Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the new “must-have” kitchen gadget, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Read my full, unbiased review to see if it lives up to all of the hype and if you need to add one to your kitchen gadget collection.
Why You Should Trust My Dash Mini Waffle Maker Review
- Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks and 2 Air Fryer Cookbooks so I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in the kitchen.
- Efficient: That’s the only way I know how to do things in the kitchen. Who has time to waste when you’re trying to get food on the table? I’m known for my ruthless efficiency and use the pot in pot cooking method every chance I get.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
What Is A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the cutest, tiniest waffle maker on the market. It’s perfect for dorms, rv’s, travel, or for anyone eating low carb that has jumped on the Chaffle bandwagon.
What Did I Consider When Reviewing This Mini Dash Waffle Maker?
- Footprint
- Capacity
- Features
- Ease Of Use
- Ease Of Cleaning
- Price
1. Footprint
The struggle with adding a new kitchen gadget to your collection is trying to find room for it. Especially if you have a small cooking space or limited storage options.
If you decide to pick up one of these Dash Mini Waffle Makers , you won’t have to worry about finding room for it. This thing is seriously tiny. You can fit the whole thing in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to tuck away after each use if you want. However, as frequently as I found myself using mine, it has made a permanent home on my countertop.
It is great for people with hand mobility issues or people that live alone. It’s lightweight ( weighing in at just 1.35 pounds ) so it’s easy to move. Plus it makes the perfect portions for a small breakfast.
2. Capacity
Unlike some other waffle irons (read my article on the best waffle irons of 2020 here) the Dash mini waffle maker has a very small capacity. If you’re wanting to make waffles for an entire family, or meal prep waffles to freeze, this probably isn’t the waffle maker for you.
How Much Batter Do You Put In A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
Because of the small amount of batter that it is able to cook at one time it also cooks waffles very quickly. For these mini waffles, you’ll use between 2 and 3 tablespoons of batter. The Dash is able to cook each one in less than two minutes.
3. Features
I’m afraid that if you’re looking for a waffle iron with tons of bells and whistles, you may be underwhelmed by the features this Dash waffle iron offers. Basically, you plug it in, wait for your waffle to cook (there is an indicator light to tell you when the cooking time is complete) and then unplug it when it’s finished.
It doesn’t have removable plates, cooking time settings, or even a button to turn it on and off. But this simple design makes it easy for the entire family to use.
Are There Any Other Varieties Of Dash Waffle Makers?
Yes, there are! As the Dash mini waffle maker continues to grow in popularity, they have made several new styles with additional designs. Here are a few different styles you and your children might enjoy to celebrate a variety of seasons and holidays:
- heart
- skull
- pumpkin
- snowflake
- pineapple
4. Ease Of Use
I don’t know that a waffle maker can get any easier to use than this Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Seriously, there aren’t even any buttons to press and there’s an easy to read indicator light to let you know when your waffle is perfectly cooked.
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to use a Dash mini waffle maker:
- Prepare waffle mix
- Plug in the waffle maker
- Wait for the light to turn off (this indicates the waffle iron is hot enough)
- Pour waffle mix into your Dash mini waffle maker
- Close the lid
- The light will come back on and when it goes off again, the waffle is ready
- Raise the lid and remove your waffle
- Enjoy!
One thing I have noticed when making Chaffles is that the handle to raise the lid is quite small. So I would suggest using a small silicone mitt to avoid burning your fingers.
How Long Do Dash Mini Waffles Take To Cook?
There is no timer setting on this tiny waffle maker, but the indicator light will let you know when the cooking cycle has completed. The cook time is approximately 5 minutes per cycle.
What Can You Make In A Dash Waffle Maker?
A great feature of this Dash mini waffle maker is how versatile it is. Sure, you can make waffles in it, but you can make so much more. While these aren’t exactly Dash Mini Waffle Maker recipes , here are a few other items I’ve successfully made in it:
- Waffles
- Chaffles
- Hashbrowns
- Cinnamon rolls
- Mini omeletes
5. Ease Of Cleaning
My only complaint with this waffle maker is that it doesn’t have removable plates for easy cleaning. That being said, the waffle iron plates are extremely nonstick so cleanup is still a breeze. Here’s how I clean my Dash mini waffle maker:
- First, wait for it to cool completely
- Then, take a paper towel and wipe away any leftover crumbs
- Next, gently wipe the plates down with a damp towel
- Lastly, use the clean part of the rag to wipe down any drips or splatters off of the exterior
6. Price
Price may be one of my favorite things about this Dash mini waffle maker. Compared to a lot of other waffle irons on the market, the Dash is incredibly affordable. With the incredibly low price point, it’s silly not to give it a chance.
