Focus on the appliance noise that genuinely disrupts your day-to-day life: the spin cycle of a washing machine, a dishwasher running in an open-plan kitchen, or a fridge near somewhere you relax. Compare the noise level and noise class of appliances in the same category, then check capacity, installation requirements and energy use. A decibel figure alone cannot tell you about vibrations or how a sound will seem in your home.
If the spin cycle interrupts your work or rest, focus your comparison on washing machines. Check the noise level and noise class of the model you’re interested in, as well as its capacity, depth and installation instructions: the stated noise level won’t solve a problem with where it can go.
If the dishwasher is running during a meal, a call or an evening in the same room, its noise becomes an important factor in your choice. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this for open-plan kitchens; you should also consider the installation type, washing and drying performance, and energy use.
A fridge-freezer near a desk or bedroom may be audible at different times of day. Its stated noise level can help you shortlist comparable appliances, but UFC-Que Choisir points out that this figure doesn’t sum up the sound’s frequency, vibrations or type.
Start with the time when the noise bothers you, then compare labels within the relevant appliance category. ADEME presents noise level and noise class as criteria for comparing the appliances covered; they don’t remove the need to check how and where you’ll use your chosen model.
| What’s bothering you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-cycle noise | Compare the noise level and noise class of similar washing machines; also check capacity and depth. | If I work or relax near the machine, the spin cycle is the part I want to avoid having to put up with; around 40% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Dishwasher cycle | Compare the noise information for similar dishwashers, then confirm the installation type and dimensions. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to run a cycle without it drowning out conversation in the living room. This is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fridge-freezer noise | Compare the noise level and noise class of similar refrigeration appliances, as well as capacity and installation space. | When the fridge is near my desk or bedroom, I’m concerned about the sounds it makes throughout the day; around 30% of consumers prioritise this. |
Two fridges with the same stated noise level may sound different. UFC-Que Choisir says that frequency, vibrations and the type of noise also matter; a dishwasher’s figure doesn’t describe every condition in which it will be used either.
Use the noise level and noise class to shortlist models in the same category, then check their instructions, installation requirements and any independent test results available.
A built-in or fully integrated model may be suitable in terms of noise but still not fit the space provided in your kitchen units.
Measure the available space and confirm the installation type and dimensions required for the exact model.
A mismatch may mean modifying the kitchen unit and make installation more complicated.
An appliance with a low noise figure on its label won’t necessarily meet your needs for capacity, volume, programmes or energy use.
First, work out the dimensions and capacity you need. Then compare noise, energy use and, where relevant, water consumption or the programmes you’ll use.
Worth considering for a washing machine if spin-cycle noise is your main concern.
Worth considering for a dishwasher in an open-plan kitchen, depending on the installation type you need.
Worth considering for a fridge-freezer if capacity and fitting into your kitchen matter as much as noise.
These models are relevant if you have a dishwasher in an open-plan kitchen or a fridge-freezer near your living space. For each one, compare the model information with your available space and the way you’ll use it when noise becomes a problem.
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If your fitted kitchen is close to the living room, check the noise level on the model’s label and make sure it fits the housing before choosing this built-in format.
Stated capacity of 252 L, No Frost technology and energy class C.
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If you run the dishwasher while people are using the living room, compare the model’s noise information and check that its built-in installation is right for your kitchen.
Stated width of 60 cm and capacity of 13 place settings.
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If you’re placing a refrigeration appliance near a living space, compare its stated noise level with those of similar fridge-freezers and check the space available.
Stated capacity of 444 L, Total No Frost technology, stated noise level of 40 dB and energy class E.
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If you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for a kitchen near the living room, check that the height and position are suitable before comparing its stated noise level.
Stated capacity of 174 L, height of 150 cm, Low Frost technology, stated noise level of 39 dB and energy class E.
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If storing fresh and frozen food matters as much as noise near the living room, check the stated capacities and the dimensions needed for installation.
Stated capacity of 253 L, comprising 182 L of fridge space and 71 L of freezer space; No Frost technology and stated noise level of 39 dB.
No. First use the noise level and noise class to compare similar appliances within the same category. The three categories have separate European labelling rules and don’t produce noise under the same conditions of use. For fridges, UFC-Que Choisir also points out that the figure doesn’t fully describe the nature of the sound.
Check the stated noise level and noise class when the appliance is covered by the relevant labelling rules, then compare them with those of models in the same category. European regulations have separate scopes for household washing machines, household dishwashers and refrigeration appliances; some washing machines with a capacity of less than 2 kg, for example, are excluded from the regulation covering household washing machines.
First check the housing dimensions and the installation instructions for the exact model, then compare its noise specifications. Depending on the appliance, the fixing system and door opening may also affect whether it fits; a favourable noise rating doesn’t guarantee it will fit your kitchen unit.
No. The stated noise level tells you nothing about maintenance or repairs. Before buying, check the instructions and information about the warranty, parts and repair options for the specific model, separately from the noise that’s influencing your choice.