Newer Cree LEDs shine in Consumer Reports' tests

One of the big reasons to buy energy-saving LED lightbulbs is that they're supposed to last 23 years or longer when you use them 3 hours a day. So when some Cree LED spotlights died early on in one of Consumer Reports' tests, the most failures we've seen for LEDs, we called Cree and then our lightbulb experts headed back to the lab to test more of their LEDs.

The dimmable Cree PAR38 Bright White LED spotlight replaces a 90-watt incandescent and the package notes it has a 27° beam angle. The model number is BPAR38-1503027T-12DE26-1U100 and we paid $24 apiece at Home Depot. When we spoke to Cree's Mike Watson, vice president of product strategy, after our initial tests, he said they discovered that the electronics had failed in a small number of these LEDs. "We have a 10-year warranty and we're happy to take the LEDs back," he said. "First try to take them to Home Depot and if there's a problem call 1-866-924-3645, or go to creebulb.com." He added that the newer LEDs have a minor modification that provides more protection to the electronics.

Our test results of Cree's modified LEDs

We run a number of tests on our lightbulbs, including frequently turning them on and off to find if that affects their performance. This on/off affects CFLs and incandescents but had never affected LEDs in our tests, until we tested these Cree PAR38 LEDs. Four of the eight died after about a third of the way through the initial test. So we bought more Cree LEDs and found that bulbs made in 2015 have a significantly lower failure rate, only one in nine died, suggesting that these were the modified bulbs.

The date code is on the bottom right of the bulb. Bulbs made in 2015 have a code of 0115 or higher (the first two numbers indicate the week, the next two the year). However, we're still testing this LED to 3,000 hours to see if the modification also improves life performance. So you won't see it in the our lightbulb Ratings now.

5 things to know about PAR LEDs

•PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector, handy info if a conversation turns dull.
•PAR bulbs can be used in recessed cans, track lighting, and outdoor spot and floodlights. Check the package for details.
•PAR bulbs offer light that's more directional than bulbs used in lamps (known as A19s). Use dimmable spotlights if you want to highlight something. Go with wider-beam floodlights for outdoor use.
•PAR bulbs have a number after the word "PAR" such as 20, 38, or 64. Divide that number by 8 to learn the bulb's diameter in inches. You'll need this number when picking bulbs for your fixtures.
•PAR bulbs used outdoors should be wet rated, meaning they won't be affected by rain or water from power washing. You'll see this noted on the back of the package.

The best and worst LEDs and CFLs

Check our lightbulb Ratings before you shop, and scan our buying guide for tips that should make buying LEDs and CFLs easier—also see "How to get your money's worth when buying an LED." And if you have questions e-mail me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

—Kimberly Janeway