Presented in detail: The new Philips Hue Slim recessed light

In the past, when it came to recessed spotlights, Philips Hue required two things in particular: Money and a decent installation depth. Up to now, a cavity of 10 centimetres was required if you wanted to install spotlights directly into the ceiling. The new Philips Hue Slim recessed light changes all that – now all you need is money.

Today I would like to take a look at the large version, which has a diameter of 170 millimetres and a price of 109.99 euros. At first glance, that sounds like a lot – but what about the competition? I went in search of clues and compared some technical details.

A look at alternative recessed spotlights with ZigBee

With the Paulmann Areo recessed panel, I came across a branded product with similar dimensions. However, although it has ZigBee, it only has White Ambiance technology, i.e. no colour. The manufacturer specifies a maximum brightness of 1,200 lumens. What is striking is that the panel is virtually placed “under” the ceiling and protrudes by around 1.2 centimetres. Despite a lamp size of 175 millimetres, the hole cut-out only needs to be 50 to 140 millimetres in size. However, the list price of 92.49 euros is almost on a par with Philips Hue – and that’s without colour.

During my research, I also came across this non-name product with ZigBee technology that can even display colours. At 52.95 euros, the price is of course significantly more attractive. But what do you get in terms of performance? A maximum of 1,100 lumens are included, and 2,700 to 6,500 Kelvin are covered in the white range. Incidentally, the Paulmann panel only covers 3,000 to 6,500 Kelvin.

Philips Hue scores with these technical details

And here it has to be said that Philips Hue delivers significantly more. First of all, up to 1,500 lumens are possible at 4,000 Kelvin, a colour temperature that can be used in the bathroom. That is an increase of around 36 per cent compared to the no-name product.

In addition, a colour temperature of 2,000 to 6,500 Kelvin is covered. The Philips Hue Slim recessed spotlight with a diameter of 170 millimetres is therefore also ideal for cosy scenes with warm white light. And that’s something you can really appreciate in everyday life.

Further features of the slim recessed light

The large recessed spotlight from Philips Hue has an extraordinarily flat design. It is just 2.5 centimetres from the lower frame to the end of the spring that holds it in position. So, minus the thickness of the ceiling, there hardly needs to be any cavity for the recessed light itself.

However, there is a big “but” here, because the transformer also has to be accommodated somewhere. And at 3.5 centimetres, it is not exactly slim. According to Philips Hue, the installation depth should be at least 4.5 centimetres.

The wiring itself is very simple, as a simple clamp connection is made. The incoming 230 V cable is doubly secured in the connecting element to prevent it from slipping out. What I also noticed: Small cooling fins are built into the side of the housing of the Philips Hue Slim recessed lights. In addition, the illumination is really absolutely even.

What’s inside the Hue Slim recessed light?

There are a few simple screws on the back of the recessed light. An invitation I couldn’t refuse, because after all, we’re all interested in what’s inside. The LEDs don’t actually shine directly downwards, but are positioned all round at an angle of 90 degrees. So they don’t shine vertically, but horizontally.

However, with a diffuser and a simple white plastic film, Philips Hue manages to direct the light in the right direction and thus ensure almost perfect illumination with no individual LED points visible. And this is only possible in view of the low overall height.

The bottom line: a big step forward

Compared to the previous recessed spotlights such as Milliskin or Xamento, in which only “simple” GU10 spotlights are installed, the new Slim recessed lights from Philips Hue are a big step forward.

In terms of price, we are of course back in the Hue universe here, but compared to the previous spots (the list price of Xamento is €79.99), you get significantly more for your money. The 90 millimetre recessed lights with up to 1,000 lumens cost just 89.99 euros, which is only a little more. The large model for 109.99 euros provides even more brightness.

Both versions are available with a white or black frame and are also available from independent retailers. So there’s a good chance that the prices will be a bit lower again.

Philips Hue Slim Recessed Spots 90mm

€89,99

The thin profile of the slim Philips Hue recessed lights makes it possible for you to use recessed lights anywhere in your home, for example in rooms with suspended ceilings. Thanks to the wide beam angle and high light output, you can also easily illuminate larger rooms.

Buy Now

Philips Hue Slim Recessed Spots 170mm

€109.99

The thin profile of the slim Philips Hue recessed lights makes it possible for you to use recessed lights anywhere in your home, for example in rooms with suspended ceilings. Thanks to the wide beam angle and high light output, you can also easily illuminate larger rooms.

Buy Now