We have slab backsplach and didn’t want outlets dotted throughout - also didn’t want hanging cords for toaster or coffee pot (which stay out on our counter) so we determined where those 2 counterop appliances would go and placed outlets horizontal down by the counter so they can’t be seen - then we added under cab outlets for when we need to take out and use an appliance - crock pot, blender etc

Way too much overthink goes into this

You consider WHAT the backsplash is .

Lutron avails you a hundred colors for receptacles!

Lower the receptacles and rotate them to long side parallel to counter top!

Sorry, but appliances tend to remain plugged in and ready to go. Coffee, toaster etc. Not really worth a hand wring, and LOATHE a dangle of cord beneath a cabinet.

A coffee pot, a toaster, an air fryer.....a mixer. All of them obscure cord, you have to live : )

Agreeing with la_la Girl, about putting the outlets close to the countertop. My builders designer suggested I install the strip right below the cabinet. While that is a good solution for not breaking up the pretty backsplash, the black cord is quite visible. I keep my coffee maker and toaster plugged in. This was an 'oops' so be happy you are looking into this now and you don't make same mistake I did.

True, most of the time the appliances are high enough that the outlet is hidden anyway. And if it isn't, well cords are a fact of life especially in a kitchen.

Thank you all! My husband also pointed out the body mechanics needed to look under the cabinets to find the outlet when plugging it in.

We have the under cabinets ones and i like them alot. 2 points went into our decision though. 1. we dont leave any appliances on our countertop and 2. our tile has a raised design on it, making traditional outlets difficult to,look good.

I honestly do not see the point then the cords are up the backspalsh at least whan plugged in behind they can hide . I use Lutron and the horizontal placement is okay I do not stress about the plugs they are a fact of life.

It depends on whether you will actually plug something into these outlets or they are being installed to satisfy code.

We do not plug anything into the cabinet run with our range, so I used plugmold under those cabinets, so that no outlets are visible under that long stretch of backsplash. I never have to bend down to plug something, because we never plug anything in this area. It was done to meet code and look good.

These are the outlets we use for occasional prep appliances.

One at the island, across from the main sink.

One outlet on either side of the sink.

We have wide mulls due to hurricane codes and it allowed just enough space for a shallow electrical box. Photo during construction so it was still unfinished. One outlet on either side of the sink.

Do what works for your kitchen and the way you will use it.

A kitchen is, first and foremost, a workhorse. Of course you want it to be attractive as well, but a kitchen -- more than any other room -- should be FUNCTION FIRST.

Having said that, it seems to me that placing the outlets on the wall is easiest to see /easiest to reach. I agree that I don't want to bend over and turn my head upward to locate an outlet on the bottom side of the cabinet. As someone else said, I think you're over-thinking this.

In our previous Kitchen, we had a mix of angled Plugmold and outlets in the backsplash (oh, and pop up Mocketts in the window well in front our sink).

The angled Plugmold was on the range side as we did not have anything plugged in all the time in that location. By being "angled", there was very little turning your head up to access when needed.

For the area with the toaster oven & TV (both plugged in all the time), we used outlets in the backsplash b/c both hid the cords.

Ah, but then some folks have turned this dilemma into artwork. Remember @oldbat2be and her decoupaged outlets? She has such a great kitchen. More outlet hiding info can be found in this old thread, but absolutely look up her old posts. That woman is an artist!

I wonder what genius came up with the name "Plugmold"?

As others have stated, wall outlets will be hidden by appliances and will be easiest to use. Outlets placed underneath cabinets will have cords hanging which will defeat the purpose of a "clean" look.

"Plugmold" is actually a brand name that I think has become similar to "Kleenex" - meaning it's become a general name for the run of outlets along a strip (molding strip?). (Kleenex is a brand name, but it has become a general term for "tissue".)

@CAGE Design Build - did you read the previous posts? Most have said they don't use Plugmold if things are plugged in all the time. It's usually only for temporary use. If things are plugged in all the time, most recommend getting outlets in the backsplash to hide the cords and to mount them as low as possible to minimize their impact on the backsplash and to ensure the plugged in appliance will hide the outlets, plugs, and cords.

Another advantage of Plugmold is that there's an outlet anywhere you need it so no having to put appliances in a possibly less than ideal location when in use (or having cords running along the counter for a couple of feet or so and getting in the way of other things on the counter that are being used). The outlets go all along the upper cabinets so they're in just the right place when needed, no matter where you need an outlet. I miss them in my new house (the builder, like most builders/contractors, was not great with functionality in the Kitchen).

I get that "plugmold" is a generic term. I just think it's an unfortunate choice. Sounds like something that grows in a swamp and comes to take over your house.

🤣

We used the under cabinet, angled kind, with lighting. We leave a lot of appliances plugged in, but I still like having the plugs and cords up out of the way - much easier to sweep off a counter with a sponge than if cords are snaking all over the place.

Lutron Claro outlets and outlet covers are available in numerous colors and finishes. I'd keep it simple and just use these on the backsplash.

I agree--Lutron outlets are very attractive.

I’ve kept this picture for eons.