I've done both rechargeable and wired setups, and honestly, each has its pros and cons:
- Rechargeables are great if you hate wiring or if you're renting and can't make permanent changes. But I agree, popping them off every few months does get old after a while, especially if they're in awkward spots. I had some under-cabinet lights like this once—loved the convenience at first, but eventually got tired of climbing up to recharge them.
- Wired lighting is definitely more upfront work (running wires behind cabinets or drywall can be a pain), but once it's done, you're set. No worrying about batteries dying halfway through cooking dinner or hosting guests. Plus, wired setups usually have better brightness and more consistent lighting quality overall.
Personally, after experiencing both sides, I'd lean toward wired for my next kitchen remodel. The initial hassle pays off long-term with less maintenance. But I totally understand why rechargeable lights are popular—especially if you're not sure about placement or don't want to commit permanently.
One thing I've been curious about lately is smart lighting setups—like Philips Hue or similar systems. Not just for color-changing gimmicks, but for dimming control and scheduling features. Has anyone here tried smart lights in their kitchen? I'm wondering if they're worth the extra cost and setup effort...
I'm with you on wired setups being worth the hassle. Did rechargeable under-cabinet lights once and yeah, climbing up to recharge them got old fast—especially when one would inevitably die right before guests came over. Switched to wired LED strips last year, and it's been a game changer. Took a weekend of cursing and drywall dust, but now they're bright, consistent, and zero maintenance.
As for smart lighting, I've got Hue bulbs in my kitchen ceiling fixtures. Honestly, I rarely use the color-changing stuff, but the dimming and scheduling are surprisingly handy. It's nice having them auto-dim late at night or brighten gradually in the morning. But fair warning: the cost adds up quick, especially if you're doing multiple fixtures. If you're mostly after dimming and scheduling, you might get similar results cheaper with smart switches instead of bulbs. Just something to think about...
Did anyone else underestimate the hassle of battery-powered lights? I put some in my pantry thinking "no big deal," but man, changing batteries every month is no fun. Wired LEDs next time for sure...maybe smart switches too, if my wallet agrees.
Battery lights aren't always that bad...maybe you just got unlucky? I've had mine in the closet for almost a year now, still going strong. Could be worth trying rechargeable batteries before rewiring everything—cheaper and less hassle overall.
I've had mixed luck with battery lights myself. Maybe it depends on the brand or something? Rechargeables could definitely be a good compromise—have you noticed any difference in brightness or battery life compared to regular batteries? I haven't tried them yet, but if they're reliable enough, it might save me from tearing into drywall again...which I'd really like to avoid if possible.
