Ever found yourself squinting under your kitchen cabinets, trying to chop vegetables or read a recipe? It’s a common frustration! That dim, shadowy space under your cupboards can make even the simplest kitchen tasks a challenge. But what if we told you there’s a simple fix that can transform your kitchen’s functionality and style?
Choosing the right under-cupboard kitchen lights can feel overwhelming. There are so many types: LED strips, puck lights, bars – each with different brightness levels, colors, and installation methods. It’s easy to get lost in the details and worry about making the wrong choice. Will they be too bright? Too dim? Hard to install? We understand the struggle.
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of under-cupboard lighting. We’ll explore the different options available, discuss what to look for, and share tips to help you find the perfect lights for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to those dark corners and hello to a brighter, more efficient cooking space!
Our Top 5 Under Cupboard 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 | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 9.0/10
Illuminate your home with the Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting. This 2-pack set features super bright 84 LEDs and offers a versatile lighting experience for any space. With its advanced features and easy installation, it’s a smart upgrade for your home.
What We Like:
- Super bright with 84 LEDs, providing excellent illumination.
- Adjustable 3-color temperatures (warm, cool, mixed) and 5 brightness levels to suit any mood or task.
- Four lighting modes, including motion sensing (day and night) and always-on, offering flexibility and energy savings.
- USB-C rechargeable with a long-lasting battery, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Easy installation with strong magnets and included adhesive iron plates for various surfaces.
- Durable aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction for longevity.
- Wide 120° sensing angle and 10ft detection distance for the motion sensor.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stepless dimming requires a long press, which might be less intuitive for some users.
The Gritin under cabinet lights are a fantastic solution for adding convenient and customizable lighting to your home. They’re a bright idea for any room!
2. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark? The MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting set is here to brighten your life! This 2-pack of rechargeable lights offers smart motion sensing and adjustable brightness, making them super handy for any room in your home.
What We Like:
- Smart Motion Sensing: Lights turn on automatically when you enter a dark area and off after 20 seconds of no movement. No more stubbed toes!
- Versatile Modes: Use motion sensor mode for convenience or “always-on” mode for tasks like reading or camping.
- Adjustable Brightness: Choose from 5 brightness levels. Brighten for cooking, dim for a gentle night light.
- Easy to Recharge: Built-in rechargeable batteries mean no constant battery changes. Just plug in a USB-C cable.
- Simple to Install: Strong magnets and included adhesive plates make installation a breeze. No tools needed!
- Wide Range of Uses: Perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, hallways, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- USB Adapter Not Included: You’ll need your own USB wall adapter to charge the lights.
These MCGOR lights are a fantastic, hassle-free way to add light where you need it most. They’re bright, convenient, and easy to set up.
3. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 8.8/10
Illuminate your home with these smart and versatile under cabinet lights! This 3-pack of 7.8-inch lights offers convenience and style, perfect for kitchens, closets, pantries, and more. They are rechargeable, motion-activated, and have adjustable brightness levels, making them a practical addition to any space.
What We Like:
- The motion sensor is great for hands-free operation, especially in dark areas.
- You can adjust the brightness to three different levels, which is handy for different tasks.
- Recharging is easy with the included Type-C cables, and one charge lasts a good while.
- Installation is a breeze with the magnetic backing and adhesive plates; no tools needed!
- The slim design looks good and fits well under cabinets without being bulky.
- They work in many places, from closets to hallways, and can even act as emergency lights.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor only works in dim or dark conditions, which is important to remember.
- If you accidentally set the switch to “AUTO” in a bright room, the light won’t turn on.
These lights are a fantastic way to add convenient and adjustable lighting to your home. They are easy to use and install, offering a modern solution for everyday illumination needs.
4. MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of searching for light switches in your kitchen or workspace? The MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights offer a futuristic and convenient lighting solution. These sleek LED lights bring a touch of modern technology to your home with their innovative hand-wave activation. They provide a clean, natural white light that makes tasks easier and spaces more inviting.
What We Like:
- Effortless Control: The hand-wave sensor lets you turn lights on and off without touching anything. It’s super easy to use.
- Customizable Brightness: You can change how bright the lights are by simply holding your hand under the sensor. Find the perfect light level for any situation.
- Smart Memory: The lights remember your last brightness setting. They’ll always be at the level you like without you having to adjust them again.
- Versatile Lighting: These lights work great in kitchens, offices, closets, and more. The 4000K natural white light is good for seeing clearly.
- Sleek Design: The lights are very thin and look stylish. They won’t take up much space and will blend in nicely.
- Easy Setup: Just plug them in and they’re ready to go. No complicated installation needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sensor Sensitivity: The hand-wave sensor only works when your hand is very close (1-3 inches). You need to be precise with your wave.
- Single Wave Action: You must wave your hand once to turn them on or off. Waving multiple times quickly might not work as expected.
- Sensor Coverage: Make sure not to cover the sensor with your hand or anything else, or the lights won’t respond.
These MYPLUS under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for anyone seeking smart and stylish lighting. They offer great convenience and a clean look for any room.
5. STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light
Rating: 8.8/10
Brighten up any dark corner with the STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Light! These mini LED puck lamps are a super handy way to add light wherever you need it. They’re small, easy to use, and perfect for closets, cabinets, or even under your kitchen counter. Plus, they come in a pack of five, so you get plenty of light for your home.
