We went with the largest we could fit under ours.

LED tape lights are tacky AF

Derek L: LED tape lights are tacky AF
Well, duh, how else would they stay attached to the underside of the cabinet.

I think you’re confusing rope lights with tape lights. Tape lights are 1/4” high, and perfect for lighting multiple situations.

no, no i'm not...

Properly installed, they’re invisible, provide great lighting in multiple temperature choices, and are easy to DIY. So what’s “tacky” about functionality that isn’t about hunks of ugly metal?

I second Sophia’s suggestion. LED tape lights are definitely the way to go. You’ll get more even light, which is not only prettier but also far more useful task lighting. I don’t get your comment about being tacky. They’ve become quite standard these days for this kind of application and there’s nothing tacky about them. But I suppose it’s your home, so if you prefer the old fashioned puck lights that give you uneven hot spots and shadows, then have at it.

You want good light strength- about 450 lumens on the work surface. What output will you get from the undercab lights your contractor is recommending?

2" recessed can leds can be placed in front of the upper cabs and over the sink so that the shadow of your hands made by the light isn't over what you're working on. Here's a Juno example. These can supplement undercabs or are strong enough without them. Dimmable.

dan, they range from 1000 lumens with the 30" to 600 lumens for the 18". i might link a 12" to one of them for the corner upper cabinet