Danby DBC026A1BSSDB 95 Can Beverage Center Review

Danby, a brand with over 75 years of experience, have built a strong reputation for producing some excellent beverage fridges which have become a hit with consumers for their sharp style and performance.

Among them, the Danby DBC026A1BSSDB is an entry-level, freestanding model from their older line-up that was first released pre-2020. In this review, we’ll reveal if it can hold its own against more modern models or if you should look further afield.

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Key Features

• Holds up to 95 beverage cans
• Fan-forced cooling
• Stainless steel trim and glass door
• Three adjustable wire shelves
• Blue interior LED lighting

Design and Build Quality

The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB makes a good first impression with its sleek, modern look. It features a tempered glass door with a stainless steel trim, giving it a polished appearance that fits well in kitchens, lounges, or office spaces. The door has a side pocket handle built into the frame, which you can relocate to either the left or right when reversing the door.

At the back of the unit, the compressor is visibly exposed. This might seem limiting at first glance, but it’s standard for freestanding beverage coolers in this class. In fact, around 60% of entry-level models feature this rear design (based on both older and newer models currently in the market). However, more recent models tend to have flat-back or semi-recessed profiles.

Danby’s official website lists the exterior dimensions of the unit as 17.5 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep and 26.8 inches high.

The manufactures product image shows a slightly taller height measurement of 27 2/16 inches. This small difference likely includes slight protrusions such as the door frame or adjustable feet.

If you’re placing the cooler under a counter, we recommend to plan your measurements around the 27 2/16 inches height to ensure a snug fit.

Installation and Setup

Unboxing the Danby DBC026A1BSSDB is one easy task. The fridge arrives well-protected, with clear packaging that makes it easy to inspect for damage. Setup begins with removing protective film and internal packaging, which takes only a few minutes.

This beverage center is designed for freestanding use and needs proper ventilation. It requires five inches of clearance on the back, sides, and top to allow for airflow.

The reversible door can be switched at this stage if needed. The manual’s instructions for reversing the door are clear and detailed with pictures, which helps make the task easier.

Interior Layout and Lighting

The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB has 2.6 cubic feet (73 liters) of interior space, rated to hold up to 95 standard 12 oz (355 ml) beverage cans.

Inside, the unit includes three adjustable black wire shelves. Each one is coated in plastic to help prevent rust and reduce noise when placing or removing cans.

There are six shelf slots, which provides some layout flexibility. However, the fixed spacing between slots and uniform shelf sizes limit how much you can reconfigure the space. In most cases, fitting larger bottles or maximizing the 95-can capacity still requires removing one shelf entirely.

Lighting is provided by a set of ten blue LED lights mounted at the top of the interior ceiling. Compared to basic single-bulb lighting found in many competitors, this LED strip provides better coverage and casts an even glow across the interior.

Cooling Performance

With a temperature range of 43°F – 57°F, this Danby beverage cooler runs slightly warmer than the ideal cooling range for soda or beer, which is typically between 35°F and 40°F.

For reference, Coca-Cola recommends serving its drinks at 38°F for optimal taste. This means canned drinks from this fridge may taste a bit less crisp than expected, especially if you’re used to ice-cold soda straight from the refrigerator.

However, in everyday use, many owners report that it cools beverages sufficiently. One contributing factor is the fan-forced cooling system, which actively circulates air internally. This ensures even temperature distribution throughout, minimizing warm spots and helping all cans reach a uniform chill.

The thermostat’s lowest setting is 43°F, but the actual interior temperature may dip slightly below that in favorable room conditions, particularly when the unit isn’t fully stocked.

Noise Level

This model has a noise level of 42 dB, which is in the range of soft background noise. Its noise output is similar to a quiet conversation or a humming desktop fan.

Although this level falls within the average noise level for compact beverage fridges, it’s not ideal for noise-sensitive environments like bedrooms or home offices. The compressor noise may be noticeable in spaces where silence is preferred, especially during the night or in shared sleeping areas.

The fridge is quiet enough for everyday use, but most suited for placement in settings like kitchens, home bars or basements.

Energy Efficiency

The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB has an energy consumption of 175 kWh per year. It has an estimated energy cost of around $20 to $25 per year, depending on your local electricity rates.

This energy usage is slightly higher than average compared to beverage fridges of similar capacity, partly because it features an internal fan.

Compared to other models:

• Kalamera 96-can (2019) – ~201 kWh/year (fan-equipped)
• Electactic 95-can (2022) – ~170 kWh/year (no fan)
• NewAir 100-can (2021) – ~123 kWh/year (no fan)

Beverage refrigerators without a fan often consume less power, but they typically provide less consistent cooling. For those who want even temperature stability and to make use of the max capacity, its higher energy is a worthwhile tradeoff.

Controls and Usability

The temperature control dial is located externally at the back of the unit. This rear placement of the controls can be an inconvenience if you tend to change temperature settings often or if the fridge is placed against a wall.

The dial features a graduated blue scale: a darker, thicker band indicates cooler settings and a lighter, thinner band reflects warmer ones. This visual gradient helps guide adjustments, but the lack of numbered temperature markers may require some trial and error to find your ideal cooling level.

Interior lighting is controlled by a switch located inside on the ceiling. It turns the soft blue LED light on or off manually.

Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB takes a more traditional design approach but still has a lot to offer. It cools quickly, holds its temperature well and has enough space to store a mix of cans and bottles. The internal fan makes a noticeable difference in performance compared to budget models that lack one.

However, there are several drawbacks to keep in mind. It’s not the quietest or most energy-efficient option compared to more modern models. Also, its minimum temperature of 43°F may not satisfy those who want their drinks ice-cold. But its sleek design, impressive LED lighting, and decent cooling performance still make it a worthy contender for those in search of an affordable, entry-level model.

If you want colder temperatures below 43°F, alternatively you might want to consider the Danby DBC045L1SS. It has an 115 can capacity and a temperature range of 34–50°F.

Compare to Similar Beverages Fridges

If you’re considering the Danby DBC026A1BSSDB, it’s worth seeing how it compares with similar models. Below is a side-by-side look at three beverage fridges with a similar capacity but varying features.

Who It’s Best For

Danby DBC026A1BSSDB 95 Can Beverage Center

Great if you want solid cooling performance and nice interior lighting but don’t need precise temperature control or ice-cold beverages. Ideal for spaces in the home where looks matter too.

Kalamera 15″ Beverage Cooler

Best suited for those who want premium features. It’s designed for built-in or freestanding use. It has a modern stainless steel design and soft LED lighting, but its higher price point make it most suitable for built-in installations where aesthetics and finish are key.

Whynter BR-091WS Beverage Refrigerator

A strong pick for anyone in search of a mid-range beverage fridge with an internal air-cooled system and secure storage. It’s compact and stylish but has a higher energy usage than other models in our comparison.

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