Danby DAR026A2 3 cu. ft. Compact
Quick verdict
The Danby DAR026A2 3 cu. ft. Compact is a 2.6 cu. ft. compact from Danby in the budget tier. At 253 kWh/year it draws roughly 43% more than the class median — expect a higher monthly operating cost. At about $200, it sits below the median price per cubic foot for this layout. Our reviewers rate it 3.7/5 — best for compact households.
Best for
- Apartments and dorms
- Offices and bars
Key specs
- Capacity
- 2.6 cu. ft.
- Dimensions
- 17.7" × 27.0" × 22.0"
- Annual energy
- 253 kWh/year
- Ice / Water
- No ice · No water
- Wi-Fi
- No
Our Review
The Danby DAR026A2 3 cu. ft. Compact is a 2.6 cu. ft. compact refrigerator from Danby, sitting in the sub-$1,000 range. With a 2.2 cu. ft. fresh-food compartment and 0.4 cu. ft. of freezer space, it's positioned for apartments and dorms.
What stands out
At this price, Danby delivers the headline specs (capacity, ice maker, ENERGY STAR rating where present) and skips the extras. If you need a working refrigerator and don't care about cabinet-flush styling or app integration, that's a fair trade.
Layout and capacity
Exterior dimensions are 17.7" W × 27.0" H × 22.0" D — check your opening, especially the depth with handles extended. Total useable capacity is 2.6 cu. ft., split 2.2 fresh / 0.4 freezer.
Bottom line
The Danby DAR026A2 3 cu. ft. Compact delivers the basics at one of the lowest prices in the category. If your goal is a working fridge with the right capacity, this gets the job done.
Full Specs
Capacity Total capacity | 2.6 cu. ft. |
|---|---|
| Fresh-food | 2.2 cu. ft. |
| Freezer | 0.4 cu. ft. |
Dimensions Width | 17.7" |
| Height | 27.0" |
| Depth | 22.0" |
| Depth (with handles) | 24.5" |
Energy ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Annual energy use | 253 kWh/year |
| Est. annual cost | $40 |
Features Ice maker | No |
| Water dispenser | No |
| Wi-Fi connected | No |
| Smart features | No |
| Door style | Single Door |
| Finishes available | Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, White, Black |
| Noise level | — |
Pros & Cons
+Pros
- ✓Compact footprint fits dorms, bars, and offices
- ✓ENERGY STAR certified for lower annual operating cost
- ✓Aggressive pricing makes it one of the cheapest ways into the category
–Cons
- ✕No built-in ice maker on this configuration
- ✕Trim and drawer hardware feel lighter than premium competitors
Rating Breakdown
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Current Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | See retailer | Shop at Home Depot |
| Best Buy | See retailer | Shop at Best Buy |
| Lowe's | See retailer | Shop at Lowe's |
Prices and availability vary by region. We may earn a commission on purchases at no cost to you — see our disclosure & methodology. Affiliate relationships do not influence ratings.
