Kitchen counter lighting

G

gnubbit

Registered User
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344
Hi,

I was wondering what the best option for kitchen countertop (under the wall presses) lighting is.

My current kitchen has small fluorescent strip lights. The problem with these is that they make the cupboards they are attached to quite hot and I can't store food on the bottom shelf or the heat will spoil it.

I was considering halogen lights but I know they get quite hot too so was worried the same thing might happen.

The electician who is wiring my new kitchen said my best option is a single fluorescent strip that will run the length of the counter. He didn't seem to think heat will be a problem but I'm a bit dubious.

So, any opinions? What is the usual option?

I'd appreciate any advice.

g
 
Hi
I have long strips of fluorescent lighting under my cupboards. It doesn't seem to get as hot as spot lights/halogen bulbs, but they do certainly generate heat. The light is also a horrible cold shade.
One other problem, is that they highlight the whole area, so it needs to be kept spotless!(I have black shiny granite on the countertops, looks awful if not spick and span!).
I got an electrician in to install these, after my place was finished, but I usually don't turn on these lights, because of the colour, and the high-lighting effect. This is probably made more apparent by my granite worktop however.
Regards
Nicola
 
Hi Nicola,

Thanks that's very helpful - I didn't think of it showing up any mess!

Would you say the heat was a problem for you?

I think I heard some of the newer fluorescent lights have a better colour, how old would yours be?

Thanks,

g
 
I have also been thinking about this, as I have the same heating problem from the existing lights.

I think LED lighting is the best option - but am still looking at the various sources and types.

Something like this would seem to do the job :

[broken link removed]
 
Hi Gnubbit
My lights would have been installed about 4 years ago. I had a similar problem with a cold light from smaller fluorescent bulbs in my living room/bedroom, but managed to get softer toned ones (had to get them in a specialist light store).I don't know if there are similar solutions for the longer bulbs.
I haven't had a big problem with the heat, but I hardly use the lights at all though... Part of the heat problem is that these bulbs are under something (cupboards) which traps the heat, and also are close to whatever you store underneath them. I would never store food under them because of these two issues.
I have in general had a problem with heat/steam in my kitchen though, as the power points for kettle etc are directly under my presses: the kettle in turn has unfortunately steamed off the veneering from the presses: maybe keep this potential problem in mind if you are getting sockets done as well as lights, as steam can cause considerable damage over time.
Is there any place you could see a demo model eg a kitchen store, so you could see if you like the way the lights look before you install them?
Nicola
 
Thanks for the replies. Thinking about it, it would only be used infrequently so hopefully heat won't be a problem.

Eurodilbert, I saw some LED lights on one of my frequent Ikea pilgrimages and they didn't seem to give off great light. But little or no heat so maybe they are the way to go. If you find anything good maybe you could let me know?
 
gnubbit said:
Hi,

I was wondering what the best option for kitchen countertop (under the wall presses) lighting is.

My current kitchen has small fluorescent strip lights.
g
Click to expand...

Are you sure that these are fluorescent? There are many variations of strip lights which are incandescent, and judging by the level of heat which you describe, could it be that you have some of these? Can you determine the wattage of the bulbs. If the wattage is more than about 10w for each foot of lighting, then it is not fluorescent. If the heat uncomfortable when you put your hand on it, then it is not fluorescent!

I have under-press flourescent lights which are super-slim 5w, each bulb being about 8" (20cm), and mounted with about 15mm gap between fitting and base of press, using supplied mounts. There is no noticable heat within the press.
 
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