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10 Best Under Cabinet Plug In Lighting 2025 in the United States

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Buying Guide for the Best Under Cabinet Plug In Lighting

Under-cabinet plug-in lighting is a great way to add both functionality and ambiance to your kitchen, workspace, or any area where you need extra light. When choosing the right under-cabinet lighting, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. These specifications will help you determine the brightness, energy efficiency, color temperature, and overall suitability of the lighting for your specific application.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the fixture will emit. This is important because it determines how well-lit your space will be. For task lighting, such as in a kitchen, you might want higher lumens (e.g., 200-500 lumens per foot) to ensure you can see clearly while preparing food. For ambient lighting, lower lumens (e.g., 100-200 lumens per foot) might be sufficient. Consider what activities you'll be doing under the light to choose the right brightness level.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes the color of the light emitted. This is important because it affects the ambiance and functionality of the space. Lower Kelvin values (2700K-3000K) produce a warm, yellowish light that is cozy and inviting, ideal for living spaces. Mid-range values (3500K-4100K) offer a neutral white light that is good for workspaces and kitchens. Higher values (5000K-6500K) emit a cool, bluish light that mimics daylight, which is great for detailed tasks and areas where you need maximum visibility. Choose the color temperature based on the mood and functionality you desire.
Energy Efficiency (Watts and Lumens per Watt)Energy efficiency is about how much light you get for the energy consumed, often measured in lumens per watt (lm/W). This is important because it affects your electricity usage and costs. LED lights are typically the most energy-efficient, offering high lumens per watt. For example, an LED light might provide 80-100 lm/W, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs offer much less. If you want to save on energy bills and reduce your environmental footprint, look for high-efficiency LED options.
DimmabilityDimmability refers to whether the light's brightness can be adjusted. This is important for creating the right ambiance and for flexibility in different lighting needs. Some under-cabinet lights come with built-in dimmers or are compatible with external dimmer switches. If you want the ability to adjust the light intensity for different tasks or moods, choose a dimmable option. Make sure to check compatibility with your existing dimmer switches if you plan to use them.
Installation and MountingInstallation and mounting refer to how the lights are installed and secured under the cabinet. This is important for ease of installation and the overall look. Some lights come with adhesive backing for easy stick-on installation, while others require screws or brackets. Consider your DIY skills and the type of surface you'll be mounting the lights on. If you prefer a quick and easy setup, adhesive-backed lights might be best. For a more permanent and secure installation, opt for screw-mounted options.
Connectivity and ControlConnectivity and control refer to how you turn the lights on and off and any additional control features. This is important for convenience and functionality. Some lights have simple on/off switches, while others offer remote controls, motion sensors, or smart home integration. If you want to control your lights with your voice or smartphone, look for options that are compatible with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home. For hands-free operation, consider lights with motion sensors.

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