Imagine this: You’re chopping vegetables, but shadows dance on your countertops, making it hard to see clearly. Or maybe your kitchen feels a little dim and uninviting, even with the main lights on. You’re not alone! Many people find it tricky to pick the perfect under cabinet lighting for their kitchens. There are so many choices out there – LED strips, puck lights, different colors, and brightness levels. It can feel overwhelming, and you just want a kitchen that’s both bright and beautiful.
But what if you could easily transform your kitchen into a well-lit, functional, and stylish space? This blog post is here to help you do just that. We’ll break down the confusing world of under cabinet lighting into simple steps. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different types available, and discover how to choose the best lights to make your kitchen shine. Get ready to say goodbye to shadows and hello to a kitchen you’ll love spending time in!
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Kitchen Lighting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Kitchen Lighting Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 9.3/10
Say goodbye to fumbling in the dark! The Gritin 10.2-inch Under Cabinet Lighting is a game-changer for illuminating your home. This two-pack of lights packs a punch with 84 super-bright LEDs, offering customizable lighting for any situation. Crafted from premium aluminum alloy and durable ABS plastic, these lights are built to last and look great doing it.
What We Like:
- Super Bright and Versatile: 84 LEDs provide plenty of light. You can easily switch between warm, cool, and mixed light to create the perfect mood. Plus, five brightness levels and stepless dimming let you fine-tune the light exactly how you want it.
- Smart Motion Sensing: The 120° wide-angle motion sensor detects movement up to 10 feet away. The lights automatically turn on when you enter a space and off after 20 seconds of no movement, saving energy and convenience.
- Four Convenient Modes: Choose from OFF, Night Sensing (motion in the dark), Daytime Sensing (motion anytime), and Always On modes to suit any need.
- Long-Lasting & Rechargeable: The built-in 1800mAh battery lasts for hours on high brightness and up to 45 days in sensor mode. Recharging is a breeze with the included USB-C cables.
- Easy to Install Anywhere: Strong magnets allow quick attachment to iron surfaces. For other materials, use the included adhesive iron plates. They’re easy to remove for charging and reattach.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Detection Range in Bright Light: While the Daytime Sensing mode works, the motion detection might be less sensitive in very bright environments compared to darker settings.
These Gritin under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home, offering smart features and easy installation. You’ll wonder how you lived without them!
2. MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting, a 2-pack of rechargeable motion sensor lights, offers a smart and convenient solution for illuminating your home. These wireless lights are perfect for kitchens, closets, hallways, and stairs, adding both safety and ambiance.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor automatically turns on lights when you enter a dark area within a 10-foot range and a 120-degree angle. It turns off after about 20 seconds of no movement, saving energy and preventing you from tripping.
- You can choose an “always-on” mode, making these lights handy for tasks like reading, camping, or even as a flashlight.
- These lights are USB-C rechargeable, meaning no messy wires or constant battery changes. A single charge lasts a long time, up to 7-30 days on motion sensor mode.
- The lights offer 5 levels of brightness, so you can adjust them from bright for cooking to dim for a gentle night light. They use energy-saving LEDs and have a frosted cover to reduce glare, protecting your eyes.
- Installation is a breeze with built-in strong magnets. You can stick them directly to metal surfaces or use the included adhesive metal plates. They are easy to remove for charging.
- These lights are versatile and work well under kitchen cabinets, in closets, pantries, basements, hallways, and on bookshelves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package does not include a USB wall adapter for charging.
These MCGOR under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home, providing smart lighting where you need it most.
3. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark? The EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting offers a brilliant solution for illuminating your home. These rechargeable, wireless lights are packed with smart features to make your life easier. From the kitchen to closets and stairs, they bring convenience and customizable light wherever you need it.
What We Like:
- Smart motion sensing with three modes (Day, Night, Always On) means lights turn on when you need them, even with full hands.
- Offers three color temperatures (Warm, Natural, Cool White) and adjustable brightness levels for perfect lighting in any situation.
- Long-lasting 2000mAh batteries keep the lights running for weeks, and the handy 3-slot charging station juices them up easily.
- A remote control lets you adjust all lights at once, or you can control them individually with built-in buttons.
- Super easy, tool-free installation using magnets or adhesive strips.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Always On” mode drains the battery quickly, so it’s best for short-term use.
- While the motion sensor is good, it might occasionally miss very quick movements.
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home, offering effortless illumination and customizable settings. They truly brighten up spaces without the fuss of wiring.
4. BLACK+DECKER LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
Rating: 9.3/10
Brighten up your kitchen, workspace, or any room with the BLACK+DECKER LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit. This kit comes with three 9-inch light bars that are super thin, so they don’t take up much space. You can even connect them together for more light. Installing them is a breeze – no tools needed! Just plug them in, and you’re done. They give off a warm, cozy light that makes any area feel more inviting.
What We Like:
- The ultra-slim design fits anywhere without being noticeable.
- The motion sensor is super handy for turning lights on and off without touching anything.
- You can pick from 10 different brightness levels to get the perfect light for any mood.
- The warm white light (2700K) creates a really nice, relaxing atmosphere.
- It’s incredibly easy to install – you can do it yourself in just a few minutes.
- The bars are linkable, so you can customize how much light you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- The light bars are only 9 inches long; longer options would be great for bigger spaces.
- While the warm white is nice, some users might prefer a cooler tone for task lighting (though a cool white version is available).
This lighting kit is a fantastic way to add both style and function to your home. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
5. Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in
Rating: 9.3/10
Brighten up your space with the Maylit Under Cabinet Lights! This set comes with three 12-inch, super thin lights that plug in. They give off a bright, daylight white glow, perfect for kitchens, workshops, and desks. You can easily adjust the brightness with a touch, making them great for any task.
