Compare LED Strip Lighting Options For Under Your Kitchen Cabinets
Installing LED strip lighting under your kitchen cabinets can provide the bright, focused light needed for food prep tasks and cooking. But with so many LED strip options on the market, how do you choose?
We'll look at light color, brightness, installation, control features, costs, and top brands. With the right information, you can find the perfect lighting solution for your kitchen.
Benefits of Under-Cabinet LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lights offer many advantages for under-cabinet installation:
- Energy efficient - Use 80% less electricity than incandescents
- Long lifespan - Last over 25 times longer than halogens
- Low heat - Won't warm your cabinets or release UV rays
- Thin profile - Tape strips tuck up discreetly under cabinets
- Dimmable - Many options allow brightness control
- Flexible - LED strips bend to fit any cabinet shape
- Easy to install - Self-adhesive or clip mounting
With crisp, bright task lighting that accentuates counters and work areas, under-cabinet LEDs are an excellent choice for the modern kitchen.
Factors to Consider When Comparing LED Strips
While all LED strips offer energy savings and longevity, there are some key variables to weigh up depending on your needs:
Light Color and Temperature
LED strips come in different shades, from warm white to bright white or daylight colors mimicking natural light. Warm white in the 2700-3000K range is ideal for kitchens, as it highlights food colors well. But personal taste also matters. View LED colors in person before deciding.
Lumens and Brightness
Adequate brightness is essential. Experts recommend at least 30 lumens per square foot under cabinets. Look for LED strips with high lumen output focused in a tight beam angle. Position the brightest point of the LEDs over prep areas.
Combine under-cabinet lighting with general ambient lighting for the best effect. LEDs provide task lighting, while overhead fixtures fill the rest of the kitchen with soft background illumination.
Installation Options
Self-adhesive LED strip backing provides the easiest DIY installation. Clean cabinets thoroughly so the strips adhere. Some LEDs may require screws/clips or installing into tracks. Consider wiring too - plug-in adapters vs. hardwiring.
Lay out LEDs for full coverage under wall or base cabinets. Extra connections may be needed to extend strip length.
Dimming and Control
Look for dimmable LED strips rated for use with standard dimmer switches. Or choose LEDs with remote controls or app control via WiFi. This allows you to change brightness and lighting effects.
Timers, motion sensors, and task lighting presets like "cooking mode" add convenience. Sync colored LEDs with music or your kitchen TV.
Cost Comparisons of LED Strip Lights
Under-cabinet LED strip prices range from $10-$40 per 16 feet. Consider costs of dimmers, power supplies, and controllers too. Kits bundled with these extras provide better value.
Hiring an electrician for professional installation has added labor costs. But you’ll get a perfect layout and setup.
Top Brands of Under-Cabinet LED Lighting
Established lighting brands offer high-performing LED strip products designed for under-cabinet use:
Philips LED Strips
Philips is known for quality and offers LED strips in a choice of color temps, with diffusers for glare-free lighting. Models with intuitive click-and-go magnetic mounting simplify installation.
GE Under-Cabinet LEDs
GE's sleek, low-profile LED tape lighting comes in both plug-in and hardwired versions. Linkable strips make it easy to illuminate longer stretches.
Commercial Electric LED Tape Light
For affordable LED strip lighting, Commercial Electric's adhesive or plug-in options provide bright task lighting under cabinets and shelves.
OSD Under-Cabinet LED Tape Lighting
OSD tape lights feature optimized beam angles and color rendering for kitchen task lighting. Dimmable driver boxes allow easy brightness control.
TaoTronics Under-Cabinet Lighting
Utilizing advanced optics and aluminum housing, TaoTronics slim LED strips provide powerful, uniform illumination under cabinets with no dark spots or glare.
The ideal under-cabinet LED lighting for your kitchen depends on your workspace size, style, budget and lighting needs. So weigh up light color, lumens, control features, and ease of installation when comparing options.
Position LED strip placement carefully to illuminate prep and cooking zones. For DIY installation, allow time to fully read instructions. With customized under-cabinet lighting, you can make food preparation a brightly lit, enjoyable task.