10 Of The Best Range Hood Light Bulbs
Introduction
Hi there, and welcome to this article about the best range hood light bulbs.
Firstly, I hear you ask, what is a range hood? Well a range is the oven/hob combination in your kitchen. And as can be seen in the photo above the range hood is the bit above it. In general, it contains extractor fans and some lighting.
Secondly you may also ask why I am writing an article about these light bulbs in particular? Well I was researching whether it is cheaper to use LEDs in your home (the article is here). And the only area of my house where I had not reviewed the bulbs used was the range hood in my kitchen.
So for completeness here we go…
What Light Bulbs Do Range Hoods Use?
Good question. I opened mine up and it takes two small 40 watt incandescent bulbs. Incandescents tend to work well in these conditions as they naturally get hot. So being over a hot stove top being hit by steam and hot grease does not cause them too much of an issue. The same goes for halogens, which also run hot.
There seemed a lot of different options available. So, in order to work out what they are, I looked at the most popular makers of range hoods. In this case I used a very helpful article from the designer appliances website covering the top 5 best range hoods.
From looking at the specifications for these range hoods I found:
- The Broan model used a 75 Watt incandescent bulb.
- The General Electric range hood took 2 halogen 50 watt GU10 bulbs
- XO. Also took two 50 watt halogen GU10s
- Best. Also GU10 halogens
- Zephry, has a variety of different replacement bulbs. Including a PAR20 50 watt, R16 halogen, GU10 short bulbs, GU5 20 watt, a flourescent 13W and a GU24 bulb. That is some set of different bulbs
So, as there is such a range of bulbs I though I would spread my options even wider. As such I am also going to include general appliance bulbs. Where the manufacture has explicitly mentioned that they work in range hoods. Also some GU10 bulbs, halogens and LEDs. Finally a 75 watt incandescent, as it is rare for me to have to review one.
Please note: these bulbs are to go in range hoods above the stove top, NOT IN THE OVEN ITSELF.
How Are The Best Range Hood Light Bulbs Chosen ?
Normally there are lots of bulbs to choose from. However as these are rather specialist this cuts down the list a little. Notwithstanding this I have tried to stick to our standard criteria in choosing the best range hood light bulbs:
- Online reviews from a number of light bulb retailers
- Price, we are always looking for the best value
- Energy Star qualified, whether the bulbs has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the EPA
- Lifetime and length of warranty, as these provide a measure of quality
- Dimmable, having a bulb that can be used with a dimmer switch makes it more versatile
LED – Maesling 40 Watt E26 Base
In general, when I am writing best-of review articles there will be at least one manufacturer I have never heard of. So let’s begin this review with one.
Maelsrlg lighting make a range of specialist LED light bulbs. For example ceiling fan bulbs, 12 volt bulbs and appliance bulbs. The company itself appears to be based in the city of Wuxi in eastern China.
So a few facts about the bulb itself. Firstly it puts out 500 lumens of soft white light. Secondly it has a standard medium E26 base, and has a working temperature range of -13°F~113°F. Finally they are not dimmable. For me this top working temperature seems a little though, even if the manufacturer says they will go in range hoods. Though several online reviewers are using them above there stove tops with no reported issues. So they do seem to work OK.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.75 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: No
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
LED – Neannete 40 Watt E17 Base
In my investigation of range hoods and appliance bulbs a number of them come with this E17 intermediate screw base. So I have included an LED version here in the list. In the case from a company called Neannete.
Neanete is a professional manufacturer of LED bulb. Specializing in automotive LED lights, landscape lighting and RV related lighting fixture. They are based in Shenzhen, China and sell their products in the U.S. through Amazon.
This distinctive looking bulb comes in a T7 tube shape. Also, it provides 360 lumens of warm white light. Moreover it should last 15,000 hours, is fully dimmable and has a working temperature of -4℉~130℉.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $6 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 3 watts actual
- Lumens: 360
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
LED – Feit 40 Watt Appliance
Feit are a family owned and operated company based in Los Angeles, California. According to their website they keep a stock of over 100,000,000 bulbs. So as to reduce order waiting time.
This 40 watt replacement LED appliance bulb should work in refrigerators, ranges, and other appliance lighting. Also it produces 450 lumens of soft white light and is dimmable. Finally it has an expected lifetime of 15,000 hours, a two year warranty and is Energy Star certified.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $6 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 450
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
LED – Feit 25W A15 Clear
This is the smaller version of the Feit light bulb above. In general I would just mention it as an option. However this one has a rather attractive clear glass bulb and vintage style filament. So if you have a range hood where the bulb is visible you might want to consider this. A statement bulbs for your kitchen.
