Every kitchen has the bag of bags, usually stuffed under the sink and growing. A holder turns that into something you can actually use, for lining a small bin, carrying leftovers or wrapping something messy.
The right one depends mainly on what you can attach to your cabinet or wall. These seven cover wall-mounted steel, over-door, plastic and mesh, and we say what each listing leaves out.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications, makers’ statements and the independent sources we name. We have not used these products ourselves.
Quick verdict: which plastic bag holder to buy
Buy the simplehuman Wall Mount Grocery Bag Dispenser for a steel box with a one-at-a-time slot, a choice of screws or tape, and a 10-year warranty on the listing. If you can’t drill, choose the Spectrum Ashley, which hangs over a cabinet door with no tools.
Five bag holders at a glance
The five that cover most kitchens. All seven are reviewed below.
| Bag holder | Type | Capacity | Mounting | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
simplehuman Wall Mount Grocery Bag DispenserBest overall
|
Wall, steel | Up to 30 bags | Screws or tape | View on Amazon |
Spectrum Ashley Over-Door Grocery Bag HolderBest over-the-door
|
Over-door, steel | Up to 30 bags | No tools | View on Amazon |
Honey-Can-Do Stainless Bag SaverBest value steel
|
Wall, steel | Up to 30 bags | Screws or tape | View on Amazon |
Handy Laundry Grocery Bag Holder, 2-PackBest plastic
|
Wall, plastic, 2-pack | Not stated | Screws or adhesive | View on Amazon |
TOGETRUE Mesh Bag Holder, 2-PackMost capacity
|
Hanging mesh, 2-pack | Over 80 bags | A hook | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best plastic bag holder
1. simplehuman Wall Mount Grocery Bag Dispenser – One Bag at a Time, With a 10-Year Warranty
A plastic bag holder is a very simple thing, so the differences come down to how it mounts, how it dispenses and how long it lasts. simplehuman’s answer is a solid steel box with a brushed stainless finish, which holds up to 30 grocery bags. It’s made to pair with stainless appliances if you mount it where it shows.
The feature we’d pay for is the wide front slot. The maker says it lets you grab the next bag without tugging the rest out, and anyone who has had a dozen bags fall onto the floor knows why that counts. You can mount it with screws or use double-sided tape, which suits renters.
The listing gives a 10-year warranty, which is unusual for this kind of product and is the main reason it leads here. Our search for side-by-side tests of bag holders found only affiliate roundups and store pages, so this pick rests on the maker’s details rather than an independent test.
Why we like it
- The wide slot gives out one bag at a time, per the maker
- Holds up to 30 grocery bags
- Mounts with screws or double-sided tape
- A 10-year warranty on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KT1166 |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall box |
| Stated capacity | Up to 30 bags |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
| Size | Not stated |
| Mounting | Wall, screws or tape |
| Tools needed | Only with screws |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants to fit this once, under a sink or on a pantry wall, and forget about it for years.
Skip it if you can reuse a cheaper holder and don’t care about the finish. A plastic box stores bags just as well.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest stated warranty here
- Renter-friendly tape option
- Steel build
Cons
- Holds fewer bags than a long mesh sleeve
- Tape holds only as well as the surface allows
- No independent test found
2. Spectrum Ashley Over-Door Grocery Bag Holder – Hangs on a Cabinet Door, No Drilling
Not everyone can drill into a cabinet, and not everyone wants to. Spectrum’s Ashley hangs over a cabinet door, with padded brackets that the maker says protect the door from scratches and dents. It fits doors up to 0.75 inches thick and needs no tools or hardware.
You load bags from the top and pull them from a wide opening at the bottom, and side cutouts let the steel body expand to hold up to 30 plastic bags. It measures 15.25 inches tall and 8.25 inches wide, and stands 4.25 inches off the door, so it should clear most shelves. Check that against yours before ordering, since a deep drawer or a trash pull-out behind the door could hit it.
Over-door holders have one common drawback: they add weight and movement to a door each time it opens. Thirty plastic bags don’t weigh much, but it’s a good idea to close the door gently so it doesn’t swing the holder against the frame.
Why we like it
- Hangs over doors up to 0.75 inches thick
- Padded brackets protect the door
- Top loading and bottom dispensing
- Side cutouts let it hold up to 30 bags
Key specifications
| Model | 58877 |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-door holder |
| Stated capacity | Up to 30 bags |
| Material | Steel, satin nickel finish |
| Size | 15.25 x 8.25 x 4.25 inches |
| Mounting | Over cabinet door |
| Tools needed | None |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it for a rental, or for any kitchen where you don’t want a single screw hole inside the cabinet.
Skip it if your doors are thicker than 0.75 inches. The listing says it won’t fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No tools or holes
- Padded mounts
- Fits a bathroom vanity or laundry door as well
Cons
- Takes 4.25 inches of depth
- Moves with the door
- No warranty stated
3. Honey-Can-Do Stainless Bag Saver – A Plain Steel Box, Screws or Tape
If you like the idea of a steel box without the premium of the simplehuman, Honey-Can-Do’s bag saver is the plain version. It stores up to 30 bags in a body measuring 6.75 inches long, 3.25 inches wide and 12.25 inches high, with a smudge-proof finish that the maker says keeps it looking clean with little effort.
