Best Step Stools
The Rubbermaid 2-Step Folding Step Stool is our top pick for its stable wide base and 300 lb capacity. For a single-step option with a handle, the Cosco 11-Inch Step Stool with Handle is the most convenient.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
Step Stools Buying Guide
Photo by Vie Studio / PexelsHeight needed: 1 step adds 8-10 inches; 2 steps add 14-18 inches. Weight capacity should exceed your body weight with working tool weight added. Non-slip rubber feet prevent floor sliding; non-slip step surfaces prevent foot sliding. Folding models store in 2-3 inches — essential for small spaces. Steel step stools are sturdier than plastic; plastic is lighter and won't rust.
For kitchen overhead storage and garage shelving, the Rubbermaid Two-Step ($47.99) handles up to 300 lbs with rubber-tipped feet for tile floors. For quick access to low shelves under a desk or in a closet, the Rubbermaid Mini Folding Step Stool ($11.99) folds to pocket depth and stores almost anywhere. Skip single-step plastic stools under $10 for any task above shoulder height — weight ratings on budget models don't hold up under real use.
Watch Before You Buy
“Rubbermaid's folding two-step stool holds 300 lbs with skid-resistant treads on each step — the gold standard for kitchen reach jobs, folds flat for easy storage.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 2-step design reaches most standard countertop and overhead heights
- 300-lb weight capacity suits a wider range of users
- Folding design stores flat against walls or in narrow spaces
- Slip-resistant feet on all models for stable footing
Watch out for
- 2-step height may not reach all overhead storage or fixtures
- Plastic construction less durable than metal alternatives under heavy use
“Rubbermaid's 2-step molded stool is Amazon's best-selling step stool: no assembly, non-slip feet, and a compact footprint that fits in any closet.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Lightweight molded plastic easy to move between rooms
- Non-slip step surface improves safety on hard floors
- Folds flat for storage in tight spaces
- Suitable for children and adults for most household reaching tasks
Watch out for
- 2-step limit insufficient for high shelves or ceiling fixtures
- Plastic construction not rated for heavy sustained loads
“Rubbermaid's mini folding step gives 9 inches of boost in a design that weighs under 3 lbs — ideal for bathroom reach tasks or as a child's step stool beside sinks.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Mini footprint fits in kitchen, bathroom, and closet spaces
- Slip-resistant design prevents sliding on smooth floors
- Foldable for flat storage in drawers or against walls
- Single-step height suitable for low-reach tasks and children
Watch out for
- Single-step height limited for taller adults with high shelves
- Low weight capacity vs full-size step stools
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