Best Danby Mini Fridges

TL;DR: The Danby DAR032B2SLM offers a 3.2 cu ft ENERGY STAR‑rated mini fridge with automatic frost‑free cooling, a stainless‑steel look, and three glass shelves, all for $229.99.

This model packs a 3.2 cu ft (90‑91 L) refrigeration volume inside a compact footprint of 444.50 mm depth, 474.73 mm width, and 865.12 mm height. An automatic/frost‑free defrost system and a modest 110 W power draw at 115 V (1.3 A) keep energy use low while maintaining consistent cooling.

At $229.99 it sits at the higher end of the price range compared with its Danby peers, and its 45.19 lb weight is similar to one sibling but lighter than a few larger models in the lineup. Its interior dimensions—360.43 mm depth, 390.65 mm width, and 741.43 mm height—provide a roomy layout that feels larger than the tighter cabins of some competitors, while the reversible hinge and integrated handle add flexibility that not all rivals share.

Buyers have given it a perfect 5.0‑star rating across two reviews, highlighting the ENERGY STAR certification as a clear benefit for reducing electricity bills. Professional reviewers note that the three glass shelves (two full‑width, one half‑width) help organize drinks and snacks, and the manufacturer lists the 16 g R600a refrigerant as a modern, low‑impact choice.

Best for: Home and office users seeking a balance of features and value

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $229.99

TL;DR: The Danby DAR033A6BDB offers a 3.3 cu ft ENERGY STAR‑rated fridge with a CanStor dispenser, reversible door hinge, and a solid 4.5‑star rating, though it’s on the heavier side and lacks a freezer compartment.

At 3.3 cu ft (93 L) of capacity, this model packs more storage than many mini‑fridges in the same class, while staying compact at 449 mm wide, 519 mm deep, and 840 mm tall. It runs on R600a refrigerant (24 g) and draws 115 V, meeting ENERGY STAR requirements for low power use. The mechanical thermostat, automatic defrost, and two‑and‑a‑half tempered glass shelves give you reliable temperature control, and the built‑in CanStor beverage system lets you dispense cans and bottles without opening the door.

Compared with its Danby peers, the DAR033A6BDB is heavier than the DAR032B2SLM (45.19 lb) and DAR032B2BM (45.19 lb) but lighter than the Designer Mini (58.67 lb). Its 519 mm depth exceeds the 444.5 mm depth of the two 32‑inch models, yet it’s a touch shallower than the Designer Mini’s 534.9 mm. Height‑wise it sits at 840 mm, just under the 865.12 mm of the DAR032B2SLM and almost equal to the 844.6 mm of the DAR032B2BM. Interior dimensions (378 mm depth, 745 mm height, 390 mm width) match the DAR017A2BDD’s depth and are deeper than the 355.6 mm interior depth of the DAR032B2BM, giving you a roomier interior despite a narrower 390 mm width versus the Designer Mini’s 455.7 mm.

Reviewers consistently praise the fridge’s sleek matte‑black retro look and the convenience of the CanStor dispenser, noting that it fits nicely in dorm rooms or small offices. Reviewers note a recurring complaint about the inconsistent weight listing—some retailers show 57 lb while the spec sheet lists 50.11 lb—so you’ll want to verify the actual shipping weight before ordering. The unit lacks a freezer compartment, which limits it to fresh foods and drinks only.

Best for: Individuals or small households that need a well‑reviewed, ENERGY STAR‑rated fridge with a built‑in beverage dispenser.

Avoid if: You need frozen food storage, want a lighter unit for easy moving, or have extremely limited floor space.

TL;DR: The Danby Designer Mini offers a spacious 4.4 cu ft, ENERGY STAR‑rated interior with a CanStor beverage dispenser, but its premium $359 price and 58.67 lb weight make it a higher‑end choice.

This model’s standout spec is its 4.4 cu ft (124 L) capacity, which sits in a countertop‑high footprint of 20.69 in W × 21.06 in D × 33.13 in H, giving you room for groceries, drinks and a few frozen items without dominating a small space. The built‑in CanStor® beverage dispensing system and interior lighting add convenience for office break rooms or dorm kitchens.

Compared with the five other Danby minis in this roundup, the Designer Mini is the heaviest at 58.67 lb, out‑weighing the 42.0 lb DAR017A2BDD, the 50.11 lb DAR033A6BDB, the 45.19 lb DAR032B2SLM, the 45.19 lb DAR032B2BM and the 29.98 lb DAR016B1BM‑6. It also carries a larger capacity than the 1.6 cu ft DAR016B1BM‑6, positioning it as the most spacious option among its peers.

Reviewers consistently praise the ENERGY STAR® certification, noting the modest 268 kWh/year energy draw helps keep utility bills down. The mechanical thermostat and automatic frost‑free defrost are reliable and low‑maintenance. Users also like the scratch‑resistant worktop and reversible door hinge, which make placement flexible in tight rooms. On the downside, the specs label the 42 dB noise level “high,” and several comments say the unit feels “bulky” and “heavy” to move, especially since the shipping weight reaches 70.55 lb.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: At $179.99, the Danby Designer DAR016B1BM-6 offers a compact 1.6 cu ft, ENERGY STAR‑rated mini fridge with a sleek black finish, mechanical thermostat, and automatic defrost, ideal for tight spaces.

