Designing the lighting inside of your kitchen can be a great way to make it both more functional and beautiful. While you might be tempted to stick with the standard overhead light, have you ever wondered what your space would look like if you instead opted for recessed light bulbs?
Our expert testers discuss the six best recessed light bulbs for kitchen and talk about their pros and cons in this article.
Here are the best recessed light bulbs for kitchen you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Maximum Eye Comfort: Sunco Lighting BR30-11W-3K-6PK
- Energy Efficient: Lepro 200072-DW-US-6
- Easy To Install: Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635
- Color Changing: JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02
- Longest Lifespan: LEDIARY 16-Pack BR30
- Brightest: Sunperian SP34023
| 6 Best Recessed Light Bulbs For Kitchen | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Maximum Eye Comfort | Sunco Lighting BR30-11W-3K-6PK | |
Energy Efficient | Lepro 200072-DW-US-6 | |
Easy To Install | Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635 | |
Color Changing | JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02 | |
Longest Lifespan | LEDIARY 16-Pack BR30 | |
Brightest | Sunperian SP34023 | |
Best For Maximum Eye Comfort: Sunco Lighting BR30-11W-3K-6PK
- Offer maximum eye comfort – flicker-free bulb
- Reliable - UL listed
- Instant on
- Wish there were more dimming settings
This recessed light bulb from Sunco Lighting is among the most well-built options we tested.
It’s instant on with no delay without flickering or buzzing, which is sore-free and gentle for the eyes, especially if you need to spend hours in the kitchen cooking a big meal.
The dimmer runs without any humming noise or problems and changes smoothly from 100% to 10%, which is totally a big plus compared to other dimmable recessed kitchen lights at the same price.
| Sunco Lighting BR30-11W-3K-6PK Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 11W |
Brightness | 850 LM |
Color Temperature | 3000K |
Lifespan | 25,000 hours |
Highlight Features | flicker-free bulb UL listed Instant on |
The Sunco Lighting BR30-11W-3K-6PK is the best choice for maximum eye comfort due to its flicker-free glow.
Energy Efficient: Lepro 200072-DW-US-6
- Energy-efficient – 89% more energy-saving than halogen bulbs
- Offer focus light effect – a 40-degree beam angle
- Environment-friendly & health-safe – no infrared or UV light, or mercury
- Not as long-lasting as most of our other picks
The Lepro 200072-DW-US-6 is the most energy-efficient recessed bulb for kitchens.
They give off 400 lumens while only consuming 5.5 watts of energy, saving you 89% on your electricity bill, while other LED bulbs are stated to be just around 80-85% more energy-efficient than halogen lights.
Casting a 5000K white light glow, this bulb is as bright as natural daily lighting. And the 40-degree beam angle gives the perfect focus light effect to accentuate a decorative item in the room.
The Lepro 200072-DW-US-6 is also among the most environment-friendly recessed lights we tested, as it doesn't generate infrared or UV light and has no mercury, either.
| Lepro 200072-DW-US-6 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 5.5W |
Brightness | 400LM |
Color Temperature | 5000K |
Lifespan | up to 15,000 hours |
Highlight Features | 89% more energy-saving than halogen bulbs a 40-degree beam angle no infrared or UV light, or mercury |
The most energy-efficient recessed light bulb you’ve been after is here, the Lepro 200072-DW-US-6, which is claimed to be 89% more efficient than traditional bulbs.
Easy To Install: Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635
- Easy to install – compatibility with all standard E26 light base
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor kitchens - damp-rated
- Provide generous lighting coverage - a 120-degree beam angle
- Shorter lifespan than other LED bulbs
- Cooler than other 3000K bulbs
The Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635 is the perfect replacement for your old, inefficient halogen and incandescent bulbs. It's brighter, more energy-efficient, and incredibly easy to assemble.
Its BR30 shape is compatible with all standard E26 medium screw base fixtures. The bulb is also damp-rated, so you can feel confident using them in an open-style or outdoor kitchen.
