Best Paper Towel Holders – Make Your Kitchen More Convenient

Kitchen towels, or paper towels to be really specific, are a must-have in any kitchen. You can use it to clean up that mess on the counter that you made while cooking, to dry your hands after washing, or even to clean up small spills on the floor. Now, you can just place your paper towel roll at the top of your counter. And that’s fine if you don’t mind the waste. After all, it’s bound to get wet and/or dirty just sitting there on the counter. Also, there’s a tendency for us to pull more than what we need which means that you’ll be spending more money buying new rolls faster.

Obviously, a paper towel holder is a must. The only question you face is which one. Since it’s a must-have commodity, there is quite a number in the market to choose from. To give you a leg up, we’ve listed the 10 best paper towel holders that will suit your needs and maybe even upgrade your style.

Top 10 Paper Towel Holders Of 2020 Reviewed

1. OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder

One-handed Paper Towel Holder

This freestanding paper towel holder from OXO is perfect if you don’t want to install anything in your kitchen. Just take it out of the box and slip any size or brand of paper towels that are in your kitchen. This product is made out of brushed stainless steel with black plastic accents. It features a spring-activated arm that holds the paper towel roll in place while you do some one-handed tearing. It doesn’t matter how “thin” your roll becomes, the arm will adjust so you never have to struggle ripping sheets off the roll and you never get more than what you need. The base is weighted and features a non-slip ring so it never slides on the counter while you’re pulling.

However, once the roll gets to a third in size, the entire weight of the roll + holder isn’t enough to prevent the thing from sliding when you pull. Also, it doesn’t work great with higher quality brand towels that are thicker and tears less easily.

OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • One-handed tearing
  • Weighted base
  • The grip of the spring-activated arm works great

Cons:

  • Pricey for a paper towel holder
  • Slides when the roll is less than half full
  • Not for high-quality brand towels

2. Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

Paper Towel Holder For Wall

If you don’t have enough space on your counter for your paper towel holder, you can get the Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder. This mounted holder makes use of a patented ratchet system which prevents your paper towel roll from unraveling when you pull. In short, you only get what you need and nothing more. The interior wire roller is designed to be able to “hold” any size of paper towel rolls, even jumbo ones. Replacing empty rolls is super easy. As for installation, the product comes with mounting hardware and can be mounted on a wall vertically or horizontally without any difficulty.

Just keep in mind that the screws provided are a bit long (for wall mounting) and may go through the cabinet bottom. While it does work as promised, it’s not silent. There’s a slight clicking (annoying for some) sound that it makes when you use it.

Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • Ratcheting system
  • Easy to install
  • Can fit large sizes of paper towel rolls

Cons:

  • Screws provided are too long for cabinet installation
  • Clicking sound may be annoying for some
  • A lot of reports of the holder breaking down after a year of use

3. simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

Paper Towel Holder Under Cabinet

If the ratcheting system is not for you, here’s another wall mounted paper towel holder that performs really well. Unlike our previous pick, this makes use of a tension ring spring that creates resistance and prevents the roll from unraveling when you pull and tear. The paper towel holder features a die-cast metal bracket and an oversized stainless steel roll so it won’t bend, break, or otherwise no matter how hard you pull. It fits any size of rolls, even the huge ones.

Installation may require you to use your own screws if you want to install it under a cabinet. The ones provided are too long and better for wall mounting. Also, the holes are not in a straight line so you may find that you didn’t mount it straight and level but putting the roll on the holder is easy as pie.

simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • Works like a charm
  • Quality construction
  • Fits huge rolls

Cons:

  • Not easy to install
  • Pricey
  • Screws are too long

4. GoodTurn: Vertical One Handed Paper Towel Holder

GoodTurn has a different one-handed mechanism in its paper towel holder – a tapered silicone shaft that was specifically designed to hold your roll firmly while you tear off a sheet with one hand. There are no buttons, levers, springs, or any other moving part that may break so you end up with a regular paper towel holder. This stainless steel product has a weighted base plus non-slip bottom ensures it doesn’t tip over while you’re pulling. We like the fact that it’s so simple to use. Replacing a roll is so easy. And it can hold rolls of varying sizes. Plus, no installation required! It does require you to have space on your counter for the paper towel holder.

However, some users have reported that it doesn’t work as well on Viva Select-a-size paper towels. Also, some users have had problems with the connection between the post and the base coming undone.

GoodTurn: Vertical One Handed Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • No moving parts to break
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Weighted base

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work with certain brands of rolls such as Viva
  • Some have reported issues regarding the connection between the base and the pole becoming undone
  • Some have received damaged products

5. simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder

The simplehuman Paper Towel Holder is a standing paper towel holder that can be placed on your counter. It has a tension arm that provides the resistance you need to tear off sheets using just one hand. It also has a heavy duty weighted stainless steel base so it stays put and doesn’t fall over when you pull. And it has a unique feature – a finger loop that allows you to pick up this paper towel holder and move it to a different location. The bottom of the base is sturdy black plastic so you don’t have to worry about getting a rust stain on your countertop. The rest of the product is brushed stainless steel that would complement any modern kitchen design.

