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Last updated: 16 Feb 2023
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The Best Under Cabinet Lighting to Accent Your Home

Best Overall
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Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Light 6 Pack with Remote
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Easy to Install
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BestLuz LED Strips Cabinet Lighting
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Most Convenient
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EShine LED Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
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Most Adaptable
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Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
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Simplest Design
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RXWLKJ LED Under Cabinet Lights
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Brightest Lights
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Litever Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit
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By Old House Journal Review Team
Published 7:03 pm

One of the best ways for you to add a special touch to your kitchen is to use the best under cabinet lighting in 2023. These are small lights that you attach to the underside of your kitchen cabinets that you can even leave on at night. Under cabinet lighting can function as one of the most important light fixtures in your home, and often the best choice to increase visibility. They can illuminate everyday tasks in the kitchen and often serve as a type of night light – which can definitely help you out if you’re searching for a midnight snack. Under cabinet lighting can help to brighten your whole space and make your kitchen a more pleasant place to be, during both the day and night. We’ve compiled a list of the top options for under cabinet lighting to help you make an informed choice to better your home.

Detailing Our Favorite Under Cabinet Lighting

1

Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Light 6 Pack with Remote

– Best Overall
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This cabinet lighting from Brilliant Evolution is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy, quick, and convenient lighting solution. This set features six wireless LED under-cabinet lights that can be powered by batteries, making them perfect for any room in the home. The heavy-duty adhesive tape and screws are included for easy installation. 

The lights come with a wireless remote, which allows users to easily turn the lights on and off, adjust the brightness to any level, or even set up an auto-off timer. This product also features a tap light feature, which allows users to easily turn the lights on and off by simply tapping the lens. Overall, the Stick on Lights 6 Pack with Remote is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy, quick, and efficient lighting solution. It’s easy to install with adhesive tape or screws included, and its 55 Lumens output will provide bright illumination that lasts four times longer than other puck lights.

Pros
  • Never a need to replace the LED lighting
  • The battery operates for 100 hours
  • Can select the level of brightness
Cons
  •     May turn on and off randomly
2

BestLuz LED Strips Cabinet Lighting

– Easy to Install
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The BestLuz Battery Powered LED Strip Lights are the perfect way to light up any room with style and convenience. This three-pack of 40-inch, battery-operated LED strip lights can be applied to almost any surface, like drywall, wood, metal, and PVC. The discreet design allows it to stay out of sight on shelves, kitchen cabinets, and even safe boxes, while an easy-to-find push power button ensures you can quickly turn these LED strip lights on when you need them.

The LED strip lights are super bright, producing 110 lumens of warm white 2700K light that illuminates everywhere. They’re also cuttable so you can customize them to fit your application, whether it’s a 40-inch under cabinet or a floating shelf. Best of all, they are powered by 3xAA battery boxes which eliminates complicated wiring, so installation is incredibly simple. Every purchase is backed by a 12-month warranty and you can contact their team if you have any problems.

Pros
  • Easy to apply
  • Backed by a year warranty
  • Easy to turn on and off
Cons
  • Not a timer light
3

EShine LED Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Kit

– Most Convenient
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The EShine 3 Panels 12 Inch LED Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is an innovative light solution for any home, providing a touchless dimming control with both expandable and energy-efficient features. Its wave-activated technology gives you the convenience of easy on/off access with just one wave of your hand, while its dimmer feature allows you to customize brightness levels with the same gesture. Perfect for both quick installation and expandability, this kit comes with all components needed in either adhesive or screw form, as well as wire clips for a mess-free setup.

These lights are incredibly power-conserving, requiring only 12W of energy while producing consistent brightness that is brighter than most wireless shelf lights. Installation is made easier by the included power supply chart which helps you identify the power you need to support extra panels if needed. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to upgrade your cabinet lighting, this LED Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Kit from Eshines is an ideal choice.

Pros
  • All-inclusive lighting kit
  • No need to touch the bars
  • Easy to expand and install
Cons
  •     Issues with thickness
 
4

Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit

– Most Adaptable
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The WOBANE Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cabinets, closets, desks, and more. With 1100 lumens of bright light and a low power consumption of only 12W, you will easily be able to see every corner of any room. This set includes four 20-inch light bars, an adapter, and connectors for easy installation. The LED tape light works at a low voltage and produces little heat, so you can rest assured that it is safe to use.

