Buzz
Image Credit: MytourWhether you're tackling spills, polishing bathroom mirrors, or cleaning up after indulging in chicken wings, paper towels are indispensable. However, keeping the roll organized requires the right holder. We've curated the finest paper towel holders, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. Our selection includes portable designs for countertops or dining tables, wall-mounted units, magnetic options for refrigerators, and under-cabinet solutions to maximize vertical space.
Top Pick
OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder
IMAGE: AmazonEquipped with an arm that prevents the roll from unraveling and enables one-handed tearing.
It's the most expensive choice in our lineup, but the enhanced functionality justifies the cost.
Let's address the standout feature: This paper towel holder includes a spring-loaded arm, a unique feature among our selections. It ensures the roll stays secure without unraveling and allows for effortless one-handed sheet removal.
The base is well-balanced and features a non-slip ring, ensuring it stays firmly in place without sliding or tipping. The stainless steel construction is not only visually appealing but also simple to clean if it gets dirty.
Type: Freestanding | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 7 by 13 in.
Top Magnetic Choice
EastToWest Magnetic Paper Towel Holder
IMAGE: AmazonIt's affordable and lightweight, making it perfect for tailgates and outdoor gatherings.
It may cause scratches on stainless steel surfaces.
Priced under $10, this option is both budget-friendly and highly portable. Its powerful magnet allows it to attach to your fridge in any orientation, and it’s ideal for outdoor events like cookouts or tailgates, where it can be placed on grills or other magnetic surfaces. However, it’s not recommended for stainless steel due to potential scratching.
Crafted from durable high carbon steel, this holder can support up to 6 pounds, making it versatile enough for kitchen towels or food wrap rolls. Available in eight stylish designs, including black, white, silver, wood, and vibrant colors, it’s a great way to add a touch of personality to your kitchen.
Type: Magnetic | Material: Carbon steel | Dimensions: 3 by 12 in.
Top Under-Cabinet Choice
Astofli Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder
IMAGE: AmazonIt offers versatile mounting options, using adhesives for smooth surfaces or screws for uneven ones.
The adhesive may lose its grip over time.
This versatile under-cabinet or wall-mounted option is perfect for renters and costs less than a meal at Chipotle. It can be installed on smooth surfaces like ceramic, stone, metal, marble, and wood using adhesives, or on rough surfaces like painted walls, powdered walls, or uneven textures such as brick with screws.
While the exact weight capacity isn't specified, it accommodates jumbo paper towel rolls and is marketed as sturdy enough for plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and even coffee mugs. It’s waterproof and can be mounted in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Type: Mounted | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 3 by 12 in.
Top Wall-Mounted Pick
Dr.BeTree Magnetic Spice Rack
IMAGE: AmazonIt includes additional storage for kitchen essentials and is magnetized, eliminating the need for screws unless preferred.
The wooden dowel could be thicker to ensure a snugger fit with paper towel rolls.
Ideal for compact kitchens, this multifunctional paper towel holder can be mounted on walls or attached to fridges using powerful magnets. It features a two-tier shelf capable of holding spices, utensils, snacks, and other items weighing up to 15 pounds. Additionally, it comes with two removable hooks for items like bottle openers, kitchen shears, or oven mitts. The detachable wooden dowel is designed for paper towels or food wrap.
Type: Mounted or magnetic | Material: Metal, wood | Dimensions: 13 by 12 in.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Paper Towel Holder
Type
Freestanding paper towel holders offer unmatched versatility, as they can be placed virtually anywhere. They’re ideal for keeping on the kitchen counter for easy access while cooking, then moved to the dining table during meals or even to the bathroom for quick cleanups. Plus, they require no installation.
Magnetic paper towel holders are minimally invasive, leaving no holes in walls, making them perfect for renters or anyone looking to save counter space. They’re also highly portable, ideal for travelers or outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, or backyard barbecues, as they can easily attach to grills or other magnetic surfaces.
Always verify if the magnetic paper towel holder you choose is suitable for your intended surface. For instance, the EASTTOWEST Magnetic Paper Towel Holder may scratch stainless steel, while the Dr.BeTree Magnetic Spice Rack won’t, though it’s bulkier and less portable due to its additional shelving.
Under-cabinet and wall-mounted paper towel holders make excellent use of vertical space that’s often overlooked. While they require installation (usually with screws or adhesives), which may not suit renters, they’re great for freeing up counter space. When installed inside a cabinet, they remain hidden yet easily accessible.
Material
The paper towel holders we recommend are primarily made from stainless steel or other metals, known for their durability and ease of cleaning. However, you can also find options crafted from wood, marble, or plastic.
Features
While a paper towel holder is a simple item, certain features can enhance its functionality. For instance, the Oxo Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder stands out with its spring-loaded arm, which prevents rolls from unraveling and allows for one-handed sheet tearing. This is particularly handy when your hands are full or messy, ensuring the rest of the roll stays clean.
Another useful feature to look for is multiple mounting options. For instance, our top under-cabinet choice, the ASTOFLI Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder, can be installed using screws or adhesives. Similarly, our favorite wall-mounted option, the Dr.BeTree Magnetic Spice Rack, offers both screw and magnetic mounting.
Lastly, consider models with shelves. If you lack storage for spices, olive oil, utensils, or other kitchen essentials, a paper towel holder with built-in shelves can maximize vertical space. The Dr.BeTree Magnetic Spice Rack, for example, includes a two-tier shelf and removable hooks for items like aprons, pot holders, or bottle openers.
Trust Our Expertise
This guide was crafted by Taylor Rock, a senior editor at Mytour who relies heavily on paper towels for household tasks. From cleaning counters and mirrors to serving as napkins or absorbing bacon grease, she finds them indispensable. She even uses them to wipe her dog’s drool during mealtime. Taylor currently uses a stylish white marble and gold paper towel holder from HomeGoods.
