We're having a new kitchen fitted and are having eight downlighters fitted.
I've recently been converted to LED technology by using a couple of really good LED torches for mountain biking so was interested in using LED for the ceiling lights, however, having seen the price of LED kits and bulbs and already having broken the kitchen budget, I had resigned myself to putting basic halogens in with the possibility of replacing the bulbs with LED versions at some point.
Having just been told by the electrician that down lighters are really prone to the bulbs blowing due to the heat generated in an enclosed space, I'm now thinking that they'll be a real pain, but also that there are then so many options:
* transformer (bulbs cheaper),
* 240v bulbs but each time you replace a bulb, (you are effectively buying a transformer with each bulb too), but much easier to install and no need to worry about replacing awkwardly hidden transformers.
* LED - efficent & last ages, differing quality of light from different brands and types.
* Halogen - thirsty and have to replace very often
* traditional Energy saving - take a while before they become bright enough.
Now, as we will have energy efficient under counter lighting and pelmet lighting, I'm less concerned about efficiency as they won't always be on when the room's in use, but was wondering if there is a better alternative or if anyone has had any experience of certain cost friendly LED systems that give a good quality of light.
I originally budgeted around £80 - £100 for the lights but could double this to get the right lights if they were a long term cost effective option.
I've read a lot of threads on here about various bulbs etc but am still confused and with the technology moving on very quickly, I don't want to invest in something that'll soon be superseded by something better and cheaper ?
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks in Advance
I've recently been converted to LED technology by using a couple of really good LED torches for mountain biking so was interested in using LED for the ceiling lights, however, having seen the price of LED kits and bulbs and already having broken the kitchen budget, I had resigned myself to putting basic halogens in with the possibility of replacing the bulbs with LED versions at some point.
Having just been told by the electrician that down lighters are really prone to the bulbs blowing due to the heat generated in an enclosed space, I'm now thinking that they'll be a real pain, but also that there are then so many options:
* transformer (bulbs cheaper),
* 240v bulbs but each time you replace a bulb, (you are effectively buying a transformer with each bulb too), but much easier to install and no need to worry about replacing awkwardly hidden transformers.
* LED - efficent & last ages, differing quality of light from different brands and types.
* Halogen - thirsty and have to replace very often
* traditional Energy saving - take a while before they become bright enough.
Now, as we will have energy efficient under counter lighting and pelmet lighting, I'm less concerned about efficiency as they won't always be on when the room's in use, but was wondering if there is a better alternative or if anyone has had any experience of certain cost friendly LED systems that give a good quality of light.
I originally budgeted around £80 - £100 for the lights but could double this to get the right lights if they were a long term cost effective option.
I've read a lot of threads on here about various bulbs etc but am still confused and with the technology moving on very quickly, I don't want to invest in something that'll soon be superseded by something better and cheaper ?
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks in Advance
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) and 4 in the hall. The slight blueish colour isn't so bad in those areas as it's not like you sit out there, but I'd prefer something a little 'warmer' in the kitchen, so those Deltech warm white ones sound like the kind of thing we want. 