What We Like:
- These lights are super bright, with 81 LEDs per light, giving you 1200 lumens total. They make everything clear and easy to see.
- The touch dimmer is really cool. You can tap it to turn the lights on and off, or hold it down to make the light brighter or dimmer, from 1% all the way to 100%.
- They are incredibly thin, only 0.25 inches! This means they hide away neatly under cabinets and counters, making your space look clean and tidy.
- Installation is a breeze. You can use the included double-sided tape or screws, so you can pick the best way for your cabinets.
- These lights are super versatile and work well in many places like kitchens, bedrooms, closets, garages, and even on desks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plug-in design means you need an outlet nearby, which might limit where you can place them if outlets are scarce.
- While the touch dimmer is smart, some users might prefer a physical switch for very quick on/off actions.
These Maylit lights are a fantastic way to add useful and stylish lighting to your home. They are easy to use and make a big difference in any space.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Under Cabinet Lighting Buying Guide
Tired of dark countertops? Under cabinet kitchen lighting is a game-changer! It makes cooking easier and your kitchen look better. This guide helps you pick the perfect lights.
Key Features to Look For
1. Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens tell you how bright a light is. For kitchens, aim for around 200-500 lumens per foot. More lumens mean a brighter space. Think about what you do under your cabinets. If you chop veggies a lot, you need brighter lights.
2. Color Temperature (Kelvin)
This is about the light’s color. It’s measured in Kelvin (K).
- Warm white (2700K-3000K): This is like a cozy, soft light. It’s good for making your kitchen feel inviting.
- Cool white (3500K-4100K): This light is brighter and crisper. It’s great for tasks like reading recipes or chopping food.
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): This is a very bright, blueish light. It mimics natural sunlight. Use this if you want a super clear workspace.
3. Dimmability
Dimmable lights let you change the brightness. This is super handy! You can make it bright for cooking and then dim it for a relaxed evening. Not all lights are dimmable, so check the box.
4. Type of Light
There are a few main types.
- LED Strips: These are long, flexible strips with many small lights. They give a smooth, even glow.
- LED Puck Lights: These are small, round lights. You can place them exactly where you need them.
- Bar Lights: These are longer, slim lights. They offer good coverage.
5. Ease of Installation
Some lights are plug-and-play. Others need to be wired. If you’re not handy, choose plug-in lights. Many come with adhesive tape or clips for easy mounting.
6. Smart Features
Some lights connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or voice. This is cool but costs more. You can turn them on or off without leaving your seat!
Important Materials
1. Housing Material
Most lights use plastic or metal for their housing. Metal, like aluminum, often feels more durable. It can also help with heat. Plastic is lighter and cheaper.
2. Light Diffuser
This is the cover over the lights. A good diffuser spreads the light evenly. It stops you from seeing bright spots from individual LEDs. Frosted or milky plastic diffusers work well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Brand Reputation
Well-known brands often make better products. They usually have good warranties and customer support. Cheaper, no-name brands might break sooner.
2. Build Quality
Feel the lights. Do they feel sturdy? Are the wires thick and well-made? Poor build quality means the lights might not last long.
3. Light Uniformity
Good lights provide a smooth, even glow. You shouldn’t see harsh shadows or bright spots. This comes from good LED placement and a quality diffuser.
4. Energy Efficiency
LED lights are very energy-efficient. They use less power and last longer. This saves you money on your electricity bill and reduces how often you need to replace them.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Task Lighting
This is the main reason people buy under cabinet lights. They make your countertops bright and safe for cooking, prepping food, and reading. No more squinting!
2. Ambiance and Mood Lighting
Dim, warm lights create a cozy atmosphere. You can use them for dinner or when you just want a soft glow in the kitchen.
3. Display Lighting
If you have nice dishware or decorative items on open shelves, under cabinet lights can highlight them. They make your kitchen look more stylish.
4. Safety
Bright lights help you see where you’re going at night. You can avoid bumping into things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many under cabinet lights do I need?
A: It depends on your cabinet size and how bright you want it. A general rule is about 1-2 lights per foot of cabinet space. Measure your cabinets to figure out how many you need.
Q: Are LED lights better than other types?
A: Yes, LED lights are much better. They use less energy, last longer, and are more durable than older types of lights like halogens.
Q: Can I install under cabinet lights myself?
A: Many under cabinet lights are designed for easy DIY installation. Plug-in models are very simple. If you’re comfortable with basic wiring, hardwired options are also possible.
Q: What is the difference between lumens and watts?
A: Lumens measure brightness. Watts measure how much energy the light uses. For brightness, focus on lumens. LEDs use fewer watts for the same amount of light.
Q: How long do LED under cabinet lights last?
A: LED lights are very long-lasting. They can last 20,000 to 50,000 hours or more. This means they can last for many years.
Q: Should I choose plug-in or hardwired lights?
A: Plug-in lights are easier to install and move. Hardwired lights offer a cleaner look with no visible cords. Choose based on your skill and desired look.
Q: Can I mix different types of under cabinet lights?
A: Yes, you can mix different types. For example, you might use LED strips for general lighting and puck lights for specific task areas.
Q: How do I clean under cabinet lights?
A: Always turn off the power first. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them clean. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but make sure they are completely dry before turning the power back on.
Q: What is a good Kelvin temperature for a kitchen?
A: For task lighting, 3500K to 4100K (cool white) is often recommended. For a warmer, cozier feel, 2700K to 3000K (warm white) works well.
Q: Do under cabinet lights use a lot of electricity?
A: No, LED under cabinet lights are very energy-efficient. They use much less electricity than older lighting technologies.
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!