They aren't huuuuuge: ) When chosen in harmony with your top? They tend to disappear.

In white.....

You can also mount them flush with the top instead of proud of it as is shown in the picture. matching them in color and flush mounting will make them much less obvious.

If you want to go further you could either 1) faux paint them or 2) get the ones that allow a top to blend with the counter (?)

It is really more important they be water tight for protection against spills.

If you have a white top and white pop up? It's going to be visually "Not there"

When you don't "need" it? It hides nicely under a decorative tray, a bowl of fruit etc,

Not a hand wring.

Just make sure your electrician, and cabinet folks know what, which one, and where: )

If you don’t like pop ups why not design the island to integrate electrical in fillers, legs, etc? In 25 years I’ve never needed a pop up outlet.

I loooove them : ) yes, there are many ways, but they are so convenient!

There are other places to install

• This Link2Home Space Saver Pop Up-Outlet requires a 2.4-2.5" hole and it can be pulled up to expose only the USB ports or the USB ports and AC outlets.
• This 4" Link2Home 10-Watt Space Saver Pop Up-Outlet includes an induction charger that can charge compatible phones even when pushed down into the countertop.
• This rectangular Link2Home 3-Outlets Space Saver Pop Up Socket is only 2-1/4" wide.

They're "huge" because you want them to be/have everything, not just a simple outlet.

Install them flush and, if possible. so they match your counters. Ours are black & blend in with our black counters so no one really notices them even though they are installed proud, not flush. Ours only have a double outlet so they're not as big.

I know this post is 6 months old, but I am remodeling and just found out that it is a violation of code to have a kitchen island outlet on the sides. It has to be on the counter. Searching for options as I'm not thrilled with this, but understand the safety issue the ones on the side pose.

What???? I have my plugs in a spacer under the edge of my cabinet and have no idea why that would not be to code I would check out that wording since IMO a pop up is not ideal

I did check it. The code went into effect in 2023 but each state can decide when to enforce it. It is being enforced in my state and county. There are real safety issues including deaths. Small children pulling cords and extremely hot things falling on them. The cords can even become entangled on clothing.

Anyways, after researching it, I have decided that I prefer a counter outlet anyways because it will actually allow more access to the outlet on a larger countertop space. Appliance cords are so short too, so with it not on the very end, I can stand and use an appliance in more places on my island. When not in use, it can be hidden with decor.

I am building right now and have the same code where I live, so had to install two pop up outlets on my island.