Switch All Bulbs to LED
Match color temperature throughout: 2700K-3000K for warm, 4000K for task light. LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25x longer than incandescents.
Quick Summary
15-30 minutes
$20-$100
Easy
$50-$150
Why Switch to LED?
If you still have incandescent or CFL bulbs in your kitchen, you're wasting money every day. LEDs aren't just more efficient—they produce better quality light, last decades instead of years, and don't contain mercury like CFLs.
LED vs. Incandescent vs. CFL
| Feature | LED | Incandescent | CFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy use (60W equiv.) | 8-12W | 60W | 13-15W |
| Lifespan | 15,000-50,000 hrs | 1,000-2,000 hrs | 8,000-10,000 hrs |
| Annual cost (3 hrs/day) | $1.08 | $7.88 | $1.74 |
| Contains mercury | No | No | Yes |
| Instant-on | Yes | Yes | No (warm-up needed) |
Understanding Color Temperature
The biggest mistake people make with LEDs is mixing color temperatures, creating a jarring patchwork of warm and cool light. Choose one temperature and use it throughout your kitchen.
2700K - Soft White (Warm)
Closest to traditional incandescent. Creates a cozy, inviting glow. Best for:
- • Traditional or farmhouse style kitchens
- • Dining areas adjacent to kitchen
- • Evening ambiance
3000K - Warm White (Balanced)
The sweet spot for most kitchens. Warm but bright enough for cooking. Best for:
- • Most kitchen styles
- • General overhead lighting
- • Pendant lights over islands
4000K-5000K - Cool White (Bright)
Brighter, more focused light. Good for task areas but can feel clinical. Best for:
- • Under-cabinet task lighting
- • Modern, minimalist kitchens
- • Areas where color accuracy matters (food prep)
Pro tip: Buy one bulb of each temperature you're considering. Test them in the evening when you'll notice color differences most. The small investment prevents a kitchen full of wrong-temperature bulbs.
Wattage to Lumens Conversion
Forget wattage—lumens measure actual light output. Here's how to convert:
40W
incandescent
450 lumens
~5W LED
60W
incandescent
800 lumens
~9W LED
75W
incandescent
1100 lumens
~13W LED
100W
incandescent
1600 lumens
~18W LED
When in doubt, go slightly brighter. You can always dim a bright bulb, but you can't make a dim bulb brighter.
Common Kitchen Bulb Types
A19 (Standard Bulb Shape)
The classic bulb shape. Used in most ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and some pendant lights. E26 (medium) base is standard in North America.
Typical replacement: 9-12W LED = 60-75W equivalent
BR30/BR40 (Recessed Can Lights)
Bulged reflector bulbs for recessed ceiling fixtures. BR30 is 3.75" diameter (5-6" cans), BR40 is 5" diameter (6" cans). Look for "flood" beam angle.
Typical replacement: 10-15W LED = 65-75W equivalent
GU10 (Track Lighting Spotlights)
Twist-and-lock base used in track lighting and some accent fixtures. Look for the wattage printed on the existing bulb.
Typical replacement: 4-6W LED = 35-50W halogen equivalent
T8/T12 (Under-Cabinet Tubes)
Fluorescent tubes in under-cabinet fixtures. Can replace with LED tubes (may need ballast bypass) or replace entire fixture with LED strip.
Consider: Replacing entire fixture is often easier than LED tube conversion
E12 Candelabra Base
Smaller base used in decorative fixtures, chandeliers, and some range hoods. Make sure you match the base size—E12 is smaller than standard E26.
Typical replacement: 4-6W LED = 40-60W equivalent
Special Considerations
Dimmer Compatibility
Standard dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs often cause LEDs to flicker, buzz, or only dim to 50%. You need both dimmable LEDs AND an LED-compatible dimmer switch. Lutron, Leviton, and Philips make reliable LED dimmers ($25-40).
Enclosed Fixtures
LEDs generate heat at the base (not the bulb), and enclosed fixtures trap this heat, dramatically shortening LED lifespan. Look for bulbs specifically rated for "enclosed fixtures" or "totally enclosed." Standard LEDs in enclosed fixtures may last only 1-2 years instead of 10+.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI measures how accurately colors appear under the light. For kitchens where you want food to look appetizing, choose bulbs with CRI 90+ (often listed as "high CRI" or "premium color"). Standard LEDs are typically CRI 80.
Appliance Bulbs
Refrigerator and range hood bulbs need to be rated for extreme temperatures. Use appliance-rated LED bulbs only. Standard LEDs will fail quickly in these environments. The A15 shape with E26 base is most common.
Create Your Shopping List
Walk through your kitchen and inventory every bulb:
Trusted LED Brands
Budget-Friendly
- • Great Value (Walmart) - Best value, decent quality
- • Amazon Basics - Reliable, good price
- • EcoSmart (Home Depot) - Consistent performance
Premium Quality
- • Philips - Excellent color quality, high CRI
- • Cree - Known for durability, good dimmability
- • GE Reveal - Best color rendering, premium price
Frequently Asked Questions
What color temperature is best for kitchen lighting?
For kitchens, 2700K-3000K creates a warm, inviting atmosphere similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. 3000K is the sweet spot for most kitchens, providing warmth while still being bright enough for cooking. For task areas like over the sink or prep space, 3500K-4000K provides slightly cooler, more focused light that helps with visibility.
How do I convert old bulb wattage to LED lumens?
When replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, focus on lumens (brightness) not watts (energy). A 40W incandescent equals about 450 lumens, 60W equals 800 lumens, 75W equals 1100 lumens, and 100W equals 1600 lumens. An LED using only 9-12 watts can produce the same light as a 60W incandescent.
Can I use LED bulbs with my existing dimmer switch?
Not always. Old incandescent dimmers often don't work properly with LEDs, causing flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range. You need both dimmable LED bulbs AND an LED-compatible dimmer switch. Check bulb packaging for "dimmable" label, and consider upgrading to a dimmer rated for LED/CFL loads.
Why do some LED bulbs fail quickly in certain fixtures?
LED bulbs are heat-sensitive, and enclosed fixtures trap heat that shortens LED lifespan significantly. Look for bulbs specifically rated for "enclosed fixtures" on the packaging. Recessed cans and fully enclosed ceiling fixtures are common problem spots. Proper ventilation is key to LED longevity.