Under-cabinet radios can be extremely convenient to use as they can provide some entertainment and music while you go on doing your chores. Perhaps the biggest plus point of this kind of cabinet radio is that it does not take up too much space.
So, how do you go about looking for the best under cabinet radio for yourself? Through this useful buyer’s guide, we will try to answer all your pressing questions about under-cabinet radios, how they work, how to install them, factors to consider and plenty more.
In addition, you can also go through the product reviews of the three best under-cabinet radios that we have picked, based on which you can make your choice.
Let’s get started!
What Is an Under-Cabinet Radio and How Does It Work?
An under cabinet radio is, quite literally, a radio that you can install under a cabinet or a cupboard. Usually, these tend to be installed in kitchens so that you can simply turn them on and tune into your favorite music while preparing your meals or eating a meal with your friends and family.
By attaching this radio under the cabinet, you can end up controlling how much space the radio takes up so that you don’t have to bother making space atop kitchen counters.
What to Consider When Buying an Under-Cabinet Radio
There are several factors that you must keep in mind while looking for an under cabinet radio to buy for yourself. In order to pick the best one, you should consider the following aspects.
Bluetooth
Having a Bluetooth connection is now extremely important in the wireless age. Having this connection can allow you to connect the radio to your smartphone or laptop so that you can play music from your device through your radio.
This can allow you to control your preferences while you are in the kitchen.
Frequency
Generally, people tend to opt for an FM radio. However, you should make it a point to buy a radio that can grant you access to both AM and FM frequencies so that you can not only listen to music but also listen to the news on the radio while also following your favorite radio stations and shows.
Compatibility
You want to make sure that the cabinet radio you buy is compatible with your kitchen cupboards as well as your own requirements. For instance, you should see whether the radio has a remote control option so that you can easily control the radio settings from afar.
Additionally, if a CD player is important to you, you should ensure the presence of that as well. Some might even come with displays on them.
Mounting
Your radio should be easy to mount and install under the cabinet. Usually, such radios now tend to come with the necessary tools and hardware that you can make use of for installation. Make sure that you confirm that these tools are a part of the deal. User manuals will further make your job easier.
Backup
It is important for your radio to have some kind of battery backup so that you can play your radio even when the lights are out. While you will be able to charge your radio using an adapter, this kind of backup can prove to be useful, especially if you experience frequent power cuts.
How to Install an Under-Cabinet Radio
Your cabinet radio will probably come with mounting hardware. You can use those to install your under-cabinet radios by simply attaching the fasteners and the brackets underneath your cupboard.
Make sure you go through the user manual for the detailed process.
How to Remove an Under-Cabinet Radio
To remove your radio at any point, you simply need to reverse the aforementioned process. Start off by removing all the screws and removing the device and brackets from the bottom of the cupboard.
How Do I Pair My iLive Under-Cabinet Radio?
If you want to pair your iLive under cabinet radio, you can simply turn on the power button first. Since you are pairing with Bluetooth, you will need to turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone or any other device.
On your radio, go to ‘Source’, click on ‘Bluetooth’ and then pair it up. You will need to wait for your phone to detect the radio, after which you can enter a password. That’s it!
How Do You Set the Clock Under the Counter Radio?
In order to set the clock on your radio, you can switch your radio on and locate the settings. It is possible that a separate ‘time zone’ button might be present on your radio. Click on that and then find your time zone.
You can then adjust the time accordingly. This kind of clock radio is pretty common nowadays, so setting the time will not be too difficult.
That completes this part of the buyer’s guide. We hope that we have cleared all your doubts about the product. We can now move on to reviewing individual radios.
Best Under-Cabinet Radio in 2021
Now that you know all about the considerations involved when it comes to such radios, how can you find out which radio to buy? To help you out, we have picked and reviewed the three best under-cabinet radios for this year. Let’s take a look.
iLive iKBC384S
iLive iKBC384S Bluetooth Under the Cabinet Radio with CD Player
- Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming. The item does not retrieve AM stations (only CDs or FM radio stations).
- Supports Bluetooth v2.0 with a 33 foot range
- Listen to your favorite CDs or FM radio stations; Includes 20 FM station presets
- Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming. The item does not retrieve AM stations (only CDs or FM radio stations).
- 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
- Powered by AC/DC power adapter with battery backup (2 AA batteries not included)
- Please be sure the source “CD” is selected when attempting to play a compact disc. Also note the device is not manufactured to play “copied, burned or duplicated” CDs
This radio is sleek and can easily be installed under your cabinets. It comprises a Bluetooth connection, timer, clock and remote control options. This allows you to easily pair up your radio with any of your devices while offering wonderful sound quality.
Take a look at some specifications that this radio has to offer:
- 5” x 12.5” x 3.8”
- 20 FM stations
- Bluetooth, USB and CD connectivity
- AC/DC and battery power
You can easily access any of the 20 FM stations on this radio while also sliding in a CD if you choose to do so. The LCD display further lets you seamlessly navigate, read and adjust the settings.
You can charge it using an AC/DC adapter while also relying on the backup.
Using the given tools, you can easily mount the radio at the bottom of your cabinet and simply power it on, connect it to a frequency or a device and start listening.
Unfortunately, this radio does not come with any AM frequencies. Further, you will need to buy AA batteries for the backup option to work as they do not come with the radio itself.
Tyler Under-Cabinet Radio
Tyler Bluetooth Under The Cabinet Universal Wireless Music System, Kitchen Clock Radio,...
- Tyler's TKS2-WH radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 20 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets.
- Tyler's TKS2-WH radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 20 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets.