The installation process of the WOBANE Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is simple and doesn’t require any tools. All you have to do is clean the designated area, stick on the lights, and connect them. Adhesive tape ensures that the lights will remain secure without having to use screws. This lighting kit is suitable for under lighting, display lighting, background lighting, or any other area you would like to illuminate.

Pros
  • This lighting is easy to install
  • Offers sufficient brightness
  • Saves energy
Cons
  • Issues with the adhesive
 
5

RXWLKJ LED Under Cabinet Lights

– Simplest Design
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The RXWLKJ Stick-on Anywhere Portable Little Light Wireless LED Under Cabinet Lights is the ideal lighting solution for any living space. Its innovative design features a three-way switch that can be set to always on, motion-sensor, or off, so you can easily customize the lighting to suit your needs. The light is equipped with a built-in 850mAh polymer lithium battery that’s rechargeable, allowing it to be completely self-contained and free of cords. It also has a magnetic base that allows it to stick to any ironwork, as well as simple sticky tapes for easy installation.

The motion sensor is particularly helpful, as it automatically senses human motion within 10ft/120° and shuts off after about 20 seconds of no movement. This means the light can be used in a variety of spaces without having to worry about leaving it on when not in use and wasting energy. The light is extremely versatile and can be used in any dark space such as closets, drawers, cabinets, etc., making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy and convenient lighting solution.

 

 

Pros
  • This lighting is bright and rechargeable
  • Includes motion sensor
  • Very easy to install
Cons
  • Issues with motion detection
 
6

Litever Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit

– Brightest Lights
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This Litever Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit provides a wonderful way to illuminate your home. With six 12-inch cabinet light strips and 2000 lumens of bright warm white light, it will be sure to provide the perfect amount of illumination for any space. The installation process is made easy with the included self-adhesive pads, mounting clips, wire clips, and extension cords. It is also possible to hardwire the kit with an ON/OFF switch by cutting off the US plug and having a licensed electrician do the installation. The kit is dimmable only by the included LED dimmer, which allows for stepless 0% to 100% dimming. It is not compatible with existing wall dimmers.

The quality of this product is excellent because of the use of premium higher quality certified power supply with a 115CM cable and US plug. This ensures that it will last for many years with proper care and maintenance. This Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit provides an easy-to-install lighting solution that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere causing no light glare or excessive light dots. It is well-constructed, reliable, and backed by a 24-month warranty.

Pros
  • The lighting can dim with an LED dimmer
  • Includes self-adhesive pads
  • Comes with 3 or 6 bars
Cons
  •     Issues with instructions
 

Buyer's Guide: Finding Your Under Cabinet Lighting

We know how frustrating not being able to see what you’re reaching for in your cabinet due to how insufficient pre-existing lighting can be. At such moments, you wish you had some under cabinet lighting installed. You’re probably here because you’ve decided to install some, and we understand that picking the right option can be a tiring task. Hence, we have prepared this guide to reduce your stress and assist you in making the right decision to bring some effective accent lighting into your home. 

How Did We Pick Our Favorite Under Cabinet Lighting?

We started by evaluating real-time surveys on a vast range of under cabinet lighting fixtures in the market, and we compared their features. 

Furthermore, we ranked them by their ease of installation, durability, cost, aesthetic value, non-toxicity, color options, functionality, efficiency, and ease of use.

What Should a Person Know Before They Purchase Under Cabinet Lighting?

Some things to know before purchasing under cabinet lighting are listed below.

Available space and placement

Firstly, ensure the lights are shallow enough to stay concealed behind the cabinet face. An easy measurement is just all it requires to ascertain that the fixture will fold into the lip of the cabinet properly. 

For the best outcomes, select a texture or color that mostly matches your kitchen cabinets.

Ensuring uniform lighting across the counter requires the use of light bars that almost conform with the size of your cabinet.

Light source

When we consider the most popular, versatile, and practical options when it comes to lighting fixtures, LED under cabinet lighting is regarded as the top choice, but there are numerous extra alternatives available like halogen, fluorescent, and xenon.

