Under cabinet lighting is a specific type of lighting that is designed to be installed underneath kitchen cabinets. Its primary purpose is to provide ample illumination for activities like food preparation and cooking. This type of lighting can be a fantastic addition to any kitchen because it helps to reduce shadows on countertops and makes it much easier to see what you’re doing.
- 1 Best LED Strip under cabinet lighting
- 2 Are LED strip lights good for under kitchen cabinets?
- 3 Popular Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting
- 4 What to Consider When Buying Under-Cabinet Lighting
- 5 How We Chose the Best Under Cabinet Lighting
- 6 Pros and Cons of Under Cabinet Lighting
- 7 How much does under cabinet lighting cost?
- 8 Can under cabinet lighting be installed as a DIY project?
- 9 Is under cabinet lighting energy efficient?
- 10 How do I choose the right size and placement for under cabinet lighting?
- 11 WHAT TYPE OF UNDER CABINET LIGHTING IS THE MOST IDEAL?
- 12 WHAT IS THE EASIEST UNDER CABINET LIGHTING TO INSTALL?
- 13 IS SOFT WHITE LIGHT OR DAYLIGHT BETTER FOR THE KITCHEN WHEN USING UNDER CABINET LIGHTING?
- 14 How long do LED under cabinet lights last?
- 15 Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?
- 16 Do under cabinet lights go in front or back?
- 17 How many under-cabinet lights do I need?
- 18 How many lumens do I need for under-cabinet lighting?
- 19 Are LED strip lights good for under kitchen cabinets?
- 20 What is the best color for under cabinet lighting?
- 21 Are under cabinet lights worth it?
When it comes to under cabinet lighting, there are a few different options available. You can choose to install a strip of lights, or opt for individual lights instead. Additionally, under cabinet lighting can be powered by either electricity or batteries. There are also different types of lighting to choose from, such as fluorescent, LED, and xenon. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the best type of under cabinet lighting for your kitchen.
The 12 Best Under Cabinet Lighting of 2023：Our Top Picks
The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen. We performed extensive hands-on testing on each to help ensure the products lived up to their promises.
| BEST OVERALL | Baseus 42LED Wireless Under Cabinet Lighting |
| RUNNER UP | Stick on Lights 6 Pack with Remote |
| BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK | Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar 1 Pack |
| HARDWIRED PICK | Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit Plug in or Hardwired |
| WIRELESS PICK | Lightkiwi E7574 Dimmable LED |
| LED PICK | LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light |
| HIGH-TECH PICK | LE LED Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures |
| BEST FOR SMALL SPACES | Enbrighten Premium 24in |
| Best Rechargeable | T01L LED Closet Light |
Top1.Baseus 42LED Wireless Under Cabinet Lighting
The Baseus Wireless cabinet lights are packed with numerous features that are worth noting. According to several users who have reviewed the product, it is easy to set up and emits a very bright light. Additionally, the color temperature and brightness of the light are adjustable, which is a great feature. One can easily tweak the brightness or turn it on or off using the touch panel located right at the front of the light, without the need to twist to access the buttons.
Another notable feature is the magnetic metal mount that comes with 3M adhesive strips, making it effortless to attach to any surface. The setup process is straightforward and has earned great reviews from users. Furthermore, the light can be adjusted to an 80-degree angle, making it possible to direct the light in a particular direction.
The 1800mAh battery life is impressive and lasts a long time, depending on the usage. For instance, if used throughout the day, it may require recharging by the evening. The light is USB rechargeable and comes with a long 1.5m charging cable. Additionally, the light can be recharged using USB-C, which is a convenient feature, as it doesn’t take long to recharge.
Top2.Stick on Lights 6 Pack with Remote
PROS
- Easy installation
- Long-lasting use
- Battery-powered design
- Can be controlled wirelessly with a remote
CONS
- Some reports of draining rechargeable batteries quickly
The Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Lights are a set of six lights that come with a remote controller, making it easy to illuminate all of your kitchen cabinets. These lights are designed to bring warmth and coziness to your home, emitting a warm white glow rated at 3000K. You have the option to either screw them in or use the adhesive backing to attach them to a clean under cabinet surface.
What’s more, these lights are powered by three AA batteries, and can last over 100 hours, which is four times longer than other battery-operated lights. Additionally, you can control the brightness of the lights with the remote controller, which is a convenient feature to have.
