10 Best Quiet Refrigerators

Refrigerators have come a long way since they were first manufactured in the early 1900s. Nowadays, thanks to technology, there are smart fridges fitted with an array of extra features. You will find fridges with a touch screen, a digital display, and even a water dispenser among other cool features. However, one of the greatest concerns for many people is the constant humming of the fridge. The noise can for sure be irritating especially if you have a small child in the house.

Luckily, there are very quiet refrigerators model in the market that keep the humming at a minimum. Sound is measured in decibels and the case is no different for refrigerators. Read on to understand the factors that you should consider while buying a quiet refrigerator. We have also highlighted the top 10 quiet refrigerators in the market.

Below is a detailed review of the top 10 quiet refrigerators in the market.

What Makes A Refrigerators Quiet?

It is important to understand that there are generally six types of refrigerators currently available in the market. Each type of fridge has a different noise level. Refrigerators which have freezers at the bottom and those that have the side by side design are quiet than their counterparts.

The compressor is one of the main culprits when it comes to fridge noises. If the fan is not well built or is not properly fitted, then the fridge will make some unnecessary noises.

As earlier stated, Refrigerators with a decibel rating of less than 40 is considered to be quiet. Some fridges do have two compressors. One for the fridge and the other one for the freezer, if by chance either of them overheats or is not well fixed, they will make a lot of noise.

Key Considerations When Shopping For a Quiet Refrigerators

Just like with any other purchase, there are some considerations that you should make before settling on a fridge. It is important to make the right choice because a fridge is also a considerable investment.

Size

Size is one of the factors that you should keep in mind when shopping for a fridge.

Consider how many people the fridge is going to serve. If you have a large family or you are planning to have one, it is more prudent to go for a larger fridge provided you have enough room.

Also, consider the foodstuff that you will be stored in the refrigerator. If you will be storing large packs, a small refrigerator might not serve you right.

Look

Another factor to consider when going for a fridge is its aesthetic appeal. There are so very many fridge designs in the market that you will be spoilt for choice.

However, it is better to go for a fridge that will complement the décor of your kitchen or living room depending on where you want to place the refrigerator. You can also buy one which stands out from the décor of the rest of the room.

The choice is really yours to make.

Noise Level

Another very important factor to consider when shopping for a fridge is the noise level.

As earlier stated, the noise level of a refrigerator is measured in decibels. Any refrigerators with a decibel level of below 40 is considered to be quiet.

It is important to note though that the noise level might be higher than the one advertised by the manufacturer. However, the difference is not that significant so there is nothing to worry about provided the fridge does not have a mechanical issue.

Layout

There are three major refrigerator layouts in the market. These are:

• Fridges with freezers at the top
• Fridges with freezers at the bottom
• Double door fridges

The names are pretty self-explanatory. Top freezer fridges have the freezer at the top and the fridge section at the bottom. Usually, with this type of fridge, the freezer is small as compared to the fridge.

With the bottom freezer fridge, the freezer is at the bottom while the fridge is at the top. As with the type where the freezer is at the top, the freezer section on this model is smaller compared to the fridge section.

The two-door fridge has two doors that open outwards. On one side of this model is the fridge while the other side is the freezer. The fridge and freezer sections on this model sit side by side.

Other refrigerator layouts include:

• French door refrigerator
• Counter-depth refrigerator
• Mini refrigerator

The top freezer refrigerator is the most popular model. However, if you need to store a lot of stuff in the deep freezer, then you should go for the side by side fridge.

Energy Star

Energy star is also another important consideration when going for a fridge. A refrigerator with an energy star is more economical in that it uses less power. Additionally, fridges with an energy star are more environmentally friendly.

Smart Features

Thanks to technology, it is now possible to have a quiet smart refrigerators. Some of the smart features include a fridge that keeps a list of the grocery that you might need. The fridge shows you what is inside without opening the doors among other smart features.

How We Picked Quiet Refrigerators

Our team of experts came up with the best quiet refrigerators after conducting thorough research. They considered the fridges which offer the best value for money, the ones which are most economical in terms of space and also energy consumption.

Additionally, the experts also selected long-lasting fridges. However, should they need repair; the fridges on this list are easily repairable. The selection process was thorough testing and also from a lot of research as well as customer reviews. We also checked reviews on sites such as Abt, Property Depot, and Absolute Best Buy.

Therefore, you can be confident that the quiet refrigerators that make it on our list are the absolute best.

The good news is that you have as many as ten options from which you can choose the fridge which will fulfill your expectations perfectly.

