When lighting above kitchen cabinets, you want fixtures that illuminate work surfaces, reduce shadows, and blend with your space. The following selections emphasize brightness, color temperature versatility, energy efficiency, and simple installation. Each option is suitable for above-cabinet placement, whether you prefer plug-in strips, hardwired solutions, or motion-activated lights. Use this guide to compare performance, install methods, and lasting quality across popular models.
| Product | Type | Color Temp | Power/Output | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gritin 84-LED Under Cabinet | Battery/Motion Sensor | 3000K-6000K | LEDs: 84 | Motion-activated with multi-color temps |
| Litever 6-Piece LED Strips | Plug-in Strip Bars | 5000K | 28W total | Dimmable, easy linkable setup |
| MYPLUS 16.4ft Kit | LED Strip with Dimmer | 3000K | 1050LM | Long run, memory dimming |
| ASOKO 3-Pack 12″ LED Bars | Plug-in Bars | 2700K | 903LM | Three-pack, dimmable, memory |
| Vovamo 2×12″ Under-Cabinet | Plug-in Bars | 6000K | 800+ LM | Wave/timer compatibility |
Notes: All products listed are designed for above-cabinet placement, with options spanning plug-in strips, motion-activated models, and hardwired units. Consider color temperature (warm to daylight), dimming capabilities, and whether you prefer hands-free control for convenience and safety in the kitchen.
Gritin 84-LED Under Cabinet Lights
The Gritin lighting kit uses 84 bright LEDs housed in a sturdy aluminum alloy and ABS plastic body. It features a motion sensor with a broad 120-degree sensing angle and a 10-foot detection distance, automatically turning off after 20 seconds of no motion. This reduces energy use while ensuring instant illumination when you reach for items on the counter. The unit supports three color temperatures (3000K, 4500K, 6000K) and five dimming levels, plus four modes including Always On and Night/Day sensing, making it versatile for kitchens, pantries, and shelves above cabinets.
installation is straightforward with magnetic mounting or screws. A long-press provides stepless dimming, and single-button temperature control allows quick adaptation to different tasks—from warm ambient lighting for entertaining to crisp cool tones for precise prep work. The combination of strong build quality and flexible controls makes this a practical choice for above-cabinet lighting needs.
Litever 6-Piece 12-Inch Light Strips
Litever offers a plug-in solution with six 12-inch LED light bars, delivering a total of 28 watts and 1920 lumens. These bars provide a clean, uniform glow across upper cabinets without LED dots or glare. They’re designed for easy DIY installation—no professional electrician required—thanks to a modular, plug-and-play approach. The included LED dimmer supports 10% to 100% dimming, enabling you to tailor brightness for different tasks. Note that this system is not compatible with existing wall dimmers, so plan for a dedicated dimming setup in your kitchen.
These light bars are well-suited for homeowners who want a cohesive, continuous strip across multiple cabinets. The daylight 5000K color temperature offers a bright, energizing feel ideal for food prep areas. The modular design also makes upgrading or expanding your lighting network straightforward should you remodel or reconfigure cabinets in the future.
MYPLUS 16.4ft LED Strip Kit
MYPLUS presents a long 16.4-foot LED strip with 1050 lumens, composed of 300 SMD 2835 warm white LEDs. The kit is designed for ease of installation as an auxiliary or decorative lighting option under cabinets. It offers 10-level dimming with a memory function that preserves the last brightness setting. The included stronger adhesive helps ensure the strip stays in place on kitchen surfaces, shelves, or countertops. A long strip is ideal for spanning multiple cabinet segments and providing even, shadow-free illumination along a wide area.
This option suits kitchens where you want a continuous luminous band above the cabinets. While not a motion-activated product, it excels in tasks requiring steady, reliable light. The warm white color temperature creates a cozy yet functional atmosphere for daily cooking, reading recipes, and showcasing dishware.
ASOKO 3-Pack 12″ Linkable LED Bars
ASOKO’s three-pack of 12″ LED bars provides a flexible, linkable solution for above-cabinet lighting. The bars deliver about 903 lumens collectively, with a soft, glare-free 2700K color temperature that reduces eye strain while maintaining a warm kitchen ambiance. They feature a dimmer with memory function, allowing you to set and retain your preferred brightness. Easy installation is aided by magnetic mounting and a strong 3M adhesive, with optional screws for secure setup. A compact, scalable option for standard or irregular cabinet runs.
ASOKO lights are suitable for homeowners who want to install multiple units without a complicated wiring plan. The dimmable design and memory feature help maintain consistent lighting across a sequence of cabinets, which is beneficial for kitchens with varied cabinet lengths or unique layouts.
Vovamo Plug-In 12-Inch Lights (2-Pack)
The Vovamo 2-piece, 12-inch under-cabinet lights deliver a total of 800 lumens with a cold white 6000K temperature. This high-contrast, daylight-style illumination is ideal for task lighting and visually making kitchen surfaces appear brighter. The system is compatible with smart plugs and timers for automation, and features a stepless dimming control via long press and a memory function to restore the last brightness setting. The plug-in design supports quick installation and flexibility for repositioning or reconfiguring lighting as cabinet layouts change.
For users seeking a bright, modern look with smart home potential, Vovamo’s setup offers straightforward integration with voice-activated or app-controlled outlets. The daylight temperature is particularly effective in large kitchens or workspaces where clear visibility is essential for food preparation and cleanup tasks.
GETINLIGHT 12-Inch Hardwired Cabinet Light
This model is a hardwired option designed for permanent above-cabinet installation. It features a 12-inch, low-profile footprint, a frosted lens for glare-free illumination, and a 5000K daylight color temperature with 350 lumens. As a hardwired unit, it is intended for kitchens where a fixed, always-on or controlled-brightness setup is preferred, with a focus on high CRI and consistent beam spread. The 5-watt LED module aligns with energy-efficiency goals while delivering a clean, bright look above counters and open shelving.
Hardwired fixtures like GETINLIGHT are well-suited for permanent kitchen designs or renovations where switching the lighting plan to a more integrated system makes sense. They provide reliable, consistent output without dependence on batteries or wireless controls, making them ideal for long-term use in busy households.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Above-Cabinet Lighting
- Lighting Type: Choose between plug-in strips, battery-powered motion sensors, decorative strips, or hardwired fixtures based on your kitchen remodel plans, desired permanence, and electrical access.
- Color Temperature: Warm (2700-3000K) creates a cozy ambiance, while daylight (4000-6500K) enhances visibility for prep work. A neutral 3500-4500K can balance ambiance and task lighting.
- Brightness And Dimming: Look for dimming capabilities to adapt lighting for different tasks. Consider memory functions to restore your last brightness setting.
- Motion And Automation: Motion-sensing options save energy and add convenience, especially in areas like pantry access or during late-night cooking.
- Installation: Magnetic mounts and peel-and-stick options simplify DIY installs; hardwired fixtures require electrical work but provide permanent, clean results.
- Durability And Build: Aluminum or high-quality plastics improve heat resistance and longevity in kitchen environments.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): A higher CRI (90+) better reflects true colors of foods and dishes, enhancing the kitchen’s overall appearance.
- Coverage Area: For above-cabinet lighting, ensure the fixtures collectively cover the entire countertop span without creating dark areas.
- Energy Efficiency: LED options reduce electricity use, beneficial for long-term operating costs and environmental impact.
- Future-Proofing: Consider modular systems that allow you to extend lighting across more cabinets or reconfigure if you change layout.