In a Mexican kitchen the paper towels work hard. They line the plate where flautas and taquitos drain after the fryer, soak up the oil from a batch of tortilla chips, wipe a smear of oil across the comal and catch the salsa that splashes off the molcajete. Most of the time you reach for them with one hand, because the other is holding tongs or a hot spatula.
That is the test for a paper towel holder: can you tear off one sheet with one hand without the roll spinning, and does the holder stay put while you do it? This guide covers nine holders, five for the countertop and four for under a cabinet or on the wall. We used the makers’ specifications on the Amazon listings and America’s Test Kitchen’s review of paper towel holders. Where a maker says nothing about jumbo rolls or weight, we say so.
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Quick verdict: which paper towel holder to buy
For most kitchens, buy the simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder. It won America’s Test Kitchen’s review: “even one-handed, testers were able to pull off small and large quantities of sheets neatly and easily,” and it was one of the heaviest and steadiest holders tested. For a lighter countertop holder, choose the OXO Good Grips SimplyTear. To get the roll off the counter, the simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder; for jumbo rolls under a cabinet, the Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount; and for a wood-and-black look, the Umbra Bellwood Paper Towel Holder.
If you go through paper towels mainly when frying, our guide to the best deep fryer covers the other half of that job.
Five paper towel holders at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the mount and tear method each maker states. All nine holders are reviewed in full below.
| Paper towel holder | Best for | Mount | Tear method (as stated) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel HolderBest overall
|
One-handed tearing while you cook | Countertop, weighted | Tension arm, one hand | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips SimplyTearRunner-up
|
Any size roll, lighter holder | Countertop, weighted | Spring arm, one hand | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel HolderBest under-cabinet
|
Clearing the counter | Wall or under cabinet | Tension spring, one hand | View on Amazon |
Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall MountBest for jumbo rolls
|
Big rolls under a cabinet | Wall or under cabinet | Ratchet, one sheet at a time | View on Amazon |
Umbra Bellwood Paper Towel HolderBest wood
|
A warmer, modern look | Countertop, weighted | One-hand use (maker) | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Roll size, tear and weight details are as each maker or listing states them; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best paper towel holder
These nine holders cover the main choices: weighted countertop holders with a tension arm or spring arm, a plain looped rod, a wooden countertop holder, and wall or under-cabinet holders in steel, aluminum and plastic. Each pick says who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder – Clean Tears With One Hand
America’s Test Kitchen named the simplehuman Tension Arm holder the winner of its paper towel holder review. “Even one-handed, testers were able to pull off small and large quantities of sheets neatly and easily,” ATK wrote, and it called the holder “sturdy, secure, and easy to carry.” At 2 pounds 6¾ ounces, it was one of the heaviest in ATK’s lineup, which is why it does not slide when you pull a sheet with greasy fingers.
The tension arm presses against the roll so it does not unravel or spin loose, simplehuman says, and ATK found the arm “tilts to accommodate rolls of all sizes.” The listing describes it as fitting standard 11-inch rolls. A finger loop at the top lets you lift the holder and carry it to the spill, and ATK noted the holder “does not have to be removed to change rolls.”
The frame is steel. This version is brushed stainless; simplehuman also sells it in matte black, white and a brass finish for kitchens with gold-toned hardware. For a cook draining flautas on a paper-towel-lined tray, this is the holder that hands you one sheet at a time.
Why we like it
- ATK’s winner for neat one-handed tearing
- Heavy, stable base (2 lb 6¾ oz, per ATK)
- Arm tilts to fit rolls of all sizes, per ATK
- Finger loop for carrying
Key specifications
| Model | KT1203 (brushed stainless) |
|---|---|
| Mount | Countertop |
| Tear method | Tension arm; one hand |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Rolls of all sizes, per ATK; maker lists standard 11-in rolls |
| Material | Steel, brushed stainless finish |
| Weighted base | Yes; 2 lb 6¾ oz (ATK) |
| Size | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the steadiest countertop holder for one-handed tearing while you cook and fry.
