Collection: LED under-cabinet lights for kitchen & cupboard

LED under-cabinet lights for kitchens, cupboards, and work areas provide light exactly where a ceiling light is often insufficient. Mounted under wall cabinets, they ensure an evenly lit kitchen countertop; in a wardrobe, they provide better visibility; and at a workbench, shelf, or display case, they offer focused task and accent lighting.

At Saasil, you will find LED under-cabinet lights, kitchen light bars, under-shelf lights, flat under-cabinet lights, LED under-cabinet spots, and models with switches, touch, sensors, or motion detectors. Depending on the product, you can choose between plug-and-play solutions, variants for 230V direct connection, and low-voltage systems with a suitable power supply.

Personal expert advice at Saasil for over 30 years – online, by phone, and in our showroom in Wuppertal-Vohwinkel.

LED under-cabinet lights for the kitchen

The under-cabinet light in the kitchen is the classic application: mounted under a hanging or overhead cabinet, it illuminates the countertop from a short distance.

This is particularly practical when:

• Cutting and preparing food
• Cooking and baking
• Reading recipes
• Cleaning the work surface
• Working in areas insufficiently reached by ceiling lighting

A good kitchen under-cabinet light should not just be bright. Light distribution, length, light color, operation, and mounting position also influence how pleasantly and evenly the countertop is illuminated.

LED light bars for the kitchen

LED light bars are one of the most popular designs for kitchen lighting under wall cabinets. Due to their elongated shape, they distribute light over a larger area than a single spot.

An LED light bar for the kitchen is particularly suitable if you want the most even illumination of the countertop possible.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Length of the light bar
• Luminous flux in lumens
• Light color in Kelvin
• Color rendering or CRI/Ra
• Switch or sensor
• Plug or direct connection
• Dimmability
• Possibility of connecting multiple lights

Under-cabinet light, light bar, or under-cabinet spots?

Flat LED under-cabinet lights for the kitchen

Flat LED under-cabinet lights are barely visible under a kitchen cabinet and take up very little space.

This is particularly interesting if you do not want an obtrusive light to be visible between the bottom edge of the wall cabinet and the countertop.

With especially flat models, you should still not only compare the housing height. The cable exit, connection, switch or sensor, and potentially an external power supply unit also require space.

Under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen

The terms under-cabinet light, under-shelf light, and under-cabinet lighting often describe the same basic application in kitchens: light is mounted under an overhead cabinet and directed onto the work surface below.

Good under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen reduces dark areas that can occur when wall cabinets or the person working block the light from the ceiling fixture.

Therefore, not only brightness is important, but also the position of the light.

Where should an under-cabinet light be positioned under the kitchen cabinet?

In many kitchens, mounting towards the front cabinet edge makes sense because the light falls more directly onto the work surface, which can reduce body shadows.

However, there is no rigid rule like "always all the way at the front." Beam angles, diffusers, cabinet depth, working height, and potential glare differ from light to light.

If possible, you should test the lighting effect before final mounting.

What length should a kitchen light bar have?

The light bar should fit the area that is actually to be illuminated. A short light can create darker edge areas under a wide wall cabinet, while multiple properly positioned lights can illuminate a longer kitchen counter more evenly.

At Saasil, you will find compact under-cabinet lights as well as long light bars for larger work areas, depending on the product.

Before buying, you should measure:

• Available cabinet width
• Work surface to be illuminated
• Space for cables and connection
• Position of existing sockets or cables

Under-cabinet lights with plug

Under-cabinet lights with a plug are particularly suitable for retrofitting if there is a socket nearby.

The advantage: It is not strictly necessary to create a new fixed power connection under the kitchen cabinet. Simply mount the light, connect it according to the manufacturer's instructions, and insert the plug into a suitable socket.

Plug-and-play models are therefore particularly interesting for:

• Existing kitchens
• Rental apartments
• Workshops
• Shelves
• Retrofit lighting solutions

LED under-cabinet lights with 230V direct connection

With a 230V direct connection, the intended under-cabinet light is permanently connected to the electrical installation.

