Dash Clear View Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product Dash Clear View | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | Best for Most People | Best Bang for the Buck | Best for Toast and Long Slot | ||
Price | $70 List $49.99 at Amazon | $30 List $29.95 at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | $25 List $22.49 at Amazon | $70 List $34.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Mediocre toasting performance, with a somewhat-useful view window for observation | Overall this toaster brings to the table a strong performance, is compact, and budget-friendly | At the lower end of quality, but a budget-friendly option that works | An aesthetically interesting option but only provides an average level of performance | Impressive performance at a low prices makes this a compelling 4-slice model |
Rating Categories | Dash Clear View | Cuisinart CPT-122 | Black+Decker 2-Slic... | Bella 2 Slice Auto... | Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 |
Bread Toasting Quality (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (35%) | |||||
Bagel Toasting Quality (15%) | |||||
Frozen Food (15%) | |||||
Specs | Dash Clear View | Cuisinart CPT-122 | Black+Decker 2-Slic... | Bella 2 Slice Auto... | Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 |
Functions | Bagel Defrost Reheat Cancel |
Bagel Defrost Reheat Cancel |
Bagel Frozen Cancel |
Bagel Frozen Cancel Gluten Free Reheat |
Defrost Reheat Cancel |
Measured Slot Dimensions | 10.4 x 4" | 5.4 x 4.25" | 5.4 x 4.75" | 5 x 4.25" | 9.8 x 4" |
Measured Dimensions | 15.7" x 6.6" x 7.8" | 6.5" x 11" x 7.2" | 7.3" x 12" x 8" | 9.8" x 5.8 x 7" | 14.7" x 7.1" x 7.7" |
Measured Weight | 4.6 lbs | 2.6 Ibs | 2.6 Ibs | 2.1 lbs | 4.3 lbs |
Measured External Surface Temperature During Toasting | 112 F | 84.9 F | 101.2 F | 86.5 F | 96.8 F |
Measured Product Footprint | 103.6 | 71.5 | 87.6 | 56.8 | 104.4 |
Measured Watts | 1135 W | 935 W | 885 W | 865 W | 1339 W |
End of Cycle Indicator | None | None | None | None | None |
Exterior Housing Material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
Color/Finish Options | Seafoam, Black, Red, Gray, Cream, White | White, Red, Black | Black | Aqua, Black, Blue, Red, Sage, White | Black Plastic/Stainless |
Standard/Long Slot | Long | Standard | Standard | Standard | Long |
Available with Long Slot? | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Available in 4 slot? | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Model Number | DVTS501 | CPT-122 | T2569B | BOB137 | ECT-3100 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Bread Toasting Quality
Our first test metric evaluated how well the Dash Clear View prepared toast on three available settings, low heat, medium heat, and high heat. Unfortunately, its performance overall was less than impressive, as it could not reliably and consistently produce the same results with the same settings in repeated tests.
The Clear View occasionally did a lovely job of browning an enjoyable slice of toast. Strangely, it couldn't provide the same results from an entire loaf of bread on the same exact heat settings. This held true across all of our heat settings, and it became apparent that the only consistent thing about this toaster is that no toast will be the same each time you use the device.
Ease of Use
The Dash Clear View is an average toaster when it comes to ease of use. A clear window, hence the name 'Clear View', lets you see the state of what you are toasting, although just because you can see the object you are toasting, this does not mean it's going to excel at toasting. However, it is removable, making occasional cleanings very easy.
An oversized lever to start toasting is easy to use but is large enough that it's almost comically large. A surprisingly narrow crumb tray is located inconveniently on the back side of the toaster but is relatively simple to remove and empty.
The operation of the toaster is quite simple. Three push buttons for Defrost, Reheat, and Bagel, illuminate when selected. A dial with seven heat settings controls browning, and there is a 'Cancel' button in the center of it.
Less convenient is the location of the buttons and lever. The lever is on the right side of the toaster, with the dial buttons on the front to the right of the viewing window, whereas many of the simpler toasters we've tested have all of their buttons and levers on a single side.
Bagel Toasting Quality
Our third test metric evaluated each toaster's ability to toast bagels, and the Dash Clear View did a below-average job compared to the performance of its peers.
On the bagel setting, our bagels came out under-toasted with no golden crispiness and no soft center. While the bagels were warm, they were not visibly toasted. Increasing the heat settings on the dial made little difference. Bagels still came out with no golden crispiness, and while the texture changed from soft to toasted, it lacked any toasted color.
Frozen Food/Defrosting Quality
Across our frozen foods metric, the Dash didn't do much better than it did across other test metrics. Surprisingly, it did an exceptional job in our frozen bread tests.
Unfortunately, its success was limited to frozen bread, as it produced waffles that were unevenly cooked from one side of the slice to the other, and strudel that was consistently undercooked and unevenly heated.
Should You Buy the Dash Clear View?
Our team could not in good faith recommend the Dash Clear View over other toasters we tested based on its underwhelming all-around performance. We've tested a lot of models, including cheaper and easier-to-use toasters that offer much better performance.
What Other Toaster Should You Consider?
The Dash Clear View did not perform as well as many other models tested, including the Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B and the Cuisinart CPT-122. Both are more affordable and offer greater all-around performance, making them much better choices.