Danby Compact Refrigerator
- Compact Refrigerator
- 1.7 cu ft
- 1.7 cu ft
- Steel
- Better rated than 70%
- More reviewed than 84%
A compact, quiet all-fridge that's well suited to one person's drinks and lunch storage, though the mechanical dial takes some adjusting to dial in a stable temperature.
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How it ranks among the 86 compact refrigerators we track
4.4★ across 673 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
673 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 86 compact refrigerators we track - how the scorecard works · full compact refrigerators data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 15, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
Danby's DAR017A2BDD is a countertop-height compact refrigerator with no freezer compartment, sized for a dorm room, small office or bar cart. It uses R600a refrigerant and Energy Star-rated components to run on minimal power.
The listing title lists 1.8 cu ft but Danby's own spec sheet and product description both say 1.7 cu ft (49 L), so treat that as the real capacity. There's no freezer here at all, which is the point for anyone who just wants cold drinks and doesn't want ice buildup to manage. The mechanical thermostat means temperature is set by feel rather than a digital readout, so expect some trial and error the first week.
- 1.7 cu ft (49 L) capacity
- R600a refrigerant, Energy Star rated
- CanStor beverage dispensing system
- Scratch-resistant countertop-style top
Who it's for
Works for a single person's office, a dorm room, or a small apartment bar setup where the goal is chilled drinks, lunch items and a few condiments. Not suited to anyone needing a freezer compartment or fridge space for a full household's groceries.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Owners consistently note it's quiet enough to sit next to a desk without being distracting, and that it holds cold drinks and lunch items reliably even in warm rooms. The most common complaints are that the temperature control is mounted on the back of the unit instead of inside, and one buyer noted a power line spike when the compressor cycles off that caused a nearby monitor to flicker. A couple of reviewers also mention shelf space is tight once the unit is loaded up.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Quiet enough for a shared office or bedroom
- Automatic defrost, no manual ice scraping
- Reversible door hinge for tight spaces
- No freezer compartment at all
- Temperature control is mounted on the back panel
- Shelf space is tight once loaded
Specifications
| Brand | Danby |
|---|---|
| Model | DAR017A2BDD |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 42 pounds |
| Size | 1.7 cu ft |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 30 × 8 × 6 inches |
| Door Orientation | Reversible |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 1.7 cu ft |
| Refrigerator Net Capacity | 1.7 cu ft |
| Defrost System Type | Automatic |
| Adjustable Temperature Control | Yes |
| Cooling Method | Compressor |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Plug Type | Type A - 2 pin (North American) |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Door Material Type | Steel |
| Shelf Type | removable wire shelves |
| Number Of Shelves | 2 |
| Door Shelf Count | 2 |
| Color | Black |
| Finish Types | Glossy |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 1.5 years |
| Other details | |
| Compressor Type | rotary scroll |
| Lock Type | Electronic |
| Number of Doors | 1 |
| Number of Sections | 2 |
| Is Electric | Yes |
| Has Convertible Freezer | No |
| Is Customizable | No |
| Specification Met | Energy Star |
| Additional Features | Adjustable Shelves |
| BEE Star Rating | Yes |
| Configuration | Compact Freezerless |
| Refrigerant | R-600A |
| Form Factor | Stand Alone |
| Pattern | Solid |
Other Danby compact refrigerators
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in compact refrigerators.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danby Compact RefrigeratorThis product | 4.4 / 5 | 673 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Chefman - Iceman Mini Portable Black Personal Fridge Cools Or Heats and Provides Compact…Chefman | 4.2 / 5 | 16,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Iceman Mini Portable Board Personal FridgeIceman | 4.1 / 5 | 5,100 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Galanz GLR46TRDER Retro Compact Refrigerator with Freezer Mini Fridge with Dual DoorGalanz | 4.5 / 5 | 513 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Nostalgia RF6RRAQ Retro 6-Can Personal Cooling And Heating Mini Refrigerator With Display…Nostalgia | 4.2 / 5 | 2,200 | 4.2 / 5 |
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Questions about the Danby DAR017A2BDD
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Does the Danby DAR017A2BDD have a freezer?
No, it's an all-fridge design with no freezer compartment.
What is the actual capacity of the DAR017A2BDD?
Danby lists it at 1.7 cu ft (49 L); the listing title's 1.8 cu ft figure doesn't match Danby's own spec.
Which way does the door open?
The door hinge is reversible, so it can be set to open from either side depending on where the fridge sits.