Depending on the light design, the necessary LED electronics are already part of the system, meaning no separate visible 12V or 24V power supply unit is required.

A direct connection can look particularly clean because no plug-in power supply needs to be visible in the kitchen.

Important: Work on the permanent 230V electrical installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician.

12V & 24V under-cabinet lights

Additionally, there are 12V and 24V under-cabinet lights. These require a power supply matching the respective system.

When selecting, the following must match, among other things:

• Output voltage
• AC or DC, if relevant
• Required power
• Power of the connected lights
• Dimming technology, if desired
• Connection and plug system

Just because two systems are marked as 12V or 24V does not mean their components are automatically compatible with each other.

→ View LED power supplies, drivers & transformers

Under-cabinet kitchen light without cables – what does that mean?

Under-cabinet lights for the kitchen without cables are frequently searched for. A distinction should be made between two different solutions.

Rechargeable or battery-operated lights can indeed be operated without a permanent power cable. However, they must be recharged regularly or supplied with new batteries.

Plug-and-play under-cabinet lights, on the other hand, still require a cable to the socket but avoid a fixed connection to the house installation.

Terms like "cordless" or "without cables" should therefore not automatically be equated with rechargeable. Always check the actual power supply for every product.

Rechargeable under-cabinet lights

A rechargeable under-cabinet light can be interesting if there is no socket and no fixed power connection nearby.

Before buying, the following are particularly important:

• Battery life
• Charging time
• Charging port
• Light output
• Sensor function
• Mounting type

You can see whether corresponding rechargeable models are currently available on the respective product and its technical data.

Under-cabinet lights with sensor

LED under-cabinet lights with a sensor can be particularly convenient in the kitchen, cupboard, or pantry. However, there are different sensor technologies that should not be confused with each other.

Under-cabinet light with touch

With a touch under-cabinet light, the control surface is touched. Depending on the model, touch can be used only to switch on and off or additionally control a dimming function.

Touch therefore does not automatically mean that every light is continuously dimmable.

Under-cabinet light with gesture sensor

Gesture or proximity control can be particularly practical in the kitchen because the light can be operated touch-free, depending on the model.

The exact detection method and required movement differ depending on the sensor.

Under-cabinet light with motion detector

Under-cabinet lights with motion detectors are particularly suitable where light should be switched on automatically upon entry or when movement is detected.

Typical applications are:

• Wardrobe
• Pantry
• Utility room
• Shelf
• Workshop

Automatic switching can prevent lighting from remaining on unnecessarily long. However, the actual energy consumption depends on usage, power, and switching times.

Cupboard lighting with motion detector

Cupboard lighting with a motion detector or door sensor automatically provides light when the cupboard is in use.

This is particularly suitable for deep wardrobes and darker cupboard areas where normal room lighting does not reach sufficiently.

If, on the other hand, you want to integrate small lights directly into furniture, shelves, or display cases, you will find a separate selection for this:

→ View LED furniture recessed lights & mini-spots

Under-cabinet light or furniture recessed light?

Both product groups can illuminate a cupboard or piece of furniture, but they differ in their mounting.

Which light color for under-cabinet lights in the kitchen?

The light color is given in Kelvin. It influences the perceived atmosphere but does not indicate how bright a light is.

Whether 3000 K or 4000 K is more pleasant also depends on the rest of the lighting and your personal taste. In an open-plan kitchen, a uniform light color often looks more harmonious.

CRI & color rendering in the kitchen

Color rendering is a different value than color temperature. It is often indicated via CRI or Ra.

A light with 4000 K can have a high or lower CRI – the Kelvin number alone says nothing about this.

Especially over a kitchen countertop, good color rendering can be interesting because food and other colors appear more natural.

Therefore, when selecting products, compare not only the Kelvin but also the specified CRI/Ra value, if available.

How bright should an under-cabinet light be?

With a kitchen under-cabinet light, you should not only pay attention to the wattage. For the amount of light emitted, the specification in lumens is much more meaningful.

How brightly the countertop is actually illuminated additionally depends on:

• Distance between the light and the countertop
• Light distribution
• Length of the light
• Diffuser or cover
• Position under the wall cabinet
• Color of the work surface
• Additional room lighting

For a work surface, the illuminance in lux reaching it is ultimately more decisive than a flat "lumens per square meter" figure of the light.

LED under-cabinet lights – efficient, compact & versatile

LED technology is particularly well-suited for under-cabinet lights because compact light shapes and high luminous efficacy are possible.

Typical advantages of modern LED under-cabinet lights include:

• Low energy consumption relative to light output
• Immediate brightness after switching on
• Compact and flat designs
• Various light colors
• Long service life, depending on product and operating conditions
• Sensor and dimming functions, depending on the model

LEDs also generate heat during operation. A suitable design and heat dissipation remain important.

Under-cabinet light or LED strip?

Both a classic LED under-cabinet light and an LED strip can be used under a kitchen cabinet. However, the two systems pursue different concepts.

For individual light lines, profiles, and decorative furniture lighting, you will find a dedicated category:

→ View LED strips & accessories

Under-cabinet lights for wardrobes & shelving

Compact LED under-cabinet lights and cabinet lights are practical even outside the kitchen.

Placed under shelves or inside cabinets, they can illuminate areas that are barely reached by standard room lighting.

Particularly interesting here are:

• compact LED light bars
• mini surface-mounted lights
• motion sensors
• door sensors
• low-voltage systems

Under-cabinet lights for workbench & hobby room

Above a workbench, functional work light is the priority. A longer LED light bar can illuminate the workspace more evenly than a single small spotlight.

Pay particular attention to:

• sufficient luminous flux
• even light distribution
• minimal glare
• suitable light color
• sturdy mounting

The required lighting depends heavily on the specific activity. Precise manual tasks have higher requirements than simple orientation lighting.

Under-cabinet lights for campers & caravans

Compact 12V or 24V lights can also be interesting for motorhomes, caravans, or other mobile applications, provided the specific product is suitable for the existing electrical system.

Voltage alone is not enough for selection. Connections, power consumption, protection class, and manufacturer approval must also match.

Can I connect multiple under-cabinet lights?

Some under-cabinet lights belong to expandable systems and can be coupled together using suitable connecting cables or plug-in systems.

However, this does not apply to every model. Therefore, before purchasing, you should check:

• whether the series is expandable
• how many lights can be connected
• which connection cables are required
• what the maximum permissible total power is

Dimmable LED under-cabinet lights

Dimmable under-cabinet lights allow for both bright work light and reduced brightness, for example, in the evening.

The dimming technology varies depending on the system. Some lights already have an integrated touch or sensor dimmer, while others require a designated external control unit.

An LED under-cabinet light should therefore only be dimmed in the manner intended by the manufacturer for the specific model.

8 things to check before buying an under-cabinet light

1. Location: Kitchen, cabinet, shelf, or workbench?
2. Length: How wide is the area actually to be illuminated?
3. Luminous flux: How much light does the specific model provide?
4. Light color: Warm white or something more neutral for functional work light?
5. Color rendering: Consider CRI/Ra separately from the Kelvin value.
6. Connection: Plug, 230V direct connection, or low-voltage?
7. Operation: Switch, touch, gesture sensor, or motion sensor?
8. Mounting: Consider space for the light, connection, and cable.

Buy LED under-cabinet lights at Saasil

Whether LED under-cabinet light for the kitchen, LED light bar, flat under-cupboard light, under-cabinet spotlights, sensor light, or cabinet lighting – at Saasil you will find various solutions for kitchens, furniture, and work areas.

Depending on availability, our range includes models from manufacturers such as Paulmann, IBV, REV Ritter, Briloner, EGLO, Malmbergs, and Müller Licht, as well as other lighting solutions and accessories.

Saasil has over 30 years of experience in lighting and lighting design. In our showroom in Wuppertal-Vohwinkel, you can compare selected lights and get personal advice.

Frequently asked questions about LED under-cabinet lights

Which under-cabinet light is suitable for the kitchen?

