Potlights - 3 inch or 4 inch?

[webthrasher]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get some potlights installed in my house and I'm not sure which to go for? Is there any pros or cons with going with 3 inch or 4 inch potlights?

Also, can anyone tell me the average prices they've gotten them done for?

Thanks!

[excel]

good post, i wonder if smaller or bigger cost more?

[adrian123]

I have 3" Potlights in my Kitchen Ceiling, Cabinet Undermount and Bathroom

The 3" bulbs dont last long, I am often replacing them. We had 4" Potlights in our old house and we replaced the bulbs much less often.

Perhaps the 4" housings handle heat build up better.

I always look for the name brand bulbs, not necessarily the cheapest, but they still dont last.

Planned obsolescense I guess

[webthrasher]

I have 3" Potlights in my Kitchen Ceiling, Cabinet Undermount and Bathroom

The 3" bulbs dont last long, I am often replacing them. We had 4" Potlights in our old house and we replaced the bulbs much less often.

Perhaps the 4" housings handle heat build up better.

I always look for the name brand bulbs, not necessarily the cheapest, but they still dont last.

Planned obsolescense I guess

I was heading towards using the 3" ones as well, but a few of the contractors that I've contacted said the 4" ones are 'better'?! But they just say it's not built as well (also mentioned the heat dissipation factor)...

Personally I think the 3" ones look nicer. Could you provide the names of brand name bulbs or potlights? What should I look for?

[cdencore]

We are in the process of renovating our kitchen and the contractor has recommended potlights for a more updated look. Big concern I have is that potlights (so I am told) is one of the most energy inefficient ways to light a kitchen.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Rehan]

We are in the process of renovating our kitchen and the contractor has recommended potlights for a more updated look. Big concern I have is that potlights (so I am told) is one of the most energy inefficient ways to light a kitchen.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Rona carries 3" potlights with an 11 Watt CFL bulb (GU-10 socket). We just installed them in our living room and they turned out well enough. The manufacturer is Catalina Lighting, and model is CR96... They come in a 4-pack remodel kit for $60 including the light bulbs, and Rona sells the replacement bulbs separately as well.

In the basement we're installing 4" cans, with Philips Daylight 15W CFL bulbs from Home Depot.

[CSK'sMom]

We put 3 inch halogen recessed lights in our kitchen. Halogen is very energy efficient and it doesn't cast shadows like other light sources can as well as it being a white light. Pots or recessed lights are not meant to be a main light source, they are more for accent or task lighting. Mine are only over the counter and there are 2 other light sources for general lighting.