Top3.Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar 1 Pack
If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to compromise on the high-end look of under cabinet lighting. The Brilliant Evolution 8.5-inch light bar is an affordable option that can help you achieve the same aesthetic. Although it’s smaller than many other under cabinet light fixtures available on the market, it provides 65 lumens of task light on surfaces. This light bar is powered by AA batteries, and the LED bulb inside can last up to 50,000 hours of use.
This wireless under cabinet light is an excellent alternative to more expensive plug-in or direct wire options, making it a good choice for those with a small kitchen or a tight budget. Despite its size, it is still capable of providing ample lighting for your kitchen tasks, all while maintaining a sleek and modern appearance.
Top4.Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit Plug in or Hardwired
Pros
- Up to six light bars for extensive coverage
- Bars light enough for adhesive mounting
- Wide variety of layout options
- Dimmer switch placement provides unique lighting options
Cons
- Instruction manual is very simplistic
- Dimmer can be awkward to turn
This lighting system is perfect for kitchen tasks as it produces an impressive 2000 lumens of brightness, which is diffused through a cover to ensure uniform brightness across your countertop. The warm white light is flattering and enhances the appearance of anything it illuminates. You can install the under-cabinet bar lights using backing adhesive or screws, and the LED system is fully dimmable from 0 to 100 percent, allowing for optimal control with the on/off switch.
During testing, we found that the dimmer switch provides flexibility in static lighting versus dimmable lighting depending on the switch’s placement. Placing the dimmer switch next to the on/off switch enables dimmable control of all connected light bars, while placing it between light bars results in static light from those near the switch and dimmable lighting for those connected after the dimmer. This feature is useful for creating targeted lighting for tasks and dimmable lighting for ambiance.
Although it’s a low-voltage system that operates at 12 volts, it offers the flexibility of two different power cables. You can use the first option, which runs from the wall outlet through an AC adapter and to the lights, or the second option, which can be wired directly into your electrical system and then flow through an AC adapter to produce under-cabinet lighting. Having both options means you can choose between a simple, straightforward installation or wiring directly into your electrical system to hide the cords and operate the light using a household light switch.
Top5.Lightkiwi E7574 Dimmable LED
Pros
- Dimmer switch memory
- Red light for switch detection
- Easy to use dimmer switch
Cons
- Doesn’t dim completely
- No option to dim individual lights
The Lightkiwi Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Kit comprises four light bars, and each bar produces 800 lumens of brightness. The bars are slender, robust, and can be connected directly or via a cord, which can be extended to suit your needs. The installation can be done either by utilizing the peel-and-stick backing adhesive or using screws. However, you should note that the on/off and dimmer switch are on the same unit, and you must install them closest to the AC adapter, limiting customization options.
This is a 24-volt low-voltage system that can be plugged into a power outlet. The dimmer switch is provided for you to adjust the brightness level as per your preference, and there’s a low-energy red light that stays on to enable you to find the on/off switch in the dark. The dimmer also has a memory function that preserves the previous brightness level, allowing you to adjust it again. Our testing indicates that the dimmer may not dim all the way, and the bars remain lit at a level that may be too bright for those seeking a mellower light.
Top6.LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light
The Hiboitec under-cabinet light is another rechargeable option that’s worth considering. This light also features a motion sensor and has three modes: G, On, and Off. The G mode is particularly impressive, as it can detect motion up to 100ft away and remains on for 20 seconds once triggered. Many users have praised the motion sensor’s sensitivity.
Although the Hiboitec light is similarly priced to the one mentioned previously, it comes with two sets of lights, making it a better value. The light itself is slim and sleek, and can be mounted on any surface using the included metal mount. Additionally, the company provides a 24-inch long USB cable for recharging the lights.
Compared to the previous light, the Hiboitec option is brighter but has a faster battery drain. However, it does have a shorter recharge time, taking only around 2 hours to fully charge.Overall, if you don’t mind having to recharge the lights more often, the Hiboitec cabinet lights are a great way to save money while still getting a high-quality product.
