Top 10 best under cabinet lighting in 2019. An elegant choice for your home & kitchen. Are you thinking of making changes or renovations to your kitchen? Are you thinking of some minor remodeling or a major overhaul?
Whichever you want to do, under cabinet lighting can add a new dimension to your kitchen aesthetics. Kitchens often have corners and spots that need more illumination, and these under cabinet lights can help you light up these dark areas.
Aside from the way it will make your kitchen look, it also adds functionality and a host of other benefits. At the very least, these lights can help you chop your vegetables better or help you pick out the right type of cutlery.
Changing or adding under cabinet lights is also a cheap way of revamping the aesthetics of the kitchen.
Comparison Table Of Under Cabinet Light
| Image | Brand | Details |
|---|---|---|
  | EShine LED Dimmable | |
  | Brilliant Evolution with Remote Control | |
  | Linkable LED T5 Light | |
  | URPOWER Motion Sensor Light | |
  | OxyLED cordless Motion Sensor | |
  | RXWLKJ Stick-on Anywhere | |
  | Litever Under Cabinet LED | |
  | Albrillo Dimmable Under Cabinet | |
  | Phonar 36 Inch Under Cabinet 3000K | |
  | LEPOTEC Wireless Motion Sensor |
These lights have so many uses aside from the looks. You can use them in a variety of spaces for illumination. For example, under cabinet LED lighting can be used in your garage, walkway, stairs, library, and other places.
Therefore, this article contains 10 of the best under cabinet LED lighting available. Furthermore, we had compiled a buying guide to help you know the best factors to consider when buying under cabinet LED lighting.
We have also collected and answered some of the frequently asked questions concerning these lights and their buying considerations.
Top 10 Best Under Cabinet Light Reviews
01. EShine LED Dimmable
- Easy and quick to install
- Strong, sturdy design guarantees longevity and low maintenance
- Zero flicker or warm-up period
- Economical and power saving
Are you looking for an under cabinet LED lighting that provides excellent performance? If so, the EShine LED dimmable lighting is a great choice.
This lighting offers you bright light that allows you to see all before you, whether you are chopping vegetables or picking the right cutlery, without any straining.
This lighting is excellent as it can be activated with a pure wave of the hand. Neat, yeah?
You do not have to worry about stains on the wall or using a remote to control the light. Adjusting the brightness can also be done with the wave of the hand.
You can choose the color which you want the light to come, either in Warm White or Cool White.
No matter what you choose, you can rest assured that these under cabinet lights will give your kitchen an elegant glow and clean look.
Aside from the aesthetics, the EShine LED also is an economic bargain. By consuming a mere 12W of power, it saves you money on electrical bills. The sturdy design of these lights means that maintenance is not a hassle.
Alongside the features above, EShine LED lighting is flicker-free. It comes up instantly and noiselessly without any warm-up period required.
These lights are easy to install. You can either screw them or stick them to wherever you want. The needed materials (screws and sticker) come included in the box.
02. Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Light with Remote Control
- Puck Lights are easy and quick to install.
- Comes with 18 AA batteries with 100-hour battery runtime at full brightness
- Bright, impressive performance with 55 lumens output and 3000K warm white color
- Adjustable brightness
- Remote controlled
Brilliant Evolution is a brand known for, err, their excellent designs. The Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED light is one of the best under cabinet lights available. It is puck-shaped, unlike most of the other lights on this list.
Aside from its shape, these lights offer excellent performance. With an output of 55 lumens, it provides just enough lighting to keep things very visible without being excessive. The LED bulb gives off a warm white glow of 3000 Kelvins.
Installation of the Brilliant Evolution LED lights is a breeze. The method of installation is your choice, and the necessary material required to come in the box.
These lights can be remote-controlled; hence, you don’t need to be worried about finding the switch in the dark. They can also be switched on manually.
The nature of the lights and the high quality of materials used mean that the LEDs do not require replacement.
Another feature of this impressive product is that you can determine the exact level of brightness that you want the LEDs to give off. This can be done via the side buttons.
The lights have a Timer feature which implies that you can set when you want them to go off. At full brightness, these light have a 100 hour run time which is very impressive compared to other lights.
