Hello, I'd appreciate any opinions on the following two options regarding noise levels in an open plan living/dining/kitchen set-up:

1. Separate fridge and freezer (undercounter models) - say each is 40 decibels
2. Combined fridge-freezer (usual tower style) - one compressor, say also 40 decibels.

Now, I know that the compressors do not run all the time, and in Option 1 they won't necessarily run at the same time! But if they do run at the same time, is the noise level calculated simply by adding 40 + 40 = 80? That's the level of the 'dial tone of telephone', or 'chamber music in small auditorium' (according to hearnet.com) - which seems very loud. Or is it not a straightforward addition?

I currently have a separate kitchen with a very loud whiny old fridge (poor seals), and a newer small freezer, which I never seem to hear. In the past I've also had a brand new Siemens fridge-freezer which had an annoyingly loud whine despite lots of air circulation.

Thanks, Nigel. That's a big help in making a decision.

Unlikely to both be running at the same time, also som muffling for under counter,

All we ever hear are clicks as they switch on or off

Subjectively the fridge-freezer is one of the quietest pieces of equipment in our kitchen. In approximate order from loudest to quietest:

Coffee grinder > citrus juicer > kettle > cooker hood > oven > microwave > fridge-freezer > dishwasher

I know the louder devices are likely to operate for much shorter periods, but they are a lot more disruptive when they do. Not that I wouldn't like to have a really quiet fridge - but it seems to me that noise is a fact of life in open plan kitchen living areas.