Incandescent VS LED: Which Kitchen Under Cabinet Light is the Best

• 10 Mar 2023

Under-cabinet lighting is in high demand because it can effectively illuminate high-use areas of the kitchen and other spaces while also increasing the aesthetic appeal of a room. There are many types of under-cabinet lights available on the market. The two most popular options include kitchen under-cabinet LED lights​ and incandescent cabinet light bulbs. Incandescent cabinet light bulbs have been an outdated choice, as the advantages of LED cabinet strip lights are observed; they are more elegant and illuminate in an energy-saving way. Read on to learn the differences between them. Are LED strip lights good for under kitchen cabinets? Or should you keep using incandescent cabinet light bulbs? 

Round 1: LED vs. Incandescent—Comparison on their Pros and Cons

Incandescent Cabinet Light Bulbs

Incandescent cabinet lights are the classic style bulbs that illuminate the area by heating wires to the temperature creating the light.

Pros

• Cheap to manufacture and cheap to buy
• Widely available and adaptable to various light outputs, current, and voltage ranges
• Good ability to render color

Cons

• Energy efficiency is not good
• Tends to get hot
• Low average lifespan

Kitchen Under-cabinet LED Lights

An LED cabinet light uses a more advanced technology, a light-emitting diode, to produce light. Most under-cabinet lighting products, especially under-kitchen-cabinet lights, nowadays are heavily LED-based because of the advantages below:

Pros

• Extremely energy efficient: LED cabinet lights consume significantly less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. For example, a 6-watt LED light can produce the same amount of brightness as a 40-watt incandescent bulb, saving a considerable amount of electricity over time.
• Very long average lifespan: They typically last for around 50,000 hours or more. This means that if used for 8 hours a day, an LED cabinet light could last for over 17 years, reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Excellent light quality: LED lights provide a bright, even, and consistent light output. The light is also highly adjustable in terms of color temperature, allowing for a more comfortable and visually appealing kitchen environment.
• Less heat generation: Unlike incandescent bulbs that produce a lot of heat, LED lights convert most of the energy into light rather than heat. This not only makes them safer to touch but also helps maintain a more comfortable temperature in the kitchen.

Cons

• Relatively higher upfront cost: While the long-term savings are significant, the initial cost of LED cabinet lights is higher than that of incandescent bulbs. For example, a pack of high-quality LED under-cabinet lights may cost around $50-$100, whereas a similar number of incandescent bulbs might be around $10-$20. However, the higher upfront investment is offset by the energy savings and longer lifespan..

Round Two: Comparison in Different Aspects

Overall, an LED cabinet light is a superior type as compared to incandescent cabinet lighting. The key aspects that make it a better choice include the following:

1. Lifespan

         On average, an LED cabinet light can last for 6 years. Incandescent lighting, on the other hand, can last up to 1-2 years on average.

      2. Cost-efficiency

While the upfront cost of an LED cabinet light is relatively higher, the product is very long-lasting, which means it has a higher lifetime value. So, in the long run, it is a more cost-efficient option than incandescent lighting.

      3. Environment-friendly

Although both incandescent and LED lighting are environmentally friendly, the LED cabinet light is a superior choice since it has a much longer lifespan, and it is easier to recycle.

       4. Eyes Influences

Generally, incandescent light is considered best for the eyes because it produces the most natural, softest light. LED lighting can also be safe for the eyes if it features a warm white color temperature range.

Here is a conclusion of the above comparison between incandescent and LED kitchen under-cabinet lights:

Kitchen Under-cabinet LED Light Recommendations

LEDIA is a premier smart LED light products and solutions provider that offers many types of quality under-cabinet lights. Our most popular products in this category include the following:

LEDIA A06

The consumer LED cabinet light, made of premium-grade material, offers several innovative features. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Glare-free, edge-lit soft lighting
• Switch modes, colors, etc., with a smart button
• Easy to install and easy to take down
• Touchless hand-waving sensor
• Anti-mistake charge capability

LEDIA A05

A05 is a bright LED cabinet light that is not only functional but also decorative. This rechargeable product is suitable for a variety of scenarios. Here are some of the key characteristics of this cabinet light with a sensor:

• Edge-lit, glare-free, soft lighting
• Touchless hand-waving sensor and PIR motion sensor for automatic turn on/off
• Smart button to change modes, colors, etc.
• Low-voltage lithium battery with type-C charging capability
• Magnetic bracket design for easy installation

Conclusion

Under-cabinet lighting adds a bright charm to all kitchens. While there are many types of products available in this category, choosing an LED cabinet light is recommended because it is superior in many ways. 

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