I don't know if I can help but we put outlets on each side of the kitchen sink (code I think) then one about 2.5 on each side of those outlets. One on each side of the cooktop. I've used all and I don't think you can put in enough.

I wanted the electrical outlets horizontal at first but then the light switches would have felt awkward - so went with all of them vertical. They are 1" from countertop (no granite backsplash). I'm happy with them there.

If you search my User Name it should pull up my kitchen to show where the electrical outlets are.

Hope this helps somewhat.

I don't have any links to past posts but this was something we gave a lot of thought to and we still made mistakes!

I tried to imagine what I would cook where and where small appliances might be used. Code is pretty skimpy so I added more than required and even put one in my broom closet (for a rechargable vac) and in a cabinet for recharging cell phones. I'm glad I put in extra outlets because I ended up using some of my space differently than planned (for no apparent reason) and it was nice to have the flexibility to move things.

One thing we didn't think about is what we were doing with the backsplash. If you want some decorative relief tile scenes or will be running a stripe though tiles you might want to get an idea ahead of time. The electrician can leave the wiring pigtailed and you can put the box in later if you need to line up tile or avoid ackward cuts.

We also didn't pay as much attention as we should to the size of our window trim. It is wider than normal and we thought we had it covered but it turns out we will still be fudging trim and plates here and there.

Some people run plug mold under their cabinets to avoid all the outlets but one drawback is potentially seeing cords running up to the plug mold.

Right after the drywall went in we regretted not balancing the outlet placement a little more but it is not very noticeable. If you have an elevation drawing of your plans you might want to just put them in the drawing to see if there is anything you don't like.

Another thing our electrician thought about was a phone jack in the corner - we did really need it there and was a good idea.

The NEC requirements are that no place on the wall-counter space may be more than 24 inches from a receptacle.

All counter sections 12 inches or wider must be included.

The area for a stove or cook top and sink are not included.

This effectively means that the maximum spacing of the receptacles is 48 inches, but they must start within 24 inches of every 'gap' in the counter (sink, range, etc).

You can add MORE receptacles, but need to meet the NEC minimum.

If you have a peninsula or island, the NEC code is a bit different than on countertops backed with a wall -- one outlet for each uninterrupted patch of countertop. In our case, each side (either side of the sink) of the island is 7' long, but only one outlet is required per side. The outlet can be on the side of the island, but must be between 6" and 12" from the countertop surface.

As far as ideas for locating outlets . . . we relocated our microwave inside a pantry, so put an outlet in there. We also put an outlet under the sink for the disposal air switch. Note that disposals are usually hard-wired into a junction box. But if you are using an air switch, you will have to wire a plug into your disposal, as it must plug into the air switch mechanism, whih plugs into the outlet. We also will have a "charging" drawer for cell phones, so put an outlet at the rear of that cabinet and will run a power strip in that drawer. Aside from that it is the standard outlet on either side of the range (30" of counter on each side) and one on each end of the island.

The original island (ca. 1978) had outlets in the countertop, but that no longer meets code. They were vastly more convenient (in the center of the 7' stretches of countertop) but we had to go with the ends of the island in the reno. There are other solutions like plugmold and the Mockett's-type collapsible columns, but they often don't meet code.

All of the above need to be checked out in your particular city/county/state, as code can vary.

I put in angled Plugmold on my range wall so I wouldn't have outlets in my backsplash. It works great for me since I don't leave things like a toaster or coffeemaker out all the time. There are, however, switches, so my backsplash isn't completely empty.

I have no problems plugging things in and I'm fairly tall so have to lean down further than average-height people to see under the cabinets.

From the side:

From the front:

If you do leave things out like a coffeemaker, then decide where to put them and locate an outlet behind where the item(s) will be sitting. This way, you won't have a cord dangling down from Plugmod or have an outlet in plain site w/the cord sticking out.

I've taken others' advice and will put in 2 outlets in the backsplash for the only 2 items that will sit out (microwave and toaster) and angled plug mold for the rest of the cabinets.

I want to thank everyone for their help. I had to come up with placement about an hour after I posted--so hopefully I will be happy with my choices.