes
No

Power Cord

The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
Closed-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s power cord and its Type-A prongs.
The power plug of the Dash No Drip waffle maker, focusing on its Type-A prongs.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.1
9.6

Handling

9.0
9.5

Safety

9.6
9.2
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the top lid of the Cuisinart WMR-CA is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 181.7°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s base is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 94.1°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 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
181.7°F
202.3°F
Bottom Side Temperature
94°F
151.5°F
Handle Temperature
96.4°F
120°F

Cleanability

9.5
10
Cuisinart WMR-CA Cleanability
Excess batter overflowing from one of the waffle plates and into the anti-spill moat during a cooking test.

Indicator Light Visibility

6.5
10
The indicator lights at the front of the Cuisinart WMR-CA, left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.
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.