Good lighting can truly transform any space within your home, and it becomes a crucial element when it comes to your kitchen. Think about it: your kitchen countertops serve as both a functional workstation for culinary creations and a gathering hub for cherished moments with friends and family. That's why the choice of under cabinet lighting is paramount.
As you embark on the journey to enhance your kitchen's lighting, you'll discover many options at your disposal. The choices can seem overwhelming from integrated built-in strips to versatile puck lights and convenient battery-powered solutions.
To simplify your quest for the perfect under cabinet lighting, we've diligently researched and compiled a meticulously curated list of the top 10 under cabinet lighting options for 2023. Our selection process takes into account various factors, including the power source, installation ease, lighting type, and additional features. We aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to make a well-informed decision, saving you precious time and effort. Now, without further ado, let's immerse ourselves in the realm of top-tier under cabinet lighting solutions.
1. Torch Star Voice Control Smart LED Lighting Kit
Our first pick, the Torch Star Voice Control Smart LED Lighting Kit, is designed to elevate your kitchen experience. With six lighting bars, each equipped with 18 high-quality LED chips, you'll enjoy 150 lumens of brightness while consuming only 1.8 watts of energy. The slim design ensures easy installation, even in tight corners, and the double-sided 3M tape backing simplifies joining multiple strips. What sets this kit apart is its smart functionality. You can control the lighting system using voice commands through Alexa, and it offers convenient features like dimming and timer settings. This kit truly combines aesthetics and efficiency.
2. Brilliantevolution Wireless Ultra-Thin LED Light
For those with smaller kitchens or specific areas to brighten, the Brilliantevolution Wireless Ultra-Thin LED Light is a fantastic choice. This battery-operated light strip emits a warm white glow, ideal for enhancing the ambiance of areas like sinks or stovetops. Not only is it super bright, but it's also incredibly long-lasting, boasting over 100 hours of runtime on just 3A batteries. Installation is a breeze with the included adhesive tape or screws, making it a convenient and practical lighting solution.
3. Eshine 12-Inch LED White Finish Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
The Eshine 12-Inch LED White Finish Under Cabinet Lighting Kit adds an element of opulence to your kitchen. With options for both warm white and cool white lighting, this kit features an IR sensor for effortless on/off control. Installation is a breeze thanks to the included screws, wire clips, and 3M stickers. The customizable brightness settings and elegant design make it a standout choice for those seeking both style and functionality.
4. Ultra Pro 48-Inch Hardwired LED Light Fixture
If you're in search of under cabinet lighting with a sleek, cord-free look, the Ultra Pro 48-Inch Hardwired LED Light Fixture is a top contender. This option offers three color temperature choices and boasts a design that seamlessly integrates with kitchen cabinets. Hardwiring this fixture eliminates visible cords and power adapters, resulting in a clean and polished appearance. Please note that installation may require the assistance of an electrician to ensure proper and safe setup.
5. SCOK LED Wireless Under Cabinet Lighting
For a convenient and eco-friendly lighting option, consider the SCOK LED Wireless Under Cabinet Lighting. This pack includes four lights with various color and brightness settings. Operating these lights with the included remote is a breeze. What sets this option apart is its rechargeable feature, which eliminates the need for constant battery replacements. Each light can be fully recharged in about two hours and provides hours of illumination. Installation is hassle-free, thanks to the magnetic strip included in the package.
6. Brilliantevolution Stick-On LED Lights
If you're aiming to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen without a hefty investment, the Brilliantevolution Stick-On LED Lights are an excellent choice. Unlike strip lights, these puck lights offer a spotlight effect, highlighting specific areas of your counter or decor items. Installation is a snap with the included adhesive tape or screws. The wireless remote control allows for easy on/off operation, brightness adjustment, and timer functions, making it a versatile and stylish lighting solution.
7. TJOY Multi-Colored LED Strip Lights
For those who want to infuse their kitchen with vibrant and colorful ambient lighting, the TJOY Multi-Colored LED Strip Lights are the perfect choice. These 25-foot strips come with a 44-key remote controller that offers numerous color options, DIY color settings, and brightness levels. Installation is flexible, thanks to the cuttable and linkable design. You can customize the length
to fit your space, and the strong self-adhesive mounting tape makes installation a breeze.
