The best under cabinet lights for most UK kitchens are 24V LED spotlights or LED strip in an aluminium profile, powered by a driver hidden above the wall units. Spotlights give pools of light and suit most kitchens. LED strip gives an even line of light with fewer shadows. If you want to move lights later, choose a magnetic track. If there is no power supply to the units, a mains-wired integrated light or a rechargeable light is the fallback.
We design under cabinet lighting in the UK and have done since 2007, so this guide uses our own range as the worked example. The same rules apply whichever brand you choose.
The best under cabinet light for each need
| What you want | Best type | Example from our range |
|---|---|---|
| A classic look with pools of light | 24V LED spotlights, surface or recessed | Apex TrioTone®, Hype TrioTone® |
| The slimmest possible light | Super slimline spotlight | Astro TrioTone®, in aluminium, black, brushed brass or copper |
| Even light along the worktop, no pools | LED strip in an aluminium profile | Kitchen LED strip lights |
| Lights you can move or add later | Magnetic track | Affinity™ Magnetic Track |
| Colour you can change at any time | CCT spotlights | Astro Pro™, Neo Pro™ |
| A utility room or single run, no driver | Integrated mains light | Connex™, Axis™ |
| No power near the cupboard | Rechargeable sensor light | Battery powered lights |
What to look for in under cabinet lights
1. 24V and a proper driver
Most quality under cabinet lights run at 24V from an LED driver. The driver sits out of sight above the wall units and the lights plug into it. A correctly sized driver is what makes LED lighting last, so check the total wattage of your lights and choose a driver with headroom. Our guide to what size LED driver you need has a calculator.
2. The right colour of light
Natural white (4000K) is the most popular choice for worktops because it is clear without feeling cold. Warm white (3000K) suits traditional and wooden kitchens. Cool white (5000K) suits very modern, white kitchens. If you are not sure, a TrioTone® light lets you choose warm, natural or cool white on the light itself when you fit it. See our colour temperature chart.
3. Good colour rendering
CRI measures how true colours look under the light, out of 100. A higher CRI makes food, worktops and paint look as they should. Our lights are CRI 90+.
4. Plug-and-play connections
Lights that plug together, rather than being soldered or wired into terminal blocks, are faster to fit and easier to replace later. That matters to kitchen fitters, and to you if a light ever needs changing.
5. Dimming and sensors
A dimmer or a sensor makes under cabinet lights more useful. Our Leader & Follower sets have an IR sensor on the leader light, so a wave of the hand switches the whole run. Many of our 24V spotlights also dim with a receiver or smart driver. See lighting sensors and control.
6. A long guarantee
A good under cabinet light should last as long as the kitchen. Ours come with a 7 year guarantee.
Spotlights or LED strip?
Choose spotlights if you want a classic look with defined pools of light, one or two per wall unit. Choose LED strip in a profile if you want even light along the whole worktop with no gaps, or if your wall units are different lengths, because strip can be cut to size. Many kitchens use both: spotlights under the wall units and strip on open shelves or in the plinth.
Mains or 24V?
24V lights are the standard for fitted kitchens. They are slimmer, safer to handle at the cabinet and give more choice of light. Integrated mains lights such as Connex™ and Axis™ plug straight into the mains with their own switch, so there is no separate driver. They suit a utility room or a single run of units. Any mains wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best under cabinet lights in the UK?
For most kitchens, 24V LED spotlights or LED strip in a profile, powered by a correctly sized driver. Choose spotlights for pools of light, strip for an even line, and magnetic track if you want to move lights later.
Are LED under cabinet lights worth it?
Yes. They light the worktop where you prepare food, use very little energy and make the whole kitchen look finished. Quality LED lights also last for years: ours carry a 7 year guarantee.
How many under cabinet lights do I need?
As a guide, one or two spotlights per wall unit, fitted towards the front of the cabinet and spaced evenly so the pools of light meet on the worktop. LED strip runs the full length of each unit. The driver calculator on each product page then tells you which size of driver you need.
Do I need an electrician to fit under cabinet lights?
The 24V lights plug into the driver, so fitting the lights themselves is simple. Connecting the driver, or a mains light, to the electrical supply should be done by a qualified electrician.
Can I fit under cabinet lights to an existing kitchen?
Yes. Surface mounted spotlights, LED strip in a surface profile and the Affinity magnetic track all fit to the underside of existing wall units without cutting holes. If there is no socket nearby, consider a rechargeable light.
Need help choosing? Get in touch or browse all under cabinet lighting.
