
Specifications
Amazon
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A compact refrigerator is ideal for smaller areas such as student dormitories, wet bars, apartments and condos and there’s none better than this stunning model by Danby. This stylish countertop unit serves up 1.7 cu. ft. (49 L) of refrigeration space and features a handy third-generation CanStor beverage dispenser. In addition, there’s plenty of room for tall bottles and the smart scratch-resistant work top is excellent for storing accessories. Your electricity bills will be kept in check since this unit is Energy-Star compliant and the automatic-defrost system keeps it running like a charm. This model also comes with a mechanical thermostat as well as 1.5 strong wire shelves which allow for maximum storage space - Available at Fridge.com.
The Internet’s Verdict
100%positive
4.8★ weighted·across 12 ratingsHow We Score It
Gathering the reviews
We continuously collect owner reviews and public discussions from major retailers and community forums, de-duplicate them, and set aside anything we can’t tie to a verified purchase.
Calculating the average
Averaged across every source we found (Amazon, AJ Madison, and other retailers). Each source counts in proportion to how many ratings it has, so a store with thousands of reviews moves the number more than one with only a handful.
✓ Updated regularly · No manufacturer input
What owners talk about most
“I had a cube refrigerator before for wine in my bedroom suite at home, but it was solid state and lasted only about a year, this one has a real compressor and works wonderful! The only thing that would make this better would be racks specific for wine and beer.”
Owners Answer
The questions shoppers ask, answered from real owner reviews and discussions across the web — not the manufacturer spec sheet. See the spec FAQ below for the official numbers.
Reviewers consistently praise the unit for being very quiet during operation. Multiple owners report that it runs infrequently and produces minimal noise when it does, making it suitable for bedrooms, offices, and other noise-sensitive spaces.
Yes. Owners report that the unit cools very well and keeps drinks and food cold reliably. One reviewer noted the cooling is so effective they had to adjust the thermostat down to prevent drinks from freezing.
This compact refrigerator measures 17.7 inches wide, 20.1 inches tall, and 20.1 inches deep, with a capacity of 1.7 cubic feet. Reviewers appreciate its small footprint, noting it fits well in tight spaces and is easy to position where it's not very noticeable.
Owners report the unit is very reliable with no manufacturing defects. One reviewer specifically noted it uses a real compressor (rather than solid-state cooling), which they found to be more durable than previous models they owned.
The unit comes with adjustable shelves that can be removed or rearranged to accommodate different items. One reviewer noted that while the default shelving works better for cans and beverages, shelves can be taken out to fit larger items like wine bottles.
Yes, owners have used it for wine storage. However, the thermostat may not reach warm enough temperatures for room-temperature red wine storage—it works better for chilled beverages. The default shelving is better suited for cans and bottles than wine bottles, though shelves can be removed for larger bottles.
Owners use this unit for a variety of purposes: keeping lunch and drinks cold, storing beverages in bedrooms or offices, keeping fishing bait in garages, and storing wine or beer. Its small size makes it ideal for dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, and other spaces where a full-size refrigerator isn't practical.
Fit & facts
Sources reviewed
Research done. Amazon has the best price today — $233.18
View DealSpecifications
Side-by-Side
How this compact stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec | ![]() Danby Designer 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator (DAR017A2BDD), Black Danby · DAR017A2BDD | ![]() Danby · DAR016B1BM | ![]() Icebox · IBCR17BLS | ![]() Avanti |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $233.18 | $171.99 | $152.99 | $195.03 |
| Capacity (cu ft) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Width | 17.68 | 18.69 | 17.5 | 18 |
| Height | 20.06 | 20.25 | 19.7 | 20.25 |
| Depth | 20.06 | 17.13 | 18.5 | 18.25 |
| Annual Energy Use (kWh) | — | 245 | 208 | — |
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| Where to buy | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
What Owners Say
10 ratings
Cute little fridge that is perfect for keeping your lunch or a little something cold.
I bought this fridge about 6 months ago. I wanted something small primarily for storing red wine that wasn't more expensive. It's not the best shelving for wine bottles; beer cans would fit better, but I don't buy too much wine at a time, and I took out some shelves.…
Very happy with my danby DAR017A2BDD. It is very reliable and doesn't run very often. It isn't a problem when it is running though, as it is very quiet.
I like my drinks really cold. This unit works so good, I need to turn it down a little so the drinks don't freeze. I would definitely buy another Danby.
I bought this refrigerator as a place to store fishing bait in my garage. In the time that I have owned it, I have experienced no problems, except for once when I allowed some items to come into contact with the coils, and the interior started icing up. This, however, is not a…
Convinced? Amazon has it for $233.18
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Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
Documentation
Official manufacturer documents for this model — owner's manuals, spec sheets, installation guides, and warranty terms.
Manufacturer documents archived by Fridge.com so links keep working when manufacturer URLs change.
More from Danby
Other models in the same family — useful for comparing capacity, finish, and feature mix.

Danby DCR032A2BSLDD Designer 3.2 cu. ft Compact refrigerators, Stainless Steel (Stainless Look)
$249

Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 4.4 Cu.Ft. Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator for Bedroom, Living Room, Bar, Dorm, Kitchen, Office, E-Star in Black

Danby Designer DAR026A1WDD-6 2.6 Cu.Ft. Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator for Bedroom, Office, bar, countertop, E-Star Rated in White
$234.46

Danby DAR044A6LDB 4.4 cu. ft. Retro Compact Fridge in Metallic Red 4.4 cu. ft. (124 L) capacity compact all refrigerator Featuring Danby’s patented design Energy Star compliant
$399.99

Danby DAR032B2SLM 3.2 cu. ft. Compact Fridge in Stainless Steel
$249

Danby DAR032B2BM 3.2 cu. ft. Compact Fridge in Black
$219.99
Brand Background
Danby is a family-owned Canadian appliance manufacturer headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, that has been producing refrigeration products since 1947. The company has carved out a distinct niche in the North American market by focusing primarily on compact and specialty refrigeration rather than competing directly with full-size kitchen appliance giants. Fridge.com currently tracks 75 Danby products, with the catalog heavily weighted toward space-saving solutions: 18 compact refrigerators, 14 chest freezers, 13 upright freezers, and 9 beverage centers represent the core of their offerings. The brand also maintains smaller selections of French door refrigerators, kegerators, and wine storage units. Among the most frequently monitored models in the Fridge.com database are the DBC117A1 beverage cooler and the DCF050A6WM chest freezer, reflecting consumer interest in Danby's specialty categories. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars across captured reviews, Danby positions itself as a value-tier option for shoppers seeking secondary refrigeration, dorm room solutions, garage freezers, or dedicated beverage storage without the premium pricing of larger appliance brands.
Before You Buy