The Best Dimmer switches

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
May 3rd, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

Choosing a dimmer isn’t like choosing a light switch, as there are quite a few things to consider. For instance, do you want to use a single pole or multi-location dimmer? Then you need to figure out what kind of bulb you want to use, be it compact LED, magnetic, or electronic, etc. After those decisions are out of the way, you need to decide on your prefered control method, as there are many. You could go through all that, or you could trust our 35 years of product testing and review experience to help point you in the right direction. We tested a wide variety of different dimmer switches to locate the ones that had the most to offer for the best price. Our favorite is the Lutron Maestro, as it comes in several vibrant colors and is compatible with 1,000’s of bulbs and brands. The runner up went to Leviton SureSlide, which was not available in as many color choices, but still held a place as a strong quality product. Last but not at all least was the green choice, Lutron Credenza, a plug in model with plenty to offer.

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Quality and Design

A strong interface and stand out color were one of the first things we looked for in the best dimmers available. Finding the most versatile and durable design was close to the top of our list, because it’s not all about looks – sometimes items have to function as well.

Installation

True of any product that has to be assembled or installed, how easy it is to complete this task is always a deciding point on if you end up choosing the item or not. We timed how quickly we could put in each model and get it up and running. The quickest was only a few minutes, primarily because you only had to plug it in.

Compatibility

Before you purchase a light switch, you want to make sure that it will fit with the rest of your interior. When you buy a dimmer switch, you pay closer attention to how well it works with your light bulbs and wattage options. We were most impressed with the dimmers that could handle just about any type of dimmable bulb.

Dimmer Options

Different options also win brownie points, such as if the dimmer was interchangeable with single pole or multiple options. Different shade options also caught our eye, as many average dimmers only have one or two customizations.

Control

Lastly, we evaluated the controls. You want to find a dimmer that is not only easy to use but also isn’t so sensitive that it would change the brightness too much.

Top Pick

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,
Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs,
Single-Pole or Multi-Location

With a bright, innovative design, this dimmer can fit to your personal specification. It has over 250 lighting levels & is well-equipped to match any mood.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Has programmable settings so you can choose the brightness of each room. Works with LED, halogen, or incandescent bulbs. Installs very quickly with no issues.

Biggest downsides: Not really a digital model, so the name can be misleading. Doesn’t even work on the lowest brightness setting. Switch feature doesn’t work well.

Honorable Mention

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal
150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt
Incandescent Dimmer

Simple and clean, this dimmer works well with any level of wattage up to 600 watt incandescents. Lovely neutral colors to choose from for the right lighting balance in every room.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Can control both wired lights and lamps. Works with multiple types of bulbs, including fluorescent. Easy to install, even for beginners.

Biggest downsides: Flickers if the connection isn’t just right - no bulbs can prevent this entirely. Sometimes can make a buzzing noise. Inconsistency in product - some dimmers work fine and some malfunction before they are used.

Also Consider

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
for Halogen and
Incandescent Bulbs

Perfect for those who want a quick and efficient dimmer without having to install one in the wall. Just plug in this powerful little gadget and go.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Three year warranty, which really comes in handy if it malfunctions. Can work up to six whole feet away. Awesome for mood lighting or around holidays. Light is clean and clear, with no glare effects.

Biggest downsides: Not at all recommended for LED lights. Plug has a chance of overheating and catching fire. Still does cause flickering, even though it says it doesn’t.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Dimmer Switches

How can you find the best dimmer to fit your needs? Well, you must first learn a little more about light dimmers, and your different options, to see which would suit your home needs.

First, there are four different types of dimmers. A single-pole, which controls only one light. 3-4 ways are best when you have more than one switch controlled by a single source. Multi-locals can control many different dimmers for more fine-tuned adjustments. Then you have your regular plug-ins, which are used for lamps and other types of lighting.

There are also many different types of controls, from knobs that turn to toggles, like a light switch, and sliding designs.

A Note About Safety and Storage

It is extremely important to ensure that every wire is properly connected, as one loose end can pose a very serious fire hazard. Check for warning signs, like severe flickering or strange buzzing or popping noises coming from around the switch. If using a corded device, keep all wires out of walkways and also inspect the wiring periodically.

The Best Dimmer switches

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,
Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs,
Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal
150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt
Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
for Halogen and
Incandescent Bulbs

All Our Picks

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,
Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs,
Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal
150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt
Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
for Halogen and
Incandescent Bulbs

Tips for Effective Dimmer Switches

A Note About Safety and Storage

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The Best Dimmer switches

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs, Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal 150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmerfor Halogen andIncandescent Bulbs

All Our Picks

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs, Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal 150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmerfor Halogen andIncandescent Bulbs

Tips for Effective Dimmer Switches

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,
Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs,
Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal
150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt
Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
for Halogen and
Incandescent Bulbs

Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED,
Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs,
Single-Pole or Multi-Location

Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal
150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt
Incandescent Dimmer

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
for Halogen and
Incandescent Bulbs