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DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

DASH Mini

$8.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Hamilton Beach 26031

$64.99 from Amazon
DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Hamilton Beach 26031: The Worth Lies in the Use Case

Overall Verdict

The DASH DMW001AQ Mini’s small size is perfect for people who need a compact, lightweight waffle maker that they can bring on trips. And if you’re looking for a quick bite, the 4-inch waffles made by the DASH are perfectly snackable!

Its performance score in our tests wasn’t particularly high (mainly because it tends to scorch the top crust). Fortunately, all of its waffles were still perfectly edible.

As for the Hamilton Beach 26031, it is one of the best-designed and highest performing models in our database. Thus, it will also be a good choice if you’re looking for a “traditional” waffle maker for making breakfast. Its large set of ceramic waffle plates — measuring about 7 inches across — can serve a high-quality waffle in a couple of minutes.

So, it’s all a matter of use case. Other than that, both are outstanding models to buy.

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
  • Luxurious aesthetic by incorporating premium materials (stainless steel and ceramic)
  • Does a great job in all of our performance tests
  • Removable and washable waffle plates
  • Easy to clean thanks to the included drip tray
  • Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Relatively slow cooking speed
  • Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
  • Many safety issues
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
N/A
None
Dimensions
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.13
$57.79
$8.99 at AmazonCheck Price on DASHCheck Price on Walmart
$64.99 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
7.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.0
6.8
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.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Self-Made Recipe Video
The dark brown top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The mottled, dark brown bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The interior of the 5-minute waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 is shown, revealing large air cavities.
The waffle made by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 5-minute is torn up by hands to test for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
N/A
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.0
7.1
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.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Birch Benders Mix Video
The light gold top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
The light gold bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
A close-up of the interior of the waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 6 minutes, filled with air bubbles and small cavities.
The 6-minute waffle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is torn in half by hands to test for the consistency and texture.
Heat Level
 N/A
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.0
9.7

In The Box

The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user 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 Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Dimension Video
Length
6.3" (16.0 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
2.5" (6.4 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

5.0
9.5
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
A close-up shot of the Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker (26031) control panel section made from black plastic, with the browning control knob and the indicator lights in focus.

Waffle Plates

10
10
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.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the bronze-color, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Hamilton Beach flip Belgian waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the yellow waffle plate release latch on the top handle of the Hamilton Beach waffle maker with removable plates 26031.
The gray, metallic heating elements of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is revealed after the ceramic, bronze-colored waffle plates are taken off.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
12.57 inch
50.27 inch
Plate Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
4.0" (10.2 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

0.0
10
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Control Panel video
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.
A close-up of the power cord of the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker, focused on the prongs of the plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.5 ft (0.8 m)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.3
9.7

Handling

8.0
9.5

Safety

8.1
10
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 on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the cool-touch handle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 90.3°F.
The temperature on the Hamilton Beach 26031’s base is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 88.3°F.
Top Side Temperature
191°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
120°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
98°F
 88°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

6.0
9.0
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A view of the green READY light at the back of the Hamilton Beach 26031 when it’s flipped over.