LED Wafer Lights vs Can Lights [Comparison]

It’s simple to become disoriented because there appear to be many different choices for lighting available. The “Canless” Wafer lights and the more conventional Can lights are two of the most common varieties. We’ll contrast “Led Wafer Lights vs Can Lights” and outline the primary benefits and drawbacks of each type to assist you in making the best decision.

Learn which lights solution is more affordable, more energy-efficient, and simpler to install.

What Are LED Wafer Lights?

Wafer lights, also known as canless lighting, are a type of lighting fixture supplied in a compact housing having an LED light integrated with it.

Wafer lights save electricity since they employ LEDs. They are more energy-efficient than traditional can lights since they are made as one piece, meaning there are no gaps for the cooling and heat to escape through. 

The LEDs in these illuminations gradually decrease over time; they don’t suddenly burn down and put you in darkness. 

Wafers may be installed when the ceiling is bare or when the plasterboard has been put in place, and they are typically simpler to install. They are built to last and may be utilized anyplace in your house for a sleek, contemporary look.

They are less expensive when compared to their price. Wafer lighting installation costs per bulb fluctuate between $50 to $160, while can light installation costs start at $60.

In general, wafer lights are more affordable, simpler to install, robust, and more versatile than can lights, allowing them to be utilized in all areas of the home, including those where they are ineffective.

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What Are Can Lights? 

Recessed lighting, known as can lights, is a type of ceiling fixture that is inserted in an aperture in the ceiling. The term “can light” refers to the housings, which are cylinder shaped, made of metal, and resemble cans. It appears that a light lamp is put into a vacant can and then placed inside the ceiling’s gaping hollow.

Can lights are frequently utilized in situations in which there isn’t enough area for a dangling fixture or when it is needed to highlight or accent specific room characteristics. They are popular in many settings, including closets, rooms for living, and eateries. 

Many background inspections on a wall, limit, or floor are necessary before putting a can of lighting in an entire building.

The fact that can lights are almost flush in the rafters and don’t obstruct the view is one of their finest features. Housings plus trim are available in a range of sizes.  

Differences Between LED Wafer Lights Vs Can Lights

If the plastering hasn’t been done yet, installing canned lights is simpler, and when the light malfunctions, just one bulb needs to be changed. On a completed ceiling, installing canless lights is simpler.

Durability

Since wafer lights already have an LED light inside of them, they should last for five years or 50,000 hours. Although they will last considerably less time, you may put a light fixture with a LED or a normal bulb in many lights.

Price

Every one of these two types of lighting fixtures will cost a different amount based on the type.

Canless lights normally cost between $20 to $50 per device, but if they have any high-tech characteristics, the price might skyrocket. The structure for the can light is a little less pricey, though. However, since you’ll need to buy the LED bulb or lamp individually and it must be installed by a specialist, the price will probably be much more.

Therefore, it’s difficult to argue that one is unquestionably superior to the other. It all depends on the individual.

Here is another useful video we found on YouTube.

Which Lighting Option Offers Better Energy Efficiency: LED Wafer Lights vs Can Lights?

Wafers often use fewer watts and generate less heat than can lights, making them more energy-efficient overall. Wafer lights normally use fewer kWh than can lights, but can lights use greater amounts of electricity and generate a greater amount of heat.

The entire fixture needs to be replaced if the wafers cease operating because they include an integrated, energy-efficient LED light source. Being one unit prevents them from having a fixture, which results in gaps for cooling and heating to escape, which renders them more energy-efficient than traditional can lights. 

Utilizing 45 watt lights, for instance, will consume less energy than using bulbs with higher wattages.

Can lights’ form diminishes their brightness and decreases their energy efficiency. Can lights from the past are infamous energy hogs. Their open canisters act as little fireplaces, directing hot air from your home into the attic.

The final result is that one key strategy for making recessed lighting more sustainable is insulation.

Related: How to Hang LED Strip Lights Without Adhesive?

Which Lighting Option is More Cost-Effective: LED Wafer Lights or Can Lights?

Wafer lights are a fantastic option for individuals on a budget because they are often more economical than can lighting. Can lights are usually a wonderful option for people who prefer a more high-end aesthetic or have a greater budget because they are often more costly than wafer lights.

Wafer bulbs cost less. Wafer light setup expenses per fixture vary between $50 through $160, while can light installation costs start at $60. Since wiring is required, changing the hue of their light is difficult and expensive.  

Due to their smaller fixture, wafer lamps are often somewhat less expensive than can lights. They cost between $40 and $160, while can lamps run between $60 and $240.

It costs a little less to purchase the can light enclosure. However, since the light from an LED or bulb must be bought independently, and setup needs to be performed by a technician, the price will probably be much higher.

Which Lighting Option is Easier to Install: LED Wafer Lights or Can Lights?

Due to the fact that they don’t need a concealed can or dwellings, wafer lights are simple to install. Installation of can lights is more difficult since sunken housing and can lights must be built into the ceiling.

Although there aren’t any set installation guidelines for Wafers, they are incredibly simple to install because they are designed as a single unit and don’t need to be installed when the ceiling drywall is put in. The majority of Canless lamps can be put in places with low plenum heights whereas Cans cannot. 

A typical but slightly complex technique that includes inspecting the area where they’re being put and mounting utilizing the ceiling joists may be used to install each of your can light onto the ceiling. Whenever the drywall is still not installed, doing this is simpler.