How to Use a DASH Mini Waffle Maker

Even if you don’t cook or eat waffles often, a DASH Mini waffle maker will still make an excellent kitchen addition. It's affordable and incredibly easy to use. That's why it consistently ranks as a top-selling kitchen appliance year after year. This is exactly why we decided to get one and test it in our lab.

If you have a brand-new DASH Mini waffle maker waiting in its box in your kitchen, here's a quick guide to set it up and make your first batch of mini waffles!

How to set up a DASH Mini waffle maker

In the box, you’ll find the waffle maker with the power cord attached, along with paperwork like a warranty card and informational leaflets.

Getting your waffle maker up and running is a breeze. Just remove it from the bag and plug it into an electrical outlet. If the indicator light on the top of the lid illuminates, your waffle maker is good to go!

How to find and Calibrate Your Waffle Maker

From classic to more exotic recipes like red velvet waffles, there are tons of great waffle recipes out there that you can experiment with using the DASH Mini waffle maker. Pick one that you like, follow the instructions to make a batter, and then pour it into a preheated DASH Mini waffle maker. Bake until you notice that irresistible, fragrant aroma filling the air. Then, gently open the waffle maker to check on the waffle.

Here's where the fun begins: if you find your waffle is browning too quickly, consider reducing both the time and temperature settings on the next batch. And if your waffle isn't quite fully cooked when the lid’s lifted, close the lid and give the waffle a few extra seconds on the hot plates. We typically check on the waffle once every 30 seconds until it’s cooked just right.

Once you've nailed down the waffle recipe that satisfies your taste, be sure to save the correct time for the future!

Healthy Kitchen 101’s Tested Waffle Recipes

If you haven't found your dream recipe yet or just want to save some time, why not give Healthy Kitchen 101's tried-and-true recipes a whirl? We've put the DASH Mini waffle maker through its paces in our review series using these same recipes. There's a delightful self-mixed waffle recipe and another crafted with the convenience of off-the-shelf Birch Benders waffle mix.

For detailed instructions on both, keep scrolling!

1. Self-Mixed Waffle Recipe

Makes 7-8 servings of 4-inch waffles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1⁄2 cups warm milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1⁄3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the DASH Mini Waffle Maker by plugging it in and waiting until the top indicator light turns off.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla and mix together.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter onto the hot plates.
6. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown.
7. Carefully remove the waffle onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.

2. Birch Benders Waffle Mix Recipe

Makes 7-8 servings of 4-inch waffles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Birch Benders Organic Classic Waffle Mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 2 2/3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the DASH Mini Waffle Maker by plugging it in and waiting until the top indicator light turns off.
2. In a bowl, combine the waffle mix, water, and oil. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the batter onto the hot plates.
4. Close the lid and cook for 7 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown.
5. Carefully remove the waffle onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.

A few safety tips

While the Dash Mini Waffle Maker is incredibly user-friendly, taking some safety precautions will still be a good idea. During our testing, we found that the waffle maker's lid can become very hot while in operation. We used an infrared thermometer to measure the lid's temperature and noted that it can reach as high as 191°F, which is hot enough to cause burns.

To stay safe, avoid touching any part of the waffle maker except the handle while it's in use. The handle is quite small, so exercise extra caution when you need to use it.

Next, when you lift the lid, be prepared for a burst of hot steam. If you’re not prepared, the flash pain can catch you off guard and make you drop the lid with a slam. We learned this lesson the hard way.

To prevent any accidental burns, we strongly recommend wearing oven mitts whenever you work with the waffle maker.

Conclusion

The DASH Mini waffle maker is basically a plug-and-play waffle maker. No need to fret about buttons or complex settings. Just plug in the power cord, wait for the indicator to turn off, pour in the batter, let it cook, lift the lid, transfer the waffle to a plate, and enjoy!

If you're curious about what this waffle maker can truly do in the kitchen, or if it's a worthwhile purchase, don't hesitate to explore our in-depth review of the DASH Mini waffle maker for all the specifics.

Alternatively, you can also check our latest listing of the best mini waffle makers to find a model you’d be happier having in your kitchen!