Looking to brighten up your kitchen and make food prep safer and more functional? Installing under cabinet lighting is a great solution. Not only does under cabinet lighting provide practical benefits, but it also serves as a decorative element that can showcase backsplash patterns and highlight workspaces in the kitchen. The right under cabinet lighting can also make your kitchen appear larger and contribute to the overall ambiance, especially if it can be controlled by dimmers. When it comes to selecting the best under cabinet lighting, it's important to consider factors such as brightness, color temperature, efficiency, and connectivity with smart-home devices. To help you make an informed decision, we've conducted hands-on reviews of the best under cabinet lighting kits on the market. Our testing guidelines were rigorous, and we put each product through its paces to determine which ones stand out in their respective categories. With our help, you can find the best under cabinet lighting solution that meets your needs and adds class to your kitchen. Buyer’s Guide Investing in under-cabinet lighting can be a game-changer for your home or workspace, but with so many options available, it's crucial to assess each model's specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Design Under-cabinet lighting offers numerous design options to choose from. The commonly used types of under-cabinet lighting are pucks, light bars, and LED strips, each providing distinctive features and advantages. 1. Puck lights: These are small, circular fixtures. They're ideal for highlighting specific areas of the countertop and creating a cozy ambiance. Puck lights are also easy to install and can be recessed or surface mounted. 2. Light bars: These long, rectangular fixtures provide even and uniform lighting for the entire countertop. They're available in a variety of lengths to fit your space. Light bars are also easy to install and can be hardwired or plugged in. 3. LED strip lights: They're available in various lengths, colors, and brightness levels, and can be easily cut to fit your space. They're a great choice for those looking to add a unique and personalized touch to their kitchen lighting. Control Options When selecting under-cabinet lights, it's important to consider the control options. You can choose models that work with a wall switch to synchronize the lights with the rest of your kitchen lighting. Some lights also come with remote controls and motion sensors integrated for added convenience. In terms of the power source, under-cabinet lights typically obtain power from either electrical cords or batteries. Battery-operated models are more flexible since they are simple to install and can be placed in multiple locations. Although most battery-powered lights use disposable alkaline batteries, some models come with rechargeable batteries. Meanwhile, electric-powered lights have limited mobility since they depend on a nearby outlet, but they don't require battery replacements or recharges. Dimmers In today's world of customization, a fixed brightness may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, dimmers are an essential feature to look for when choosing an under-cabinet lighting system. Dimming the lights can help reduce energy consumption, leading to lower electric bills. Dimmers also allow you to adjust the brightness to fit the situation, from bright task lighting to a soft, ambient glow that functions as a night-light. By choosing a model with dimming capabilities, you can optimize your lighting experience and create the perfect atmosphere in your kitchen. Color The ambiance of your kitchen can be significantly influenced by the color of your under-cabinet lighting. LED lights provide various color options, with white and yellow being the most commonly preferred. However, for those searching for something distinctive, there are also shades of blue, red, green. Another approach to customize the color of your under-cabinet lighting is by modifying the color temperature. Opting for the appropriate color and temperature for your under-cabinet lighting can entirely alter the appearance and ambiance of your surroundings. FAQs Q. What is the recommended number of under-cabinet lights to install? A. The recommended number of under-cabinet lights to install varies based on several factors such as the size of the room, the type of light fixture, and the lumens per light produced. To ensure ample lighting for cooking or cutting surfaces, under-cabinet lighting should produce an average of 1,000 to 2,500 lumens. For non-task-related areas, the number of lights is up to personal preference. It's best to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations. Q. What is the ideal location for installing? A. Installing under-cabinet lighting can add a great deal of functionality and aesthetic appeal to any kitchen. The ideal location for your under-cabinet lighting depends on your needs and preferences. In general, it's recommended to install the lights at the front of the cabinet, near the edge of the countertop. This provides even illumination across the work surface and reduces shadows. Additionally, it's important to space the lights evenly to ensure consistent lighting throughout the countertop. Taking the time to measure and mark the mounting locations for your lights will help ensure a successful installation. Q. Can I keep my under-cabinet lights on overnight? A. Yes, you can leave your LED under-cabinet lights on overnight as they consume minimal energy and produce low heat. In fact, LED lights are often used as night in the kitchen, providing a soft, ambient glow that helps to navigate through the space without turning on the main lights. Additionally, if you have a motion sensor integrated into your under-cabinet lights, they will only turn on when movement is detected and automatically turn off when the area is no longer in use. Q. What is the ideal lumens range for under-cabinet lighting? A. The ideal lumens range for under-cabinet lighting depends on the intended use of the lighting. For task-related areas such as kitchen counters used for food preparation, it is recommended to have between 1,000 to 2,500 lumens to provide ample light for cutting, chopping, and other food prep activities. For non-task related areas, the lumens range can vary according to personal preferences. It is important to note that the size of the room and type of light fixture can also affect the lumens needed.