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.
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.