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
- Best-Selling 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.
Best-Selling Under Cabinet Radios | Comparison Table
soundmaster UR2045 Under Cabinet Bluetooth / FM / DAB / DAB+ Kitchen Radio with LED Lighting, Dual Alarm &...
- soundmaster UR2045 Under Cabinet Bluetooth / FM / DAB / DAB+ Kitchen Radio with LED Lighting, Dual Alarm & Cooking Timer - Silver
- FM / DAB / DAB + RADIO TUNER – Listen in crystal clear digital radio with built in DAB and DAB+ Radio Tuner, plus play your favourite radio stations with built in FM Radio Tuner.
- BLUETOOTH - Pair and play stored music or audio apps downloaded on your smartphone or tablet device via the built in Bluetooth receiver.
- ALARM CLOCK & COOKING TIMER – Built in cooking timer, clock and dual alarms with ability to set two separate times.
- UNDER CABINET MOUNTING - Affix easily under most kitchen cabinets as a fantastic space saving option – freeing up more room so you can go about your kitchen tasks without the obstacle of a radio in your way!
soundmaster FM/DAB/DAB+ Under Cabinet Kitchen Radio with Bluetooth, Stereo Speakers, CD Player, LED Lighting,...
- soundmaster FM / DAB / DAB+ Under Cabinet Kitchen Radio with Bluetooth, Stereo Speakers, CD Player, LED Lighting, Dual Alarms & Cooking Timer
- FM / DAB / DAB + Radio Tuner – Listen in crystal clear digital radio with built in DAB and DAB+ Radio Tuner, plus play your favourite radio stations with built in FM Radio Tuner.
- CD PLAYER & MP3 CD PLAYBACK – Integrated CD player which allows for playback of regular audio CDs plus MP3 files stored on CDR or CDRW media.
- BLUETOOTH - Pair and play stored music or audio apps downloaded on your smartphone or tablet device via the built in Bluetooth receiver.
- UNDER CABINET MOUNTING: Affix easily under most kitchen cabinets as a fantastic space saving option – freeing up more room so you can go about your kitchen tasks without the obstacle of a radio in your way!
auna KRCD-100 BT - Kitchen Under Cabinet Radio, LCD, Digital OUC tuner, Radio, Wireless, MP3, Space-saving...
- WIRELESS: With the auna KRCD-100BT, you can access the music libraries of your Bluetooth-equipped devices via the Bluetooth interface. For flexible operation, all settings and functions can be conveniently controlled using the remote control.
- NOT JUST FOR MUSIC: This intelligent kitchen radio features a practical timer that can be programmed in steps of up to 180 minutes. The auna KRCD-100 BT substructure kitchen radio can also be installed under a kitchen cabinet in order to save space.
- DIVERSITY: The auna KRCD-100 BT kitchen radio receives FM stations and has 20 memory locations for your favorite stations. It also has an AUX output and is compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 formats, as well as having a Bluetooth function.
- FUN IN THE KITCHEN: With the auna KRCD-100 BT radio, the beat of the music makes everything more fun in the kitchen. You can accompany your chilli con carne with Latin American rhythms or prepare a pizza while listening to an Italian opera.
- Please be advised that this device comes with a licensed EU to UK converter plug attached. Therefore, we will open the package and pre-install it for your convenience prior to shipping.
auna KRCD-100 BT Kitchen Under Cabinet Radio - CD-Player, MP3, Radio Tuner, BT Port makes Wireless Hearing...
- WIRELESS: With the auna KRCD-100BT, you can access the music libraries of your Bluetooth-equipped devices via the Bluetooth interface. For flexible operation, all settings and functions can be conveniently controlled using the remote control.
- NOT JUST FOR MUSIC: This intelligent kitchen radio features a practical timer that can be programmed in steps of up to 180 minutes. The auna KRCD-100 BT substructure kitchen radio can also be installed under a kitchen cabinet in order to save space.
