i know what your saying about mixed reviews.
some love them, some are neutral and some think theyre pointless.
as for me, im more of a benchpress kinda guy ... but i still like dumbell press.
You need an alternative exercise for your chest and dumbells are great for this.
they cause stabilizer muscles in your chest to work, thus stimulating more muscle fibres. You cannot do as much weight as benchpress with them,
but they still work. I love them... just like i love many other exercises.
Dont be afraid to do them, try them ... see what you think for yourself.
cya