The 10 Best Paper Towel Holders of 2023
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Our top pick is the OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder for its sturdy, durable construction, functional tension arm, and sleek design.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
A paper towel holder is a must-have in any home. It keeps your paper towel roll accessible for easy cleaning, while also preventing it from accidentally unraveling or getting knocked over.
To find the best paper towel holders, we spent hours sifting through dozens of options while considering factors such as type, material, and ease of use. We also consulted with Britnee Tanner, a professional organization expert who specializes in helping women create functional spaces within their homes.
“Paper towel holders are those simple organizational solutions that really do make life easier,” says Tanner. “They aren't often given a lot of thought, but if you can find one that both matches your style and is sturdy and functional, then you will absolutely feel more organized.”
Our top pick is the OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder for its sturdy stainless steel construction and extra tension arm that helps you take out one sheet at a time. It’s also one of the heavier picks on the list, so it stands securely on any surface you place it on.
OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder
Best Overall Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want an easy way to tear off paper towels one at a time.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer to have nothing cluttering their countertops.
If you want to invest in a quality paper towel holder, opt for this one from OXO. It features a weighted base for stability and a non-slip mat with rubberized grips at the bottom to ensure it stays firmly in place. While sturdy, at 1.2 pounds, this paper towel holder isn’t as heavy as other similarly-priced models.
It has a spring-loaded arm that stays in place when extended, which means you don’t have to hold it while loading a new roll. When you’re done, it firmly locks the paper towel roll in (with a satisfying snap). The roll also spins easily, so you can easily take as many or as few sheets as you need—even with one hand.
This paper towel holder is designed for countertop use, so you can move it around as needed. It doesn’t come in multiple colors, but the modern brushed stainless steel finish can match any decor.
Price at time of publish: $26
Product Details:
Type: Freestanding
Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 13 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 1.2 pounds
Mainstays Paper Towel Holder with Non-Slip Base
Best Budget Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a simple paper towel holder that won’t break the bank.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a paper towel holder with a tension arm.
If you are looking for a countertop paper towel holder that is affordable, sleek, and compatible with just about any size roll, opt for the Mainstays Paper Towel Holder. This pick is freestanding, so you don't need to install it—just place the holder in any area that’s convenient for you. The non-slip base provides extra stability, and at 1.8 pounds, it is surprisingly heavy for a budget option. This means you can use it in your kitchen or outside at a backyard BBQ without worrying about it toppling over.
The only downside is its chrome finish, which looks good but is not as durable as stainless steel. It does feature two arms to easily tear off sheets, but they don’t offer any resistance. Keep in mind that this is not the most compact option, so it might not be ideal if you have limited counter space. In that case, we would recommend getting a wall-mounted or cabinet paper towel holder instead.
Price at time of publish: $7
Product Details:
Type: Freestanding
Dimensions: 5.88 x 6.38 x 13.75 inches
Material: Chrome finish
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Umbra Tug One-Handed Tear Modern Paper Towel Holder
Best Freestanding Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who don’t mind paying extra for a functional and elegant paper towel holder.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a plain paper towel holder.
If you want to add a fancy touch to your kitchen decor or impress guests at your next dinner party, consider this freestanding paper towel holder from Umbra. While more expensive than other options, its elegant details make it a functional and decorative accent for your home.
This holder has an extra-heavy base that won't budge on your countertop. It also has a chic fin design that keeps it stable and makes it easy to tear off a sheet of paper with one hand. We also love that it is padded at the bottom to keep your countertop scratch-free. It comes in several colors, including black, chrome, and silver, so you can choose the style that best suits your decor.
Price at time of publish: $25
Product Details:
Type: Freestanding
Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 13.25 inches
Material: Steel
Weight: 2.3 pounds
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Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder
Best Wall-Mounted Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a sleek, space-saving paper towel holder.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer to keep their paper towel holder on their table or countertop.
For small kitchens, a wall-mounted paper towel holder, like this one from Kamenstein, is a perfect solution. The durable, stainless steel model features a patented ratcheting mechanism that stops the paper towel from unraveling and getting wet or stained from puddles on your countertop.
To install this paper towel holder, you have to drill holes in your wall, which could be daunting for renters. Still, the overall installation process is easy because the holder comes with screws and clear instructions for you to follow.
We love how it can function as an under-cabinet dispenser and fit rolls of all sizes, from standard to extra-large. It’s not limited to kitchen use, either: You can also install this holder in the garage, laundry room, or playroom.
