7 Of The Best Flood Light Bulbs
Introduction
What are the best flood light bulbs?
Before we answer that maybe first we should explain…
What is Flood Lighting?
Whereas standard light bulbs give off a pool of light, flood lights provide illumination to specific areas. So, outdoor flood lighting is used in exterior light fixtures like motion sensor lights, security lights and patio lights. Similarly indoor flood lighting is used in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms to light up distinct parts of the home
Different Types of Flood Light Bulbs
This review covers the two main types of flood light bulbs. That is, bulged reflectors (BR) and parabolic aluminized reflectors (PAR). Both bulb types are reflectors which means they are coated on the inside of the bulb to focus the light into a cone. The difference being that BRs have a wide angled beam, normally 90 degrees to 100+ degrees, while PARs give a much more focused beam of around 45 degrees.
The number after the bulb type is the diameters in 8ths of an inch. So a PAR30 has a bulb with a diameter of 30/8ths of an inch or 3.75″. Similarly a PAR38 bulb with a diameter of 38/8ths of an inch or 4.75″.
How We Select Our Best Flood Light Bulbs?
Our selections are based on a number of criteria:
- 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
Indoor BR30 – Budget Incandescent
Philips are the number one supplier of light bulbs in Europe and are known for their reliable if somewhat expensive bulbs. Conversely these incandescent bulbs are pretty cheap at $2 a bulb. Moreover they are rated to last a year and have a warranty to cover this period. So, if you are looking for a low cost flood light bulb these could be for you. In general, here at Light Bulb AtoZ, we recommend LEDs for their longer life and energy efficiency. Consequently if you can afford the extra 75c then maybe consider the GE basic bulb below.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.00 a bulb if bought in a 12-pack
- Wattage: 65 watt watts actual
- Lumens: 600
- Light Range: Soft White (2710k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 1,000 hour (1 year based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Indoor BR30 – Budget LED
Not only have GE been in business since 1892 they are also the most popular brand here in the U.S. While these bulbs are from their basic range, they do have a good lifetime of 7,500 hours and a two year warranty. Also, they are dimmable, have excellent reviews and only use 8.5 watts. Lastly they are good for use in ceiling lights, can lights, recessed lights and track lights.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.75 a bulb if bought in a 12-pack
- Wattage: 65 watt equivalent / 8.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 650
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 7,500 hour (6 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Indoor BR30 – Mid Range Incandescent
After GE, Sylvania is the next most popular brand of light bulbs in the U.S. While this is an incandescent bulb it does have a reasonable lifetime of 2,000 hours. Also, it has a frosted coating and provides a soft white light.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.40 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 65 watts actual
- Lumens: 600
- Light Range: Soft White (2850k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 2,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Indoor BR30 – Mid Range LED
Comparatively, the classic range from GE is a step up from the basic range we talked about earlier. To list its good points. Firstly, it has excellent online reviews. Secondly it has a 15,000 hour lifetime and 3 year warranty. In conclusion, an excellent all-rounder for $4.35 a bulb.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $4.35 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack
- Wattage: 65 watt equivalent / 8.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 650
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Indoor/Outdoor PAR30 – Mid Range LED
As well as being a family owned and operated company based in Los Angeles, California Feit claim to hold an inventory of 100,000,000 bulbs. While these bulbs are a little expensive at close to $8 each they do have a number of good features. To enumerate, they have a 25,000 hour lifetime with a 5 year warranty to back it up. Moreover they have full range dimming with even light distribution and are ideal for recess and track lighting applications. Finally they are ENERGY STAR certified.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $7.90 a bulb if bought in a 12-pack
- Wattage: 75 watt equivalent / 8.3 watts actual
- Lumens: 750
- Light Range: Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use or damp rated fixture
Indoor/Outdoor PAR30 – Mid Range LED
To begin with Westerhouse are a family run company that have been in business since 1946. Though they are a little expensive at $8.50 a bulb they do have some standout features. Firstly a super long lifetime of 25,000 hours and a 5 year warranty. Secondly they provide a lot of light at 1350 lumens whilst still being a lightweight bulb. As a result, they won’t cause drooping on fixture arms. Finally they have excellent online reviews, are dimmable and work in wet locations such as outdoor-rated light fixtures.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $8.50 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 90 watt equivalent /15 watts actual
- Lumens: 1350
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use and approved for wet locations and totally enclosed fixtures
Indoor/Outdoor PAR30 – High Watt
Finally, to end our list another offering from GE and their Ultra Bright range. Significantly more expensive than all the other bulbs, this is a 250W equivalent bulb providing a massive 3000 lumens of light. Also it has an excellent lifetime of 25,000 hours backed up by a 5 year warranty. Summing up, this is a lot of light bulb with a price tag to match.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $24 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 250 watt equivalent / 32 watts actual
- Lumens: 3000
- Light Range: Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/outdoor use