Home » Kitchen » Best Danby Compact Fridges in 2022: Buying Guide

Best Danby Compact Fridges in 2023: Buying Guide

It’s time to pack up and move to your college dormitory. Your mom won’t prepare food for you every day now, but she’ll send a care package every once in a while. Keeping it in the shared fridge just means someone else is eating your mom’s spaghetti, and having a full-sized chill box is way over the top.

Sounds like you need a mini refrigerator to keep your food and beer cold. The problem is which mini-fridge is the best?

Danby Mini Fridge


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Introduction

Danby Products makes several refrigerator models for you to choose from. They are also one of the leading companies in the compact appliance category in the United States and Canada. For the dorm or the office, a mini-fridge can be a nice solution for keeping things convenient.

No longer will you have to risk sharing food with kleptomaniacs, as long as you have your own personal mini refrigerator secured in your personal space. Check out five top-scoring Danby mini refrigerators below.

Our Recommended Danby Compact Fridges in 2023

8) Danby DBC120BLS

Whether you’re a college student, office worker, or drink seller looking to keep 120 cans of soda or beer cold throughout the day, Danby’s 120-can Beverage Center is the perfect piece for you. Its 3.3-cubic feet capacity holds up to ten dozen cans, but you can absolutely place almost anything in there.

The three-shelf design is a classic for beverage centers, but the relaxing blue LED light makes the unit look so much more interesting than just a chill box.

This is perhaps one of the most popular and inexpensive beverage centers used by several businesses. The overall look and functionality are superior compared to similar products on the market, and it’s the perfect size for holding onto multiple drinks when entertaining guests.

This is a solid beverage center which can maintain a consistent temperature from top to bottom shelf throughout the day. The thermostat can be quite sensitive at times, but users will soon get the hang on tweaking the temperature depending on the contents.

The door is also well built and leaks no air when fully closed. For its price tag, this is a fantastic beverage center.

One common issue among customers is the spacing between the shelves’ wires. They are a little bit too wide so cans can tip over easily. Because of this, pulling cans out from the back can be a tedious task. Another problem is the motor noise which is much louder than other beverage centers.

This won’t be too much of a problem if you keep this unit in the garage, but the constant droning can be a major annoyance in a dorm room or living room.

Danby 120 Can Beverage Center, Stainless...
  • 3.3 cubic feet capacity beverage center (up to 120 cans)
  • Mechanical thermostat with temperature range of 43F - 57F

7) Danby DCR031B1BSLDD

This mini-fridge stands only 33.4-inches tall but comes with freezer and chiller compartments. The DCR031B1BSLDD compact refrigerator by Danby is perfect for placing in dorm rooms, offices, or your study.

Danby boasts the use of a cutting-edge thermostat for consistent cooling throughout the interior of each compartment. What’s best about this is that the thermostat actually works accurately!

This fridge is also built with spotless steel materials to keep smudgy fingerprints off. The materials used look very similar to high-quality stainless steel but without the extra cost and it’s much easier to clean. Not to mention the Energy Star-rating that makes this product relatively environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

This unit has a 3.1-cubic feet capacity shared between the freezer and fridge compartments. Though it’s much smaller than the other models we talked about, it’s still large enough to house whatever food students or bachelors have.

The interior of the door also comes with partitions for large bottles, smaller items, and a section for stacking up to six soda cans horizontally. The main cooling area if the fridge has two shelves and a vegetable crisper with a glass top.

One of the bad things about this mini-fridge is that the light bulbs are far too dim to sufficiently illuminate every portion of the fridge compartment. This isn’t a problem during the daytime but at nighttime, you’ll struggle to find your leftover casserole hiding in the depths of this fridge.

Another thing is the inferior design of the wire holders in the door compartments. The contents of the door’s interior tend to wiggle when the door is pulled open, and they often fall out of place.

Danby Designer DCR031B1BSLDD 3.1 Cu.Ft....
  • 3.1 cubic feet total capacity refrigerator | 0.87 cubic feet capacity freezer
  • Product dimensions – 18” W x 20” D x 33” H | Capacity – 3.1 cubic feet |...

6) Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO

The final Danby mini-fridge is the DAR044A6BSLDBO model with 4.4-cubic feet storage capacity. This unit stands 33.1-inches tall and weighs 68 lbs. It’s a relatively compact unit for taking with you to college or placing in your office.

What separates this compact refrigerator from the previous models discussed here is the use of castor wheels which allow for easy movement. You won’t need to strain your back taking this from indoor to outdoors, unless when lifting it from up and down flights of stairs.

The interior of this unit is a fancy black which works well with the silver door and black sides and top. The color of this model makes it fit naturally into virtually every setting with any color scheme. The reversible retro-style metallic door allows you to decide which hand opens the door, making this a friendly option for both left- and right-handed users.