In terms of brightness and coverage, the FR-ZNJS-0317-635 creates a bright 650-lumen warm white glow, with dimming capability from 100-10%. It doesn't delay, buzz, or flicker—which is comfortable for weak, sensitive eyes.
With a 120-degree beam angle, this bulb offers generous lighting coverage, making it ideal for larger spaces.
| Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 8.5 watts |
Brightness | 650 lumens |
Color Temperature | 3000K |
Lifespan | 15,000 hours |
Highlight Features | compatibility with all standard E26 light base damp-rated a 120-degree beam angle |
The Energetic FR-ZNJS-0317-635 is a decent option for people who want a bright, easy-to-assemble recessed light bulb for their kitchen.
Color Changing: JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02
- Flexibly create the perfect mood - 2 auto color cycle modes & 17 dimmable color choices
- Auto-off after a certain time – a timer
- Memorize your favorite settings for the next uses - a dual memory function
- Not easy to synchronize
- Not for high ceilings
Want to add a stylish and modern touch to your kitchen?
We highly recommend the JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02.
It provides 2 auto color cycle modes and 17 dimmable color choices, controlled by a remote within an effective range of 16.4 feet. Use the dimming buttons to adjust the brightness of each color, and the pause button to hold your favorite hue.
The timing function lets you schedule the light to be turned off automatically in an hour or more. Better yet, this remote features a dual memory function, so your settings will stay the same until the next time you turn on the lights.
Using 2700-6500K LED chips, this bulb offers a superior white glow to regular Led ones.
| JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 12W |
Brightness | 1050lm |
Color Temperature | 2700k & 6500k |
Lifespan | 25,000 hours |
Highlight Features | 2 auto color cycle modes & 17 dimmable color choices a timer a dual memory function |
The Color-Changing JandCase CRBYK012E262/BR30-10-02 is the perfect choice for decoration purposes.
Longest Lifespan: LEDIARY 16-Pack BR30
- The longest lifespan, up to 50K hours
- Versatile – three color temperature settings & stepless dimming ranges
- No complaint
The average lifespan of most LED recessed bulbs we tested ranges around 15,000-25,000 hours, but this one from LEDIARY is 50,000 hours, which is 2 to 3 times longer. This significantly reduces your relamping costs to save you on maintenance costs.
Moreover, this LEDIARY recessed bulb is 85% more energy-efficient than the traditional one and has a dimmable range from 10%-100%.
Its three color temperature settings are also a nice bonus point to perfectly create the desired ambiance. You also peacefully make a purchase with no hassles of exchanging or returning the product due to incorrect color temperature.
| LEDIARY 16-Pack BR30 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 8W |
Brightness | 650LM |
Color Temperature | 2700K/3000K/5000K |
Lifespan | up to 50000 hours. |
Highlight Features | The longest lifespan, up to 50K hours three color temperature settings & stepless dimming ranges |
If you’re looking for a kitchen recessed light that’s bulb built to last, choose the LEDIARY 16-Pack BR30. It has the longest lifespan, up to 50,000 hours.
Brightest: Sunperian SP34023
- Leave your kitchen with no dark spots - 1400 lumens with dimming function
- Durable & safe - shatterproof construction
- Ideal for outdoor kitchens – damp-rated, enclosed fixture design
- A step price tag
Looking for an indoor flood light that packs a powerful punch? Try the Sunperian SP34023.
Offering 1400 lumens, these high-performance bulbs are designed to provide superior lighting in any setting, giving your kitchen even illumination distribution with no dark corners.
With a beam angle of 110°, they're perfect for recessed lighting in a large area. And because they're dimmable, you can create the perfect ambiance for any mood or occasion.
Another notable feature of the Sunperian SP34023 is its shatterproof construction, making it durable and risk-free for accidental drops or rough handling. Besides, the bulb is waterproof, damp-rated, and UL-listed for outdoor or open kitchens.
| Sunperian SP34023 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 13W |
Brightness | 1400 Lumens |
Color Temperature | 3500K |
Lifespan | 25,000 hours |
Highlight Features | 1400 lumens with dimming function shatterproof construction damp-rated, enclosed fixture design |
At 1400 lumens, the Sunperian SP34023 becomes the brightest recessed light bulb among the contenders we tested.
