Open kitchen: which appliances should you choose to limit noise?

Open-plan kitchens have become essential in modern apartments in Brussels. More convivial and bright, they offer a real living space… but they also make the noise of appliances much more noticeable.

A cooker hood that's too powerful, a noisy dishwasher, or a poorly insulated refrigerator: some appliances can quickly become tiring on a daily basis.

Here's how to choose quiet kitchen appliances to fully enjoy an open-plan kitchen.

Why noise has become a real purchasing criterion

In an open-plan kitchen, appliances often operate in the immediate vicinity:

• from the living room,

• television,

• from the office,

• or rooms.

The result: noise levels directly influence quality of life.

👉 Today, many customers prefer quieter devices, even with equivalent performance.

Understanding decibels (dB)

The noise of household appliances is indicated in decibels (dB).

Some simple guidelines:

• around 40 dB = very discreet

• 44–46 dB = comfortable

• above 50 dB = more noticeable

A few decibels of difference may seem minimal on paper, but they really do change everyday comfort.

The silent dishwasher: essential in an open-plan kitchen

The dishwasher is often run in the evening.

In an open-plan kitchen, an excessively noisy model can quickly become a nuisance during:

• a meal,

• a film,

• or a conversation.

👉 For an apartment, choose a model around 42–44 dB .

Modern devices use:

• better insulation

• inverter motors,

• and anti-vibration systems.

The cooker hood: the most often underestimated appliance

The cooker hood is often the noisiest piece of equipment in the kitchen.

To limit the nuisance:

✔ Choose a flow rate that is appropriate for the actual size of the kitchen

✔ Avoid constantly running at maximum speed

✔ Opt for an external vent if possible

Modern cooker hoods now offer:

• quieter engines

• automatic modes,

• and improved airflow management.

Refrigerator: beware of constant noise

Unlike other appliances, the fridge operates 24 hours a day.

An old or poor-quality model can produce:

• vibrations

• clicking sounds

• or a constant purring sound.

👉 The new inverter compressors are much quieter and more economical.

In an open-plan kitchen, the silence of the refrigerator quickly becomes a real comfort.

Induction hobs: quieter than gas?

Induction hobs avoid some of the noise associated with gas, but can produce:

• a light fan

• or vibrations depending on the pans used.

High-end models are generally quieter and better insulated.

The right balance between power and comfort

An ultra-powerful device is not always the best choice for an apartment .

The main objective is to find:

✔ a low noise level

✔ good energy efficiency

✔ Power output suitable for the dwelling

👉 A well-sized device will often be more comfortable for everyday use.

The Servicadet-Stockel council

At Servicadet-Stockel in Brussels , we help our customers choose appliances suitable for open kitchens and urban apartments.

We advise you on:

✔ the actual noise level

✔ Noise-canceling technologies

✔ The quietest devices according to your budget

✔ Installation to limit vibrations and nuisances

In summary

In an open-plan kitchen, soundproofing becomes essential.

The most important devices to monitor are:

• the dishwasher ,

• the hood ,

• the refrigerator ,

• and certain cooking systems.

Choosing quiet models truly improves the quality of daily life.

At Servicadet-Stockel in Brussels , we support you from start to finish. Visit our store or contact us to choose your household appliances.