Paper towels differ more than the shelf suggests. Some are thick and strong enough to scrub a stove, some are thin and meant for quick wipes, and a few are made from bamboo or recycled fibre rather than virgin wood pulp. Your best pick depends on whether you want strength, absorbency, or a lower footprint.
The six rolls below include popular big-brand towels, a shop towel for rough work and two eco-minded options. We have not used these products ourselves. Roll counts, sheet sizes and pack types change often, so confirm everything on the current listing before you order.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Ply and strength | Stronger sheets hold up when wet and scrub better |
| Sheet size | Choose-a-size rolls let you tear off only what you need |
| Lint | Low-lint sheets suit glass and mirrors |
| Fibre source | Bamboo and recycled fibre are the eco options |
| Pack format | Large rolls last longer but need a bigger holder |
Specs at a Glance
| Towel | Type | Fibre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounty Select-A-Size | Absorbent roll | Paper | Half-sheet tear option |
| Brawny Pick-A-Size | Strong roll | Paper | Marketed for tough messes |
| Viva Signature Cloth | Cloth-like roll | Paper | Soft, fabric-style texture |
| Seventh Generation Recycled | Recycled roll | Recycled paper | Eco-minded brand |
| Who Gives A Crap Bamboo | Bamboo roll | Bamboo | Plastic-free packaging, per the maker |
| Scott Shop Towels | Shop roll | Paper | Blue, tougher towel |
The 6 Best Paper Towels
1. Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels
A widely sold kitchen paper towel from a major household brand. The select-a-size sheets let you tear a smaller piece for small spills and cut waste.
Suits: everyday kitchen spills. Strengths: absorbency and sheet flexibility. Weaknesses: disposable and not eco-focused. Skip it if you want a recycled option.
View Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels on Amazon
2. Brawny Pick-A-Size Paper Towels
A long-running brand sold for strength and scrubbing. The pick-a-size sheets let you choose how much to tear off.
Suits: grease and tough messes. Strengths: a sturdy sheet. Weaknesses: a more textured feel. Skip it if you want a soft towel.
View Brawny Pick-A-Size Paper Towels on Amazon
3. Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels
A cloth-like paper towel with a soft, fabric-style feel. Its texture suits cleaning surfaces where a rough sheet might scratch or shed.
Suits: counters and glass. Strengths: softness and a cloth feel. Weaknesses: not as tough for scouring. Skip it if you scrub baked-on messes.
View Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels on Amazon
4. Seventh Generation Recycled Paper Towels
A recycled-fibre paper towel from a brand built on eco-friendly household goods. It is the match for shoppers who want recycled paper towels.
Suits: a lower-impact choice. Strengths: recycled content. Weaknesses: less plush than premium rolls. Skip it if you want maximum softness.
View Seventh Generation Recycled Paper Towels on Amazon
5. Who Gives A Crap Bamboo Paper Towels
A bamboo-fibre roll from a company known for its eco-minded paper goods. It is a fit for those who want bamboo paper towels in place of wood-pulp ones.
Suits: a bamboo switch. Strengths: a bamboo fibre source. Weaknesses: may cost more per roll. Skip it if price is the main factor.
View Who Gives A Crap Bamboo Paper Towels on Amazon
6. Scott Shop Towels
A blue, tougher towel intended for garage and workshop use. It is also a popular choice for windows and glass because it tends to leave less lint than a standard kitchen towel.
Suits: windows, grease and workshop jobs. Strengths: a sturdy sheet. Weaknesses: stiffer than kitchen towels. Skip it if you only need a soft kitchen roll.
View Scott Shop Towels on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Store rolls in a dry cabinet to prevent soft, damp sheets.
- Use a stand with a tension arm for easy one-hand tearing.
- Keep a roll of stronger towels for greasy jobs.
- Compost only towels that have touched food, not chemicals.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a premium towel for a job a cheap one can do.
- Wiping glass with a heavily textured towel.
- Throwing out a half-used sheet that could be reused.
- Buying a huge pack without a place to store it.
Paper Towels FAQ
What are the best paper towels for windows?
Low-lint towels such as shop towels or soft cloth-style rolls tend to work well. Avoid very rough textures.
Are bamboo paper towels better?
They use a faster-growing fibre, but absorbency and price differ, so check the listing.
Do recycled paper towels work as well?
They handle most household wipes. They may feel less soft than premium towels.
Is a thicker paper towel always better?
Not always. A thick sheet is handy for greasy or heavy spills, but light wiping rarely needs it. A choose-a-size roll lets you match the amount to the mess and make a roll last longer.
The Short Version
For all-round kitchen use, the Bounty. For strength, the Brawny. For soft cloth feel, the Viva. For recycled, the Seventh Generation. For bamboo, the Who Gives A Crap. For windows and garage work, the Scott Shop Towels.