The 9 Best Step Stools for Your Home That Are a Step Above the Rest
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Stylish and sturdy, these step stools are a level up.
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Finding the best step stool is a must for all home cooks, even for those gifted in the height department. Many modern kitchens have tall cabinets to maximize storage, meaning we all need a boost to reach them. And, let’s face it, the counter stool we keep dragging over to do the job is not the safest choice, especially if it spins. Given how many specialty kitchenware companies there are now, it’s no surprise there are plenty of design-forward step stool choices with plenty of function to boot.
Since most of us struggle with the aforementioned storage issue, step stools also need to be space conscious and easy to use, like this practical option that’s a tested and true favorite with our editors. No matter the vibe or room, we’ve rounded up the best step stools that are stylish, sturdy, safe, and easy to use.
Best Overall: Delxo Step Ladder Folding Step Stool
Delxo Step Ladder Folding Step Stool is lightweight and super stable, can support up to 330 pounds, and has a platform with non-slip material and a locking mechanism. The ladder comes fully assembled, and its rubber feet add another layer of security, so you don’t have to worry about the step stool shifting when you stand. Although made of aluminum, the finish is made to look wood-grained, making it an excellent fit for contemporary, traditional, or rustic kitchens without sacrificing strength or durability. It’s super easy to carry around and weighs less than its competitors.
Price at time of publish: $100
Stool Weight: 9 pounds
Weight capacity: 330 pounds
Dimensions: 1.65 x 38.2 x 17.5 inches
Material: Aluminum
Best Splurge: Hasegawa Lucano Lightweight Japanese 2-Step Step Ladder
The Lucano 10th Anniversary Premium Edition step ladder won the world-famous Metaphys Studio Good Design Long Life Design Award in 2019. Designed by Chiaki Murata, the ladder is the benchmark for design. The 2-step model comes in many colors, but the gold is so pretty you won’t want to hide it away. You can use it as a step stool, but it is so cute you can leave it by the front door as a makeshift mudroom or use it as a plant stand.
Price at time of publish: $277
Stool Weight: 6.6 pounds
Weight capacity: 225 pounds
Dimensions: 19 x 24.5 x 6 inches
Material: Aluminum and plastic
Best Child Helper: Martha Stewart Kitchen Helper Guidecraft Keeper
The Martha Stewart Kitchen Helper step stool is a collaboration between the home maven and the trusted brand. The helper stool enables toddlers two and up to work safely at the counter. Made from birch wood coated in an easy-to-clean non-toxic finish, the Helper Stool comes in charcoal, taupe, mint, and white. It is adjustable, so it grows with your child and can be folded for storage if space concerns it. The stool is easy to clean, and the four-sided construction keeps kids in place while you make memories.
Price at time of publish: $220
Stool Weight: 27 pounds
Weight capacity: 125 pounds
Dimensions: 23 x 36 x 23 inches
Material: Birch
Best 3-Step: Frontgate Ultralight Slimline 3-Step Stool
Frontgate’s Ultralight Slimline 3-Step Stool only weighs ten pounds, but don’t let that fool you. The aircraft-grade aluminum step stool can withstand up to 250 pounds and stay still doing it. The step stool features rubber feet to keep floors mark-free, and its platform is oversized and treated to make it slip-free. It is also incredibly slim, hence the name, with a profile of 2 inches when folded, meaning it can easily slip in small places if you need the height.
Price at time of publish: $199
Stool Weight: 10 pounds
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Dimensions: 19 x 47.5 x 2 inches
Material: Aluminum
Best Chair and Stool Combo: Cosco Black Retro Counter Chair and Step Stool
The Cosco Black Retro Counter Chair and Step Stool is an excellent choice for smaller kitchens. The diner-style counter stool does double duty as a step stool with a fold-out footrest. It is made from black vinyl upholstery and chrome finishes for a retro feel. The chair is easy to put together with one tool, and the non-marring feet keep the floor free of scuff marks. The Retro stool is a comfortable seat for anyone with its cushioned seat and back and is incredibly easy to clean.
Price at time of publish: $80
Stool Weight: 16.61 pounds
Weight capacity: 225 pounds
Dimensions: 23.43 x 35.33 x 16.14 inches
Material: Steel and vinyl
Best Modern: Sorfey Premium 2-Step Modern Bamboo Ladder
The Sorfey Premium 2-Step Modern Bamboo Ladder is so attractive, its slim profile is almost a moot selling point. The coated black aluminum construction is a nice contrast to its slim bamboo stair pedals. The faux wood adds warmth to the otherwise aluminum step ladder. An oversized platform and the handle provide a sturdy foundation for any task you can dream up around the house. The lightweight step stool has rubberized feet to prevent the ladder — and you — from slipping.
