I have had the Liebherr U510 for 9 years in my great room and it is pretty much silent. If there is absolutely no noise in the room I might slightly hear it but I have to listening for it and be close to the fridge.

Wow! Those are really expensive:

• Liebherr UR-500: $2800 without custom door panel
• Miele K31222UI: $1950

Owners like the Whirlpool WUR35X24HZ ($1440) and judge it quiet. The WUR50X24HZ is similar but with a different handle.

Under xcounter fridges are a niche market so you will pay more. One feature my appliance dealer suggested I look at on bar fridges is how cold you an set the temp. I have 3 bar fridges and keep them at 38 (2 Liebherr - one outside one inside and a marvel that has an ice maker). The whirlpool and others that may be less expensive only go to 41 degrees. It depends on what you want to use it for and how cold you want to be able to chill your drinks and other items.

Kim G: "The whirlpool and others that may be less expensive only go to 41 degrees."

This is correct. The Miele instruction manual states that appliance supports a range of 35 to 49 degrees and recommends a temperature of 39 degrees, but adds:

"If the appliance door is opened very often, or if large quantities of food are being stored in the appliance, or if the ambient temperature is high, it is advisable to set the temperature between 37°F (3°C) and 41°F (5°C)."