under cabinet lighting (for kitchen)

[tff]

Looking to replace my dated fluorescent under cabinet lights with LED ones (in my kitchen). Does anyone have any recommendations?

I spotted these:
https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/UCA-24-WHT-p/uca-24-wht.htm

https://www.prolighting.com/indoor-...ledunfi/linearundercab120/ucl1001-24-led.html

A local light store sells these, but they're about 2X in price:
https://www.ylighting.com/noble-pro-led-undercabinet-light-by-afx-lighting-AFXP266810.html

(Note all of these are color changeable...2700, 3000, 4000)

 

[pioneer1]

I ran flexible strip leds when we re-did our kitchen. Ran them under the front lip of the cabinets facing the back splash, if you face them down towards the counter top you will see the LEDs reflection on the counter top.
Had to install a converter.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat...lter/Product_Type,LED_Strip_Lights,263,17020:

https://www.magnitudeinc.com/products/e-series/

Replaced the florescent tubes on the top with LED tubes also

All dimmable

The pick is with them dimmed at about 3/4 down.

 

[MileHighRover]

Ikea has some nice lights for this exact purpose.

 

[Sokoloff]

I ran these about 6 years ago: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DO764I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Happy with them; you can see the reflection of the LEDs because I mounted them flat. I don't find it too objectionable, but it is slightly so, so I may tilt them. I also used the same company's products in smaller size to light the sides of each shelf in our pantry. Throws a ton of light in there (wife jokes that airplanes could land), but it's really nice to be able to see everything easily.

 

[CitadelBlue]

Go with something like this ...... https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...6_arWRU6Z6_NOrb4-FuEKVUG0hY7qjKoaAl5NEALw_wcB

 

[rlitman]

I ran flexible strip leds when we re-did our kitchen. Ran them under the front lip of the cabinets facing the back splash, if you face them down towards the counter top you will see the LEDs reflection on the counter top.
Had to install a converter.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat...lter/Product_Type,LED_Strip_Lights,263,17020:

https://www.magnitudeinc.com/products/e-series/

Replaced the florescent tubes on the top with LED tubes also

All dimmable

The pick is with them dimmed at about 3/4 down.

If you go with LED tape and want a more finished look, stick the tape in this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073W9PCK3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I didn't bother with the mounting clips, opting for double stick tape on the back.
Also, I was crazy enough to cut miters on some of mine. Yes, it can be done, and these will fit inside to link up your LED strips (if they fit your particular strip; also be aware of polarity when you do this):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DM7F052/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[u2slow]

How about retrofit LED tubes for the same fixtures?

 

[yeldogt]

IMO the replacement depends on the OP conditions -- what he has now.

When I do overhead cabinets: I always build in a false bottom to hide the light fixture and the electrical strip. This allows the light to be placed at the front of the cabinet.

The open strip LEDS will show each light source and you can't can't clean them. Frankly -- proper florescent works great. I would not install new today .. but I'm not sure what you get replacing unless they are big and noticeable.

I also agree with the above .. the stuff from Ikea is not bad. Again -- may not install in a new high end kitchen ... but it's impressive for the money to retrofit.

I have been looking at ways to uplight some beams -- There is a lot of junk LED lighting out there

 

[ddawg16]

Go with something like this ...... https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...6_arWRU6Z6_NOrb4-FuEKVUG0hY7qjKoaAl5NEALw_wcB

I have something similar.

You buy how ever many feet you need....cut to length. (make sure you cut where they show). The beauty of them, you can run a continuous lenght for more uniform lighting.

I put mine on the inside lip of the face frame...that way they shine back towards the works surface and reduce shadows.

They work so well you don't really need extra lighting. And it makes the kitchen much more comfortable to be in...and work as night lights. When I redid my kitchen I put an outlet in above one of the cabinets and ran the power to one of the kitchen lights.

 

[tff]

Lots of good suggestions and comments. Appreciate it. Right now I have T5 fluorescent fixtures under cabinet. I do have about 1" of space on the bottom side of the cabinet to hide the lighting/fixtures.
Why am I thinking of replacing?.... LEDs last longer, I think overall brightness will go up slightly per my calculations, and I want to add a couple of sections anyway, and lower wattage.

 

[tff]

I should have asked... how do you go from a T5 fluorescent light in the fixture made for flourescents to LED (as one person suggested)?

 

[Innovate1]

Conversion of T5 to LED goes something like this: Remove fixture from mounting to begin conversion. Mount LED fixture/tape/whatever. Dispose of T5 fixture.

Someone may make a T5 LED bulb but not nearly as common as the T8/12. Too many sizes to mass market replacements...

I did the LED tape as others have done. Hid the power supply on top of the cabinet and dropped the cord down between units. Works great.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Depends on the size of the T5's. I replaced my 4 footers with direct swap LEDs and the difference was stunning, but you need to make sure the LED "tubes" are the same as your fixture. The upside of T5's is they're smaller, meaning it gives you more undercounter room...

I have these short strip units I got from Ikea I mounted underneath my counter, it still has an old school T12 Fluorescent but I know eventually it's time will be up. Thing is, LEDs last longer and throw more light than any of the fluorescents.

 

[ddawg16]

Lots of good suggestions and comments. Appreciate it. Right now I have T5 fluorescent fixtures under cabinet. I do have about 1" of space on the bottom side of the cabinet to hide the lighting/fixtures.
Why am I thinking of replacing?.... LEDs last longer, I think overall brightness will go up slightly per my calculations, and I want to add a couple of sections anyway, and lower wattage.

No way I'd bother with any type of T5 upgrade or fixture.

The LED strip comes in a roll. It's less than 1/2" wide....sticks to the backside nicely....you can't see them unless you stick your head under the cabinet.

LED's will not only last a LOT longer....but the strip reduces shadows.

I'm actually thinking of using a high powered strip in my garage above my garage door.

 

[u2slow]

I should have asked... how do you go from a T5 fluorescent light in the fixture made for flourescents to LED (as one person suggested)?

Ah. I assumed T8/T12 like I have under my cabinets... many more LED options.