Top7.LE LED Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures
Pros
- 8-foot cords allow customization
- Tap controls are easy for those with limited hand mobility
- Several lighting levels
Cons
- Lights must be paired for better task lighting
- Hiding cords can be difficult
The Lighting EVER LE LED Under Cabinet Puck Light Kit is an affordable option for those looking to add decorative lighting to their cabinets. The kit includes six puck lights, each with an 8-foot cord that can be connected to a terminal box. The lights don’t have to be installed in a series, so you have plenty of flexibility to customize their placement. Even if you don’t use all six lights, the terminal box still works just fine.
Mounting the 12-volt low-voltage puck lights is easy using either backing adhesive or screws. Plus, the lights plug into a wall outlet through the terminal box. We found that the puck lights are very lightweight, making them easy to attach with adhesive.
The LED under-cabinet lighting also features a touch-dimming system, allowing you to set the brightness to one of five different levels: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent. While the 500-lumen output of each puck light may be too low for task lighting when installed separately, grouping two or more together produces enough lumens for food-prep tasks. However, the tap control can be a bit finicky, so it may take some practice to figure out the right pressure to turn the lights on and adjust the brightness levels.
A hardwired under cabinet light is an excellent solution for those who want consistent lighting without worrying about battery life or outlet availability. The GE Enbrighten is available in 12- and 24-inch lengths, making it easy to choose the best fit for your space. With a long-lasting LED bulb that can last up to 50,000 hours and a brightness of 1,105 lumens, you won’t have to worry about replacing bulbs frequently.
One of the standout features of the GE Enbrighten is the ability to choose from three light temperatures: warm white (3000K), cool white (4000K), and daylight (5000K). You can use the daylight or cool white light temperature for tasks that require bright, crisp light, and switch to warm white for a softer, ambient glow.
However, keep in mind that this direct-wire under cabinet light requires hardwiring for operation, which is best left to an electrician unless you have extensive experience with electrical projects. Once installed, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having no dangling cords or unsightly plugs, giving your under cabinet lighting a clean, professional look. Additionally, this frees up your under cabinet outlets for other uses.
Pros
- Easily adjustable motion sensor
- Variety of options for sensor or steady light
- Multiple power options
Cons
- Harsh light
- Motion sensor can be finicky
Looking for a convenient and easy-to-install solution for your under-cabinet lighting needs? Look no further than the wireless BLS Super Bright Under Cabinet Lighting. Whether you’re looking for task lighting to help you see what you’re doing in the kitchen or simply want to highlight your dishware or appliances, this option has got you covered.
The system runs on 1.5-volt batteries and provides 180 lumens of brightness, making it great for task lighting but not ideal for creating ambiance. Fortunately, installation is a breeze, thanks to the adhesive backing or mounting screws. You can also power the light with the included 37-inch USB cord, or hardwire it if you prefer.
One of the standout features of this under-cabinet lighting system is its ability to rotate down for additional lighting angles. Plus, with automatic motion detection that can be adjusted for sensitivity, you can customize the lighting to suit your needs. It even turns off automatically after 20 seconds of sensing no motion, so you don’t have to worry about wasting energy.
So if you’re looking for a simple, wireless solution for your under-cabinet lighting needs, the BLS Super Bright Under Cabinet Lighting is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that the USB wall adapter is not included in the kit.
Best LED Strip under cabinet lighting
10.GE CYNC Smart LED Light Strip
Since its founding in 1892, General Electric has been a major player in the lighting industry. The brand has evolved over the years, and its light strip is a fantastic choice for under cabinets, furniture, or any room in your home. The sleek strip is designed to connect directly to your WiFi router, giving you access to millions of color options and the ability to customize the strip to the exact length you need.
The GE light strip is part of the Cync product line, a collection of smart home devices that can all be controlled through the Cync app. With optional voice control via Alexa or Google AI, you can easily adjust your lighting from anywhere in your home. Whether you’re looking for a pop of color or just need some functional task lighting, the GE light strip is a versatile and high-quality choice that’s definitely worth considering.
Also read:The 12 Best LED Light Bars Reviews & Buying Guide of 2023
11.Nanoleaf Essentials Bluetooth Thread
The possibilities for the GE light strip go beyond just being able to control your lighting. With the ability to sync up with whatever movie or game you’re watching, this strip can add an extra pop of color to match the action on your screen. The Circadian Lighting feature is also a standout feature, adjusting the white light to mimic your natural schedule and even removing blue light to help you wind down before bed. Plus, you can customize your own color timeline to suit your needs.
