The best paper towel holder for your kitchen should keep a roll steady while you tear off a sheet, fit the rolls you buy, and make sense for your counter space. These five countertop stands range from simple weighted designs to models with tension arms that help control the roll. Compare their sizes, materials, and features below to find one that suits your routine.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Standout feature | Best suited for | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| STWWO Countertop Paper Towel Holder | Weighted base and side bar | Compact counters and simple one-hand tearing | 12.4-inch height; 7.1-inch base |
| OXO Good Grips SimplyTear | Spring-activated arm | Everyday use with different roll sizes | 7 x 7 x 13 inches |
| OBODING Countertop Paper Towel Holder | Carry-friendly top and assembled design | Shoppers who want a simple steel stand | 12.5 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches |
| OXO Good Grips Steady | Weighted base and raised lip | Large rolls and moving the holder between rooms | Not specified |
| theaoo Heavy-Duty Holder | Tension arm and no assembly | One-handed tearing and easy relocation | Not specified |
Our Picks: Best Paper Towel Holders For Kitchen reviews
STWWO Countertop Holder: A Compact Stand with a Side Bar
The STWWO is a freestanding metal holder designed for straightforward countertop use. Its weighted base and full-size non-slip pad are meant to help it stay put as you tear a sheet, while the side bar helps keep the roll from sagging or unwinding. The top is shaped as a handle, so you can pick up the stand and move it around the kitchen or to another room.
At 12.4 inches tall with a 7.1-inch base, it has a relatively compact footprint. The matte black finish offers a simple look, and the product description says the surface is rust- and water-resistant. It fits standard and large paper towel rolls, making it a practical option if you want a basic stand without a spring arm.
The design keeps things simple, but it does not have a tension arm to control the roll as it turns. If your priority is a spring-loaded mechanism, one of the OXO models or the theaoo may be a better match. Also, measure your available counter space if every inch matters; the base still needs room to sit flat.
Pros:
- Weighted base and non-slip pad support one-handed tearing.
- Side bar helps keep the roll from sagging or unraveling.
- Fits standard and large rolls, according to the product details.
- Top handle makes it easy to relocate.
Cons:
- No tension arm for added control over the roll.
- The 7.1-inch base may take up more counter room than a wall-mounted holder.
Verdict: Choose the STWWO if you want a compact, carryable countertop stand with a stable base and a simple side-bar design.
OXO Good Grips SimplyTear: A Spring Arm for Everyday Use
The OXO Good Grips SimplyTear uses a spring-activated arm to hold the roll in place and keep its edge accessible. That arm adjusts to different paper towel sizes and brands, so you do not have to choose a holder that works with only one roll format. Its weighted stainless steel base and non-slip ring are designed to keep the stand steady as you pull.
Reloading is also built into the design: pivot the arm away from the center pole and lock it open to slide on a fresh roll. The holder measures 7 x 7 x 13 inches, so it is worth checking your counter space before choosing it. Brushed stainless steel with black accents gives it a restrained look that can suit many kitchens.
Compared with a simpler stand such as the STWWO, the SimplyTear adds a spring arm and a defined reload mechanism. Those parts may appeal if you want extra roll control, though they also make the design less minimal. The arm’s fit and movement are central to the experience, so this is the more feature-focused option rather than the simplest one.
Pros:
- Spring arm holds the roll and keeps the loose edge accessible.
- Arm adjusts to different paper towel sizes and brands.
- Weighted base and non-slip ring help limit movement.
- Arm pivots and locks open for reloading.
Cons:
- Its 7 x 7-inch base requires a clear patch of counter space.
- The moving arm adds a mechanism that a basic stand does not have.
Verdict: The SimplyTear is a strong fit if you want an adjustable tension arm, easy reloading, and a weighted stainless steel base.
OBODING Steel Stand: A Simple Design with a Carrying Top
The OBODING is a streamlined steel stand with a black finish and a semicircle-shaped top that leaves room to grip and carry it. Its listed dimensions are 12.5 inches tall and 6.3 inches wide by 6.3 inches deep. The product details say it accommodates standard and large paper towel rolls, and describe the surface as rust-resistant.
Unlike the OXO SimplyTear and theaoo, this model does not list a tension arm. Its appeal is a pared-back design, a smaller stated footprint than several other stands here, and the option to move it by its top. It also arrives with assembly parts and a hex key; the assembly design is intended to help protect the rod during shipping.
That assembly is the main trade-off compared with options described as ready to use out of the box. If you prefer not to put a holder together, consider the STWWO or theaoo. And while the OBODING has a carry-friendly top, the product details do not specify a weighted base or non-slip pad, so choose it for its simple form rather than for those particular stability features.
Pros:
- Listed dimensions give it a compact 6.3-inch square footprint.
- Top opening provides a place to grip when moving the stand.
- Designed for standard and large paper towel rolls.
- Steel construction with a black, rust-resistant surface.
Cons:
- Requires assembly with the included hex key.
- No tension arm or weighted base is listed in the product details.
Verdict: Pick the OBODING if you value a straightforward steel stand with a compact stated footprint and do not mind assembling it.
OXO Good Grips Steady: A Weighted Stand for Bigger Rolls
The OXO Good Grips Steady is built around a weighted base and raised lip, features intended to help keep both the stand and the roll in place as you tear. Its smooth rotation is designed to support quick use, and the product description says it can hold any size roll, including jumbo sizes. A carrying knob at the top makes it easier to move between the kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms.
Brushed stainless steel gives this model a classic countertop look. Its main difference from the SimplyTear is the focus on roll size and portability rather than a spring-activated arm. That makes the Steady worth considering if you use larger rolls or want to move one holder around the home.
