Thanks Petey Racer, I was afraid you were going to tell me I needed the exposed outlets despite my hair brained idea. I used to be from your area in NYS and from my dealings with elecrical inspectors, I suspected it wouldn't fly, but now I'm in Florida and from what I've seen in the attic of our newer home as far as wiring goes, it just may get approved here. I'll have to give them a call. Thanks Again

We installed a plug mold along the full length of the underside of our island. Our notoriously picky inspector didn't have any issue with that (and we love the convenience of having power easily available everywhere). I can't think of a reason why an individual outlet would be any worse -- other than you maybe having to install additional outlets every couple of feet. Personally, I would always err on the side of having more rather than fewer outlets. You never know when you will need to plug in a couple of appliances at the same time. And plug-in power strips are a big nuisance. We have plug molds in many places, and quad outlets in other places.

Yes to all three. A kitchen island requires one receptacle. They must be supplied by one of the "small-appliance" circuits. You're free to locate them on columns or even hanging cabinets as long as you stay within 20" of the countertop. Absent any suitable place to mount, you can go up to 12" below the countertop provided the overhang is 6" or less. And yes, you can likely get low profile boxes that will allow you to mount behind or beside the drawer (or in some cases in between two drawers). My peninsula has an outlet on the end that is squeezed in such a space. You have to watch the box fill rules, but usually, it's the end of the line in such circumstances anyhow (or you can put an other junction box down lower inside the cabinet.

We do outlets all the time in island. Usually you have a decorative side panel on the island ( 3 /4 thick plus the cabinet box is 3/4 thick = 1 1/2" ) A shallow electrical box is about 1 1/4" so no additional columns are needed. Is a shallow box not allowed anymore?? Can you do something like this?? You can also shorten the cabinets by 3" or 1 1/2" and add a base end panel to create a channel and space for the outlet. We have been able to do outlets under the seating overhang but they had to be vertical and as close to the front edge of the cabinet as possible. Do you really need 4? I do not know how that is calculated - sorry. Please post the resolve to all of this - it will be very helpful to others. I also agree with moving the prep sink - either switch it with the microwave or put it to the left of the stove. I have several customers we've done that for and they love having a totally clear island and the convenience of a sink right by the stove. Good luck! Post pics when done!