Roundup: Best CFLs

We know it can difficult to find a CFL that's right for you. They can flicker, they can't be bright enough... we've heard (and experienced!) all the stories. So, when we found this roundup of the best CFLs we got really excited. Check out the list, after the jump!

GE's Energy Smart Dimmable 15Watt CFL bulb: has received some rave reviews and people mainly remark that it doesn't have any of the harshness you associate with CFL's.

n*vision Soft White G25 (14 watt) was ranked best cfl for pendant lights (and great bulb overall) Real Simple.

Phillip's Marathon Bulb and the MaxLite MicroMax were both rated an overall A- on Popular Mechanics.

The New York Times rounded up their favorites. Among the top contenders, the TCP Spring Light/Soft White available through 1000 bulbs.

Via:

Dwell blog

Image: Paul Keller

Comments (8)

I love those GE dimmable CFL bulbs - Ace Hardware recently started stocking them...

...when I made the switch last year, I ordered a case of dimmable CFL's from 1000 Bulbs - their shipping was fast and reasonable - Wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

posted by bepsf on October 29th 2008 at 12:21pm
view bepsf's profile

The worst CFL's I've tried were from IKEA - they're not dimmable, broke easily and burned out quickly.

posted by bepsf on October 29th 2008 at 12:22pm
view bepsf's profile

I bought CVS brand bulbs, and they didn't last very long.

I've bought a bunch of GE bulbs, and they're great. They last forever. Haven't tried the dimmable ones, though.

posted by jyw on October 29th 2008 at 1:23pm
view jyw's profile

Ikea bulbs are not the best, but that's because they're cheap Ikea bulbs. They've always lasted long enough for me, though. And most CFLs are not dimmable.

Speaking of dimmable CFLs - I wish I could find some candelabra based dimmables around 10w. The only ones I find are all too dim. Anyone know anything?

posted by sweetchuck on October 29th 2008 at 1:25pm
view sweetchuck's profile

Thanks for the tip about dimmable CFL's. Now what I would like to know is where to get those beautiful Moorish tiles.

posted by monarda on October 29th 2008 at 1:48pm
view monarda's profile

Sweetchuck--

Try a CCFL candelabra bulb - they're dimmable and are rated 30W equivalent to incandescent:

http://www.1000bulbs.com/Litetronics-Microbrite-Decorative-Cold-Cathode-Fluorescent/33429/

posted by bepsf on October 29th 2008 at 2:43pm
view bepsf's profile

Anyone know how halogen lights are classified given the coming mandate to phase out incandescent? Are they, or aren't they???

posted by Taureg on October 29th 2008 at 4:41pm
view Taureg's profile

I agree - the IKEA CFLs I bought only lasted 1 1/2 years, tops. I also had trouble with the Bright Effects CFLs at Lowes - they didn't last long either. Really disappointing, considering the potential environmental issues associated with disposing of the bulbs improperly (mercury content). I'll be buying name brands next time.

posted by elmcclell on October 29th 2008 at 6:17pm
view elmcclell's profile