The light strip is compatible with most major smart hubs, but it also comes with a manual controller for those times when you don’t want to bother with opening up the app. Whether you’re looking to add some ambiance to your next movie night or simply want a more functional lighting solution that adapts to your schedule, the GE light strip is definitely worth considering.
12.Apple HomeKit Smart Home LED Lights Strip
With full WiFi connectivity and a bright output of 1800 lumens, these smart LED strips are the perfect way to bring a warm, inviting feel to any space. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen or add a touch of color to your backsplash, these LED strips are up to the task.
One of the standout features of these strips is their compatibility with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to easily control them with your iOS devices. You can even sync the LED strips with your AppleTV for an even more seamless experience. All in all, if you’re looking for a high-quality lighting solution that’s easy to control and customize, these smart LED strips are definitely worth considering.
Are LED strip lights good for under kitchen cabinets?
Adding strip lights under your kitchen cabinets gives you focused, bright light for cooking, food preparation, and washing dishes. LED strip lights are a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, as they provide light directly over the space you’re working in.
Popular Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting
There are several popular types of under cabinet lighting that are commonly used in kitchens. These include:
- Fluorescent lighting: Fluorescent lights are energy efficient and long-lasting, but they can produce a harsh, flickering light that some people find unpleasant.
- LED lighting: LED lights are energy efficient and long-lasting, and they produce a bright, even light. They are also available in a variety of colors, including warm white and cool white.
- Xenon lighting: Xenon lights are known for their bright, white light and are often used as task lighting in kitchens. They are more energy efficient than halogen lights, but they can be more expensive.
- Halogen lighting: Halogen lights produce a bright, white light and are often used as accent lighting in kitchens. They are not as energy efficient as other types of under cabinet lighting, and they can generate a lot of heat.
- Puck lighting: Puck lights are small, round lights that can be installed under cabinets or in other tight spaces. They are available in a variety of colors, including warm white and cool white.
- Strip lighting: Strip lighting consists of a series of closely spaced lights that are mounted on a flexible strip. It is a popular choice for under cabinet lighting because it is easy to install and can be cut to fit any length.
The best type of under cabinet lighting for your kitchen will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your space.
What to Consider When Buying Under-Cabinet Lighting
There are several factors to consider when buying under cabinet lighting for your kitchen:
- Brightness: Make sure the under cabinet lighting you choose is bright enough to provide adequate task lighting for your kitchen.
- Color temperature: Under cabinet lighting is available in a range of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white. Choose a color temperature that is suitable for your kitchen and your personal preferences.
- Energy efficiency: Under cabinet lighting can be a significant energy user, so it’s important to choose an energy-efficient option. LED and fluorescent lights are generally more energy efficient than halogen and xenon lights.
- Compatibility with dimmer switches: If you want to be able to adjust the brightness of your under cabinet lighting, make sure it is compatible with dimmer switches.
- Installation: Consider how the under cabinet lighting will be installed in your kitchen. Some options, such as strip lighting, are easier to install than others.
- Cost: Under cabinet lighting can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive, so consider your budget when making a decision.
- Durability: Choose under cabinet lighting that is durable and long-lasting to minimize the need for replacements.
- Style: Consider the style of your kitchen and choose under cabinet lighting that complements your decor.
Strip Lights vs. Puck Lights vs. Bar Lights
Strip lights, puck lights, and bar lights are all popular options for under cabinet lighting, and each has its own unique set of characteristics.
- Strip lights: Strip lights consist of a series of closely spaced lights that are mounted on a flexible strip. They are easy to install and can be cut to fit any length, making them a popular choice for under cabinet lighting. Strip lights can provide a continuous, even illumination and are available in a variety of colors and brightness levels.
- Puck lights: Puck lights are small, round lights that can be installed under cabinets or in other tight spaces. They are available in a variety of colors and brightness levels, and they are easy to install. Puck lights can provide focused illumination and can be used to highlight specific areas or objects in your kitchen.
- Bar lights: Bar lights are long, linear lights that can be mounted under cabinets or on walls. They are available in a variety of lengths and styles, and they can provide a continuous, even illumination. Bar lights are a good choice for larger kitchens or for illuminating longer stretches of counter space.
Energy Efficiency and Heat Output
The energy efficiency and heat output of under-cabinet lighting depends primarily on the type of bulb used.
