Talk about a bright idea! Bright light fixtures installed directly underneath the kitchen cabinets illuminate the countertops below for safer, more functional food prep and brighter small-appliance storage. Under-cabinet lighting is also considered a decorative element since the lower height of the light fixtures can show off a backsplash pattern better, just as puck lights can highlight work spaces in the kitchen. Additional areas of light can make a kitchen appear larger or, when controlled by dimmers, they can contribute to overall ambiance. The best under-cabinet lighting brings greater efficiency to a cooking space, a bit of class to a kitchen, and even connectivity with smart-home devices for optimal control and energy savings.

We conducted hands-on reviews of every product here, closely following testing guidelines and putting the lighting kits through rigorous use to help narrow down the contenders to the best on the market right now. The products reviewed here are all top-notch in their respective categories.