What We Like:
- Super easy to turn on and off – just press the center! Even kids and pets can do it.
- The light is soft and won’t hurt your eyes, thanks to the special anti-glare panel.
- Runs on AAA batteries, so no messy wires or plugs. It’s safe for everyone, including children.
- You can easily twist the light off to change the batteries.
- The strong sticky pads keep the lights securely in place on almost any surface.
- They’re tiny and fit almost anywhere you need a little extra brightness, like drawers or hallways.
What Could Be Improved:
- The batteries are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- While they are bright enough for most uses, they might not be strong enough for tasks that require very bright light.
These STAR-SPANGLED Push Tap Lights offer a simple and safe lighting solution for many areas of your home. They are a great choice for adding convenience and a touch of light.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Under Cupboard Light Buying Guide
Tired of dark countertops and hard-to-see cooking spaces? Under cupboard kitchen lights are a fantastic way to add both light and style to your kitchen. They make prepping food easier and create a cozy atmosphere. This guide will help you pick the best ones for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for under cupboard lights, keep these important features in mind:
- Brightness (Lumens): More lumens mean brighter light. For task lighting where you chop and cook, you’ll want a higher lumen count. For accent lighting, a lower count is fine.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This is about the light’s color.
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): This is like a cozy, soft light, similar to old-fashioned bulbs. It’s great for creating a relaxing feel.
- Cool White (3500K-4500K): This light is brighter and more neutral. It’s good for working in the kitchen.
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): This is a very bright, blue-ish light that mimics natural daylight. It’s best for detailed tasks.
- Dimming Capability: Being able to adjust the brightness is a big plus. You can dim them for a softer mood or brighten them for intense tasks.
- On/Off Switch Type:
- Manual Switch: You just flip a switch. Simple and reliable.
- Motion Sensor: The lights turn on when they detect movement. This is super convenient and saves energy.
- Touch Sensor: You tap the light to turn it on or off. This looks modern and clean.
- Power Source:
- Plug-in: These lights plug directly into an outlet. They are easy to install but you need an outlet nearby.
- Battery-powered: These are great if you don’t have outlets under your cupboards. They are easy to move and install, but you’ll need to replace batteries.
- Hardwired: These connect directly to your home’s electrical system. They offer a clean look but require professional installation.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and good the lights look.
- Aluminum: This is a strong and light metal. It helps the lights stay cool and looks sleek.
- Plastic: Some lights use plastic, which can be cheaper. Look for good quality plastic that won’t yellow or become brittle over time.
- LEDs: Almost all modern under cupboard lights use LEDs. They are energy-efficient, last a very long time, and produce less heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: Lights that feel solid and well-made will last longer. Check for sturdy casings and secure connections.
- Heat Dissipation: Good lights will have a way to get rid of heat. If lights get too hot, they can break faster. Aluminum bodies help with this.
- Light Evenness: You want the light to spread out smoothly, not in harsh spots. Some lights have diffusers to soften the light.
- Ease of Installation: Lights that are simple to attach under your cupboards are better. Look for included mounting hardware and clear instructions.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality control and customer support.
User Experience and Use Cases
Under cupboard lights are super useful in many ways.
- Task Lighting: They provide bright light directly on your countertops. This makes chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and reading recipes much easier.
- Ambiance: Soft, dimmable lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. They are perfect for evening meals or when you just want a cozy glow.
- Safety: They illuminate walkways and potential hazards, making your kitchen safer, especially at night.
- Aesthetics: They can highlight your backsplash or cabinets, adding a stylish touch to your kitchen decor.
- Convenience: Motion sensor lights are great when your hands are full. You don’t need to touch anything to get light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of under cupboard light for cooking?
A: For cooking, look for LED lights with a bright, cool white color temperature (around 4000K-5000K) and high lumens. Dimmable features are also helpful so you can adjust the brightness.
Q: Are battery-powered under cupboard lights good?
A: Battery-powered lights are convenient because they don’t need to be plugged in and are easy to install. However, you will need to replace the batteries regularly, which can add to the cost and effort.
Q: How many under cupboard lights do I need?
A: The number of lights you need depends on the length of your cabinets and how much light you want. Generally, placing lights every 18-30 inches will provide good coverage.
Q: Can I install under cupboard lights myself?
A: Yes, plug-in and battery-powered lights are usually very easy to install yourself. Hardwired lights typically require an electrician.
Q: What is lumens?
A: Lumens measure how bright a light is. More lumens mean a brighter light.
Q: What is Kelvin?
A: Kelvin measures the color of the light. Lower Kelvin numbers (like 2700K) are warm and yellow, while higher numbers (like 5000K) are cool and blue.
Q: Do under cupboard lights use a lot of electricity?
A: No, LED under cupboard lights are very energy efficient and use much less electricity than older types of bulbs.
Q: How long do LED under cupboard lights last?
A: LED lights can last for many years, often 25,000 hours or more. This means you won’t have to replace them very often.
Q: Can I get under cupboard lights that are dimmable?
A: Yes, many under cupboard lights come with dimming features. This lets you change the brightness to suit different moods or tasks.
Q: What is a motion sensor light?
A: A motion sensor light turns on automatically when it detects movement and turns off after a period of no movement. This is convenient and saves energy.
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!