On our last three projects we installed the vertical type pop up. If you are getting a permit for your renovation, please check with your building department. Not everyone understands them. Also recommend finding one that is UL approved. In 2 out of the 3 we also added a USB ports.

There seemed to be a lot of bad reviews of the columnar type. I used the rectangular type on the island in a recent kitchen to avoid making a mess of the cabinets and have it also be handy for sitting with a computer. Or just cool. :)

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Thank you. We ordered the rectangular flip up version. The column version took up too much space under the counter and it just generally seems unreliable. We spoke to someone at Lew Electric extensively before purchasing. We had many questions and they were very helpful. I'll post back after they are installed and I've had time to use them.

I can't think of a productive use of them. There is no way I could justify the added cleaning load in a heavily-used kitchen. They don't get splashed much on the most conventional place, the backsplash, and if you can't put them there, a good spot is in the cabinet right below the countertop. They'd take away a lot of flexibility in the use of the countertop as well since they limit placement of small appliances, tools and processes.

Think ISLANDS. Often an Island design won't support a receptacle other than either a recessed one or a tombstone. The overhangs are too deep often for them to be on one side and the drawers don't provide for mounting on the cabinet side.

Toumbstone for less complexity and lower maintenance.

Yeah, but they are ugly and get in the way.

Are you sure there isn't enough space below the windows (do they go all the way down to the countertop)? There are some slim surface wiring solutions. As long as the receptacles are not facing upwards from the countertop, they can be set almost right on them.

I think they look sharp when closed. Wouldn't want right in the middle of my main working surface, but one or two places, not too bad, and you don't trash the interior space of the cabinet below. We did have to use a different interior box to make everything clear, I think, but I no longer recall.

We went with the stainless flip ups. They are being installed in a few weeks and I'll report back.

I have the same problem: 4' wide window sill flush with counter (pass through to screen porch). Code requires an outlet in the middle of window. Can't do front of cabinets--drawers already built, and anyway that seems very awkward to use. Only possibility is some sort of in-counter solution, if columnar is a problem, then I guess rectangle? Any other reviews of either format, or specific models? I also need an outlet for top of island, overhang on end means outlet under it won't meet code.

Any follow up on these outlets? Thinking of something like this for our kitchen island.

The city made us drill the countertops(and cut out a new drawer) to install these(small kitchen, two big windows to the counter). We tried to argue and prove we'll do just fine with fewer outlets but all in vain. I was mad but got used to them. I put plants on them as not to see them lol. In rare occassions we do use them. Then I put my plants back))

(we have this rectangular type)

I have the column pop ups. They've been installed since 2008 and work fine. They are not difficult to clean around, and it's nice to be able to just raise them far enough for the outlet needed. I mostly just use them at Christmas when I have lights and decorations in my window well, but I have occasionally used them other times.

Back in 2008, some municipalities did not allow them or count them as outlets meeting the distance Code requirements...fortunately, my county did. It's been 10 years, so I suspect most places allow them now. [ETA: Or maybe not; Michael mentioned above that there were still some back in 2017 who didn't understand or accept them.]

[Pictures are from when our Kitchen was still in progress.]

Mocketts Up:

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Mocketts Down:

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Closeup:

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If I was putting them in an island, I would probably get one with a USB port. USB outlets weren't as common in 2008 and didn't make sense where ours are.

Most people don't want tombstones on their countertops. Under the countertop works fine if you don't have an overhang, but it's cumbersome (and a violation of the code to boot) to place a required outlet under a deep overhang.

The only issue I am aware of is that the earlier versions of these weren't really listed. They were desigend to be part of a piece of furniture (typically a desk) rather than being permanently installed. That has changed over the past few years.

One side of our island will have under the counter on the side of a cabinet. Other side of the island will have a 15" overhang so as you mention, not code. I'd like to have one more outlet on the island and i'm thinking one of these that folds down flush when not in use may be the way to go.

LOVE MINE We use it a lot for buffet set ups. Crock pots, pizza ovens, warming trays, occasional laptop use - no regrets. Ours is next to the knife holder. The island has other outlets, but the one on top gets the most use.

Ron, I don't understand this restriction. My electrician installed one at each end of our island counter top (new build). One end has a 1" overhang and the other 35". Both are GFCI units. We only use the one under the 35" overhang for plugging in a vacuum cleaner, because it is effectively near the center of a large open space. It's also easily reachable from the side.

still don't like them. never seen a good use other than "it's really cool". Cords hung across aisles should be put around the parents' necks.

who ever talked about hanging cords across aisles? That's the whole point. put a plug right on the top of your island. What am I missing?

Bryce: You’re not missing anything. This is one time the code makes perfect sense.

Would love followup on this. Considering them on peripheral counters (placement needed to be code compliant), instead of plug mold under cabinets - I don't want to look at cords going up.