- DIVERSITY: The auna KRCD-100 BT kitchen radio receives FM stations and has 20 memory locations for your favorite stations. It also has an AUX output and is compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 formats, as well as having a Bluetooth function.
- FUN IN THE KITCHEN: With the auna KRCD-100 BT radio, the beat of the music makes everything more fun in the kitchen. You can accompany your chilli con carne with Latin American rhythms or prepare a pizza while listening to an Italian opera.
- Please be advised that this device comes with a licensed EU to UK converter plug attached. Therefore, we will open the package and pre-install it for your convenience prior to shipping.
Auna KR-100 DAB Kitchen Radio - Under Cabinet Construction, DAB+, Bluetooth, FM Radio Reciever, Microphone, MP3,...
- Small kitchen radio with a DAB+ tuner and a FM radio receiver | Bluetooth interface for wireless music playback and use as a hands-free unit | Egg timer function, dual alarm with snooze function, and sleep timer
- Space-saving under cabinet construction | Incl. all mounting materials
- Automatic/manual station search | LCD display with blue background lighting | Time display
- For wireless musical enjoymeny during cooking in the workshop, auna now offers the KR 100 DAB under-cabinet radio. | The equipment includes an analog FM receiver as well as a digital DAB+ tuner for unrestricted music enjoyment.
- Please be advised that this device comes with a licensed EU to UK converter plug attached. Therefore, we will open the package and pre-install it for your convenience prior to shipping.
soundmaster UR2170SI Under Cabinet FM / DAB / DAB + Kitchen Radio CD Player with Dual Alarm & Cooking Timer -...
- soundmaster UR2170SI Under Cabinet FM / DAB / DAB + Kitchen Radio CD Player with Dual Alarm & Cooking Timer - Silver
- FM / DAB / DAB + Radio Tuner – Listen in crystal clear digital radio with built in DAB and DAB+ Radio Tuner, plus play your favourite radio stations with built in FM Radio Tuner.
- CD PLAYER & MP3 CD PLAYBACK – Integrated CD player which allows for playback of regular audio CDs plus MP3 files stored on CDR or CDRW media.
- ALARM CLOCK & COOKING TIMER – Built in cooking timer, clock and dual alarms with ability to set two separate times.
- UNDER CABINET MOUNTING: Affix easily under most kitchen cabinets as a fantastic space saving option – freeing up more room so you can go about your kitchen tasks without the obstacle of a radio in your way!
AUNA KCD-20 - Kitchen radio, 2 x 6.5 cm (1.5") speakers, MP3-CD player, FM tuner, RDS, USB port, AUX, LCD, Remote...
- STAY TUNED: The equipment includes an FM radio with 20 preset stations. The existing RDS function provides useful, program-accompanying additional content. In addition, the clock in standby mode is displayed easily readable.
- STEREO EFFECT: There are two built-in 6.5 "(1.5") full-range speakers that perform their sound behind a protective speaker cover, and various equalizer presets allow for optimal sound matching.
- CONNECTIVITY: An AUX input for direct connection of external devices can be found directly on the front panel. Via the MP3-compatible USB port, music collections of data carriers such as a USB stick and MP3 player are fed into the sound system.
- EXTRA COMPACT: The kitchen radio KCD-20 from auna can be stored space-saving at the bottom of e.g. Mount wall cabinets in the kitchen. The wire antenna can be laid flexibly and inconspicuously to ensure optimum reception.
- Please be advised that this device comes with a licensed EU to UK converter plug attached. Therefore, we will open the package and pre-install it for your convenience prior to shipping.
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
Under cabinet radio with CD player: Check the current price
Sylvania SKCR2713 - Under cabinet radio with bluetooth
Under cabinet radio with bluetooth: 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.
Under-cabinet CD player with am/fm radio tuner and mp3 playback: Check the current price
iLive iKB333S - under cabinet radio FM Bluetooth
Under cabinet radio FM Bluetooth: 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.
Under cabinet TV DVD radio: 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.
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!