The best under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen depends on how you plan to install it, how bright you want the counter to be, and whether you prefer warm or cool light. The options below include plug-in, hardwired, and dual-installation fixtures, with different dimming and color-temperature controls. Check your cabinet layout and power access before choosing so the light bar fits both your workspace and your setup.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Installation | Light and color options | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enbrighten 24-Inch Plug-In Light Bar | Plug-in | 1,561 lumens; five color temperatures; dimmable | Bright, adjustable task lighting |
| NICOR 24-Inch Direct-Wire Light | Direct-wire | 612–648 lumens; five color temperatures; dimmable | A low-profile, permanent installation |
| UltraPro 24-Inch Hardwired Light | Hardwired | 908 lumens; three color temperatures; dimmable | Hardwired task lighting with simple color choices |
| NSL 24-Inch Linkable Light | Hardwired or plug-in | Three color temperatures; two brightness levels | A linkable setup with flexible installation |
| Leetdud 24-Inch Dimmable Light | Plug-in or hardwired | 1,140 lumens; five color temperatures; built-in dimmer | Flexible setup with on-fixture brightness control |
Our Picks: Best Under Cabinet Lighting For Kitchen reviews
Enbrighten 24-Inch Plug-In Light Bar: Best for Bright, Adjustable Lighting
The Enbrighten is a plug-in LED light bar that delivers 1,561 lumens, making it the brightest option in this group by stated output. Its five color-temperature settings range from 2700K warm white to 6500K cool white, so you can tailor the light to food prep, cleanup, or a softer evening feel.
A press-and-hold control adjusts brightness, while a one-touch linked control can sync power, brightness, and color temperature across connected Enbrighten bars. The package includes mounting hardware and a five-foot power cord. An RF remote and direct-wire converter are sold separately, so this model is best suited to shoppers who want a plug-in setup and do not mind a visible cord.
Compared with the hardwired choices, Enbrighten offers more stated brightness and a wider color-temperature range, but it does not provide a direct-wire installation in the box. Its 92 CRI is also the highest stated in this selection, which may help colors appear more natural under the fixture.
Pros:
- Bright 1,561-lumen output
- Five color-temperature settings and dimming control
- Linked controls can sync compatible light bars
- Mounting hardware and power cord are included
Cons:
- The power cord may be visible unless carefully routed
- RF remote and direct-wire converter are sold separately
Verdict: Choose the Enbrighten if you want a bright plug-in bar with plenty of control over color and brightness.
NICOR 24-Inch Direct-Wire Light: Best for a Slim Permanent Fixture
This NICOR fixture is designed for direct-wire installation, with a one-inch low-profile housing and a gloss white finish. It produces 612 to 648 lumens and offers five color-temperature settings from 2700K to 5000K. Its polycarbonate diffuser is intended to provide uniform light, while the 90 CRI and R9 rating over 50 are useful specs for a kitchen where seeing food colors clearly matters.
The light is dimmable to 5% when paired with a compatible standard TRIAC or ELV dimmer. Multiple knockouts allow for different wiring directions or daisy chaining, which may help when planning a run of fixtures. This is a hardwired model, so it makes more sense for a planned renovation or an installation where an electrical connection is already available.
Its output is lower than the Enbrighten, UltraPro, and Leetdud options listed here. That can be a reasonable trade-off if you prefer a slim, permanent fixture and want selectable color temperatures rather than the highest listed brightness.
Pros:
- Low-profile, one-inch housing
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimmable with a compatible TRIAC or ELV dimmer
- Wiring knockouts support different wiring directions
Cons:
- Direct-wire installation is less convenient than plug-in setup
- Lower stated lumen output than several alternatives in this list
Verdict: The NICOR is a good fit if you want a slim, hardwired fixture and value flexible color settings over maximum brightness.