With the time you’ll save in the mornings and the money you will save by skipping take out breakfast, the Dash mini waffle maker will pay for itself in no time.
What Does It Come With?
What does this mini waffle iron come with? Well, not much. You won’t be surprised when you see how small the box it comes in that there isn’t much that will fit inside. The only things that come in the box for the Dash mini waffle maker are the waffle maker and the instruction manual.
Pros and Cons
After using this mini waffle iron more times than I should probably admit to, I can comfortably tell you that it has way more pros than it does cons . In fact, the cons that I listed aren’t really even cons, just things that could be improved.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No removable plates for easy cleaning
- Virtually no customizable features for different cooking times
Would I Buy This?
Buy A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You love waffles
- Have a small kitchen or cooking space
- Are eating low carb and want to make easy Chaffles
- You need a waffle iron on a budget
- If you live alone
Pass On A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You already own a waffle maker
- Want a waffle iron with advanced cooking functions
- Want a waffle maker with removable plates for easy cleaning
Other Helpful Buying Guides
- An Essential Guide To Copper Cookware
- Best Rice Cookers Of 2020
- How To Choose A Blender
- The Best Baking Pans of 2020
- How To Choose A Slow Cooker
- How To Choose An Air Fryer
- Food Processor Vs. Blender - Which Should You Choose?
- How To Choose A Food Processor
- Kitchen Gadgets For Foodies
- How To Choose A Waffle Iron
- The Best Spatulas For Every Job
- Which Mandoline Slicer Should You Choose
- The Best Dash Kitchen Appliances
If you found this Dash Mini Waffle Maker review helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can decide if they need one too.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the new “must-have” kitchen gadget, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Read my full, unbiased review to see if it lives up to all of the hype and if you need to add one to your kitchen gadget collection.
Why You Should Trust My Dash Mini Waffle Maker Review
- Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks and 2 Air Fryer Cookbooks so I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in the kitchen.
- Efficient: That’s the only way I know how to do things in the kitchen. Who has time to waste when you’re trying to get food on the table? I’m known for my ruthless efficiency and use the pot in pot cooking method every chance I get.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
What Is A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the cutest, tiniest waffle maker on the market. It’s perfect for dorms, rv’s, travel, or for anyone eating low carb that has jumped on the Chaffle bandwagon.
What Did I Consider When Reviewing This Mini Dash Waffle Maker?
- Footprint
- Capacity
- Features
- Ease Of Use
- Ease Of Cleaning
- Price
1. Footprint
The struggle with adding a new kitchen gadget to your collection is trying to find room for it. Especially if you have a small cooking space or limited storage options.
If you decide to pick up one of these Dash Mini Waffle Makers , you won’t have to worry about finding room for it. This thing is seriously tiny. You can fit the whole thing in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to tuck away after each use if you want. However, as frequently as I found myself using mine, it has made a permanent home on my countertop.
It is great for people with hand mobility issues or people that live alone. It’s lightweight ( weighing in at just 1.35 pounds ) so it’s easy to move. Plus it makes the perfect portions for a small breakfast.
2. Capacity
Unlike some other waffle irons (read my article on the best waffle irons of 2020 here) the Dash mini waffle maker has a very small capacity. If you’re wanting to make waffles for an entire family, or meal prep waffles to freeze, this probably isn’t the waffle maker for you.
How Much Batter Do You Put In A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
Because of the small amount of batter that it is able to cook at one time it also cooks waffles very quickly. For these mini waffles, you’ll use between 2 and 3 tablespoons of batter. The Dash is able to cook each one in less than two minutes.
3. Features
I’m afraid that if you’re looking for a waffle iron with tons of bells and whistles, you may be underwhelmed by the features this Dash waffle iron offers. Basically, you plug it in, wait for your waffle to cook (there is an indicator light to tell you when the cooking time is complete) and then unplug it when it’s finished.
It doesn’t have removable plates, cooking time settings, or even a button to turn it on and off. But this simple design makes it easy for the entire family to use.
Are There Any Other Varieties Of Dash Waffle Makers?
Yes, there are! As the Dash mini waffle maker continues to grow in popularity, they have made several new styles with additional designs. Here are a few different styles you and your children might enjoy to celebrate a variety of seasons and holidays:
- heart
- skull
- pumpkin
- snowflake
- pineapple
4. Ease Of Use
I don’t know that a waffle maker can get any easier to use than this Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Seriously, there aren’t even any buttons to press and there’s an easy to read indicator light to let you know when your waffle is perfectly cooked.
