The Best Dash Appliances to Save Countertop Space (and Money)
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Brenda-Stolyar.jpg)
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.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
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.
A 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 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 Popcorn Maker
I consider myself a cinephile. My favorite form of self-care is plopping myself on the couch after a long day and watching a movie. This experience is only complete with a nice bowl of popcorn, and Dash's popcorn maker makes it all that more exciting. I genuinely look forward to movie nights that much more knowing I'll be able to whip up a fresh bowl with different seasonings each time.
It comes with a measuring cup that doubles as a melting tray. Scoop the kernels in, add butter to the tray, press the button, and the popcorn will begin popping. Once it's done, you can drizzle the melted butter on top. I recommend buying these retro (and reusable) popcorn containers for an extra fun touch.
An Electric Kettle
I've tested tons of electric kettles over the past few years, but this is what I've chosen to keep on my countertop, mainly because it's pretty fuss-free and lightweight. I like the window, which lets you see how much water is in the kettle. My only complaint is speed, especially considering that Dash claims it features “rapid boil technology.” It takes about 10 minutes to boil 1.7 liters, which isn't terrible, but that's far from rapid compared to other kettles I've tested this size. Still, it's a nice choice if you're looking for a cheap electric kettle that's also cute.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Brenda-Stolyar.jpg)
An Egg Bite Maker
I'm obsessed with egg bites from Starbucks, but not enough to go out and buy them every day. Thanks to this handy-dandy gadget, I've now got egg bites at home! I use it when I'm in a pinch and don't have time to cook a proper breakfast but want to ensure I'm keeping up with my protein intake.
I've made egg bites with veggies, turkey bacon, and cheese. They cook sous vide-style too, which keeps the egg bites from getting too dry. All you have to do is pour water onto the griddle and then place the four silicone molds on top. The egg bites will be ready within a few minutes. Clean-up is easy too—I pop the silicone molds into the dishwasher and wipe the machine down with a paper towel.
An Air Fryer
I've always wanted an air fryer, but I knew deep down I wouldn't use it often. That is, until my dog's vet suggested I add a novel protein—tilapia—to her food, and I realized I needed an appliance that would allow me to cook the fish quickly every day. I went with this one from Dash because, at under $100, it's affordable. I didn't think I'd end up using it for myself, too. I've relied on it mainly to cook vegetables, but I also cook chicken, fish, and bacon.
With a 2.6-quart capacity, it's on the small side, so it's better for small portions—otherwise, you'll have to cook in batches. The touchscreen controls are responsive and easy to use, with the ability to set precise times and temperatures along with presets for Shake Reminder, Keep Warm, and one you can customize. The basket and removable nonstick base are dishwasher safe.
A Mini Rice Cooker
Every night, my dinners almost always consist of a protein with a side of rice. Rice pairs well with nearly everything—chicken, salmon, shrimp, you name it. But I'll usually reach for a microwavable packet because it's quicker (I know, sorry). I dread cooking rice on my stovetop because I feel like I have to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Yes, rice cookers have existed for an eternity, but Dash's Mini Rice Cooker has now become a staple in my kitchen (it's earned a permanent spot on my countertop).
The tiny appliance can cook up to two cups of rice. It comes with a measuring cup and a rice paddle so you don't scratch the surface. Add in the rice and water, and push the button. Once the rice is done, it will automatically switch to the keep -warm function to stop it from overcooking. I never have an issue with brown rice (it always comes out nice and fluffy), but I find that it tends to slightly overcook the bottom layer of Jasmine rice. Not a dealbreaker for an appliance under $20. I haven't used it for anything else, but Dash says it can make quinoa, pasta, stews, oatmeal, and soups. It comes with a recipe book for inspiration.
A Compact Stand Mixer
I'm currently in an Ina Garten era—cooking has been super therapeutic. When I bought the anniversary edition of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, I noticed a few recipes require a stand mixer. I love to bake, but I don't do it enough to justify investing in one. Instead, I've relied on a cheap hand mixer.
This one from Dash is a great, affordable one to start with. It comes with three attachments (a paddle, a dough hook, and a whisk), a stainless steel mixing bowl, a splash guard, and a tilt head that makes it easy to swap attachments or adjust the bowl in between mixing. The bowl and the attachments are dishwasher safe.
The built-in dial has 12 speeds to pick from. In addition to recipes from The Barefoot Contessa (including a delicious onion dip I whipped up for a Super Bowl party), I've also used it for chocolate chip cookie dough and cake batter, which it handled with ease. (I would advise against anything that might put a lot of strain on the motor.) The convenience of hands-free mixing alone is worth it, but it also opens up a world of recipes I couldn't tackle with a hand mixer. Maybe one day I'll finally invest in a fancy KitchenAid, but this one will suffice for now.