Skip it if counter space is tight; a wall-mounted holder keeps the roll off the counter altogether.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Neat one-handed tears in ATK’s review
- Heavy and stable
- Roll changes without removing the arm
Cons
- Takes counter space
- Size not stated in the listing
- Costs more than most
2. OXO Good Grips SimplyTear – Any Roll, One Hand
OXO’s SimplyTear uses a spring-activated arm to hold the roll, and America’s Test Kitchen rated it Recommended: “testers were able to tear off sheets cleanly from rolls of all sizes.” OXO says the wide rim holds any brand or size of roll in place, and the base is weighted stainless steel that will not slide around.
It measures 7 inches across and 13 inches high, according to OXO. ATK weighed it at 1 pound 14⅜ ounces, which made it “considerably lighter than our winner and just a bit less stable on the counter,” and it found “the arm’s tension loosened some over time.”
Those are small differences in daily use. If you want a dependable one-handed holder that copes with big rolls and you do not need the heaviest base, this is the one to buy. OXO backs it with its Better Guarantee, per the listing.
Why we like it
- Recommended by ATK; clean tears from rolls of all sizes
- Weighted stainless steel base, per OXO
- Fits any size roll, per OXO
- OXO Better Guarantee, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 1066736 |
|---|---|
| Mount | Countertop |
| Tear method | Spring-activated arm; one hand |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Any size roll (maker) |
| Material | Stainless steel base |
| Weighted base | Yes, non-slip; 1 lb 14⅜ oz (ATK) |
| Size | 7 in wide x 13 in high (maker) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want one-handed tearing and room for big rolls in a lighter holder.
Skip it if you want the steadiest base; ATK found it a bit less stable than the simplehuman.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clean tears in ATK’s review
- Any roll size
- Clear dimensions
Cons
- Arm tension loosened over time, per ATK
- Lighter than the winner
3. simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder – Off the Counter, Still One-Handed
When the counter is needed for a tortilla press and a cutting board, the paper towels can go on the wall. simplehuman’s wall-mount holder installs under a cabinet or on a wall, horizontally or vertically, according to simplehuman. That flexibility helps when the only free spot is the side of a cabinet next to the stove.
A tension spring holds the roll so you can tear one sheet with one hand without it spinning loose, simplehuman says, and a quick-release knob lets you slide the bar out, put on a fresh roll and twist it back. The holder is steel with a brushed stainless finish and measures about 13 by 3 by 5 inches, per the listing, with a five-year warranty.
America’s Test Kitchen’s review covered countertop holders only, so this model has no independent test behind it. The listing does not mention jumbo rolls, so if you buy oversized rolls, check the clearance in the product photos.
Why we like it
- Mounts under a cabinet or on a wall, either orientation
- Tension spring for one-handed tearing, per simplehuman
- Quick-release knob for roll changes
- Five-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KT1024 |
|---|---|
| Mount | Under cabinet or wall, horizontal or vertical |
| Tear method | Tension spring; one hand |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Not stated |
| Material | Steel, brushed stainless finish |
| Weighted base | Not applicable (mounted) |
| Size | About 13 x 3 x 5 in (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the roll off the counter but still want to tear one sheet with one hand.
Skip it if you rent and cannot drill; it installs with screws.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Frees counter space
- One-handed tearing
- Long warranty
Cons
- Jumbo fit not stated
- Needs installing
4. Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount – A Ratchet for Jumbo Rolls
Kamenstein’s Perfect Tear holder uses a patented ratchet instead of a tension arm. The ratchet clicks as the roll turns and stops it from unraveling, so you can tear one sheet at a time with one hand, according to Kamenstein. It mounts on a wall or under a cabinet.
The roller is die-cast aluminum and flexible, and Kamenstein says it takes regular, select-a-size and jumbo rolls “without any awkward adjustments.” In most cases, the maker says, a roll slides on and off without removing the finial, so changing rolls is quick. That makes it a good fit for kitchens that buy the biggest rolls by the case.
A ratchet tears in fixed steps, which some cooks like because it stops waste and others find less smooth than a tension arm when they want several sheets at once. The holder is 14 inches long, per the listing. ATK did not test wall-mounted holders.
Why we like it
- Fits jumbo and select-a-size rolls, per Kamenstein
- Ratchet stops the roll unraveling
- Rolls change without removing the finial, usually
- Die-cast aluminum
Key specifications
| Model | 4554ASB |
|---|---|
| Mount | Wall or under cabinet |
| Tear method | Ratchet; one hand, one sheet at a time |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Yes (maker) |
| Material | Die-cast aluminum |
| Weighted base | Not applicable (mounted) |
| Size | 14 in (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you buy jumbo rolls and want them mounted where one-handed tearing is easy.
