Best Overall
Litever 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Light Bar Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Wobane Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit
Best Adjustable
BLS LED Motion Sensor Under-Cabinet Lighting
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blab out about a bright idea ! Under - cabinet lighting straighten out kitchen countertops for safer , more usable intellectual nourishment prep and smart small-scale - gismo memory . It ’s also an well-situated and effective mode to add other - sunup and eventide atmosphere or showcase an attractive backsplash .
To aid you determine which of the thousands of under - cabinet lighting options useable is deserving add to your space , we seek advice from an expert with over 25 years of kitchen remodeling experience and conducted our own in - house hands - on testing . After spending over 43 hours strictly evaluating 14 light , we narrowed down our net list of recommended picks to eight . Of those , our favorite is theLitever 6 - Pack Under - Cabinet Light Bar Kitfor its ease of induction , quality , and value .
The full lineup of our top pick defend thelatest in lighting and electricaland a wide range of mountains of what ’s useable regarding lumens , volts , and extra features . Whether you ’re looking to improve energy efficiency in a preparation space , add a mo of class to cabinetry , or increase connectivity with existing smart - home devices , these tested and review product are the best under - cabinet lighting pick for kitchens and other functional spaces .
Our Top Picks
The top - fink products below were chosen based on comfort of installment , timber , and economic value to nail the best under - cabinet lighting . To ensure the products we recommend live up to the Bob Vila name , we performed extensive hands - on testing of each .
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
At 2000 lumens , this lighting system give rise more than enough brightness for kitchen project , yet its strong whitened color flatters without creating glare . Though it ’s a low - voltage option at just 12 volts ( V ) , it has the flexibility of two unlike power provision : from a bulwark outlet through an AC adaptor to the lights or hardwired immediately into an electrical system . Having both agency choosing between a simple , straightforward installation or one best left to an electrician ( but that hides corduroys and allow for operation using a household light switch ) .
These under - cabinet bar lights attach to cabinet via backing adhesive or include piece of tail and are in full dimmable from 0 to 100 per centum . While we decidedly value the choice to blur these Christ Within , we did n’t realise how much the placement of the dimmer shift would affect its functionality . Placing the dimmer next to the on / off switch permit for dimmable control of all connected light bars , while placing it between light bars along the run create stable light in those near the switch and dimmable for those link after the dimmer . This ended up being helpful for create targeted lighting for tasks as well as dimmable lighting for atmospheric state , although it may not be ideal for all user .
Get the Litever under - cabinet lighting atAmazon .
Our paygrade : Installation5/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Value5/5
This affordable , various LED strip alight from Wobane acquire an impressive 1100 lumens of brightness and can be installed in seconds using its strong adhesive mount . The 12V system plugs directly into a mogul outlet , meaning we needed to plan forrader during installation , but we also did n’t have to convert any battery during testing .
The flexible under - locker strip lighting is very thin , so it was pure for tucking up on the bottom of cabinets for a nearly invisible facility . Since it ’s so flexible , it was leisurely to install around corners and over storage locker spliff . The light flight strip kit also comes with extension connectors so we could customize the lighting layout to our place . Though we love these lights ’ warm , almost candlelightlike output , we do wish they were dimmable . Based on their ease of installation and value , we ’ll definitely keep enjoy the relaxing standard atmosphere they create .
Get the Wobane under - cabinet ignition atAmazon .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Installation4/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Value4/5
For under - cabinet LED lighting that adjusts to illuminate at almost any slant , this movement - sense model from BLS is an splendid plectrum . It installs in seconds using backing adhesive agent , but those want a more permanent installation can use the included mounting fuck . Since it attaches at only two breaker point , you could swivel the entire body of the light from horizontal at 90 degrees to vertical at 180 degrees . We tested this model as a battery - powered option , and the power to angle the body made it extremely easy to commute the batteries . Users also have the option to plug away this light in using the included USB cord , though a bulwark adapter does not number with the purchase .
The skeleton of this low - voltage under - cabinet ignition is n’t the only matter that ’s adjustable , however . The building block ’s question sensor rotate to qualify predisposition and also has “ day ” and “ nighttime ” mood that calculate for the amount of ambient light . With so many ways to configure this detector , we found it a little finicky at times , though we may just require to keep stimulate adjustments . As a 1.5V light , it give rise only 180 lumens of brightness , yet its white luminosity did seem harsher than what some other product produced . While we found this to be good for task lighting , we find it less appropriate for creating a calming atmosphere .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the BLS under - console lighting atAmazon .
