Kitchen LED down lights

[Whiskeymike]

Looking to replace T12 fixture in kitchen with LED recessed down lights and a set of pendants over island. In looking online, I’m confused as to if I need cans or not and what the wiring options are as some look like 12V.

What’s the right approach for this? FWIW, the wife is into home automation so if there are options for controlling dimming scenes, color, etc. that I should consider now, any advice is appreciated

 

[Dagny]

Juno makes some lights that mimic can lights . they mount to a standard round box. But the higher output ones have been failing lately. We recently started using GM lighting, a similar product, so far so good.

 

[cybrdyke]

Canless lights are super easy install. Cut the hole, fish the power to the power pack, snap it in. They're dimmable, too. If you want more complex control, that comes from the switch on the wall, not the lighting fixture.
You can put in something like a Lutron Maestro wireless switch, and then have a remote control that has scenes. It's called a Pico and its about the size of a stick of gum.
Good luck,
CD

 

[joe_padavano]

I've found a really good selection at pegasuslighting.com. They have the retrofit versions that use an existing recessed can, the surface mount versions that use a junction box, and stand-alone versions that snap into the hole and have their own box.

https://www.pegasuslighting.com/recessed-lighting.html

 

[jbwilkins]

Juno makes some lights that mimic can lights . they mount to a standard round box. But the higher output ones have been failing lately. We recently started using GM lighting, a similar product, so far so good.

Several manufacturers have LED lights that mimic a recessed can(Kichler, Progress, Juno, etc.)...they're typically called 'down lights' and how well they 'mimic' a recessed can varies.......typically the all mount to a simple j-box...

Seagull has a real 'neat' one that is specifically designed for retrofit and really mimics a recessed can(Traverse LED Unlimited).....here's a video of the install...

 

[PhysicsDude]

I installed cannless recessed lights in my house (including kitchen). I think they're fantastic. Super easy to install, better light distribution than conventional cans, and less glare.

Forget all the 12V stuff. Find your favorite recessed light and go with a Zwave smart dimmer. I use the GE 14294 dimmers. They had the best combination of features, and are pretty cheap now. I can dim my LEDs to nightlight levels with it; very smooth and no buzzing either.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUCZA1C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't know what smart home stuff you have already, but invest in a Zwave hub. I wouldn't invest in Wifi devices that don't require a hub, or individual bulbs. You'll get best performance, longevity, and bang for your buck with Zwave wall switches.

 

[PhysicsDude]

The flat canless lights can fit under a ceiling joist. Really expands your layout options.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the links. Pegasus had a lot of good reading material. How are the lights from Lithonia? http://www.lithonia.com/pt/led+lighting/#.WkCCrvFMGfA

 

[k-dawg]

Get the highest CRI you can find.