Price at time of publish: $28
Product Details:
Type: Wall-mounted
Dimensions: 5.12 x 1.97 x 14.09 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 0.79 pounds
iDesign Orbinni Wall Mounted Metal Paper Towel Holder
Best Under-Cabinet Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a paper towel holder that can match a variety of home decor.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to drill holes in their walls.
The iDesign Orbinni Wall Paper Towel Holder is unobtrusive yet functional, so it seamlessly dispenses your paper towels. It features a slender metal rod, which mounts under your cabinet and is ideal for those with small spaces or anyone who wants to keep things neat and organized. Although you need to be comfortable with a drill to install it, this pick won’t take more than a few minutes of setup before it’s ready to use. It also comes with screws to save you a trip to the hardware store.
We love that it comes in five colors, including matte black, chrome, satin silver, and pearl gold, which can match your existing decor. It also can hold toilet tissue, especially if you have multiple rolls you want to keep on hand. The manufacturer claims this under-cabinet paper towel holder can accommodate all roll sizes, but you might want to be wary of jumbo rolls as the rod may be too slender.
Price at time of publish: $11
Product Details:
Type: Under-cabinet
Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.2 x 13.7 inches
Material: Steel
Weight: 0.66 pounds
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Katzco Magnetic Paper Towel Holder Katzco
Best Magnetic Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a space-saving paper towel holder that doesn’t require drilling holes in the wall.
Who it isn’t for: People with a refrigerator that’s far away from their kitchen sink.
The Katzco Magnetic Paper Towel Holder is a great alternative to traditional freestanding or wall-mounted designs if you need extra space but don’t want to put holes in the wall. It uses heavy-duty magnets and three strong rubber-coated magnetic pads to attach the holder to appliances like the side of a refrigerator, toolbox, or washer and dryer.
While the reliability of magnets might scare you, the reality is that this pick is just as sturdy as any other paper towel holder. As long as you don't use excessive force to rip off a single piece, you should be able to tear a sheet or two without worrying about the entire holder coming down. While functional, this might not be the paper holder for you if your kitchen sink isn’t near your refrigerator (or any other magnetic surfaces).
Price at time of publish: $17
Product Details:
Type: Magnetic
Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 12 inches
Material: Steel
Weight: 1.68 pounds
Rubbermaid Paper Towel Holder
Best Easy-to-Replace Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who need an affordable option that makes it easy to replace rolls as needed.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer steel, metal, or wood materials in their kitchen.
Though there are many modern, decorative, and high-end paper towel holders to choose from, sometimes all you need is something simple and easy to use. This holder from Rubbermaid can be mounted on walls, under cabinets, or even inside pantry doors to maximize countertop space. Installation is a breeze, especially because it can be placed vertically or horizontally. Because the paper towel holder doesn’t have a center post, all you have to do is pop the paper towel roll in and make sure the spring-loaded clips are in.
Replacing the roll is just as easy—give the empty roll a gentle pull and then push a new one inside. Keep in mind that this holder lacks a tension arm, so it’s easy for the roll to unravel and fall.
Price at time of publish: $13
Product Details:
Type: Wall-mounted
Dimensions: 4.93 x 3.03 x 13.98 inches
Material: Plastic
Weight: 6.4 ounces
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Honey-Can-Do Acacia Paper Towel Holder
Best Wooden Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a paper towel holder with a natural wooden finish.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a paper towel holder with an additional arm.
The Honey-Can-Do Acacia Paper Towel Holder has a sturdy circular base that prevents the roll from tipping over but is not as heavy as holders made from stainless steel. This base is also thick enough to lift the roll a bit off the countertop, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet.
Thanks to its freestanding design, this paper towel holder is highly portable, so you can move it wherever you need it. Plus, it can hold jumbo-sized paper towel rolls. While functional and stylish, this pick doesn’t come with extra features like tension arms or a wire design to prevent the roll from unraveling.
Price at time of publish: $55
Product Details:
Type: Freestanding
Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 12.92 inches
Material: Wooden
Weight: 1 pound
Simplehuman Tension Arm Standing Paper Towel Holder
Best Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder
Who it’s for: People who want a sleek holder with a tension arm to keep the roll in place.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a regular towel holder without the bells and whistles.
With its brushed stainless steel exterior, the Simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder is sleek and easy to use. It is available in three finishes: gold, silver, and white, which can blend in with any style of decor. Apart from the usual features of a paper towel holder, this one has several perks that make it stand out. The base weighs 2.2 pounds so it won't budge easily, and the underside comes with rubber feet to protect your countertop. In addition, you can also transport it around the house with the finger loop located at the top of the center post.
