The 8 Best Under Cabinet Lighting Options of 2022
Updated: Mar. 17, 2023The best under cabinet lighting fixtures transform dim, dull countertops into a bright and welcoming workspace.
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While ceiling-mounted light fixtures get most of the attention, under cabinet lighting can be just as beneficial. By shining light directly onto a kitchen countertop, desk or garage workspace, these fixtures provide a clear, well-lit work surface. Anyone who has prepared food in a poorly lit kitchen can attest to how frustrating and inconvenient it can be.
The best under cabinet lighting not only reduces the chances of injury or mistakes when preparing food, it also makes the overall experience much more enjoyable when you can clearly see what you’re doing. Under cabinet lighting isn’t just functional, it can be aesthetic as well. A soft glow from underneath your cabinets can revolutionize your kitchen space, giving it a high-end, professional look. They can also highlight a unique backsplash, and when used as a night light, allow you to maneuver through a room without having to turn on the overhead lights.
Best Overall Under Cabinet Lighting
GetInLight Swivel LED Under Cabinet Light
A light bar or strip is one of the best under cabinet lighting options. It puts down a wide, uniform bank of light, perfect for lighting a workspace or kitchen countertop. This versatile LED swivel bar also rotates up to 90 degrees, allowing you to direct the light in a way that avoids shadows on the intended area.
This 120-volt light can be plugged into an outlet or hardwired to a circuit. Its modular construction also lets you link multiple bar lights—up to 20 units—from a single power source. It’s dimmable and sheds a soft white light.
Pros
- Projects a wide, consistent beam
- Durable glass and aluminum construction
- Available in six length options
Cons
- Relatively expensive if you want multiple bars
Best Budget Under Cabinet Lighting
Ecolight Light Bar
If you love the idea of an under cabinet light but are on a tight budget, the 12-inch Ecolight bar is less than $20 and an amazing value. This AA battery-powered LED unit turns on with a tap of the lens, and its optional power-off timer ensures you don’t waste battery life. Mounting options include fastener-free installation with double-sided tape.
Like most battery-powered lights, this product produces less light to extend the battery life. For reference, it only sheds about 80 lumens, compared to the 300 lumens from the hardwired GetInLight model listed above. But if you don’t need bright, vibrant light, this affordable under-cabinet bar is an ideal choice.
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Six-year warranty
- Compact size fits in tight areas
Cons
- Requires periodic battery changes
- May not be long enough for some users
Best Puck-Style Under Cabinet Lighting
Dimmable LED Puck Light Kit
Another popular style of under cabinet light is puck lighting, so named because they resemble hockey pucks. These LED puck lights are simple to install, simply plug in and they’re ready to go. They can either be surface mounted or recessed, and a 55-inch lead wire makes it easy to access the necessary outlet. Each individual puck has 18 super-bright LEDs, and their slim profile provides a sleek, unobtrusive look. Choose from a white or bronze color finish to best suit your lighting design needs.
Pros
- Bronze pucks create an intentional, high-end look
- Lightweight construction is easy to install
- Comes in three or six-pack kits
Cons
- Cannot be daisy-chained
- These aren’t damp rated, so they’re not the best choice for areas with excessive steam or dampness
Best Motion-Sensing Under Cabinet Lighting
Motion-Activated Cabinet Light
If you want your under cabinet lights to function as a night light, or simply kick on as you approach, check out EShine’s motion-activated light. Wave your hand to brighten up any space with 430 lumens. If that’s too much, hold your hand near the sensor to dim the light as needed.
Available in cool or warm white, both models are dimmable and run from a standard 120-volt outlet. The lights can be installed with screw mounts or double-sided tape.
Pros
- Touch-free brightness control
- Available in two colors
- Can be installed without marring cabinets
Cons
- Steam can potentially activate the light by accident
Best Remote-Controlled Under Cabinet Lighting
Brilliant Evolution Bar Lights
Want touchless control over your lights without cluttering your phone with yet another app? This six-pack of 12-inch bar lights from Brilliant Evolution keeps things simple. Power the lights by plugging into a standard electrical outlet and daisy-chain them from there. We especially like that the daisy-chain cables come in lengths of six-, 18-, 30- and 50-inches.
There’s also a three-inch connector so you can mix and match cables to get the perfect length. The LEDs are a warm white, which give off a combined 2,190 lumens. Best of all, it’s controlled by a 10-button remote that’s small enough to tuck away, but large enough to easily read the labels.
Pros
- Remote works up to 50 feet away
- Optional timer with four settings
- Mounts with tape or screws
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Best Peel-and-Stick Under Cabinet Lighting
Circular LED Cabinet Lights
If easy installation is on your wish list, you can’t beat Eshine’s easy peel-and-stick under counter lighting. Available in daylight or warm white models, this six-pack of ultra-slim puck lights runs off a central hub that plugs into a standard outlet. The hub design means that you can’t daisy-chain them, but each light has a 19-inch cord so they cover a large area. The six combined lights produce 900 lumens, more than enough to illuminate almost any countertop work space.
