5 Best Under Cabinet Radios | Stay Tuned While Working in the Kitchen | Buyer’s Guide 2022
This guide is intended to help you to better understand what an under cabinet radio is and what features are currently available. We will also review the TOP 5 under cabinet radios to help you have a hassle-free shopping experience. Let's go ahead and get started.
- What is an under cabinet radio and how it works?
- Thing to look for when shopping
- TOP 5 Best Under Cabinet Radios
- FAQ
What is an under cabinet radio and how it works?
Under cabinet radios have been in existence for a while now. They typically mount underneath the bottom of cabinets or cupboards in the kitchen. This saves space on the countertop for food preparation and other kitchen appliances.
The early models of under cabinet radios were simply AM/FM tuners with a clock. Some even featured an alarm clock. Today's offerings are much more advanced than that.
Thing to look for when shopping
When shopping for a new under cabinet radio, be mindful of today’s newest innovations. As we have become more dependent on mobile devices and docking stations, manufacturers have adapted to stay relevant. Style preferences have also varied since the first models, so be sure to consider these factors while shopping:
Design: Look at the style, the color, and even the ergonomics. Pay attention to aesthetics and functionality. Will it fit in the space allotted? Does its styling complement or clash with the cabinets and other appliances?
USB and Bluetooth connectivity: Since we have become more dependent on mobile devices, they have become portable music players. They are used to hold playlists and access music streaming and subscription services. Why not take advantage of those features to listen to your music preferences while working in the kitchen?
Plays CDs and tunes to AM and FM frequencies: Though the newest models take advantage of the latest technologies, a few legacy technologies remain to bridge the gap. We have yet to see a model with an 8-track player, but we have seen radios that will tune to AM and FM frequencies. This is an important feature to stay tuned to local news and information, such as storm updates and any pertinent closings. The CD player is always nice to have because many consumers still listen to CDs, and they will still be around for the foreseeable future.
Mounting options: Since the primary selling feature of an under cabinet radio is that it saves countertop space by mounting under a cabinet, manufacturers typically provide the mounting hardware. Certainly, you could find a shelf under the countertop to place your radio, though mounting at eye level is most often expected.
Maximum decibel range: Working in the kitchen does not mean sacrificing sound quality. Today's models of under cabinet radios offer a decibel range more than sufficient enough to be heard over appliances like the mixer and the blender. Their audio circuitry is also robust enough to provide high quality clarity of sound.
Speaker grill: The location of the speaker grill makes a difference because it helps determine how and where the radio can be mounted. While looking at this design factor, make sure that the speaker grill is either of plastic or metal construction to aid easier cleanup in the event of a splash or spill.
Ease of use and technical knowledge: Though some consumers may be more vocal about it than others, ease of use is a make-or-break criteria when shopping for nearly any appliance. The technical knowledge provided by the user's manual should also provide clear instructions for how to mount, install, and use all the features of your under cabinet radio.
TOP 5 Best Under Cabinet Radios
Now that we have reviewed some of the important criteria, let's examine the TOP 5 popular models of under cabinet radio. Many great options still exist beyond these, though we have found these to be the most common models currently purchased by consumers.
Sony ICFCDK50 - under cabinet radio with cd player / fm/am
Sony ICFCDK50: Check the current price
Sylvania SKCR2713 - under cabinet radio with bluetooth
Sylvania SKCR2713: Check the current price
GPX KC232S - under-cabinet cd player with am/fm radio tuner and mp3 playback
Today's consumers seek more options when listening to music, and this model offers an AM/FM radio, a CD player, and a docking station for your MP3 player or other music streaming device. Please note that it your device should not be any larger than a typical smartphone. Though it is about four pounds in weight, that should be little to not concern for mounting under most cabinets.
GPX KC232S: Check the current price
iLive iKB333S - under cabinet radio fm bluetooth
iLive iKB333S: Check the current price
Venturer KLV3915 - under cabinet tv dvd radio combo
The under-cabinet mounting hardware also makes sure your installation process will keep it secure and in place. While it measures 16.8" x 5.8" x 14.5", its extra multimedia features make up for it being slightly larger than the other models we have reviewed.
Venturer KLV3915: Check the current price
We hope this guide has made you a better-informed shopper. However, even with the best of guides, there are still some questions.
