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An under cabinet radio can be the finishing touch on a kitchen. These systems have the capability to add a sense of entertainment, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying yourself while cooking a meal. The best thing about under cabinet radios is the fact that these units are typically designed to be compact, offering these entertainment benefits while remaining relatively out of the way. If you’re in the market for an under cabinet radio, this list of the best under cabinet radios currently on the market will help you decide which is right for you.
Sylvania SKCR2713 – Best Overall
One of the best under cabinet radio systems that packs the most product value per cost is the Sylvania SKCR2713. This system can handle all of the modern music listening methods and can accommodate any situation it may be used in.
The Sylvania SKCR2713 is effectively a clock with a CD player, meaning that you can put to good use your CD collection that may have fallen to the wayside due to the advent of streaming services. CDs can be easily inserted into the device using the front-loading tray that is built into the unit. Pressing the Eject button will open the tray.
Of course, you can connect your favorite streaming service to the SKCR2713, as it supports Bluetooth up to Version 3.0. You can easily connect your Bluetooth device with the press of a button, which will sync the pair of devices in tandem in about 10 seconds.
If you’re a fan of the radio, the SKCR2713 can allow you to tune into your favorite FM stations. An antenna placed inside the device can be repositioned for better signal reception.
Unfortunately, the SKCR2713 does not support AM radio functionality, though this can be easily remedied by finding the station on a mobile application and connecting the devices via Bluetooth.
The SKCR2713 has a number of different controls available on the unit. However, the device can easily be controlled by use with an included remote control.
This unit can be easily mounted with its included mounting bracket. The device itself has a measurement of 11 inches x 11 inches and sits roughly 3 inches below the bottom of the cabinet.
The SKCR2713 is powered by an AC adapter (also included), though it does offer battery backup in the event of a power failure. This little unit can deliver up to 2.4W of power. The built-in stereo speakers should be able to fully project anything that is being played on the device.
Aesthetically, the Sylvania SKCR2713 has a tastefully minimalistic design, featuring a silver body and a black face that helps the clock stand out for easier readability. The clock can function as a timer, and also provides for radio station identification.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fully capable under cabinet radio that won’t break the bank and still looks good hidden under your counter, the Sylvania SKCR2713 is hard to beat. This is a great value for the price.
Item Weight: 3.67 pounds
Package Dimensions: 14 x 12.5 x 4 inches
Sony ICFCDK50 – Best Premium
If you have no budget and are looking to spare no expense when it comes to an under cabinet radio, the Sony ICFCDK50 is one of the best units money can buy. This system has exceptional quality speakers that can properly amplify any kitchen.
The ICFCDK50 has a wide range of capabilities, offering the ability to play both CD-R and CD-RW formats. This means that you can play your favorite mixes and playlists that you have burned on your own CDs.
While the ICFCDK50 does not support Bluetooth capability, the device does support the connection of external devices by use of a mini stereo cable that connects to the headphone port of the external device. A convenient device holder is also provided.
This unit also has radio functions, with the ability to tune into both AM and FM stations. One of the best features of this model is the fact that the ICFCDK50 has up to 15 different programmable presets, making it easy to dial into your favorite stations with the push of a button. 10 presets are available for FM stations, with the remaining 5 allotted for AM stations.
Another great feature of the ICFCDK50 is the fact that it has an Automatic Time Set function. Simply plug in the device and the unit will automatically set the correct time. Daylight Savings will need to be adjusted manually, but on the whole, this feature makes the ICFCDK50 incredibly easy to set up.
The clock on this device is backlit by LCD for increased viewability. The clock can be easily used as a timer with the simple press of a button, making it handy for cooking situations.
The Sony ICFCDK50 also comes with a remote control that is magnetic, allowing for easy storage on a refrigerator or other magnetic surface. With this feature, you will likely not have to deal with losing the remote control when you need it most.
One of the best features of the ICFCDK50 is the fact that its speakers are of great quality. Sony has incorporated bass-reflex into the device to provide for a better sound response a balanced tone when playing music through the device.
