Why is My Mini Fridge So Loud? (And How to Fix It!)

The mini-fridge is a smaller version of the full-size fridge. Mini fridges have many size variations. Moreover, they have different features like some of them are portable, some of them have a freezer, some of them have two different sections, etc.

That’s why the mini fridge has become more popular over time. But mini-fridges also have some drawbacks. For example, you might be facing a sound problem. 

Sometimes, mini-fridges make different sounds that might be annoying or confusing. So, you need to know which sound of your mini fridge has a specific reason.

Why is my mini-fridge so loud?

Mini fridge’s loud sound might come from different parts of the fridge. Sometimes, loud noise can come from the condenser or compressor. Moreover, evaporator fan, defrost timer, imbalanced drain pan, improper placement, dirt, and dust, etc., can be responsible for making the fridge loud.

If you want to find out the reason behind your mini-fridge making noise, you have to notice where the noise is coming from. Every fridge makes some noise because of the continuous working of the compressor. But sometimes, the noise might be too loud.

Most of the time the reason might be dirt and dust in the compressor. Moreover, the evaporator fan might get dirty and make a loud noise. But if the electronic parts of the fridge are okay, the problem might be the placement of the fridge on a non-smooth floor.

Why is my new mini fridge so loud?

The most common reason for the mini-fridge to be loud is the compressor problem. Besides, if dirt and dust get into the electronic parts like evaporator fan, defrost timer, condenser, etc., the mini-fridge can make a loud noise.

Sometimes, the reason might not be related to the fridge’s problem. If the fridge is not placed well on the floor, the fridge might make noise.

Are all mini fridges loud and noisy?

Not all mini-fridges are loud and noisy. Every mini fridge has a little bit of sound that comes from the running compressor or the evaporator fan.

The loud noise might have many reasons. But cheap mini-fridges use low-quality electric devices on the fridge that can make a loud noise. Sometimes, your mini-fridge might get dirt and dust in the compressor that can be the reason for the loud noise.

But if you clean your mini-fridge regularly and your fridge is good-quality, there is a little chance of your mini-fridge being loud or noisy. So, all mini-fridges are not loud and noisy.

How loud is a mini-fridge?

How loud a mini-fridge, depends on the quality and condition of the fridge. A good-quality and non-defective mini fridge doesn’t make a loud noise. Generally, a normal fridge makes a noise that is 30 to 47 decibels. This range is so low that you might not notice the sound.

But if the noise is more than 50 decibels, you might notice the noise. If a mini-fridge has noise problems like compressor or condenser problems, the fridge will make a loud noise. This noise can be more than 50 decibels.

Even sometimes the noise might exceed up to 60 decibels that are pretty loud. This much noise can affect your sleeping. So, if the mini-fridge has a sound problem, the noise might be very loud.

How to fix a loud mini-fridge?

If you want to fix a loud mini-fridge, you have to identify the type of sound and where the sound comes from. Let’s see how you can fix the specific noise of your mini-fridge.

Mini fridge making a loud humming noise:

Reason:

If your mini-fridge makes a low humming noise, it’s normal. Maybe the fridge’s condenser is trying to cool down. But if the noise is loud, the condenser fan might have a problem.

Sometimes, dirt and dust on the fan might cause a loud humming noise.

Another reason might be related to the compressor. Sometimes, the compressor gets dirty and makes a humming noise.

Solution:

You have to clean the compressor and condenser fan motor regularly. Make sure the compressor and condenser fan don’t get much dirty. Moreover, you can add acoustic foam to the back of the fridge to prevent loud noise.

But if the above-mentioned methods don’t work, repair the fridge by a local refrigerator repair person. Besides, make sure the mini-fridge is placed properly on the floor.

You can change the position and notice whether the noise is reduced or not.

Mini fridge making a buzzing noise:

Reason:

Buzzing noise in a mini-fridge can be so annoying sometimes. Buzzing noise might come from the dirty compressor or the evaporator fan. Sometimes the compressor gets dirt and dust that makes the buzzing noise.

