Whisper-Quiet Kitchen: Here Are Extra Quiet Kitchen Appliances
Find extra quiet kitchen appliances for a whisper-quiet kitchen in the Mykitchens magazine.
Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Shh! It's going to be whisper-quiet now! These appliances are barely audible and perfect for open kitchens. No more buzzing fridge or noisy range hood. Here in the Mykitchens magazine, we have selected extra-quiet kitchen appliances that create a peaceful atmosphere in the kitchen. :)
The Noise Level of Kitchen Appliances
Every sound causes a pressure wave in the air that hits our eardrum as sound. Not all sounds are audible to us. Above a certain volume, however, some noises are perceived as very annoying. Sounds around 50 decibels (decibels are the unit of measurement for sound) are perceived as "normal" volume. This is roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation or soft music. Loudness can cause stress in the body. Just 10 more decibels can become unbearable. When cooking – especially in an open-plan kitchen – noise from kitchen appliances is often perceived as very disturbing by many people. That’s why appliance brands have come up with solutions to reduce the noise levels of their devices.
Extra Quiet Kitchen Appliances
Not every kitchen appliance is equally loud. The noise level of kitchen appliances varies depending on the type. The loudest are range hoods, dishwashers, and refrigerators, while cooktops and ovens are usually not perceived as annoyingly loud. In general, special attention should be paid to the motor. Low-friction, brushless motors are typically quieter and also more energy-efficient. That way, you kill two birds with one stone.
Which Kitchen Appliances Are Particularly Loud?
Not every kitchen appliance is equally loud. The noise level of kitchen appliances varies depending on the type. The loudest are range hoods, dishwashers, and refrigerators, while cooktops and ovens are usually not perceived as annoyingly loud. In general, special attention should be paid to the motor. Low-friction, brushless motors are typically quieter and also more energy-efficient. That way, you kill two birds with one stone.
Which Kitchen Appliances Are Particularly Quiet?
Cooktops and ovens are usually not perceived as disturbing in terms of noise. There are also quiet appliances, such as the Bosch Silence Edition or the Miele KMDA Silence.
Where Can I Find the Noise Level of Kitchen Appliances?
The noise level of a kitchen appliance can be found on the energy label. It shows the volume in decibels (dB).
Quiet Range Hoods
As soon as the range hood in the kitchen is turned on, the noise level in the kitchen increases, and normal conversation is usually no longer possible. Classic range hoods are about 70 decibels loud. Quiet range hoods are recognized by a noise level of 35 to 60 decibels.
The Noise Level of Range Hoods
- Loud: over 70 decibels
- Quiet: between 35 and 60 decibels
- External ventilation is quieter than recirculation because the air is vented outside
Especially Quiet Range Hood Motors
- Siemens iQdrive
- berbel EC fan motor
- Bosch EcoSilence Drive
How to Reduce the Noise Level of Range Hoods
- Use external motors
- Look for integrated silencers
- Choose perimeter extraction
- Or opt for downdraft technology (downward air extraction)
Miele KMDA Silence: Quiet Cooktop Extractor
The Miele KMDA Silence is an especially quiet cooktop extractor. It is barely audible and not distracting while cooking. The models KMDA 7272 and KMDA 7473 feature a Silence motor, which reduces the perceptible noise level by about 30 percent compared to a traditional cooktop with extractor.
Berbel Ergoline 2: Quiet Wall-Mounted Hood
The matte black Ergoline 2 wall-mounted hood from berbel is so quiet that it is hardly noticeable during operation. Even at its highest setting, it stays below 60 decibels in volume. In addition, this quiet range hood also impresses with excellent energy efficiency!
Siemens iQ700: Quiet Island Range Hood
The Siemens is a quiet island hood from the Siemens iQ700 studioLine. It is equipped with the low-noise iQdrive motor. As a smart range hood, it can also be controlled and operated remotely via the Home Connect app.
Quiet Dishwashers
Quiet dishwashers are often so silent that you can't even hear them. Unless you're really listening closely. Thanks to the night program on the dishwasher or programs like Extra Quiet, the machine can wash the dishes quietly and discreetly, without anyone being disturbed by noise in the kitchen. Quiet dishwashers have a noise level of around 40 decibels.
The Noise Level of Dishwashers
- Loud: 44-48 decibels
- Quiet: approx. 40 decibels
- The value on the energy label refers to the noise level during the standard program
Especially Quiet Washing Programs
- Night Wash (e.g. Bauknecht)
- Extra Quiet (Miele)
- Silence (Neff & Siemens)
How to Reduce the Noise Level of a Dishwasher
- Choose a built-in dishwasher instead of a freestanding model
- Use special programs (e.g. night program or silence programs)
- Load the dishwasher fully and correctly
Quiet Bauknecht Dishwasher
With 41 decibels, the Bauknecht BCIO 3O41 PLE S dishwasher is particularly quiet. The fully integrated dishwasher with an energy efficiency class C cleans the dishes efficiently and then disappears elegantly behind the kitchen front. The perfect quiet kitchen appliance for an open kitchen!
Quiet Miele Dishwasher
Only slightly louder than the Bauknecht dishwasher, but much more sustainable: Miele AutoDos dishwashers are extremely efficient in their consumption and, with a noise level between 41 and 43 decibels (depending on the model), are still relatively quiet during operation. Combined with the Miele Extra Quiet program, the machine achieves sound levels of just 28 dB(A), making it so quiet that it is barely noticeable.
Quiet Bosch Dishwasher
Equipped with Silence Plus and very quiet at just 42 dB. A fully integrated Bosch dishwasher has a low noise level. Other features include the Extra Clean Zone for heavily soiled dishes and flexible baskets that allow for easy loading.
Quiet Fridges
Fridges are noisy kitchen appliances that constantly make sounds. After all, cooling needs to happen inside the fridge 24/7. A loud humming fridge can be quite annoying. That's why it's important to pay attention to the fridge's noise level when buying. You can find this information on the energy label. Quiet fridges hum between 29 and 40 decibels.
The Noise Level of a Fridge
- Loud: from around 42 decibels
- Quiet: 29-40 decibels
- Fridges without a freezer compartment are quieter because they need to cool less
Effective Cooling Systems
- Multiflow Circulating Cooling (Smeg)
- DynaCool (Miele)
- LowFrost and NoFrost
How to Reduce the Noise Level of a Fridge
- Defrost or use NoFrost technology
- Ensure optimal cooling (e.g. load correctly, place in the proper location, etc.)
- Set the correct temperature
Extra Quiet Miele Fridge
With a noise level of just 29 dB and an excellent energy efficiency class (B), the Miele K 7373 B fridge is our favorite when it comes to whisper-quiet fridges! Another highlight: Miele PerfectFresh Active, a fine mist that keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for even longer.
Quiet Siemens Fridge
Next in line for extra quiet kitchen appliances is this Siemens fridge-freezer combination KI87FSDB0 with energy efficiency class B. It is only slightly louder (34 dB) than the Miele fridge. However, it also includes a freezer where you can keep food frozen cold.
Quiet Smeg Fridge
Visually, it's already a showstopper, and technically it impresses us too: The Smeg Retro Fridge with 35 decibels is still in the category of quiet fridges and a great example that even a freestanding fridge can be quiet. Additionally, it’s definitely a must-have in a stylish retro kitchen!