TL;DR
Get coffee and tea gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The Kitchn shopping writer Micki Wagner tested seven under-cabinet lights in her kitchen over two weeks and named the corded, touchless MYPLUS light her best overall pick. Her review also highlights Energizer battery-powered puck lights and a multicolored BLS set, while noting that only five of the seven lights passed her adhesive test.
The Kitchn shopping writer Micki Wagner tested seven under-cabinet kitchen lights and named the MYPLUS Under-Cabinet Light with Hand Wave her best overall choice, citing its brightness, adhesive mounting and touchless controls. The review, based on two weeks of use, found that only five lights stayed attached during the publication’s adhesive test, offering readers a practical comparison before buying task lighting for a kitchen counter.
Wagner evaluated each light on illumination, installation and durability. She mounted the products with their included adhesive stickers, then left each switched on for more than two hours to check whether it became concerningly hot. She also tested how well each model lit the counter and tried additional features such as motion-style hand controls and color changes. The report does not provide measured brightness or temperature readings.
The MYPLUS light costs $16 and was tested in its 16-inch size; 24- and 36-inch versions are also available, according to the review. Wagner said it lit her coffee-counter area fully, attached with adhesive and could also be installed with screws. A hand waved past its side sensor turns it on, while holding a hand near the sensor adjusts brightness. Its main drawback is that it is corded rather than battery-powered, which may be inconvenient for kitchens with fewer nearby outlets.
Two other products earned category recommendations. Wagner described the Energizer Battery-Powered Puck Lights, a $10.50 two-pack, as straightforward to install and operate, but said the lights were relatively dim and produced a more limited pool of light. The BLS LED Puck Lights with Remote Control offer 13 colors, brightness adjustment and 30- or 60-minute timers; Wagner said they gave the best coverage among the puck lights she tested. The source material does not include the full results for all seven products.
Choosing Light for Kitchen Counters
Under-cabinet lights can add illumination directly over work surfaces, where overhead fixtures may leave shadows or provide insufficient light. Wagner’s test focuses on purchase considerations readers can compare: how well a product lights the counter, how it attaches and how it is powered. Her findings also show why a low price or a convenient feature may not tell the whole story: the Energizer set was less expensive than the MYPLUS model, but the reviewer found it dimmer.
The recommendations reflect one reviewer’s use in one kitchen, not a controlled laboratory comparison or a guarantee that adhesive will hold on every cabinet surface. The corded MYPLUS may suit a counter near an outlet, while battery-operated puck lights avoid a power cord but require batteries. Those trade-offs can help shoppers match a light to their own layout and priorities.
Products Worth Considering
Ninja Kitchen System Pro, 1500W, 72oz Pitcher, 8-Cup, Black, BL770
KitchenAid Go Cordless Citrus Juicer with Battery, KCJR161BM
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe, Brushed Stainless Steel
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
How Wagner Ran the Test
Wagner said she wanted more light on her counters despite having overhead lighting and a dim fixture above her stove. She set a specific requirement for the products: they needed to mount with adhesive, avoiding the need for a drill or screwdriver, and the adhesive needed to hold securely. She ordered seven lights for testing in her own kitchen.
Her report says five of the seven passed the adhesive test. The two-hour warmth test was intended to check whether a light became concerningly hot, but the published material does not identify a specific temperature threshold or provide individual results for every model. The review also notes that prices were accurate at the time of publication and that The Kitchn may earn a commission if readers buy through its links.
““I am so impressed by this under-cabinet light.””
— Micki Wagner, The Kitchn shopping writer
Limits of the Published Results
The report does not give the names or complete results of all seven lights in the supplied material, nor does it identify which two failed the adhesive test. It also does not publish measured light output, temperature readings or longer-term durability results. Wagner’s two weeks of use and two-hour warmth checks offer a snapshot, not evidence about performance over months or years. Adhesive performance may also depend on cabinet material and surface preparation; the report does not describe testing across different surfaces.
The headline’s suggestion that the winner is a light the reviewer will use “forever” is a personal endorsement, not a claim of lifetime durability. The source supports her choice as the best overall among the seven tested, but does not establish that it is the best option for every kitchen or that it will remain attached indefinitely.
What Shoppers Should Check
The article does not announce a follow-up test or provide a schedule for new results. Shoppers can use the review’s comparisons to check whether a corded model will reach a nearby outlet, whether a puck light’s coverage suits the counter, and whether the selected light’s adhesive or screw-mount option fits their cabinets. They should also confirm current price, dimensions, power requirements and included mounting hardware with the seller, since listings and prices can change after publication.
Key Questions
Which under-cabinet light did The Kitchn name best overall?
The Kitchn’s Micki Wagner selected the MYPLUS Under-Cabinet Light with Hand Wave. She praised its brightness, adhesive installation and touchless controls.
How much does the MYPLUS light cost?
The review listed the tested MYPLUS light at $16. The publication said its listed prices were accurate at the time of publishing, but prices may change.
Did all seven lights stay attached?
No. Wagner said five of the seven lights passed her adhesive test. The supplied report does not identify the two that failed.
What are the drawbacks of the MYPLUS pick?
It is corded, unlike most of the lights Wagner tested, so it may be less suitable where an outlet is not nearby. The review also does not establish how the adhesive performs over long periods or on every cabinet surface.
Which tested lights offer alternatives to the MYPLUS?
The review recommends the Energizer Battery-Powered Puck Lights as a simple, lower-cost option and the BLS LED Puck Lights with Remote Control for color choices and broad coverage among the puck lights tested.
Source: thekitchn.com
