Yes, PlugMold comes in a GFCI version. Basically you’d come off an existing box with an adaptor and continue onwards with the PlugMold. Or you could use the regular PlugMold and just GFCI protect it via a receptacle or breaker.

The code requires a minimum of two 20 amp circuits for countertop appliances plus whatever might be required for other “stationary” appliances.

Yes, you can pretty much get what you want: https://www.legrand.us/wiremold/raceway/plugmold-systems/2000gfci-steel-multioutlet-system/2000gfci-plugmold-multioutlet-system.aspx

However, I don't see Plugmold as a cheaper alternative to regular wiring, and it has the disadvantage of not being concealed. I've used Plugmold, but only in situations where I had to deal with a concrete wall and had no alternative that would allow me to conceal the wiring run. Aesthetically, Plugmold looks old-fashioned to me, and I avoid using it in finished spaces.

Thank you all for the info!

We plan on using two plug mold runs under our uppers, so I don't see outlets disrupting my backsplash. The two plug molds are really expensive. Getting outlets would have been cheaper. And yes, I also find the electrical code a little much. Why can't I just have outlets installed where I will use them?!

Why can't I just have outlets installed where I will use them?!

Because the house doesn't get torn down when you move. The next person to own the house may have different needs (or you might have different needs in the future).

The requirements are there for safety reasons and they are based on stats.

It tries to anticipate the normal requirements to minimize the use of extension cords and/or other unsafe practices by mandating certain requirements (like receptacle spacing and the number of circuits).

Or was your question rhetorical and you already knew that? :)

greg_2015, I understand...but in a large enough kitchen, the placement is more important than having one every two feet. If there are a zillion outlets around the island and other parts of the kitchen, why would they be needed in places where one would not use them? Like above or right next to a large kitchen sink? (Talk about safety concerns!) The code does not consider the kitchen itself. Sometimes an outlet placement makes no sense.

A kitchen sink isn't considered 'counter space'. So there is no requirement to have a receptacle above or right next to a kitchen sink.

The rule is that no space on a counter can be further than 2 feet from a receptacle (which on a long straight section would mean every 4 feet, not every 2 feet). So a receptacle could be up to 2 feet away from the edge of the kitchen sink.

I have used wire/plug mold products for awhile, so I thought I would look up this product and, frankly, very disappointed about the information I could find. Most of the internet hits were for extension cords, not hard wired, and had only 3 receptacles for a 5 foot strip. I can't believe you can get electrician-installed outlets for less money than Wiremold, but I think Wiremold would be inferior, both for utility and appearance. One advantage, however, of Wiremold is that you could mount it on the underside of your cabinets, so the appliance cords hang down. You would have to mount a box at the end of the run to hard wire it.

I used plugmold on my island, just below the countertop. It's great. I did it mostly not to have an outlet "messing up" the side panel of the island. But since then it's been so useful to have be able to plug in appliances when I'm working at different areas of the island.