Ever feel like your kitchen is a bit dim, even when the overhead lights are on? You’re not alone! Many kitchens have dark corners and shadowy countertops, making it tough to see what you’re doing when you chop veggies or read a recipe. This is where under cupboard kitchen lights come in, but choosing the right ones can feel like a puzzle.
There are so many choices out there! You might wonder about brightness, color, how to install them, or even if they’re worth the money. It can be confusing to know which lights will actually make your kitchen look and feel better. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help!
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of under cupboard lights, what to look for, and how to pick the perfect set for your kitchen. We’ll break down the options so you can stop guessing and start enjoying a brighter, more functional kitchen space.
Our Top 5 Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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GE Wireless LED Puck Lights | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights Detailed Reviews
1. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable is here to brighten your life! This set of two super bright LED lights offers advanced features to make your home more convenient and stylish. With its smart motion sensor and customizable lighting options, these lights are perfect for kitchens, closets, and more.
What We Like:
- Super Bright and Versatile: 84 LEDs provide excellent illumination. You can choose from three color temperatures (warm, cool, mixed) and five brightness levels, including stepless dimming.
- Smart Motion Sensor: The 120° wide-angle motion sensor detects movement up to 10 feet away and automatically turns off after 20 seconds of inactivity, saving energy and hassle.
- Multiple Lighting Modes: Choose from OFF, Night Sensing, Daytime Sensing, or Always On modes to suit any situation.
- Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery: The 1800mAh battery lasts up to 8 hours on high brightness or 45 days in sensor mode. Recharging is easy with the included USB-C cables.
- Easy Installation: Strong magnets attach directly to iron surfaces. Adhesive iron plates are included for easy mounting on other materials, and the lights are simple to remove for charging.
- Durable and Stylish Design: Made with aluminum alloy and ABS plastic, these lights are built to last and look great.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sensor is great, some users might prefer a longer delay before the lights turn off automatically.
- The brightness levels are well-defined, but a few more intermediate steps could offer even more precise control for some users.
The Gritin Under Cabinet Lighting is a fantastic upgrade for any home, offering convenience, energy efficiency, and customizable ambiance. Its easy installation and long-lasting performance make it a smart and practical choice.
2. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark or dealing with messy wires? The MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting offers a smart and simple solution for illuminating your home. This 2-pack of rechargeable lights is designed for convenience, featuring motion sensing technology and adjustable brightness to fit your needs.
What We Like:
- Smart Motion Sensing: The lights turn on automatically when you enter a dark area, making it safer to navigate stairs or find things in your closet. They also turn off after a short time, saving energy.
- Versatile Lighting Modes: Choose between motion-activated or always-on mode. Always-on is handy for reading, camping, or when you need a portable light.
- Adjustable Brightness: With 5 dimming levels, you can set the perfect light. Make it bright for cooking or dim it for a gentle night light without disturbing others.
- Easy to Recharge: These lights use a USB-C cable, so no more buying batteries. A single charge lasts a long time, from several days to over a week depending on how you use them.
- Simple Installation: Built-in magnets let you stick them directly to metal surfaces. You can also use the included sticky pads for other areas. They’re easy to put up and take down for charging.
- Wide Applications: Perfect for kitchens, closets, pantries, hallways, bookshelves, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter for charging is not included, so you’ll need to have one already or purchase it separately.
These MCGOR under cabinet lights are a fantastic upgrade for any home, offering both practicality and ease of use. They provide reliable lighting exactly where and when you need it.
3. Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of dark corners and dim workspaces? The Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in offer a super bright solution. This set includes three 12-inch ultra-thin lights that plug right in. They provide a crisp, daylight white glow, perfect for kitchens, workshops, and desks. You can easily adjust the brightness to create the perfect mood or lighting level.
What We Like:
- These lights are incredibly bright, with 81 LEDs per light, giving you 1200 lumens in total.
- The unique touch dimmer lets you easily turn the lights on and off with a short touch, and adjust the brightness from 1% to 100% with a long touch.
- The ultra-thin design, only 0.25 inches thick, makes them discreet and neat under cabinets or counters.
- Installation is a breeze with both double-sided tapes and screws included, so you can choose the best way to mount them.
- They are very versatile and can be used in many places like kitchens, bedrooms, closets, workshops, and even stairs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plug-in design means you need an outlet nearby, which might limit placement options in some areas.
- While the touch dimmer is smart, sometimes it might accidentally get activated when cleaning or reaching for items near it.
Overall, these Maylit under cabinet lights are a fantastic way to brighten up your home and workspace. They offer excellent light and flexible control in a sleek package.
4. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark? This 2-pack of 14.7″ Under Cabinet Lights brings smart illumination to your home. These rechargeable lights are packed with features to make your life easier, from sensing your movement to letting you choose the perfect brightness.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor turns on automatically when you enter a dark area, making it safer to navigate at night.
- You can also set the lights to stay on, which is handy for tasks like reading or camping.
- The lights have 5 brightness levels, so you can adjust them for different needs, from bright for cooking to dim for a soft night light.
- They are easy to charge with a USB-C cable, meaning no messy wires or constantly buying batteries.
- Installation is a breeze with built-in magnets and included adhesive metal plates. You can stick them anywhere you need light!
- These lights are perfect for many places, including kitchens, closets, hallways, and stairs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motion sensor works best in dark or low-light conditions.
- The USB wall adapter for charging is not included.
These under cabinet lights offer a convenient and versatile lighting solution for any home. They combine smart technology with easy installation for a brighter, more user-friendly space.