Top 10 Best Quiet Refrigerators

1. LG Diamond Collection 24 CU.FT Ultra-capacity 3 Door Refrigerator

The first fridge on our review is the LG LFXC24726D: LG Diamond Collection 24 CU.FT Ultra-capacity 3 Door French Door Refrigerator. The fridge is exemplary quiet with amazing French door design and also comes with a lot of cool features. It has hidden hinges, countered doors, and also has an ice maker which is slim for convenience’s sake.

The LG fridge is also very stylish and will for sure add décor to your kitchen or in any other room that you place the refrigerator. When it comes to storage, the fridge will serve you well since it has a large fridge compartment that measures 27.9 cubic feet. This large storage space makes it very efficient especially if you need to store a lot of groceries.

To make the storage easier, the LG fridge has very strong tempered glass shelves. It also comes with cans where you can store milk or any other beverage of your choosing.

The LG Diamond Collection 24 CU.FT Ultra-capacity 3 Door French Door Refrigerator is not only stylish but is also very quiet which means that it will not cause any disruptions with constant humming. Additionally, when you buy the fridge you get a parts-and-labor warranty for one year and a 10-year warranty on the compressor service.

You can either get the dark stainless steel model or the shiny stainless steel model.

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Pros

• Has a very large storage facility
• It is very quiet
• It is energy efficient
• It is stylish
• Has a long term compressor service warranty

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Cons

• The fridge breaks down faster compared to other models in the same price range

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2. COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator

The second fridge on our list is the COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator. There are several features that have led this fridge to be on our list.  The refrigerator is not only extremely quiet but also has a very powerful performance which makes it ideal for your home use. It keeps your groceries evenly cool.  You also don’t have to worry about your frozen food since the freezer works perfectly. Additionally, the fridge is also very quiet and offers reliable use over a long time.

To keep your fruit and vegetables fresh, the fridge has a crisper drawer which makes it easier to store your groceries. The design of the drawers makes it very easy to arrange food which means that you can store more food.

When it comes to measurements, the fridge has a 2.2 cubic feet fridge compartment.  The freezer measures 1 cubic feet which is enough room to store your frozen food. To avoid any hassle when storing your groceries in the freezer or the fridge, the Cost way Compact Refrigerator has large doors that open outwards.

It is also possible to remove the grass shelves if you want to store taller things.  The ability to remove the shelves also makes it very easy to clean the fridge.

The freezer compartment has an ice tray which makes it very easy to make ice cubes that you can use to cool your drinks.

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Pros

• Has large doors both on the fridge and the freezer
• Comes with a removable shelves
• It is easy to clean and store tall groceries
• Very quiet

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Cons

• The fridge part freezes

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3. Haier 16.0 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Stainless Steel

The third fridge on our list is the Haier 16.0 cubit fridge. One of the greatest characteristics of the fridge is that it has the coveted energy star. This means that it is not only energy convenient but is also environment friendly.

Additionally, the fridge is also very efficient in cooling stuff fast since it has a quick cool and quick freeze feature. To make sure that you can store your groceries without much fuss, the fridge comes with glass shelves which you can adjust to accommodate more groceries. The fridge also has drawers that have humidity control capabilities.

The freezer of the Haier comes with 4 bins and 2 shelves to enable you to store your frozen foods without much difficulty. The fridge has an aesthetic appeal and is very quiet.

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Pros

• Very quiet
• Will complement the décor of any room
• Has ample storage space
• Comes with adjustable glass shelves

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Cons

• It is a medium size fridge therefore not suitable to store large quantities of groceries

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4. Samsung RF34H9960S4 Chef Collection 

The Samsung RF34H9960S4 Chef Collection is a large fridge which bridges the gap between the “normal” and high-class fridges. It measures 36 by 36 feet and is 6 feet tall which makes it one of the largest fridges in our review. One of the advantages of these huge dimensions is that you have a lot of storage space.

The Samsung Chef Collection has a total storage capacity of 34.3 cubic feet. The fridge compartment measures 19 cubic feet while the freezer has 15.3 cubic feet of storage capacity. It is also possible to convert some of the freezer space to a fridge by just clicking a few adjustments.

The controls are inside the fridge which means you have to open the fridge doors if you are to change any settings. However, all the important information is displayed on LED numbers on the door of the fridge. Note that the LEDs disappear when not in use.

The fridge has a whole set of features which makes it very versatile. What’s more, it has a unique style that will add décor to any room. It is made of stainless steel which not only makes the fridge easy to clean but also very durable.

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Pros

• It has a large storage space
• It has electronic controls which makes it easy to set the right temperature
• It is very durable
• Compliments the décor of your kitchen
• It is very versatile

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Cons

• It is very big thus not suitable for small kitchens
• It is pretty expensive

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5. Midea 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator

The fifth fridge on our review is the Midea 3.1 cubic feet compact refrigerator. Talk of quietness, this device has won it. It is extremely quiet and conducive to the house. More to that, it is made of stainless steel which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes it very durable and easy to clean.

