Quiet Fridge

[jeffg]

If there's a recent discussion on this topic directions would be appreciated. We searched and couldn't find one.

We're in the market for a new fridge, and due to the house layout we not only want but need one that's as close to dead quiet as possible. We've even looked into absorption as a possibility, but effective performance would require a new gas line.

No matter what brand or model we read about, about half the reviews claim it's quiet and the other half complain about the noise. Utterly useless because it's all anecdotal and relative. So if CR or anyone has done recent noise level charts we'd love to know who the winners actually were.

Home Depot and Best Buy seem to have the most fridge reviews. Here's a search of 14, if any of these will be substantially quieter than the others please let us know. Thanks very much for any info/help!

Jeff

PS We read in another thread that due to a Sears squabble with Whirlpool, most Kenmore appliances are now branded LG or Samsung. Does this apply to refrigerators too?

Stainless - Bottom Freezer Refrigerators - The Home Depot

Browse our online aisle of Stainless Bottom Freezer Refrigerators. Shop The Home Depot for all your Appliances and DIY needs.

www.homedepot.com

 

[davey7]

Vestfrost

My parents have a Vestfrost which is virtually silent, however it's quite expensive and probably too small for the average household.

You might try Abt's website - they have lots of info on their website, even if you don't buy from them.

 

[norgeway]

If you want a quiet one!

By one made in the 50s, they were all quiet then, now they all sound like a plane taking off.

 

[whirlcool]

We have a GE sxs that we bought back in 2011, it is perfectly quiet. The only noise that ever comes out of it is the muffled noise of the icemaker dropping a load of ice into the ice bucket.

When we were looking at refrigerators we noticed some people complained about noise too. Some people are more sensitive than others in that respect. We are perfectly happy with ours.

 

[vintagekitchen]

truly silent

The only truly silent fridge I know of ever existing were gas models, either an older servel, or a new model. Pricy, but silent. Available for natural gas or propane.

Here is a link to lehmans non electric, the link should take you directly to the page listing their gas refrigerators, several models and manufacturers available.

http://https//www.lehmans.com/c-181-gas-refrigerators-and-freezers.aspx

 

[frigilux]

Jeff-- I can check Consumer Reports for you.[this post was last edited: 1/16/2014-18:37]

 

[dustin92]

The new LG french door refrigerators are nearly dead silent, relatives bought the TOL model this summer and I have never heard it running. I have never been bothered by the sound of a refrigerator running, and neither of ours are quiet by any means-a early 90's Whirlpool upstairs, makes a loud clunk when it shuts off (it has done this since new, no sign of stopping anytime soon), and a Gibson from probably late 70's, that is pretty noisy in general, but I don't mind the sound.

 

[zipdang]

We have a Jenn-Air bottom-freezer refrigerator that was purchased in 2010 and is nearly silent when running. The only time it makes any noticeable sound is when the icemaker drops the cubes into the bin.

 

[frigilux]

Jeff--- According to CR, the quietest model from the ones in your link will be the LG, receiving a score of Very Good. Several other LGs rate an Excellent, so I'd wager the Very Good rating is a relatively high one. Whirlpool is the noisiest (most rated only Fair) overall. GE and Amana are middle-of-the-pack for noise (most receiving a Good).

 

[jeffg]

Thanks all. Very helpful as usual!

Eugene, can you tell us which LG models rated Excellent for noise in the CR review? Also, did any Whirlpool or Maytag models get the same rating? Thanks again.

 

[maytagbear]

Sound ratings must be relative---

My 2011 Whirlpool bottom freezer, based on an Amana design, is, to me, very quiet. Certainly quieter than the Magic Chef that was here previously.

The kitchen here is literally footsteps (maybe 6?) from the bedroom, and I am a very light sleeper....and when awake, I don't notice it at all, unless I am in front of it. Of course, I do not have the icemaker connected. I don't use that much ice.