03. LED Concepts Under Cabinet Linkable LED T5 Light Barhe
- Cool to the touch. It does not heat up. This reduces the chances of injury or any other form of mishap.
- Easily installed and mounted on a variety of surfaces
- It is a versatile light bar that can be used in different spaces, e.g., kitchen or closet
- Linkable light bar. Up to 75 light bars can be linked!
- Energy-efficient performance. It consumes 4W, which reduces electricity bills.
- Low heating up. The light bar is cool to the touch
- Bright, impressive performance
- The high quality of materials ensure durability
The 12” under-cabinet LED light bar from LED concepts is an energy-efficient solution to your lighting needs. This light bar is a powerful LED light that can be used in a variety of spaces.
It boasts of a sleek, minimalist design that is sure to spice up the kitchen or space. No matter the design setting, whether modern or traditional, this LED light bar will fit right in.
It features a 4W energy consumption rating, which is great for saving money on light bills and energy consumption.
If you need more than 1 bar for your lighting needs or simply to improve the décor of your space, the good news is that this 12” light bar is linkable. In fact, you can link up to 75 light bars. Impressive, right?
It is very easy to install and can be fitted or mounted on a wide variety of surfaces.
04. URPOWER Motion Sensor Light
- Motion sensing. Automatically switches on once motion is detected in a 3-meter radius
- 10 LED lights provide adequate lighting with no dark spots or unlit corners
- Noiseless, Instant-on a feature without LED flicker
- Can be run on batteries
- Easy installation process and quick installation time. It does not require screwing or drilling.
- It comes with a magnetic strip that can be stuck-on anywhere.
- Can be used in different spaces; under cabinet, hallways, stairs, etc
- Durable and long-lasting with a lifespan of 100,000 hours
URPOWER 10 LED motion-sensing lights are one of the most versatile and beloved light on this list. The lights feature passive infrared technology.
This means that they are sensitive to motion. Once you are within about 10 feet of these lights, they automatically come on and remain on until you stop moving for within 25 to 30 seconds.
These first lights can be fixed to different spaces, from under cabinet fittings to closets to stairs and so on.
Made of an Aluminum body, the URPOWER 10 LED motion sensor lights are strong and durable. The LED lights have a lifespan of 100,000 hours, which means it is easy to maintain.
The installation of these lights is effortless. You do not require any drilling, screwing, or stuff like that. These lights come with a magnetic strip. Simply stick them anywhere you desire.
The light comes with 10 LED bulbs, so it provides adequate lighting in whatever space you choose. There are no dark corners or spots. Illumination is even and warm.
05. OxyLED cordless Motion Sensor Closet Lights
- Turns on in the darkness. Motion sensor ensures that lights automatically switch on once motion is detected within 10 feet
- Easy and fast installation as the magnetic strips do not require boring, drilling or screws
- Battery operated
- 10 LED lights provide excellent illumination
- Efficient and economic performance
- It is versatile. Therefore it can be used in different spaces, e.g., Basements, kitchen, etc
OxyLED motion sensor lights are a low voltage light that provides excellent performance wherever it is installed.
The OxyLED light features motion-sensing technology that adds to its appeal as an under-cabinet LED lighting.
The LED light turns on automatically once motion is detected within 10 feet and in the darkness. The motion sensor also means that it turns off after about 20 seconds if no motion is detected.
Its installation and fixing are hassle-free. It does not require any special tools, any drilling, screwing, or boring. The OxyLED lights come with a magnetic strip that adheres to a variety of surfaces.
The 1-watt wattage means that despite its terrific performance, the OxyLED motion sensor closet lights are energy-efficient and economical.
With the included 10 LED lights, OxyLED provides bright illumination to all the corners of the space.
There is enough lighting so that you don’t stumble or pick out the wrong spoon. The pure white color gives your space a clean, bright look.
This battery powered light is versatile and can be used in different places like the basement, kitchen, closet, garage, and attic and so on. The aluminum alloy which cases the lights provide durability and safety from damage.