To make sure that your food stays cold and fresh, the refrigerator has a temperature range of 32 to 50 Fahrenheit. On the other hand, the freezer has a temperature range of -11.2 Fahrenheit to 5 Fahrenheit which means that your food will remain frozen.

Another feature that sets the fridge apart is that you can set the direction to which the doors open. This feature makes the fridge very versatile as you can adjust the direction of the door opening according to the layout of your kitchen.

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Pros

• Very compact which means it does not occupy much space
• Has a wide temperature range to keep your food fresh
• You can set the direction to which the doors open
• Adds décor to your kitchen

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Cons

• Does not have a lot of storage space

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6. RCA RFR320-B-Black-COM RFR321 Mini Refrigerator

RCA RFR320-B mini fridge has taken silence to another level. It is conducive and comes with a handful of features that makes the model exceptional in proper food storage. For instance, the fridge has a freezer to modify the internal environment necessary for food storage.

With respect to space economization, the mini-fridge is reasonably flexible and fit in many spaces in your house. The model comes with the following dimensions and operational parameters:17-1/2” W x 18.5/8” D x 31.5/8” H | 84 L – 3.2 Cu. Ft. inner space | Product weight: 50.7 lbs.

Freezer Capacity: 0.2 Cu. Ft. | Refrigerant type: R134a, 1.77 Oz/50g Therefore, it is possible to use it in your bedroom, study rooms, offices, and dorms. Additionally, the mini-fridge has an adjustable thermostat and level feet to increase its versatility.

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Pros

• Reasonably noise-free
• Durable
• Energy efficient
• Capitalizes on the available space
• Has high value for money

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Cons

• Incidences of operational failures
• Prone to scratches
• Low storage spaces

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7. BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door

The inclusion of the Black-Decker BCRK32V mini fridge in this list is not surprising since the model is all that you need when you need less noise or vibration around your kitchen. It is also suitable for proper food storage with considerations of space and cost-effectiveness. The model has suitable features that complement your storage needs.

The mini-fridge has the following notable features: adjustable thermostat control and level feet, reverse doors, 3-full width door shelves, full-width freezer compartment with ice cube tray, easily adjustable glass shelves, and space-saving flat back design.

In terms of price and related services, the mini-fridge is reasonably affordable and comes with a 1-year warranty on parts and a 2-year warranty on compressors.

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Pros

• Noise-free
• Suitable design
• Highly energy efficient
• Reasonably affordable
• Economizes on the available space

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Cons

• Prone to operational failures
• Space constraints when storing large quantities of food

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8. AICOOK Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.6 Cu.Ft

The model is simple and space convenient. Therefore, it is easy to compare it with other peer mini fridge models. To start with, AICOOK mini fridge has 6 adjustable thermostat controls, energy star single reverse doors. Secondly, it has a freezer for effective control of the internal environment.

With respect to noise, the model is super quiet. Therefore, it is efficient for bedrooms, dorms, offices, and garages. Other notable features of the model include adjustable legs, proper technologies for energy conservation. Additionally, its compact size measures 18.70*17.71*18.89 in, 1.6 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized to keep your favorite fruit juices and beverage cans.

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Pros

• Typically noise-free
• High energy efficient
• Maximizes on the available spaces
• High value for money
• Highly versatile

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Cons

• Faces space constraints like other mini fridges
• Prone to scratches

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9. Danby Compact Refrigerator for Bedroom, Living Room, Bar, Dorm, Kitchen, Office

The Danby model is one of the most standouts when it comes to producing less noise. It is also an efficient mini fridge model that would easily complement your food storage purposes. Thanks to its suitable features, the mini-fridge is instrumental in capitalizing on the available spaces while saving on energy consumption.

In aspects of design and specifications, Danby CU.ft DAR044A4wDD-6 mini fridge comes with a wide array of features that include: automatic defrost, reversible doors, integrated door handle, scratch-resistant enhancements, mechanical thermostat, vegetable covers, and can dispensers.

With respect to energy efficiency, the model is an E.star compliant-an aspect that renders it suitable for various levels of food storage. Therefore, when you purchase this mini fridge model, you enjoy the prospect of low energy consumption.

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Pros

• Typically noise-free
• Highly efficient with respect to energy consumption
• Compatible and fit in the available spaces
• Highly stylish
• Reasonably versatile

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Cons

• Not suitable when storing large food quantities
• Sometimes prone to operational failures

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10. BLACK+DECKER BCRK25V Compact Refrigerator

Notably, this list would be meaningless without the inclusion of the BLACK+DECKER BCRK25V Compact Refrigerator. The model is also exemplary quiet and suitable in enhancing your food storage endeavors due to exceptional features that include: adjustable thermostat control and leveling legs that increase versatility, 2 full glass shelves, and a reversible door.

