Under cabinet lighting advice needed
#1
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Under cabinet lighting advice needed
We want to install some under cabinet lighting both for looks and to add some light to our kitchen work area. We had originally thought about puck style lights but there are so many options I thought I would ask this forum for advice from people who have already gone down this road before. What I know we don't want is battery operated lights or lights that get very hot. Would also like to keep the hardware cost reasonable.
Any input you can offer will be appreciated. Not only tell us what you recommend but tell us what you recommend NOT getting, and why.
Thanks in advance for taking time to offer help.
Charlie
Any input you can offer will be appreciated. Not only tell us what you recommend but tell us what you recommend NOT getting, and why.
Thanks in advance for taking time to offer help.
Charlie
#2
Some low voltage system need a transformer. Some cheaper LED's give off a light that is too into the blue spectrum and will give you an odd look. I use xenon lights in both my house and my vacation rental. They are operated with a touch pad located under the counter and you plug them into your wall outlet. Serious installations usually involve opening up walls to run wires and such. If you are planning on updating your backsplash to tile this would be a great time to run wires.
#3
We have these: Hampton Bay 6-Light Xenon Black Under Cabinet Puck Light Kit-EC1333BK - The Home Depot
I don't find they get very hot and these come with a dimmer (lo/med/hi) which I really like, and they weren't too pricey!
I don't find they get very hot and these come with a dimmer (lo/med/hi) which I really like, and they weren't too pricey!
#4
LED is the way to go.
This was a puck that Lowes carried, I know they dont make them anylonger since I picked up the last couple of spares a few years ago but it gives an idea.
120V wired up through the cabinets to upper outlets, nice white task lighting, no heat, should last for ever.
We like the way the lights reflect off the counter tops!

This was a puck that Lowes carried, I know they dont make them anylonger since I picked up the last couple of spares a few years ago but it gives an idea.
120V wired up through the cabinets to upper outlets, nice white task lighting, no heat, should last for ever.
We like the way the lights reflect off the counter tops!


#5
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I like the LED tape lights. There are many to choose from so you can pick the color temp you like and the tape spreads the light out evenly along the full cabinet length.
#6
I have never been a fan of puck lights.
I also recommend LED strip lights for the reasons Dane posts. The latest ones I installed I used a remote to run them rather then a wall switch. You still need a receptacle to plug the power supply into. The remote will turn them on and off and are 100% dimmable. This kitchen we did upper and under cabinet lights. (Not the range hood)
I also recommend LED strip lights for the reasons Dane posts. The latest ones I installed I used a remote to run them rather then a wall switch. You still need a receptacle to plug the power supply into. The remote will turn them on and off and are 100% dimmable. This kitchen we did upper and under cabinet lights. (Not the range hood)
