Quiet refrigerators?

I went through this process about 3 years ago. At the time the Maytag top freezer models were supposed to be about the quietest conventional types. The side by sides are noisier. I bought a Maytag 24 cu. ft. unit for about $1000. It's pretty quiet, but the main reason it's quiet is it doesn't run much. It can make some wierd sounds when it's self-defrosting, though. I think the key to getting a quiet refrigerator is getting an efficient one. They all make some noise, but are nearly silent when idle.

My fridge is about 12 feet behind my listening chair, in a semi-enclosed kitchen, and I rarely notice the noise, and I don't play my music loud at all (65dB avg). My HVAC system is far noisier than the fridge.

I've read that if you can spend big bucks, you can get remote compressor models that are very quiet, but I've never heard them.

I know you said you have a limited budget, but if you hit the lottery and get a chance to buy a SubZero-DON'T!!

Mine underwent more than six service calls in less than a year. Repairman determined it was incorrectly wired at the factory. Also many repairmen told me the units are prone to problems.

After too much negotiating, I got a replacement from the company.

It is dead quiet, though.

Mknowles, Sub-Zero has, by far, the worst brand repair history among top and bottom freezers with icemakers. It is among the worst (with Amana, Frigidaire and Maytag) for side-by-sides. This per the most recent Consumer Reports. My earlier comments aside, I was frustrated at their web site last night and it works fine now, Consumer Reports provides a valuable resource for simple product reviews.

Shimmin, the quieter models at or under $1,000 are:
Usable cubic feet are in brackets { } and is lower than
advertised cubic feet -- only energy efficient units are
listed below
Top Freezers
Kenmore 7425 $720 {16.8}
Kenmore 7426 same
Whirlpool ET8FTEXM(Q) $680 {15.0}
Whirlpool Gold GR2SHTXM(Q) $1,080 {16.2}
Side by Side
GE GSS25JFP(WW) $1,050 {16.9}
(this was a Conusmer Reports Best Buy)

Model numbers are important -- for example, other more expensive Whirlpool Gold units are not quiet. Good luck.

It's called an "Ice Box", or "Ice Chest"! Prior to ice delivery, keeping meats, dairy, & vegtables in a Cellar was also Very Silent, & Very Affordable!:0)~

Thanks for all the info, definitely helpful! I will post any additional information I end up with.

Audiobugged: Hmmm... I guess I could also salt & cure all my meats. Will samonella negatively affect my ability to hear music? :-)