- Fluorescent lighting is one of the best options in terms of energy efficiency and heat output. The bulbs remain cool during operation, and they rate between xenon bulbs and LED bulbs in overall efficiency.
- Halogen lighting produces the most heat and is the least efficient bulb. The light these bulbs emit is clear and easy to work by, and they’re also dimmable, allowing you to save some energy as you set the mood.
- Xenon lighting gets a bit hotter than fluorescent and LED lighting, but the temperature is still acceptable to the touch. These bulbs are less efficient than LED and fluorescent lights, but they can be dimmed for mood setting and energy saving.
- LED lighting is the best option for both energy efficiency and heat output. Some LED lights use as little as 5 watts of energy while still producing adequate brightness, and they can be dimmed for more energy savings. LED lights have a very low heat output, leaving them cool to the touch, even after hours of operation.
Dimmers
Fixed brightness feels out of place in our customizable world, making dimmers an important addition to an under-cabinet lighting system. By dimming the lights to a level suitable to the current use of the room, you reduce the energy consumption and save on your electric bill. Dimmers also let you adjust the brightness to suit the situation—as low as a night-light, for instance, as you sneak into the kitchen for that midnight snack!
Ease of Installation
Installing an under-cabinet lighting system can be incredibly easy—or complex enough to warrant hiring a professional electrician.
- Line-voltage lighting is the most difficult type to install because the wiring must be connected directly to your electrical system. If replacing an old fixture with the same voltage, the installation can be completed by an experienced DIYer who is comfortable working with electricity, but if it’s a new installation, it’s recommended that you hire a professional electrician to be certain that your electrical system is capable of supporting an additional fixture. Line-voltage systems will also look better if the wires are all hidden inside the wall or on the underside of the cabinet—part of the job for a pro.
- Low-voltage lighting is most often installed using backing adhesive or a few mounting screws. The power cord is then plugged into a nearby power outlet, making this style of system simple to install.
- Battery-powered lighting is the easiest to install, using backing adhesive, mounting screws, or even magnetic strips to connect to a surface. These systems are designed to be mounted and removed repeatedly so that their batteries can be changed or recharged.
How We Chose the Best Under Cabinet Lighting
We performed hands-on testing of each product in this guide. We did so by closely following rubric and testing guidelines to help ensure each product met certain standards of quality and ease of use, as well as to keep our results fair and equitable. We looked at a variety of factors for testing, including the versatility of the light, the output each lighting set provided, whether the light was controllable (such as through a dimmer), and the ease of installation. We even looked at how easily the on/off switch or dimmer moved to produce the desired lighting result, as well as the warmness (or not) of the light, thus reflecting whether it was designed for task lighting, ambient lighting, or both.
Pros and Cons of Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting can be a useful addition to a kitchen lighting plan, but it is not right for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons of under cabinet lighting:
Pros:
- Provides task lighting: Under cabinet lighting can help to reduce shadows on countertops and make it easier to see what you are doing, which is especially useful for tasks such as food preparation and cooking.
- Energy efficient: Many types of under cabinet lighting, such as LED and fluorescent lights, are energy efficient and can help to reduce energy costs.
- Long-lasting: Under cabinet lighting is typically long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace it as often as other types of lighting.
- Easy to install: Some types of under cabinet lighting, such as strip lighting, are relatively easy to install and can be done as a DIY project.
Cons:
- Can be expensive: Under cabinet lighting can be a significant investment, especially if you are installing it in a large kitchen.
- Can be difficult to install: Some types of under cabinet lighting, such as puck lights, can be more difficult to install than others.
- May not provide enough light: Depending on the size and layout of your kitchen, under cabinet lighting may not provide enough light on its own. In this case, you may need to supplement it with other types of lighting.
- May not be suitable for all kitchen styles: Under cabinet lighting may not be suitable for all kitchen styles, and it can be difficult to incorporate into a kitchen with a more traditional or antique aesthetic.
Under Cabinet Lighting Buying FAQs
The best type of under cabinet lighting will depend on your specific needs and preferences. LED lights are a popular choice because they are energy efficient and long-lasting, but other options like xenon and halogen lights are also worth considering.
How much does under cabinet lighting cost?
The cost of under cabinet lighting can vary depending on the type and size of the lights, as well as the complexity of the installation. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $300 or more for under cabinet lighting.
