In an open-plan kitchen, start by comparing the stated noise level and noise class. If possible, look for an independent test that assesses noise during operating cycles: according to UFC-Que Choisir, frequency and vibrations also affect how disruptive a fridge sounds. If you need to freeze food, check the capacity of the fridge-freezer; choose an integrated model only if it’s compatible with your cabinet space and door, or a compact model if its capacity meets your needs.
You may be able to hear the fridge running from the sofa, dining table or workspace. UFC-Que Choisir points out that perceived noise also depends on its frequency and vibrations, not just the stated figure.
If you regularly keep frozen food, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Noise level remains an important consideration, but it shouldn’t distract from the capacity you need day to day.
For an integrated model, compare your kitchen measurements with the required cabinet dimensions, door fitting and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
First decide how much capacity you need and which type of installation will work. Then compare the noise specifications, bearing in mind that they won’t necessarily tell you how loud the fridge will sound in your room.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the living room | Compare the stated level in dB(A) and the noise class. If available, read an independent test that assesses the sounds made during operating cycles: UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also evaluates unpleasant or overly loud sounds. | I watch TV or work near the kitchen, so I want to consider audible operating cycles, not just the figure on the product information sheet. |
| Storage and freezing | Check the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments, and make sure there’s a proper compartment suited to your needs. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity per person as a guide, plus 50 L for each additional person. | If I store frozen food or shop for several days at a time, a small fridge compartment won’t be enough to determine which appliance is right for me. |
| Installation | Choose between freestanding and integrated installation. Measure the space, then check the dimensions and door opening. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet space, door fixing and installation instructions for the exact model. | My kitchen may already have a cabinet space for an appliance, so I want to know whether the fridge and its door will actually fit. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy class and annual energy consumption stated for the models you’re considering, while also taking their capacity into account. According to the European Commission, fridge energy labels use the A to G scale and include information on airborne noise emissions. | The appliance will be running all the time in my home, so I want to consider its energy use without overlooking my storage needs and noise comfort. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, frequency, vibrations and the type of sound all affect how noise is perceived. Two product information sheets showing similar levels don’t, by themselves, tell you how disruptive a fridge might be in an open-plan living space.
Use the noise level and class to shortlist appliances, then look for an independent test that assesses noise during operating cycles.
A smaller format may not offer enough fridge or freezer space for your household, even if it fits the space you have available.
Make a note of the capacity you need in each compartment and check the model’s freezing capacity before deciding against a fridge-freezer.
An acoustic specification won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit your cabinet space or work with your existing door system. Cabinet dimensions and door fitting are among the details listed in the specifications for the Liebherr ICBSd 5122 published by Liebherr France.
Measure the cabinet space and check the door fixing and installation instructions for the exact model before ordering.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the cabinet or be unable to install it as planned.
If you’re replacing a fridge, you’ll need to plan how it will be moved and what will happen to it, especially when your new appliance is being delivered.
Before completing your order, confirm with the retailer how and when your old fridge can be collected.
These models illustrate the information to compare on a product specification sheet; they don’t mean that every appliance from a particular brand will be quiet in your kitchen.
Bosch Electroménager France lists the freestanding KGN36VXCT and integrated KIV875SE0 with a noise class of B, corresponding to 30–35 dB in their product specifications.
Liebherr France states a noise level of 34 dB for the RBbsb 525i fridge and 32 dB for the integrated ICBSd 5122 fridge-freezer.
For the B5RCNE416HG, Beko France lists a total net capacity of 415 L, a noise level of 35 dB(A) and annual energy consumption of 213,53 kWh.
This selection includes freestanding fridge-freezers and an integrated fridge-freezer for an open-plan kitchen. Compare their capacities and stated noise levels, then check installation requirements and noise during operating cycles according to your priorities.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer combines fresh food storage and freezing for everyday use. The product title lists a 330 L capacity, a frost-free system and a stated noise level of 35 dB. This figure alone doesn’t tell you how loud it will sound during operating cycles. Check the noise label and dimensions before choosing where to put it.
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For a household that also uses the freezer, the product title gives separate capacities of 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer. It also lists a frost-free system and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the noise class too and, if possible, look for a test covering operating cycles.
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This side-by-side model is designed for households needing plenty of storage: the product title lists 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer. It also states that it has a frost-free system, an energy class of E and a noise level of 37 dB. Check you have enough room to install it, and don’t assume the dB figure alone tells you how loud it will sound.
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This fridge-freezer is an option if you want an appliance that fits into a fitted kitchen, provided the cabinet space and door are compatible. The product title lists a 252 L capacity, a frost-free system and an energy class of C. Check the cabinet dimensions, door fitting and installation instructions for the exact model.
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This 444 L fridge-freezer may be worth considering if storage capacity is important to you. The product title lists frost-free operation, an energy class of E and a stated noise level of 40 dB. Check its dimensions and look for an assessment of noise during operating cycles before deciding whether it’s suitable for an open-plan living space.
No. The stated level is useful for comparing product specifications, but it isn’t enough to predict how loud a fridge will sound. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the role of frequency, vibrations and the type of sound; its testing protocol also assesses the noise produced during operating cycles.
It lets you compare their energy classes and stated noise information, among other things. According to the European Commission, fridge energy labels have used an A to G scale since 1 March 2021 and include information on airborne noise emissions. Also check the annual energy consumption and capacities listed for the models you’re considering.
Yes, if its fridge capacity and freezing options genuinely meet your needs; a compact format alone doesn’t guarantee that it will. If you store frozen food, check the freezer compartment and its capacity before replacing a fridge-freezer.