Ever feel like your kitchen is missing that special spark? You chop veggies, mix batter, and whip up delicious meals, but something still feels a little dim. That’s where the magic of under-cabinet lighting comes in! It’s not just about seeing better; it’s about transforming your kitchen from a workspace into a warm and inviting heart of your home.
Choosing the perfect under-cabinet lights can feel like a puzzle. Should you go for bright and bold or soft and subtle? What kind of lights even exist? It’s easy to get lost in all the choices. But don’t worry, because by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to pick the lights that will make your kitchen shine.
We’ll explore different types of lighting, discuss how to choose the right color, and even touch on how to install them. Get ready to discover how simple changes can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels!
Our Top 5 Lighting Under Kitchen Cabinets Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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GE Wireless LED Puck Lights | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Lighting Under Kitchen Cabinets Detailed Reviews
1. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The MCGOR 10-inch Under Cabinet Lighting set offers a smart and convenient solution for any home. This 2-pack of rechargeable lights is designed to make your life easier, whether you’re navigating a dark hallway, searching for something in your closet, or just need a bit of extra light under your kitchen counters.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor is super helpful. It turns on automatically when you walk by in dim light, so you don’t have to reach for a switch. It also turns off by itself after about 20 seconds, saving energy.
- You can choose to have the lights always on, which is handy for reading or even using them as a flashlight when camping.
- These lights have 5 different brightness levels. This means you can make them bright for cooking or dim them down for a soft night light without disturbing anyone.
- They are rechargeable using a USB-C cable, so no more buying batteries. A single charge lasts a long time, especially in motion sensor mode.
- Installation is a breeze! They have strong magnets, so they stick to metal surfaces. You can also use the included sticky plates to put them anywhere. It’s easy to take them down to charge them.
- They are perfect for kitchens, closets, pantries, stairs, hallways, and bookshelves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter is not included, so you’ll need to provide your own for charging.
These MCGOR lights are a fantastic addition to any home, offering smart features and easy installation. They provide adaptable lighting exactly where and when you need it.
2. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? These Under Cabinet Lights, a 2-pack of 14.7″ rechargeable motion sensor lights, offer a smart and simple solution for your home. They’re perfect for kitchens, closets, hallways, and stairs, bringing convenient illumination right where you need it.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor automatically turns the lights on when you enter a dark area and off after 20 seconds. This is great for safety, especially on stairs at night.
- You can set the lights to stay on all the time. This makes them handy for reading, camping, or even as a temporary flashlight.
- These lights have 5 brightness levels, so you can adjust them for different tasks. Make them bright for cooking or dim them for a gentle night light.
- They are rechargeable with a USB-C cable, so no more buying batteries or dealing with messy wires.
- Installation is a breeze with strong magnets and included adhesive metal plates. You can stick them anywhere and easily remove them to charge.
- The frosted cover provides a soft, eye-friendly light.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery life in Always-on Mode at 100% brightness is only 8 hours, which might be short for some users.
- A USB wall adapter is not included, so you’ll need to provide your own for charging.
These lights offer a versatile and user-friendly way to light up your spaces. They are a practical addition to any home.
3. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 8.9/10
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 and stylish solution for any home. These lights bring brightness and convenience right where you need them, without the hassle of wires or frequent battery changes.
What We Like:
- Super bright with 84 LEDs and a wide 120° motion sensor that automatically turns off after 20 seconds of no movement.
- Offers three color temperatures (warm, cool, mixed) and five brightness levels, including stepless dimming for perfect ambiance.
- Four lighting modes (OFF, Night Sensing, Daytime Sensing, Always On) adapt to any situation, saving energy.
- Long-lasting 1800mAh battery is easily rechargeable via USB-C, providing up to 8 hours of high brightness or weeks in sensor mode.
- Easy installation with strong magnets or included adhesive iron plates; removable for convenient charging.
- Durable aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction ensures long-term use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor’s detection distance of 10 feet might be too short for some larger areas.
- While long-lasting, the battery life in “Always On” mode could be longer for continuous use.
These lights are a fantastic upgrade for any space, providing smart, customizable, and hassle-free illumination. They offer excellent value and convenience for modern living.
4. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of fumbling for light switches in the dark? The EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting system is here to brighten your world! These rechargeable, wireless lights are packed with smart features to make your life easier. They stick anywhere, sense your movement, and come with a handy charging station. Plus, you can pick the perfect light color and brightness for any task.
What We Like:
- Super versatile with three different modes: Night Motion (for darkness), All-Day Motion (for dim spots), and Always-On (for continuous light).
- You can choose from three light colors (warm, natural, and cool white) and dim the brightness to your liking.
- The 2000mAh battery lasts a long time, and the 3-slot charging station keeps things neat.
- Comes with a remote control for easy adjustments and timers, and also has buttons on the lights themselves.
- Setup is a breeze with magnetic backing or adhesive strips – no tools needed!
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor range is 10 ft, which is good but might not cover very large areas.
- While the battery life is decent, using “Always-On” at full brightness drains it faster.
