Imagine your kitchen at night. Is it dark and uninviting, or does it have a warm glow that makes you want to be there? Many kitchens look a bit gloomy when the main lights are off. You might be trying to chop vegetables in dim light or just want a softer ambiance for evening cooking. Finding the perfect lights for under your kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming. There are so many types, like LED strips, puck lights, and more, that it’s tough to know where to start.
But what if you could easily transform your kitchen into a more functional and beautiful space? This blog post is your guide to unlocking that magic. We’ll break down the confusing world of under-cabinet lighting so you can choose the best option for your home. You’ll learn what makes different lights work, how to pick the right style, and even some tips for installing them yourself. Get ready to brighten your kitchen and make it a place you truly love.
Our Top 5 Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 8.8/10
Illuminate your spaces effortlessly with the Gritin 10.2-inch Under Cabinet Lighting. This rechargeable 2-pack set brings super bright light to your kitchen, closets, and more, thanks to its 84 LEDs. Enjoy customizable lighting with three color temperatures and five brightness levels, all controlled with a simple touch. The smart motion sensor ensures light only when you need it, saving energy and hassle.
What We Like:
- Super bright 84 LEDs provide excellent illumination.
- Three color temperatures (warm, cool, mixed) and five brightness levels let you customize your light.
- Four lighting modes, including motion sensor options, offer versatility.
- The motion sensor has a wide 120° angle and 10 ft detection distance, turning off automatically after 20 seconds of no movement.
- Long-lasting 1800mAh battery offers up to 8 hours of use or 45 days in sensor mode.
- Easy USB-C recharging means less frequent charging.
- Installation is a breeze with strong magnetic backing and included adhesive iron plates for any surface.
- Durable aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction ensures longevity.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stepless dimming requires a long press, which might take a moment to get used to.
- While the motion sensor is great, it only turns off after 20 seconds, which might be a bit long for some very quick glances.
Upgrade your home lighting with these smart, versatile, and easy-to-install under cabinet lights. They are a fantastic solution for adding convenience and ambiance to any room.
2. MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.6/10
Illuminate your home with the MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting. This 2-pack set offers rechargeable, motion-sensing lights that are perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and hallways. They’re wireless, dimmable, and easy to install, making them a convenient lighting solution.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor turns the lights on automatically when you enter a dark area and off after 20 seconds of no movement. This is great for safety on stairs or in hallways at night.
- You can also set the lights to stay on continuously, which is handy for tasks like reading or camping.
- These lights are USB-C rechargeable, so no need to buy batteries. A single charge lasts a long time, from 7 to 30 days in motion sensor mode.
- The brightness is adjustable with 5 different levels. You can make them bright for cooking or dim them for a soft night light.
- Installation is super easy thanks to strong magnets. You can stick them directly to metal surfaces or use the included adhesive metal plates.
- They are versatile and work well in many places like under cabinets, in closets, pantries, and basements.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter for charging is not included, so you’ll need to have one already.
These MCGOR lights offer smart, flexible lighting that’s simple to use and install. They are a practical addition to any home needing a little extra light.
3. Govee White LED Strip Lights
Rating: 8.6/10
Brighten up your space with the Govee White LED Strip Lights! This 16.4ft strip delivers a crisp, daylight white glow, perfect for adding ambiance or practical lighting to any room. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or simply want to enhance your home, these lights offer a versatile and easy solution.
What We Like:
- The 300 LEDs provide super bright illumination, making your room feel more open and well-lit.
- You can easily adjust the brightness with 6 different levels, so you can get the perfect light for any mood or task.
- Setting them up is a breeze; just peel and stick! The strong adhesive and included clips keep them securely in place.
- The strip is flexible and can be cut to size, letting you customize your lighting exactly where you want it.
- These lights are safe to touch, as they run on low voltage and have built-in safety features.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for general use, the fixed 6500K color temperature means you can’t change the light color.
- The control box is functional but could be more compact or offer remote control for added convenience.
These Govee LED strip lights are a fantastic way to add bright, customizable lighting to your home. They are simple to install and offer great value for enhancing your living spaces.
4. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 9.4/10
The EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting offers a smart and convenient way to brighten your home. These rechargeable, wireless lights feature motion sensing and a handy charging station, making them perfect for kitchens, closets, and stairs.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor has three useful modes: Day Mode, Night Mode, and Always On Mode. It detects motion within 120° and 9–16 ft, turning off after 20 seconds to save power.
- You can choose from three color temperatures (3000K, 4200K, 5700K) and three brightness levels (30%, 60%, 100%). This lets you create the perfect lighting for any task, reducing glare and eye strain.
- Each light has a long-lasting 2000mAh battery. The included 3-slot charging dock makes recharging easy and keeps your space tidy. It can even charge other small devices!
- A convenient remote control lets you adjust all lights at once. You can change brightness, modes, or set a timer for up to 120 minutes. Individual lights also have buttons for adjustments.
- Installation is a breeze with no tools needed. You can stick them on any surface using the strong magnets or included 3M adhesive tape.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the motion sensing range is good, it might not be sensitive enough for very slow movements.
- The battery life in “Always On Mode” is shorter than in motion-sensing modes, so keep this in mind for extended tasks.
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic addition to any home, offering versatile lighting solutions with easy installation and smart features. They are a great way to add convenience and ambiance.
5. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.9/10
Brighten up any space with the EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting. These rechargeable puck lights are super versatile, offering a rainbow of colors and different shades of white. They’re easy to install, and the motion sensor makes them super convenient.
What We Like:
- You get both vibrant RGB colors and three different white light temperatures (warm, natural, and cool) in one light.
- The 1000mAh rechargeable battery means no more buying batteries, and it lasts a long time.
- The motion sensor is smart and can be set to turn on only when it’s dark, saving energy.
- You can easily turn off the motion sensor if you want to keep the light on all the time.
- Controlling them is simple with the remote, which lets you change colors, brightness, and set timers.
- Installation is a breeze with magnets, adhesive plates, or a hook – no tools needed!
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor range, while good, might not cover every single corner of a large space.
- While the battery life is good, heavy use in “Always-On” mode will drain it faster.
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic, flexible lighting solution for your home. They add both style and function wherever you need a little extra light.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Under-Cabinet Lights
Why Add Lights Under Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Under-cabinet lights do more than just make your kitchen look fancy. They light up your countertops. This makes cooking and preparing food much easier and safer. You can see better when chopping vegetables or measuring ingredients. These lights also add a warm glow to your kitchen, making it feel more inviting.
1. Key Features to Look For
Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens tell you how bright a light is. For under-cabinet lights, you want enough brightness to see clearly. Look for lights with at least 200-300 lumens per foot. Some lights let you adjust the brightness, which is a great feature. You can dim them for a softer mood or brighten them for task lighting.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
Color temperature is how warm or cool the light looks. It’s measured in Kelvin (K).
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): This looks like a regular light bulb. It makes the kitchen feel cozy.
- Cool White (3500K-4000K): This light is a bit brighter and cleaner. It’s good for tasks.
- Daylight (5000K+): This is very bright and mimics natural sunlight.
Most people prefer warm or cool white for kitchens. It’s best to choose a color that matches your kitchen’s style.
Type of Light
There are a few main types of under-cabinet lights:
- LED Strips: These are flexible and easy to install. They give off a consistent light.
- Puck Lights: These are small, round lights. You can place them where you need them most.
- Bar Lights: These are longer and often brighter than puck lights. They offer good coverage.
LED strips are very popular because they are thin and blend in well.
Control Options
How do you turn them on and off?
- Switches: Some lights have simple on/off switches.
- Remotes: Many come with remote controls. This is handy if the switch is hard to reach.
- Dimmers: Lights with dimmers let you change the brightness.
- Smart Features: Some can connect to your phone or smart home system. You can control them with voice commands!
Consider how you want to control your lights.
2. Important Materials
The housing of the lights is usually made of plastic or metal. Metal housings can be more durable. The LED components themselves are small and efficient. For LED strips, the backing is often adhesive for easy mounting. Make sure the materials feel sturdy and well-made.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Better?
Good quality lights use high-quality LEDs. This means they last longer and the light color stays consistent. Easy installation is a big plus. Lights with good adhesive or simple mounting hardware are better. Features like dimming and remote control also add to the quality.
What Makes Them Worse?
Cheap LEDs can flicker or burn out quickly. Poor adhesive might mean lights fall down. If the light color changes over time, that’s a sign of low quality. Difficult installation can be frustrating. Lights that get too hot can also be a problem.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Easy Installation
Most under-cabinet lights are designed for DIY installation. Many use peel-and-stick adhesive. Others might need screws. Kits often include everything you need. Some people hire an electrician for hardwired lights, but many are plug-and-play.
Versatile Uses
These lights are perfect for:
- Task Lighting: Making your workspace brighter for cooking.
- Ambient Lighting: Adding a soft glow for a cozy atmosphere.
- Accent Lighting: Highlighting decorative items or your backsplash.
- Night Lights: Providing a gentle light for late-night snacks.
They can transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many under-cabinet lights do I need?
A: It depends on the size of your cabinets. Measure the length of the space under your cabinets. Most LED strips are sold in lengths, so you can cut them to fit or buy the right size.
Q: Are under-cabinet lights hard to install?
A: Most are very easy to install. Many use adhesive. Some might need simple tools. Plug-in options are the easiest.
Q: Can I cut LED light strips?
A: Yes, most LED strips have marked cut points. You can cut them to the exact length you need. Always check the instructions.
Q: How long do LED under-cabinet lights last?
A: High-quality LED lights can last for thousands of hours. Many will last for many years with normal use.
Q: Do I need an electrician to install them?
A: For plug-in or battery-powered lights, usually not. If you choose hardwired lights, it’s best to hire an electrician.
Q: Can I change the color of the lights?
A: Some lights are fixed white. Others are RGB, meaning they can change to many colors. Look for “RGB” if you want color options.
Q: Are under-cabinet lights energy efficient?
A: Yes, LED lights are very energy efficient. They use much less electricity than older types of bulbs.
Q: What if my cabinets have a lip that hangs down?
A: You might need to attach the lights to the underside of the cabinet shelf instead of the front edge. Some kits come with angled brackets.
Q: Can I use these lights in other rooms?
A: Absolutely! They work great under bookshelves, in pantries, or even in closets.
Q: How do I clean under-cabinet lights?
A: Turn them off and unplug them first. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!