UltraPro 24-Inch Hardwired Light: Best for Straightforward Hardwired Task Lighting
The UltraPro is a hardwired 24-inch LED fixture rated at 908 lumens, with a 90 CRI. Its built-in selector offers three color temperatures: 2700K warm white, 4000K cool white, and 5000K daylight. This focused set of choices covers common kitchen lighting preferences without adding a long list of settings.
It includes mounting hardware and push-in connectors for installation, and it works with most in-wall dimmer switches. With no visible plug-in cord, it can suit a clean, permanent under-cabinet setup. The fixture is UL certified, according to the supplied product information.
Compared with the NICOR, the UltraPro has a higher stated lumen output but fewer color-temperature choices. It is less flexible than the Enbrighten or Leetdud for installation, since it is hardwired, but offers a practical middle ground if you want a dimmable fixture with a straightforward set of light colors.
Pros:
- 908 lumens with a stated 90 CRI
- Three useful color-temperature settings
- Compatible with most in-wall dimmer switches
- Mounting hardware and push-in connectors are included
Cons:
- Hardwired installation may require electrical work
- Offers fewer color-temperature settings than several alternatives
Verdict: Pick the UltraPro if you want a hardwired, dimmable light with solid stated output and a simple choice of color settings.
NSL 24-Inch Linkable Light: Best for Two Installation Options
The NSL 24-inch fixture can be installed as either a hardwired or plug-in light, giving you more setup flexibility than a fixture built for only one connection type. It has three color-temperature settings—2700K, 3000K, and 4000K—and two brightness levels. The light bar uses edge-lit technology, which the manufacturer says is designed to reduce hot spots and provide even illumination.
The fixture can link with other compatible units up to a stated 400W, using the included jumper cables or connectors. That makes it worth considering for a longer counter run where you want connected bars. The product information lists a 50,000-hour design life and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Unlike several picks here, the supplied description does not give a lumen figure, so it is harder to compare its brightness directly. Its two brightness levels are also less precise than the continuous dimming on the Enbrighten, NICOR, UltraPro, and Leetdud models.
Pros:
- Supports hardwired or plug-in installation
- Linkable design for connected fixtures
- Three color temperatures and two brightness levels
- Includes a stated three-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Only two brightness levels are listed
- The supplied product information does not state lumen output
Verdict: Consider the NSL if you want the choice of plug-in or hardwired installation and plan to link multiple fixtures.
Leetdud 24-Inch Dimmable Light: Best for Flexible Installation and On-Fixture Dimming
The Leetdud 24-inch light produces 1,140 lumens and gives you five color-temperature settings from 2700K to 5000K. It includes a built-in dimmer that adjusts from 0% to 100%, so you can change brightness at the fixture without adding an in-wall dimmer. The product information specifies that it is not dimmable through a wall switch.
Both a plug-in cord and hardwire installation are listed, giving you a choice based on your kitchen and electrical setup. The low-profile aluminum body is described as having indirect, anti-glare lighting. Its stated CRI is over 90, and the light is ETL listed and damp-rated according to the product details.
Leetdud offers a useful balance of output and flexibility. It is not as bright as the Enbrighten by the stated lumen figures, but it includes both installation options and a built-in dimmer. Keep the wall-switch limitation in mind if you want to control the light from an existing dimmer switch.
Pros:
- 1,140 lumens with five color-temperature settings
- Built-in dimmer adjusts brightness from 0% to 100%
- Supports plug-in or hardwired installation
- Low-profile aluminum design with a stated CRI over 90
Cons:
- Not dimmable through a wall switch
- The included dimming control is on the fixture
Verdict: Choose the Leetdud if you want a bright, adaptable light bar with plug-in or hardwired installation and on-fixture dimming.
How to Choose Under-Cabinet Lighting for Your Kitchen
Choose the Installation Type That Fits Your Kitchen
Plug-in lights are usually the simpler choice when you have an outlet nearby and are comfortable routing a cord. Hardwired fixtures can create a cleaner look without a visible power cord, but they require a suitable electrical connection and may need professional installation. Dual-option models, such as the NSL and Leetdud, give you more flexibility when deciding how to power the light.