This lighting set offers a smart, easy, and flexible way to add light anywhere you need it. Get ready to light up your home without any hassle!
5. GE Wireless LED Puck Lights
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark? The GE Wireless LED Puck Lights are here to brighten your day (and night!). This handy six-pack of battery-operated lights offers a simple solution to add light wherever you need it most. They’re perfect for those shadowy spots under kitchen cabinets, inside closets, in your pantry, or even in the garage. Installation is a breeze, and with a simple tap, you can turn them on and off.
What We Like:
- Easy to install with included tape and screws.
- Touch-activated for quick on/off.
- Provides 20 lumens of bright, cool-to-the-touch light.
- No wires needed, making them super versatile.
- Great for many areas like cabinets, closets, and garages.
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries are not included, so you’ll need to buy 3 AAA for each light.
- The 20-lumen brightness might be a bit dim for larger or very dark areas.
These GE LED puck lights offer a convenient and affordable way to add light to your home. They’re a fantastic DIY solution for many common lighting challenges.
Brighten Your Kitchen: A Smart Guide to Under-Cabinet Lighting
Kitchen under-cabinet lighting is a game-changer. It makes your kitchen look better. It also makes it easier to work in. This guide will help you pick the best lights for your kitchen.
Why Install Under-Cabinet Lighting?
Under-cabinet lights do a lot. They light up your countertops. This is great for chopping veggies or reading recipes. They also add a nice glow to your kitchen. This makes it feel warmer and more inviting. You can even use them as accent lighting at night.
Key Features to Look For
Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens tell you how bright a light is. More lumens mean a brighter light. For task lighting, you want lights with around 300-500 lumens. This is bright enough for most jobs.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
Color temperature is how warm or cool the light looks. Lower Kelvin numbers (like 2700K) are warm and yellow, like an old light bulb. Higher Kelvin numbers (like 5000K) are cool and blue, like daylight. Most people like a warm white light (around 3000K) for their kitchens. It feels cozy.
Type of Light
- LED Strips: These are long, flexible strips with many small lights. They are very popular. They are energy-efficient.
- Pucks/Dots: These are small, round lights. You can place them where you need light most.
- Bars: These are longer, rigid lights. They offer a more uniform light.
Dimmability
Being able to dim your lights is a great feature. You can make the light brighter for cooking. You can dim them for a softer mood.
Ease of Installation
Some lights are easy to stick on with adhesive. Others might need wires connected. Look for a system that works for you. Many LED strips come with easy clips or tape.
Important Materials
Most under-cabinet lights use plastic for the housing. This keeps them light and affordable. The light source itself is usually LED. LEDs last a long time. They also use less electricity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
Lights with sturdy housings feel more durable. Cheap plastic might break easily. Good wiring connections are also important. This helps prevent flickering.
Light Quality
Look for lights that have a high Color Rendering Index (CRI). CRI tells you how well the light shows true colors. A CRI of 80 or higher is good. This means your food will look its real color under the light.
Brand Reputation
Well-known brands often make better products. They usually offer warranties too. This gives you peace of mind.
User Experience and Use Cases
Task Lighting
This is the main reason people get these lights. They shine directly on your countertops. This makes food prep safe and easy.
Ambiance Lighting
Dimmed lights under the cabinets create a cozy feel. This is nice for relaxing in the evening or entertaining guests.
Night Lights
A low-level glow can be helpful at night. You can find your way around the kitchen without turning on bright overhead lights.
Aesthetics
Under-cabinet lights highlight your kitchen’s design. They can make your cabinets look more impressive. They can also hide the messier parts of your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many under-cabinet lights do I need?
A: This depends on the size of your cabinets. You usually want a light every 12-18 inches for good coverage.
Q: Are LED under-cabinet lights worth the cost?
A: Yes. LEDs use less energy. They last much longer than old bulbs. This saves you money over time.
Q: Can I install these lights myself?
A: Many are designed for DIY installation. Look for plug-in or battery-operated options. Some wired systems may need an electrician.
Q: What is the difference between under-cabinet lights and strip lights?
A: Under-cabinet lights is a general term. LED strips are a popular type of under-cabinet light. They are flexible and come in long lengths.
Q: How do I clean under-cabinet lights?
A: Turn them off first. Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a slightly damp cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before turning them back on.
Q: Can I connect multiple light strips together?
A: Yes. Many LED strip systems allow you to connect them. Check the product details to make sure they are compatible.
Q: What if my cabinets have a lip or overhang?
A: You can still install lights. Some lights have mounting brackets. Others can be angled. Measure your space carefully.
Q: Do I need a transformer for LED under-cabinet lights?
A: If the lights plug into a wall outlet, they usually have a built-in transformer. If they are low voltage, you might need a separate power supply or transformer.
Q: How long do LED under-cabinet lights typically last?
A: LEDs are very long-lasting. They can last 25,000 to 50,000 hours or more. This is many years of use.
Q: Can I get under-cabinet lights in different colors?
A: Yes. You can find white lights in many shades. Some lights also offer RGB color-changing options for fun effects.
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!