In terms of dimensions, the model comprises of 2 full-width door shelves that have the potential to accommodate 2 liters and tall bottles. Additionally, the model has a Full-Width Freezer Compartment with Ice Cube Tray and dispenser storage for five 12 ounce cans, alongside a manual defrost feature.

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Pros

• Highly energy efficient
• Proper design that capitalizes on spaces
• Reasonably affordable
• Resistant to scratches

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Cons

• Poses space challenges when storing large quantities of food
• Incidences of poor performance and functional failures

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Alternative Ways to make your current fridge quieter?

There are several ways in which you can make your fridge quieter. They include:

• Using soundproof foam : Using soundproof foam is very effective in absorbing noise caused by the compressor. One pack of soundproof foam is enough to absorb the noise. All you need to do is cover the compressor unit. You can also use acoustic panels for the same purpose.
• Cleaning the evaporator fans and condenser : When the condenser and evaporation fans are dirty, the fridge is bound to make more noise. The fans might have evaporated water and other debris which hinders them from functioning well thus increasing the noise of the machine.
• Place it in a sound blocking cabinet or a cubicle : Another way of reducing the noise is by placing the fridge in a sound blocking cabinet or cubicle. Make a dent on your wall and place soundproof material in the dent. After this, place your fridge in the dent, the soundproof material will absorb most of the noise.
• Buy a quieter fridge : The last option is replacing your existing fridge with a quieter one which does not make as much noise.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my fridge freezer is noisy?

As earlier stated, noise levels of fridges are measured in decibels; the higher the decibel level, the noisier the fridge.  The range for refrigerator noise is between 32 to 47 decibels. If your fridge has a noise level of below 40, then it is considered to be quiet.

However, you might have the fridge make more noise than expected in some instances. If you leave the door open or if the weather is very warm, then the compressor needs to work more which might lead to increased noise levels.

In the same manner, if you do not have a lot of stuff in the fridge, it might be quieter since it does not have to work as hard.

What parts of a refrigerator causes noise?

There are several parts that might lead to your fridge becoming loud. One of the natural sounds that a fridge will make is that of the compressor as it circulates the coolant around the device. The compressor is one of the most essential parts of a fridge.

The question might be, why do most compressors make more noise than usual? This is because of the low energy rating on your fridge. This means that it will have to work harder to keep your foodstuff cold or frozen.

Other noises that the fridge might make are those of ice or water maker. Most fridges have an alarm that alerts you, if you leave the door open for an extended time or when the fridge becomes too hot. The fridge might also creak from time to time.

When Should You Call a Refrigerator Repairman?

There are several instances that might force you to call a repairman. You should call a technician if you have connected your fridge well but it is not working.

• If it makes unfamiliar noises : Another reason to call the repairman is when the fridge starts to make unnatural noises such as knocks, screeching, and bangs. Some of these noises are as a result of the fridge malfunctioning.
• Large leakages : Another instance that might cause you to call a repairman is when the fridge has a large leakage. The leakage might be a result of clogged drainage pipes. The repairman is better equipped to deal with the situation.

How long should a refrigerator last?

The refrigerator is supposed to have a life span of 17 years. It is important to note that the refrigerator usually outlasts the compressor which has a life span of 14 years.

How long does a compressor last?

Ideally, the compressor should have a life span of 14 years. This is a shorter lifespan than that of the fridge which lasts for 17 years.

Where is That Sound Coming From?

It is not uncommon to buy quiet refrigerators and then after a while, it starts making some unwanted noises. In most cases, the cause of the increased noise is the compressor which is usually found at the bottom of the fridge.

Once the compressor starts to get old and worn out, it stops functioning at its optimum and thus produces more noise.
If the fridge is vibrating, most likely it’s not placed on level ground. It is simple to rectify this situation by adjusting the leveling screws.

You might also hear a dripping noise. This noise is caused by the oils or refrigerant as it moves around the compressor. You might also hear a hissing sound which is mostly caused by leaking refrigerant. The ice maker feature might cause a buzzing noise. The solution to this problem is to turn off the ice maker function.

Can a noisy fridge cause fire?

A noisy refrigerator itself cannot cause fire. However, it is important to understand what is making the fridge to become noisy. If it is an electronic problem, then it is possible for the fridge to start a fire.

Recap

Fridges are very important to home appliances. They prevent food from going bad. There are six main types of fridges in the market. However, there are numerous models, and choosing one from the other might be a mammoth task. There are some factors that you should put into consideration before settling down for a fridge. You should consider the size, look, noise level among other similar factors.

We have highlighted the top 10 best quiet refrigerators to make your purchasing decision much easier.