While testing at the lab, we found this ladder to be very easy to open and close, lightweight, and easy to carry around. It was also very sturdy and never wobbled, even on the highest step. Overall, we found it to be a great value, considering all of the features it has. Although it's worth noting that we did find the paper towel holder to be a little flimsy, and the paper towel roll kept falling off. The height of the top step on your folding ladder or stool will determine how high you can reach – and extra steps give you flexibility while keeping you on solid ground. If you need heavy-duty equipment like sturdy metal cabinets or chunky cable protectors, then The Workplace Depot is the place to go. And if you need a serious set of steps that are safe to use around live electricity, their eight-tread fibreglass step ladder is one of the best in the business. With a huge reach and impressive maximum load capacity, this is a serious ladder to have in your arsenal.

If you need extra support, the Alpurlad Step Ladder is the best step stool with a handle. The anti-slip and anti-sweat cushioned handle help provide stability while using the step stool, so you don’t have to worry about your hands being too wet or sweaty to safely use it. We have step stools in two sizes. The small one is 22 cm (9 inches) high, and the large one is 39 cm (15 inches) high. They are made of strong, durable plastic that won’t let you down, whether you’re using yours for standing or sitting. They’re a really handy thing to have around the home, and so inexpensive, it’s no wonder they’re such a popular product. The best step stools range in size from 13 to 20 inches wide and 10 to 52 inches high. Most of the two-step step stools with a handle have a height of 32 to 37 inches tall. Folding step stools are typically 2 to 3 inches deep when folded. When unfolded they range from 18 to 30 inches deep.The steps are treaded for solid stability and the top handlebar doubles as a knee rest so you can balance your legs against the handle when reaching for something with two hands. With a weight capacity of 225 pounds, this step stool has also been rated by the ANSI for commercial use in shops and restaurants. Even though this durable step stool can handle up to 500 pounds, it only weighs 9 pounds making it easy to open and close and transport where it’s needed. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable step stool that can handle a higher weight limit, this is the best step stool for you. If you love our Best Overall option, the HB Tower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails but don't need the handrails or too bag, you'll love this similar model (not tested in our lab). It is slightly more lightweight (11 pounds versus the pound version with the handrail) and slightly more affordable as well. Although there are no handrails, there's a simple handgrip at the top, covered with padding. Solidly constructed from iron, this ladder is ideal for simple tasks where you need some extra height. (Think: changing a light bulb or dusting high shelves.) When you’re shopping for the best step stool, safety should be your most important consideration. “Stability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a step stool,” says Fritzi Gros-Daillon, director of Education & Advocacy for Age Safe America. “Look for a step stool with a wide base, non-slip feet, and slip-resistant treads to ensure that it remains steady and stable when in use.” Most small step stools are often made of plastic or wood. However, many of the multi-step step stools are made of aluminum or alloy steel. Material is largely based on your preference and needs—generally, aluminum or alloy steel will offer a more durable construction with a higher weight capacity while plastic or wood offers a lighter weight capacity.

This set of steps is deceptively simple, and just the right thing to hide under the stairs for when you need that extra bit of reach. You unfold the aluminium alloy “A” frame, the steps pivot around, and you’ve got yourself an extra 66 cm of height from the top step. Rated to a maximum load weight of 150 kg, it should be strong enough to hold whatever you need it to. It’s also not foldable, so make sure you have a place to store it before purchasing. But if you’re looking for a step stool that is attractive and sturdy enough to handle daily wear and tear, this is the best wooden step stool. Rubbermaid is one brand that is widely available and offers a wide selection of quality step stools. However, we recommend shopping for a step stool that fits your personal needs instead of purchasing a specific brand. The only downside is that it’s only available in a bright orange finish, which may not match every home aesthetic. However, the combination of safety features and durable design makes this the best step stool. Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, the Handy Laundry Store Folding Step Stool is lightweight and easy to use. Despite its light weight, it is rated to hold up to 300 pounds, and the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) type 3 duty rating indicates that it’s approved for light duty use.In addition to the cushioned handle, the feet and support bar all have anti-slip pads to keep the step stool securely in place. The surface area of each step is wide and has stable traction to provide additional stability. The step stool has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, which is about average for the step stools on our list.