Light Bulbs Reviews

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Light Bulbs Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Light Bulbs Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Fluorescent Light Bulbs: New Twists in Savings Editors of Consumer Reports Oct. 2007		Consumer Reports rates 20 light-bulb models from five major brands. Durability is rated by cycling bulbs on for three hours, then off for 20 minutes. Efficiency is rated, but oddly enough, light quality is not. The review covers compact fluorescent light bulbs with light output roughly equivalent to that of a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. Four types of bulbs are included, so only five actual light-bulb models are rated here that screw into an ordinary table or floor lamp. The review reports the number of seconds it takes each light bulb to warm up to full lighting power, and compares the actual light output (in lumens) with the manufacturer's claim.
2. Popular Mechanics >> Details/Subscribe	The Best Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: PM Lab Test Emily Masamitsu and Contributors May 2007, updated June 2007		This review compares seven compact fluorescent light bulbs with a 75-watt incandescent light bulb, based on both objective and subjective tests. Color temperature and brightness are measured with a Minolta chroma meter; power consumption with an ammeter. Subjective judgments are based on a double-blind test (with testers not knowing which bulb was which) by four testers, including a lighting expert. All seven compact fluorescent lights rank higher than the incandescent light bulb, even though they aren't as bright by objective standards. None of the top-rated light bulbs excel on every factor, so the best light bulb depends on your priorities: color, perceived brightness, reading or the way faces look. Readers add over 80 comments, with quite a few complaints about the durability of some of the light bulbs the review covers -- including the top-ranked bulb -- and noting that the lights do dim over time.
3. Grist	Lumen Essence: A Review of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Katharine Wroth Dec. 2007		In this review, compact fluorescent light bulbs are evaluated for how their light looks on a book page, through a lamp shade and when cast on a wall. Although this review compares only four brands of compact fluorescent light bulbs, the author also compares "soft white" and "daylight" versions -- concluding that "soft white" light bulbs are much preferable. Quite a few of the readers' comments disagree, saying that "daylight" compact fluorescent light bulbs just require getting used to, but put out better light for reading and tasks. Readers also recommend some other brands -- especially Litetronics for its all-cardboard recyclable packaging.

Light Bulbs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Light Bulbs Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Amazon.com	Light Bulbs Contributors to Amazon.com As of Jan. 2008		Several compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED medium-base light bulbs get reviews and ratings from owners here, but most haven't had their bulbs long enough to assess their durability. The reviews do make useful comparisons of CFL bulbs by size, making it easier to find a bulb that will fit the light fixtures you have. Though only a few brands are listed here, there's useful information -- for example, that the TCP compact fluorescent bulbs buzz in an annoying way. Most owners find LED bulbs too dim and bluish for most uses, though in a concentrated task light or "getting around the house" light they may be usable. Among incandescent bulbs, GE Reveal bulbs get good reviews here, but only three owners have rated them so far.
5. Impact Televideo	Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Doug Hembruff May 2003, updated Nov. 2007		This Canadian review is especially useful because it reports specific brands and models of compact fluorescent lamps to avoid because they're dangerous. A great many brands and models are reviewed here, with comments from the author and from readers. Although Pricemark manufactures its compact fluorescent light bulbs in Taiwan, almost all the other bulbs here are made in China -- confirming the assertions we found at several other sites -- and the review judges Pricemark light bulbs among the dangerous brands. The review notes that Globe bulbs take longer to turn on than most. The author has liked Commercial Electric light bulbs, but has received quite a few complaints about them from others.
6. Don Klipstein's website	Some Better Compact Fluorescent Lamps Donald L. Klipstein Updated Nov. 2007		This review, subtitled "And some you might want to avoid," is by a lighting expert who has been reviewing compact fluorescent bulbs since 1992, continually updating the list. He notes that the reviews are based on his own personal tests, so he hasn't evaluated many samples of each model. The review is nicely organized so you can quickly zero in on the type of light bulb you want. This is part of a larger site on lighting that includes additional information not only on compact fluorescent light bulbs, but on halogen, incandescent and LED light bulbs as well.
7. Omar Shahine's blog	More on CFLs Omar Shahine Nov. 2007		This hands-on review of energy-saving light bulbs, written by a Microsoft program manager, compares several compact fluorescent light bulbs but also covers the new Philips Halogena Energy Saver bulbs. Though the author's emphasis is on light bulbs for recessed ceiling fixtures, the same bulbs can be used in regular lamps. Like most reviewers, he prefers soft white light bulbs for general lighting. He does recommend bright white N:Vision compact fluorescent light bulbs for workspaces, however. The Philips Halogena Energy Saver light bulbs get nothing but praise here, since they contain no mercury, can be used with dimmer switches and produce a pleasant light.
8. Wiggie's Web Page	Compact Fluorescent Lights "Wiggie" Updated Jan. 2008		This Canadian author reports on personal tests of eight compact fluorescent lamps of various brands, sizes and wattages. Though the comments seem unsophisticated, plenty of detail about each CFL is provided, as well as a useful summary recommending for certain brands and against others. The author finds all three major brands disappointing, recommending against GE, Philips and Sylvania compact fluorescent lamps in favor of TCPI and Commercial Electric brands. This is partly due to reliability and light quality, partly to the TCPI and CE bulbs turning on instantly. Even the best CFLs seem to have uneven quality, so the author recommends checking each one and requesting exchanges for any that buzz or show other problems.
9. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Bright Idea! Anthony Losanno Jan. 2005		This is the only comparison review we found that covers incandescent light bulbs. Apparently several testers judged the attractiveness of light emitted by three different light bulbs, but only the top-ranked light bulb is reported: the Sylvania Daylight bulb. Neither testing methods nor the other two light bulbs are documented.