The ICFCDK50 is powered by an AC power adapter and also is equipped with a Lithium battery in the event of a power failure. Should the power go out, the device’s settings will remain intact with the battery backup function.
Overall, while the Sony ICFCDK50 can be a pricey option that doesn’t offer Bluetooth, its programmable preset capabilities, automatic time-set function, and high-quality speakers make this a viable option. Being able to play burned CDs and connect to external devices is an added benefit, as well as the designed convenience the ICFCDK50 provides.
Item Weight: 6.4 pounds
Package Dimensions: 13.7 x 12.2 x 3.4 inches
RCA SPS3688B – Best Budget
If you’re on a tight budget but still looking for an under cabinet radio system that can really tie a kitchen together, the RCA SPS3688B is worth checking out. While it may be inexpensive, this radio is packed with features.
The SPS3688B has the capability to play FM radio stations. One of the best things about this device is the fact that the unit offers up to 20 different programmable presets. This can be a wonderful benefit if you live in an area that has a wealth of great radio stations that you like to listen to.
The SPS3688B also has Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to wirelessly connect your devices and listen to your favorite music through the radio. The under cabinet radio also includes a pair of stereo speakers to ensure that your music is heard with clarity.
Another great feature of the RCA SPS3688B is the LED clock display, which is quite large and easy to read. The clock can be effectively turned into a 90-minute timer, with an alarm also provided to alert you when the timer has finished its countdown.
This under cabinet radio is powered by an AC adapter and can be easily installed with its included mounting bracket.
Overall, this is a very basic under cabinet radio that offers the bare essentials that one may desire with one of these units. However, some people have no need for extra features like CD-playing capabilities or remote control. If you’re looking for a bare-bones unit that rightfully serves its purpose, the RCA SPS3688B is worth taking a look at.
Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
Package Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.7 x 1.9 inches
iLive IKB333S
Another great under cabinet radio system worth checking out is the iLive IKB333S. This relatively affordable model manages to pack in quite a bit of valuable features that may help in situations beyond simply playing music.
The IKB333S has a sleek design that is sure to look great in any kitchen. The screen features LCD lighting with a white backlight, providing a clock that is large and easy to read. The clock can function as a cooking timer with the simple press of a button and offers an alarm when the timer is finished.
This under cabinet radio can play FM radio stations and offers the ability to program up to 20 different radio station presets. If the radio isn’t your thing, the IKB333S also offers connectivity with Bluetooth Version 3.0, allowing you to stream from an external device with relative ease.
The IKB333S also has a pair of stereo speakers to allow your music to be heard with pristine clarity. The volume can be easily controlled with the functions available on the face of the radio.
One of the most interesting additions to the IKB333S is the fact that it has a light built into the bottom of the radio. This can be extremely handy when you need to utilize the counter space below the radio, but do not have adequate lighting. With the push of a button, the light will illuminate what is below the radio.
Overall, the iLive IKB333S is an excellent choice for those wanting a sleek and stylish under cabinet radio that is easy to use. Having 20 available radio presets as well as an under-body light are features that could actually be quite useful in everyday situations.
Item Weight: 2.33 pounds
Package Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.5 x 3.1 inches
Jensen SMPS-628
If you’re looking for a budget-priced under cabinet radio, the Jensen SMPS-628 is another product worth taking a look at. This radio has a fair amount of features included with its basic functions.
Radio lovers will rejoice at the fact that the SMPS-628 offers FM radio capabilities. Stations can be easily dialed in, but sadly there are no savable presets.
This under cabinet radio does have Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to wirelessly connect your ideal external device and play music through the radio. Devices can be paired in a quick manner.
Another interesting feature relating to this product’s Bluetooth capacity is the fact that it has a built-in microphone. This will effectively allow you to answer and talk on the phone when you have your hands full. This built-in microphone feature is very similar to what is seen in modern automobiles.
The SMPS-628 has a large LCD screen that displays the clock in a very easy-to-read manner. The clock can be used as a kitchen timer with the press of a button, allowing for extra convenience while cooking a meal.
