Does your kitchen feel a little dim, even with the lights on? You’re not alone! Choosing the right can lighting for your kitchen can be tricky. There are so many types, sizes, and styles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up with lighting that just doesn’t quite work.
Poor kitchen lighting can make cooking feel like a chore, hide messes you want to see, and even make your kitchen feel smaller and less inviting. But what if you could transform your kitchen into a bright, functional, and stylish space with the right can lights? This post will guide you through everything you need to know.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to pick the perfect can lights to make your kitchen shine. We’ll cover the different types of lights, how many you need, and how to place them for the best results. Get ready to light up your kitchen like a pro!
Our Top 5 Can Lighting For Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amico Recessed Lighting 5/6 Inch | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Sunco 6 Pack BR30 Light Bulb LED Recessed Can Light Bulbs | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Meconard 6 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT LED Recessed Lighting with Night Light | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Sunco Recessed Lighting 6 Inch | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Sunco 12 Pack BR30 Light Bulbs LED | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Can Lighting For Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Amico Recessed Lighting 5/6 Inch
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to upgrade your home lighting? The Amico Recessed Lighting 5/6 Inch, 12 Pack offers a super simple and bright solution. These flat LED can lights are designed to make your life easier, whether you’re replacing old lights or starting fresh. With a 12-pack, you can brighten up multiple rooms. They even help you save money on your electricity bills!
What We Like:
- Increased diameter: The larger 7.2-inch size is great for covering up mistakes or old holes in the ceiling. It makes installation look neat and tidy.
- Selectable Colors: You can pick from five different light colors (2700K to 6000K). This means you can get the perfect mood lighting for any room without buying the wrong lights.
- Simple Installation: Installing these lights is a breeze. They fit standard 5/6 inch cans and screw in just like a light bulb. You can do it yourself in about 3 minutes per light, saving you money on an electrician.
- High Brightness: These lights are very bright, giving off 1050 lumens while only using 12 watts. They shine as brightly as old 110-watt bulbs but use way less energy.
- Eye Protection: You can dim these lights smoothly from 5% to 100%. This lets you find the most comfortable brightness for your eyes. They work with most standard dimmers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimmer Compatibility: While they work with most dimmers, they are not compatible with smart dimmers. Make sure your dimmer is not a smart one before purchasing.
These Amico LED can lights offer a fantastic combination of ease of use, brightness, and energy savings. They are a smart choice for anyone looking to refresh their home’s lighting.
2. Sunco 6 Pack BR30 Light Bulb LED Recessed Can Light Bulbs
Rating: 9.1/10
Brighten up your home with the Sunco 6 Pack BR30 LED Light Bulbs. These bulbs are designed for your recessed can lights, giving you 850 lumens of warm white light. They use only 11 watts, which is like a 65-watt old-style bulb, saving you energy. You can dim them from 10% to 100% to set the perfect mood.
What We Like:
- DIMMABLE FLOOD LIGHT: You can easily change the brightness from 10% to 100% to match any occasion or decor.
- GREAT FOR MANY ROOMS: These bulbs fit 5″ or 6″ recessed cans and provide natural, true-to-life colors, making them perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and offices.
- SAFE AND RELIABLE: They are UL certified, meaning they pass strict safety tests. The bulbs turn on instantly, are bright, and don’t flicker or buzz, which is easier on your eyes.
- LONG-LASTING WITH SUPPORT: Sunco is based in the USA and offers a 5-year warranty. They provide quality products at good prices and have helpful support specialists.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention any specific cons.
These Sunco BR30 LED bulbs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for efficient, high-quality lighting. They offer great features and reliable performance for your home.
3. Meconard 6 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT LED Recessed Lighting with Night Light
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your home lighting with the Meconard 6 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT LED Recessed Lighting. These slim, modern lights are easy to install and offer a lot of cool features. They can make any room look better and brighter.
What We Like:
- Night Light Feature: Each light has a soft amber glow around the edge. This is great for seeing in the dark without turning on the main light.
- 5CCT Selectable: You can pick the perfect light color for any room. Choose from warm yellow (2700K) to bright white (5000K) using a switch.
- IC Rated: These lights are safe to use around insulation in your ceiling. They are also ETL listed and have UL-certified parts.
- Energy Efficient: They use only 12 watts but shine as bright as a 110-watt old bulb (1050 lumens).
- Long Lifespan: Meconard backs these lights with a five-year warranty and they last up to 50,000 hours.
- Synchronization Reset: If the lights get out of sync, a simple turn-off-and-on fixes it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Synchronization Reset Process: While the reset function is helpful, it requires a specific timing (turning off for over 5 seconds) which might be a small hassle for some.
These Meconard LED recessed lights offer a blend of style, function, and safety. They are a smart choice for anyone looking to update their home’s lighting.
4. Sunco Recessed Lighting 6 Inch
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your home lighting with the Sunco Recessed Lighting 4-Pack. These 6-inch retrofit can lights are a smart choice for any room. They provide bright, clear light and are easy to install.
What We Like:
- Customizable Light: You can pick the perfect light color for any mood or room. Choose from warm white (2700K) to cool white (5000K) using a simple switch.
- Fits Most Cans: These lights fit easily into both 5-inch and 6-inch recessed light openings. This makes upgrading your old lights a breeze.
- Easy to Install: Setting these lights up is quick and simple. The package includes everything you need and an easy-to-follow guide.
- Works in Damp Areas: You can use these lights in places like bathrooms or kitchens where moisture might be present. They are damp rated and UL listed for safety.
- Energy Efficient: They use only 13 watts but give off as much light as a 75-watt old-style bulb. This saves you money on your electricity bill.
