Between these two, do the can lights. You don't know what the future will hold for lighting or standards so build using the most common existing standard which provides some future proofing and allows more flexibility for changing bulbs, etc. If a wafer burns out prematurely (and they will from time to time) and no manufacturer makes any in that size/configuration anymore, you are stuck.

Cans. They're inexpensive (4" example) and maximize flexibility in choice of light. Plus if you ever have to change the light you won't have to go inside the ceiling and disturb the mice, bats, bees, and other creatures living there at at the time.

I’d go with the cans as well for maximum versatility. That said, some of the wafers along with cans have multiple selectable light temps. And the two models I’ve worked with, the wafers connect to the box and can easily be replaced from below the ceiling provided you use the same wafer.

I went with wafers to get the selectable temperature and the freedom of placement. Some days I notice the glare if I am sitting in an adjacent room and looking at the kitchen, but only when they are at 100% bright. Dimming even the slightest helps.

If your joists aren't in the way (mine were) then I would do cans.

It sounds like going with cans for future-proofing/compatibility is the winner. Plus, cans appears to potentially reduce the chance of glare. One more decision made, thanks everyone!

One thing to consider w/cans vs surface(standard J-box) mount is the impact on insulation. If your cans protrude into unconditioned space like an attic, they significantly cut into the R-value of your insulation. We opted for surface mount for our upper level and (insulated) garage for just this reason.

Yep, these will be installed 1st floor on a 2-story house so, no insulation worries. Thanks!

we are thinking about replacing our old chandler's with led wafer lights, it has 20 foot ceilings will they put off enough light?

By the way this is in our church and there will be 16 lighting fixtures

Michelle misses Sophie, air leakage from a can light into unconditioned space can be mitigated. My attic is directly under my living space, and my house came with about five recessed can lights from the 70s. I had the Energy Star program in to seal and insulate my house, and as a part of the program, they put these big styrofoam buckets over each recessed light. That way, air movement is stopped from moving from living to unconditioned space. In my state (MA), any contractor that comes after the Energy Star program is required to insulate their work to Energy Star's standards. I'm not at all worried about putting can lights into my upcoming kitchen reno.