Best for Kitchen
LepoTec Wireless Motion Sensor Cabinet Lights
Many kitchens are hubs of activeness all daytime long , so sore motion - sensing lights are n’t always an idealistic fit . LepoTec ’s 54 - LED under - cabinet light features auto - induction , however , think it wo n’t turn on unnecessarily if environmental stipulation are already bright . Instead , it only outputs its 350 lumens of warm lighting in lowly - luminousness options or when set to “ on . ” This makes it keen for late - night trips to the fridge or times when you need targeted task firing .
The LepoTec cabinet light is magnetic , so it lodge firmly to our electric refrigerator and oven during testing . It also comes with adhesive - backed magnets that allowed us to fit it under our cabinets . These dual - affixation options make the LepoTec extremely portable and prosperous to remove for charging . We were able to take ours down and have it fully charged via USB in under an time of day . alas , we had to do this much earlier than expected , as the barrage fire only lasted for about 3 hours in always - on mode .
Get the LepoTec under - cabinet lighting atAmazonorWayfair .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Best Smart
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus Starter Kit
Our Ratings : Installation3/5 ; Quality5/5 ; Value4/5
If the only consideration for cracking under - cabinet kindling was light colour and calibre , the Philips Hue lightstrip would blow the rest of our choice out of the water system . alas , the gorgeous customizable twinkle it allow does require a bit of installation and setup to enjoy . Once it ’s carry , user can create virtually any color configuration , synchronise the Light Within to medicine , or create scheduled lighting “ scene . ”
Before we could meet with all those feature , we plugged the include Hue Bridge into our Wi - Fi router and downloaded the Philips app . We initially struggled to get the two to partner off , but once we did , we were blow out away by everything the chromaticity can do . With options to produce usage colors , automations , and couple up to 50 lights throughout your home , this bright kindling system feels more like an ongoing pattern labor than a quick elbow room to get a little extra illumination .
The lightstrip is cuttable , bendable , and extendible up to 32.8 foot with the purchase of extra segment . Since the airstrip is on the thicker side , it depend a little bulky running over our locker junctions . Our daughter quickly snatched it up for her room anyway , and she ’s beyond activated about having holiday and mode get down in her way yr - pear-shaped .
Get the Philips under - storage locker light atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Plug-In
JUSJUBR LED Under-Cabinet Plug-In Light
Our Ratings : Installation4/5 ; Quality4.8/5 ; Value4/5
Battery - power and rechargeable under - cabinet inflammation has its upside , but for those looking for an always - quick option that simply requires a wall outlet , the energy - efficient JUSJUBR light is an excellent pick . Since it ’s extremely thin and narrow , it also has a lower visibility than many other options , making it less likely to be seen . Even though it ’s corded , it comes with adhesive - back clip to keep its nearly 5 - groundwork cord out of sight .
Though none of the lights we tested were at all heavy , this long and skinny light was especially lightweight . The included double - sided taping made it gentle to instal and was gluey enough to reserve the Christ Within securely without leaving residue behind once we were done testing . While we were n’t initially excited about its corduroy , we found we really apprise that we never had to put back or recharge the light ’s barrage . We also loved the luminousness ’s memory function , which returns the brightness level to the previous level each time we turned the light back on .
Get the JUSJUBR under - storage locker light atAmazon .
Best Rechargeable
RXWLKJ Rechargeable Motion Sensor Under-Cabinet Light
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Another motion - feel option we make love is this two - gang from RXWLKJ . It installs without superfluous effort or time using either its magnetic back or admit muggy tapeline . At 100 lumens , it ’s noticeably not as bright as other selection we tested yet seems to bring about more countertop glare . For that reasonableness , we prefer having this easy rechargeable light tucked right inside our pantry room access rather than under our cabinet . We also pop one on the metal shelves in our shed so we can find oneself what we need no topic the time of day .
We ’re going on 2 weeks now of trigger off our new larder light several times daily and still have n’t had to reload it . Once the prison term comes , however , getting this light back to full world power will be easy with the let in USB adapter . Just be aware that a USB - A bulwark outlet plug is not included with leverage , though many of us already have plenty of these anyway .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the RXWLKJ under - cabinet lighting atAmazon .
Best Puck
Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Quality4.8/5 ; Value4/5
This set of six wireless under - cabinet kindling pucks end up being a favorite of ours during testing . They ’re easy to instal and remove using adhesive magnetised stickers , and though they ’re dewy-eyed little lights , they have quite a few features . user can prefer between warm , impersonal , or cool light and set up luminousness at either 50 or 100 percent . While that ’s not as encompassing a range as the other dimmable lights we tested , the alternative to switch between color temperatures made up for it .
The puck lighter do n’t have motion sensors , but they ’re tangible , so they turn off and on with a spigot ( do n’t be gentle — they need a good nudge ) or the included remote control . The remote control also enable coif the lights on a 15- , 30- , 60- , or 120 - minute timer , which is peachy for protecting battery life history but not so groovy for those who struggle to keep track of remote or who require to place the lights in far - apart places . We ’ve been keeping ours in the silverware drawer and have n’t lost it yet !
