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Professional Guide

Best Pop Up Sockets for Kitchens & Offices: 2025 Expert Review

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OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 18 December 2025

We all have more devices than ever, yet we want our surfaces to look cleaner than ever. It's a classic contradiction. In modern kitchen renovations, specifically with islands, pop up sockets (or 'towers') have become the go-to solution for power without the visual clutter.

However, as an electrician, I've had to replace far too many cheap, wobbly plastic towers that jam after a month or, worse, pose a safety risk. A kitchen worktop is a harsh environment—crumbs, moisture, and constant use mean you need robust kit.

In this review, I'm looking at three options available right now: a budget-friendly choice for home offices, a high-end unit with automatic lift and wireless charging, and a chrome-finished option that solves specific aesthetic problems.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Water Resistance"

The Theory

"Marketing often shows these on kitchen islands right next to sinks."

The Reality

Most pop up sockets are NOT waterproof when open. If you spill a drink on an open tower, it drains straight into the electrics. Always maintain a safe distance from taps and sinks.

The Spec: "Installation Simplicity"

The Theory

"Just 'drill a hole and drop it in'."

The Reality

Drilling an 80mm+ hole in laminate is fine; drilling it in quartz or granite requires expensive diamond core bits and professional skill. Also, you lose significant cabinet space underneath (often 300-400mm deep).

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

CURUK Pop Up Sockets for Kitchen Worktops with 3 USB Ports

Budget Pick
CURUK Pop Up Sockets for Kitchen Worktops with 3 USB Ports

CURUK

This is a solid entry-level unit that focuses on modern charging needs. With a 20W fast-charging capability, it's particularly well-suited for a home office desk or a dry kitchen area where phone and tablet charging is the priority.

Price£32.99 (at time of writing)
Cut-out Size82mm
Charging2x USB-C, 1x USB-A (20W total)
The Good
  • Include USB-C ports which is essential for modern phones
  • Includes surge protection (vital for computer equipment)
  • Good value for money
The Bad
  • Manual pull action requires two hands sometimes
  • Silver finish is painted plastic, not metal
  • 82mm is a slightly non-standard hole saw size (standard is often 80mm)

Installer Tip:

The hole requirement is 82mm. Do not try to jam this into a standard 80mm desk grommet hole without filing it out first, or you'll crack the locking ring. Measure twice, cut once.

Priced at £32.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Pop Up Sockets with Wireless Charging & Automatic Lift

Quality Pick
Pop Up Sockets with Wireless Charging & Automatic Lift

HANNELORE

If you want the 'James Bond' effect, this is it. It features a gas-spring mechanism that rises automatically with a push. It's a beast of a unit, including HDMI and data ports, making it perfect for high-end boardrooms or tech-heavy kitchen setups.

Price£92.50 (at time of writing)
Cut-out Size120mm
FeaturesWireless Charging, HDMI, RJ45, Automatic Lift
The Good
  • Wireless charging on top is incredibly convenient
  • Automatic pop-up mechanism feels premium
  • Includes HDMI and RJ45 for full connectivity
The Bad
  • Significant investment at nearly £100
  • Requires a massive 120mm hole
  • The 5W wireless charging is functional but not 'fast charge'

Installer Tip:

This unit needs a 120mm hole. If you are installing this in granite or quartz, you must inform your worktop fabricator beforehand. Drilling a 120mm hole on site in stone is risky and dusty work.

Priced at £92.50 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Pull Pop Up Power Sockets Chrome Plated

Problem-Solving Pick
Pull Pop Up Power Sockets Chrome Plated

Hanstore

I categorise this as the 'Problem Solver' because of its finish. Most budget sockets look like grey plastic, which clashes with expensive chrome kitchen taps. This unit features a chrome-plated top, helping it blend in seamlessly with modern kitchen ironmongery.

Price£30.99 (at time of writing)
FinishChrome Plated
Cut-out Size80-85mm
The Good
  • Chrome finish matches taps and handles much better than silver plastic
  • Fits standard 80mm-85mm holes, making it a great retrofit
  • Includes Type-C and USB charging
The Bad
  • Manual operation feels less premium than automatic versions
  • Chrome plating can show fingerprints easily
  • The locking mechanism underneath is plastic

Installer Tip:

Because of the chrome finish, ensure you seal the edge of the cut-out effectively with silicone if using in a kitchen. While the socket isn't waterproof, preventing moisture from getting under the chrome lip helps prevent the worktop from swelling.

Priced at £30.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pop up sockets safe for kitchen islands?
They are safe if installed correctly, but placement is critical. Regulations (and common sense) dictate they should be a safe distance from the sink to prevent water ingress. They are generally not IP-rated against water when open, so I always advise clients to treat them with care.
Do I need an electrician to install a pop up socket?
Many of these units come with a plug attached, meaning you technically 'plug them in' underneath the cupboard. However, you still need a socket installed inside the cabinet to plug into. In Leeds, I often install a switched spur above the worktop to isolate the unit below, which definitely requires a qualified electrician.
How much space do they take up inside the cupboard?
People often forget this! The tube extends downwards by about 300mm to 400mm when the socket is pushed down. You will lose the ability to have a drawer directly underneath the unit, and you need to ensure the cables inside the cupboard don't snag on your pots and pans.
Can these be retrofitted into existing worktops?
Yes, provided you can cut the hole. Wood and laminate are easy enough for a competent DIYer with the right hole saw. Stone, granite, and marble require specialist diamond cutters and are best left to professionals to avoid cracking your expensive worktop.
Why does my pop up socket trip the RCD?
If your RCD is tripping, it could be moisture ingress (crumbs or liquid getting into the socket mechanism) or a fast-charge surge issue. If it happens repeatedly, the unit may be faulty or damaged and should be replaced immediately. Do not reset the breaker repeatedly without finding the fault.

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