Is there an LED bulb that works like a 3-way incandescent?

Published: February 07, 2015 08:00 AM

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Lightbulbs

Q. Every lamp in my house uses a 3-way incandescent bulb; sometimes you just don't need more light. I'd like to convert to LED/CFL bulbs, but there don't seem to be any that will fit a standard lamp with a 3-way switch. Anything on the horizon?—Vicki Christensen, Apollo Beach, FL

A. Early last year we tested three versions of 3-way LED bulbs (one manufactured by Switch, and two from Lowe's sold under the Utilitech PRO store brand). Our conclusion is that it's best to continue using incandescent versions of 3-ways until the LED prices come down. Each LED bulb costs $20 to $55; the incandescent 3-way bulbs were $2.60 to $4. That said, you could try 3-way CFL bulbs for $10 to $12, which have been available for many years.

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Editor's Note:

This article also appeared in the March 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.