Price at time of publish: $90
Stool Weight: 10 pounds
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Dimensions: 17 W x 39 x 2 inches
Material: Bamboo
Best Anti-Slip: HBTower Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal
The HBTower Folding Step Stool is a good choice for kitchens where robustness is valued. The high-grade steel frame is rigid enough for use indoors and outdoors. Its back cross brace and wide pedals layered with non-slip rubber will keep you feeling safe. It also has a handle for added support, and a metal buckle automatically locks the step stool in place for added security. Although it is incredibly light, this step stool can withstand the most weight out of the choices on this list.
Price at time of publish: $48
Stool Weight: 11.5 pounds
Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Dimensions: 20.1 x 34.3 x 1.6 inches
Material: Steel
Best Value : Greenco Folding Step Stool for Kids and Adults
You’d never think this small plastic Greenco Folding Step Stool for Kids and Adults could hold the weight of a grown man, but it can. The fold-out plastic step stool has a proper handle you can flip open with one hand. The plastic top has anti-skid foot pads making it a safe place for even kids to stand during meal preparation. Since it is so tiny, you can easily store these all over the house wherever you need an extra lift. It is even small enough to fit under a sink and also great for potty training. It has a high weight capacity, so adults can feel safe using it even though it's also great for kids.
Price at time of publish: $20
Stool Weight: 2.48 pounds
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 10.25 inches
Material: Plastic
Best Bedside: Rorkee Wooden Step Stool
This bedside stool is a great choice for anyone, such as seniors or the elderly, who need some assistance getting up to higher beds. It is also helpful if the bed is just higher than normal so shorter adults, children, and well-trained dogs can get up on the bed with ease. It is attractive enough to be used elsewhere when it is not in use. You need more assistance reaching high shelves such as bathrooms, offices, and playrooms. There is also a single-step stool option if you prefer something you can store under the bed.
Price at time of publish: $40
Stool Weight: 9.02 pounds
Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Dimensions: 15.7 x 13.8 x 14.2 inches
Material: Wood and iron
Factors to Consider
Material
Given the many choices on the market, the best step stool matches the aesthetic of your home and needs. Models are constructed from various materials such as plastic, wood, metals, and alloy steel. If you want something that feels substantial, opt for heavier metal and wood. Since portability is a major feature to shop for, many manufacturers are making lightweight metal step stools. Make sure they are not so lightweight that it feels flexible underfoot.
Weight
Step stools need to be light enough so that they are helpful for kids or people with mobility challenges. Look for lightweight step stools that fit your lifestyle and that you can easily move around your house. Normally, the more steps and features, the heavier the step stool. However, there are many lightweight stools that do not sacrifice durability or height on the market.
Sturdiness
Even if you don't suffer from a fear of heights, you want to make sure any step stool is sturdy for safety. That means it has the proper feet to keep the step stool stable, and also prevent any slipping. It's important to evaluate that feature as well as how well-constructed each step is. Taking the time to evaluate step stools as you shop is wise to make sure you choose the sturdiest model.
Storage
Storage is always a consideration when bringing a new item into the kitchen. Unlike ladders, these step stools have just a few steps and can be easily stored in a kitchen. Many folding step stools are so slim they can easily slip into the space between a cabinet and a wall or even on the side of the fridge.
Use
Many step stools act as workhorses beyond just reaching that box of backstock kosher salt on the top shelf of the pantry. They can be used as seating or as a place for your kid to stand at the counter level to learn all your cooking secrets. If that is important, look for kid-specific kitchen helpers that keep them safe while feeding their curiousity. There are also models with handles and handlebars if you get nervous on steps or are just looking for added safety features.
Dimensions
Step stools can come in one to three steps before being considered a step ladder–although manufacturers can use the words interchangeably. Consider how much lift is needed and buy accordingly. It is also important to consider storing your step stool when it is not in use. Pay attention to the dimensions so you can estimate whether it will fit or not. Many manufacturers provide measurements of the unit when folded in their descriptions, so read the details.
Features
If step stools make you nervous, look for one with handlebars and a locking mechanism to keep the legs in place. The handles are also great for carrying the step stool from job to job. Many models also have extra wide steps and platforms to securely fit the entire foot. If your work area is wet, pay attention to the type of feet to ensure they don’t slip.
Our Expertise
Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a recovering restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, Local Palate, National Geographic, Simply Recipes, Southern Living, and Thrillist. To write this story, she used her home and kitchen expertise and research.
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