In the inside of the box, we find a company-boasted, state-of-the-art thermostat; a bright LED light for lighting up the dark, black interior; two and a half tempered glass shelves, and a lock feature to prevent unwanted visitors from tampering with your food.

Once again, the thermostat and cooling system seem to work independently of each other. You can set the unit to the coolest setting but the fans will work unevenly and ineffectively. Some customers claim that this unit keeps cans of soda cold but not cold enough for property thirst-quenching on a hot day.

Another problem is the price tag; the features of this unit aren’t too unique and other brands with similar builds are only a fraction of the cost of this mini-fridge.

Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft. Outdoor Mini...
  • Outdoor-Rated Compact Mini Fridge: This Danby Contemporary Classic Outdoor Mini Fridge is...
  • 4.4 Cubic Feet (124 Liters) Capacity: The All refrigerator unit is roomy with 4.4 cu. ft....

5) Danby DAR017A3BSLDB-6

The DAR017A3BSLDB-6 is a mid-century stylized compact refrigerator with a modern, stainless-steel curved door design and a rubberized handle. It boasts 1.7 cubic feet of storage space, making it the ideal cooling solution for bedrooms, dorms, and offices. The Energy Star label should instill confidence that the DAR017A3BSLDB-6 will thoroughly keep your food and drinks cold throughout the day with minimal energy consumption.

Inside the DAR017A3BSLDB-6, you’ll find 1-1/2 tempered glass shelves to improve storage versatility. On top of the unit is a not-heated, scratchproof surface that you can use as additional storage space for typical office supplies. The CanStor beverage dispensing system on the inner panel of the stainless-steel door stores up to six cans and a 2-liter bottle of your favorite soft drink. The entire inner cavity of the DAR017A3BSLDB-6 is illuminated by super-bright, super-energy-efficient LEDs.

Maintaining the DAR017A3BSLDB-6 is simple thanks to the automatic defrosting system, which breaks chunks of ice that take form on the cooling vent. The 1.7-cubic-foot compartment is lined in a traditional white composite material to make stains more apparent. What’s more, you can switch the position of the door hinge based on whether you’re a righty or a lefty. The DAR017A3BSLDB-6 is a convenient, easy-to-maintain compact fridge that students and workers would truly enjoy.

Danby DAR017A3BSLDB-6 1.7 Cu.Ft. Mini Fridge,...
  • Compact Countertop Mini Fridge: This Danby Contemporary Classic Mini Fridge is the perfect...
  • 1.7 Cubic Feet (49 Liters) Capacity: The All refrigerator unit is small but mighty with...

4) Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6

The Danby Designer pushes the limits of what a compact fridge can be. This fridge has multiple storage shelves and compartments that collectively hold onto 4.4 cubic feet of items, making it the ideal shared fridge for dorm rooms or single bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find that the main storage compartment is divided into three sections by two tempered glass shelves with height-adjustable grooves. The Designer’s smooth back means you can place it flush against.

The inner-door compartment is built with the CanStor dispensing system, which holds onto six cans of your go-to beverage for quick and easy access. There’s also a larger section for wine or 2-liter soft drink bottles, as well as a bottom, horizontal section for smaller items. The entire interior is lined in a white composite material that helps users identify stains immediately after swinging the door open.

Speaking of which, the door has an integrated handle with reversible hinges, allowing you to swing the door open to the left or right. A mechanical thermostat can be found on the upper-most panel of the fridge’s main compartment to control temperatures from regular chilling to borderline freezing. Boasting an Energy Star label, electricity consumption is kept to a minimum, even on the highest cooling setting.

Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 4.4 Cu.Ft. Mini...
  • Compact Mini Fridge: This Danby Designer counter high mini fridge is the ideal mini fridge...
  • 4.4 Cubic Feet (124 Liters) Capacity: The All refrigerator unit is roomy with 4.4 cu. ft....

3) Danby DBC026A1BSSDB

The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB is what most might consider the ideal compact fridge for college students. It looks more like a beverage chiller at convenience stores, which is a definite eye-pleaser. This unit has a 2.6-cubic-foot storage compartment divided into up to three adjustable sections with the two black-wire shelves. According to Danby, you can fill the compact fridge with as many as 95 cans of your favorite drink without overstuffing the unit.

The mechanical thermostat found on the back of the internal cavity is easy to use. It adjusts cooling temperatures from between 43 and 57 degrees. The fan-powered cooling system distributes chilled air evenly throughout the 2.6-cubic-foot cavity, so your drinks on the upper-most shelves never freeze. Inside of the DBC026A1BSSDB is a blue LED light, that’s both energy-efficient and entrancing. The door has a transparent tempered glass front with stainless-steel trim to add stability and boost aesthetics.

