Best Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchens: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Kitchen Specialist
You can spend thousands on a bespoke oak worktop, but if you can't see what you're chopping because the lighting is poor, it's wasted money. In York's older terraced houses, kitchens can be notoriously dark, and standard ceiling roses often cast your own shadow right over the prep area.
Ideally, we install hardwired LED channels routed into the carcass during the build. However, if you're looking to upgrade an existing kitchen without chasing out plaster or calling in an electrician, retro-fit under cabinet lighting is the way to go.
In this review, I've selected three options suitable for different needs: a budget battery fix, a mains-powered linkable system for a more permanent feel, and a versatile option that solves the common problem of mismatched light temperatures.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Battery Life Claims"
"Manufacturers often claim '2 months battery life' on a single charge."
In a busy family kitchen where the sensor triggers every time you make a brew, you'll be charging them weekly. Look for units compatible with USB-C for fast charging.
The Spec: "Adhesive Pads"
"Double-sided tape holds the light securely to the cabinet."
Kitchens are humid and greasy environments. Standard adhesive often fails after a few months of cooking steam. Always degrease the surface thoroughly before sticking anything up.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Ylatoial Under Cabinet Lights, 25cm 2000mAh Cupboard Lights Motion Sensor - 2 Pack
Ylatoial
For just over a tenner, these are a straightforward solution for dark corners or pantry cupboards. They offer a very crisp, bright light and simple magnetic mounting, making them ideal for areas where running a cable is impossible.
The Good
- Very affordable at approx £5 per unit
- Decent 2000mAh battery capacity for the size
- Aluminium alloy case feels sturdier than plastic alternatives
The Bad
- 6500K light is very 'blue' – can look clinical against natural timber
- Fixed colour temperature (cannot change warmth)
Installer Tip:
Because the light is very cool (6500K), avoid using this on warm oak or pine kitchens as it can make the wood look washed out. It's best suited for inside white larder units or modern high-gloss grey kitchens.
Priced at £10.19 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCefrank LED Under Cabinet Lighting 6pcs 31cm Seamlessly Linkable Strip Light Bars
Cefrank
This is as close as you get to a professional joinery install without hiring a sparky. These are mains-powered (plug-in) so you never have to charge them, and the linkable bar design gives a continuous run of light, eliminating the 'spotty' look of cheap puck lights.
The Good
- Mains powered – no charging required
- Seamless linking creates a professional continuous line of light
- High brightness (1200 lumens) excellent for food prep
The Bad
- Requires a plug socket near the cabinets
- 6000K colour is still on the cooler side
- Harder to hide the excess cable if you don't have a pelmet
Installer Tip:
Mount these directly behind the front lighting pelmet (if you have one) facing backwards slightly towards the splashback. This hides the fixture completely and washes the light down the wall, which looks much more high-end.
Priced at £41.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonGritin Under Cabinet Kitchen Lights-84 LED Super Bright, 3-Color & Motion Sensor - 2 Pack
Gritin
The biggest problem with retro-fit lights is mismatched colour temperatures. These Gritin units solve that by allowing you to switch between Warm (3000K), Mixed (4500K), and Cool (6000K). This means they fit into any style of kitchen, from a rustic Yorkshire cottage to a modern new build.
The Good
- Adjustable colour temperature matches existing lighting
- 'Daytime Sensing Mode' works even if the kitchen isn't pitch black
- brightness memory function saves your preferred setting
The Bad
- Battery is slightly smaller (1800mAh) than the budget option
- Motion sensors can be triggered by pets if mounted too low
Installer Tip:
For traditional kitchens with cream units or natural wood, set these to 3000K (Warm). It brings out the grain in the timber and feels much cosier. The sensor has a 'Daytime' mode – use this if your worktops are in a shadowy corner that stays dark even at midday.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I choose warm white or cool white for my kitchen?
How do I stop self-adhesive lights from falling off?
Are battery lights better than plug-in lights?
Can I install these if I have no lighting pelmet?
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