06. RXWLKJ Stick-on Anywhere Portable Little Light Wireless LED Under Cabinet Lights
- Instant-on feature jettisons flicker and warming uptime
- Can be detached and used as a hand-held light
- Easy to install with sticky tape and magnetic strip
- Versatile and can be used in different spaces
- 100 lumens output, 2 watts power consumption and 65000K temperature delivers bright, efficient and effective performance
This light features a motion sensor that automatically turns on the lights as soon as it recognizes motion within 10 feet and a120 degree radius. If no movement is registered after 20 seconds, the light automatically switches off.
If you, for some reason, do not want to use this feature, the RXWLKJ light has a 3-way switch that can be adjusted to whatever setting you prefer.
It is an impressive under cabinet light that offers the latest technology and excellent performance.
Its 100 lumens output provides needed illumination to all corners of the space. It comes in a cool white color temperature of 6500 kelvins.
The ease of installation and fixing underlines its’ versatility. You can install the light anywhere using the sticky tape with its magnetic strips.
This light can double as a torchlight too, simply remove it from the magnet and use it as a hand-held light.
It is applicable in different locations in and around the home.
It runs on a rechargeable 850mAh polymer lithium battery with LED life of 50,000 hours.
The lights have an Instant on a feature that eliminates flicker and a warm-up period. It has an energy consumption of 2 watts, thus saving you money on bills.
07. Litever Under Cabinet LED Lighting
- Adjustable rotary dimmer. This can adjust light intensity from 0% to 100%
- Easy installation of lights no matter the option is chosen (sticky tapes, wire clips, mounting clips, etc
- 2000 lumens output leaves your kitchen looking very bright and without glaring
- No occurrence of dark LED dots.
- Aluminum alloy and PC plastic means that LED lights are durable and shatter-resistant
- 6 bar kit with each bar containing 1 full LED
- Low voltage light bars
- Warm white 3000 Kelvins temperature
Litever is a trusted and experienced LED lighting manufacturer that delivers products of premium quality. Their under-cabinet LED lighting kit is no different.
This lighting produces an output of 2000 lumens, which bathes your kitchen with a warm white temperature of 3000 Kelvins.
These LED lights are different from most of the other lights on this list because they consist of 6-bars. Each bar contains just 1 LED.
With this innovative difference, Litever’s under-cabinet LED lights do not have a problem with LED dots. The lights remain very bright without the occurrence of glaring.
The light has various installation options, all of which are fast, easy, and efficient. You can use the sticky tapes, the wire clips, extension cords, and other materials to install these lights.
Litever features a dimmer switch that can be used to adjust the intensity of light emitted. The lights are durable and long-lasting.
This is no surprise because they are made of aluminum alloy and plastic which reduces the risk of shattering.
08. Albrillo Dimmable Under Cabinet LED Lighting
- Energy-efficient 12 watts consumption reduces the cost of light bills
- Easy to set up, as the needed accessories are included with the light
- 2000 lumens output and 5000K temperature
- Adjustable dimmer with “smart memory.”
- Versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces
The Albrillo dimmable LED lighting is one of the best under cabinet LED lighting you can buy. It has an output of 2000 lumens, which is sure to leave your kitchen looking sharp and bright.
Nature white 5000 Kelvin glow bathes your kitchen with enough light while ensuring that there is no glare. The low voltage guarantees safety.
Despite the brightness, this under-cabinet LED lighting uses just 12 watts and saves you 85% more than the average traditional light.
It comes with an adjustable dimmer that allows you to choose the brightness level of your preference.
Unlike some other LED lights with adjustable dimmers, the Albrillo LED lighting has a “smart memory.” This means that it remembers the last brightness level used. Neat, yes?
This light is applicable, not just as under cabinet lighting, but can be used in different spaces.
The installation of this powerful LED light is effortless. Like many others on that list, you can use sticky tapes to adhere to any surface you want, or you can use screws to fix it up. These accessories are included in the box.
This LED light is durable and sturdy. The aluminum and PC plastic casing ensures that damage is prevented. You do not have to change or maintain it regularly.