But the crown jewel of this paper towel holder is the single tension arm that offers just enough resistance for tearing off one sheet at a time. As one of the most expensive options on our list, this holder is definitely top-tier—but it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to invest in something durable and long-lasting.
Price at time of publish: $35
Product Details:
Type: Freestanding
Dimensions: 7.4 x 8.2 x 14.3 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Carry360 Paper Towel Holder With Shelf Storage
Best Paper Towel Holder With Shelf
Who it’s for: People who want a paper towel holder with built-in storage.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a paper towel holder that can be moved around as needed.
Made from rust-proof stainless steel, this paper towel holder is a great choice for kitchens or laundry rooms that need extra storage. It has a built-in shelf to store additional items, like spices, soaps, and cleaning supplies.
One of the best parts of this paper towel holder is that you don’t have to drill holes in your wall to install it—sticky adhesive and three hooks attach the entire fixture to flat surfaces. The downside is that this adhesive can be tricky to remove if you want to replace it or move it down the holder. (It’ll come off with heat, so you may need to blast hot air with a hair dryer to remove it.) You also may need to be careful about how many items you place on the shelf. The manufacturer claims the shelving can hold up to 15 pounds, but use your discretion before you load it with heavier items.
Price at time of publish: $20
Product Details:
Type: Adhesive wall-mounted
Dimensions: 4.3 x 3 x 12.6 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 1.15 pounds
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Final Verdict
The OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder is our top pick for its spring-loaded tension arm and weighted base that will stay firmly in place. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, we recommend the Mainstays Paper Towel Holder for its simple yet functional design that can hold paper towel rolls of all sizes.
How to Shop for Paper Towel Holders Like a Pro
Type
There are many different types of paper towel holders, like freestanding models, wall-mounted styles, under-cabinet holders, shelf paper roll holders, and even magnetic holders that only attach to metal surfaces.
“Consider the overall aesthetic of your kitchen first to make sure the paper towel holder goes with your other finishes," says Tanner. "After that, look to see what type of space your kitchen offers."
First, evaluate how much extra space your kitchen has. If you have plenty of countertop space, opt for a freestanding holder. But for those with small kitchens who need to save space, a wall-mounted or under-cabinet holder will keep your paper towels out of the way.
Material
Paper towels are available in materials such as plastic, wood, and stainless steel. The material you select comes down to personal preference, but the durability of the holder is a factor to bear in mind. “Think about how many times you use paper towels each day—you need to make sure the holder can handle that frequent use over time,” Tanner explains.
Of all the choices available, stainless steel is the favorite of experts for its longevity and ease of cleaning. Plus, the steel construction makes it heavier, which prevents the paper towel roll from toppling when you rip off a sheet.
Ease of Use
Nobody wants to fumble with a paper towel holder while their hands are dirty, so it's important that your paper towel holder is easy to use. Aside from making sure you place it in an easily accessible area (like a countertop or on a wall), it’s also important to find a paper towel holder that allows you to rip off a sheet without knocking over the entire roll.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to replace empty rolls. For example, Rubbermaid’s Paper Towel Holder makes it incredibly easy to change out the roll—simply pull out the old roll and push in a new one.
Questions You Might Ask
Where should a paper towel holder be placed?
The best way to choose a location for your paper towel holder is to consider the design and functionality of your space. Your paper towel holder can be placed on a countertop or out of sight inside a cabinet door, but most experts agree that the best place for holders is near the sink because that is where you do tasks that require a towel the most, like cooking or washing hands.
What is the extra arm on a paper towel holder for?
The extra arm on a paper towel holder is known as the tension arm, which provides resistance so you can tear one sheet at a time from the roll without tipping it over or unraveling more sheets than necessary.
“Some holders allow you to weave the paper towel through the extra arm or it could just be there so you have something to tear the paper towels against,” says Tanner.
What else can I do with a paper towel holder?
Oddly enough, you don’t have to limit paper towel holders to just holding paper towels. You can also store other household items on them like cookie cutters, toilet paper, or even trash bag rolls. You can also use them for items you typically keep in the bathroom, like scrunchies and hair ties. “Basically, if the items are circular, then you can probably stack them up on a countertop paper towel holder,” Tanner says.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple, with two years of experience writing product reviews and home and lifestyle content. To put together this list, she spent hours researching paper towel holders, considering factors such as type, material, and ease of use. She also received tips from Britnee Tanner, a professional organizer.
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