Specifications
Technical Specs
From the manufacturer documents
Danby DAR017A2BDD diagrams from the manual
Extracted from the manufacturer documents archived for the Danby DAR017A2BDD: installation diagram. The same pages ship inside the documents linked above.
DanbyModel DAR017A2BDD
Danby Compact Refrigerator, 1.8 cu ft, Black DAR017A2BDD - 1 Each
Specs as Danby records them · How our numbers are made
Prices at 1 retailer
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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.
Price history
$48 below its 90-day average
23 readings · hover or use the arrow keys to read one
Below its 60-day median on 18 of the last 56 days tracked, typical dip 2%. 23 displayed prices since May 2026; prices shown only in a retailer’s cart are never guessed.
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More than 1.5 million consumers have used Fridge.com. Fridge.com pages have earned more than 100 million impressions. Fridge.com pages have earned more than 1.2 million AI citations. More than 25 major media outlets cite Fridge.com. These figures were stated by Fridge.com on 08/30/2026.
The Internet’s Verdict
Fridge.com analyzed 11 owner reviews and 6 video reviews of the Danby DAR017A2BDD.
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
- Overall noise level — mentioned in 3 reviews· 5.0★
- Reliability / longevity — mentioned in 3 reviews· 4.7★
- Compressor — mentioned in 2 reviews
“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.
How quiet is this refrigerator?Based on 3 owner mentions
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.
Does this fridge cool effectively and maintain cold temperatures?Based on 3 owner mentions
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.
What are the dimensions and how much space does it take up?Based on 2 owner mentions
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.
Is this unit reliable and how long does it last?Based on 3 owner mentions
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.
What is the shelf configuration like, and can it be adjusted for different items?Based on 2 owner mentions
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.
Can this fridge be used for wine storage?Based on 2 owner mentions
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.
What are common uses for this compact fridge?Based on 4 owner mentions
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
- 1.7 cu. ft. of usable storage — a compact footprint that fits tight kitchens, dorms, and offices.
- Measures 17.7″ W × 20.1″ H × 20.1″ D, so confirm your alcove and door swing before ordering.
- Currently listed at $242.55 based on the live offers above.
Research done. Amazon has the best price today — $242.55
View DealSpecifications
Technical Specs
From the manufacturer documents
Danby DAR017A2BDD diagrams from the manual
Extracted from the manufacturer documents archived for the Danby DAR017A2BDD: installation diagram. The same pages ship inside the documents linked above.
Side-by-Side
Quick Comparison
How this compact stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec | This product Danby Designer 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator (DAR017A2BDD), Black Danby · DAR017A2BDD | Alternative Danby · DAR016B1BM | Alternative Avanti | Alternative Avanti · RM4406W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $242.55 | $189.99 | $191.25 | $198.97 |
| Capacity (cu ft) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Width | 17.68 | 18.69 | 18 | — |
| Height | 20.06 | 20.25 | 20.25 | — |
| Depth | 20.06 | 17.13 | 18.25 | — |
| Annual Energy Use (kWh) | — | 245 | — | 228 |
| Top features |
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| — |
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| Where to buy | Get Deal | Get Deal | Get Deal | Get Deal |
What Owners Say
Customer Reviews
10 ratings
AJ Madison10 reviews · 4.7★ avg
- Great little Fridge
Cute little fridge that is perfect for keeping your lunch or a little something cold.
GoshMar 20, 2026 - Does the job I wanted
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. Surprisingly, I found the thermostat can be set fine for cold beer, but not warm enough for room-temperature red wine. So I put it on a timer and it's done the job I wanted. I've had no problems with sound because it's in my laundry room.
John R RJul 16, 2016 - Great fridge, no complaints
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.
Bryantdl7Dec 21, 2015 - Keeps drinks really cold
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.
EddieDec 12, 2015 - So far, so good!
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 manufacturing defect, but a user-controlled condition. I merely had to defrost the unit, re-arrange the contents so that they weren't touching the coils, and I have not had any further problems with icing.
venajoeDec 12, 2015 - Really great fridge
I had a small area and this fridge fit it just right. I had tried the compressor free kind they last for a little while. Went thru a couple, will not get that kind any more. Love the Danby, it is one of the top 10 fridge. Works great.
Kool KatDec 12, 2015 - Excellent! Quiet and keeps goods cold and fresh1
Great little refrigerator. Cool, quit and efficient with ample space. Miss it ...my daughter took it to college.... and she loves it. May have to get a new one!
jfxmDec 12, 2015 - Good liitle frig
Bought this for my office to replace an old mildewed clunker that took up twice the space. So far this unit has performed flawlessly. It's quiet and cools very well. Have absolutely no issues with it and would purchase again.
MarkieDec 11, 2015 - Best little cube refrigerator you could want.
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.
Jvandy3Dec 11, 2015 - Handy
This makes morning coffee so handy instead of going downstairs for my milk. I may be awake but just not ready to function at top speed. I really like having my few essentials in a close area. The size is easy to put in spot where it isn't so noticable.
PatticakeDec 11, 2015
Convinced? Amazon has it for $242.55
View DealWatch First
Product Videos
10Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
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Danby Designer 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator Review
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Danby Designer Mini Fridge Review | Compact & Affordable ...
Tutorial
Danby mini fridge - how to adjust the temperature
Documentation
Manuals & Guides
1Manuals, specifications, installation guides, and other documents available for this product.
Manufacturer documents archived by Fridge.com so links keep working when manufacturer URLs change.
Quoted from the owner's manual
From the Danby DAR017A2BDD Owner's Manual
What the owner's manual for the Danby DAR017A2BDD states about installation clearances, care and maintenance, and warranty terms — quoted word for word, never paraphrased.
Installation clearances
What installation clearances does the owner's manual specify for the Danby DAR017A2BDD?
“Allow 12.7 cm (5 inches) of space between the back, sides and top of the appliance and all adjacent walls.”
Care and maintenance
How does the owner's manual say to clean and maintain the Danby DAR017A2BDD?
“To clean the inside of the appliance, use a soft cloth and a solution of a tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of water or a mild soap solution or some mild detergent.”
“Clean the outside with a soft, damp cloth and some mild detergent.”
“It is important to keep the area clean where the door seals against the cabinet.”
“This appliance is equipped with an automatic defrost function and does not require manual defrosting.”
Warranty terms
What warranty terms does the owner's manual state for the Danby DAR017A2BDD?
“Plastic parts, are warranted for thirty (30) days only from purchase date, with no extensions provided.”
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Brand Background
About Danby
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.
- Founded
- 1947
- Brand rating (aggregate)
- 4.1/5 · 6,133 reviews
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Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Danby DAR017A2BDD fit my space — what are its dimensions?
How much can the Danby DAR017A2BDD hold?
Will the Danby DAR017A2BDD fit under a desk or counter?
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30-day price history
Deals use a 60-day price baseline; charts show 30 days of history.
60-day price baseline: $251.29 median from 9 recorded days. Deal eligibility requires further checks.
Price tracking started May 20, 2026. Latest recorded price — $251.79 on Oct 10, 2026. Fewer than two readings fall within this chart window, so there is no trend to draw yet.
Lowest recorded new-condition price across tracked retailer offers. Retailer coverage can change.