This product also comes in rose gold if that’s more your style. We love that it works as promised but the plastic part of the tension arm has a tendency to break. Also, once the roll gets a great deal smaller, it doesn’t work as well unless you get sheets with two hands because the tension arm no longer provides the right amount of pressure. Lastly, you have to learn the right technique to pull it off correctly – with the edge of the roll just a bit past the arm.

simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • Finger loop makes moving this from kitchen to dining table easy
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Works as promised with provisions

Cons:

  • Plastic part may break
  • Lacks pressure for tearing off sheets when the roll is small
  • Needs right technique to work properly

6. Spectrum Diversified Over The Drawer, Over The Cabinet Paper Towel Holder

Paper Towel Holder Inside Cabinet

If you don’t have the countertop space to spare and would like to skip anything that requires installation, then this paper towel holder from Spectrum Diversified is your best bet. You can just hang it over your standard cabinet door and viola! It features a padded foam backing so you don’t damage your door. The entire paper towel holder is made out of sturdy steel. The only thing you have to make sure of is that your cabinet door will fit in the “handle” (not too tight or too loose) and there are no cabinet shelves that may obstruct the door from closing due to the hanging paper towel. And in case you’re wondering, pulling a sheet off a roll hanging from this holder won’t open your cabinet door.

However, one problem we found is that the bar that holds the roll is sometimes too big for the roll to slide easily, on or off. Also, it can slide around if the fit is too loose.

Spectrum Diversified Over The Drawer, Over The Cabinet Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • No installation required
  • Can be hidden or put in plain sight
  • Saves space

Cons:

  • Not all rolls fit well on the bar
  • Not all cabinet doors will fit the “handle” perfectly such as standard Ikea cabinets
  • It can slide around if its too loose

7. InterDesign Swivel Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen

It’s simplistic design is why a lot of people love this paper towel holder. This swivel paper towel holder is made out of durable steel and can be mounted on a wall or under a cabinet. It does come with mounting hardware. It can fit extra large rolls and still have enough clearance that you can easily tear off pieces from the roll. We like the fact that this is way cheaper than any other we’ve seen so far and it comes in different colors. The screws, like the ones found with other paper towel holders, are too long but you’ll be happy to learn that you can install this without screws at all. Just use a 3M Command Strip and it holds up pretty well. You can even use this to hold your plastic garbage bag rolls.

One drawback to this design is the fact that you can only tear it off in one direction. Otherwise, the roll may get dislodged from the bar. Another drawback is that it doesn’t prevent you from getting more than you need.

InterDesign Swivel Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Does not stop unraveling problem
  • Can only tear in one direction
  • Screws that come with the product are too long for cabinet installation

8. Greenco Chrome Paper Towel Holder

This is another basic paper towel holder at a third of the cost of the fancy ones that promise one-handed tearing. And in case you’re wondering, it’s not for one-handed tearing. What it is is a simple, sturdy holder for your paper towels that you can place on your counter. It is made out of durable metal and chrome finish wire. It can fit any size of paper towel rolls. And it won’t clash with any kitchen design. Some innovative users have even turned this into a vertical wall mount.

Now, if you’re pretty rough with your ripping, you may experience tipping because is a bit lightweight. The second arm does not help you rip anything. It’s more for preventing the edge of your roll from drooping onto the counter. Also, some do come slightly bent out of shape (i.e. the “pole” part seems to lean a little to one side) but it can easily be remedied with the use of your hands.

Greenco Chrome Paper Towel Holder

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Can fit any size of paper towel rolls
  • Simple design

Cons:

  • Not for one-handed tearing
  • Lightweight
  • Some come slightly bent

9. InterDesign Formbu Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen

If you want something eco-friendly as your paper towel holder, InterDesign offers a carbonized bamboo + brushed stainless steel wall mounted one that you might consider. It measures 1.7 x 5 x 15.2 inches. The bamboo + stainless steel combo is visually appealing. The bar sits far away from the wall so you have enough clearance to fit a large roll. And this one is extremely easy to install. You can even opt to just use 3M strips to stick it on your wall.

One drawback to this mounted holder is that you can only use it horizontally because the bar is held in place by gravity. Another is the fact that you can only mount it on the wall, not at the bottom of a cabinet because it will roll off since there’s nothing locking the bar in place. The third drawback that some users mention is the fact that you can’t tear the sheet off one-handed. But for the price, you won’t find anything that looks just as good.

InterDesign Formbu Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen

Pros:

  • Looks good
  • Made out of bamboo
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • No locking mechanism to keep the bar in place
  • Can only install on horizontally on a wall
  • Can’t tear off pieces one-handedly

10. Yoga Cat Cast Iron Holder

Designed Paper Towel Holder

This is definitely a paper towel holder that targets a specific group of people – yoga cat lovers. It’s made out of cast iron so you know it’s pretty weighted and won’t be tipping over willy-nilly. The graceful yoga kitty is cute. We love that it’s art with a purpose. It has a distinguished bronze finish that looks cool no matter what your decor is. And it can be used for other purposes too! You can use two and create bookends, you can use it as a paperweight, you can even use it as a doorstop.