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the Brilliant Evolution under - console inflammation atAmazon .
Best Motion-Sensing
MCGOR LED Motion Sensor Under- Cabinet Light
Our paygrade : Installation4/5 ; Quality4.5/5 ; Value5/5
Something about this two - face pack of lighter makes them look a little sleeker than the rest . The bright Light Within they make is also comparatively coolheaded in temperature , but they come in a warm blank selection for those who favour a soft look . The 40 - LED lights are rechargeable with the included USB - C fire hydrant , though they do not come with the necessary wall adapter . They ’re dimmable , but we shin to get them to consistently blur under about the 50 percentage mark .
One thing we never struggled with was getting them to instantly twist on as we travel within about 10 invertebrate foot of them . When test side by side with other motion - sensing lights , these MCGOR lights reacted the quickest and most consistently . Since they ’re also incredibly easy to instal with include adhesive metal plates ( or their built - in magnets on metallic element ) , we quickly supply one of these to the top of our basement stairs for safety .
Photo: Amazon
Get the MCGOR under - cabinet firing atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested Under-Cabinet Lighting
To test these Cartesian product and the others that did n’t make our list of top picks , we look at each visible radiation ’s repose of facility , output , and dimmability . We also evaluated whether they created unpleasant countertop glare or let out nettlesome buzzing sounds . When possible , we assessed additional features , such as a remote , movement sensor , or smartphone app .
Though many user immediately think of under - console lights for kitchens , these products are also utilitarian in garage , storage shed , and closets . So in accession to installing and quiz them under ourkitchen cabinets , we also tried them out in other indoor and outdoor areas .
What to Consider When Choosing Under-Cabinet Lighting
To ensure we understood everything that go into choosing the best under - locker lighting , we spoke with Thom Cloppert , who co - ownsFog Remodelingwith Jud Cloppert in Loveland , Ohio . Thom has over 25 years of experience in kitchen , bathroom , and cellar remodeling and says about 70 percent of his clients request under - console lighting . Once he detail its benefit , however , about 95 percentage of clients have it installed . Why is installing it such a upright idea ? “ Under - cabinet lighting is collateral , not blazing , and create an ideal countertop workstation . Most are dimmable , energy effective , and have multispectrum LED lights to provide options for atmosphere . ”
While under - cabinetkitchen inflammation designcan add ambience or utility light to a space , not all under - console firing is the same . To grease one’s palms the best under - locker lighting for a given kitchen , laundry way , or lavatory space , keep the following consideration in mind .
Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting
The character of under - locker lighting — LED , fluorescent , halogen , or Xe — determines its esthetic and maximal efficiency rating .
lead lighting is the most democratic and most energy - efficient type of under - console lighting . primitively , lead lighting was expensive and only offered directional lighting , but now even smart - home – compatible light-emitting diode firing systems are relatively affordable . However , they are still the priciest alternative of the four types . Current LED also bid whole - room soft lighting that can be used in overhead fixtures , replacing the common incandescent bulb .
While ab initio costlier , LED bulb outlast their opposite number by threefold or triple the time . They produce less passion ( a braggart asset in the kitchen ) and , on a purely aesthetic level , can make millions of colors on the spectrum . All these benefits make LED lights with the appropriate lumen rating ( the unit of cleverness measurement ) the favourite pick of many consumer for under - locker lighting .
Photo: Amazon
heavyset fluorescent lighting ( CFL ) is free energy - efficient and does n’t bring forth a lot of heat , but it does have some unappealing issues . These pipe electric light tend to produce abrasive light and give off an nettlesome buzzing phone . They can not be used with a dimmer function , and turning them on and off repeatedly can expurgate their lifespan . What ’s more , because they use both mercury vapor and a phosphor surface to convert ultraviolet igniter to seeable light , they can not be tossed in the trash when spent — these light bulb must be disposed of allot to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines .
Halogen lights apply a throttle chemical compound containing halogen vaporisation within the bulb . When electricity is run through the filament , the compound reacts to produce clear , white sparkle . However , halogen lighter get very hot and should not be used where they might by chance be touched . In terms of vitality , halogen electric-light bulb are a whole step above fluorescent bulb and several steps above incandescent bulbs . They fall below xenon bulbs and well below light-emitting diode lighting in most categories but are a good midrange choice that will provide decent ignition at a restrained cost .
