Here are our top recommendations.
Most Coverage: Litever Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit Best Strip Lights: WOBANE Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit Best Battery-Powered: Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights Best Motion Sensor: RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Light Best Remote Control: Cadrim Under-Cabinet Puck Lights
Most Coverage: Litever Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a dimmer to adjust the brightness between 0% and 100%✔ Offers two installation options: plug-in or hardwired ✔ Comes with extension cords to reach far-away outlets ✘ Hardwiring requires a certified electrician✘ Not compatible with pre-existing dimmer switches
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who enjoyed their purchase said the lights were easy to install and provided bright illumination. However, several negative reviews mentioned longevity concerns, stating that the lights didn’t last for multiple years.
Best Strip Lights: WOBANE Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit
Pros and Cons
✔ Kit includes four 20-inch strips with a combined length of 6.6 feet ✔ Adheres quickly to most surfaces with the included mounting strips✔ Also affixes to furniture, TVs, ceilings, and other areas that you want subtle lighting ✘ Electric power source limits the installation location ✘ Does not come with a remote control
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this product’s energy efficiency, brightness, and ease of installation. Many customers agreed that the lights were a fun way to add a subtle glow to their space. On the other hand, some users were disappointed that they weren’t dimmable.
Best Battery-Powered: Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights
Pros and Cons
✔ Included remotes to control brightness and timer settings✔ Runs for up to 100 hours at 100% brightness before needing new batteries✔ Features low-profile design, as the frame is only 1.25 inches thick ✘ Each puck runs off three AA batteries✘ Only gives off 55 lumens per light
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers thought that these lights were easy to install and use. They also liked the lights’ hue and long-lasting battery life. Some customers were unsatisfied with their purchase because the lights occasionally turned on randomly.
Best Motion Sensor: RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Light
Pros and Cons
✔ Features on, off, and motion-sensing modes✔ Shuts off after 20 seconds of no movement to save energy✔ Detects movement at a wide 120-degree angle ✘ Recharging takes several hours ✘ Not compatible with screw-in installation installation
What Customers Are Saying
Most reviewers were satisfied with their purchase, as the light was easy to install, bright, and long-lasting. Some customers felt like the motion sensor wasn’t sensitive enough, as the light didn’t always turn on when they stepped within 10 feet of it.
Best Remote Control: Cadrim Under-Cabinet Puck Lights
Pros and Cons
✔ Adjust brightness levels manually or via remote control✔ Includes 10-, 30-, 60-, and 120-minute timers✔ Puck features easy-release mechanism for convenient battery replacement ✘ Remote control only handles four brightness levels ✘ Each puck runs off three AAA batteries
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked how this pack of lights came with two remote controls instead of one or none. Although customers found the adhesive installation process quick and simple, some said the included tape strips failed to secure the lights in place. Before you invest in under-cabinet lighting, it’s important to consider how each model’s specifications impact user experience. To make an informed purchase, we recommend considering the following factors.
Design
There are various types of under-cabinet lighting, with the most popular being pucks, light bars, and strips:
A puck light features a compact circular form factor closely resembling a hockey puck. The light bar design features a long, rectangular form factor and is the most common style on the market. LED strip lights are highly flexible and customizable to suit a wide range of tastes and settings.
Power Source
In general, under-cabinet lights draw power from electrical cords or batteries. Battery-powered models offer simple, versatile installation. Although most of these lights use disposable alkaline batteries, some models have rechargeable batteries. Electric-powered lights have limited mobility because they rely on a nearby outlet. However, they don’t need battery recharges or replacements.
Control
If you want to sync your under-cabinet lights with the rest of your kitchen lighting, look for a model that works with a wall switch. You can also find lights with remote controls and integrated motion sensors.
Voltage and Brightness
Most under-cabinet lighting has either line voltage (120 volts) or low voltage (12 volts or 24 volts). Low voltage allows you to operate smaller lights and gives off less heat. The brightness level of under-cabinet lights is typically measured in lumens. Light fixtures that produce at least 250 lumens per foot should provide ample light.
Color
LED under-cabinet lighting can be found in various colors. While white lights and yellow lights are the most common, you can also purchase blue lights, red lights, green lights and color combinations like white/blue. You can also adjust the color temperature to adjust the ambiance of your kitchen or workspace.
Brands
Some of the most trusted brands for under-cabinet lights include:
Brilliant Evolution Cadrim DAYBETTER GE Govee Litever Phillips Ultra Pro WOBANE
How do I hide the wires from my under-cabinet lights?
The best way to hide a power cord is to pin it to the underside of your cabinet using a cable protector.
Where should I install my under-cabinet lighting?
In most cases, installing under-cabinet lighting requires very little time and effort. It may be worth measuring and marking the mounting locations for your lights so that they are spaced out evenly. This ensures that a consistent amount of light reaches every area of your counter.
Can I leave LED strip lights on at night?
Yes. LED light strips use little power and produce little heat, so you can use them as night lights in case you get up in the middle of the night to get a snack or use the bathroom.
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