As with the earlier bulb it should work in refrigerators and ranges. Moreover it puts out a low 250 lumens of soft white light. So not dazzling whilst you work on the hob. Again it is Energy Star certified.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $6 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 25 watt equivalent / 2.7 watts actual
- Lumens: 250
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
LED – Sunlite A15 E26 40W
Sunlite are one of the leading lighting manufacturers in the United States, operating here since 1980. Further, their company headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York. So, as a fellow New Yorker it is nice to see one of their bulbs on the best range hood light bulbs list.
This smaller A15 bulbs works in a lot of different locations. For example, dryers, freezers, microwaves, range hoods, and refrigerators. So a very versatile little bulb.
Moreover it should last 25,000 hours and costs just under $4 if you buy a six-pack. Finally they are Energy Star certified, UL Listed for damp locations and come with a 3-year warranty.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.75 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / # watts actual
- Lumens: 450
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: # years
- Dimmable: Ye
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Incandescent – GE 40 Watt E26
Not only have GE been in business since 1892 they are also the most popular brand here in the U.S.
This bulbs is from their range for appliances. In this case the bulb has a more rugged filament and stronger base cement than standard light bulbs. Thus making them a good choice for using in hot and cold environments.
As well as range hood this A15 size bulb can be used in ovens, microwaves, refrigerators and freezers.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.10 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 40 watts actual
- Lumens: 415
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 1,500 hour (1.4 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Incandescent – Westinghouse A15
Another A15 smaller light bulb this time from Westerhouse. Westinghouse Lighting is a family-owned business who have their headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have been working in lighting since 1946.
So a few facts about the bulb itself. Firstly this is an incandescent light bulb. Meaning it has a short lifetime, but can deal with high heat levels. Secondly it is fully dimmable. Finally it provides 350 lumens of soft white light.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $4 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 40 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 2,500 hour (2.3 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
GU10 – Halogen – GE Reveal 50 Watt HD+
When I looked at what light bulbs were in the top range hoods a number of GU10 bulbs appeared. GU10 refers to the little knobbly connectors at the base of the bulb. These allow the bulb to lock into place with the socket. Thus making them ideal for downward pointing fittings.
The bulbs themselves tend to be the MR16 shape. Though there can be some confusing about these two terms for the bulbs (see our blog on GU10 vs MR16 bulbs).
Anyway, some details about this halogen bulbs from GE. Firstly halogens work at a high temperature so they have no problem being set above a stove top. Also the bulb has a wide beam and puts out 400 lumens of soft white light. GE say that the bulb comes with a unique neodymium glass which filters out dull, yellow rays. Thus the light produced is more vivid. Finally they are expensive at $8.75. Especially considering that they only come with an expected lifetime of 3,000 hours.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $8.75 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 50 watts actual
- Lumens: 400
- Light Range: Soft White (2750k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 3,000 hour (2.7 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
GU10 – LED – Westinghouse 50 Watt
If you are looking for a GU10 bulb with a longer lifetime that the previous halogen, they you try this bulb from Westerhouse. While it is not specifically designed for range hoods it is outdoor, enclosed and damp rated. So should be fairly robust.
Also, it is nice and bright with a warm white light. And has a long lifetime at 25,000 hours and a 5 year warranty to back it up. Finally it is Energy Star certified. In summary, a lot of good things for just over $5.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.25 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 6.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and outdoor
Incandescent – GE 75 Watt
Finally on our list of best range hood light bulbs is this 75 watt incandescent bulb from G.E. When researching the list the Broan model used such a bulb.
This bulb I found on Amazon in their G.E. store. Especially interesting to me was the fact that the listing says that the country of origin is the United States. I recently wrote an article Are light bulbs made in the USA? Which covered G.E.’s last manufacturing plant. And the fact that they no longer make light bulbs for homes there.
So some facts to note. Firstly this is a very bright bulb. Producing 1170 lumens of soft white light. Also it has a very short lifetime of only 750 hours. Probably the shortest lifetime bulb I have ever recommended. Though they do only cost $2.25 each.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.25 a bulb if bought in a 4-pack
- Wattage: 75 watts actual
- Lumens: 1170
- Light Range: Soft White (2750k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 750 hour ( years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only