We conducted hours of research on the best paper towel holders, evaluating each model material, features, installation type, and design. The OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder is our best overall pick because it is made of stainless steel and features a spring-activated arm that locks open for loading. Ahead, find the best paper towel holders to help keep your kitchen clean. OXO’s innovative design eliminates the problems you might encounter with flimsier paper towel holders. Say goodbye to unspooling, wasted sheets, and uneven rips. A weighted base and non-slip ring keep it securely in place on the counter. Internal resistance prevents the roll from unraveling, and the arm keeps the edge of the paper towel easily accessible. However, reviewers say you might have to use two hands as you get closer to the end of the roll. Made from coated steel, this holder isn’t as durable or sturdy as stainless steel models. A common complaint is that the holder is so lightweight that it tends to slide around on the counter and tip over easily. That said, the feet on the holder’s base should help keep it in place, providing you don’t pull on the roll too hard. You don’t need to unscrew the tension arm to remove or replace paper towel rolls either. The arm pulls away from the body of the holder for easy maneuverability. Another convenient feature is the finger loop at the top, so you can easily pick up and move the holder whenever you need to. There are a few reports of parts breaking over time, but Simplehuman offers a five-year warranty on this product. The sleek, stainless steel design is unobtrusive and blends in nicely with most kitchen fixtures. Some reviewers note the screws get stripped over time. This holder is available in three different finishes: silver, polished silver, and black, so you can customize it to fit your kitchen’s color palette. You can also choose between a rectangle or oval mounting plate. Thanks to a slim design and low profile, it doesn’t stand out or take up too much room underneath a cabinet. With a load-bearing capacity of up to 22 pounds, the adhesive is incredibly strong, but there are some reports of it loosening up over time. To improve its longevity, try not to pull too hard on the roll when you tear off a sheet. The handle must be removed in order to attach or replace a paper towel roll. Some reviewers note the handle is difficult to unscrew at first, but it gets easier over time. The arm secures the paper towel roll in place to prevent it from unraveling, even when you’re down to your very last paper towel. Replacing the roll is a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-remove bamboo handle. The smooth ceramic base is sturdy and won’t scratch your countertop. This eco-friendly option is right on par with other freestanding models when it comes to price point. This machine is not battery-operated, but the design allows paper towels to dispense automatically. You can grab an individual towel without having to touch any part of the dispenser. The dispenser is intended for both residential and commercial use. If you plan to use it in a shared or public space, it has a key lock feature for added security. This unit is available in three neutral colors–black smoke, white, and black. Made of durable steel wire and coated with a rust-resistant finish, this holder is built to last. There are a few reports of products arriving bent or broken. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the holder before mounting it in your home. The arm that holds the paper towel doesn’t swing out at all, and it can’t be removed. Loading the rolls might be a little tricky, depending on where you place the unit. Since the holder dispenses one towel at a time, it makes for a more hygienic bathroom experience, which we can all appreciate. This holder can accommodate a standard pack of 250 multifold towels, which means you won’t have to refill it that often. Wall-mounted: A wall-mounted paper towel holder is ideal for anyone with a limited amount of counter space. Most are easy to install and typically attach to the wall with several screws. They come in various styles and can often be positioned horizontally or vertically in a location that best suits your needs. A larger multi-purpose paper towel holder is another option to consider. Some come equipped with shelves and hooks, providing an all-in-one storage solution. Under-cabinet: Unlike a wall-mounted model, an under-cabinet paper towel holder is typically a bit more discreet. These low-profile units keep paper towels within arm’s reach while saving valuable counter space. If you don’t want to drill holes into your cabinetry, consider a model that attaches with an adhesive.
Material
Paper towel holders come in a variety of different materials including wood, stainless steel, metal, bamboo, and aluminum. Stainless steel is the most durable option because it’s resistant to corrosion and rust—a big plus if your holder is stored on a countertop and frequently gets wet. Most stainless steel paper towel holders aren’t dishwasher-safe, but they clean up easily with a cloth and warm water. Plastic, wood, and other types of metal are not quite as durable, but for the simple purpose of holding paper towels, these materials should work just fine.
Required Maintenance
Many models are fashioned from stainless steel or other metals, which means they’re not dishwasher-safe. For a quick cleanup, you can wipe down the surface of your paper towel holder with a microfiber cloth moistened with warm water. For more cleaning power, you can add a drop of mild dish detergent to the mix. Many go-to cleaning products are too harsh and abrasive to be used on stainless steel, and they may cause permanent damage. Instead, try a homemade solution of white vinegar and water, which will sanitize and cut grease.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHugh is a freelance writer specializing in home decor and lifestyle content for The Spruce. She makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, functional, and well-reviewed by consumers. For this roundup, Sage considered dozens of paper towel holders, carefully evaluating each model’s material, features, installation type, and design. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into account. Additional input was provided by Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Jen D.