Moreover, other reasons like an imbalanced mini fridge on the floor can make a buzzing noise. It might sound weird but an empty fridge can make a more buzzing sound. So, try to fill the mini-fridge with food or water bottle to reduce the buzzing.

Solution:

To solve the buzzing problem, you have to identify the source of the noise. You can check the floor whether your mini-fridge is placed on the smooth floor or not. Besides, you can clean your mini fridge’s evaporator fan and compressor.

Moreover, you can fill the fridge with food so that it might not make noise being empty. You can also apply acoustic foam or soundproofing materials to the fridge.

Mini fridge making bubbling/gurgling noise:

Reason:

The mini-fridge might make bubbling or gurgling noise if there is a problem with the water supply. So, your mini-fridge might make bubbling or gurgling noise when the compressor runs. Because the compressor has water in it. This noise is normal.

But if the noise is very loud, there might be a problem with the compressor. Moreover, if air bubbles are present in the drain tube or melted water flows into the drain, they might make bubbling or gurgling noise.

Solution:

Generally, bubbling or gurgling noise is normal most of the time. But if the problem is with leakage on the water supply line, you have to fix the line.

Besides, you can try to open the mini-fridge doorless. Because, if you open the door frequently, then the compressor has to work more and make the sound more. 

Mini fridge making a popping noise:

Reason:

Your mini fridge might make a popping noise when the compressor is overloaded. Moreover, if there is a thermal expansion on the mini-fridge, it can make a popping noise.

Otherwise, evaporator coil, compressor vibration, water valve, etc., can be responsible for making a popping sound.

Solution:

If the problem is from the water valve, you have to replace the valve. Besides, if the compressor is overloaded, you have to seek professional help.

Otherwise, you can open the door as little as possible to reduce the load on the compressor.

Mini fridge sounds like running water:

Reason:

If you notice your mini-fridge sounds like running water, the reason might be simple. Sometimes, water flows on the drain tube or water flows from defrosting. These are all normal.

But if you notice running water sound with water leakage from the mini-fridge, maybe the electronic devices of the mini-fridge might not work properly.

Solution:

If the problem is related to drain tube water or defrosting, you need not fix it. These are completely normal. But if the water running sounds come with water leakage from the mini-fridge, you have to seek professional help. 

Mini fridge making rattling noise:

Reason:

If your mini-fridge is making a rattling noise, the fridge might have a loose drain tray. Moreover, if the compressor or evaporator fan is dirty, it might cause a rattling noise.

Solution:

If you want to solve the rattling noise of your mini-fridge, you have to make sure the drain tray of the fridge is well set. Otherwise, a loose tray or pan might cause a rattling noise.

Moreover, clean the compressor or evaporator fan regularly. Clean the inside of the mini-fridge also. But you have to make sure to plug off the connection before cleaning. 

Mini fridge making high pitched noise:

Reason:

The most common reason for the mini-fridge making high-pitched noise is the problem with the evaporator fan. Sometimes, the evaporator fan might be rusted or form scales on it. That’s why it can make high-pitched noises.

Solution:

If the high-pitched noise is related to the evaporator fan, you might try to clean the fan first. If the noise is not reduced, you have to change the fan or seek professional help.

You can’t use lubricants on this evaporator fan because lubricating might damage the other parts of the fridge. So, you need to replace the fan.

Every mini fridge has a little noise. This noise comes because the fridge has to go through a continuous process with water.

So, if the noise is not so noticeable, you need not worry. But if the mini fridge’s noise is so loud, the fridge might have problems with the condenser, compressor, evaporator fan, water valve, etc.

Moreover, sometimes the fridge and its parts get dirty and make noise. So, try to clean the fridge and its parts regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to Make a Mini Fridge Colder?

Is a Mini Fridge Compressor Supposed to be Hot?

What Are the Dimensions of a Mini Fridge?

Why Does My Mini Fridge Smell? How to Get Rid of the Smell?

Can I Unplug a Mini Fridge?