Ever feel like your kitchen is missing something, even after you’ve picked out the perfect cabinets and countertops? That feeling often comes from a lack of light. Think about it: when you’re chopping vegetables or trying to find that forgotten spice, you’re often working in shadow. This is where under-counter kitchen lights come in, transforming a dark space into a functional and beautiful hub.
But choosing the right under-counter lights can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types – LED strips, puck lights, bars – and each has its own pros and cons. Do you want bright task lighting, or a softer mood glow? Should they be easy to install yourself, or is professional help okay? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder what will truly make a difference in your kitchen’s look and feel.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different options available. You’ll learn how to pick lights that fit your style and your budget, and how to create that perfect kitchen atmosphere. Get ready to shed some light on your kitchen’s potential!
Our Top 5 Under Counter 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 | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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GE Wireless LED Puck Lights | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Under Counter Kitchen Lights Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 9.1/10
Illuminate your home with the Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting. This 2-pack set brings super bright light to any space, featuring 84 LEDs and a sleek aluminum alloy and ABS plastic design. They are rechargeable and packed with smart features for convenience.
What We Like:
- The 84 super bright LEDs provide excellent illumination, and the aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction makes them strong and stylish.
- You can easily adjust the light to three different colors (warm, cool, and mixed) and five brightness levels, including stepless dimming for the perfect atmosphere.
- Four lighting modes, including motion sensing, make them super convenient and energy-efficient. They automatically turn off after 20 seconds of no movement.
- The built-in 1800mAh battery lasts a long time, up to 8 hours on high brightness or 45 days in sensor mode. Recharging is simple with the included USB-C cables.
- Installation is a breeze with strong magnets for iron surfaces and adhesive iron plates for other materials, making them easy to remove and recharge. They are perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the motion sensor is great, it has a 120° wide sensing angle and 3M/10FT detection distance, which might be a bit limited for very large areas.
These Gritin under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home, offering smart features and easy installation. They provide versatile and reliable lighting exactly where you need it.
2. MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.5/10
Brighten up your home with the MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting. This 2-pack of rechargeable lights is designed for convenience and versatility. They feature motion sensors, dimmable brightness, and easy magnetic installation, making them perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and hallways.
What We Like:
- Smart motion sensor: Lights turn on automatically when you enter a dark area and turn off after a short time. No more fumbling for switches in the dark!
- Flexible lighting modes: You can set them to motion sensor mode or an always-on mode. This makes them useful for tasks like reading or even as a flashlight.
- Easy USB-C charging: Built-in rechargeable batteries mean no more buying batteries. A single charge lasts a long time in motion sensor mode.
- Adjustable brightness: Five levels of brightness let you set the perfect light. Make it bright for cooking or dim it for a gentle night light.
- Simple installation: Strong magnets and included adhesive metal plates make it super easy to attach them anywhere. No tools or wiring needed!
- Wide range of uses: Great for under cabinets, closets, pantries, stairs, and hallways.
What Could Be Improved:
- USB wall adapter is not included, so you’ll need to provide your own.
These MCGOR lights offer a fantastic blend of smart technology and user-friendly design. They’re a practical and affordable solution for adding light where you need it most.
3. GE Wireless LED Puck Lights
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The GE Wireless LED Puck Lights are here to brighten your world! This 4-pack of battery-operated lights offers a simple, touch-activated solution for adding light exactly where you need it. Whether it’s under your kitchen cabinets, in a dimly lit closet, or on your garage workbench, these lights provide a convenient glow without any complicated wiring.
What We Like:
- Super easy to turn on and off with just a tap – no more searching for buttons!
- Bright 20-lumen LEDs provide good visibility without getting hot.
- LEDs last a long time and don’t need replacing, saving you hassle.
- They are wireless, so you can stick them almost anywhere without cords.
- Installation is a breeze with the included hardware and instructions – perfect for DIY projects.
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Each light needs 3 AAA batteries, which are not included, so be sure to grab some!
- The light might be a bit dim for tasks requiring very bright light.
These GE puck lights are a fantastic, easy way to add instant light to any corner of your home. They offer a simple, effective lighting solution for many everyday needs.
4. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 9.4/10
Illuminate your home with the EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting. These rechargeable, wireless motion sensor lights offer smart features and easy installation, making them a versatile solution for kitchens, closets, stairs, and more.
What We Like:
- Advanced motion sensing with three modes (Day, Night, Always On) detects movement up to 16 feet away and automatically shuts off after 20 seconds in motion modes.
- Offers three color temperatures (3000K, 4200K, 5700K) and three brightness levels (30%, 60%, 100%) to suit any task and reduce eye strain.
- Long-lasting 2000mAh batteries provide weeks of use on a single charge.
- The convenient 3-slot charging station can power multiple lights and even charge other devices.
- A handy remote control allows you to adjust settings for all lights simultaneously, or you can use the individual buttons on each light.
- Installation is a breeze with built-in magnets or included 3M adhesive tape – no tools or wiring needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Always On Mode” drains the battery relatively quickly, making it less practical for extended periods without charging.
- While the motion detection range is good, it might be slightly less sensitive in very bright daylight conditions even in “Day Mode.”
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic, user-friendly way to add convenience and targeted illumination to various spaces in your home. Their smart features and easy setup make them a worthy upgrade.
5. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark or dealing with harsh overhead lights? These 2-pack LED motion sensor under cabinet lights are a game-changer for your home. They offer smart, convenient lighting exactly where and when you need it, making your kitchen, closets, and other spaces brighter and safer.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting power: The 2200mAh battery keeps the lights going for a long time. In “always on” mode, they last 10 hours. In sensor mode, they can work for 40-60 days on a single charge!