Best of luck in deciding!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[jeffg]

Lawrence, the problem isn't us, it's that our pet bird room is (unavoidably) close to the kitchen. Loud and/or sudden noises especially at night cause them to panic, and our last fridge (included with a rented house) had a defrost cycle that sounded like someone was pounding on it with a sledgehammer. At least we think the defrost cycle was causing the noise, since the fridge had no icemaker. Anyway we nearly lost two birds because of it and we're trying to avoid further problems. We don't need or want an icemaker or external dispenser, that rules out about 90% of current models in the size range we're looking at (22-26 cu ft).

The other must-have feature is an ability to store an XL Round Table pizza box without issue. It's amazing the number of fridges that fail that test.

 

[arbilab]

Sounds like cockatiels, easily startled/panicked. A night light may help.

 

[frigilux]

Jeff-- No conventional bottom freezer (non French door) tested by CR had a noise rating of Excellent.

3-door French door models with no water dispenser on front that rated Excellent for noise:
Kenmore 7160 ($1700)
LG LFC25776 ($1650)
LG LFC25765 ($1800)
Kenmore Elite 7230 ($1920)

 

[davey7]

Frigidaire

I have a three year old Frigidaire which is fairly quiet, no loud start up noises, but you do hear the fan running and it's definitely audible, but comes on fairly quietly, if that helps at all.

 

[mrb627]

Noise

I recently replaced my Amana FD refrigerator with a GE. There is noticeably more noise coming from the GE. At least that is my impression. Perhaps I was just more comfortable with the Amana noises and paid no attention to them after a while.

Malcolm

I can understand the issue with your pets, though. I had an LG washer dryer pair that both squeaked and popped. Sending my dog into a barking fit. LG didn't care about the bearing noises and such. Told me to take a hike. Replaced them with something new and more stable. Never looked back!

Couldn't pay me to take an LG product today!

 

[jeffg]

Eugene: If we can abuse your generosity one more time, did any U.S.-made fridges get an excellent noise rating, regardless of door type?

Malcolm, we'd prefer any US brand over Korean, and I wish Kenmore was rebranded Whirlpool not LG.

Davey7: It does, thanks. Frigidaire is on our short list. BTW what's the verdict so far on that sodium vapor light replacement?

Thanks again to all.

 

[davey7]

New LED Lighting

Big, huge, dramatic, wonderful difference. Nobody (well, one or two, but only because I asked) has really said anything, but I'm waiting for complaints about the other side not being done yet. The light quality is good, like incandescent and very bright.

For a free fixture, we're really happy, even the building manager commented on it being a nice fixture. It has worked flawlessly so far, no problems with the extreme cold a couple of weeks ago - the exterior fixtures with Cfl's looked like they were going to choke their output was so low. I don't want to spend a lot on the driveway fixtures since we'll need to redo the insulation there with more substantial (R-40 probably) insulation, a proper drywall ceiling and put in downlights to really make it attractive.

I'll see if I can't get a photo of them in action.

 

[frigilux]

These refrigerators (rated Excellent for noise by CR) are produced by American companies and manufactured in the US. I did not include Kenmore, as most of their refrigerators are made by LG. Some may have water dispensers on the front. No Maytag or Whirlpool models received an Excellent rating.

 

Shop by model within all these brands. Many other models from GE and Frigidaire, for instance,  received only a Good noise rating.

 

I'll let you go to the manufacturer websites to determine the features/interior dimensions:

4-DOOR FRENCH DOOR BOTTOM FREEZER MODELS: 
GE Profile PGSS5RKZ ($2400) this model uses substantially more energy than most
GE Profile PGCS1RKZ ($2600) this model uses substantially more energy than most

 

3-DOOR FRENCH DOOR BOTTOM FREEZER MODELS:

Frigidaire Gallery FGHN2844 ($2000)

Frigidaire Gallery FGHN2899L ($1800)

Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2878 ($2300)

Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2844 ($2000)

Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2869 ($2100)

Frigidaire Professional FPHB2899 ($2500)

 

CONVENTIONAL BOTTOM FREEZE (non French Door models)

No tested models received a noise rating of Excellent

 

TOP FREEZER

No tested models received a noise rating of Excellent

 

SIDE-BY-SIDE

GE Profile PSDF5YGX ($3000)

 

[this post was last edited: 1/17/2014-18:24]