Skip it if you often pull off long runs of towel at once; a ratchet gives sheets in steps.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handles big rolls
- Less waste per tear
- Quick roll changes
Cons
- Ratchet is less smooth for long pulls
- Needs installing
5. Umbra Bellwood Paper Towel Holder – Wood and Black on the Counter
Most good paper towel holders are brushed steel. Umbra’s Bellwood is the alternative for a kitchen with wood shelves, black hardware or terra-cotta and talavera on display: a freestanding holder with a weighted base, in black with a walnut-toned finish. Umbra describes the wood as renewable poplar and says the base protects countertops.
The listing gives the size as about 13.87 by 6.87 inches and calls it easy to use with one hand. It is part of Umbra’s Bellwood collection, which also includes a utensil holder and a napkin holder, if you want pieces that match. Umbra gives a one-year limited warranty.
The Amazon listing is thin on detail. It does not describe a tension arm or ratchet, does not say whether jumbo rolls fit and gives no weight. America’s Test Kitchen did not test it. Buy it for the look and a steady base, and expect a plainer tear than the tension-arm holders above.
Why we like it
- Weighted base, per Umbra
- Poplar wood with a black finish
- Matches other Bellwood pieces
- One-year limited warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 1022331-048 (black/walnut) |
|---|---|
| Mount | Countertop |
| Tear method | “Easy one-hand use” (maker); no arm described |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Not stated |
| Material | Poplar wood |
| Weighted base | Yes (maker) |
| Size | About 13.87 x 6.87 in (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a modern, warmer-looking holder that sits steady and matches a wood-and-black kitchen.
Skip it if one-handed tearing of single sheets matters most; there is no tension arm described.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Distinctive look
- Weighted base
- Matching collection
Cons
- Thin listing detail
- No tension arm described
- Jumbo fit not stated
6. OXO Good Grips Steady Paper Towel Holder – A Knob to Carry It to the Mess
OXO’s Steady holder is the simpler sibling of the SimplyTear. It has a weighted base and a raised lip that keep the holder and the roll in place, according to OXO, which says it is steady enough to grab a sheet with one hand. A knob on top lets you carry it from the counter to the stove or the table.
OXO says it holds any size roll, including jumbo, and the smooth rotation lets you “rip on the run.” It is brushed stainless steel, and the listing calls it rust-resistant, so it can also live by a sink or in a bathroom.
There is no tension arm, so the roll can spin a little more freely than on the SimplyTear or the simplehuman; the weighted base and the lip do the work instead. America’s Test Kitchen did not test this model.
Why we like it
- Weighted base and raised lip, per OXO
- Fits any size roll, including jumbo, per OXO
- Carrying knob
- Rust-resistant stainless steel, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 13245000 |
|---|---|
| Mount | Countertop |
| Tear method | Weighted base, no arm; one hand (maker) |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Yes (maker) |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
| Weighted base | Yes (maker) |
| Size | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a simple weighted holder for jumbo rolls that you can carry around by the knob.
Skip it if you want a tension arm to stop the roll from spinning.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes jumbo rolls
- Easy to carry
- Simple design
Cons
- No tension arm
- Size and weight not stated
7. Spectrum Euro Countertop Paper Towel Holder – A Looped Rod That Carries the Roll
This is the plain, freestanding holder: a wide, weighted steel base and a looped center rod that doubles as a carrying handle, according to Spectrum. Spectrum says the base keeps the holder from tipping or sliding during one-handed dispensing, and the handle lets you move it from the counter to the table.
There are no knobs or arms to adjust. You slide the empty tube off the center rod and slide on a new roll, and Spectrum says standard and jumbo rolls both fit. The holder is black steel, 12.5 inches high and 5.5 inches wide, per the listing.
Spectrum does not give the weight, and America’s Test Kitchen did not test this holder. The listing describes one-handed dispensing but no tension arm or ratchet on this model, so expect a looser tear than the simplehuman.
