Whether an appliance is too loud depends on two things: the number of decibels and the place where it stands. A fridge or freezer runs day and night, so every decibel counts there. You only hear a washing machine or dryer during a programme, so there you mainly look at the room it stands in. Below you can read how to read the numbers and what they mean in practice.
How the decibel scale works
The decibel scale does not rise evenly. Three extra decibels means a doubling of the sound energy. Two identical appliances side by side therefore produce 3 dB more together than one appliance.
What your ear perceives works differently. Only at about 10 dB more does a sound seem twice as loud. So you can hear a difference of a few decibels between two appliances, but it is not a doubling of what you perceive.
Noise class on the energy label
Besides the number of decibels, the energy label shows a noise class. For fridges and freezers it runs from A to D. That way you can see at a glance where an appliance stands without comparing numbers yourself.
The table-top models in our range, such as the Salora COOLFREEZE47WH and the Salora FREEZER48WH, are at 41 dB and noise class C. In a kitchen, utility room or office, that fades into the background noise during the day.
What to expect from each appliance
Fridges and freezers are on day and night. That is why this is the first number to look at if the appliance is going into a living space or student room.
Washing machines are loudest during spinning. The Salora WASH6W reaches 76 dB at 1000 rpm, noise class C. That noise only lasts for the spin part of the programme. With the delayed start of up to 23 hours you can schedule the wash for a time when it won't disturb you.
Dryers make noise for as long as they run. The Salora DRYER75B measures 65 dB while drying, noise class C. Here too, the delayed start of up to 23 hours helps.
A mini washing machine such as the MINIWASHING5 measures 58 dB while washing, with a 15-minute wash.
The location counts as much as the number
You won't notice a 41 dB freezer in a utility room behind a closed door. You will hear that same freezer in a quiet bedroom when the compressor starts. So think about the location first, and then look at which noise level suits it.
If the appliance stands in a separate room, such as a utility room, storeroom or garage, noise counts for less and you can choose on capacity, load capacity or energy class. If it stands in an open-plan kitchen or a small home, noise is a good criterion to select on.
How to keep your appliance as quiet as stated
Make sure it is level. A washing machine that stands level on a flat floor stays still during spinning.
Give it ventilation space. Fridges and freezers need space behind and above the cabinet for heat to escape. If you put one between cupboards or under a worktop, leave that space free.
Remove the transit bolts. A new washing machine is delivered with bolts that hold the drum in place during transport. They must be removed before you run the first wash. Keep them with the manual, because you put them back in when you move house.
Everything currently available can be found under cooling and freezing and under washing and drying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 41 dB freezer suitable for a student room?
Yes. At 41 dB, noise class C, you will hear it in a quiet room when the compressor starts, but during the day it fades into the background noise.
Where is the best place for a dryer?
Preferably in a room with a door, such as a utility room, storeroom or bathroom. The DRYER75B is a condenser dryer and needs no drain hose, so it can stand anywhere there is a socket.
Can I put a washing machine under the worktop in an open-plan kitchen?
Yes. The WASH6W is 84.5 cm high, 59.7 cm wide and 49.7 cm deep and fits a standard spot under the worktop. Then schedule the spin for a time when you are not in the kitchen.
How quickly will a new appliance arrive?
Ordered on working days before 21:00, it arrives within 24 hours, and delivery is always free. Every appliance comes with a 24-month manufacturer's warranty.
