How many power outlets should a kitchen have at minimum?

Hello,

we are currently planning our kitchen, are almost at the end, and now need to plan the sockets for the electrician.

How many sockets should there be at least in the kitchen? We will have a U-shaped kitchen.

The sockets for the fixed appliances are clear (oven, refrigerator, microwave, etc.)

I mean the free sockets above the countertop for the movable appliances (coffee machine, kettle, blender, etc.)

We currently have 8 free sockets planned, 2 in each corner. What would you say, are 8 enough or should we take a few more?

Should all free sockets in the kitchen have their own circuit?

It is very very individual. It also depends on the number of devices, cooking behavior, etc.

For example, we currently have 9 sockets (5 circuits) at working height, of which 5 are permanently occupied.

I would plan at least two circuits, one for the left side of the kitchen and one for the right side of the kitchen.

How many sockets should you have at least in the kitchen?

Besides the fixed minimum, otherwise no power ;) Everything else depends on you. There are people who manage with two, there are those who already need five for constantly standing devices (kettle, coffee machine, Thermomix, coffee grinder, Alexa, smoothie blender,... extendable as you like). Think about what you use and always want to have standing there. Then think about what could be used daily... immersion blender by the stove, deep fryer, phone charging cables (multiple) etc., and how many of those are used simultaneously. Two in each corner doesn’t sound bad, but of course that also depends on how many corners there are :p Not every socket needs its own circuit...

Make a plan of which devices (coffee machine, food processor, blender, phone charging station, etc.) should be permanently placed where. For each device, provide one outlet plus one extra outlet. Then check which areas of the countertop still lack an outlet and distribute accordingly. Remember to have an outlet within a good distance to the right and left of the cooktop for an immersion blender, etc.

For example, I have 5 outlets in a specific spot because I installed all free-standing machines in a cabinet wall there: KVA, tea machine, food processor, ice cream maker, refrigerator connection.

A general plan like two outlets in every corner... you can bet there will always be at least one spot where you will miss an outlet and have to keep unplugging devices.

I have 12, three each in four corners. 9 would probably be enough. But I’d rather sacrifice one socket for a double USB C socket. Whether smartwatch, phone, or whatever. We also have two of these in the bedroom.

What "one" needs doesn't matter, just count what YOU or YOU ALL need. We get by with 2 sockets + 1 USB, but it could be completely different for you.