So far, we’ve taken a look at some of the internet’s highest-quality kitchen step stools. But unless you plan on buying five or more of them, there’s still some shortlisting to do! To find out what stool suits your needs and requirements the best, keep the following factors in mind.
Material
Kitchen step stools are available in many different materials, including aluminum, steel, wood, and plastic. Your perfect match depends on what you’re looking for in a step stool and what matters the most to you. For instance, if you plan on moving the stool around between your patio, garage, and kitchen frequently, then being lightweight and portable would probably be your top priority. For that, we’d only recommend plastic options. But if you’re looking for maximum durability and premium looks, there’s nothing better than a two-step foldable stool made out of heavy-duty steel! Similarly, if you plan on using the stool in a place with high humidity like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, you should probably stay away from steel and iron options as they’re susceptible to corrosion. So think about the materials from a dynamic point of view that includes your primary use for the stool, portability needs, and personal preferences.
Sturdiness
You should also carefully consider the sturdiness of your next step stool. While all the options on our list are sturdy, some inevitably rank higher than others because they’re built out of different materials. Steel, for instance, is one of the strongest materials out there, but it’s also heavy. Aluminum gives you a healthy tradeoff between durability and portability, whereas plastic stools are the lightest and rank lowest on the sturdiness scale. Also, keep an eye out for the maximum weight capacity of a stool. Plastic ones usually top out at 300 pounds, while heavier materials can safely support 400+ pounds. The higher that spec is, the more durability you can expect from the stool!
Size
You can make style and size choices based on how you plan on using the stool. If you want your kids to comfortably reach the counter and sink, a smaller plastic stool would do just fine. But if you want it for yourself to be able to reach high areas, we’d recommend a larger, two-step option made out of steel or aluminum. You can also get mid-sized stools that are perfect for some extra vertical accessibility and chores like switching out the light bulbs!
Storage
When the stool isn’t in use, you should ideally be able to store it away seamlessly. For this, foldable designs are perfect! Most can fold into a super-thin shape of fewer than 2 inches, allowing you to shove the stool behind doors, underneath cabinets, couches, and inside closets.
Weight and Portability
Besides the maximum load capacity of a stool, you should also consider how much it weighs itself! If you plan on moving the stool around often, aim for 3 to 4 pounds. Pair that with a stool that folds flat and you’ve got maximum portability!