09. Phonar 36 Inch Under Cabinet Lighting 3000K
- Strong, durable and impressive performance
- Quick and easy installation; either use the sticky tapes or screw the lights
- Sensor touch makes it easy to use
- Bright performance with 1000 lumens output and 4000 Kelvin temperature
- CRI rating of 80 means colors appear natural
The Phonar 36” under-cabinet LED light is a thin, lightweight fixture that gives a certain allure to your space.
It features a 1000 lumens output, which ensures that there are no dark spots or corners. Despite its production, it consumes 12 watts of energy, which provides that it does not cause a drain on your electricity bills.
The Phonar LED light has a color temperature of 4000 Kelvins and a CRI of 80. Hence, colors appear more natural.
The Phonar LED light is aesthetically pleasing because it features a silver chrome plating. It will fit into your décor quite seamlessly!
For ease of use, the Phonar has a sensor touch that comes in handy when your hands are full or dirty. The sensor buttons are very responsive and easy to find.
These light fittings are durable and long-lasting as the aluminum alloy casing provides safe, stable performance.
It features two modes of lighting; the on/off switch mode and the always-on lighting mode. Choosing between these two modes is easy. All that is required is a change in the position of your power adapter.
Therefore, if you are looking for great interior lighting, Phonar is a strong contender. Moreover, installation is very quick and easy to do.
10. LEPOTEC Wireless Motion Sensor Cabinet Lights
- Easy and quick installation of the light. Comes with sticky tape and magnetic strip
- 850mAh battery can be recharged using USB (USB cable comes in the box)
- The 80,000 hours lifespan means low maintenance
- Versatile: Can be used in garages, kitchen, basements, attics, etc
- Three operational modes
- Detachable lights can last for 8 hours after a full charge
LEPOTEC is the last, but not the least, on our list. It is a quality LED light that delivers quite an impressive performance.
Its long lifespan and efficient performance earn it a spot on this list. It has a lifespan of 80,000 hours, which is very impressive.
Coupled with its lifespan, it comes in a color temperature of 6500 Kelvins. The plastic and aluminum material from which it is made, adds to its lifespan and durability.
You can rest assured that you will not need to change any LED bulbs in a very long time.
It offers excellent brightness, illuminating dark corners and preventing accidents. It comes naturally to install with a built-in magnetic strip and a 3M sticky tape.
There is no flicker or warm-up time required before this light comes on. It has a wide range of applications, from kitchens to garages and basements.
It features three modes: the motion sensing mode, instant-on mode, and the Instant off way. Each of these can be set based on your preference.
How to Choose Under Cabinet LED Lighting
When it comes to choosing undercabinet lights, there are many factors to consider.
On the surface, it can seem daunting due to the sheer volume of under cabinet lights available on the market. These lights come in different shapes, sizes, and prices.
However, we have made choosing an under cabinet light easy for you by giving you a breakdown of some of the most vital factors to consider when making a purchase. Reading this section can help you make an informed choice that you will not regret.
The options available vary significantly in terms of brightness, color, lifespan, and so on. Thus, let us have a look at some of the most important factors to consider.
The type of lighting
Under cabinet, lights are divided into 2 major groups: The puck lights and the linear lights. If you have read through our review of the top 10 recommendations above, you most likely have come across these types of lights.
The puck lights are often circular or square-shaped. This implies that their light is concentrated on a particular area, almost like a torchlight.
Linear lights, on the other hand, come in a vastly different shape. These lights offer even illumination across your space.
This is because instead of being concentrated in an area like the puck lights, they are spread out across your cabinet.
Each of these lights, puck and linear, come in varying lengths. You can choose your desired length and install. It should be noted that, due to their linear form, linear lights are relatively easier to install compared to their puck counterparts.
Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of your under cabinet lights can save you a lot of money on light bills. When it comes to lighting, this factor is significant.
Efficiency often depends on the type of bulb that your under cabinet light employs. Hence, let us look at some of the most popular types of bulbs used.
LED bulbs are the most common and by a long stretch, the best types of bulbs. Due to their design, these bulbs require little amounts of energy to function.
Moreover, they have the ability to dim (which will be discussed later). They also have the most extended lifespan of the bunch.
Halogen bulbs are another option when choosing the lighting. They are unarguably the brightest kinds of bulbs, but this comes with a disadvantage.