Why we like it
- Fits standard and jumbo rolls, per Spectrum
- Weighted base
- Slide-on roll changes with nothing to adjust
- Looped rod doubles as a carrying handle
Key specifications
| Model | 41010 |
|---|---|
| Mount | Countertop |
| Tear method | Looped center rod, no arm or ratchet described; one hand (maker) |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Yes (maker) |
| Material | Black steel |
| Weighted base | Yes (maker) |
| Size | 12.5 in high, 5.5 in wide (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a plain black countertop holder that takes jumbo rolls and carries easily to the mess.
Skip it if a clean one-handed tear matters most; the tension-arm holders above are the better tool for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes jumbo rolls
- Stable base
- Easy roll changes
Cons
- No tension arm or ratchet described
- No independent review found
8. mDesign Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder – A Plain Steel Bracket for Big Rolls
mDesign’s holder is the simplest kind: a stainless steel bracket that mounts on a wall, under a cabinet or inside a cabinet door, vertically or horizontally, according to mDesign. It takes standard and jumbo rolls, and you change them by lifting the empty one out and popping in a new roll.
The listing gives the size as about 4 by 11.75 by 2 inches and says hardware is included; mDesign advises measuring the depth of your mounting surface and using screws of the right length. Care is a wipe with a damp cloth.
There is no tension arm, spring or ratchet described, so the roll turns freely and a one-handed tear will not be as clean as on the simplehuman or Kamenstein. For a pantry, a laundry room or a second roll by the back door, that matters less.
Why we like it
- Fits standard and jumbo rolls, per mDesign
- Mounts vertically or horizontally
- Stainless steel, wipe clean
- Hardware included
Key specifications
| Model | 3987MDK |
|---|---|
| Mount | Wall, under cabinet or inside a door |
| Tear method | Free-spinning; no tension device stated |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Yes (maker) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Weighted base | Not applicable (mounted) |
| Size | About 4 x 11.75 x 2 in (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a sturdy, inexpensive wall bracket for jumbo rolls in a pantry or utility space.
Skip it if you tear towels one-handed at the stove; nothing stops the roll from spinning.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Jumbo rolls fit
- Flexible mounting
- Simple to refill
Cons
- No tension control
- Two-handed tearing likely
9. Spectrum Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder – Slim Plastic That Stays Out of the Way
Spectrum’s under-cabinet holder is plastic, black and slim: about 13 by 4.75 by 2.25 inches, according to Spectrum, with the roll held close to the mounting surface. Two arms hold the roll, and Spectrum says they keep it from spinning and unraveling while you tear sheets cleanly.
To refill it, you extend one arm to release the empty tube and put in a new roll. Spectrum says it fits standard and jumbo rolls. It mounts under a cabinet, on a wall or inside a cabinet door, and the included hardware is meant for wood surfaces, so tile or drywall will need different anchors.
Plastic will not feel as solid as steel or aluminum, but under a cabinet that hardly matters, and the slim profile keeps it out of the way of your head and the range hood. America’s Test Kitchen did not test it.
Why we like it
- Slim profile, per Spectrum
- Fits standard and jumbo rolls
- Arms keep the roll from unraveling, per Spectrum
- Easy refills with an extending arm
Key specifications
| Model | 40210 |
|---|---|
| Mount | Under cabinet, wall or inside a door |
| Tear method | Two arms hold the roll (maker) |
| Fits jumbo rolls | Yes (maker) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weighted base | Not applicable (mounted) |
| Size | 13 x 4.75 x 2.25 in (maker) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want an inexpensive under-cabinet holder that takes jumbo rolls and keeps a low profile.
Skip it if your cabinets are not wood; the included hardware is for wood surfaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim and light
- Jumbo rolls fit
- Low cost
Cons
- Plastic build
- Hardware for wood only
How to choose a paper towel holder for the kitchen
Countertop or under the cabinet
A countertop holder can be carried to the spill and to the plate of fried taquitos; a mounted one keeps the counter clear for prep. Many kitchens have room for one under a cabinet beside the sink and nothing on the counter at all. If you fry often, think about where the draining plate goes and put the towels within one step of it.
A tear you can manage with one hand
The point of a good holder is tearing a sheet while the other hand holds tongs. America’s Test Kitchen’s winner had a tension arm, and ATK recommends “angled, hinged arms” that “automatically adapt to hold rolls of any size.” Ratchets, like Kamenstein’s, give one sheet at a time. Plain spindles and brackets let the roll spin, which usually means two hands.
