The key points

  • Assess sound from the places you use quietly.
  • A noise figure does not describe every operating event.
  • Check persistent unusual sounds with manufacturer support.

Map where sound will matter

Mark the fridge position and the places where people sit quietly. Think about early mornings, evenings and work calls, as well as a busy mealtime. A model that is unobtrusive during cooking may be more noticeable when the rest of the room is quiet.

Notice hard floors, surrounding cabinetry and the direct path to a desk or sofa. Electrolux explains that hard surfaces can make refrigerator sounds seem louder. Use that information to ask better questions about the room, rather than expecting a showroom impression to predict precisely what you will hear at home.

Compare the available specifications carefully

If a manufacturer publishes a noise figure, check the model and how the figure is described. Compare like information where possible. A single published level does not describe every click, ice-making event or change of fan speed, and a quiet room can make an intermittent sound noticeable.

Ask what the manual says about normal operation. Avoid treating the compressor's marketing name as a complete noise assessment. Your decision should combine the available data, the features you will use and the position of the fridge within the living space.

Know which sounds can be part of operation

Manufacturer guidance describes sounds such as humming from the compressor, air movement from fans, refrigerant gurgling and occasional clicking. Ice makers can add filling and ice-drop sounds. The pattern may change with cooling demand, so a brief quiet period is not the whole operating cycle.

If unwanted sound is a major concern, consider whether you actually need an ice maker. This is a feature choice, not a guarantee of silence. Record your priorities before shopping so a feature-rich model does not crowd out a simpler appliance that better suits your routine.

Include installation and follow-up

A stable installation, the specified clearances and correctly seated internal items all matter when checking unwanted rattles. Follow the model's levelling instructions. Persistent grinding, scraping or unusually loud sounds warrant manufacturer support rather than an assumption that every new noise is normal. Record when the sound occurs to make the discussion useful.

At Value House, compare the actual product's Brand New, Factory Second or Resealed condition, model information and warranty. Pickup is by appointment. Ask any model-specific noise questions before collection, especially when the fridge will sit close to your main quiet seating area.

Before you buy

  • Mark desks, sofas and quiet-use times.
  • Compare available model-specific noise information.
  • Review normal sounds and optional ice making.
  • Plan correct installation and retain support details.

Sources & further reading

Prepared with AI assistance using the manufacturer and Australian guidance linked below. Check the exact model’s documentation when planning a purchase or installation.