For kitchen worktops, elongated LED under-cabinet lights or light bars are particularly practical because they distribute light over a larger area. Length, luminous flux, light color, and mounting position should match the specific kitchen unit.

What is the difference between an under-cabinet light and a light bar?

"Under-cabinet light" primarily describes the type of mounting or application. "Light bar" describes the elongated shape. Many LED light bars are therefore also under-cabinet lights.

What is an under-cupboard light?

An under-cupboard light is mounted under a cupboard, for example, under a kitchen wall unit. The term overlaps heavily with "under-cabinet light".

Which light color is suitable for kitchen under-cabinet lights?

Neutral white at about 3500–4000 K is often chosen for work surfaces. Warm white at about 2700–3000 K can appear more harmonious in open-plan kitchen-living areas. The best choice also depends on the rest of the room lighting.

Is 4000 K brighter than 3000 K?

Not automatically. Kelvin describes the light color, not the brightness. For the amount of light, you should look at the product's lumen specification, among other things.

What does CRI mean for an under-cabinet light?

CRI or Ra describes color rendering. A higher value generally means that colors under the light source can be reproduced more realistically. The Kelvin value and the CRI are independent properties.

How bright should an under-cabinet light for the kitchen be?

This depends on the length and depth of the work surface, mounting height, light distribution, and additional room lighting. Therefore, compare the lumens and the actual light distribution of the respective product rather than just the wattage.

How long should an under-cabinet light be?

The light should reach as large a part of the desired work surface as possible. Measure the cabinet and work surface width before purchasing and consider connections and possible connecting cables.

Where do you mount an under-cabinet light under the kitchen cabinet?

A position closer to the front edge can reduce shadows on the work surface. However, the optimal position depends on the beam angle, cabinet depth, and potential glare.

Are there flat LED under-cabinet lights?

Yes. Flat models are particularly suitable for discreet mounting under wall cabinets and furniture. In addition to the housing height, you should also consider space for the connection and cable.

Are there under-cabinet lights with a plug?

Yes. Plug-and-play models are well-suited for retrofitting, provided a suitable socket is nearby.

Are there under-cabinet lights with 230V direct connection?

Yes. Designated models can be firmly connected to the 230V house installation. Work on fixed electrical installations must be carried out professionally by a qualified electrician.

Does an LED under-cabinet light need a transformer?

Not always. Plug-and-play models and those designed for direct 230V connection have a corresponding power supply. 12V or 24V systems, however, require a suitable low-voltage power supply.

Are there under-cabinet lights without cables?

Yes, genuine rechargeable or battery models can be operated without a permanent power cable. However, not every under-cabinet light described as "easy to retrofit" is cordless – plug-and-play models still require a power cable.

Which is better: rechargeable under-cabinet light or under-cabinet light with a plug?

Rechargeable models are independent of a socket but must be charged. Plug-in operation is better for continuous use if a socket is nearby.

Are there under-cabinet lights with motion sensors?

Yes. Motion sensors are particularly practical for cabinets, pantries, and other areas where the light should switch on automatically.

What is the difference between a touch sensor and a motion sensor?

Touch responds to contact. A motion sensor detects movement in its detection area. Gesture or proximity sensors, in turn, can react to a hand movement without contact. The functions vary depending on the model.

Are LED under-cabinet lights dimmable?

Some models are dimmable. The intended dimming technology is in the product data. Some lights already have an integrated dimming function.

Can I connect several LED under-cabinet lights with each other?

With systems designed for this, it is possible. Check the maximum number or power and use the appropriate connection components for the respective series.

Under-cabinet light or LED strip – what is better?

A ready-to-use under-cabinet light is a complete unit with a defined shape and light distribution. LED strips offer more flexibility in length and design but require additional components such as profiles, covers, and power supplies depending on the system.

Which under-cabinet light is suitable for the wardrobe?

Compact light bars, sensor lights, and small surface-mounted lights are particularly suitable. For automatic lighting, motion or door sensors are interesting.

Can I use an under-cabinet light in the bathroom?

Only if the specific model is suitable for the intended mounting location in terms of protection class and technical design. The requirements depend on the installation situation or the protection zone.