- The Tyler TKS2-WH kitchen radio features two built-in speakers.
- The kitchen radio's range of features is rounded out by a times, dual alarm, sleep timer and snooze function.
- The radio comes equipped with a practical LED lighting ti illuminate the work of surfaces below. The device's touch screen display can be used during cooking and then easily wiped clean afterwards.
- The Bluetooth interface of the radio allows a practical hands-free function. Incoming calls can be handled thanks to the radios built-in microphone. Answer the phone while you are cooking!
This radio is another excellent option for you. Looking stylish and chic, it can nicely blend in with the rest of your kitchen without standing out too much. It comes with a range of features that add to its efficiency. Some of its specifications include:
- 16” x 7.09” x 2.48”
- 20 FM stations
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in speakers
Through the 20 FM stations, you can expect a good variety of music, news, shows and entertainment by simply tuning in to one of the stations. You can also pair up the radio with any wireless device so that you can control what you want to play or listen to.
With an LED lighting and a touch screen, you can light up the area surrounding it while also easily being able to view the time. Coming with a digital clock, remote control options and adjustable settings, you can use this radio in the way you want.
It also comes with built-in speakers that greatly improve the sound quality of this radio. What makes it even more unique is that it allows you to answer calls through its microphone, letting you continue your work in the kitchen without using your busy hands to pick up the phone.
There are no USB/CD connections on this radio.
SYLVANIA SKCR2713
SYLVANIA SKCR2713 Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth, Silver
- Under Cabinet CD, Radio with Bluetooth. Powered by AC Adaptor with Battery Back Up
- Built in Speakers to Play your favorite music via Bluetooth or any FM station with built in FM Tuner
- LED Display for easy read-out of the time or your set radio station
- Under Cabinet CD, Radio with Bluetooth. Powered by AC Adaptor with Battery Back Up
- Built in Speakers to Play your favorite music via Bluetooth or any FM station with built in FM Tuner
- LED Display for easy read-out of the time or your set radio station
- Includes: Mounting Kit and full function remote control. Power 2 x 1.2 W
- No AM feature available. Internal antenna requires repositioning of unit for better reception
This radio is another convenient choice to mount under your cabinets. Silver in color with multiple functionalities, this option can effectively serve your listening requirements in the kitchen. Take a look at some of its specifications and features below.
- 14” x 12.5” x 4”
- FM stations
- Bluetooth connectivity, CD player
- AC adapter, battery
You can conveniently access any FM station of your choice through this radio. There are, however, no AM frequencies available with this radio. You can, however, slide in any CD of your choice to play specific tracks.
Available with the latest Bluetooth version, you can pair up this radio with your wireless devices so that you can play songs or podcasts from your device using the speakers of the radio.
What’s more, there is an LED display that lets you read the time clearly. You can further adjust this time using the buttons on the radio. Additionally, you have the option of controlling the radio remotely so that you don’t need to walk up to it while you are busy in the kitchen.
You might need to position this radio in an appropriate place for it to receive good reception signals.
Parting Thoughts
That concludes this buyer’s guide and product review section. Through this, we hope that you now have all the relevant information about under-cabinet radios and how they work.
You can go through all the factors and reviews so that you know what to expect from this kind of radio. Based on this, you can make an informed decision that will meet all your requirements.
We have picked and reviewed the three best radios in this guide. There are some minute differences among these such as CD and USB connectivity options along with frequency settings and features. While all of these are great choices, you can select one that will work best for you.
Go ahead, then! Pick a radio and enjoy the listening experience.
iLive iKBC384S Bluetooth Under the Cabinet Radio with CD Player
- Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming. The item does not retrieve AM stations (only CDs or FM radio stations).
- Supports Bluetooth v2.0 with a 33 foot range
- Listen to your favorite CDs or FM radio stations; Includes 20 FM station presets
- Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming. The item does not retrieve AM stations (only CDs or FM radio stations).
- 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
- Powered by AC/DC power adapter with battery backup (2 AA batteries not included)
- Please be sure the source “CD” is selected when attempting to play a compact disc. Also note the device is not manufactured to play “copied, burned or duplicated” CDs
Tyler Bluetooth Under The Cabinet Universal Wireless Music System, Kitchen Clock Radio,...
- Tyler's TKS2-WH radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 20 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets.
- Tyler's TKS2-WH radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 20 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets.
- The Tyler TKS2-WH kitchen radio features two built-in speakers.
- The kitchen radio's range of features is rounded out by a times, dual alarm, sleep timer and snooze function.
- The radio comes equipped with a practical LED lighting ti illuminate the work of surfaces below. The device's touch screen display can be used during cooking and then easily wiped clean afterwards.
- The Bluetooth interface of the radio allows a practical hands-free function. Incoming calls can be handled thanks to the radios built-in microphone. Answer the phone while you are cooking!
SYLVANIA SKCR2713 Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth, Silver
- Under Cabinet CD, Radio with Bluetooth. Powered by AC Adaptor with Battery Back Up
- Built in Speakers to Play your favorite music via Bluetooth or any FM station with built in FM Tuner
- LED Display for easy read-out of the time or your set radio station
- Under Cabinet CD, Radio with Bluetooth. Powered by AC Adaptor with Battery Back Up
- Built in Speakers to Play your favorite music via Bluetooth or any FM station with built in FM Tuner
- LED Display for easy read-out of the time or your set radio station
- Includes: Mounting Kit and full function remote control. Power 2 x 1.2 W
- No AM feature available. Internal antenna requires repositioning of unit for better reception
