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Kitchen Light Fixtures
Fluorescent light. Fluorescent tubes are unrivaled for energy efficiency and last far longer than incandescent bulbs. In some areas, general lighting for new kitchens must be fluorescent.
Older fluorescent tubes have been criticized for noise, flicker, and poor color rendition. Electronic ballasts and better fixture shielding have remedied the first two problems; as for the last one, manufacturers have developed fluorescents in a wide spectrum of colors, from very warm to very cool.
Quartz halogen. These bright, white sources are excellent for task lighting, pinpoint accenting, and other dramatic accents. Halogen is usually low-voltage but may use standard line current. The popular MR-16 bulb creates the tightest beam; for a longer reach and wider coverage, choose a PAR-bulb.
Halogen has two disadvantages: its high initial cost and its very high heat production. Be sure to choose a fixture specifically intended for halogen bulbs, and shop for UL-approved fixtures.
Older fluorescent tubes have been criticized for noise, flicker, and poor color rendition. Electronic ballasts and better fixture shielding have remedied the first two problems; as for the last one, manufacturers have developed fluorescents in a wide spectrum of colors, from very warm to very cool.
Quartz halogen. These bright, white sources are excellent for task lighting, pinpoint accenting, and other dramatic accents. Halogen is usually low-voltage but may use standard line current. The popular MR-16 bulb creates the tightest beam; for a longer reach and wider coverage, choose a PAR-bulb.
Halogen has two disadvantages: its high initial cost and its very high heat production. Be sure to choose a fixture specifically intended for halogen bulbs, and shop for UL-approved fixtures.