Light Bulbs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Light Bulbs Ratings Comments on Reviews

10. SaveTheBulb.org	Save the Bulb -- A Ban Too Soon Kevan Shaw Oct. 2007		This article/PowerPoint presentation summarizes the evidence against compact fluorescent bulbs, providing detailed information on the actual electricity used, lifespan of the bulbs, energy required to produce them and various hazards of use and disposal. The larger site is devoted to arguments against the ban on incandescent bulbs, with quite a bit of authoritative information. One link goes to an article by a Greenpeace expert documenting arguments against expanding CFL usage.
11. St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN) >> Details/Subscribe	On Light-bulb Mania, Facts and Consequences Craig Westover May 10, 2007		Subtitled "The Price of Saving Energy," this editorial challenges the wisdom of buying compact fluorescent light bulbs because of the potential health and environmental hazards from the mercury in them. Comments from readers are mixed, with one noting that Minnesota (where this article is published) already offers a collection program for handling used CFL bulbs.
12. Macular Degeneration Support	Artificial Lighting and the Blue Light Hazard Dan Roberts 2005		This article documents the specifications of 19 light bulbs on the market as of the end of 2004 with a focus on how much retinal danger they pose from blue light. To back the author's assertions about blue light and macular degeneration, 81 scientific references are cited.
13. Lighter Footstep	Review: EarthLED's Bright Idea Chris Baskind Aug. 2007		This review describes hands-on testing of several big LED light bulbs supplied by the manufacturer, though only the "white" versions are evaluated, not the "warm." It would be nice to see photos comparing the illumination cast by the LED light bulbs with that of incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs, but the only photos are of the LED bulbs themselves. The review praises the build quality of the EarthLED light bulbs and finds the light "white but not harsh."
14. InkJetArt.com	FEATURE - Are your prints being seen in the best light? Editors of InkJetArt.com Nov. 2006		This article recommends a color temperature of 3500 degrees Kelvin as the most attractive lighting for viewing prints, citing several sources. The review recommends SoLux halogen bulbs, which require an adaptor to fit medium-base light fixtures.
15. The Gadgeteer.com	Fresh2 Odor Eliminating Light Bulbs: Gadgeteer Hands On Review Judie Hughes and Contributors July 2, 2004		This well-illustrated review tests the TCP Fresh2 Fluorescent light bulbs, which are designed to deodorize the air while providing the equivalent of about 75 watts of light. The author begins as a skeptic, but finds that the light bulbs do indeed eliminate odors. Readers add comments that include links to explanations of how this works, as well as to an article providing evidence for some health concerns.
16. Slate Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	The Best Light Bulb Eliza Truitt Sept. 2000		We'd rank this review higher if it tested and compared specific light bulb brands and models, and if it were more current. It's actually more a buyer's guide, detailing the pros and cons of various types of light bulbs. It does contain quite useful information, though, from a Canadian study of full-spectrum light bulbs -- reporting that these bulbs can have some limited health benefits to people in vitamin-D-deprived environments, but dispelling most other health claims.

Light Bulbs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Light Bulbs Ratings Comments on Reviews