Their brightness makes them burn faster and hotter than the other types of bulbs available.
The third type of bulb is the Xenon bulb. These bulbs are not as bright as halogen bulbs, but they emit a warm color temperature that can radically improve the aesthetics of your kitchen.
The last type of bulb is the fluorescent bulb. These bulbs are bright and, compared with halogen and xenon bulbs, energy-efficient.
The only problem of these bulbs has that they are not as efficient as LED bulbs and are not dimmable.
Color Temperature
The color temperature is measured in Kelvins. Why is this factor important? Well, the color temperature of your under cabinet light determines the ambiance of your kitchen.
Depending on the color temperature, your kitchen can give off a warm white glow, a natural white look, or other colors. If you plan on using the under cabinet lights in different spaces, for example, in a library, the color temperature should be considered significant.
Most under cabinet light manufacturers identify the color temperature of their lights on the box or package.
Aside from the color temperature, many light manufacturers also give the CRI rating of their lights. CRI rating refers to how natural and how accurate the color of things look. A high CRI rating is recommended.
Ease of installation and mounting
Among the factors to be considered when choosing under cabinet lights, the ease of installation is essential.
Except you are looking to buy some next-generation type of lighting, most under cabinet lights are easy to fix and install.
Your lights can either be surface mounted or recessed. Linear lights require you to first measure out the length of your cabinet and the length of the lights before installation.
In almost all cases, especially with battery powered under cabinet lights, you do not require professional assistance before you can install the lights yourself.
In other cases, however, it might be advisable to get professional assistance with installation. For example, if the lights are hardwired lights, you will most likely need the help of an electrician or a similar professional.
Features
Under cabinet, lights come with many features, and your choice of lighting should be affected by the kind of features it has.
One of the most common features is the motion sensor. This feature allows your lights to come on or go off based on the detection of motion. This is especially useful when you cannot, for some reason, reach the light switch.
Under cabinet, lights might also come with dimmers. Adjustable dimmers allow you to change the intensity of the light, from 0% to 100%.
It can be used to create effects, for example, making your dinnertime more fancy and romantic. Dimming is a handy feature because when you dim the lights, your energy consumption reduces, and this cuts down on electricity bills.
Under cabinet, lights might sometimes possess the ability to be remotely controlled. The remote can be used to do different things, from adjusting light intensity to switching on or off.
Some under cabinet lights have a timer feature. This means that you can set a time when you want the lights to go off or dim.
Aesthetics and décor
The under cabinet lights can add a new dimension to how your kitchen or space looks. The color temperature can affect the mood of the area and either complement the look of the kitchen or give it an off-kilter appearance.
The shape of the lights (puck-shaped, bar lights, rope lights, or tape lights) can affect the overall look of the kitchen or space. For a neat, finished look, it is good to install cordless lights.
If cordless lights are not available, installing the lights with their cord under the cabinets or hidden out of sight can make space look neater.
Frequently Asked Questions Under Cabinet Lights
Q1. What are the types of under cabinet lights available?
Under cabinet, lights come in different shapes and sizes, but the following are generally regarded as the most common types.
- Puck Lights
- Light bars
- Tape lights
- Puck lights
These under cabinet lights are lights that emit a concentrated ray of light. They are usually circular, spherical, or square in shape. Most of these types of lights are battery operated and are very easy to install.
Light bars
As implied by the name, light bars are shaped like bars. They are often considered to offer the most finished and professional looks. Unlike puck lights that emit a focused ray of light, light bars provide uniform illumination, making it ideal for kitchen lighting. It ensures that there are no dark corners. Moreover, these lights are linkable, with some brands offering up to 75 linkable bars for maximum illumination.
Tape lights
In some circles, tape lights are also called rope lights. These soft lights offer an excellent solution to illuminating small spaces. They are straightforward & quick to install and can be cut to cabinets and other areas.
Q2. How much lighting is required for under cabinet lighting?
The amount of lighting you need for your under cabinet illumination is dependent on the size of the area. To determine this, before purchasing an under cabinet light, know the dimensions of your cabinet.
