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The Best Paper Towel Holder

Last updated on October 12, 2021
Best Paper Towel Holder

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Every kitchen needs a roll of paper towels. You’ll use them to wipe up spills and, in some cases, in place of napkins at meals. You might also use them to dry foods or your hands after you’ve washed them.

But where to store that paper towel roll is an enduring question. You can simply set the roll on the counter, but there are a few problems with that. It’s tougher to grab the towels you need with one hand when there’s nothing holding the roll in place. Also, if you ever have a spill, towel rolls placed directly on the counter will soak that water up like a sponge, ruining all of it.

A paper towel holder will provide a handy place to store your towels. If you have one that sits on the counter, it will be elevated enough that spills won’t reach the towels. If you have one that mounts under a counter, you can keep a few more square inches of precious counter space free.

There are some other things to consider when you’re choosing between a counter-mounted holder and one that rests on the counter. Yes, the mounted version frees up counter space, but it also has to be installed. You can find some that use adhesive to stick to the surface, but if you opt for this version, make sure it won’t damage your cabinetry in the process.

As a solution to the counter space issue, many manufacturers now strive to slim down the profile of the paper towel holder. You can easily find a holder that won’t take up any more space than the roll itself. Of course, even having a full paper towel roll on your countertop will reduce the amount of free counter space.

The choice of paper towel holder is a personal one, but there are so many options, you can find the one you want in your preferred décor. Function and style are both important considerations, but it’s easier than ever to find furnishings that satisfy both.

Our Picks For The Top Paper Towel Holders

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Best All-Purpose

Spectrum Diversified Metal Countertop Paper Towel Holder

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Spectrum Diversified

Metal Countertop Paper Towel Holder

Featuring a simple but fun design, this paper towel holder is made from durable steel and available in a variety of finishes. It features a circular base designed to prevent tipping even as you're installing a roll of towels. The design also makes replacement easy. Simply pull the empty cardboard tube off the holder and replace with the new roll.

Overall Take

Slim ProfileThe slim profile of this paper towel holder will take up minimal space on your countertop.

 Best for Cabinets

SUNTECH Below Cabinet Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder

SUNTECH

Below Cabinet Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder

Made from stainless steel, this paper towel holder will resist scratching and rust. Installation is a breeze. Simply remove the paper and affix it to the surface. A larger sticky pad will allow it to hold even the largest paper towel rolls.

Overall Take

Easy InstallationIf you're looking for a holder that will suspend your towels under a cabinet, this self-adhesive paper towel holder is a great option.

 We Also Like

Umbra Weighted Base Paper Towel Holder

Umbra

Weighted Base Paper Towel Holder

A modern design and a brushed-nickel finish give this paper towel holder a unique look. But it's also functional. The curved spine is designed to grip the roll so that you can grab a sheet of towel easily, even with one hand. The base is weighted to prevent tipping and padded on the bottom to keep your countertops scratch-free.

Overall Take

One-Handed TearThis holder features a curved spine that grips the cardboard center, making it easy to rip the towel off without inhibiting the roll's movement.

 Strong Contender

OXO Good Grips Spring Activated Arm Paper Towel Holder

OXO

Good Grips Spring Activated Arm Paper Towel Holder

This paper towel holder features a spring-activated arm that holds the paper towel roll in place. This makes it easy to tear off just one sheet, even with only one hand. The weighted, nonslip base prevents tipping while also accommodating a wide range of roll sizes.

Overall Take

Prevents Runaway RollsA spring-activated arm makes it easy to tear a sheet off the roll while also preventing you from pulling off more towels than you intended.

What to Look For

  • Although many paper towel holders will mention the finish, keep in mind that you’ll typically only see the base, for a countertop model, and the ends, for one that mounts. Sturdiness and ease of use are more important when you’re looking at the material of a paper towel holder.
  • Countertop models can tip over if not designed correctly. You’ll need to look for one with a base that keeps everything balanced even if the towel roll gets stuck while you’re pulling.
  • One-handed operation can be very useful with a towel roll holder. If you’ve just washed your hands, for instance, you might not want to grip the towel holder while you tear a sheet off. Some holders are designed to hold the roll firmly in place so that you can tug on a towel without throwing them off balance or pulling off more sheets than you need.
  • Replacing paper towels can be a chore with some holders. If your towel holder has a knob that has to be screwed off or two spindles holding it in place, consider the extra effort this will take every time you change towel rolls. Being able to simply slide the old cardboard tube off and the new roll on will make a big difference over time.
  • Many homeowners mount paper towels under a counter. Look at what’s required to mount your towel roll before you go for this option.
  • Paper towels come in a wide range of sizes today. If you prefer jumbo rolls that are much larger than towels traditionally came in, check the capacity of any holder you choose.
  • If your countertops are sensitive, make sure a countertop roll holder is padded underneath to protect the surface. Otherwise, you could find your holder scratches your counters.
  • Rust resistance is important in a roll holder. Kitchens can carry quite a bit of moisture, and on top of that, you might be changing rolls with wet hands. Material like stainless steel will hold up longer in those conditions.

More to Explore

Paper towels owe their original popularity to runny noses. When the Scott Paper Company was left with a railroad car full of towels they couldn’t sell because they were too thick, Arthur Scott had to come up with a market for them. He learned a teacher was giving students soft paper for wiping runny noses to avoid spreading germs with cloth towels, and it sparked an idea. After perforating the train car’s worth of paper into small towel-sized sheets, he pitched it to the school for runny noses. By the 1930s, Scott Company was manufacturing paper towels in large quantities and selling them to stores, where a new grocery category was created for them.

More to explore