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to use a Dash mini waffle maker:
- Prepare waffle mix
- Plug in the waffle maker
- Wait for the light to turn off (this indicates the waffle iron is hot enough)
- Pour waffle mix into your Dash mini waffle maker
- Close the lid
- The light will come back on and when it goes off again, the waffle is ready
- Raise the lid and remove your waffle
- Enjoy!
One thing I have noticed when making Chaffles is that the handle to raise the lid is quite small. So I would suggest using a small silicone mitt to avoid burning your fingers.
How Long Do Dash Mini Waffles Take To Cook?
There is no timer setting on this tiny waffle maker, but the indicator light will let you know when the cooking cycle has completed. The cook time is approximately 5 minutes per cycle.
What Can You Make In A Dash Waffle Maker?
A great feature of this Dash mini waffle maker is how versatile it is. Sure, you can make waffles in it, but you can make so much more. While these aren’t exactly Dash Mini Waffle Maker recipes , here are a few other items I’ve successfully made in it:
- Waffles
- Chaffles
- Hashbrowns
- Cinnamon rolls
- Mini omeletes
5. Ease Of Cleaning
My only complaint with this waffle maker is that it doesn’t have removable plates for easy cleaning. That being said, the waffle iron plates are extremely nonstick so cleanup is still a breeze. Here’s how I clean my Dash mini waffle maker:
- First, wait for it to cool completely
- Then, take a paper towel and wipe away any leftover crumbs
- Next, gently wipe the plates down with a damp towel
- Lastly, use the clean part of the rag to wipe down any drips or splatters off of the exterior
6. Price
Price may be one of my favorite things about this Dash mini waffle maker. Compared to a lot of other waffle irons on the market, the Dash is incredibly affordable. With the incredibly low price point, it’s silly not to give it a chance.
With the time you’ll save in the mornings and the money you will save by skipping take out breakfast, the Dash mini waffle maker will pay for itself in no time.
What Does It Come With?
What does this mini waffle iron come with? Well, not much. You won’t be surprised when you see how small the box it comes in that there isn’t much that will fit inside. The only things that come in the box for the Dash mini waffle maker are the waffle maker and the instruction manual.
Pros and Cons
After using this mini waffle iron more times than I should probably admit to, I can comfortably tell you that it has way more pros than it does cons . In fact, the cons that I listed aren’t really even cons, just things that could be improved.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No removable plates for easy cleaning
- Virtually no customizable features for different cooking times
Would I Buy This?
Buy A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You love waffles
- Have a small kitchen or cooking space
- Are eating low carb and want to make easy Chaffles
- You need a waffle iron on a budget
- If you live alone
Pass On A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You already own a waffle maker
- Want a waffle iron with advanced cooking functions
- Want a waffle maker with removable plates for easy cleaning
Other Helpful Buying Guides
- An Essential Guide To Copper Cookware
- Best Rice Cookers Of 2020
- How To Choose A Blender
- The Best Baking Pans of 2020
- How To Choose A Slow Cooker
- How To Choose An Air Fryer
- Food Processor Vs. Blender - Which Should You Choose?
- How To Choose A Food Processor
- Kitchen Gadgets For Foodies
- How To Choose A Waffle Iron
- The Best Spatulas For Every Job
- Which Mandoline Slicer Should You Choose
- The Best Dash Kitchen Appliances
If you found this Dash Mini Waffle Maker review helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can decide if they need one too.
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Love your Instant Pot but are wondering if an Instant Zest Plus would make a great addition to your kitchen? See if you should grab one of these 20 cup rice makers with my unbiased Instant Zest Plus review.
Buy One
Instant Zest Plus Review | 20 Cup Instant Pot Rice Cooker + Video
Instant Pot Zest Plus 20 Cup, 5Litre Rice Cooker,Steamer, Slow Cooker,13 One Touch Programs, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
Watch The Video
Why You Should Trust My Review
- Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks that have been authorized by Instant Pot.
- Efficient: That’s the only way I know how to do things in the kitchen. Who has time to waste when you’re trying to get food on the table? I’m known for my ruthless efficiency and use the pot in pot cooking method every chance I get.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
1. Footprint
I’m not going to lie. For a rice cooker, this is rather large. It’s approximately the same size as a 6 quart Duo or Ultra .
