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DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

DASH Mini

$9.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Nostalgia Mini

Check Price on Nostalgia(+2 more)
DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ

Overall Verdict

Both the DASH DMW001AQ Mini and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ are mini waffle makers. Due to their compact sizes, they are hugely popular among travelers. Being no larger than a softball, they can fit inside a backpack or suitcase with ease and provide freshly-baked waffles on the go.

Performance-wise, both waffle makers performed passably, with the Nostalgia MWF5AQ being the better one of the two. The waffles they made weren’t restaurant-grade, but for morning breakfasts, camping, and snacking, both models’ waffles are more than sufficient.

We have good things to say about the build quality of both models. In this respect, they are more or less equal.

Pricing is about the same, with the Dash Mini being cheaper (but not by much).

Based on cooking performance, we’ll give it to the Nostalgia MWF5AQ as a slightly better buy for this pairing!

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
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Relatively slow cooking speed
  • Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
  • Many safety issues
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
N/A
N/A
Dimensions
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.13
$15.18
$9.99 at AmazonCheck Price on DASHCheck Price on Walmart
Check Price on NostalgiaCheck Price on AmazonCheck 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
6.5
6.3

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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light 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. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.0
5.9
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
 N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
7 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.0
8.4

In The Box

The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

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 side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
2.5" (6.4 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

5.0
9.0
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
12.57 inch
15.9 inches
Plate Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

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

Power Cord

The power cord of the DASH Mini waffle maker. It has a Type A plug.
The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.5 ft (0.8 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
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
8.3
6.3

Handling

8.0
7.5

Safety

8.1
2.5
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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
191°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
120°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
98°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Indicator Light Visibility

6.0
10
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.
The red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.