Match Brightness to Your Countertop Tasks
Lumens indicate the amount of light a fixture produces, so they are useful when comparing products. The options here range from 612–648 lumens for the NICOR to 1,561 lumens for the Enbrighten. A brighter bar can suit detailed prep work, while a lower-output fixture may be enough for accent lighting or a smaller work area. Your cabinet length, counter layout, and existing lighting also affect how bright the space feels.
Pick a Color Temperature You’ll Enjoy
Color temperature is measured in kelvins. Lower settings, such as 2700K, look warmer, while higher settings appear cooler or more like daylight. Selectable color temperatures let you adjust the look after installation. If you are unsure which tone suits your kitchen, a fixture with several settings offers more room to experiment than a model with only a few choices.
Check the Dimming Method
Dimming can make task lighting more comfortable when you are not cooking or cleaning. Some models use controls on the fixture, while others are designed to work with a compatible in-wall dimmer. Check the product details before buying: the Leetdud uses its built-in dimmer and is not dimmable through a wall switch, while the NICOR and UltraPro list compatibility with specific types of dimmer control.
Plan for Linking and Control
If you want lights across several cabinets, check whether the fixtures can link and what connectors or controls are included. The NSL is described as linkable with included jumper cables or connectors, while the Enbrighten can sync compatible bars through its linked control. Linking can help keep multiple fixtures coordinated, but confirm that the products are compatible and that your planned installation stays within the stated limits.
Compare Color Accuracy and Diffusion
CRI is a measure related to how accurately a light reveals colors. Several products list a CRI of 90 or higher, which can be useful when judging the color of food and ingredients. Diffusers and edge-lit designs can also affect how evenly light reaches the counter. Look at both the color-quality specifications and the fixture design rather than choosing by brightness alone.
Measure Before You Buy
Measure the available space under your cabinets and note where the outlet or wiring connection sits. A 24-inch bar may fit one cabinet run but not another, and a plug-in model needs enough cord length to reach a power source. Also check whether you want a single fixture or a linked group before selecting a product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of under-cabinet light for a kitchen?
The best type depends on your setup. A plug-in light is convenient when an outlet is nearby, while a hardwired fixture can provide a cleaner look. If you are undecided, consider a model that supports both installation methods.
How bright should under-cabinet kitchen lighting be?
There is no single lumen level that suits every counter. Higher output can help with detailed tasks, while lower output may work for accent lighting or a smaller area. Compare the stated lumen figures and consider your cabinet length and existing room lighting.
Is warm or cool light better under kitchen cabinets?
Warm light creates a softer look, while cooler settings can feel brighter and more neutral. A fixture with selectable color temperatures lets you choose what works best for your kitchen and adjust it later.
Can I connect several under-cabinet light bars?
Some models are designed to link, but the connection method and limits vary. Check the product specifications and included connectors before purchasing multiple bars. The Enbrighten and NSL descriptions include linking features, but their systems should not be assumed to be interchangeable.
Do I need an electrician to install hardwired under-cabinet lights?
Hardwired lights connect to household wiring, so installation can involve electrical work. If you are not experienced with that work, consult a qualified electrician and follow the fixture’s instructions and applicable electrical requirements.
What does CRI mean for kitchen lighting?
CRI describes how accurately a light source reveals colors compared with a reference. A higher stated CRI can be useful when you want food and countertop colors to appear more natural. It is one factor to consider alongside brightness and color temperature.
Final Recommendation
For the brightest stated output and the widest color-temperature range in this group, the Enbrighten is a strong plug-in choice. The Leetdud stands out if you want both plug-in and hardwired options with a built-in dimmer, while the NICOR and UltraPro suit shoppers planning a permanent hardwired installation. If installation flexibility and linking are your priorities, consider the NSL. Compare your power access, cabinet measurements, and dimming preferences before making your final choice.