LED is considered the most efficient and durable lighting. This is because it radiates little heat when in use and is perfect for use in the kitchen.

However, it would be best to look out to see more features to consider, such as the power options and lightning color of the under cabinet lightings.

What Are the Types of Under Cabinet Lighting?

There are various types of under cabinet lighting which is listed below.

Puck lights 

A puck light is usually spherical, about the same size as hockey pucks. They are a choice very popular among people because they are frequently battery powered, usually operating on AA batteries. Their installation often needing nothing other than gluing them underneath your cabinet with a tacky tape. 

Puck lights are often suitable for small areas, areas without access to a plug, and areas where it would be tough to hard-wire. 

Tape lights 

Tape lights are a great option if you have a particularly flat under cabinet recess. They are a very quick and simple installation option because of their peel-and-stick glue and common plug. Tape lights remain cool, which reduces the amount of heat exuded into your kitchen. 

Tape lights are ideal for unusually constructed or closed areas and shallow recesses such as under countertops

Rope lights

Rope lights are very simple to install. They require simple hoisting clips and a transformer. They can also be effortlessly discarded if you’re leasing or not prepared to commit.

Although they are thin enough to stay well-hidden, rope lights are barely bigger than tape lights and cannot be bowed at a 90-degree angle without destroying them. Nonetheless, they work nicely in rounded corners. Rope lights are suitable for accent lighting, longer compartments, and rentals.

Strip lights

Strip lights are bigger than puck lights and are more luminous than tape and rope lights. Strip lights are a terrific choice if you plan to utilize your under cabinet lights for task lighting purposes. They can be obtained as incandescents, fluorescents, and LEDs. 

Planning to install under cabinet lightings throughout the full length of your cabinet? Make sure to buy fixtures that can be readily connected. In that way, they work off a solitary medium and are effortlessly operated.

Strip lights are excellent for poorly lit kitchens, regions that singularly have background lighting, and improving task lighting.

That’s all the types presently available in the market for you.

What Are the Features of Under Cabinet Lighting?

These important features include:

  1. Motion and light sensors that guarantee light is only turned on when movement is detected in the dark.
  2. Wireless remote control with a vast reception range, which has timing off, dimming, hot buttons, rematch, and dynamic function mode buttons.
  3. Lengths are available in different sizes. Examples are 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, and 48 inches.

These are the best features available, priotitizing ease of use and adaptability. They are all you need to uplift your spirit in your well-lit home.

What Is the Price Range of Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting prices can range from $23 to $79 if you are purchasing online. Although, these prices are mostly affected by the features of the under cabinet lights. As usual, lighting fixtures with premium features would always command a lot more money than lighting fixtures with just basic features. Depending on your budget, you can always find an option that fits your needs.

Why Should You Buy Under Cabinet Lighting?

You can consider your purchase leveraged on these facts which we have listed below.

You can set them up yourself 

An undeniable fact about these under cabinet lightings is that they can easily be configured and set up without hassle. Many under cabinet choices afford you the chance to just screw a nail or fasten a strip with an adhesive under your cabinet, connect them to power, and you are all set.

They it doesn’t cost much 

Under cabinet lights can be cost-friendly because you can usually install them all on your own without any professional help, and there are many low-cost combinations to select from.

They add something different to your home

Under cabinet lights add a distinct style to the kitchen due to the layered elements of the lighting. It gives the kitchen a modern look, which adds a lot of prestige to the space.

Aesthetics

Under cabinet lighting provides notable enhancements to the way a room looks. If they are put in correctly, this type of lighting can give a room a tremendous glow.

They save you money on electricity bills

Installing lights under your cabinets can help to conserve your money on light bills, making your home a bit more energy efficient. This is particularly true if you decide to go for an LED light fixture. They potentially save you money because you aren’t required here to brighten the entire area, just to get a bit of light on the countertops underneath.

If you’re interested in connecting your new under cabinet lights to an existing wall switch and hiding long wires, certain kinds can be installed using this process. Check out this informative video from April Wilkerson:

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Kitchen Lighting
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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