When it comes to dimmable LED recessed lights, there are a number of options on the market, which makes it difficult to choose the best one. In this article, we compiled a list of the top 6 best dimmable LED recessed lights out there. Be sure to read till the end for our recommendation.
Here are the best dimmable led recessed lights you can buy in 2024:
- Energy-Efficient: Ensenior 12 Pack 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED
- Ultra-Bright: Hykolity Selectable CCT LED
- Flicker-Free: ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING Slim LED
- Durable: TORCHSTAR E-Star Series 3 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Lights
- Ultra-Thin Design: ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light
- Easy To Install: PARMIDA 12-Pack 6-inch Dimmable LED
| 6 Best Dimmable Led Recessed Lights | ||
|---|---|---|
Energy-Efficient | Ensenior 12 Pack 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED | |
Ultra-Bright | Hykolity Selectable CCT LED | |
Flicker-Free | ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING Slim LED | |
Durable | TORCHSTAR E-Star Series 3 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Lights | |
Ultra-Thin Design | ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light | |
Easy To Install | PARMIDA 12-Pack 6-inch Dimmable LED | |
Energy-Efficient: Ensenior 12 Pack 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED
- Energy efficiency rating is 88% & Energy Star certification
- Reliable & safe to use - UL- and ETL-listed & the manufacturer's 5-year warranty
- Versatile – ultra-thin low-profile design
- The edges of the holes are sharp
At 750 lumens of brightness, the Ensenior 12-Pack 4-Inch can't be beaten in terms of cost-saving ability.
Its lifespan is 50,000 hours - equivalent to 45 years of life at three hours per day or 22 years at six hours per day. Its energy efficiency is up to 88% while that of regular LED lights is only around 75% to 85%.
The product, besides, is Energy Star certified, UL- and ETL-listed.
It's safe enough to be used in damp locations and features an ultra-thin low-profile design, which is perfect for various applications.
Finally, we were convinced by the manufacturer's 5-year warranty.
| Ensenior 12 Pack 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 9W |
Light Size | 4 Inches / 6 Inches |
Brightness | 750LM |
Color Temperature | 3000K/4000K/5000K |
Dimming Range | 5% - 100% |
Highlight Features | Energy Star certification UL- and ETL-listed & the manufacturer's 5-year warranty ultra-thin low-profile design |
We really loved the Ensenior 12-Pack 4-Inch LED. It's very bright, safe to use, and above all, extremely energy-efficient.
Ultra-Bright: Hykolity Selectable CCT LED
- 1,100 lumens of brightness
- Dependable – made in the USA & a 1-year warranty
- Flexible & convenient – five color temperature options
- The included hooks don’t work well
- Not coming with a gasket
The Hykolity Selectable CCT LED gives off 1,100 lumens and with the 90 CRI technology, it not only shines bright like the sun but also renders a true color.
Its whole manufacturing process is in the USA and Hykolity promises a 1-year warranty to their buyers, which rests assured.
While this light is dimmable from 10% to 100% and compatible with standard 120-Volt electronic dimmer, it comes with a switch for color temperature adjustments. And, you've got up to five options ranging from 2700k to 5000k, which is very convenient and versatile to meet the needs of specific applications.
| Hykolity Selectable CCT LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 15W |
Light Size | 5”/6” |
Brightness | 1100lm |
Color Temperature | 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K |
Dimming Range | 10% to 100% |
Highlight Features | 1,100 lumens of brightness made in the USA five color temperature options |
Offering 1,100 lumens of brightness, the Hykolity Selectable CCT LED becomes the ultra-bright option for our review list this year.
Flicker-Free: ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING Slim LED
- Flicker-free & consistent - IC-rated design
- Money-saving - 120W equivalent with just 12W
- Short lifespan compared to other LEDs
Speaking of consistent, flicker-free illuminating performance, this IC-rated dimmable LED recessed light is unbeatable.
It is specifically designed for delivering top-notch thermal protection and for mounting to an insulated ceiling, making it never overheat even after working constantly for hours. That's why it doesn't flicker over time as many other dimmable LED lights would do.
The light also impressed us with its 86% energy efficiency (120W equivalent to just 12W). However, its lifespan is a bit short compared to other LEDs, which is a minor caveat.
| ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING Slim LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 12W |
Light Size | 6” |
Brightness | 900LM |
Color Temperature | 5000K |
Dimming Range | 10%-100% |
Highlight Features | IC-rated design 120W equivalent with just 12W |
In our testing, the ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING was the best dimmable LED recessed light for flicker-free performance.
Durable: TORCHSTAR E-Star Series 3 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Lights
- Very durable – the IC-rated design, metal body, & airtight structure
- Excellent performance & safety - JA8 and Title 24 certified
- No cutout template included
This model has a similar IC-rated design to the ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING, which is thermally protected and can work well with combustible materials. The metal body, on the other hand, allows it to withstand a damp environment.
But what truly puts it above others is the airtight structure for great heated airflow diffusion prevention. The light also meets all the standards of JA8 and Title 24 for safety and top-notch performance.
In a nutshell, it is a lot more durable than the competition.
A small plus for its smooth dimming effect from 10% to 100% for a more soothing experience.
| TORCHSTAR E-Star Series 3 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 7W |
Light Size | 3 Inches |
Brightness | 400lm |
Color Temperature | 2700K |
Dimming Range | 10% to 100% |
Highlight Features | the IC-rated design, metal body, & airtight structure JA8 and Title 24 certified |
The TORCHSTAR E-Star Series 3 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Lights are the most durable in our top list. It is thermally protected, moisture-resistant, and so on.