It features soft rubber pads on the bottom of the cat’s paws so it won’t scratch or leave a stain on any surface you place them on. Keep in mind that this isn’t going to stop your roll from unraveling or prevent you from getting more than what you need unless you use two hands in tearing off sheets. But it’s still art with a purpose!

Yoga Cat Cast Iron Holder

Pros:

  • Versatile; lots of uses other than paper towel holder
  • Heavy
  • Art with a purpose

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Does not prevent unraveling/drooping
  • Does not allow you to tear off pieces using one hand

How to Choose the Best Paper Towel Holder: The Ultimate Buying Guide

A paper towel holder is a necessity in any kitchen. Just ask anyone who’s had to deal with wasted sheets. You need it to keep your rolls from getting wet/dirty and, for some, to prevent you from getting more than you need. In addition, it can help you save much needed counter space. There is a myriad of options in the market that cater to all our different paper towel holder needs. If you’re not sure about which one fits you best, you’re in luck! Our guide should help you sort out what features you need and those that you want in your holder.

A Stand or Mounted?

There are mainly two kinds of paper towel holders – one is a stand and the other is mounted. If you have enough space on your counter or you’d rather not install anything, you may want to stick to those that are stands – basically a base with a pole where you can slide the roll on or off such as what you get with the OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder. You’ll want to make sure that the base is weighted so it will remain standing whenever you tear of sheets from the roll. You’ll want to make sure that changing rolls is easy as well because who needs the hassle?

If you want to save space or keep your roll hidden away, then you’ll want something mounted. Some like the Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder can be mounted on a wall or under the kitchen cabinet, attached to the bottom of the cabinet. These can even be attached vertically. Others like the InterDesign Formbu Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen can only be attached horizontally to a wall. Again, when going with this kind of holder, you’ll want to get something that will be able to fit your preferred roll and have enough clearance (space between the outer layer of your roll and the wall/cabinet where the holder is attached) that you can easily tear pieces from the roll without meeting unnecessary resistance.

Easy Installation?

If you’re going for a mounted paper towel holder, make sure that you get one that doesn’t require a degree in physics to install. Or, at least one that isn’t that hard to screw on straight. If you want something mounted but hate/can’t make holes in your walls or cabinet, find a holder that can be attached using 3M strips like the InterDesign Swivel Paper Towel Holder for Kitchen.

One Hand or Two?

Some people buy a paper towel holder to enable them to quickly tear of a sheet from the roll with just one hand because the other is too busy to help (or something like that). This means that your paper towel holder should feature a mechanism of some sort that prevents you from unraveling the roll if you only use one hand. There are a variety of mechanisms used by different brands.

The simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder makes use of a tension arm that holds the paper in place using pressure so you can happily tear away piece by piece using just one hand. The Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder makes use of a ratcheting system to prevent the roll from unraveling when you pull. The GoodTurn: Vertical One Handed Paper Towel Holder makes use of a specially designed silicone bar/pole that stops the roll from, er, rolling. Most of these mechanisms work pretty well and delivers on their promise of singlehanded tearing.

It really depends on preference and, as some suggest, a little bit of technique and a lot less roughness. If there is a mechanism in place for this purpose, expect the product to be priced around $20 or more.

On the other hand, some buyers prefer something simpler. A paper towel holder that just holds the roll. One-handed tearing not required. There are plenty of those too that you can choose from. It’ll all depend on the style that suits you best. The price of this kind of holder generally is less than $10. Unless you’re choosing something that’s like the Yoga Cat Cast Iron Holder which is more decorative than all our other picks. Then, it can cost you more than $20. But it’s art with a purpose so you decide.

What Rolls Can It Fit?

We already mentioned this in a previous section but it bears repeating. When looking at paper towel holders, you’ll need to make sure that it will fit your preferred roll. Some rolls do not tear off easily when used with certain holders. Most of what we put down on our top 10 list are able to fit even the jumbo ones from Bounty.

Preference is the main consideration when choosing a paper towel holder. The only way it won’t perform is if it doesn’t hold a paper towel roll and there’s little chance of the product getting that wrong. The extra features people often look for are merely conveniences and the price definitely reflects that point. But whatever you end up choosing, you’ll be saving more money in the long run by making sure your paper towels never go to waste.

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A blogger, personal finance enthusiast with slight “addiction” of planning and organizing whether it’s budget, business or just life in general. When you run into an article around the web you can clearly tell it’s Michael’s work,as it can never be mixed with anyone else's , because of his very unique own voice. Finances, real estate, budgeting, new technological solutions are not the only talking points, that he has his heart set on. Passionate about life he studies and writes about environmental changes, human rights and quality of life. Being a true humanist he draws inspiration from the simple thing as an everyday life and the matters one come across on daily bases doing his best and above to help everyone around.