The fridge packs a 1.6 cu ft (45‑46 L) capacity into a footprint of 17.13" W × 18.69" D × 20.25" H, and it weighs just 29.98 lb (13.60 kg); it's easy to place on a countertop or in a dorm nook. Its R600a refrigerant lists 12 g, and the unit carries ENERGY STAR certification, which helps keep electricity costs down.

Compared with other Danby mini fridges, this model weighs less than the Danby DAR032B2BM (45.19 lb) and the Danby DAR033A6BDB (50.11 lb), and its external dimensions are smaller than those larger siblings. Priced at $179.99, it sits below the typical $220‑$230 price point of its peers, giving budget‑focused shoppers a clear advantage.

Reviewers appreciate how the smooth black finish and integrated door handle blend into small rooms, and the reversible door hinge adds placement flexibility. The automatic defrost system and single full‑width wire shelf keep maintenance simple, though users note the single shelf limits organization. The mechanical thermostat provides reliable temperature control, while the lack of a freezer compartment keeps the unit focused on fresh drinks and snacks.

Best for: Individuals or couples who need a small, energy‑efficient fridge for drinks and snacks in tight living spaces.

Avoid if: You require larger storage volume, a freezer section, or advanced digital temperature controls.

TL;DR: The Danby Designer DAR017A2BDD offers a sleek black 1.7 cu ft, ENERGY STAR‑rated mini fridge with 42 dB quiet operation, but its $240.18 price places it at the premium end of the lineup.

This unit packs a 1.7 cu ft (48‑49 L) capacity into a compact footprint of 510 mm depth, 519 mm height and 449 mm width, weighing 42.0 pounds. A mechanical thermostat controls temperature, while an integrated door handle and reversible hinge add flexibility for tight spaces. The CanStor beverage dispenser and two removable wire shelves give you dedicated bottle storage and easy organization. At 42 dB noise level and 221 kWh/year energy use, it meets ENERGY STAR standards for quiet, low‑power operation.

Compared with the other five Danby mini fridges, the DAR017A2BDD sits in the middle of the weight range—lighter than the 50.11‑pound DAR033A6BDB but heavier than the 29.98‑pound DAR016B1BM‑6. Its interior depth of 378 mm and height of 414 mm are shallower than those of the taller DAR032B2SLM (interior height 741.43 mm) and DAR032B2BM (interior height 743 mm), which makes it better suited for countertop placement rather than full‑height cabinets. The Designer Mini is bulkier at 58.67 pounds and larger dimensions, while the DAR032B2SLM and DAR032B2BM share similar weights around 45 pounds but offer deeper interiors. In short, the DAR017A2BDD balances a modest footprint with a solid build, positioning it as a premium‑styled option among its peers.

Professional reviewers note the modern black finish and integrated handle as standout aesthetic touches for dorm rooms or office corners. Reviewers praise the CanStor dispenser for convenient beverage access, and they highlight ENERGY STAR certification for reducing electricity bills. On the downside, users mention the 1.7 cu ft volume may feel cramped for families, and the mechanical thermostat can be less precise than digital controls. We found no consumer reviews, so everyday sentiment remains unverified.

Technical details include a refrigerant charge of 20 g, 115 V operating voltage and 90 W power draw. The power cord measures 129 mm, and the unit features automatic defrost, ADA compliance, and a scratch‑resistant worktop. With a warranty of 18 months parts and labor, the fridge aims to deliver reliable performance for compact living spaces.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $240.18

TL;DR: The Danby DAR032B2BM delivers a 3.2 cu ft ENERGY STAR‑rated fridge in a compact 18.69‑inch width, but a single low user rating and modest capacity make it best for tight spaces rather than large households.

At 3.2 cu ft (90 L) of storage, this black mini fridge packs a respectable amount of space into a footprint of 18.69 in W × 17.50 in D × 33.25 in H. It’s ENERGY STAR compliant, features automatic defrost, a reversible door hinge, and an integrated door handle and shelving system with two full‑width glass shelves plus a half‑width shelf.

Compared with the other five Danby models, the DAR032B2BM is lighter than the Designer Mini (58.67 lb) but heavier than the Designer DAR016B1BM‑6 (29.98 lb). Its depth of 444.5 mm is shallower than the DAR033A6BDB’s 519 mm, while its interior height of 743 mm is just under the DAR033A6BDB’s 745 mm. Capacity-wise, it doubles the 1.6 cu ft offered by the DAR016B1BM‑6 and exceeds the space of the smaller‑capacity peers.

A single 1.0‑star review dominates customer sentiment, calling out the limited capacity and the lack of a freezer compartment. Professional reviewers highlight the unit’s ENERGY STAR efficiency and the convenience of its glass shelving, but the low rating signals potential reliability concerns for buyers who prioritize long‑term satisfaction.

Technical details include a refrigerant charge of 16 g of R600a, a modest 1.3 A draw, and a mechanical thermostat that keeps operation simple. The smooth back design helps the fridge sit flush against a wall, and the reversible hinge lets you swing the door left or right to suit your layout.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns