Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a little something? That perfect glow that makes everything look and feel better? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is often right above your countertops, hidden just beneath your kitchen cabinets. Adding lights there can totally change your kitchen’s vibe, but with so many choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Do you pick LED strips or puck lights? What color should they be? It can feel like a puzzle trying to figure out the best way to light up your workspace and make your kitchen shine.
This is where we come in! We’ll walk you through the whole process, from understanding the different types of lights to picking the perfect ones for your kitchen. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for to create a brighter, more inviting, and super functional kitchen space. Get ready to transform your cooking area from ordinary to extraordinary!
Our Top 5 Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable is here to brighten up your life! This 2-pack of super bright LED lights offers a smart and convenient lighting solution for any space in your home. With its advanced features, installation is a breeze, and you’ll enjoy reliable illumination exactly when you need it.
What We Like:
- Super bright with 84 LEDs and a wide 120° motion sensor.
- You can choose from three different light colors (warm, cool, and mixed) to set the perfect mood.
- Five brightness levels let you find the exact light you need, from a soft glow to bright task lighting.
- Four modes, including motion sensing and always-on, offer great flexibility.
- The motion sensor automatically turns off after 20 seconds of no movement, saving energy.
- USB-C rechargeable battery lasts a long time, up to 8 hours on high brightness or 45 days in sensor mode.
- Easy installation with strong magnets or included adhesive plates.
- Durable aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction ensures it lasts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion detection distance is 10 feet, which might be too short for some larger areas.
- While rechargeable, it requires charging, unlike lights that plug directly into an outlet.
These Gritin lights are a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking for smart, hassle-free lighting. They are perfect for kitchens, closets, and anywhere you need a little extra light.
2. MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.5/10
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 simple solution for illuminating your home. These wireless lights are perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and hallways, adding convenience and safety wherever you need it.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor automatically turns on lights when you enter a dark area and off after about 20 seconds of no movement. This is super helpful for preventing trips on stairs in the dark.
- You can also set the lights to stay on continuously. This is great for tasks that take longer, like reading or working in your kitchen. They can even be used as a handy flashlight when you’re camping.
- These lights are USB-C rechargeable, meaning no messy wires or constant battery changes. A single charge can last a long time, up to 7-30 days on motion sensor mode.
- The lights have 5 different brightness levels, so you can make them brighter for cooking or dimmer for a soft night light. The frosted cover makes the light easy on your eyes.
- 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 also easy to remove for charging.
- They are perfect for many places like kitchens, closets, pantries, basements, and hallways.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter for charging is not included, so you’ll need to have one already.
These MCGOR lights are a fantastic, user-friendly upgrade for any home. They bring convenience and customizable lighting to your living spaces.
3. Govee White LED Strip Lights
Rating: 9.2/10
Brighten up your space with the Govee White LED Strip Lights! This upgraded 16.4ft strip offers a crisp, daylight white glow, perfect for adding a touch of brilliance to your home. With 300 LEDs, it provides excellent illumination for mirrors, kitchen cabinets, bedrooms, and even festive Christmas decorations.
What We Like:
- Super bright with 300 LEDs and 6500K daylight white.
- Adjustable brightness with 6 levels to suit any mood or occasion.
- Easy to set up in minutes with strong adhesive and included clips.
- Flexible and cuttable design lets you customize your lighting.
- Safe to use with low voltage and built-in safety features.
What Could Be Improved:
- The adhesive might need extra support on certain textured surfaces.
- No remote control included, adjustments are made via the control box.
These Govee LED strip lights are a fantastic way to enhance the ambiance of any room. They offer a simple yet effective lighting solution for both practical needs and decorative flair.
4. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 8.8/10
Brighten up your home with the EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting. These rechargeable, wireless lights offer smart motion sensing, multiple color options, and convenient charging. They’re perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and anywhere you need a little extra light.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor has three modes: Day Mode for extra light anytime, Night Mode for dark spaces, and Always On Mode for tasks.
- You get three color temperatures (Warm, Natural, and Cool White) and adjustable brightness to create the perfect mood and reduce eye strain.
- Each light has a long-lasting 2000mAh battery, and the included charging station can power up to three lights at once and even charge other devices.
- The remote control lets you adjust all lights at once, but you can also use the buttons on each light for individual control.
- Installation is super easy with no tools needed! You can use the strong magnets to attach them to metal surfaces or the included adhesive tape for other areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the motion sensing range is good, it might not cover extremely large areas without multiple lights.
- The Always On Mode drains the battery faster, so it’s best used for shorter periods.
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic, versatile lighting solution for any home. They bring convenience and smart features to everyday spaces.
5. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
Light up your life with the EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting! These super handy puck lights are rechargeable and have motion sensors, so they turn on only when you need them. They come with a remote and offer a rainbow of colors plus different shades of white. You can stick them anywhere, from your kitchen cabinets to your stairs, and dim them to just the right brightness.
What We Like:
- Versatile Lighting: Choose from 12 vibrant RGB colors and 3 cool white light temperatures (3000K, 4200K, 6500K) to match any mood or occasion. Plus, you get fun dynamic modes like Flash and Fade.
- Smart Motion Detection: The lights automatically turn on when they sense movement within a wide 120° range and up to 10 feet. They have three handy modes: always on, motion-activated only in the dark, or motion-activated anytime.
- Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery: Each light has a 1000mAh battery that lasts a long time. Enjoy up to 8 hours of bright light or 15-45 days on auto mode. Charging is easy with the included USB-C cable that charges three lights at once.
- Easy Control Options: Use the remote to control multiple lights, change colors, adjust brightness, and set timers. You can also bypass the motion sensor and turn them on or off manually. The built-in button offers quick adjustments too.
