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flippernutter

Under cabinet electrical strips messy looking?

2 months ago

I love the idea of under-cabinet electrical strips (they’re such a sleek way to keep counters clear!), but I’m struggling with one detail — the cords.


Has anyone here installed their strip under the upper cabinets and uses it for counter appliances (toaster, coffee maker, mixer, etc.)? I just can’t picture the cords running up the backsplash to the strip — will it look weird or messy?


Can you share a photo of your setup with appliances actually plugged in?
Especially interested in seeing:
✔how the cords run up the wall
✔ whether they’re noticeable or blend in
✔ whether you used any clips/channels to manage them


TIA!

Comments (11)

  • PRO
    2 months ago

    You see the cords and IMO are not one bit better than a cord hidden by the appliance sitting on the counter

    flippernutter thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 2 months ago
    last modified: 2 months ago

    We have 2 outlets low and parallel to the counter where we knew our coffee pot and toaster would be plugged in - then we have plug molding for the rest of the space for the occasional items that get pulled out and used (vitamix, mixer etc) - I didnt want to unplug my programmed coffee pot and I didnt want cords hanging down so it seemed like a good compromise

    flippernutter thanked la_la Girl
  • 2 months ago

    There are also different kinds of plugmold. A friend recently did her kitchen and her electrician was going to install the bulky angled ones. She had to insist he find the thinner, less visible models. The electrician first insisted they didn't exist, so she showed him photos of mine!

    I did make the mistake of not putting a regular outlet where we plug our toaster oven and electric kettle. Luckily it is next to the oven stack so not visible from the living areas. If I have guests over I unplug those two appliances.

    Really happy to not have any regular outlets on this range wall, which is around 16 ft long. We have never had a need to plug anything on this side of the kitchen.


    flippernutter thanked chispa
  • 2 months ago

    It really does depend. we don't keep any appliances on our counter so under cabinet outlets were perfect for us. i cant imagine breaking up this backsplash with outlets.




    flippernutter thanked wsea
  • PRO
    2 months ago

    I sense a HAND wring coming...? : )

    Are you by chance an engineer?



    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6553905/narrow-and-wide-white-oak-flooring


    Yes, dangling cords look like HELL. Really really awful.

    Which means you need to daily, plug in the coffeee pot, or whatever else is hanging around on the counter top.

    You can ROTATE a receptacle to long side parallel to counter top' mere inches above it. Lutron come in a hundred roch=ker and box colors.

    It isn;'t worth the hand wring I sense will be forthcoming..........: )



    flippernutter thanked JAN MOYER
  • 2 months ago

    @JAN MOYER - is that a jab at engineers because we tend to over analyze/overthink things?


    I have a chemical engineering degree + my J.D (law degree) = I may have been told that I "over analyze" a few times . . . 😉

    flippernutter thanked dani_m08
  • 2 months ago

    Really the best of all worlds is to know exactly where you will put a countertop appliance and then have an outlet directly behind that. Then thin under cabinet plug strips everywhere else. This particular client didn’t listen to me and then after install said - now I know what you mean about the cords. That coffee maker doesn’t move and she sees the cord everyday (I unplugged it for the photo).

    flippernutter thanked thinkdesignlive
  • PRO
    2 months ago

    Perimeter outlets are a code issue

    Appliance change and they move. Coffee is best near a water supply unless Keurig,

    Yes....it was a jab at engineer analysis paralysis. : )

    flippernutter thanked JAN MOYER
  • last month

    I considered plugmold, but chose subway tile made by a tile company that makes matching switchplates and outlet covers. This way, the outlets are accessible, yet hardly noticeable.




    flippernutter thanked darbuka
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    My kitchen has them but since I don’t keep appliances on the counter it’s not an issue. The only thing I DO leave plugged in is my Nespresso but it’s pretty tall & hides most of the cord , also, it’s tucked away on a small counter between the refrigerator & cabinet pantry. Looks better in my kitchen since it’s modern & rather minimalist in style.

    Btw, I do unplug my coffee machine if I’m going to be away for a few days. I’ve been advised that countertop kitchen appliances should always be unplugged after use.

    flippernutter thanked K Laurence