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The best paper towel holder lets you tear off one sheet with one hand, even when your other hand is messy. Weighted bases and tension arms make that possible on a counter, while wall, under-cabinet and magnetic mounts free up space in small kitchens.
We compared seven paper towel holders on Amazon US by mount style, base, roll fit and finish.
Quick Answer: The Best Paper Towel Holder
- Best Overallsimplehuman Tension Arm Standing Paper Towel Holder
- Best Value PremiumOXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder
- Best Brand StandKitchenAid Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder
- Best Wall MountmDesign Steel Horizontal Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder
- Best No-DrillSelf-Adhesive Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder
- Best MagneticYamazaki Magnetic Paper Towel Holder, White
- Best BudgetSpectrum Diversified Euro Tension Paper Towel Holder
simplehuman’s Tension Arm holder is our top pick because its arm keeps the roll from spinning. OXO’s SimplyTear is the best value one-hand holder, KitchenAid’s steel stand is sturdy, mDesign’s wall bar frees the counter, an adhesive under-cabinet holder needs no drilling, Yamazaki’s magnetic holder sticks to a fridge and Spectrum’s Euro is the budget tension arm.
Best Paper Towel Holder Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman Tension Arm Holder | Best Overall | Countertop paper towel holder | Tension arm holds the roll (maker) | Check Price |
| OXO SimplyTear Holder | Best Value Premium | Countertop paper towel holder | Ratchet arm for one-hand tearing (maker) | Check Price |
| KitchenAid Paper Towel Holder | Best Brand Stand | Countertop paper towel holder | Steel holder with weighted base | Check Price |
| mDesign Wall Mount Holder | Best Wall Mount | Wall paper towel holder | Horizontal wall bar | Check Price |
| Under Cabinet Adhesive Holder | Best No-Drill | Under cabinet holder | Stick-on or screw-in mount (maker) | Check Price |
| Yamazaki Magnetic Holder | Best Magnetic | Magnetic paper towel holder | Magnet mount for fridge sides | Check Price |
| Spectrum Euro Holder | Best Budget | Countertop paper towel holder | Tension arm at a lower price | Check Price |
7 Paper Towel Holders Compared
Ranked by tearing, stability and fit.
1. simplehuman Tension Arm Standing Paper Towel Holder
1. Tension arm.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-hand tearing
- Roll does not unravel
- Fits many roll sizes
Cons
- Pricey
- Takes counter space
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Countertop
- Feature: Tension arm
- Base: Weighted
A premium holder with a tension arm.
Our top pick.
2. OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder
2. SimplyTear.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy one-hand tearing
- Stable base
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Arm can be stiff with thin rolls
- Plain look
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Countertop
- Feature: SimplyTear arm
- Base: Weighted, non-slip
OXO’s well-known one-hand holder.
Best value premium.
3. KitchenAid Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder
3. Steel.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Brand-name build
- Many colors
- Sturdy base
Cons
- Fingerprints show
- Some rolls spin
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Countertop
- Material: Stainless steel
- Base: Weighted
A sturdy steel stand from KitchenAid.
Best brand stand.
4. mDesign Steel Horizontal Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder
4. Wall bar.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Frees the counter
- Simple and sturdy
- Low price
Cons
- Needs drilling
- Two-hand tearing
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Wall or under cabinet
- Material: Steel
- Install: Screws
A simple steel bar for the wall.
Best wall mount.
5. Self-Adhesive Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder
5. Adhesive.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- No drilling needed
- Frees the counter
- Low price
Cons
- Adhesive needs a clean, smooth surface
- Generic brand
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Under cabinet
- Install: Adhesive or screws
- Material: Metal (maker)
A stick-on holder for under cabinets.
Best no-drill.
6. Yamazaki Magnetic Paper Towel Holder, White
6. Magnet.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sticks to fridge or range hood sides
- No tools
- Minimal design
Cons
- Only on magnetic steel
- Keep away from heat
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Magnetic
- Material: Steel
- Color: White
A minimal magnetic holder from Yamazaki.
Best magnetic.
7. Spectrum Diversified Euro Tension Paper Towel Holder
7. Low price.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low price
- Tension arm
- Modern look
Cons
- Light base can tip
- Finish can scratch
📄 Detailed Review
- Mount: Countertop
- Feature: Tension arm
- Finish: Black (maker)
A budget tension-arm holder.
Best budget.
How We Chose the Best Paper Towel Holder
To build this guide to the best paper towel holder, we compared paper towel holders listed on Amazon US by mount style (countertop, wall or under cabinet), base weight, roll size and one-hand tearing, using product details from the listings and makers. We then looked at common praise and complaints in buyer feedback for tipping, tearing, roll fit and finish. Ratings and prices change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
Keep holders away from burners and hand wash them when splashed, and wash hands before handling food following USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service cleanliness guidance. Our method is explained on the How We Test page; this is a research-based guide, not a lab test.
Buying Guide: Paper Towel Holders
Mount
Countertop stands move; wall and under-cabinet mounts save space.
Tearing
Weighted bases, ratchets or tension arms allow one-hand tears.
Roll Size
Check the post height and width for jumbo or mega rolls.
Finish
Brushed steel hides fingerprints better than polished chrome.
Install
Adhesive mounts need a clean, smooth surface.
Tips for Choosing a Paper Towel Holder
- Measure your largest roll before you buy.
- Choose a heavy base for one-hand tearing.
- Keep paper towels away from burners and toasters.
- Pick wall or under-cabinet mounts for small counters.
- Check adhesive mounts are rated for your surface.
Quick answers to common questions about the best paper towel holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paper towel holder?
simplehuman’s Tension Arm holder for most kitchens.
Are wall-mounted paper towel holders better?
They save counter space but usually need two hands to tear.
Do magnetic holders work on all fridges?
Only on magnetic steel; many stainless fronts are not magnetic, but sides often are.
Where should a paper towel holder go?
Near the sink and prep area, away from the stove.
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best paper towel holder is the simplehuman Tension Arm holder. For a lower price, choose the OXO SimplyTear.
Related Guides
Keep exploring kitchen storage and accessories with these guides:
Prices and availability change often. Check the current listing on Amazon before you buy.
