A paper towel holder keeps the roll upright and in reach. Some stand on the counter with a weighted base, some mount under a cabinet to free up space, and some add extras such as a spray pump.

The six holders below cover steel, plastic, wood and wall-mount styles. Sizes, materials and mounting come from each listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Claims about one-handed tearing and stability are the makers’ own.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.

What to Look For

Feature Why it matters
Mounting Freestanding on the counter or fixed under a cabinet
Base A weighted, non-slip base helps with one-handed tearing
Roll size Check that jumbo rolls fit
Material Steel, plastic or wood and iron change the look

Specs at a Glance

Holder Mounting Material Notes
OXO SimplyTear Freestanding Stainless steel 1.9 lb; spring-activated arm; fits any roll size
OXO Steady Surface mount Stainless steel 8.1 x 7.8 in; 2 lb; carrying knob
simplehuman with Spray Countertop Stainless steel 3.2 lb; 6 oz refillable spray pump
Umbra Buddy Countertop Polypropylene and metal 12.5 in tall, 7 in across; light and wipe clean
DEKAVA Under cabinet or wall Stainless steel 13 in long; adhesive tape or screws
TONLEA wooden Countertop Iron and wood 11.6 in bar on a 6.3 in wood base; 3 anti-slip pads

The 6 Best Paper Towel Holders

1. OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder

A freestanding brushed stainless steel holder weighing 1.9 pounds with a non-slip weighted base and a spring-activated arm for a one-handed tear. A wide rim holds rolls in place, and OXO says it fits any size or brand. The listing gives 13 by 7 inches in one place and 7 by 7 by 13 inches in another.

Suits: a standard counter holder. Strengths: a spring arm and a weighted base. Weaknesses: the size is given two ways. Skip it if you want a wall mount.

View OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Kitchen Paper Towel Holder Countertop on Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Steady Paper Towel Holder

A stainless steel holder measuring 8.1 by 7.8 inches and weighing 2 pounds, with a weighted base, a raised lip, a one-handed tear and a carrying knob so it can move to another room.

Suits: a holder that moves between rooms. Strengths: a carrying knob and a weighted base. Weaknesses: no wall mount. Skip it if you want a lighter holder.

View OXO Good Grips Steady Paper Towel Holder on Amazon

3. simplehuman Paper Towel Holder With Spray

A 3.2 pound brushed stainless steel countertop holder with a built-in 6 ounce refillable spray pump that accepts any kitchen cleaner, a tension arm for a one-handed tear, a finger loop for carrying and a weighted base.

Suits: towel and cleaner in one place. Strengths: a refillable pump and a weighted base. Weaknesses: heavier than the plain holders. Skip it if you do not want a spray bottle on the counter.

View simplehuman Paper Towel Holder with Spray All-in-One Countertop Paper Towel and Cleaner Dispenser on Amazon

4. Umbra Buddy Countertop Paper Towel Holder

A molded soft-touch polypropylene and metal holder about 12.5 inches tall with a 7 inch diameter, that applies tension to a standard roll for a one-handed tear and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

Suits: a light, playful holder. Strengths: a simple design and easy loading. Weaknesses: lighter than steel bases. Skip it if you want a heavy base.

View Umbra Buddy Countertop Paper Towel Holder Black on Amazon

5. DEKAVA Paper Towel Holder Under Cabinet

A 13 inch stainless steel SUS 304 holder that mounts under a cabinet or on a wall, with self-adhesive tape (wait 24 hours before loading) or screws, for rolls up to 11.8 inches long.

Suits: freeing up counter space. Strengths: two mounting methods. Weaknesses: adhesive needs a wait before use. Skip it if you do not want to mount anything.

View DEKAVA Paper Towel Holder Under Cabinet Wall Mount for Kitchen Paper Towel on Amazon

6. TONLEA Wooden Paper Towel Holder Countertop

A freestanding holder with an 11.6 inch steel bar on a 6.3 inch wooden base, three anti-slip pads, and an assembly the maker puts at about 20 seconds with no tools. The listing says it suits kitchen rolls and bag rolls.

Suits: a warm wood look. Strengths: a U-shaped bar and easy assembly. Weaknesses: a lighter base than a steel one. Skip it if you want a fully metal holder.

View TONLEA Wooden Paper Towel Holder Countertop Kitchen Towel Holder FreeStanding with Non-Slip Base on Amazon

Care and Setup

  • Wipe stainless steel with a damp cloth.
  • Let adhesive tape rest before loading a roll.
  • Keep the holder away from the stove splash zone.
  • Check that your roll fits before you tear.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the wait time on adhesive mounts.
  • Buying a light holder and expecting one-handed tearing.
  • Ignoring jumbo roll size.
  • Soaking a wood base.

Paper Towel Holder FAQ

Will it fit a jumbo roll?

OXO says SimplyTear fits any size. Check the others against your roll.

Which saves counter space?

The DEKAVA mounts under a cabinet or on a wall.

The Short Version

For a spring arm, the OXO SimplyTear. For a carrying knob, the OXO Steady. For a built-in spray, the simplehuman. For a light plastic stand, the Umbra Buddy. For under a cabinet, the DEKAVA. For a wood base, the TONLEA.