Pros
- Reliable double-sided 3M adhesive patches
- Hand wave sensor offers touch-free operation
- Dimmable
Cons
- Some users may prefer a manual switch over motion control
Best Rechargeable Motion-Sensing Under Cabinet Lighting
Lepotec 30-LED Cabinet Light Bars
If you love the idea of wireless under cabinet lighting but hate the thought of chucking used batteries into a landfill, these rechargeable Lepotec lights are the answer. Charge the batteries with the USB adapter and this two-pack of LED lights will light up your countertop (or the inside of dark closets, cupboards, etc, the uses are endless!). They also provide hands-free operation and a motion-activated night light.
Pros
- Charge without having to remove the lights
- Motion sensor can be toggled on and off
- Convenient charging indicator light
Cons
- Some users complain of frequent recharging
Best Smart Under Cabinet Lighting
Kasa Smart Premium LED Light Strip
Kitchens are a work space and gathering area, and your kitchen lighting should address both needs. The Kasa Smart Premium LED Light Strip covers both functions. Hands-free operation means you’ll never fumble with a light switch again while working with wet or greasy hands. This kit comes with a light strip and power adapter that plugs into any standard outlet.
Connect the lights to your WiFi, and use any voice assistant to activate or adjust the lights as needed. No smart speaker? Then use the free Kasa app to control the lights from your smart phone. Enjoy a full range of brightness, hues and color temperatures. Set a custom balance or use a preset mode for cooking or entertaining.
Pros
- Can be controlled by your voice, an app or manual switch
- Produces 1400 lumens
- Easy to cut to size
Cons
- Might be too complicated for users who want a more straightforward operation
What to Consider When Buying Under Cabinet Lighting
To ensure you choose the best under cabinet lighting option for you and your space, take the time to consider these factors before purchasing.
Think about how comfortable you are with different types of installation. If you’re not an experienced DIY-er, consider going with a model that’s simple to install, like peel-and-stick lights. Plug-and-play models are also relatively straightforward to install, you simply plug them into a standard power outlet.
If you have the electrical experience and want to create a sleek, seamless look, think about choosing a model that can be hardwired into your home’s existing power supply. Some under cabinet lights use batteries, which eliminates wiring, but then require periodic replacement.
You should also keep in mind how much light you need. If you want to ensure you’re providing as much light as possible, go with the option with the highest lumen output. Or, if your purpose is more for aesthetics, or intended to be used as a night light, the lumen number can be less of a priority.
Types of Under Cabinet Lighting
Strip-style or “tape” lights are long, flexible strips of thin plastic embedded with small LEDs. Most can be cut to size without affecting their operation, and their ultra-thin profile makes them easy to hide. Since they don’t produce as many lumens as other lights, they won’t be the best under cabinet lighting option for those who want strong, powerful beams.
Puck-style lights are small round disks—like hockey pucks—and can either be flush-mounted, or installed as recessed lighting by creating a shallow hole in the bottom of the cabinet. Puck lights can sometimes be daisy-chained together, providing more light without needing an additional power source.
Light bars or “sticks” are long, rigid fixtures that emit a wide, uniform beam—perfect for those who want maximum coverage without any gaps or extra shadows. Most light bars can be connected together and controlled by a single switch, and are well-suited for hardwiring.
How We Found the Best Under Cabinet Lighting
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FAQs
How does under cabinet lighting work?
Under cabinet lighting works by either plugging directly into a standard power outlet, hardwiring into your home’s existing power supply, or using batteries. Some feature an internal battery, which can be recharged via USB. Hardwiring is the most intensive installation method and requires an electrician, but it provides a clean, wire-free look. It also allows users to operate with a wall switch and provides dimming capabilities.
Does under cabinet lighting add value to a home?
Yes, under cabinet lights can definitely add value to your home. When installed correctly, it’s a sophisticated look that adds a high-end feel to a kitchen. The soft glow can also draw the eye to an impressive backsplash, while also making a room feel taller and more spacious.
Considering its relatively low cost, under cabinet lighting is a small investment with a big return, whether for yourself or future owners. It’s important to note that professionally installed fixtures or lighting without wires or cords obviously adds more value than quickly mounted tape lights plugged into a visible outlet.
How many under cabinet lights do I need?
It’s best to maintain a consistent, uniform look across all your cabinets, so you’ll need to purchase as many units as needed to stretch the length of your cabinets. According to the Lighting Research Center, “Select the longest length that will fit in the shortest-length cabinet and then use multiple fixtures of the same length to cover the cabinet.” For puck lights, they recommend one unit for every 8 to 12 inches of cabinet length.
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