It mounts with the included hardware or adhesive tape, inside a cabinet, on a wall or on a pantry door. Honey-Can-Do suggests it for grocery bags and trash bags in kitchens, pantries and garages, and even in RVs.
What you give up against the simplehuman is warranty cover: Honey-Can-Do’s written terms cover defects within 60 days of purchase, against 10 years. The listing also doesn’t describe a single-bag slot. Keep the bags folded loosely and you should still be able to pull them one by one.
Why we like it
- Mounts with hardware or adhesive tape
- Stores up to 30 bags
- A smudge-proof finish, per the maker
- A compact 3.25-inch depth
Key specifications
| Model | KCH-02989 |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall box |
| Stated capacity | Up to 30 bags |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 6.75 x 3.25 x 12.25 inches |
| Mounting | Wall, cabinet or door |
| Tools needed | Only with screws |
| Warranty | 60 days, defects |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants steel and a tape-mount option, and is comfortable with shorter warranty cover.
Skip it if a long warranty matters. The stated terms cover only 60 days.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel for less fuss
- Shallow enough for tight cabinets
- Tape option
Cons
- Short warranty
- No single-bag slot described
- No independent test found
4. Fox Run Stainless Bag Saver, 12-Inch – Plain 18/0 Steel, Wide Opening
Fox Run’s bag saver is a basic design in 18/0 stainless steel with a wide opening for easy access. It’s 3.25 by 6.75 by 12.25 inches, almost the same size as the Honey-Can-Do, and it mounts on a wall or inside a cabinet or closet.
The listing is brief. It doesn’t state a bag count, a mounting kit or a warranty, so you’ll want to check what comes in the box if you don’t have your own screws. It doesn’t mention tape either, so plan on mounting it permanently.
The two are very similar on paper, and we include both because the choice mostly comes down to which listing is in stock and whether you want tape. Choose Fox Run if the plain 18/0 steel appeals to you and you’re happy to drill.
Why we like it
- 18/0 stainless steel
- A wide opening for easy access
- Mounts on a wall or inside a cabinet
- A slim 3.25-inch depth
Key specifications
| Model | 6104 |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall box |
| Stated capacity | Not stated |
| Material | 18/0 stainless steel |
| Size | 3.25 x 6.75 x 12.25 inches |
| Mounting | Wall or inside cabinet |
| Tools needed | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it for a permanent inside-the-cabinet mount with nothing extra to think about.
Skip it if you need to know the capacity or the warranty before you buy. The listing doesn’t give either.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple and slim
- Named steel grade
- Sold by Amazon when we checked
Cons
- No capacity stated
- No warranty stated
- No tape option mentioned
5. iDesign Classico Over-Cabinet Bag Holder – A Small Holder for Small Doors
iDesign, which also goes by InterDesign, makes a smaller holder that also hangs over a door. The listing gives a size of 5.5 by 6.5 by 2 inches, so it’s much shallower than the Spectrum. A shallow holder is useful in a narrow vanity or a cabinet where the door nearly touches the shelf.
It uses no hardware. It sits over a standard cabinet door with a non-absorbing foam backing to protect the finish. iDesign suggests it for plastic bags, garbage bags, reusable bags and totes, and even for an RV.
Those dimensions look small for a long list of contents, so don’t expect it to swallow a month’s worth of grocery bags. The listing gives no bag count, and it was sold by a third-party seller when we checked. If you need capacity, go with the Spectrum or the long mesh sleeve below.
Why we like it
- No hardware needed
- Foam backing protects the door
- Just 2 inches deep, per the listing
- Bronze finish
Key specifications
| Model | 34111 |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-door holder |
| Stated capacity | Not stated |
| Material | Not stated |
| Size | 5.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches |
| Mounting | Over cabinet door |
| Tools needed | None |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small cabinet or a bathroom vanity where only a few bags are kept on hand.
Skip it if you save every bag. The listed size is small, and no capacity is given.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very shallow
- Protects the door
- No holes
Cons
- Small capacity likely
- Third-party seller when we checked
- Material not stated
6. Handy Laundry Grocery Bag Holder, 2-Pack – Two Wipe-Clean Plastic Towers
Steel isn’t needed to hold plastic bags, and this two-pack is the proof. Each holder is a tall, sleek plastic tower measuring 6.3 by 5.1 by 17.7 inches, with several holes in different sizes so you can push bags in and pull them out from more than one point.
You get two, which makes sense for a house that has one holder in the kitchen and one in the garage or laundry room. Both adhesive strips and mounting screws are in the box, so you can choose when you put them up, and the thick plastic wipes clean.
The listing doesn’t state a bag count, but at 17.7 inches tall, it has more room than the 12-inch steel boxes. It’s a larger object on the wall, though, and white plastic won’t suit every kitchen, so this one works best inside a closet or pantry.
