Wine fridge making noise: what is normal

Normal sounds and what causes them

Compressor fridges cycle on and off to hold the set temperature, so you will hear them start and stop through the day. Thermoelectric coolers have no compressor; you mainly hear their fans, which run more of the time.

How loud is a wine fridge supposed to be?

UK energy labels for wine storage appliances show a noise figure in dB along with a noise class. Many compressor wine fridges are in the high 30s to low 40s dB. Every 3 dB or so is a noticeable change, so a 36 dB model will seem clearly quieter than a 42 dB one in a quiet room.

If your fridge sounds much louder than when it was new, something has changed: it may have moved, a fan may be dusty or worn, or it may be working harder because it cannot shed heat. If you are choosing a new model for a living space, our quiet wine fridge guide compares stated noise figures.

Fixing rattles and vibration

1. 1

   Check the fridge is level side to side and front to back using a spirit level on top or on a shelf. Adjust the feet as the manual describes; many makers suggest a very slight backwards tilt so the door closes on its own.

2. 2

   Make sure no part of the cabinet touches a wall, worktop or neighbouring unit. Even a light contact can turn a hum into a buzz.

3. 3

   Leave the gap at the back and sides that the manual asks for. A cramped fridge runs longer and louder.

4. 4

   Check shelves are seated properly and that bottles are not knocking together or touching the back wall.

5. 5

   On a hollow wooden floor, a firm mat or board under the feet can reduce transmitted vibration.

When the fan is the problem

Many wine fridges have a fan inside the cabinet to move air evenly, and some have one at the condenser. Dust build-up makes a fan louder and less effective. With the fridge unplugged, vacuum the vents and the condenser area if it is accessible. If you hear scraping or ticking that changes when you open the door (which often stops the internal fan), the internal fan may be catching on ice or a dislodged part.

Ice on the back wall can catch a fan blade. If you see ice build-up, see our guide to a wine cooler icing up. A worn fan motor or one that grinds should be replaced by the maker's service team or an appliance engineer.

Note:Always unplug the fridge before cleaning vents or touching the fan area. Do not remove panels covering electrical parts; leave internal repairs to a qualified engineer.

Sounds that point to a fault

Call for service if the compressor clicks on and off every few seconds without running, if there is a loud bang followed by no cooling, if the fridge runs constantly and never reaches its setting, or if you hear grinding from the fan or compressor area. Also check whether the fridge is cooling properly; a noisy fridge that is also warm may have blocked vents or a fault, covered in our guide to a wine fridge not cooling.

Check the warranty before arranging a repair, and give the engineer the model number from the rating plate.

Frequently asked questions

Are wine fridges noisy? Compressor models make a low hum and occasional clicks; thermoelectric models mainly make fan noise. Many are in the high 30s to low 40s dB. Placement makes a big difference.

Why does my mini fridge make a popping sound? Usually plastic and metal parts expanding or contracting as the temperature changes. It is normal if cooling is fine.

Why is my wine fridge louder at night? It is usually not louder; the room is quieter. Check it is level and not touching anything.

Is a thermoelectric cooler quieter? Usually, as it has no compressor, but its fans run more of the time and it struggles in a warm room. See compressor vs thermoelectric.