The product details do not give its dimensions, so check the available counter or shelf space if fit is a concern. It also does not list an adjustable tension arm like the SimplyTear or theaoo. If you want an arm to press against the roll as it turns, one of those models may suit you better.
Pros:
- Designed to hold any size roll, including jumbo rolls.
- Weighted base and raised lip help keep the holder and roll in place.
- Carrying knob makes it convenient to move between rooms.
- Brushed stainless steel offers a simple, versatile appearance.
Cons:
- Dimensions are not specified in the supplied product details.
- No spring-activated tension arm is listed.
Verdict: Choose the OXO Steady if roll-size flexibility and carrying convenience matter more to you than a spring tension arm.
theaoo Heavy-Duty Holder: A Tension Arm Without Assembly
The theaoo pairs a spring tension arm with a weighted, non-slip base. The arm is designed to keep the roll from unrolling while allowing you to tear off one or more sheets with one hand. The product description says it fits any size or brand of paper towel roll, and its top ring serves as a handle for moving the holder.
It is made from SUS 304 stainless steel, which the product details describe as rust-resistant. Another practical point: the holder is listed as ready to use without assembly. That makes it a convenient alternative to the OBODING, which requires assembly, while still offering a tension arm like the OXO SimplyTear.
The main unknown is its footprint: dimensions are not included in the supplied product details. If you have a narrow counter, measure the spot where you plan to keep it or check the current listing before buying. Its combination of a spring arm, weighted base, and handle also makes it a more feature-heavy choice than a simple stand.
Pros:
- Spring arm is designed for one-handed tearing and roll control.
- Weighted, non-slip base is intended to resist shifting.
- Top ring makes the holder easier to carry.
- No assembly is required, according to the product details.
Cons:
- Dimensions are not specified in the supplied product details.
- The tension-arm design may be more than you need if you prefer a basic stand.
Verdict: The theaoo is a good option if you want a no-assembly holder with a tension arm, a weighted base, and a handle for moving it.
How to Choose a Paper Towel Holder for Your Kitchen
Consider how you tear sheets
If you often reach for a towel with one hand while cooking, look for a stable base and a design that helps control the roll. Weighted bases appear on the STWWO, both OXO models, and theaoo. The SimplyTear and theaoo add spring arms to hold the roll as it turns, while the STWWO uses a side bar to help limit sagging and unraveling.
Match the holder to your roll size
Roll compatibility varies by model. The OXO Good Grips Steady says it accommodates any size roll, including jumbo rolls. The SimplyTear arm adjusts to different sizes and brands, while the STWWO and OBODING are described as fitting standard and large rolls. The theaoo is also described as fitting any size or brand. If you buy oversized rolls, confirm the fit before choosing a stand whose product details do not address them.
Measure your counter space
A countertop holder needs a flat spot wide enough for its base, as well as enough height for a full roll. The STWWO lists a 7.1-inch base diameter; the SimplyTear measures 7 x 7 x 13 inches; and the OBODING measures 6.3 inches wide by 6.3 inches deep and 12.5 inches tall. Dimensions are not specified for the other two in the supplied details, so check their product listings if you have limited space.
Choose the right build and finish
Stainless steel and steel are used across these options, with finishes ranging from brushed stainless steel to matte or bright black. Think about how the stand will look alongside your faucet, appliances, and other countertop items. Product descriptions for the STWWO and theaoo specifically describe their surfaces as resistant to rust, while the OBODING is described as having a rust-resistant surface.
Decide whether you need to move it
A carrying handle is useful if you want to take the roll from the kitchen to another room. The STWWO has a widened top designed as a handle, the OBODING has a semicircle-shaped top for carrying, and the OXO Steady and theaoo include carrying features at the top. If the holder will stay in one place, this feature may matter less than base stability or roll compatibility.
Factor in setup and moving parts
The OBODING requires assembly and comes with a hex key. The theaoo is described as ready to use out of the box, while the SimplyTear has a pivoting arm that opens for reloading. A simple stand has fewer moving parts; a tension arm may offer more control over the roll. Pick the balance that suits your habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a countertop paper towel holder stable?
A weighted base and a non-slip surface can help limit movement while you tear off a sheet. Several models here include one or both features, but stability also depends on placing the holder on a flat surface with enough room for its base.
Which holder is designed for jumbo rolls?
The OXO Good Grips Steady specifically says it accommodates any size roll, including jumbo sizes. The product details for the SimplyTear and theaoo also describe compatibility with different or any roll sizes, though checking the current listing is sensible if you use an unusually large roll.
Do I need a tension arm?
Not necessarily. A tension arm is useful if you want the holder to press against the roll as you pull. The OXO SimplyTear and theaoo include this feature. The STWWO uses a side bar instead, and the other stands focus on their base, shape, or portability.
Which options are easiest to move?
The STWWO, OBODING, OXO Steady, and theaoo each describe a top handle, knob, or ring for carrying. The OXO Steady also specifically describes moving it between rooms. Consider whether you will carry it often or mostly leave it in one place.
Which paper towel holder requires assembly?
The OBODING is described as an assembly design and includes a hex key. The theaoo is listed as requiring no assembly. The SimplyTear has an arm that pivots open for reloading, which is different from assembling the stand itself.
Can these holders be used outside the kitchen?
Several product descriptions mention use in other spaces, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, or offices. A countertop holder still needs a suitable flat surface, so check the available space wherever you plan to place it.
Final Recommendation
For a balanced mix of roll control, easy reloading, and a weighted base, the OXO Good Grips SimplyTear is a versatile pick. Choose the OXO Good Grips Steady if you want a holder described as fitting jumbo rolls, or the STWWO if you prefer a simpler stand with a side bar and carry-friendly top. The right choice depends on your roll size, available counter space, and whether a tension arm is worth having in your daily routine.