Where To Put Plug Sockets in a Kitchen
Reaching for your kettle with a yawn, you instinctively flick the switch and listen for the familiar hum as it begins to boil. The plug sockets in your kitchen are exactly where you need them, making your morning routine feel effortless. Gone are the days of trailing cables across worktops or struggling to find a free outlet for your appliances.
Thoughtfully considering kitchen socket height and the placement of your light switches and sockets not only improves functionality but also enhances the overall design of your space.
Discover the best places to position your kitchen sockets to create a stylish and practical layout that works for you.
How many plug sockets do you need in your kitchen?
If you’re giving your kitchen a makeover, the first thing to consider is exactly how many sockets you’re going to need.
Image courtesy of @madebyhusk
Although there’s no legal minimum for how many sockets you should have in your kitchen, Electrical Safety First suggests that:
- Small kitchens (up to 12m²) have 6 sockets
- Large kitchens (more than 25m²) have 10 sockets
Of course, this is just a guideline. You should think about how many appliances you have in your kitchen and make sure you’ve got enough plug sockets to accommodate all of them. It’s also wise to consider your future needs – if you’ve just moved into a new house you might not have many appliances right now, but this could change as you get more settled.
What height should kitchen sockets be installed at?
There are no specific regulations you need to follow when it comes to socket height above worktops, but it’s recommended that you install sockets about 15cm above your worktops for ease of use.
The same goes if your kitchen has a breakfast bar or kitchen island and you want easy access to your sockets for charging your phone or laptop. Placing the sockets about 15cm above the kitchen island is much more efficient than placing them close to the ground as you won’t have to bend down every time you want to use them.
For large appliances like fridges or dishwashers, your kitchen socket height depends on the size and location of the appliance. Your kitchen fitter will be able to advise you on this – don’t forget that large kitchen appliances require double pole switches and sockets and may need a switched fused connection unit.
Image courtesy of @villa_todmorden
Where should you put plug sockets in a kitchen?
The best way to decide where to put plug sockets in your kitchen is to create a floor plan and indicate where switches and sockets are needed. Think about your worktops and where you want to position appliances like kettles, blenders, and air fryers, then make sure your sockets are located close by.
It’s best to have at least one socket every 2-3 metres along the wall to make sure appliances can easily be plugged in no matter where you position them. You’ll also want to position your sockets at least 30cm away from sinks and hobs to prevent water and heat damage.
When considering the placement of plug sockets in your kitchen, think about how you cluster small appliances together; you may have a coffee machine, kettle, Velvetiser, and toaster huddled together on your worktop. Fitting two double sockets will enable you to have everything plugged in all the time.
James Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-founder and Product Designer
It’s a good idea to use double sockets where possible as this means you’ll be able to plug in twice the number of appliances while taking up half the space. If your kitchen has a breakfast bar or kitchen island, consider adding USB sockets for quick and easy charging of your phone or laptop.
Image courtesy of @arle_house
Other tips for installing plug sockets in your kitchen
When planning sockets and switches for your kitchen, deciding where to place them isn’t the only thing you need to think about. Your plug sockets and light switches might be small details, but they make a massive difference to the overall appearance of your space.
Here are some extra tips to help you choose the right switches and sockets for your kitchen:
1. Consider matte finishes
Sockets and switches with matte finishes are often the best choice for kitchens because they don’t require as much maintenance as glossy or reflective finishes. Fingerprints and water marks will be much less visible on matte switches and sockets, which is especially important when you consider how frequently your kitchen switches and sockets will be used.
If you want a chrome finish for your kitchen switches and sockets, it would be best to opt for satin chrome rather than polished chrome as it will require a lot less cleaning.
2. Choose a finish that complements your décor
Opting for switches and sockets in a colour or finish that complements the rest of your kitchen décor is an easy and effective way to tie the space together. If your kitchen has gold cupboard handles, for example, choosing gold switches and sockets will help create a cohesive, high-end look.
Think about the style of your kitchen as well – copper or antique brass switches and sockets blend seamlessly with vintage or industrial style kitchens, while sleek black switches and sockets beautifully complement contemporary kitchen designs.
Enhance your kitchen with sockets and switches from Dowsing & Reynolds
Our designer switches and sockets are designed to make your every day that extra bit luxurious. Every detail has been considered, from the premium appearance of each switch and socket to the feel of it beneath your fingers as you turn it on.
Whether you’re looking for gold switches and sockets to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen or colourful switches and sockets to inject the space with a playful pop of colour, you’ll find it all in our exclusive collection.