Another excellent feature of the SMPS-628 is the fact that it has 4x LED lights placed at the bottom of the radio. This effectively allows you to utilize the counter space below the device, providing light where there otherwise wouldn’t be.
This under cabinet radio is powered by an AC adaptor but has the capability for a battery backup. You will need to supply your own AAA batteries in order for the battery backup function to work.
Rounding out the overall package is a pair of stereo speakers placed at the bottom of the under cabinet radio. These speakers should be relatively efficient enough for smaller kitchens.
Overall, the Jensen SMPS-628 is another worthwhile budget-friendly under cabinet radio. While it doesn’t have programmable presets like many other radios on the list, it does make up for its shortcomings by providing work lights. Being able to talk on the phone hands-free is also something you will thank yourself for when your hands are covered in dough.
Item Weight: 3 pounds
Package Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.2 x 3.4 inches
What Should I Look For In An Under Cabinet Radio?
There are a few key points you should keep in mind when you are looking to purchase an under cabinet radio. Many of these things will be solely dependent upon what your own needs are, so what is ideal for someone else may not be ideal for you. Nevertheless, keeping these things in mind will help ensure you make the right choice for your own situation.
Size
Because of the nature of how these devices are intended to be used, under cabinet radios will generally be sized in a form fact that should fit under most large cabinets. However, you will need to take into account which under cabinet space in your kitchen you will be utilizing, and how much room each radio will take up. Some of these radios hang a few inches below the cabinet, so this is another thing to keep in mind.
Color
If you have a kitchen that has a certain decor, you will want to ensure that the under cabinet radio you plan to purchase can match. It might be aesthetically tacky to see a device that doesn’t fit the color scheme of the other appliances in the kitchen.
Features
If you are a radio lover, having programmable presets is a must. If you prefer streaming from an external device, Bluetooth capabilities, as well as the option for an auxiliary cable connection, are going to be ideal. Furthermore, if you have a CD collection that you enjoy listening to, this is something that an under cabinet radio can accommodate.
Other features you might want to consider include a work light and a timer. These things will prove to be very helpful. An easy-to-read clock display is also going to be a feature you will not want to overlook.
Budget
Your budget will likely be one of the most important determining factors in your purchasing decision. Do keep in mind a very capable and feature-laden under cabinet radio can be relatively affordable. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each device and see which accommodates your needs the most.
Best Under Cabinet Radio Brands
Like any other niche product on the market, when it comes to under cabinet radios, there are a few well-reputed brands that are known for their quality products. If you find yourself in a bind over the number of choices available on the market, you can likely not go wrong with an under cabinet radio from one of these brands.
Sylvania
Sylvania is a well-known electronics company that has its hand in a large number of different products including radios, televisions, lights, and more. This company aims to provide quality products at an affordable price.
Sony
Sony is one of the world’s best-known brands for consumer electronics, as this Japanese company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in electronics. The company has been at the forefront of technological and electronic innovations and breakthroughs and manages to consistently raise the bar in terms of product features and capability.
RCA
RCA is a well-known American brand that got its start in 1919. The company built a legacy on producing musical equipment, such as record players and radios. Today, RCA has its hand in the production of a wide range of consumer electronics and appliances.
iLive
iLive is an American electronics company founded in 1971. The company produces affordable electronic products to accommodate the lifestyle of those who enjoy utilizing their electronic devices for entertainment purposes.
Jensen
Jensen is a well-known electronics brand that was founded in 1915. The company has been at the forefront of many technological advancements, including the creation of the first loudspeaker. Today, the company is known for its affordable consumer electronics and video appliances.
Top Under Cabinet Radios, Final Thoughts
An under cabinet radio can be the missing link for a near-perfect kitchen, as the ability to play music can prove to be an invaluable asset for hosting guests. Fortunately, under cabinet radios can be relatively affordable. Do take the time to weigh out the features of each radio to see which one best fits your lifestyle.