Ultra-Thin Design: ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light
- Efficient-lighting & sleek-looking – ultra-thin design & modern LED dimmers
- Suited any room - four finish options & 3 color temperature options
- No complaint
If you're a total enthusiast when it comes to aesthetics and wants a high-quality sleek-looking dimmable LED recessed light, here it is.
The ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light highlights its ultra-thin design and modern LED dimmers for smooth dimming capabilities.
It also gives you three color temperature options adjusted through a flick of a switch and the four finish options - including brushed nickel, bronze, black, and white.
| ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 9W |
Light Size | 4” |
Brightness | 630Lm |
Color Temperature | 3000K-4000K-5000K |
Dimming Range | 100% to 10% |
Highlight Features | ultra-thin design & modern LED dimmers four finish options & 3 color temperature options |
The ASD 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light stands out as one of the most aesthetic dimmable LED recessed lights with the ultra-thin design and four finish options.
Easy To Install: PARMIDA 12-Pack 6-inch Dimmable LED
- Easy to install – clear instructions & the included Title 24 connector and E26 Adapter
- Start immediately without humming or flickering – the latest DOB LED Technology
- Slightly incorrect color temperature rating
We believe this option is best suited to seniors, women, or novice people who have never installed a dimmable LED recessed light before due to its standard spring installation.
It comes with a Title 24 connector and an E26 Adapter that can fit snugly a 6” Downlight housing can. The assembly instructions are straightforward and the whole process doesn’t require any tool.
In terms of quality, it distinguishes itself for applying the latest DOB LED Technology, which makes the light work without humming or flickering plus it starts right away.
| PARMIDA 12-Pack 6-inch Dimmable LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Wattage | 15W |
Light Size | 6” |
Brightness | 1040lm |
Color Temperature | 5000K |
Dimming Range | 100-10% |
Highlight Features | clear instructions & the included Title 24 connector and E26 Adapter the latest DOB LED Technology |
The PARMIDA is our top recommendation for those looking for an easy-to-install dimmable LED recessed light.
How To Choose The Best Dimmable Led Recessed Light?
Purpose Of Use
Recessed light fixtures come in a wide range of types, brightness, and color temperature to serve for a wide range of purposes of use, mainly divided into accent lighting, task lighting, and general lighting.
The color temperature ranges from 2700K to 6500K, therein:
- 6500K is daylight
- 2700K to 3300K is warm
- 3300K to 5300K is cool
The brightness ranges for general dimmable LED recessed lights are from 300 to 1200 lumens.
Speaking of types of recessed lights, there are three main options: in-ground, walls, and ceiling.
It is important for you to determine what you intend to use the recessed light for. If you are going to install the light bulbs for accentuating a poster or painting, choose a wall-washer trim light fixture. To bright up a mantel or sculpture, consider an eyeball spot.
It might be hard to figure out the exact color temperature of the recessed light if this is your very first time purchasing a recessed light. So, a useful trick is to opt for a product with various color temperature options.
Housing
The housing of a dimmable LED recessed light is the part sitting above the ceiling. It keeps the light bulb and the trim. There are 7 different types of housing:
- Slope ceiling housing
- Shallow ceiling housing with 6" x 2" joists
- Airtight housing - which is commonly used for reducing the airflow between the conditioned room below and above
- Non-IC housing
- Insulation contact (IC)-rated housing
- Remodel housing - which is used in an existing ceiling
- New-construction housing - which is used when adding a room onto a house or before the ceiling is installed.
Size
The diameter of LED recessed lights generally ranges from 4 to 7 inches. Therein, 6" size is the most popular.
To figure out the right size of LED recessed lights for you, please consider two elements:
- The area size that needs lighting
- The distance from the place you want to light to the ceiling
For example, in an 8' ceiling room, a 7" recessed light gives off a wonderful wall washer, a 6" downlight is ideal to light up your dining table, and a 4" option is bright enough for the kitchen countertop.
Which Brands Make The Best Dimmable Led Recessed Light?
Hykolity
One of the most recognized brands in the industry is Hykolity thanks to their top-notch customer service and economical prices. Their products are highly appreciated for providing brighter illumination and easy access.
ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING
Founded in 2001, ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING has now been the leading brand in lighting products that serve all residential, industrial, and commercial markets. With many service centers throughout the US, their customer service is instant and helpful.
TORCHSTAR
Speaking of fantastic quality, extensive lifespan, and outstanding design, we find the lighting products by TORCHSTAR are unrivaled. This 2009-founded brand has been widely loved for years and offers very good service.
FAQs
Is LED recessed lighting better?
Yes, it is. LED recessed lighting gives off high CRI-rated illumination with no ultraviolet, which is more effective than fluorescent lights. Besides, it dissipates heat pretty well to prevent overheating and to last longer.
How do I stop my LED lights from flickering?
There are many effective solutions to top a LED light from flickering, such as:
- Trying constant-current LED driver
- Check for faulty connections or loose wiring
- Choose the right LED products with good compatibility with the power supply and control circuits you’re utilizing
Do recessed LED lights burn out easily?
Yes, they do. Although recessed LED lights are more energy-efficient than other light types, their components can’t resist overheating, which makes them prone to burn out easily.
Do LED recessed lights attract bugs?
Not really. It’s true that LED recessed lights are appealing to bugs but this issue is still found on other light bulb types.
How many years do LED recessed lights last?
LED recessed lights can last 50,000 to 100,000 hours.
Conclusion
That’s all for this post! Our team hopes that the six top picks of the best dimmable LED recessed lights above helped you in your decision-making process.
If you have another product you’d like us to review, let us know by leaving a comment down below. Thanks for reading!