Weight keeps it steady
ATK’s advice for countertop holders is direct: “Look for models that are at least 1.75 pounds or more.” Light holders slide across the counter when you tug, and ATK did not recommend models that did. The simplehuman and OXO SimplyTear both clear that mark by ATK’s own weighing.
Room for jumbo rolls
If you buy big rolls, check the maker’s statement. ATK found that “models with at least 3¼ inches of clearance between the holder’s center pole and any helper or tension arm provided enough room to fit larger rolls comfortably,” and one holder it tested was “too small for megarolls.” Where a listing does not mention jumbo rolls, we say so in the specifications above.
Easy roll changes
Holders whose arm or finial stays put while you swap rolls save fumbling with greasy hands. ATK liked that its winner “does not have to be removed to change rolls,” and marked down one that had to be taken apart every time.
Finish and finger marks
Brushed stainless hides fingerprints better than polished chrome. If you want black, white or gold-toned hardware, simplehuman sells its tension-arm holder in matte black, white and brass, and Umbra’s Bellwood comes in black with a walnut tone.
How we chose these nine holders
We started with America’s Test Kitchen’s review of paper towel holders, which named the simplehuman Tension Arm holder its winner and rated the OXO SimplyTear and Umbra Tug Recommended. The Umbra Tug was showing limited stock on Amazon when we checked, so we left it out. We added OXO’s Steady holder, Spectrum’s Euro countertop holder, Umbra’s Bellwood and wall-mounted holders from simplehuman, Kamenstein, mDesign and Spectrum to cover jumbo rolls, ratchets, wood, and under-cabinet mounting. ATK tested only countertop models, so the mounted picks rely on maker specifications. Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked.
We left out a suction-base holder and a light chrome holder that ATK found slid across the counter, and many unbranded listings. We did not find an Amazon Basics paper towel holder in stock. We have not used these holders ourselves, and we did not read Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Consumer Reports or The New York Times for this guide, so we do not quote them.
Paper towel holder questions, answered
Which paper towel holder does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
ATK’s winner is the simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder. It also recommended the OXO SimplyTear Paper Towel Holder and the Umbra Tug Paper Towel Holder.
What is the best type of paper towel holder?
For a working kitchen, a weighted countertop holder with a tension arm, or a mounted holder with a tension spring or ratchet. Both let you tear a sheet with one hand. A plain spindle is fine in a pantry but frustrating at the stove.
Is there a good black or gold paper towel holder?
The simplehuman Tension Arm holder is sold in matte black and in a brass finish as well as brushed stainless steel, and the Umbra Bellwood comes in black with a walnut tone. The Spectrum Euro countertop holder is black steel, and the Spectrum under-cabinet holder is black plastic.
Will a jumbo roll fit?
It depends on the holder. OXO says the SimplyTear and Steady fit any size roll, and Kamenstein, mDesign and Spectrum say their wall-mount holders take jumbo rolls. ATK found the simplehuman tension arm tilts for rolls of all sizes. Others do not say, so check before buying a case of oversized rolls.
Paper towels or dish towels for draining fried food?
Paper towels are easier for draining flautas, chips and chiles rellenos because they go straight in the trash with the oil; cloth towels are better for drying hands and dishes. Our guide to the best dish towels covers the cloth side.
The holder we’d keep by the stove
Buy the simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder for the cleanest one-handed tears and the steadiest base, or the OXO SimplyTear if you want a lighter holder that takes any roll. For under a cabinet, choose the simplehuman wall mount, or the Kamenstein Perfect Tear if you buy jumbo rolls.
More for the sink and counter: dish racks, sink caddies, soap dispensers, utensil holders, trash cans, compost bins, Swedish dishcloths.
Only want one for the counter? See our guide to the best countertop paper towel holders.
Need the towels too? See our guide to the best paper towels for the kitchen.
Paper towels and cooking oil go together in a kitchen that fries; our guide to the best oil dispenser covers how to pour less of it, and the best comal for tortillas covers the pan you wipe with a lightly oiled towel. If you would rather we did the frying, see our menu or call to order.