- Dimmable: Adjust the brightness to create the perfect atmosphere.
- Long Warranty: Sunco offers a 7-year warranty, showing they stand behind their quality products.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-pack might be too many for some smaller projects, and buying single units might not be as cost-effective.
- While easy to install, some users might prefer a tool-free installation method if available.
Overall, these Sunco recessed lights offer great value and flexibility for homeowners looking to update their lighting. They are a reliable and stylish choice for many different spaces.
5. Sunco 12 Pack BR30 Light Bulbs LED
Rating: 8.6/10
Brighten up your home with the Sunco 12 Pack BR30 LED Light Bulbs. These bulbs are perfect for recessed lighting in your kitchen, bedroom, or living areas. They give off a warm, inviting light that makes colors look true to life, just like sunlight. Plus, you can easily adjust the brightness to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
What We Like:
- Great light quality: These bulbs provide a warm white light (3000K) that makes colors look natural and vibrant.
- Adjustable brightness: You can dim them from 10% to 100% to set the mood.
- Energy efficient: They use only 11W but shine as bright as 65W bulbs, saving you money on electricity.
- Easy to install: They fit standard 5″ or 6″ recessed cans with an E26 base.
- Safe and reliable: UL certified, these bulbs turn on instantly without buzzing or flickering, protecting your eyes.
- Long-lasting and supported: Sunco offers a 5-year warranty and is based in the USA for excellent support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited color temperature options: This pack only comes in warm white (3000K), so if you prefer cooler light, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
These Sunco BR30 LED bulbs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home lighting. They offer a great balance of quality, efficiency, and affordability.
Brighten Your Kitchen: Your Guide to Can Lighting
Why Can Lighting is a Great Choice for Your Kitchen
Can lighting is a popular choice for kitchens. It gives a clean, modern look. It also provides excellent light for cooking and working. This guide will help you pick the best can lights for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Type of Can Light
- Remodel Cans: These are good for existing ceilings. You don’t need to access the ceiling from above.
- New Construction Cans: These are for ceilings that are open before drywall goes up. They get installed before the ceiling is finished.
2. Size of the Can
Can lights come in different sizes. Common sizes are 4-inch and 6-inch. Smaller cans are good for accent lighting. Larger cans give more light. Think about the size of your kitchen and how much light you need.
3. Trim Style
The trim is the part you see around the light bulb. Many styles are available.
- Baffle Trim: This has ridges that help reduce glare. It’s good for general lighting.
- Recessed Trim: This trim sits flush with the ceiling. It gives a very clean look.
- Gimbal Trim: This allows you to aim the light. It’s great for highlighting artwork or specific areas.
4. Bulb Type Compatibility
Most modern can lights use LED bulbs. LEDs are energy-efficient and last a long time. Make sure the can light you choose is designed for the type of bulb you want to use.
Important Materials
The main parts of a can light are the housing and the trim. The housing is usually made of metal, like steel. This helps with heat dissipation. The trim can be made of metal, plastic, or even wood. Metal trims are durable and look good. Plastic trims are often more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- Good Insulation Rating (IC Rated): If your can lights will be near insulation in the attic, choose IC-rated cans. This prevents heat buildup and fire risks.
- Durable Housing: A sturdy metal housing will last longer and handle heat better.
- High-Quality Trim Finish: A good finish on the trim will resist chipping and fading.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily or look less appealing over time.
- Poor Heat Dissipation: Cans that don’t manage heat well can shorten bulb life and be a safety hazard.
- Difficult Installation: If the can is hard to install, it can lead to frustration and poor fitting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Can lighting is very versatile. In the kitchen, it’s perfect for:
- General Illumination: Installing cans evenly throughout the ceiling lights up the entire room.
- Task Lighting: Place cans directly over countertops, the stove, or the sink. This makes food prep and cleaning easier.
- Accent Lighting: Use adjustable gimbal trims to highlight cabinets or decorative items.
When you use can lights, you get a bright and even light. This makes your kitchen a more pleasant place to be. It also helps you see better when you’re cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Can Lighting
Q: What is the best type of can light for a kitchen remodel?
A: For a kitchen remodel, remodel cans are usually the best choice. They are designed to be installed from below the ceiling.
Q: How many can lights do I need for my kitchen?
A: The number of can lights depends on your kitchen size and how much light you want. A common rule is to place a light every 4-6 feet.
Q: Should I use LED bulbs with my can lights?
A: Yes, LED bulbs are highly recommended. They use less energy and last much longer than other types of bulbs.
Q: What is an IC-rated can light?
A: An IC-rated can light is safe to install directly against ceiling insulation. This is important for safety and energy efficiency.
Q: How do I choose the right trim?
A: Choose a baffle trim for general light to reduce glare. A gimbal trim is good for directing light. A recessed trim offers a sleek look.
Q: Can I put can lights in a sloped ceiling?
A: Yes, there are special can lights designed for sloped ceilings. You will need to make sure you buy the correct type.
Q: How far apart should can lights be spaced?
A: A good starting point is to space them about 4 to 6 feet apart. Measure your kitchen to figure out the best spacing.
Q: What is the difference between a 4-inch and a 6-inch can light?
A: A 6-inch can light is larger and usually provides more light. A 4-inch can is smaller and can be used for more focused lighting.
Q: Can I dim my can lights?
A: Yes, if you use dimmable LED bulbs and a compatible dimmer switch, you can dim your can lights.
Q: What is a “canless” LED downlight?
A: A canless LED downlight is a self-contained fixture that doesn’t require a separate metal can housing. It’s often easier and quicker to install.
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.