Why we like it
- Two holders in the pack
- Holes in several sizes for adding and pulling bags
- Adhesive strips and screws included
- Wipes clean, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 5493 |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall tower, 2-pack |
| Stated capacity | Not stated |
| Material | Thick plastic |
| Size | 6.3 x 5.1 x 17.7 inches |
| Mounting | Wall, adhesive or screws |
| Tools needed | Only with screws |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want more than one holder and care more about capacity and easy cleaning than about looks.
Skip it if the holder will be on show in a stainless kitchen. A brushed steel box looks more at home there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two for one purchase
- Taller than the steel boxes
- Both mounting options included
Cons
- Plastic look
- Bigger on the wall
- No capacity stated
7. TOGETRUE Mesh Bag Holder, 2-Pack – The Largest Stated Capacity
A fabric sleeve is the classic way of storing bags, and it does one thing better than any box: it stretches. TOGETRUE’s polyester mesh holder is 16.5 inches long and has an elastic opening at the bottom. The brand says it holds more than 80 bags, the highest figure on this page.
It comes as a two-pack and simply hangs, so you need only a hook on a door or a wall. Mesh lets you see what’s inside and compresses the bags as you add them. The listing suggests other uses, such as storing onions or potatoes, but we’d keep produce and used bags apart.
A brand that sells mainly through Amazon, TOGETRUE doesn’t compare with a steel box in durability, and the 2-year warranty on the listing is the main reassurance. Elastic can lose its grip over time, which would make the sleeve less tidy. It’s also the least polished look here, so it’s better inside a cabinet or pantry.
Why we like it
- Stated capacity above 80 bags
- Elastic opening at the bottom
- Hangs from any hook
- A 2-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | PBHBLACK01 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hanging mesh, 2-pack |
| Stated capacity | Over 80 bags |
| Material | Polyester mesh |
| Size | 16.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Mounting | Hangs from a hook |
| Tools needed | None |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home that collects a lot of bags and just wants them out of sight, with no holes and no fuss.
Skip it if you want something that will still look good on an open wall.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most capacity stated
- Stretches to fit
- Two in the pack
Cons
- Soft fabric look
- Elastic may loosen over time
- Brand detail is thin
How to choose a grocery bag dispenser
Decide on the mounting first, because it rules out the most options. If you rent, or if you just don’t want holes in a cabinet, go for an over-door holder or a hanging mesh sleeve, or use the tape option where it’s offered. Tape relies on a clean, smooth surface, and a holder full of bags can be heavier than it seems, so prepare the surface as the maker directs. Screws are the steadiest choice if you can use them.
Next, measure the space. The depth matters most inside a cabinet, because a holder on the door has to clear the shelves and the sink plumbing when it swings shut. Our under-sink organizer guide is worth a look if that’s where it’s going, since the same cabinet often holds a pull-out or a bin.
Then think about how many bags you keep. A box of about 12 inches usually holds around 30. If you reuse bags for lining small bins, that may be plenty. If you bring home far more than you use, a long mesh sleeve or tall plastic tower holds more, but it can also encourage you to hoard them.
Last, think about how the bags come out. A front slot or a bottom opening should give you one bag at a time. Stuff bags loosely, not packed tight, and they’ll come out more easily from any design.
How we picked these seven holders
We haven’t used these holders. We wanted a real spread of designs: wall-mounted steel, over-door, plastic and mesh. Specs come from each listing, and we checked that each pick was in stock. Where a listing doesn’t say something, we’ve written “Not stated”.
A search for independent tests of grocery bag holders found only affiliate roundups and store pages, and the one we tried to open was unavailable, so we don’t cite any reviewer here. Please treat these picks as a reading of each maker’s stated design rather than a verdict on how they hold up. We left out several near-identical stainless boxes from thin brands and a few holders with listings that offered no details at all.
If what you really need is a place for full trash bags or rolls, see our trash bag guide and our kitchen trash can guide.
Plastic bag holder questions, answered
How many bags does a holder keep?
The steel boxes and the Spectrum all state up to 30. TOGETRUE states over 80 in its long mesh sleeve. Several listings don’t give a figure, so go by size.
Can I mount a bag holder without drilling?
Yes. The Spectrum and iDesign hang over a door. The simplehuman and Honey-Can-Do offer adhesive tape, and the Handy Laundry includes adhesive strips. A mesh sleeve needs only a hook.
Will an over-door holder fit my cabinet?
Check door thickness and depth. The Spectrum fits doors up to 0.75 inches thick and projects 4.25 inches. Make sure it clears the shelves behind the door.
Are steel holders worth it over plastic?
Steel looks better on an open wall and matches appliances. Plastic and mesh store bags just as well and cost less to replace, and they’re perfectly fine inside a closed cabinet.
Can I store trash bags in a grocery bag holder?
Honey-Can-Do and iDesign both say their holders can take trash bags, but large rolls usually need a holder designed for them. Check the opening size before relying on it.
Our final pick for storing bags
Buy the simplehuman if you want a long-term wall or cabinet mount, and the Spectrum if you can’t or won’t drill. The TOGETRUE sleeve is the cheap and cheerful answer to a big pile of bags. Put it near the bins and you’ll actually use what you’ve saved. Once the cabinet’s sorted out and you don’t feel like cooking, call to order from Julia’s and see the menu.