When shopping for under-cabinet kitchen lighting, there are a few key product features to consider. This buyer’s guide will help you determine what type of lighting solution will best suit your needs.
Installation Type
The first feature to consider is the type of installation. Under-cabinet kitchen lighting can be plugged in, hardwired, or battery-powered. Plugging in is the simplest way to install lights as no electrical wiring is required. However, this option is only useful if close to a power outlet. Alternatively, hardwired installation requires wiring knowledge and electrical experience; it also requires permission from an electrician for permanent installation. Battery-powered lighting is a convenient option for those who do not have access to an outlet or need a temporary solution — however, you should consider how often the batteries will need to be changed.
Type of Light
Another important factor to consider when choosing any kind of lighting is the type of light source you want to use. Incandescent lights produce a warm glow and offer a wide spectrum of colors; however, they are not very energy-efficient and don’t last very long. Fluorescent lights are more energy-efficient but they also produce higher levels of heat and require time to warm up when switched on. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than other types of lighting; they also come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes and can be dimmed if needed.
Number and Brightness
When selecting your under-cabinet kitchen lighting, consider the number of lights you need and their brightness levels. Depending on the size of your kitchen countertops, you may need several lights strategically placed throughout the area for even illumination. Additionally, think about how bright you want your lights to be. If you just want basic task lighting, a product with a mild-to-medium lumen level should suffice. If you need a brighter light for detailed work such as food preparation or reading recipes, higher lumen levels may be necessary.
Finish
Light fixtures come in many different styles and finishes to suit any décor. Finishes such as brushed steel, chrome, or bronze will complement both modern and traditional kitchens; more decorative finishes like antique brass or pewter can also add character. Consider whether you want one consistent finish throughout or different finishes for different areas — this will help determine what type of under-cabinet kitchen lighting fixtures you should buy.
Dimmability
Some types of under-cabinet kitchen lighting offer dimmable options which can be adjusted using a remote control or a switch on a wall or countertop unit. This allows you to adjust the brightness level depending on what task you are performing at any given time; lower light levels can be used while cooking and higher levels when reading or preparing food ingredients. You should make sure that the lights you select come with a dimmable feature if that is something important to you.
Installation Location
You should also think about where exactly in your kitchen you want the under-cabinet lights installed — this will help decide what type of bulbs and fixtures you need as well as how many fixtures will fit in your chosen space. Make sure that there is enough clearance above them so as not to cause any safety issues while cooking or performing other tasks in the kitchen — if in doubt check with an electrician before beginning installation. Additionally, consider how close they are to any other appliances such as microwaves that could cause interference with the functioning of the lights over time.
Compatibility
Before purchasing any under-cabinet kitchen lighting, check that it will work with any existing electrical systems or appliances in the area — this includes other types of lights or wiring in adjacent spaces too (e.g., adjacent rooms). This is especially important if those other components are operated by different switches — otherwise, they may interfere with each other when turned on simultaneously resulting in flicker or loss of power altogether. Make sure that all components are compatible before beginning installation!
Environmental Impact
In addition to its energy efficiency rating, look out for light fittings which minimize environmental impact — opt for those made from recycled materials whenever possible rather than those made from virgin materials where applicable.. Look out for manufacturers who make use of sustainable production techniques — this will ensure minimal environmental impact during production as well as providing reliable quality products over time!
CRI (Color Rendering Index) Rating
The color rendering index (CRI) rate measures how accurately colors appear under a certain light source – high CRI rates mean colors appear true while low rates mean colors may appear distorted or washed out. If color accuracy is important while performing tasks in your kitchen such as food preparation then pick fittings with CRI ratings of 80 anything less than this may result in an inaccurate perception of colors. Additionally, think about how warm white (2700K) vs cool white (3000K) differs; warm white tends towards yellow tones whereas cool whites tend towards blues/whites giving off slightly cooler tones.
