You don't have to compromise your kitchen aesthetic for function with these kitchen step stools. We found the best picks for every lifestyle.
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If modern design and sustainable materials are at the top of your wish list, this Sofrey folding two-step ladder made with sturdy bamboo is just the piece your kitchen needs. The strong aluminum frame and skid-resistant feet make it a safe choice, while design-friendly black and wood-tone finishes add flair to your expensive-looking kitchen design ideas. Bonus: The slim profile folds up and stashes easily, making this stool one of the best kitchen storage ideas.
Need a little extra height? This three-step stool blends in perfectly with farmhouse-style kitchens, thanks to its sturdy wood construction that comes in six colors. It offers three easy-folding steps with a maximum lift of 24 inches and can hold up to 200 pounds. The added height makes it a top choice for little ones, and the slip-resistant feet make it a choice you can feel good about. Now everyone in the family can reach the pantry organization bins!
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to kitchens and rooms full of rich wood with this cherry wood step stool. This durable addition to your home boasts a 500-pound weight limit and timeless charm that works just as well next to your kitchen cabinets as it does your formal dining room. Bonuses: It’s available in seven finishes and can help pets reach the bed or couch.
The lightweight, portable HBTower two-step ladder folds neatly to fit behind the fridge or inside a pantry closet while still offering an extended height that few kitchen stools can compete with. It also helps you avoid pantry organizing mistakes by making the most of every previously unreachable nook and cranny.
Attention Walmart shoppers! This kitchen step stool is one of the most affordable kitchen step stools on the market and boasts a clever foldable design with a built-in handle. It measures 9 inches tall and holds up to 200 pounds, making it an excellent choice for most adults and kids. Reaching pots and pans, baker’s racks and tall kitchen cabinets has never been easier.
If you prefer a steel-frame kitchen step stool, this two-step model is sure to please. It features a 200-pound capacity, classic black and white colors and non-marring leg protectors that keep your floors in A+ condition. It folds neatly and can even be mounted to the side of a kitchen island cart or Amazon bar cart for sleek, nearly invisible storage.
As the name says, the Handy Laundry step stool is one of the best stools to keep on hand in the laundry room. With an affordable price point and nearly 43,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this stool offers a user-friendly foldable design that’s a breeze to store. It’s one of the best laundry room products for reaching the soaps and stain removers you have up on high shelves. Choose from several colors and feel secure knowing it can hold up to 300 pounds.
This genius step stool comes as a set of two easy-to-use step stools that can combine for a double step-up, or be used on their own. Since they’re designed with kids in mind, they also make excellent impromptu seating in play spaces. They can hold up to 250 pounds of weight, and the modest 8.5-inch height offers just enough of a boost to reach the best healthy snacks or pantry storage containers stowed way in the back cabinet.
You won’t have to worry about losing your balance with this thoughtful two-step folding ladder. It comes with a built-in, ergonomic rounded handle that’s easy to hold onto and helps stabilize those prone to balance issues. Don’t be fooled by its simple-looking design—it can handle an impressive 330 pounds. Here’s an easy pantry organization tip: Keep way back pantry essentials on a Lazy Susan so they’re quicker to locate.
Simple is sometimes best, and this Pillowfort stool offers exactly that. It’s a cheerful-looking, modern and inexpensive addition to your kitchen that stores nicely at the bottom of a pantry closet or cupboard. It offers nearly 8 inches of added lift. The raised finish on the stool’s surface helps prevent slipping, making this a safe choice for the most adventurous home cooks. It works in the bathroom for kiddos reaching the sink, too.
Bryce Gruber knows what he is talking about when it comes to gift-giving, kitchen products and shopping at Taste of Home. She has collaborated with e-commerce businesses, women’s lifestyle magazines and publications, and has been featured on TV shows for her advice on the best products, tips and trends. With her experience in tow, she is a great source when choosing the best kitchen step stools.
Madi Koetting is a pioneer of Taste of Home‘s social media and editorial team with hands-on experience testing and reviewing top products for more brands including Reader’s Digest, The Everygirl, Stylecaster, Family Handyman and more. During her time with these publications, she has reviewed thousands of products in the home and lifestyle sphere. All of this experience makes her an excellent candidate to review the best kitchen step stools.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
A stepladder is a lot taller and larger than a step stool, making it ideal for kitchens and pantries. A step stool, however, is shorter and more compact, making it more mobile and easy to store.
Try to keep your stool tucked behind an appliance or furniture, in a cupboard or closet, or hang it on a wall. Just ensure that it is not sticking out or in the way to avoid trips and falls.
The main concern when it comes to step stools is the fall risk. It can be easy to fall off a stool or slip off the side which can cause mild to severe injuries. Always use caution when using a step stool, and ensure little ones and pets aren’t running around when you step onto one.
While they are referred to as a “step stool” or “stool”, these nifty gadgets are also called “kitchen ladders” or “footstools”.
