I asked my kitchen designer about plugmold, and she said that it looks good but if you plug a lot of stuff into them, you can blow a fuse. I do run a number of things that are high voltage (espresso maker, heavy duty mixer) so I could see her point. Sometimes I run those things simultaneously, and the prospect of zapping a fuse is very real. That might be your electrician's worry as well.

Cj

Well, that could be, but he didn't express any concern about how it works. He said he installs them all the time and he says it just looks tacky. I know it would be under the cabinet and not something you'd see, so that's not a deal breaker in my book.

But I know it's difficult stuff to work with, not cheap, and if it blows fuses, then that's another strike against it.

I just wonder how tacky a quad outlet would look. When I mentioned putting a light switch in my backsplash, the lighting consultant I mentioned it to was appalled that I would even consider such a thing. When I asked why, she said it was a horrible placement and I'd never be able to ever sell my house because any potential buyer would think it was the kookiest thing ever. After such a strong reaction, I didn't bother with further questioning, but I still don't understand why it's so terrible, and now I am wondering if a light switch is a major no-no, then a quad outlet seems like it would be even worse, right?

Would 3 normal outlets in a 3 foot span would look the least tacky? Two would go along the counter to the right of the cooktop and the other would be in the window wall in that corner.

I don't want to get finished with the kitchen and wish I had installed more outlets.

That's why I am asking for input here :-)

I think quad outlets look fine. I put in quads every 24 inches. Each box was on its own circuit and has a GFCI and a regular Decora outlet.

You pretty much can't have too many outlets in a kitchen. I don't know what that lighting designer was talking about, either - I've seen plenty of lightswitches in backspashes.

Plugmold only has a reputation for blowing fuses because it's a common way for people to add lots of outlets but they don't add more circuits. It's no different than any other method of providing outlets.

Plugmold doesn't blow a circuit any different than overloading a conventional receptacle. There's no magic mojo inside it. Mine is on a 20 Amp breaker, I can use my toaster and toaster oven and coffee maker at the same time with no issues. I also used conventional outlets above other countertop areas. I used plugmold where I wanted the backsplash to have the most impact. Then, you know what? I have not gotten around to putting in the backspash, 2 1/2 years forward! So maybe my plugmold was an expensive luxury.

Here's a tip for folks installing plugmold. Since it comes in pre-wired "sticks", and is cut to length, if your electrician has any pieces of outlet left over, make sure he leaves the leftover and retain them. It is even more costly to have to track down the right replacement outlet years later if one should break. They are not off-the-shelf components, and if they design changes in a few years, you may be left wanting for parts.
Casey

I'd like to see the quad outlests on the wall, too. I have decided against plugmold for all the reasons above. My next decision is whether to put the outlets up high or down low. I am planning to have them lay sideways so that if/when I do the subway tile they can blend better.

Hmmm, I had planned on using plug mold just so you didn't see the outlets. We don't tend to leave things plugged in. I didn't realize plug mold would be more expensive. Hmmm, our electircian charges us $40 per outlet (not sure if kitchen outlets are the same since they may have to be special type) Wondering if it is worth the extra money. I have requested the plugmold pricing but have not heard back (story of this build... no one ever gets back to me)

I have quad outlets: white, on white subway tile. It's particularly helpful when you have to plug in things with transformers incorporated, like cellphone chargers, iPod charger, laptop, and so on - there's plenty of space.

I've never had anyone think they looked odd: people just envy all the outlets I have access to!

NEC codes have a number of requirements for quantity and placement of outlets in kitchens. Check online and you'll find them re-posted somewhere. I put quad outlets EVERYWHERE. Except for one corner that I wanted to keep visually clean, so I specifically DIDN'T install one in that corner (our Breville toaster oven conveniently hides the main quad in that area). Think about what appliances you'll put where (if any) and if they can help hide any quad boxes you may have to have. We thought ahead a bit and at least saved one corner from looking ugly.

Here's a good summary of NEC codes as they apply to kitchens: http://www.californiaelectrician.net/kitchen/placingoutlets.html

Plugmold isn't more expensive per outlet. A six outlet strip 3 feet long is around $30.

BUT it is 15 amps max. Even when you place it on a 20 amp circuit.

If you have multiple things that draw a lot of juice, I'd do quad outlets and separate circuits. In my prep area, I'm doing plugmold - I didn't want a lot of individual boxes, don't have big electrical demands and stupid code required at least 3 outlets in that area.

I love my plugmold. I have more outlets than I could ever possibly use in my kitchen. My husband fought me a little on them and he now loves them as well. You can't put a price on a clean looking tiled back splash. I would highly recommend them.

I had quads in my previous kitchen & chose them again in my new kitchen. IMO it's much neater than having single receptacles spread all over the place. And evidently my sensibilities are not as acute as your lighting designer because I have an undercounter light switch & a disposal switch mixed in with the outlets. In 20+ years, no one has remarked that this seup was strange!

In both kitchens, my BS has been plain & the outlet covers were choosen to blend with the color & material of the BS, but I can understand not wanting a visual distraction if the BS is outstanding. Then plugmold may be a better choice.

Well, I am finding it reassuring that other people have not only quad outlets, but also have them in their backsplash. I think I have it planned out and will put in all quad outlets in except one, which is in the main visual range of the back splash. The others should get mostly covered by appliances anyway.

FWIW, we aren't planning on going with that lighting designer. For one, I don't overly appreciate a pushy approach. And for two, Lowe's is much cheaper.

I have three quad outlets. My kitchen is small.
I thought about the plugmold. I guess I like to keep
some appliances on the counter so having the quad means
the cord is behind say the coffee maker rather than
linked to the plug mold from hanging above.

Although plugmold is at our ski place and it looks
fine too.

For items (microwave and toaster) staying on the counter I'm getting outlets for them. Everywhere else I'm getting plugmold. My problem is the "new" plugmold to meet the new electrical requirements are deeper than my light bar.

I have a switch on my backsplash and so does my sister. I think it's ridiculous to say that you'd never be able to sell your house because of that...

Not sure if I'm on the right track or not. I don't know what a plugmold is but I have found that many items (like cell phone chargers) have plugs that are so large that you can only plug one thing into a receptacle. So a receptacle with two outlets really is only good for one item. We put more than we really needed but I didn't want to have to stretch cords all over the counters.