I’ve spent the past seven years living in various New York City apartments, where small and cramped kitchens are a feature, not a bug. That’s what drew me to Dash’s appliances—I first saw people raving about the company’s small devices on TikTok, so I caved and bought the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. After that, I immediately expanded my collection, because these tiny appliances are easy to use, versatile, and budget-friendly. Dash sells many appliances, but which are worth the precious space on your countertop? I’ve tested quite a few, from a waffle maker to an egg cooker, and these are my favorites.
Updated April 2025: We’ve added the Mini Rice Cooker and the Tilt Head 3.5 Quart Stand Mixer.
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What Are Dash Appliances?
Dash makes compact kitchen appliances that are easy to use, clean, and store. These span various categories, including waffle makers, toasters, ovens, blenders, air fryers, cookware, and mixers. While anyone can use them, I think they’re especially great for dorms and small apartments, small budgets, and anyone striking it out on their own for the first time. These gadgets are essentially foolproof and come with recipe books if you’re really stuck.
Are Dash Appliances Durable?
In our testing so far, they hold up pretty well. They’re plastic appliances and may not feel like they’ll last a long time, but I’ve been using the Dash Mini Waffle Maker for three years, and it continues to perform well. Another WIRED reviewer has been using the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker for more than five years, and it’s still going. I’ve yet to run into any issues with other Dash appliances I’ve tested, even after months of heavy use.
Each appliance comes with a one-year warranty. Under the warranty, you’ll be able to exchange it for the same item if there’s a defect. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase, so hold on to that receipt. I recommend registering your Dash appliance, as this will automatically extend it to a two-year warranty.
How Do I Clean a Dash Appliance?
It depends on the appliance. The ones included in this buying guide come with parts that are dishwasher safe. I typically wipe down the nonremovable parts with a wet paper towel (like the griddle on the waffle maker and egg bite maker). But for tougher messes, I’ll scrub it with dish soap and a sponge.
Photograph: Dash Dash Mini Waffle Maker I first discovered the Dash Mini Waffle Maker after it went viral on TikTok years ago. Since then, I’ve bought another one to keep at my parents’ house. I use it to make traditional waffles, but I’ve also made cinnamon roll waffles, “chaffles” (a waffle made with shredded cheese and eggs), and protein waffles. It’s also great for making breakfast sandwiches and cheese quesadillas. All you have to do is mix your ingredients, pour them onto the griddle, shut the lid, and wait a few minutes as it cooks. It’s easy to store in my kitchen cabinet, and it’s so small that I can still find a spot to use it on a cluttered countertop. My only gripe is that it’s a bit tough to clean; I recommend using a dish brush for a thorough clean instead of a sponge. A little batter also goes a long way with this device—I’ve had instances where I’ve added too much and it overflowed (which makes it that much harder to clean).
A Waffle Maker
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Dash Rapid Egg Cooker WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says his wife has been using this mini rapid egg cooker for five years. As someone who loves eggs, she uses it to make soft-boiled eggs often. But you can also use it for hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or scrambled eggs. Rather than futzing around with a pot of boiling water, all you have to do is set it and forget it. When it’s ready, you’ll hear a chime play. It is plasticky (a common theme with Dash products), but it’s still in decent condition after all these years.
A Rapid Egg Cooker