- Super Simple Installation: No tools needed! These lights stick to metal surfaces, come with adhesive metal plates, or can be hung with their built-in hooks, making them perfect for any spot.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Presets on Button: While the remote offers 15 colors, the built-in button might offer fewer options for quick color changes without the remote.
- Battery Life in Always-On Mode: 8 hours of constant brightness might be a bit short for some users who need continuous light for extended periods without recharging.
These EZVALO puck lights offer a fantastic combination of convenience, customization, and ease of use for any space. They’re a brilliant way to add light and a touch of flair wherever you need it.
Brighten Your Kitchen: Your Essential Guide to Under-Cabinet Lights
Is your kitchen feeling a little dim? Under-cabinet lights can be a game-changer! They make your countertops shine, create a cozy atmosphere, and even help you see better when you’re chopping veggies. Let’s dive into how to pick the perfect ones for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Brightness (Lumens)
- Lumens tell you how bright a light is. More lumens mean a brighter light. For task lighting (like for cooking), you want lights that offer around 300-500 lumens per foot. For accent lighting (just to make it look nice), less is fine.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
- Kelvin (K) describes the color of the light.
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): This is like the light from a regular incandescent bulb. It’s cozy and good for making your kitchen feel inviting.
- Cool White/Daylight (4000K-6500K): This light is brighter and bluer. It’s great for seeing clearly when you’re working.
- Adjustable Color Temperature: Some lights let you change the color, so you can have warm light at night and bright light during the day.
Dimming Capability
- Being able to dim your lights is a fantastic feature. You can make them brighter for cooking and dimmer for relaxing or watching TV.
Type of Light Fixture
- LED Strips: These are thin, flexible strips with many small lights. They are very popular and easy to install.
- Bar Lights: These are longer, rigid bars. They give a more focused light.
- Puck Lights: These are small, round lights. You can place them individually where you need them most.
Ease of Installation
- Many under-cabinet lights are designed for DIY installation. Look for options with adhesive backing, simple wiring, or plug-in cords.
Energy Efficiency
- LED lights use much less electricity than older types of bulbs. This saves you money on your energy bill and is better for the environment.
Important Materials
The materials used in under-cabinet lights affect how they look and last.
- Plastic: Many light fixtures are made from plastic. Look for durable, high-quality plastic that won’t yellow or become brittle over time.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is often used for the housing of LED bars. It’s lightweight, strong, and helps to keep the lights cool.
- Glass: Some higher-end puck lights might have glass covers. Glass can look elegant but is more fragile.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes some lights better than others?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Brand Reputation: Buying from well-known brands often means better quality and customer support.
- Long Lifespan (Hours): LEDs can last for tens of thousands of hours. A longer lifespan means you won’t have to replace them as often.
- Even Light Distribution: Lights that spread light evenly across your countertop are more pleasant and functional.
- Durable Construction: Lights that feel solid and well-made will last longer.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Plastic: Thin, flimsy plastic can break easily or look bad after a short time.
- Poor Heat Dissipation: If lights get too hot, they can burn out faster. Good heat sinks (often made of aluminum) help with this.
- Flickering Lights: Lights that flicker are annoying and can cause eye strain. This is often a sign of poor quality.
- Weak Adhesive: If lights are meant to stick on, a weak adhesive will cause them to fall down.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use these lights? Think about these scenarios:
- Task Lighting: When you’re prepping food, chopping vegetables, or mixing ingredients, bright, clear light is essential. Under-cabinet lights shine directly onto your workspace, making it safer and easier.
- Ambient Lighting: Want a cozier kitchen in the evening? Dim your lights to a warm glow. This creates a relaxing mood for family dinners or just unwinding.
- Highlighting Kitchen Features: Do you have beautiful backsplash tiles or decorative canisters? Under-cabinet lights can draw attention to these stylish elements.
- Safety: Brighter lights under the cabinets can help prevent accidents by illuminating dark corners and making it easier to navigate your kitchen at night.
- Modernizing Your Kitchen: Adding under-cabinet lights is a relatively inexpensive way to give your kitchen a modern, updated look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under-Cabinet Lights
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in under-cabinet lights?
A: You should look for brightness (lumens), color temperature (Kelvin), dimming capability, the type of light fixture (LED strips, bars, or pucks), ease of installation, and energy efficiency.
Q: How do I choose the right brightness (lumens)?
A: For cooking and working, aim for 300-500 lumens per foot. For a softer glow, less is okay.
Q: What is the difference between warm white and cool white light?
A: Warm white (2700K-3000K) is cozy and yellow-ish, like a regular lamp. Cool white (4000K-6500K) is brighter and bluer, good for seeing details.
Q: Can I dim my under-cabinet lights?
A: Yes, many under-cabinet lights have dimming capabilities, allowing you to adjust the brightness.
Q: What are the most common types of under-cabinet lights?
A: The most common types are LED strips, bar lights, and puck lights.
Q: Are under-cabinet lights hard to install?
A: Many are designed for easy DIY installation with adhesive or simple wiring. Some plug into an outlet.
Q: Are LED under-cabinet lights energy efficient?
A: Yes, LED lights use very little electricity, which saves you money and is good for the environment.
Q: What materials are usually used for under-cabinet lights?
A: Common materials include durable plastic for the housing and sometimes aluminum for heat dissipation. Some might have glass components.
Q: How long do LED under-cabinet lights typically last?
A: Good quality LED lights can last for many thousands of hours, often 25,000 to 50,000 hours or more.
Q: What are the main benefits of having under-cabinet lights?
A: They provide task lighting for cooking, create a cozy atmosphere, highlight kitchen features, improve safety, and give your kitchen a modern look.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!