Thanks Patricia. Agree, I would prefer to be able to change bulbs. And I prefer the lower glare of recessed lights. I'll try to make and post a diagram a bit later, after I get the kids packed off to activities. For now, the perimeter countertop runs east-west along the north wall. There's a joist also running east-west 26" out from the north wall. So 5" recessed lights mounted here wouldn't be quite centered over the countertop edge. Similar issues with joists over the island.

I prefer recessed for the reason stated above -- can change the bulbs. There is more to quality of light than simply the color temp (K), and if the wafters/discs you get have a light output you don't like for whatever reason once installed in your space...well...you're SOL.

An inch is not enough of a compromise to have to go to the glare of a wafer just to fit it under the joist. If you prefer Edison lamp style housings, there may be other options like remodel cans that can sit closer up against the joist helping your layout dimensions. Or going down to 3". .Will wait for layout and conflicts . . .

A few inches will not be significant and can usually be compensated for by the beam spread of the bulb and depth of the bulb inside the fixture, which is usually adjustable.

Thanks everyone! We will stick with cans. So relieved. Almost done making decisions.