FAQ
These frequently asked questions about under cabinet radios are answered as follows:
How do install this device?
An under cabinet radio typically installs under a cabinet or cupboard. They are most commonly installed in a kitchen to save countertop space.
How do I mount it?
Mounting hardware, such as brackets and fasteners, is usually included with the radio. Be sure to review the installation instructions to be sure that all mounting hardware has been included.
How do I remove an under cabinet radio?
The removal of an under cabinet radio is pretty much the reverse of the installation. Review the product literature first for specific instructions.
What’s the best for the kitchen can you recommend?
That all depends upon what you want in an under cabinet radio. If you seek something economical, then please consider the Sylvania SKCR2713. If you desire more than radio and audio, the Venturer KLV3915 is one we like for watching TV while in the kitchen.
What’s the best for an RV can you recommend?
Those who wish to take their under cabinet radios over the road for adventure should seriously consider the Sylvania SKCR2713. Though it lacks an AM tuner, it can pick up FM, even on battery power.
What under cabinet radios with cassette player are there?
We're sorry to disappoint you, but cassette players have not been available for under cabinet radios for years now. However, there are many good options thee days with USB and Bluetooth connections so that you can still listen to your favorite tunes.
Can you suggest radio with an external antenna?
For safety and practicality reasons, we cannot recommend any specific model with an external antenna. A protruding antenna from a radio can be a safety hazard in the kitchen, especially in one with close quarters, like an RV. We do understand that the internal antenna can be an issue with some models because they sometimes end up fitting best where the reception is poor.
What’s a good under cabinet radio with remote?
The Sony ICFCDK50 and the GPX KC232S are the models we like for their remote controls, though we also like the Venturer KLV3915. Both have plenty of range for in the kitchen. The big differences are that the Sony remote is the simplest to use and the button pad on the GPX remote will wipe clean with a damp rag. We mention Venturer's offering because practically every TV and DVD player includes a remote control these days, and its magnetic mount is also handy.
Is there any device with a weather band?
We recommend that you tune to your local radio stations for weather updates. The weather band frequencies are not in the FM range for consumer broadcast purposes.
What under cabinet radio with good reception can you recommend?
>Though we recommend any of these models for their reception, we must make one point clear to you. The reason many radio stations switched over to FM back in the 1970s was so that listeners could avoid the annoying static. Talk radio shows and some niche radio stations still use AM, which is susceptible to static near power lines, so make sure you're not mounting it anywhere near an AC source.
Can you please suggest an under cabinet radio with AM?
Most under cabinet radios feature an AM tuner, so any of these models we reviewed should suit your needs. Please review what we just mention in the previous FAQ regarding reception, because this is most critical for AM than FM.
What under cabinet radio that works with the TV can you recommend buying?
The model we recommend is the Venturer KLV3915. Though it is not something we would use to binge watch movies, it still provides a good quality picture. So long as you're using it for watching how-to guides or the local news, you should be okay.
Compative chart of Under Cabinet Radios
So, let's recap by comparing these under cabinet radios with this simple comparison chart:
Most Popular
Other Popular
iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio (FM) CD Player and MP3 player , Bluetooth, USB, AUX in, MP3, CD, Wireless...
- ✔The perfect kitchen companion,the Wireless Under Cabinet from iLive doesn’t take up counter space while letting you isten to what you love. Enjoy CD's or music, news, weather, and traffic with the FM radio or connect via Bluetooth or USB to listen to your CD-MP3s. The easy to read LCD display includes a clock with DC back up and a timer. Included is a remote control for controlling things across the room and a simple mounting kit for easy installation. Updated Model February 2019 IKBC384SMP3U
- ✔Slim under cabinet radio and CD Mp3-CD player with Bluetooth wireless streaming and USB,Supports Bluetooth v 2.0 with a 33 foot range
- ✔Listen to your favorite CDs or FM radio stations; Includes 20 FM station presets
- ✔LCD display, kitchen timer, digital clock,and remote;Supports automatic device pairing
- ✔Powered by AC/DC power adapter with battery back up (2AA batteries not included ) Please be sure the source “CD” is selected when attempting to play a compact disc. or a Mp3 CD
RCA (SPS3688B) Under Cabinet Wireless Speaker with Bluetooth and FM Radio (White)
- EASILY MOUNTED: Slim design and all hardware included to secure under kitchen cabinets.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION: Wireless technology streamed from smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth sources.