5. GE Wireless LED Puck Lights
Rating: 8.8/10
Brighten up any space with the GE Wireless LED Puck Lights. This 4-pack of battery-operated lights is a fantastic solution for adding light exactly where you need it. They’re perfect for kitchens, closets, garages, and so many other spots. You can easily turn them on and off with just a simple touch, so no more fumbling for switches. These lights are cool to the touch and use energy-saving LEDs, meaning you won’t have to worry about changing bulbs. Installation is a breeze, and they even come with hardware for wall mounting.
What We Like:
- Adds light to any area instantly and easily.
- Touch-activated operation is super convenient.
- LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Installation is simple with included hardware.
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires 3 AAA batteries per light, which are not included.
- 20 lumens might be a bit dim for some larger or darker areas.
These GE Wireless LED Puck Lights offer a simple and effective way to improve lighting in your home. They are a great DIY solution for many common lighting needs.
Brighten Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Under Cupboard Light Buying Guide
Tired of shadowy countertops when you’re chopping veggies or searching for that spice? Under cupboard kitchen lights are a game-changer! They add both style and function, making your kitchen a brighter, more enjoyable space. This guide helps you pick the perfect set.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
- Brightness (Lumens): This tells you how much light the fixture gives off. More lumens mean a brighter light. For task lighting under cabinets, aim for at least 500-800 lumens.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This is about the “warmth” or “coolness” of the light.
- Warm white (2700K-3000K) is cozy and good for general ambiance.
- Cool white (4000K-5000K) is crisp and best for task areas like your prep space.
- Daylight (5000K+) mimics natural sunlight and is very bright.
- Type of Light:
- LED: These are the most popular. They use less energy, last a long time, and come in many styles.
- Fluorescent: Older style, less energy-efficient than LED.
- Halogen: Bright but get very hot and don’t last as long as LEDs.
- Dimming Capability: Being able to adjust the brightness is super handy. You can make it brighter for cooking and dimmer for relaxing.
- Ease of Installation: Some lights are plug-and-play, while others need to be wired. Check if it comes with all the hardware you need.
- Style and Design: Lights come in many shapes and finishes (like brushed nickel, chrome, or black). Pick ones that match your kitchen’s look.
2. Important Materials
The materials affect how long your lights last and how they look.
- Aluminum: This is common for the housing. It’s lightweight and helps keep the LEDs cool.
- Plastic: Often used for diffusers (the part that spreads the light). Look for durable, non-yellowing plastic.
- Glass: Some premium lights use glass diffusers for a sleeker look and better light diffusion.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a light good or not so good?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- High-Quality LEDs: Good LEDs last longer and provide consistent light.
- Good Heat Dissipation: Lights that manage heat well will last longer. Metal housing often helps with this.
- Durable Finishes: Finishes that don’t scratch or fade easily keep your lights looking new.
- Reputable Brand: Established brands often stand behind their products with warranties.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Plastic: Can become brittle and yellow over time.
- Poor Heat Management: Overheating can shorten the life of the LEDs.
- Flimsy Construction: Lights that feel cheap or wobbly might not last.
- Short Warranties: A short or non-existent warranty can be a red flag.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will these lights make your life easier?
- Task Lighting: This is the main job! Illuminate your countertops for safe and easy food prep. No more squinting!
- Ambient Lighting: Add a soft glow to your kitchen for a more welcoming atmosphere in the evenings.
- Accent Lighting: Highlight decorative items or special features in your kitchen.
- Safety: Well-lit kitchens reduce the risk of accidents.
- Aesthetics: Modern under cupboard lights can give your kitchen a sleek, updated look.
Installation Options:
- Plug-in: Easiest to install. Just plug it into an outlet.
- Hardwired: Requires connecting to your home’s electrical system. This looks cleaner but needs more skill or an electrician.
- Battery-Powered: Convenient if you can’t reach an outlet, but you’ll need to change batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in under cupboard lights?
A: The main Key Features include brightness (lumens), color temperature (Kelvin), the type of light (LED is best), dimming capability, and ease of installation.
Q: Are LED lights the best choice for under cupboard lighting?
A: Yes, LED lights are generally the best choice because they use less energy, last much longer, and produce less heat than other types of lights.
Q: What is the difference between warm white and cool white light?
A: Warm white light (around 2700K-3000K) is cozy and yellowish, good for ambiance. Cool white light (around 4000K-5000K) is brighter and more bluish, best for task areas.
Q: How do I know how bright the lights will be?
A: You check the lumens. More lumens mean a brighter light. For cooking areas, aim for at least 500-800 lumens.
Q: What materials are commonly used for under cupboard lights?
A: Common materials include aluminum for the housing and plastic or glass for the light diffuser.
Q: Is it hard to install under cupboard lights?
A: It depends on the type. Plug-in lights are very easy. Hardwired lights require electrical work and might need a professional.
Q: Can I dim under cupboard lights?
A: Many under cupboard lights offer dimming capabilities. This lets you adjust the brightness for different tasks or moods.
Q: How long do under cupboard lights usually last?
A: High-quality LED under cupboard lights can last 20,000 to 50,000 hours or more, which is many years of use.
Q: What are some common use cases for these lights?
A: They are great for task lighting on countertops, adding ambient light to the kitchen, and improving the overall look and safety of your kitchen.
Q: Where can I buy under cupboard kitchen lights?
A: You can find them at home improvement stores, large retail stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon.
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.