How To Choose The Best Recessed Light Bulb For Kitchen?
Incandescent, Halogen, CFL, or LED Light Bulbs?
Halogen and incandescent bulbs
There are many types of light bulbs to choose from.
Incandescent and halogen bulbs are the oldest, with the signature of warm-looking light.
However, they are short-lived and expensive to operate compared to newer bulbs. If you still want one, be prepared to keep replacing it regularly and spending extra money on energy bills.
CFL bulbs
They offer a longer lifespan and more efficient lighting than the two above, but require a longer warmup time and initially cost higher. They're also unable to dim smoothly and have limited color temperatures.
LED bulbs
This type offers all the benefits of incandescent lighting, but with much more. They are far more efficient to save you tons of money over time. Plus, they typically last 20 years or more--much longer than incandescent.
Color Temperature
The color temperature of a light bulb is measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the light will appear, and vice versa.
So, a 2700K LED light bulb, for example, will emit a warm white light, while a 5000K LED light will emit a cool white light.
When choosing recessed light bulbs for your kitchen, it is important to consider the desired effect you are hoping to achieve.
If you want your kitchen to feel warm and inviting, then you will want to choose bulbs with a lower Kelvin rating. However, if you are looking for brighter, whiter light in your kitchen, then you will want to choose bulbs with a higher Kelvin rating.
Bulb Size
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your light bulbs for your kitchen.
Your ceiling height
If you have high ceilings, you'll want to make sure you choose a light bulb that is powerful enough to illuminate the entire space. Bulbs that are too small will get lost in the vastness of a high ceiling, and won't do much to brighten up the room.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the brighter the light will be.
However, you don't want to choose a bulb that is too powerful, as this can lead to eye strain and headaches. Instead, try to find a happy medium between brightness and power consumption.
The ambient lighting in your kitchen
If you have a lot of natural light coming in from windows, you won't need as much artificial light from your bulbs.
Conversely, if your kitchen is quite dark, you'll want to make sure you choose bulbs that are strong enough to provide adequate illumination.
Which Brands Make The Best Recessed Light Bulb For Kitchen?
Sunco Lighting
Established in 2014, Sunco Lighting has been a reliable address for US and worldwide shoppers to get the most energy-efficient LED lights with exceptional brightness, install-friendly designs, and durable materials.
With years of industry experience and knowledge, they offer a wide range of commercial and residential lighting products, both abroad and at home.
Lepro
Most of Lepro's commercial lighting products are DLC-listed and Energy-Star-labeled.
They have been developing and improving their products from customer feedback and requirements, so their products are known for superior practicality, safety, and efficiency, with world-class quality and warranty.
FAQs
Are recessed lights good for kitchen?
Yes, they are.
Recessed lights in kitchens provide beneficial ambient lighting and excellent task lighting when combined with other fixtures such as pendants.
What size recessed lights should I use in my kitchen?
The recommended sizes of recessed lights for kitchens are 4-5”.
Is recessed lighting going out of style?
No, it isn’t. Recessed lighting is never out of style because they bring so many benefits:
- Cast light on the wall you want to accentuate
- Make a space feel larger by creating the “wall washing” lighting effect
- Add illumination to a room
How much should it cost to have recessed lighting installed?
On average, the cost to have recessed lighting installed ranges from $65 to $175 per light in a new home, and $125 to $300 in an existing home.
How far from kitchen cabinets should recessed lights be?
It’s recommended installing recessed lights 12-18” from the kitchen cabinets and 12” apart from each other to ensure offering sufficient lighting to the counter areas.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different recessed light bulbs on the market, but not all of them are created equal. We've done the research and found the best recessed light bulbs for kitchen to make your decision-making process less stressful. That’s all for this article and thanks for reading!
Jane Orta
