A fridge usually vibrates because it is not standing level, something is touching it, or items inside are rattling against each other. A gentle hum or vibration while the compressor and fans run is normal. Strong shaking, rattling that starts suddenly, or a compressor that knocks or buzzes loudly can point to worn mountings, a fan fault or a failing compressor, which need an engineer.
This guide covers the simple checks first, using the advice Bosch and LG give for their fridges, then the faults that cause vibration in domestic and commercial cabinets.
At a glance
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration when the fridge runs, louder than before | Not standing level | Level it with a spirit level and the adjustable feet |
| Rattling or buzzing against a wall or cupboard | Fridge touching something | Move it so it stands clear on all sides |
| Rattling from inside | Bottles or jars touching, loose shelves or bins | Space items out and refit shelves and door bins |
| Rattling from the back or bottom | Loose drip tray or condenser fan hitting something | Refit the tray. Call an engineer for the fan |
| Loud knocking, grinding or strong shaking when the compressor starts | Worn mountings, fan motor or compressor fault | Call an engineer |
Some vibration is normal
A fridge has a compressor and, on most models, at least one fan. When they run, there is a slight vibration. LG's UK guide to vibrating noises explains that because the compressor and fans come on to maintain the temperature, the parts vibrate slightly as they operate. Bosch's UK guide to fridge noises lists bubbling or humming from refrigerant flowing through the tubing, clicking as motors and switches turn on and off, and occasional clicks or cracks during automatic defrost as normal operating noises.
What matters is change. A fridge that has always hummed quietly is fine. One that has started shaking, rattling or knocking has something to check.
The simple causes
The fridge is not level
This is the most common cause. Bosch says that if a fridge is not standing level, it will not work optimally and its operating noises may be louder than normal, and recommends checking it with a spirit level. LG says a fridge that is not level will vibrate during different operations, and to level it and check the doors are aligned. Most fridges have adjustable front feet. On commercial cabinets on castors, Foster's manual says to make sure the unit is level during installation, adding spacers under a castor if needed, or the door may not close correctly.
Something is touching it
LG notes that if anything is on top of the fridge or touching its sides, the normal running vibration turns into a vibration noise. Check the fridge is not touching a wall, a cupboard or another appliance, and that nothing on top of it is rattling. Leaving a small gap all round also helps the fridge get rid of heat.
Items inside are rattling
LG says vibration noises from inside are usually caused by items touching each other. Bottles and jars in the door, loose shelves or a drawer that is not seated properly can all rattle when the compressor runs. Space items out and refit the shelves, bins and drawers.
A loose drip tray
Bosch notes that the drip tray, usually at the bottom of the back, can come out of place and need securing. A loose tray buzzes against the cabinet or the compressor when the fridge runs.
Faults that cause vibration
- Worn compressor mountings. The compressor sits on rubber mounts that absorb its vibration. When they perish or a mounting comes loose, the vibration passes into the cabinet and floor.
- A condenser or evaporator fan fault. A fan with a worn bearing, a bent blade or ice or debris catching it can rattle, buzz or vibrate. Our guide to a fridge fan making noise covers fan faults in detail.
- A failing compressor. A compressor that knocks, clatters or shakes the cabinet when it starts, or that buzzes and clicks off without running, may be failing.
- Loose panels or pipework. On commercial cabinets, a loose rear panel, condenser guard or pipe clip can rattle with every start.
These are jobs for an engineer. A compressor or fan fault left running can get worse, and a compressor that struggles to start will eventually stop cooling. Our guide to why a refrigerator is making a loud noise covers other noises and what they mean.
Commercial fridges and freezers
Commercial cabinets work harder than domestic fridges and often stand on hard kitchen floors, on castors, or next to other equipment, so vibration is common. Check the cabinet is level and not touching a worktop, oven or another cabinet, and that the castors are locked. If vibration started after the cabinet was moved for cleaning, it has probably been left off level. If it is new, loud and comes from the compressor area, have it checked before it turns into a breakdown. Our commercial refrigeration repair engineers cover cabinets, counters and cold rooms across London.
What you can check safely
- Check the fridge with a spirit level and adjust the feet.
- Make sure it is not touching a wall, cupboard or appliance, and clear anything off the top.
- Rearrange items inside and refit shelves, bins and drawers.
- Look at the back and bottom for a loose drip tray. Unplug the fridge before reaching behind or underneath it.
- Listen to where the noise comes from: inside, the back, or the compressor at the bottom.
Do not remove covers or touch the compressor, fan or wiring. Leave those to an engineer.
When to call an engineer
- Vibration that continues with the fridge level and standing clear.
- Knocking, grinding or loud buzzing from the compressor or a fan.
- The fridge shaking hard when the compressor starts or stops.
- Vibration together with poor cooling, which our guide to fridges that stop cooling covers.
Questions people ask about fridges vibrating
Why is my fridge vibrating?
Most often because it is not level, something is touching it, or items inside are rattling together. LG and Bosch both point to levelling first. If it still vibrates once it is level and clear, a fan, the compressor mountings or the compressor may need checking.
Is it normal for a fridge to vibrate?
A slight vibration and hum while the compressor and fans run is normal, as LG explains. Strong shaking, new rattling or knocking is not, and is worth checking.
Why is my fridge compressor vibrating so much?
The compressor sits on rubber mountings that absorb its vibration. If they are worn or loose, or the fridge is not level, the vibration passes into the cabinet. A compressor that knocks or shakes hard when starting may be failing and needs an engineer.
Why does my fridge shake when it turns on?
A small shudder as the compressor starts and stops is common. A strong shake suggests worn mountings, a fridge that is off level, or a compressor struggling to start.
Do anti-vibration pads help a fridge?
They can reduce noise passing into a hard floor, but they do not fix the cause. Level the fridge first, and if it still shakes, have the mountings, fans and compressor checked.
How do I stop my fridge rattling?
Level it, move it clear of walls and cupboards, clear the top, space out items inside, and check the drip tray at the back is secure. If the rattle comes from the compressor or a fan, call an engineer.
The short version
Level it, move it clear, and stop things rattling inside. That solves most vibration. If the shaking or noise comes from the compressor or a fan, or arrives with poor cooling, have an engineer look at it before it becomes a breakdown.
Last updated: 4 November 2026
Written by
Ali Elm
Ali is the Head of Operations at Be Cool Refrigeration with over a decade of hands-on experience in HVAC and commercial refrigeration. He oversees every installation, repair, and maintenance project, making sure the work meets the highest standards. Ali holds full F-Gas certification and has worked across residential, commercial, and industrial refrigeration systems throughout London and the South East. When he is not on site, he writes these guides to help business owners and homeowners understand their cooling systems better.