Xenon lighting casts clear , whitened light but , unlike a halogen bulb , it does n’t use a fibril . Instead , an electrical stream is channeled through the xenon gasoline contained in the medulla oblongata , make an excitement of electron that make light . Xenon ignition is cool to the touch than halogen bulb and also more efficient , lasting two to three time longer . light-emitting diode lights outshine xenon and halogen brightness level in every class except price , but xenon bulbs are the next - best option for brightness and life .
Photo: Amazon
Voltage
The potential of under - locker firing is fall apart into three main type : occupation - emf ( 120V ) firing , down in the mouth - voltage ( 12V or 24V ) lighting , and assault and battery inflammation .
Strip Lights vs. Puck Lights vs. Bar Lights
Under - console lighting comes in three primary stylus : strip Light Within , hockey puck lights , and bar lights .
Energy Efficiency and Heat Output
The energy efficiency and heat yield of under - console light depend primarily on the type of bulb used .
Dimmers
Fixed brightness feels out of place in our customizable world , making dimmers an important addition to an under - cabinet lighting system . Dimming under - cabinet lights to a level desirable to the elbow room ’s current use can trim back Department of Energy consumption and save on the electric bill . dimmer also let you adjust brightness to fit the situation , sometimes dimming as scummy as a night - light . Cloppert send word anyone add together this type of lighting to “ plan a commodious place for the substitution and utilise a dimmer that is rated for LED visible radiation . ”
Ease of Installation
instal an under - cabinet lighting system of rules can be an incredibly easyDIY update for kitchen cabinet — or complex enough to warrant hiring a professional lineman .
The Advantages of Using Under-Cabinet Lighting
Since under - cabinet lighting often uses high - efficiency lights to illuminate one region at a clock time , instal this case of light can aid lour your energy bills . This provides more light for cooking and food prep while reducing the energy output of a lighting system . In addition to illuminating task such as nutrient prep on countertops , under - locker kindling can spotlight a backsplash pattern that might otherwise be lost in darkness and/or enhance a mood — low brightness during dinner , for example — to create a relaxing standard atmosphere . Under - cabinet lighting can also raise the household ’s internal note value by reduce shadows that make a way look small .
FAQs
Though we have covered our favourite products and the most of import consideration for choosing among under - cabinetlighting ideas , you may still have some head . Read on for answers to the most usually asked under - storage locker easy questions .
The number of under - cabinet lights you need will depend on the lm per light produced , the type of sluttish mending , and the size of the room . In general , under - cabinet lighting should get an norm of 1000 to 2500 lumens for all surfaces that will be used for cooking or cutting . Other non - task - related areas for under - cabinet inflammation do n’t have lumen requirement , so you could choose as many or as few Light as you wish .
To avoidcommon lighting mistakeswhen mounting any fixture under a locker , position it toward the front . If there is a genus Lens , face it toward the backsplash . The bottom - front rail of the storage locker should obscure the fixture from your line of sight , whether put up or seat . If it does n’t , consider extending the rail with a narrow instrument panel or dress piece .
Photo: Amazon
The lm for your under - cabinet inflammation bet on where the ignition is being installed . Under - storage locker ignition for undertaking - related areas like sideboard used for intellectual nourishment preparation should have between 1000 to 2500 lumens to ensure you have plenty of light while cut , peeling , chopping , or undertake any other solid food prep activity . Under - cabinet firing in the rest of the kitchen can range depend on your personal preferences .
Absolutely ! We eff under - cabinet firing for its wide range of functionality and excellent economic value . There are endless leisurely - to - install option that expeditiously add light and ambience to a variety of spaces .
Whether you call for an electrician toinstall under - cabinet lightingdepends on the type of lighting you prefer . strain - voltage or hardwired under - cabinet firing is best installed by a professional to ensure safety and compatibility , so it may be unspoiled to face at these options while still in the unconscious process ofbuying kitchen cabinet . Plug - in or battery - power options are generally leisurely enough for virtually any DIYer to set up , even years after you ’ve installed your cabinetry .
Photo: Amazon
While this is fairly up to your personal penchant , strong , neutral , or cool livid light between 3000 K and 5000 K is generally unspoilt for under - cabinet lighting . Any color temperature below 3000 K can cast a yellowish - orange tree hue that makes color percept unmanageable .
Most under - cabinet lights will be under about 10 W , but some choice that let you to connect multiple inflammation segment together may be confining to 30 watts .
Because under - shelf LED strip kindling is muscularity - effective and produces low warmth , it ’s generally secure to leave behind on at night so long as it ’s properly install and in good working consideration .
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor in chief for more than 10 years in the fields of health , business , and the home . Because she ’d rather drop a little more up front than bribe a tool or gizmo doubly , she strongly believes in the force of inquiry and reviews for witness timber items that are meant to last .
Additional enquiry allow for by Timothy Dale and Shannon Lee .
This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation
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Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we study this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stick on budget .
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