8. Justever 12-Inch Plug and Play LED Under Cabinet Light
Opting for a plug-in lighting solution? The Justever 12-Inch Plug and Play LED Under Cabinet Light is a practical choice. It comes with a 12-inch light strip and a power supply that connects via USB. The beauty of this option is that you can connect multiple strips to a single outlet, simplifying your setup. With five light temperature options and an on/off switch that also functions as a dimmer, you have the flexibility to set the perfect mood in your kitchen.
9. Wallband Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit
The Wallband Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit is designed to illuminate your kitchen with ease and convenience. This kit includes six pre-cut LED tapes, totaling nearly nine feet in length, making it a perfect fit for most kitchen, bathroom, and bar cabinets. With a plug-in power supply and a remote control that works from up to 60 feet away, you have the freedom to adjust your lighting effortlessly. However, keep in mind that you may want to reinforce the adhesive backing for added security during installation.
10. Lepodic LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light
For added convenience and energy efficiency, the Lepodic LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light is a top pick. It can be programmed to turn on when it detects motion or darkness, or you can manually switch it on and off as needed. This light strip operates on a rechargeable lithium battery, offering weeks of use with motion activation and quick recharging via USB in just three hours. Installation is a breeze, thanks to the built-in magnet, but you can also use adhesive backing for added flexibility.
How to Choose Under-Cabinet Lighting Like a Pro
If you want to shop for under-cabinet lighting like a pro, it's essential to consider several key factors to ensure you make the right choice for your kitchen. Here's a breakdown of how to shop for under-cabinet lighting:
Light Type
Under-cabinet lighting comes in three main types: pucks, light bars, and light strips/tape. Each type has its unique characteristics.
- Pucks: These are compact, cylindrical fixtures, typically around 3 inches in diameter. They use various types of bulbs, such as halogen, xenon, or LED, and attach them underneath the cabinets using mounting screws or adhesive. Pucks are versatile and can create focused lighting.
- Light Bars: Light bars are elongated, slender fixtures that provide uniform and linear light distribution. They were traditionally fluorescent but are now available in energy-efficient LED options. You can choose between hardwired or battery-powered versions and attach them to cabinets using screws or strong adhesive tape.
- Light Strips/Tape: Light tape or strips come in reels, approximately 6 feet in length, featuring small LED lights along their surface. They offer flexibility, making it easy to adapt them to corners and uneven surfaces. You can even cut them to fit the exact length of your cabinetry. Installing them is typically straightforward, using adhesive or nails. However, they generally emit slightly less light compared to pucks and light bars.
Interior designers recommend LED tape lights for under cabinets due to their ease of installation. Electricians can easily provide and install them, making them a convenient choice.
Power Source
Under-cabinet lights can be powered in three ways: battery-operated, hardwired electric, and plug-in electric.
- Battery-Operated: These lights can be charged via USB or use disposable or rechargeable batteries. They offer a DIY solution and are easy to install. However, they are best suited for temporary or smaller projects.
- Hardwired Electric: Hardwired lights are integrated into your home's electrical system, allowing you to incorporate them into your overall lighting controls. While they require professional installation and potentially more upfront cost, they offer long-term reliability and seamless operation.
- Plug-In Electric: These lights are plugged into a standard electrical outlet. They are relatively easy to install but may reveal cords unless the outlet is discreetly positioned under the cabinets. This option is convenient but might be less aesthetically pleasing.
We recommend opting for wired electric under-cabinet lighting, as it offers better control, longevity and potentially lower overall costs compared to battery-powered alternatives.
Color Temperature
Under-cabinet lighting typically comes in cool white or warm white options. Cool white provides a crisp and modern look, while warm white offers a cozier, sunset-like ambiance. Some models even offer multi-color options that you can change using a remote control, allowing you to customize the lighting to your preferences.
Features
Consider the additional features that under-cabinet lighting may offer:
- Dimmers: Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness to create the desired mood or save energy.
- Automatic Timers: Timers can turn the lights on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.
- Automatic Color Modes: Some lights have preset color modes for different scenarios, making it easy to switch between task lighting and ambient lighting.