The Danby DAR017A2BDD is one of the better-reviewed small compact fridges in this category, earning 4.4 stars across 673 reviews. At 1.7 cu ft with automatic defrost and a reversible door, it punches above its weight in convenience relative to its $241.76 price.
Dorm rooms, home offices, bedside use, or anyone who wants a reliable 1.7 cu ft compressor fridge with automatic defrost and reversible door without spending over $300.
Skip if
You need more than a couple of cubic feet of storage, or you want an ENERGY STAR certified unit.
Capacity 1.7 cu ft
Configuration Stand Alone
Installation Freestanding
Doors 1
Defrost Automatic
Cooling Compressor
Priced 17% below the category median ($289.69 across 86 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.7 cu ft - smaller than 80% of the 86 models we track
Pros
4.4-star average across 673 reviews, one of the highest in this segment
Automatic defrost removes the need for periodic manual ice clearing
Compressor cooling holds temperature reliably across ambient conditions
Reversible door hinge allows flexible left or right-hand opening
Cons
Only 1.7 cu ft limits storage to personal-use quantities
Two shelves leave limited interior organization options
Glossy black finish picks up fingerprints visibly
No ENERGY STAR rating noted in available specs
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 673 owner ratings
Value for money2.0/5
$142 per cubic foot, above the category median
Popularity4.2/5
673 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space1.1/5
1.7 cu ft, compact for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other refrigerators and freezers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Danby DAR017A2BDD is a 1.7 cu ft freestanding compact refrigerator with compressor cooling, automatic defrost, and two interior shelves. At 42 lb it is manageable for one person to move into position, and the reversible door hinge makes it adaptable to left or right-hand placement. The black glossy finish is a neutral match for most spaces.
Automatic defrost at this size and price point is a genuine advantage. Many competing mini fridges in the $150 to $250 range require manual defrosting, which means turning the unit off and letting ice melt periodically. Danby handles that automatically here, which reduces maintenance effort significantly.
With 673 reviews at 4.4 stars, this model has one of the strongest feedback records in the compact refrigerator space. Buyers consistently report satisfaction with cooling performance and build quality. At $241.76 it sits at a fair price for what it delivers, particularly given the automatic defrost feature and compressor reliability.
Specifications
Capacity
1.7 cu ft
Configuration
Stand Alone
Installation
Freestanding
Doors
1
Defrost
Automatic
Cooling
Compressor
Shelves
2
Temp control
Yes
Door
Reversible
Color
Black
Finish
Glossy
Dimensions
30 X 8 X 6 In
Weight
42.0 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
Compressor-based cooling ensures stable interior temperatures even when the fridge sits in a warmer room. Automatic defrost cycles handle ice buildup without user intervention, keeping cooling efficiency consistent over time. At 42 lb, the unit is solid enough to feel well built without being difficult to place.
What buyers say
A 4.4-star rating across 673 reviews is unusually strong for a compact refrigerator at this price. Buyers frequently cite reliable cooling, quiet operation, and ease of setup. The most common complaint is that 1.7 cu ft fills up quickly for anyone storing more than personal snacks and drinks.
How much can you realistically fit in a 1.7 cu ft compact fridge?
A 1.7 cu ft fridge holds roughly 6 to 12 cans of soda, a few bottles of water, and a modest amount of snacks or leftovers. It is a personal-use size, not a shared household fridge.
Is the Danby DAR017A2BDD quiet enough for a bedroom?
Compressor fridges produce a low hum during cooling cycles. Most users find the sound level acceptable in a bedroom, particularly when the room has ambient noise from fans or HVAC. Individual sensitivity varies.
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