- Fast USB-C charging: Get a full charge in just 2 hours. The pack even includes two USB-C cables.
- Smart motion detection: Lights turn on gently when you enter a room and slowly turn off after 20 seconds of no movement. This saves energy and prevents sudden brightness that can hurt your eyes.
- Flexible lighting options: Choose from “Always Off,” “Always On,” or “Auto” mode. You can also pick “Day Mode” or “Night Mode” for the sensor to work at specific times.
- Customizable brightness: With 62 bright LED beads, you get soft, non-glaring light. Adjust the brightness from 25% to 100% or use the stepless dimming feature from 10% to 100%. The lights remember your last setting.
- Super easy to install: Stick them directly onto metal surfaces with the strong built-in magnets. For other surfaces, use the included adhesive metal plates. They are also easy to remove for charging or moving.
- Works everywhere: These lights are perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, closets, cabinets, pantries, basements, stairs, hallways, and shelves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “always on” mode duration could be longer for some users.
- While dimmable, the lowest 10% brightness might still be too bright for very sensitive users in complete darkness.
These under cabinet lights offer a fantastic blend of convenience, energy efficiency, and customizable lighting. They are a simple yet effective upgrade for any home looking for smarter illumination.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Under Cabinet Lights
Tired of dark countertops when you’re trying to chop veggies or find that spice jar? Under cabinet lights are a fantastic way to add both style and function to your kitchen. They illuminate your workspace, make your kitchen look more inviting, and can even highlight your beautiful backsplash. Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the perfect set.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for under cabinet lights, keep these important features in mind.
Brightness (Lumens)
- What it is: Lumens tell you how bright a light is. More lumens mean a brighter light.
- Why it matters: You want enough light to see clearly for cooking tasks. Aim for lights that offer adjustable brightness so you can set the mood.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
- What it is: This describes the color of the light. Warm white (around 2700K) looks cozy, like a regular light bulb. Cool white (around 5000K) is brighter and more like daylight.
- Why it matters: Choose a color temperature that matches your kitchen’s style and your preference. Many lights let you switch between different colors.
Type of Light
- LEDs: These are the most common and best choice. They use less energy, last a long time, and don’t get very hot.
- Fluorescent: Older style, less efficient, and can flicker. Not recommended.
Control Options
- Remote Control: Easy to turn on/off and adjust brightness from anywhere.
- Touch Controls: Buttons right on the light fixture.
- Smart Home Integration: Connects to your phone or voice assistant (like Alexa or Google Home).
Ease of Installation
- Plug-in: Simple to use, just plug into an outlet.
- Hardwired: Requires connecting directly to your home’s electrical system. This is usually a job for an electrician.
- Battery-Powered: Convenient if you can’t easily access an outlet, but you’ll need to change batteries.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in under cabinet lights affect their durability and look.
- Plastic: Many light fixtures are made of plastic. Good quality plastic will be sturdy and won’t yellow over time.
- Aluminum: This metal is often used for the housing of LED lights. It’s lightweight and helps dissipate heat, which is good for the light’s lifespan.
- Glass: Some lenses are made of glass. This can offer better light diffusion and a more premium feel.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how good your under cabinet lights are.
- Build Quality: Lights that feel solid and well-made will last longer. Cheaply made lights might feel flimsy.
- Heat Dissipation: Good lights have ways to keep cool. If lights get too hot, they won’t last as long. LED lights are great because they produce very little heat.
- Brand Reputation: Buying from a trusted brand often means better quality and customer support.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands behind its product.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your kitchen will help you decide on the best lights.
- Task Lighting: If you need bright light for chopping and prepping food, look for high lumen output and a cool white color.
- Accent Lighting: If you want to create a cozy atmosphere or highlight decorative items, choose lower lumen output and a warm white color.
- Ambiance: Adjustable brightness and color temperature allow you to change the mood of your kitchen for different occasions.
- Safety: Lights can make your kitchen safer by illuminating walkways and preventing trips.
- Ease of Use: Lights that are simple to control and install make for a better experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Under Cabinet Lights
Q: What are the main benefits of under cabinet lights?
A: They make your countertops brighter for cooking, improve your kitchen’s look, and can highlight decorative features.
Q: Are LED under cabinet lights better than other types?
A: Yes, LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce less heat than older types of lights.
Q: How do I choose the right brightness?
A: Consider what you’ll be doing. For cooking, you need brighter lights (higher lumens). For ambiance, dimmer lights are better.
Q: What’s the difference between warm white and cool white light?
A: Warm white is like a cozy, yellowish light. Cool white is brighter and more like natural daylight.
Q: Can I install these myself?
A: Plug-in and battery-powered lights are usually easy to install. Hardwired lights might need a professional electrician.
Q: How long do under cabinet lights usually last?
A: High-quality LED lights can last for many years, often 10 to 20 years or even longer.
Q: Do under cabinet lights get hot?
A: Good quality LED lights produce very little heat. Older types might get warmer.
Q: Can I control the lights with my phone?
A: Some smart under cabinet lights can be controlled using a smartphone app or voice assistants.
Q: What if I have dark cabinets?
A: Lights will make a big difference! Choose a color temperature that complements your cabinet color.
Q: Where is the best place to put under cabinet lights?
A: Mount them at the front edge of your cabinets so they shine down onto your workspace without glare.
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!