A cube fridge and a counter-height all-refrigerator should not be judged as smaller and larger versions of the same layout. One prioritizes a low cabinet with a small internal freezer area; the other devotes a taller interior to chilled storage. Start by deciding what must be stored and how you will reach it.
The quick decision
Which would we choose?
The cube saves cabinet height. The all-refrigerator offers more dedicated chilled volume. Neither wins on space unless it holds the items you need without compromising ventilation or door access.
These are editorial selections from the models compared, based on manufacturer documentation. We have not hands-on tested them or measured performance, reliability, or noise. Confirm the exact model, installation instructions, seller, availability, and returns before purchase. “Best” refers to the use cases within this shortlist, rather than a market-wide ranking. Research checked October 18, 2026.
Compare the models at a glance
Product dimensions exclude operating clearances. Dimensions are in inches; W = width, D = depth, H = height, L = length. Unlabeled brand dimensions are kept in their published order.
| Model | Size | Format | Best fit | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W | 17.5 W × 18.5 D × 19.7 H in | 1.7 cu. ft. | a short, narrow fridge body | Search Amazon |
| Danby DAR044A4BDD | 20.71 W × 20.87 D × 32.8 H in | 4.4 cu. ft.; all-refrigerator | more fresh-food storage | Search Amazon |
Retailer links open a new tab. Search links are labeled “Search Amazon”; match the full model number. Check current price, availability, seller, and returns on the retailer page.
The shortlist
What each choice gives you
Best for a short, narrow fridge body
BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W
17.5 W × 18.5 D × 19.7 H in · 1.7 cu. ft.
A cube-format fridge is a practical shortlist option for drinks and modest overflow storage. The low body is useful when height is limited, and the reversible door can help accommodate the approach from one side of a room.
The internal freezer compartment should not be treated as equivalent to a separate freezer. Shelving, bottle shapes, door swing, manual defrost, and required ventilation all reduce the simplicity of the exterior measurements.
Best for more fresh-food storage
Danby DAR044A4BDD
20.71 W × 20.87 D × 32.8 H in · 4.4 cu. ft.; all-refrigerator
This taller format devotes its interior to chilled storage rather than a freezer compartment. It is a stronger fit for someone who wants everyday lunch ingredients, drinks, and leftovers together and already has another way to store frozen food.
It is substantially taller and wider than the cube option and has no freezer. Do not assume its counter height makes it a built-in model; follow the model's ventilation requirements and keep its air path clear.
The cabinet difference you will notice
The BCRK17W is much shorter, which can preserve visual space in a small room. The Danby uses more vertical space and a wider body to provide a larger chilled interior. That can be a better use of a permanent floor position if drinks and food routinely outgrow a cube fridge. Measure both the cabinet and the room's remaining walking path.
The freezer tradeoff
The Danby in this comparison has no freezer. That makes its interior easier to dedicate to chilled items, but it is the wrong choice if your only fridge must also handle frozen groceries. The BLACK+DECKER includes a small internal freezer compartment; check its manual for the intended use instead of treating that compartment as a substitute for a separate freezer.
Access can outweigh a small footprint
A low fridge can mean bending frequently, while a taller model may place more items within convenient reach. Also check whether a nearby wall prevents the door from opening far enough to move shelves. These are room-specific tradeoffs, not performance scores. Try the opening motion and the route from the kitchen before declaring the smallest cabinet the best fit.
Choose by the storage job
For a few drinks and lunches near a workspace, the cube is the more economical use of cabinet height. For a dedicated collection of chilled groceries, the taller all-refrigerator is more relevant. If your needs include substantial frozen food, use these as a starting comparison and research a separate-freezer format instead of forcing either layout into that role.
Before you choose
Common questions
Is counter height the same as built in?
No. A freestanding fridge needs its documented airflow and installation space even when its height is close to a counter.
Does the Danby DAR044A4BDD have a freezer?
No. It is an all-refrigerator model, so plan frozen storage separately.
Sources and how we chose
We compared the exact models below using their brand specifications and setup information. Recommendations reflect our interpretation of those documents for small-space use. They do not represent hands-on testing, customer ratings, or a measured performance ranking.
- BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W: manufacturer specifications and support
- Danby DAR044A4BDD: manufacturer specifications and support
We omit live prices because offers change. No star ratings or review scores have been assigned. Read our full methodology.
Make the shortlist fit your room.
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