17. Environmental Defense	Find an Energy-Saving Light Bulb Editors of Environmental Defense Nov. 2006, updated Aug. 2007		The light-bulb search tool at this site can be useful, especially if you're looking for a special kind of compact fluorescent light bulb -- one that can be used with a dimmer switch or 3-way lamp, for example. You can also filter the search tool to show only ENERGY STAR light bulbs. However, only a few brands are reviewed here, and most light bulbs have accumulated only a few owner-written reviews and ratings. The site also publishes useful tips for choosing a compact fluorescent light bulb that matches your needs -- recommending 3000K bulbs for reading lights, for example.
18. Fatmixx.com	On the Way to Energy Efficiency: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Sujal Shah and Contributors July 2006		Based on personal experience, the author recommends N:Vision compact fluorescent light bulbs, judging that the Commercial Electric light bulbs were whiter than he and his wife prefer. The review includes a photo comparing various sizes of compact fluorescent light bulbs with a typical incandescent light bulb, showing that fitting the size to existing fixtures can be a problem. The review itself is quite short, but readers have added over 75 comments -- which seem to give every brand mentioned quite mixed reviews.
19. Kevin Kelley Cool Tools	Fresh2 Bulbs Gregory Winer June 2004		The author reports on his personal tests of the Fresh2 compact fluorescent designed to eliminate odors. He finds that they work best when air circulates freely around them, so their appearance is a slight drawback. However, they definitely work -- around a cat litter box, for example.
20. The Guardian	Bright Lights Matt Prescott Aug. 2007		We'd rank this comparison review of 12 compact fluorescent light bulbs higher if the tests covered more bulbs with a screw-in base, or models available in the United States. Only one of the models tested has a screw-style base; the rest are bayonet-style. So these light bulbs don't correspond exactly with the Philips CFLs most popular in the United States, and it's not clear how much of the review is applicable to U.S. light bulbs. Otherwise, the review is excellent, rating each bulb (on a scale of one to ten) for warm-up time, light quality and appearance.
21. Entropy Production	Compact Fluorescent Review Robert McClead and Contributors May 2006		Though brief, with just a few comments from readers, this review comparing Sylvania with Philips compact fluorescent light bulbs is still useful. The author dislikes the light from the Philips "daylight" bulb, but finds it quieter. One reader comments that Sylvania compact fluorescent light bulbs use an iron-cored electromagnetic ballast rather than a quiet electronic ballast -- with a link to a good resource on fluorescent lighting terms.
22. EcoStreet.com	This is why LEDs are the light bulbs of the future Tracy Stokes and Contributors Sept. 2007		A comment from a reader who bought the EarthLED CL-5 LED light bulb makes this whole review worth listing. The main review author has nothing but praise for the EarthLED light bulbs, but no testing or even actual usage is documented. A reader's comment adds a true owner-written evaluation of the EarthLED CL-5, however, reporting that though the quality of the light is pleasant, the brightness appears more equivalent to 50 watts than 75. Another reader notes that the semiconductors in LED light bulbs do contain some toxic materials.
23. HomeDepot.com	Light Bulbs Contributors to HomeDepot.com As of Jan. 2008		Usually The Home Depot provides ample owner-written reviews of the products it sells, but few of the bulbs listed get much in the way of reviews. The Crane 35 LED light bulb does get detailed reviews, with a perfect five-star rating, but from only two owners. Note that since The Home Depot does not sell most bulbs via mail order, you'll need to select "Online & Store Products" to get the full listing of products carried and to search for reviews of those.
24. BetterLifeGoods.com	EcoLEDs 10-watt LED light Contributors to BetterLifeGoods.com As of Jan. 2008		Three readers comment on this expensive medium-base LED light bulb (*est. $100), noting that although the manufacturer says it can replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, the LED bulb is rated at only about one-fourth the lumens (400).
25. Yahoo! Video	Bright Effects light bulbs "Jammrock" Mar. 2007		This video review reports the author's personal experience with 13-watt Bright Effects light bulbs over a period of three or four years. He says only one has burned out during that time, and that he actually prefers the light cast by these compact fluorescent light bulbs to that of incandescent bulbs. We'd rank this review higher if he showed the light bulbs in use, or compared them with a different brand.
26. Rip-Off Report	Bright Effects -- Lowe’s Contributors to Rip-Off Report As of Jan. 2008		So far, only one contributor has posted a complaint about light bulbs. She reports poor durability from compact fluorescent light bulbs made by Bright Effects, GE and Philips, noting that the latter two manufacturers require her to mail in light bulbs in order to fulfill a warranty claim -- not cost-effective.
27. Epinions	Philips Marathon 100 Energy Saving Bulb Contributors to Epinions Aug. 2007		In the past, Epinions has been a good source for owner-written reviews, but the site seems to have been remodeled to eliminate most of them. We did find one detailed review of the Philips Marathon compact fluorescent light bulb that's designed to replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb. The owner has only praise for the light quality and energy savings of the Philips Marathon, citing the inevitable mercury content as the one drawback.
28. QuiltingAssistant.com	Quilting Light & Lamp Reviews : Benefits of a good quilting light Editors of QuiltingAssistant.com 2005		Nine lamps designed for artists and craftspeople are reviewed here, including reviews of the light bulbs used. Unfortunately no ratings or rankings are provided, but the review does list pros and cons for each model. The review lacks illustrations, so to see what the lamps look like requires extra Internet searches. Only one of the brands reviewed here makes bulbs that fit standard medium-base light fixtures, but the review is still useful.

Light Bulbs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Light Bulbs Ratings Comments on Reviews

29. DPReview.com Forums	SoLux Halogen - claims exaggerated? Contributors to DPReview.com Forums Feb. - Mar. 2006		This forum thread details some pros and cons about SoLux light bulbs (which require an adapter to use with medium-base bulbs). One poster praises the full-spectrum color rendition, but finds the small circle of light each bulb casts uncomfortable and uneven. He notes that because the bulbs are directional, they're better for track lighting than for task lights. We rank this resource lower than most because it shows some misunderstanding of color temperature vs. spectrum distribution.
30. Allergy Buyers Club.com	Natural Full Spectrum Lighting Editors of Allergy Buyers' Club As of Jan. 2008		This retail site provides "expert" ratings of the products sold here, but the reviews of light bulbs are of limited usefulness. Though Verilux full-spectrum incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs are rated "excellent" here, the site provides no comparisons with other brands. BlueMax full-spectrum lamps also get top rating here, but the separate BlueMax compact fluorescent light bulbs themselves aren't reviewed.