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DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

DASH Mini

$8.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic

$29.95 from Amazon
DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic: Detailed Comparison

Overall Verdict

Although it is much smaller and has fewer features than the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic, the DASH DMW001AQ Mini is in the same price range. But bigger and more feature-rich aren't always better.

The DASH DMW001AQ Mini's compact size is advantageous for travelers who need a portable waffle maker. Its small 4-inch waffles are also great for those who want something to snack on throughout the day and, of course, they’re excellent for children.

On the other hand, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is good for making large, traditional breakfast waffles. The shallow plates have small squares to make classic-style (American-style) waffles. Between these two, most people would opt for the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic since the DASH DMW001AQ Mini's intended use is rather niche.

Both models have an acceptable cooking performance. They aren't great but not so bad that their waffles are inedible.

Design-wise, since they are in the entry-level range, they aren't particularly elaborate, which is to be expected. But the DASH DMW001AQ Mini's build quality is notably lower than the Cuisinart's.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • 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
  • Affordable
  • Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fast cooking time
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
  • Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Relatively slow cooking speed
  • Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
  • Many safety issues
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, indicator lights
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
N/A
5
Dimensions
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
1 pound
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
6.8" (17.3 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.13
$29.95
$8.99 at AmazonCheck Price on DASHCheck Price on Walmart
$29.95 at Amazon

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

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.5
7.2

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.0
6.7
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.
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.
Heat Level
N/A
3
Cooking Time
5 minutes
3 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.0
7.7
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.
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.
Heat Level
 N/A
3
Cooking Time
7 minutes
4 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.0
7.7

In The Box

The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.

Dimensions & Weight

The DASH DMW001AQ Mini waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 6.3 inches, height 2.5 inches, and width 5 inches.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA’s dimensions are measured with its length being 9.7 inches, height 3.3 inches, and width 7.9 inches.
Length
6.3" (16.0 cm)
9.7" (24.6 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Height
2.5" (6.4 cm)
3.3" (8.4 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

5.0
8.0
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
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

Waffle Plates

10
7.0
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.
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.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
12.57 inch
47.78 inches
Plate Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Plate Width
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast iron
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

0.0
8.0
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
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
No
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the DASH Mini waffle maker. It has a Type A plug.
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.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.5 ft (0.8 m)
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.3
9.1

Handling

8.0
9.0

Safety

8.1
9.6
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.
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.
Top Side Temperature
191°F
181.7°F
Bottom Side Temperature
120°F
94°F
Handle Temperature
98°F
96.4°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Cuisinart WMR-CA Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

6.0
6.5
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.
The indicator lights at the front of the Cuisinart WMR-CA, left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.