Can under cabinet lighting be installed as a DIY project?
Some types of under cabinet lighting, such as strip lighting, are relatively easy to install and can be done as a DIY project. However, other types, such as puck lights, may be more difficult to install and may require the help of a professional electrician.
Is under cabinet lighting energy efficient?
Many types of under cabinet lighting, such as LED and fluorescent lights, are energy efficient and can help to reduce energy costs. However, other types, such as halogen and xenon lights, are less energy efficient and may result in higher energy bills.
How do I choose the right size and placement for under cabinet lighting?
The size and placement of under cabinet lighting will depend on the size and layout of your kitchen, as well as your specific lighting needs. In general, it is a good idea to install under cabinet lighting over areas where you do most of your food preparation and cooking, such as the stove and sink. You may also want to consider installing under cabinet lighting over areas where you keep commonly used tools and ingredients, such as spices and cooking utensils.
WHAT TYPE OF UNDER CABINET LIGHTING IS THE MOST IDEAL?
LED lights are the most suitable for installing under cabinets. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit minimal heat, making them perfect for kitchen cabinets and closets.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST UNDER CABINET LIGHTING TO INSTALL?
The easiest to install under cabinet lights are LED strip or rope lights. These are usually stick-on and do not require any drilling or hammering.
IS SOFT WHITE LIGHT OR DAYLIGHT BETTER FOR THE KITCHEN WHEN USING UNDER CABINET LIGHTING?
Warm white light that looks a little yellowish is better suited for kitchens and bathrooms than daylight that looks bluish, which is better suited for study rooms and vanities.
How long do LED under cabinet lights last?
In terms of useful life span, LED under cabinet lights can last more than a decade1, depending on the specific light you choose and how many hours per day the light is on. It’s also important to compare the battery life of wireless under cabinet lights. Many models rely on AA batteries and can operate for about 50 to 100 hours before running out of power.
Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?
The answer depends on your purpose for installing under cabinet lighting. If you are adding task lighting to illuminate kitchen prep, cooking, and cleaning activities, then a cool daylight bulb in the 5000K range is the best choice. However, if you want a more ambient under cabinet lighting option, then pick a warm light with a color temperature in the 3000K range.[1]Should kitchen lights be warm or cool?
Do under cabinet lights go in front or back?
Most people will want to install under cabinet lights at the front edge of their cabinets, just behind the rail. This will ensure that the majority of the countertop below receives illumination, while also hiding the lighting fixture behind the rail. However, if you would rather illuminate your backsplash as a focal point in the kitchen, then you could opt to install under cabinet lighting towards the back of your cabinets. This results in reduced lighting at the front of the countertops, so it’s not the best option if you are relying on under cabinet light to enhance visibility on your work surface.[2]Under Cabinet Lighting Placement Location
How many under-cabinet lights do I need?
The number of under-cabinet lights you need will depend on the lumens per light produced, the type of light fixture, and the size of the room. In general, under-cabinet lighting should produce an average of 1000 to 2500 lumens for all surfaces that will be used for cooking or cutting. Other non-task-related areas for under-cabinet lighting don’t have lumen requirements, so you can choose as many or as few lights as you wish.
How many lumens do I need for under-cabinet lighting?
The lumens for your under-cabinet lighting depend on where the lighting is being installed. Under-cabinet lighting for task-related areas like counters used for food preparation should have between 1000 to 2500 lumens to ensure you have plenty of light while cutting, peeling, chopping, or undertaking any other food prep activities. Under-cabinet lighting in the rest of the kitchen can range depending on your personal preferences.
Are LED strip lights good for under kitchen cabinets?
LED tape light systems or strip systems have the ability to create functional detail lighting that’s perfect for under cabinets.
What is the best color for under cabinet lighting?
For kitchen applications, we strongly recommend a color temperature between 3000K and 4000K. Why? Well, lights below 3000K will cast a very yellowish-orange hue, which can make color perception a bit difficult if you are using the area for food prep, so we don’t recommend any lighting below 3000K.[3]What is the Best Color for Cabinet Lighting?
Are under cabinet lights worth it?
More Energy Efficient than Overhead Lighting
Using the under cabinet lights is a way to reduce your electric bills because they are more energy-efficient than the primary light fixtures in the kitchen.
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