If you’re short on space, or hate clutter on your countertops, this might not be the right appliance for you.
However, if you already have a rice cooker AND a rice cooker on your countertops, this will replace both of them and take up less room than the two appliances together.
If you’re curious on what the actual dimensions of this rice cooker are:
12.75 x 12.5 x 12.35 inches
If you don’t plan on using this often or prefer to put your appliances away after every use, rest easy knowing this only weighs 8 pounds and is very easy to lift and move.
2. Capacity
The Instant Zest Plus boasts an impressive 20 cup capacity. However, don’t think you can cook 20 cups of uncooked rice in this machine with that description. That’s the capacity of COOKED food. So you can cook up to 10 cups of rice in this amazing kitchen gadget.
3. Functions
The Instant Zest Plus has 9 programming functions as well as an option to manually adjust the time up and down. The programming options are:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Mixed grains
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Couscous
- Bulgur
- Oatmeal
- Risotto
On top of those functions, it also gives you the option to sauté, steam, slow cook, and keep warm .
4. Ease Of Use
If you’re used to cooking food with your Instant Pot, the manual presets will not be an issue for you.
They are totally intuitive and easy to use. Here’s how you cook with your Instant Pot rice maker :
If You’re Cooking Rice
- Add Rice
- Add Ghee or Butter
- Pour Some Water
- Add Salt
- Close Lid
- Select Your Preferred Preset
- Let Cook in your rice cooker
- Serve and Enjoy
If You’re Using The Slow Cook Function
- Add all ingredients .
- Select Slow Cook .
- Adjust Time and Slow Cook Setting to Preferred Option .
- Serve and Enjoy .
If You’re Using The Saute Function
- Select Saute.
- Allow to Heat Thoroughly.
- Add Ingredients.
- Cook Until Done.
- Select Cancel to End Cooking Time.
5. Ease Of Cleaning
With the Nonstick liner, this Instant Zest Plus is a breeze to clean. All you need to do is rinse the liner with some dish soap and water and it’s ready to use again .
If you’re used to popping the Instant Pot lid in the dishwasher to clean it, you won’t be able to do this with the Instant Zest Plus . You’ll need to wipe it down with a wet cloth before using your machine again.
6. Price
I absolutely couldn’t believe how affordable this Instant Zest Plus was. For as many functions as it has with such a large capacity, it is absolutely a bargain.
If you’re known to cook less than great rice or have a tendency to burn the bottom of your rice, this will without a doubt save you money.
There’s no waste as this Instant Zest Plus makes perfect rice every time.
Would I Buy This?
While this might be a FANTASTIC addition for some people, this Instant Zest Plus might not be the right kitchen gadget for everyone. Let me give you some quick pointers to help you decide if it’s right for you :
Buy This If
- You’re on a budget and want a new kitchen gadget.
- You love your Instant Zest rice maker but would like the sautee or slow cooker function.
- Aren’t ready to make a jump to a pressure cooker.
- You want perfect rice every time.
Pass On This If
- You already have a slow cooker and you like the Instant Pot rice setting.
- Limited with counter space.
- You love using your Instant Pot for making rice.
Instant Zest Plus Pros and Cons
I’ve only had the chance to use this rice cooker a few times, but in the time I’ve owned it, I haven’t used my Instant Pot to make rice a single time. So far, I’m loving this Instant Zest Plus . Here are a few things I love and dislike about it:
Pros
- Large capacity.
- Sautee function
- Slow cook function
- Perfect rice every time
- Affordable
Cons
- Larger footprint.
- Can’t put the lid in the dishwasher like you can with an Instant Pot.
- Cheap steamer rack.
Other Useful Gadget Reviews
- Instant Pod Coffee & Espresso Maker
- Misen Santoku Knife Review
- Instant Pot Ace Blender Review
- Instant Pot Mini Duo Review
- Chef’s Choice 615A Meat Slicer Review
- How To Use A Food Saver
- How To Choose An Instant Pot
- KitchenAid Nespresso Espresso Maker
- Instant Zest Rice Cooker
- Souper Cubes
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- Sous Vide Accessories
- Phillips Starfish Technology Air Fryer Review
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Instant Zest Plus Review | 20 Cup Instant Pot Rice Cooker + Video
Instant Pot Zest Plus 20 Cup, 5Litre Rice Cooker,Steamer, Slow Cooker,13 One Touch Programs, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
If you found this Instant Zest Plus review helpful, make sure to share it with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can decide if this is the perfect rice cooker or slow cooker solution for them too.
Originally Published August 27, 2020
