Black & Decker 1-Bar LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit, Warm White, 18"

Installing under-cabinet lighting can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen or workspace. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Black & Decker 1-Bar LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit, and it has proven to be an impressive addition to my home. With its warm white light, easy installation, and user-friendly features, this lighting kit offers a practical solution for anyone looking to improve their lighting setup without the hassle of complex installations or high energy consumption.

First and foremost, the installation process for this lighting kit is remarkably simple. As someone who isn’t particularly handy, I was pleased to find that no tools are required for setup. The kit comes with self-adhesive mounting clips and screws, giving you the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your needs. I opted for the adhesive method, which allowed me to complete the installation in under 15 minutes. The ultra-slim design of the light bar ensures that it remains unobtrusive and hidden from view, maintaining the clean lines of your cabinetry.

One of the standout features of this lighting kit is the motion sensor, which allows for hands-free operation. Simply wave your hand under the sensor to turn the light on or off. This feature is particularly useful when your hands are full or dirty, as it eliminates the need to fumble for a switch. Additionally, the sensor includes a tiny switch for a three-hour delayed shut-off, ensuring that the light turns off automatically if you forget to do so manually.

The light bar itself measures 18 inches in length and emits a warm white light with a color temperature of 2700 Kelvin. The light output is 740 lumens per bar, which is comparable to a 60-watt incandescent bulb. This level of brightness is more than sufficient for illuminating countertops, workspaces, or shelves. The kit also includes ten brightness levels, which can be easily adjusted by holding the on/off button on the light strip. This dimming feature allows you to customize the light intensity to suit various tasks and moods.

Energy efficiency is another key advantage of this LED lighting kit. The LEDs are designed to last up to 50,000 hours and consume 85% less energy than traditional incandescent lights. This not only reduces your energy bills but also minimizes the environmental impact. The long lifespan of the LEDs means that you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

The kit includes everything you need for a complete installation: one LED light bar, a control box, an AC adapter, four bar mounting clips, six wire mounting clips, two mounting screws, a jumper extender, and three jumper wires of varying lengths. The inclusion of multiple jumper wires allows you to link additional light bars if needed, providing flexibility for larger installations. I found the wire mounting clips particularly useful for keeping the cords neatly tucked away, maintaining a tidy and organized appearance.

One minor drawback I encountered was the color temperature of the light. At 2700 Kelvin, the light has a warm, yellowish hue that may not be to everyone’s taste. Some users might prefer a cooler, more neutral light, particularly for task-oriented spaces like kitchens. Unfortunately, this model does not offer adjustable color temperature, which could be a limitation for those who have specific lighting preferences.

Another potential issue is the motion sensor’s sensitivity. While the sensor generally works well, there were a few instances where the light turned on or off unexpectedly. This could be due to the sensor picking up movement from a distance or being triggered by other light sources. It’s worth noting that the sensor cannot be disabled, which might be a concern for users who prefer manual control.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall performance and convenience of the Black & Decker 1-Bar LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit make it a worthwhile investment. The ease of installation, energy efficiency, and user-friendly features far outweigh the limitations. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your kitchen, office, or any other workspace, this lighting kit offers a practical and effective solution.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Black & Decker 1-Bar LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit for anyone seeking an easy-to-install, energy-efficient, and versatile lighting solution. The hands-free operation, adjustable brightness levels, and sleek design make it a valuable addition to any home or workspace. While the warm color temperature and motion sensor sensitivity might not be perfect for everyone, the overall benefits and functionality of this lighting kit are hard to beat. If you’re in the market for under-cabinet lighting, this kit is definitely worth considering.