Considering a switch to LEDs for your kitchen?
While LEDs are a great option in general, you do have to be careful of where you place them!
In general, regular LED strip lights pose a bit of a risk when used in kitchens — and especially over stoves — due to the potential for damage and fire hazards. However, that’s not to say you should steer clear of LED strips in the kitchen at all costs!
Want to know more about using LED strip lights in your cooking area? Read on to learn more about:
- A few of the reasons why you shouldn’t put LED lights over stoves
- Other great lighting options to try
- Ways to get the most out of your LED kitchen lights.
Let’s get into it!
Contents
Can You Put LED Strip Lights over Stoves?
Generally, the answer is no! LED strip lights can’t be placed too close to the hob as this can expose them to a lot of potential damage.
However, if you position your lights sufficiently far away and check the manufacturer’s guide, LED lights over the stove can still be a viable option.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Put LED Strip Lights Over Your Stove
LED strip lights over the stove are usually not a great idea! There are just so many things that can go wrong with this placement, as well as factors that can generally diminish the quality of your lighting.
Risk of Damage
Stoves, especially gas varieties, will damage regular LED strip lights over time. This is because LED lights produce so little heat themselves (less than half the heat produced by some older bulb types) that they aren’t designed to cope with high temperatures.
With this design limitation in mind, exposing LEDs to high-heat environments will cause them to fade or have a shortened lifespan. Additionally, the shape and proximity of strip lights mean they’re at a higher risk of experiencing damage.
Fire Hazard
LED lights as a whole are a safer alternative to traditional bulbs, but there are some cases where they can’t and shouldn’t be used.
If LED lights are placed in high-temperature areas such as the stove, then their wiring (which isn’t designed for heat) could become overloaded and start to overheat — potentially starting a fire.
Dimming of Lights
The heat from the stove will damage the internal components of the LEDs, which will result in the LEDs gradually producing less light. Steam from the stove can also find its way into the strip lights, further dimming them.
Grease Buildup
As your LED lights become exposed to grease buildup from the stove, they’ll suffer damage over time. It’s difficult to clean these lights — and if done incorrectly, you could end up doing more harm than good!
Alternative Lighting Options for over the Stove
If you want to light up your cooking spot, why not look into other alternatives? There are plenty of great options for kitchen lighting other than LEDs, with some having the ability to elevate the overall aesthetics of the area!
Extractor Fan Lights
Extractor fan lights are one of the most popular options for over-the-stove lighting. They extract steam and other odors, replacing it with fresh air and improving your home air circulation.
Extraction fans also typically have lights that are kept cool and regulated, reducing the risk of overheating and other fire hazards. This also means they’ll last longer!
Recessed Kitchen Lighting
Want to save on space while also having a clear, focused light that’s perfect for cooking? If so, look into getting recessed kitchen lighting!
These compact lights are comfortably snug in the ceiling so they won’t get in the way of your cooking. While they require a bit more planning to fit in, they’re generally easier to clean in the long term. If space efficiency is a priority, be sure to check this option out!
Pendant Lights
Here’s another option for improving kitchen aesthetics without too much fuss: pendant lights! These effortlessly provide accent and character to your cooking area, and they’re also popular for being easy to change.
Here’s something to keep in mind, however — the detrimental effect of heat on pendant lights means they aren’t a viable option directly over the stove.
Track Lighting
If you want a spotlight on your cooking (literally!), track lighting is another fantastic option. Aside from being ideal for illuminating larger spaces, these are also fantastic for highlighting select areas of your kitchen and creating a soft and warm ambiance.
However, just like pendant lights, track lighting isn’t as practical as a lighting option directly above your stove. That’s because it can’t tolerate being too close to heat!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Kitchen LED Strip Lighting
If you’re determined to use LED strip lights, here are ways you can make the most out of them:
Use a Remote Control
Using an LED controller can give you more freedom with your lighting as it provides you with plenty of room for creativity and flexibility.
When you need to adjust your lighting to suit your needs, it’s often safer and more efficient to control your LED than placing one directly over the stovetop!
Proper Installation and Placement
As with any use of LED lighting, you need to install these lights correctly. This is particularly important for high-risk areas, such as those over the stove.
You need to be conscious of the type of LED you are buying, having the right ventilation and the correct wattage, and confirming that it’s a safe distance away. There’s a lot to consider when making these decisions, but due to LED lights’ long lifespan, it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential for any LED lighting, but even more so over the stovetop! Grease and steam buildup is very capable of damaging the lights and causing premature failure.
Consult the manufacturer guidelines and ask your salesperson how to best install and maintain your LED lighting. Also, follow maintenance instructions to a tee so you can make the most of your lights!
Conclusion
LED lighting is always a tempting option for modern homes. However, it’s not always as straightforward as it looks!
Lighting not only affects the ambiance and functionality of your home, but it also directly impacts safety. And while LED strip lights are still at home in your kitchen, they might be better suited to lighting up other parts of the house.
Before you decide, it helps to check out other options that are available too. Whether it’s LED or something else, the right lighting will help to elevate the atmosphere of your kitchen!
