Types of Under Cabinet Lighting: Under Cabinet Lighting Reviews 2019
Under cabinet lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a practical and stylish way to illuminate kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas. This type of lighting provides task lighting, enhancing visibility and functionality while also adding a decorative touch. Various options are available, each with its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.
LED Strips, Under cabinet lighting reviews 2019
LED strips are a popular choice for under cabinet lighting due to their versatility, energy efficiency, and affordability. They are thin, flexible strips of lights that can be easily installed under cabinets, shelves, or other surfaces. LED strips are available in various lengths, colors, and brightness levels, making them highly customizable.
Advantages of LED Strips
- Energy Efficiency: LED strips consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, lasting up to 50,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Brightness: LED strips offer a wide range of brightness levels, allowing you to adjust the light intensity to suit your needs.
- Color Options: LED strips are available in various colors, including white, warm white, and even RGB (red, green, blue) options, allowing you to create different moods and ambiances.
- Versatility: LED strips are highly versatile and can be used in various applications, including under cabinets, shelves, and even behind furniture.
- Dimmable Options: Many LED strips are dimmable, allowing you to adjust the light intensity to create the desired ambiance.
Disadvantages of LED Strips
- Installation Complexity: Installing LED strips can be more complex than installing traditional bulbs, requiring careful planning and wiring.
- Heat Generation: While LEDs generate less heat than traditional bulbs, they can still generate some heat, especially in enclosed spaces. This can be a concern if the strips are installed near heat-sensitive materials.
- Durability: LED strips can be susceptible to damage from moisture, heat, or physical impact. It is important to choose strips with a suitable IP rating for your application.
Popular LED Strip Brands and Models
- Philips Hue: Philips Hue offers a range of smart LED strips that can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust the brightness, color, and even create custom lighting scenes. The Philips Hue system also integrates with other smart home devices.
- GE Lighting: GE Lighting offers a variety of LED strips with different features and specifications, including color-changing and dimmable options. Their strips are known for their reliability and affordability.
- MINGER: MINGER offers a wide range of LED strips with different lengths, colors, and brightness levels, making them suitable for various applications. They are known for their affordability and good performance.
Installation and Setup
Installing under cabinet lighting can be a straightforward process, adding a touch of elegance and functionality to your kitchen or workspace. This section will guide you through the steps, from wiring and mounting to connecting to power sources.
Wiring and Connecting
The first step involves wiring the under cabinet lights to a power source. There are two primary methods: hardwiring and plug-in options.
- Hardwiring: This method requires connecting the lights directly to your home’s electrical system, often using a junction box. This is typically done by a qualified electrician, ensuring safe and compliant installation.
- Plug-in: This method is simpler, utilizing a standard electrical outlet. Plug-in lights usually come with a cord and a plug, making them easy to install and relocate as needed.
The choice between hardwiring and plug-in depends on your specific needs, existing wiring, and desired level of permanence.
Mounting the Lights
Once the wiring is complete, you can proceed with mounting the lights under your cabinets.
- Adhesive Strips: Many under cabinet lights come with adhesive strips, providing a quick and easy installation method. These strips are typically strong enough to hold the lights securely, especially for lighter fixtures.
- Screws: For heavier fixtures or more permanent installations, screws are the preferred method. They provide a more secure hold and can withstand greater weight.
Consider the weight of your lights and the material of your cabinets when choosing between adhesive strips and screws.
Connecting to Power Sources
After mounting the lights, you need to connect them to the power source.
- Hardwired: If you opted for hardwiring, the electrician will connect the lights directly to the electrical system, ensuring proper grounding and safety.
- Plug-in: For plug-in lights, simply plug the cord into a nearby outlet. Ensure the outlet is compatible with the voltage and amperage requirements of your lights.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting your lights to the power source.
Setting Up Smart Features
Many under cabinet lights offer smart features that enhance convenience and functionality.
- Dimming Controls: Dimming controls allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
- Motion Sensors: Motion sensors automatically turn on the lights when they detect movement, providing hands-free convenience.
- Smart Home Integration: Some lights can be integrated with smart home systems, allowing you to control them with your voice or smartphone.
Setting up these smart features is usually straightforward, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
User Reviews and Recommendations
Under cabinet lighting is a popular home improvement project, and many homeowners rely on online reviews to make informed decisions. Analyzing these reviews reveals common themes and insights into what users value most in under cabinet lighting.
Top-Rated Under Cabinet Lighting Products
User reviews and expert recommendations consistently point to several top-rated under cabinet lighting products. These products often stand out due to their high-quality construction, ease of installation, and impressive brightness.
- Philips Hue LightStrip Plus: This popular choice is known for its versatility, compatibility with smart home systems, and customizable color options. Users appreciate its ability to create different moods and atmospheres in their kitchens.
- GE C-Life LED Under Cabinet Lighting: This budget-friendly option is praised for its bright, white light and simple installation process. Many users find it ideal for illuminating workspaces and adding a modern touch to their kitchens.
- Lithonia Lighting LED Under Cabinet Puck Lights: These puck lights are highly rated for their compact size, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. Users often choose them for their ease of installation and ability to create a focused, task-oriented light source.
Key Factors Users Consider
When choosing under cabinet lighting, users prioritize several key factors, ensuring they find the perfect fit for their needs and preferences.
- Brightness: Users want under cabinet lighting that provides ample illumination for tasks like cooking, prepping meals, and cleaning. They often look for products with high lumen output, ensuring sufficient brightness for their specific needs.
- Color Temperature: Users often prefer a cool white light for under cabinet lighting, as it provides a clear and bright illumination for workspaces. However, some users may prefer warmer white light for a more inviting atmosphere.
- Ease of Use: Users appreciate under cabinet lighting that is easy to install and operate. This includes simple installation processes, user-friendly controls, and intuitive dimming features.
Under cabinet lighting reviews 2019 – Under cabinet lighting reviews from 2019 offer valuable insights into the best options for enhancing your kitchen’s functionality and ambiance. These reviews often highlight features like brightness, color temperature, and ease of installation, which are essential considerations for any homeowner.
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With the right under cabinet lighting, you can transform any kitchen, regardless of location, into a welcoming and well-lit space.
Under cabinet lighting reviews from 2019 offer a glimpse into the advancements in home lighting technology, highlighting the importance of functional and stylish illumination. While focusing on enhancing your kitchen space, remember that the ambiance extends beyond the countertop.
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