a lighting store will have a variety of models to review with a consultant. They will educate you on all the possible choices from incandescent to LED. As well, the electrician putting them in will have all the info you need on what is required for light levels as well as what types of cans can be installed. If they don't spend the time to inform as to options, don't use them as that is part of their job.

thanks! I met with one lighting store and they seemed to be grossly over-reaching with their recommendation. $4000 for under cabinet strips! And 4" MR16 cans every three feet. A little crazy. Guess it's time to find another lighting store that will give a fair recommendation not an overblown sales job.

Definitely sounds like it's time to visit a different lighting store. One thing you need to know about using recessed lights in a kitchen is that they need to be installed so that they are right above the counter where you are working.

That means that for the cabinets along the wall, the lights need to be installed at 18" from the wall so that the upper cabinet does not block the light and also so that your body does not cast a shadow on the workspace. If the lights are installed above where you are standing or behind you, your body will block the light.

If you have an extra high ceiling in your kitchen, you may want to use a suspension track lighting system to bring the lights down to a more useful height.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID