We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.

The Best Step Stools to Reach That Top Shelf

A woman standing on a steeping stool reaching for her top kitchen cabinet.

A taller person won’t always be around to help you reach something off the top shelf, but a step stool could. A step stool can be useful in any room in the house and offers better accessibility to raised cabinets, shelves, ceiling fans, and other hard-to-reach places. Some step stools are available with two or three steps, while others are specifically designed for kids or the elderly. In this article, we’ve gathered some of our favorite step stools that will quite literally help you reach your goals.

Finding the Right Step Stool

Here are some things to consider:

  • Stability: You want stability beneath your feet. A high-grade steel frame that is constructed with strength and reliability is key in a good step stool. A nonslip design is also important and makes ascending and descending a lot easier. Also consider the maximum weight capacity on the step stool so that it can accommodate all family members.
  • The Perfect Height: As we mentioned before, there are different types of step stools. Finding the right height for you depends on how and where you plan on using it. If you’re looking to buy one for your child, then a little one-step stool is perfect. A three-step stool is great for reaching things that are super high up as well as things that might be just out of reach on your tippy-toes.

Now, let’s take the next step and look at some of the best step stools on the market!

Best Step Ladder: Cosco Step Stool

A man standing on a step stool to hang a picture above a fireplace.

This two-step ladder from the people at Cosco makes household tasks less of a chore. The extra-large steps provide stable footing, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry from room to room. The non-marring grips on the feet keep the floors clean and free from scuffs, while the step material is molded resin for a comfortable grip. This step stool is available with an additional step, and you can purchase it in various colors as well.

Best Step Ladder

COSCO 11308PBL1E Two Three Big Folding Step Stool with Rubber Hand Grip, Gray

This two-step ladder is great whether you're hanging a picture or putting the star on top of your Christmas tree.

Best for Seniors: DURO-MED INDUSTRIES Step Stool with Handle

A woman standing on a step stool to clean a cabinet.

This step stool is specifically designed with steadiness in mind. The nonslip textured matting and reinforced rubber tips enhance stability and provide additional safety. It has a 300-pound weight capacity and rubber feet, so it won’t slide on hard floors. Unlike most step stools, this one is designed with a tall handle to give you added support when getting up and down from the step stool. It’s perfect for use anywhere in the house, including the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom, and it can be used with or without the handle.

Best for Seniors

Best Folding: Acko Folding Step Stool

A child sitting on a step stool to play with their toys.

This 13-inch, heavy-duty foldable step stool is great for both kids and adults. Created by Acko, this step stool is lightweight and easy to carry, has safe round corners, and comes with an anti-skid footpad so that you don’t damage your floors. It’s made from tough plastic for long-lasting durability. The rubber grips on the surface and the anti-slip rubber feet create a maximum grip that allows amazing support and comfort. You can purchase this stool in a one- or two-pack, and you have plenty of colors to choose from.

Best for Kids: iLove 2-Pack Step Stools

A child standing on a step stool to wash their hands.

If you’re looking for a toddler step stool so that your child can easily access the potty or even their new bed, then look no further than this two-pack from iLove. This company uses thick slip-resistant rubber feet for floor grips, which perform best on clean, dry, oil-free floors. There are grab handles that make it easy for portability and quick stacking, and it has a weight capacity of 175 pounds.

Best Three-Step Stool: HBTower Three-Step Ladder

a child standing on a step stool to fix a poster.

The best three-step ladder comes from HBTower and is available in both black and green. It can support 500 pounds because of its high-grade steel frame, so you know it’s constructed to last a long time. Like the other stools on this list, there is a nonslip rubber handgrip, so you can easily climb up and down. It has rubber heel-to-toe foot support, and it folds so that you can take it upstairs, downstairs, or outside and easily store it when you don’t need it. The double iron safety buckle that locks when in use makes it unique to other stools, and it has extra-wide, anti-slip steps.

Best Three-Step Stool

HBTower 3 Step Ladder, Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal, 500 lbs Sturdy Steel Ladder, Convenient Handgrip, Lightweight, Portable Steel Step Stool, Green and Black

With a 500-pound weight capacity, this three-step ladder is great for adults of all sizes and provides excellent reach.

Omid Khanzadeh Omid Khanzadeh
Omid is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy. He studied psychology and creative writing at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his work has been featured in publications such as Allied Forces Press and various STEM textbooks. He enjoys playing soccer and watching old kung-fu movies. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more?