With a 5-star Energy Star rating, it’s safe to say that this unit can provide optimal cooling while using very little energy. The compressor cycles once every 12 seconds, which can be annoying to some people, but it only generates a slight buzz at most. Any college student looking to impress their dormmates should consider picking up the DBC026A1BSSDB.

Danby DBC026A1BSSDB 95 Can Beverage Center,...
  • Beverage Cooler with Glass Door: This Danby Beverage Center is the ideal beverage fridge...
  • 2.6 Cubic Feet (73 Liters) Beverage Refrigerator: The unit is roomy and can hold up to 95...

2) Danby DCR031B1WDD

Danby pushes the boundaries of what constitutes a compact fridge even further with the DCR031B1WDD. It’s a 3.1-cubic-foot fridge that has two storage cabinets—a freezer and a chiller. The independent freezer cabinet measures 0.87 cubic feet, while, like any freezer-fridge combo, the majority of the storage space can be found below. The DCR031B1WDD is available in four color variants—white, stainless, stainless look, and, our favorite, black.

The chiller cabinet is divided into three, non-adjustable sections, including a vegetable crisper at the bottom. The inner panel of the swinging door has the go-to CanStor beverage storage system that stores up to six soft drink cans horizontally. Simply pull the bottommost can out of the CanStor rack to retrieve your drink. There’s also a larger compartment for wine or soft drink bottles, as well as a smaller compartment just above it for tinier items. The freezer component is straightforward. It’s small, and the inner compartment of the swinging door has a single rod to prevent items from spilling out.

The DCR031B1WDDis an Energy Star-compliant appliance that has a manual defrost function and a mechanical thermostat. A smooth back design allows you to push the compact fridge to sit flush against walls, and the reversible door hinge will let you maximize space efficiency based on the layout of your kitchen/bedroom/dorm room.

Danby Designer DCR031B1WDD 3.1 Cu.Ft. Compact...
  • 3.1 cubic feet total capacity refrigerator | 0.87 cubic feet capacity freezer
  • Product dimensions – 18” W x 20” D x 33” H | Capacity – 3.1 cubic feet |...

1) Danby DAR044A6MDB-6

The Danby DAR044A6MDB-6 is a 4.4-cubic-foot, single-compartment compact fridge. It measures 33 inches in height while taking only 20.75 x 21 inches of floors pace. As is typical of Danby’s lineup of compact fridges, this one is an Energy Star-compliant model that uses as little energy as possible while outputting maximum cooling efficiency. The DAR044A6MDB-6 comes in five color options, including a fancy red one.

Inside this compact fridge, you’ll find three height-adjustable sections separated by tempered glass shelves, as well as a vegetable crisper at the very bottom. The inner-door compartment is separated into multiple sections, including a CanStor beverage-storage system that holds onto eight soft drink cans, a large compartment for wine or soda bottles and several more cans, a medium-sized pocket, and a smaller cabinet for butter and other tiny items. The scratchproof worktop serves as an excellent makeshift work surface for storing basic office supplies.

Taking another look at the inside cabinet, you’ll also find a bright interior LED light and a mechanical thermostat. This unit is designed to automatically defrost at preprogrammed times to break ice chunks from the cooling fan’s grill. Moreover, there’s a handy door lock that’s opened using the included key to keep pesky roommates and coworkers out of your store-bought goods.

Danby DAR044A6MDB-6 4.4 Cu.Ft. Mini Fridge,...
  • Compact Mini Fridge: This Danby Contemporary Classic counter high mini fridge is the ideal...
  • 4.4 Cubic Feet (124 Liters) Capacity: The All refrigerator unit is roomy with 4.4 cu. ft....

Buying Guide

Danby Mini Fridge Sizes

Under-the-Counter Mini Fridges

The well-known sort of smaller than normal refrigerator is typically around 33 inches high, which implies it can fit effectively under a normal kitchen countertop. These are available in smaller and bigger sizes as well. The bigger models are more suitable for kitchens, studios as well as larger family rooms. The bigger models are typically 3 inches deeper and marginally wider than the more modest under-the-counter models. The smaller ones are a better fit for smaller kitchens, smaller family rooms as well as bedrooms.

The under-the-counter types can have one or more doors. One with two doors would normally have a freezer section which is generally large enough to hold a couple of medium frozen pizzas or perhaps some dinners that are boxed and frozen. The single door types would normally have a full length freezer which is usually large enough for a tray of ice and several bags of vegetables that are frozen. Some of these under-the-counter refrigerators may also have a crisper box for leafy foods, fruits and veggies, and others are large enough to fit a 1 gallon container in the door itself.

Medium-Sized Danby Mini Fridges

The medium-sized fridges are for the most part around 24 – 28 inches high, can fit under a table in the dining room, under a counter in the kitchen or under a desk in the office. Because of their size it makes them a great option for keeping drinks in a room, the living room or even a room where games are played.

