Professional Lawrenceville, GA on Jan 27, 2012

Which outlet would you prefer in a kitchen island?

Outlets (aka receptacles) - which do you prefer?

1) Outlet strip Pros: more outlets, easier to hide under overhang of counter top Cons: Limited color choices, not attractive if you cannot hide under conservative overhang

2) Standard receptacle mounted in the side of the cabinet? Pros: no disruption in the counter top (when closed it would be a cover plate) Cons? cords hang over edge of counter top

3) Pop up from the counter top? Pros: no cords hanging over the sides Cons: cleaning ?

If you'd like to read/know more about these options or the suppliers: https://designsbybsb.com/2011/06/grommet_rec...

36 Comments Displaying 25 of 36 comments | See Previous

Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

Hopefully someone at some point will design an NEC compliant pop-up so that the electrical cord of the appliance in use does not have to drape over the side of the counter making it a huge temptation for little hands that don't know any better.....

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
city wide tile Lafayette, CO

Ge is developing a wireless countertop power station. It is modeled off of a tesla design from the early 1900's. It works like an I Phone wireless charge pad, except for blenders/ kitchen appliances. Funny how GE is continuing to develop Nicola Teslas work even though he is their all time arch rival.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Atlanta, GA

Schulte has some great options as well. We have a current client who wanted his outlets in the drawers to meet the code where he was but not cut into the cabinets at all and still have access to them when he needs them. In his case we have one pop-up and two additional outlets hidden within the top drawers of his kitchen.
http://www.schulte.com/katalog2012/gb/Erlebn...

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Can I vote for "none of the above" to Me an Island is about a work surface only..... and I do not want to clutter it up with "appliances" . In my kitchen we only have 2 appliances that "live" on the counter full time. One is our high end espresso machine, the other is our coffee roaster. These get used on a daily basis. A toaster or blender may make an occasional appearance.
The full time appliances have a dedicated "zone" and the rest of the counter stay clear.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 2
Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Atlanta, GA

We keep nothing on our countertops at home. The toaster, coffee maker and microwave are all built into cabinets behind doors. The outlets we have are for the occasion we want to have a crock pot out or have a party and need a couple of blenders for cocktails. Of course every homeowners needs are different so the planning of outlets would all depend on the needs of the individual.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 1
Najwa S Greenbrae, CA

I like the hideaway outlets on the counter. Appliance cords are becoming shorter and shorter it is such a hassle to reach across oversize counters

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 1
Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

From a code perspective, whether you actually use the island for counter-top appliances or not, we are required to install at least one GFCI receptacle in the island if it is at least 24" x 12" in size.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Harold M Franklin, NC

How many islands have you seen where folks actually had small appliance on it. I wouldn't want an outlet in an island. Just my opinion and personal preference

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 2
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

@Harold, I agree and disagree depending on the overall kitchen layout. A) islands are getting larger, so often times they are the prep area which requires food processors, etc. B) Entertaining often has chaffing dishes or crock pots to keep items warm ... which often times is on the island ... and as other experts here mentioned, when it comes to code? we have no choice, they are a must.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

A work around the "code" thing is to have the island be a table or "cart" type of thing. If it is mobile it does not "have" to have outlets. This could even be a big rustic butcher block table.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Anne B

I use outlet on island if I'm using things for baking or cooking, like making bread crumbs or shredding nuts, so on not things that are out all the time.Things like crock pots, toasters, coffee pots and kettles should be on the back of counters with a back or in dedicated areas made for them.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Lorraine D Huntington Woods, MI

So, If you have granite, how would that work? I have a prep sink on my island and of course, code said we had to have an outlet. The contractor offered an air-button for the disposal, and I turned that down, and opted for an under cabinet switch instead, because it would be another hole to cut-out of the granite. I was looking for a perfectly smooth surface, other than the sink, of course. Once in a while, I will place an electric appliance on the island. I have never needed more than ...»
one plug. My island is 60x36. While it would work for some, I would opt out of that extra.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Bonnie F Lilburn, GA

Wow - that's important info. I thought my daughter would like this, but unapproved is definitely a consideration. Especially since they've already had some electrical problems since moving into this house. Thanks for mentioning this.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Tim B Bonduel, WI

As a prep area the outlet should be hidden if it is needed by code. I agree with others in regards to making it "mobile" so it doesn't need an outlet

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Keith B Iron Station, NC

Know from exp. the pop-up can get dirty and is very hard to clean. It also does not seal so if you have a liquid spill it can create problems.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 1
Michele N Sand Springs, OK

Of the three I like #1 and #3. I like #1 for the design factor coupled with the out of sight outlet. But I also kind of like #3 due to the "pop up" feature that way once I am done with an appliance I can simply close the outlet strip. Awesome!

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Barbie H Wilmington, NC

Where can I buy one of those islands?

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 1
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

Barbie... Show the image to Local kitchen/bath showroom... Or kitchen/bath designer.. They should be able to get that for you! All islands shown are custom.. Made to order!

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Ricardo B Alpine, TX

When it comes to a pure counter top only discussion with regard to receptacles... I wish that I could have had pop-up receptacles. I'd have them in a carpenter's minute!
Cleaning & clutter... not even an issue. Ease-of-Use, Safety and Utility would be the top end of my short list. Bring it on...

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 2
Mary H Afton, VA

I have a forth choice...what about the strip under the ledge, with a long thin oval hole for the cords to go through to reach the strip....oh wait, I really have a fifth solution. Battery or solor powered appliances...ha!

on Jan 30, 2012 · Like 1
Sue A De Forest, WI

I like the idea of the retractable outlet, but would worry about it malfunctioning and either not going down anymore, or not going up!

on Feb 03, 2012 · Like 0
Barbie H Wilmington, NC

thank you Becky

on Feb 08, 2012 · Like 0
Barbie H Wilmington, NC

Becky, I need you to be more specific. Who do I contact?

on Feb 08, 2012 · Like 0
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

Barbie, give me a call to discuss. Not today though.. I'm at a factory tour put of town! # is on my page here

on Feb 08, 2012 · Like 0
Margaret Oscilia

They do have pop up electrical ones that do seal so moisture and cleaning isn't an issue.

on Nov 19, 2012 · Like 0