- BUILT IN: Stereo speakers to enjoy music while you cook or multi-task.Large LED clock display.
- FM RADIO: Preset up to 20 radio stations. Includes external FM antenna for optimal signal reception.
- LED Display: Large, easy to read LED clock display. Includes 90 minute timer countdown and alarm.
AUNA KR-140 Kitchen Radio with Bluetooth and LED Work Surface Lighting - 40 Station Memory, Built-In Speakers,...
- STRONG BASS: The auna KR-140 kitchen radio features two built-in speakers- offering up to 10 watts of musical power each. In addition the radio has two small woofers which provide strong bass for your favourite songs.
- FEATURES: The kitchen radio’s range of features is rounded out by a practical egg timer, dual alarm, sleep timer and snooze function.
- STREAMING: auna's KR-140 radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere else in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 40 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets.
- PRACTICAL: The Bluetooth interface of the radio allows a practical hands-free function- incoming calls can be handled thanks to radio's the built-in microphone - stay in touch, even while cooking.
- LIGHTNING: The radio comes equipped with practical LED lighting to illuminate the work surfaces below. The device's touch screen display can be used during cooking and then easily wiped clean afterwards.
JENSEN SMPS-628 Under Cabinet Universal Bluetooth Music System
- Supports A2DP, NFC for Easy Pairing, FM Stereo Receiver with Presets and PLL Digital Tuning
- Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
- Hands-free Speakerphone with Built-in Microphone for your Bluetooth Enabled Phone
- Multi-function LCD Display, Digital Volume Control, Clock with Timer Space-Saving Under Cabinet Design, Mounting Hardware Included, Built-in 4x LED Work Area Light
- Power: 120V AC Adaptor (included), Battery Back-up: 2 x “AAA” Batteries (not included)
iLive iKBC384S Bluetooth Under the Cabinet Radio with CD Player (Renewed)
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming
- Supports Bluetooth v2.0 with a 33 foot range
- Listen to your favorite CDs or FM radio stations; Includes 20 FM station presets
- LCD display, kitchen timer, digital clock, and remote; Supports automatic device pairing
Jensen JAS-725 Under-Cabinet Bluetooth Music System with Alexa Far Field & Tap to Talk
- Space-saving under cabinet design
- Allows hands-free convenience with voice-control
- Integrates with Alexa voice service to play music, provide information, news, sports, scores, weather, order food & more
- Connects to Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot
- Far-field voice recognition distinguishes voices across the room, even while music is playing
- Included components: product, manual
- Power source type: Corded Electric
Sylvania SKCR Under Cabinet Clock Radio, Music System with Bluetooth Streaming and FM Radio
- Under-Cabinet Clock with FM Radio and Bluetooth
- The Latest Bluetooth V 3.0 Allows you to Easily Stream Music to the Speakers from iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, BlackBerry or any Bluetooth Enabled Devices
- Built In Hi-Fi Speakers; LED Digital Display for Easy Read-Out of the Time and to Set Radio Statin and Volume Levels
- Powered by AC Adapter with Battery Back Up In Case of Black-Out.FM Frequency Range: 87.5 to 108.0 MHz
- Easy to Follow Mounting Kit Included
iLive Bluetooth Under The Cabinet Kitchen Clock Radio with CD Player, Bluetooth Wireless Speaker System, Features...
- Slim CD/Radio Under Cabinet Music System w/Bluetooth Wireless Streaming
- Bluetooth streaming provides an unrivaled level of control of your listening experience
- Listen to your favorite CD;s or FM radio stations Includes 20 station presets
- LCD display, Kitchen timer, Digital clock, Alarm, Can be set to either buzzer or radio
- Built-in cooking timer eliminates the need for an additional timer in your kitchen for food preparation
Conclusion
That wraps up our run down of the top five under cabinet radios on the market in 2019. We’ve tried to choose only the best models that represent the niches most often needed by consumers. Hopefully, we’ll see new advancements in technologies in foreseable future, and if that would be the case, then see you back in 2020!
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