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DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Oster Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

DASH Mini

$8.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Oster Belgian

$27.92 from Amazon
DASH DMW001AQ Mini vs Oster Belgian: Mini or Full-Size?

Overall Verdict

Visually, the DASH DMW001AQ Mini enjoys a much more lightweight and compact form factor (hence the “Mini” part). Its smaller size makes the Dash DMW001AQ an excellent waffle maker for campers, hikers, or anyone who needs to make waffles on the move. But not just so, its 4-inch waffles are the perfect size for a healthy midday snack for children and adults alike.

Performance-wise, the DASH DMW001AQ didn’t do half-bad in our performance tests. In our test with the premade waffle mix, it managed to bake a delicious, palm-size waffle with good coloration and texture.

The Oster Belgian waffle maker is full-sized and, compared to the DASH DMW001AQ’s 4-inch waffles, can bake far larger 7-inch waffles. However, its performance through two tests is mediocre at most. This waffle maker didn’t impress in terms of build quality, either. It has poor craftsmanship and a low safety rating due to exposed wirings at the back.

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
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Unremarkable performance in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Relatively slow cooking speed
  • Thin layer of paint that can be easily scratched
  • Many safety issues
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, indicator lights
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
N/A
Variable
Dimensions
L6.3 x W5 x H2.5 inches
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.13
$21.74
$8.99 at AmazonCheck Price on DASHCheck Price on Walmart
$27.92 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
6.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.0
5.2
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.
Oster Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe
The very dark brown-dark gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown-dark gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The interior is dense with few air bubbles.
A waffle, baked for 5 minutes, is torn by hands to test for its consistency. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
N/A
Max
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.0
6.8
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.
Oster Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The very light gold-dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold-dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The interior of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a Birch Benders batter mix. Small air cavities can be seen within.
A waffle, baked for 3 minutes using our Birch Benders batter mix, is torn down the middle by hands. The interior can be seen.
Heat Level
 N/A
Max
Cooking Time
7 minutes
3 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.0
6.2

In The Box

The aqua-blue waffle maker is in the middle. To its left and right are its instruction manuals and pamphlets.
The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its 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 physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
Length
6.3" (16.0 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
2.5" (6.4 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)

Build Quality

5.0
4.5
The back side of the DASH Mini waffle maker. White cabling sleeve can be seen through a gap at the back of the unit.
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
Oster Waffle Maker Build Quality Video
The back side of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The power cables can be in-between the gaps created by the plastic hinges.

Waffle Plates

10
8.5
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 waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
A close-up of the black, cast aluminum waffle plate of the Oster waffle maker.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
12.57 inch
7.8 inch
Plate Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)
Plate Width
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

0.0
9.0
The control panel of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
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 power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The Type A plug attachment of the Oster Belgian waffle maker’s power cord.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.5 ft (0.8 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
8.3
5.0

Handling

8.0
6.5

Safety

8.1
1.7
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 base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 189°F.
The temperature of the control panel of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.9°F.
Top Side Temperature
191°F
176°F
Bottom Side Temperature
120°F
143°F
Handle Temperature
98°F
189°F

Cleanability

10
9.0
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.

Indicator Light Visibility

6.0
4.5
The blue center indicator light of the DASH Mini waffle maker is dimly shining.
The indicator lights of the Oster waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the green READY light.