TORCHSTAR 8 in Ultra-Thin 5CCT Recessed Lighting 12-Pack - Slim

In this review of the TORCHSTAR Basic Series 12-Pack 8 in ultra-thin recessed lights, the bottom line is simple: this kit is for homeowners or installers who need bright, flexible indoor lighting that is easy to install and built to last. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of 5 CCT selectable color options and high CRI90 rendering, which lets a room go from warm and cozy to bright and task-ready without swapping fixtures. The included junction box and slim profile make these fixtures especially practical for renovations and narrow ceiling cavities.

Key Features

• 5 CCT Selectable: Allows switching between 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K to match mood or task lighting without changing the fixture.
• High CRI90: Delivers truer color rendering so finishes, fabrics, and skin tones look more natural under the light.
• 5%-100% Smooth Dimming: Provides a wide dimming range for precise brightness control from near darkness to full output.
• Slim 2 in Clearance: Requires only 2 in of clearance and no housing can, so it fits in narrow ceilings and remodel spaces.
• Long Lifespan and Certifications: ETL, ES and FCC certifications with a rated life of about 50,000 hours for reliable, energy-efficient use.
• Easy Install: Comes with a junction box and male/female quick connections plus spring clips for fast, straightforward mounting.

Who It's For

These lights are a strong fit for homeowners updating kitchens, hallways, living rooms or bedrooms who want consistent, high-quality light and flexible color temperature. Contractors and renovation teams will also appreciate the slim profile and included j-box that speed installations in retrofit jobs.

Those who need specialized outdoor-rated fixtures or professional-grade commercial vault housings should look elsewhere, since these are intended for indoor recessed applications and are optimized for residential and light commercial use in narrow ceilings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good value for a 12-pack with selectable CCT and high brightness at 1450 lm per fixture.
• Wide dimming range down to 5% works well with many modern dimmers.
• Simple installation with included j-box and spring clips saves time on retrofit jobs.
• Durable certifications and a long rated life offer peace of mind for everyday use.

Cons

• Some users report mixed long-term reliability, including occasional early failures after extended use.
• Not intended for exterior use or for installations requiring specialized housings.

Specifications

Size	8 in
Light Output	18W, 1450 lm
Color Temperatures	2700K / 3000K / 3500K / 4000K / 5000K
CRI	90
Dimming Range	5% - 100%
Certifications	ETL, ES, FCC
Lifespan	50,000 hours

Our Verdict

The TORCHSTAR 8 in ultra-thin recessed 12-pack is a practical, cost-effective choice for most residential remodels and new installs where flexible color temperature and high color fidelity matter. It offers strong value through easy installation, dependable brightness and a wide dimming range, though a small number of users report long-term reliability issues; for typical home use it remains a sensible buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these lights be used in contact with insulation?
Yes. They are IC-rated and can directly contact insulation when installed per instructions.

Do they include a junction box and quick connectors?
Yes. Each fixture includes a j-box with male/female cable connections for faster wiring.

Will the dimming work with my home dimmer?
Dimming works from 5% to 100% and is compatible with many modern dimmers, though compatibility can vary by dimmer model.