Ever felt like your kitchen is a little too dim when you’re trying to chop veggies or find that hidden spice jar? You’re not alone! So many kitchens suffer from dark countertops, making everyday tasks a bit of a struggle. Choosing the right under cupboard lights can feel like a puzzle. There are so many kinds, and figuring out which ones are best for your kitchen can be tricky.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help shine a light on this often-overlooked kitchen upgrade. By reading on, you’ll learn what makes good under cupboard lighting, discover different styles that can fit any kitchen, and understand how to pick the perfect ones to make your cooking space brighter and more enjoyable.
Get ready to transform your kitchen from gloomy to glorious! Let’s dive into the world of under cupboard kitchen lights and find the perfect solution for you.
Our Top 5 Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable – 84 LED Super Bright, 3-Color & 5 Level Brightness, 4 Modes, Motion Sensor, Long Lasting – Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights – 2 Pack offers a smart solution for any dimly lit space. These lights bring convenience and style to your home, making it easier to navigate your kitchen, closets, or any other area that needs a little extra illumination.
What We Like:
- Super bright with 84 LEDs, offering excellent visibility.
- Adjustable 3-color temperatures (warm, cool, mixed) and 5 brightness levels, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance.
- Four versatile lighting modes, including motion sensing that automatically turns lights on and off, saving energy.
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery with USB-C charging, meaning fewer charges are needed.
- Easy installation with strong magnets and included adhesive iron plates, making them adaptable to various surfaces.
- Durable construction with aluminum alloy and ABS plastic for lasting use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor detection distance of 10ft might be a bit limited for very large areas.
- While durable, the plastic components might not feel as premium as all-metal alternatives.
These under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home. They provide efficient, customizable, and easy-to-use lighting exactly where you need it.
2. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting offers a smart and convenient solution for illuminating your home. This 2-pack of rechargeable, motion-sensing lights provides versatile lighting for kitchens, closets, stairs, and more, with easy wireless installation and a sleek design.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor is super handy. It turns on automatically when it senses you nearby and turns off after a short while, saving energy.
- You can also set the lights to stay on all the time. This is great for reading, camping, or even using them as a flashlight.
- These lights have 5 different brightness levels. You can make them brighter for cooking or dim them for a soft night light.
- They are rechargeable with a USB-C cable, so no more buying batteries or dealing with messy wires.
- Installation is a breeze! The strong magnets let you stick them directly to metal surfaces, or you can use the included adhesive plates.
- The frosted cover helps protect your eyes, and the lights are energy-saving.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter needed for charging is not included.
- The motion sensor range is 10ft, which might be a bit short for very large areas.
These MCGOR lights are a smart upgrade for any home, offering both convenience and customization. They’re a practical and stylish way to add light where you need it most.
3. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark? These Under Cabinet Lights are a game-changer! This 2-pack of 14.7″ rechargeable lights offers smart motion sensing and dimmable brightness, making them perfect for any indoor space. Forget complicated wiring – these wireless lights are super easy to install and use.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor automatically turns the lights on when you enter a dark area and off after you leave, so you won’t trip anymore.
- You can set the lights to stay on all the time, which is handy for tasks like reading or even using it as a flashlight when camping.
- The brightness is adjustable with 5 levels, so you can make it brighter for cooking or dimmer for a soft night light without disturbing others.
- They are rechargeable with a USB-C cable, meaning no more buying batteries or dealing with cords. A single charge lasts a long time on motion sensor mode.
- Installation is a breeze! Strong magnets let you stick them directly to metal surfaces, or you can use the included adhesive metal plates. They’re easy to take down for charging too.
- They are perfect for kitchens, closets, pantries, hallways, stairs, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter for charging is not included.
These lights offer a smart, convenient, and versatile lighting solution for your home. They make navigating dark spaces safer and add a touch of modern convenience.
4. Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in
Rating: 8.9/10
Brighten up your space with the Maylit Under Cabinet Lights! This set comes with three 12-inch ultra-thin light bars. They provide super bright, daylight white light, perfect for under cabinets, counters, and workbenches. You can easily adjust the brightness to create the perfect mood.
What We Like:
- These lights are super bright with 81 LEDs per bar, giving you 1200 lumens of clear, 6000K daylight white light. They make it easy to see in your kitchen, garage, or workspace.
- The unique touch dimmer is really cool. A quick touch turns them on or off. A long touch lets you smoothly adjust the brightness from 1% to 100%.
- They are super thin at just 0.25 inches. This means they hide nicely under cabinets and don’t look bulky. Your lighting will look neat and clean.
- Installation is a breeze. You get both double-sided tapes and screws, so you can choose the best way to stick them up.
- These lights are very versatile. They work great in kitchens, bedrooms, closets, workshops, garages, and many other places.
- The company offers good customer service. If you have any issues, they promise to solve them within 24 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the brightness is great, some users might prefer a warmer white light option for certain areas like bedrooms.
- The plug-in design means you need an outlet nearby. For areas without easy outlet access, this could be a slight limitation.
These Maylit under cabinet lights are a fantastic addition to any space needing better illumination. They offer bright light, easy control, and a sleek design.
5. STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light
Rating: 8.5/10
The STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light is a handy little light that’s super easy to use. You just press the middle to turn it on and off. It’s perfect for closets, under cabinets, or anywhere you need a bit of extra light without complicated wiring. The warm white glow is gentle on your eyes.
What We Like:
- Super simple to turn on and off with a quick press, making it great for kids and older folks.
- The light is soft and easy on the eyes, thanks to the anti-glare panel.
- It’s battery-powered, so you don’t need to worry about cords or outlets.
- Installation is a breeze with the strong adhesive pads; just stick them where you need them.
- The small size means you can put them almost anywhere, from closets to kitchen counters.
- The twist-off design makes changing batteries quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- The light output is 50 lumens, which might not be bright enough for larger or very dark areas.
This set of 5 lights offers a simple and safe lighting solution for many areas in your home. They are a practical addition for adding light where you need it most.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Under Cupboard Light Buying Guide
Tired of shadowy countertops? Under cupboard kitchen lights are a game-changer! They add style and make your kitchen super functional. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Why You Need Under Cupboard Lights
These lights do more than just look good. They light up your workspace. You can chop veggies without squinting. They also make your kitchen feel bigger and more inviting. They’re perfect for late-night snacks or when you’re hosting a party.
Key Features to Look For
1. Brightness (Lumens)
Brightness is measured in lumens. More lumens mean a brighter light. For task lighting, aim for around 300-500 lumens per light. This is bright enough to see clearly.
2. Color Temperature (Kelvin)
Color temperature affects the mood.
- Warm white (2700K-3000K): This is cozy and relaxing, like an old-fashioned light bulb.
- Cool white (4000K-5000K): This is bright and clean, good for tasks where you need to see details.
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): This is very bright and mimics natural sunlight.
For kitchens, warm white or cool white are usually best.
3. Type of Light
There are a few main types.
- LED Strips: These are long, thin lights that stick under your cupboards. They’re very popular and flexible.
- Puck Lights: These are small, round lights. You can place them where you need light most.
- Bar Lights: These are short, straight lights. They’re good for smaller spaces.
LED strips give the most even light.
4. Power Source
Consider how the lights get power.
- Plug-in: These need an outlet. They’re easy to install but you’ll see cords.
- Battery-powered: These are wireless and easy to put anywhere. You’ll need to change batteries often.
- Hardwired: These connect directly to your home’s wiring. They look the neatest but need an electrician.
Plug-in and battery-powered are easiest for DIY.
5. Dimmable vs. Non-Dimmable
Dimmable lights let you change the brightness. This is great for setting different moods. You can dim them for a soft glow or brighten them for cooking.
6. Motion Sensor
Some lights turn on automatically when they sense movement. This is super convenient, especially when your hands are full. It also saves energy.
Important Materials
Most under cupboard lights use durable materials.
- Aluminum: This is common for the housing. It’s light and strong.
- Plastic: Many diffusers (the part that softens the light) are made of plastic. Look for good quality plastic that won’t yellow over time.
- LEDs: These are the light sources themselves. They last a long time and use less energy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Great:
- Good Build Quality: Lights that feel solid and well-made will last longer.
- Even Light Distribution: Lights that spread light evenly look much better.
- Easy Installation: Simple instructions and good mounting hardware make a big difference.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs that last for many years are a great investment.
What Can Make Them Less Good:
- Flimsy Construction: Cheap plastic can break easily.
- Uneven or Flickering Light: This is annoying and looks bad.
- Difficult Installation: Messy wires or tricky mounting can be frustrating.
- Short Lifespan: Lights that burn out quickly aren’t worth the money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Kitchen Tasks:
Chopping, mixing, and reading recipes become much easier with good under cupboard lighting. You can see exactly what you’re doing.
Ambiance:
Soft, dimmable lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They’re perfect for dinner parties or a cozy evening in the kitchen.
Safety:
Well-lit kitchens reduce the risk of accidents. You can see spills or hazards more easily.
Style:
These lights add a modern touch to your kitchen. They can highlight your backsplash and make your cabinets look great.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I install under cupboard lights?
A: Many are easy to install with adhesive strips or screws. Some plug-in or battery-powered options require no tools. Hardwired lights need a professional.
Q: Are LED under cupboard lights energy-efficient?
A: Yes, LEDs use much less electricity than older types of bulbs. They also last a lot longer.
Q: How many lights do I need?
A: It depends on the size of your kitchen. Most people use one light every 2-3 feet of counter space.
Q: Can I cut LED strips to size?
A: Yes, most LED strips have cut marks. You can cut them to fit your cabinets perfectly.
Q: What’s the difference between warm white and cool white light?
A: Warm white is yellowish and cozy. Cool white is bluer and brighter, good for tasks.
Q: Do I need an electrician to install them?
A: Only if you choose hardwired lights. Plug-in and battery-powered lights are usually DIY-friendly.
Q: How long do under cupboard lights last?
A: High-quality LED lights can last 20,000 to 50,000 hours. That’s many years!
Q: Can I use under cupboard lights in other rooms?
A: Yes, they work well in workshops, garages, or anywhere you need extra light.
Q: What if my cupboards have a lip?
A: Some lights are designed to fit over lips, or you can use mounting brackets.
Q: How do I clean them?
A: Unplug them or turn off the power. Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth.
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!