These sorts of fridges as well as those that are cube-shaped, can’t cool down enough to effectively cool down food that is perishable or left-over food for a few days. Items such as food or sandwiches should be packaged well and placed on a different rack than fruit, and dairy products shouldn’t be put in the door of the fridge, as it is too warm.

Cube-Shaped Danby Mini Fridges and Smaller

The smaller types of fridges are by and large in the form of a cube and most regularly found in little apartments, however they can be found on top of a work area, on top of counters, or even within a cupboard. Normal measurements are around 17 to 19 inches – which is about the size of a bedside table – so they don’t really use a lot of room. Most of them have only one rack, however some also have two.

Fridges up to 1 cu.ft. will in general be small enough to be a portable type, and are called thermoelectric. These use very little room on a work area, and can take up to 12 soft drinks. They could also be used to store beauty care products or some medicines at home. Since they work both on AC 110V and DC 12V, they can be plugged into your vehicle’s power supply or be powered by a USB 2A power pack.

What To Look For In A Danby Mini Fridge

Size

You would first be interested in the size on the inside and outside of the refrigerator. Take good measurements to make sure that the fridge you pick will fit into the space you have. Also consider what you’ll be using it for. A few of the small ones are good only for beverages and snacks, while others are larger and can store bigger items.

Danby Mini Fridge
Danby Mini Fridge

Freezer Space

You’ll also need to consider if you need a freezing compartment in your refrigerator. Some of the models have a very small area that can only hold a few ice trays, while the bigger models with more doors have a bigger freezer compartment. To find the right one, you need to decide how you intend using your refrigerator.

Shelves

The more reasonably priced units normally have wire racks with a couple of rack openings to adapt the space for longer items. Glass racks are more expensive but are simpler to clean and put items on, but just be very careful. If you want to store bottles on their sides the wire racks are actually better. In the event that you need more room for jars than the door has, it would a good idea to have two racks that are adjustable.

Reversible Doors

Something that is frequently ignored, is whether the doors of the fridge is reversible. If so, you can decide to which way you would like the door to open. This might not appear to be important, however in restricted spaces it is really nice to have the option to change the direction in which the door opens.

Adjustable Legs

This feature allows you to adjust the lower the edges of the refrigerator to be level on floors that are uneven. It’s a very handy feature but you won’t find this on most of models.

Negative Aspects Of Danby Mini Refrigerators

Smaller refrigerators aren’t able to be as cold as the normal ones and they may make more noise. They are not that good for saving leftover- or fresh food for more than 3 – 4 days. Most of them aren’t so good at making ice either, and we wouldn’t advise keeping your frozen stuff there for longer than three or four days. Hence it would be advisable to rather use your food items, leftovers and other frozen items as soon as you can.

If you are considering purchasing a small refrigerator for your student quarters, first check the regulations of your school. They might have some limitations on the allowed capacity or the energy rating of an item like this. In the event that standard models aren’t allowed, you might have the option to use a smaller portable fridge.

Danby Compact Fridge Faq’S

Below are a couple of questions that individuals frequently pose.

How do you Defrost a Danby Mini Fridge?

Turn the thermostat to the minimum setting and unplug the fridge.

Take everything from the refrigerator, including from the freezer compartment.

Lift the front of the refrigerator and place towels underneath it on the floor to collect the water that might flow from it – and then leave the door open.

When everything has melted, wash the inside with water and soap, set the thermostat, plug in the fridge and switch it on.

How many Watts Does a Danby Mini Fridge Use?

Your refrigerator should have a yellow Energy Guide sticker somewhere which will give you the information regarding power consumption, but only if its Energy Star endorsed. Fridges with these Energy Star endorsements will be part of the top 25% models, and in some cases an E-Star rating is needed by schools and working environments.

For a small fridge to be certified for an Energy Star rating it should utilize less than 239.42 kilowatt-hours annually for the manual defrost models, or a maximum 318.4 kilowatt-hours annually for partial auto defrost models.

The normal running expense annually is $25, calculated on a basis of a national average of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, yet this could be different depending on where you are. A couple of things could assist in lessening your running expenses, like not placing the fridge close to or in a warm spot or where sun can get to it, opening the door frequently, defrosting it too regularly and also overloading it.

Conclusion

This concludes our review of the top-performing mini-fridges produced by Danby. At first glance, the refrigerators all appear extremely sleek and fancy. The black interior isn’t all that bad, either.

However, some of the cons might prevent many customers from committing to purchasing a device that promises cold temperatures but can’t quite deliver.

Danby makes various models with different interior space and design so you have many styles to choose from. Overall, they operate pretty well, but sometimes the motor noises can be too much to handle, especially at nighttime. Finally, the price of some of these products may not equally match the value you’re hoping to get from a compact mini-fridge.

Danby Fridge | Recommended



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Last Update: 2024-03-27 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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