Furthermore, in cases where you want to use linkable light bars, it is essential to ascertain the length of each light bar and the length of the cabinet. This will help to create a more uniform and professional look.
Q3. What does CRI refer to?
When purchasing under cabinet lights, exceptionally high-quality brands, many of these lights have a CRI rating.
CRI means Color Rendering Index. It merely measures or describes how accurately the lights reflect the exact color of an object. A CRI rating of below 80 is viewed as inferior, while a score of 80 or above is recommended.
So, why is this rating outstanding?
In the kitchen, a high CRI rating dramatically improves the look of your space.
Since it describes the accuracy of the color of an object, it makes it easier to be accurate. For example, under individual lights, a specific color might look different.
If you were required to paint that color but painted another one due to the low CRI rating of your lights, it might cause embarrassment or other unwanted consequences.
Q4. Can under cabinet lights be used elsewhere?
Yes! There are so many applications of under cabinet lights in and around the home. As long as you need better illumination, under cabinet lights, it can come in handy. You can use these light not just under, but above cabinets as well.
They can be used in the attic, in the basement, in the garage or shed. Brighten up your workshop or your office using under cabinet lights.
Using under cabinet lighting with motion sensor features for your stairs or hallway is a great idea too.
Thus, do not limit yourself to just under cabinets!
Q5. How long do under cabinet lights last?
The lifespan of your under cabinet lights is majorly a function of the type of bulb it uses. These types of bulbs include; LED, xenon, halogen, and fluorescent.
LED light bulbs usually last the longest and are more energy-efficient than the other types of bulbs. They typically have an average lifespan of over 50,000 hours.
Halogen lamps have the brightest intensity but burn faster and hotter than the other bulbs; hence, they have the shortest lifespan of all the bulbs.
Xenon and fluorescents lie midway between the LED bulbs and the halogen bulbs.
Q6. What are the best criteria or types of under cabinet light?
We have earlier discussed the types of lights available; puck, linear, and tape lights. The best of these three types depends on your preference. It depends on many other factors too.
Thus, there is no “best” type of under cabinet light. The best is what you prefer and the way you want to use it.
Q7. How secure is the installation of under cabinet lighting?
It is effortless to install these lights. They often come with a magnetic strip, adhesive tape, or in some cases, screws. The kits usually include all the materials required for installation.
Adhesive tapes and magnetic strips are the most natural forms of installation. Screws and nails are a little bit more complicated, but not by much. Moreover, they often come with an instruction manual in the package.
If things get too complicated, there are a large number of videos on YouTube that can help you install with ease. Where hard wiring is required, it might be better to call in an electrician or a similar professional for assistance.
Q8. What are the benefits of using under cabinet lighting?
Under cabinet lighting come with a ton of benefits. Some of these benefits are highlighted below.
- They make for better illumination. Above cabinet lighting casts shadows from hangings, cabinets, and other things. By installing lighting under cabinets, these shadows are eliminated.
- Under cabinet LED lights are energy-saving and economical. They help you reduce the cost of your light bills.
- Under cabinet lighting adds a finished, professional look to your kitchen and makes it more aesthetically pleasing.
- The instruction manual for installation comes with each light, and anyone can fix them.
Conclusion
Under cabinet, lights are an economical and effective means of improving the look of your kitchen. They add beauty and are also highly functional.
So lighten up the mood, illuminate dark corners of your kitchen and enjoy the fresh, professional look that under cabinet lights can bring.
This review has revealed 10 of the best under cabinet LED lights available on the market. After reading this review, it should be easier for you to decide the best lights that suit your needs and taste.
We have considered some of the most important factors that should affect your choice of under cabinet lights. Some of these include energy efficiency, the CRI rating, the ease of installation and mounting, and so on.
We have also considered some of the most frequently asked questions concerning under cabinet lights.
There are so many options available to you. Under cabinet, lights come at different shapes, sizes, and prices. Do not just go for fancy design and aesthetics (although these are important).
Instead, be more concerned about the technical specifications of the under cabinet lights, for example, the color temperature, size of the light bars, cost-saving, and so on.
At the very least, with this article, we hope we have nudged you in the right direction. Therefore, go out there and make your choice. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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