6 Best Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holders For Tiny Kitchens That Maximize Space
Free up precious counter space in your tiny kitchen. Our guide reviews the 6 best under-cabinet paper towel holders designed to maximize your work area.
You set down your groceries and realize there’s nowhere to put the cutting board. Every square inch of your tiny kitchen counter is already occupied by a coffee maker, a dish rack, and that bulky roll of paper towels. In a small space, the countertop isn’t just a surface; it’s the most valuable real estate you own, and a freestanding paper towel holder is a space-hogging intruder. The solution is simple: look up.
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Why Under-Cabinet Holders Save Precious Counter Space
The most obvious benefit is reclaiming your work surface. A standard paper towel roll has a footprint of roughly 36 square inches. That’s enough space for your spoon rest, a salt cellar, or the ingredients you’re prepping for dinner.
Moving paper towels off the counter and under a cabinet gets them out of the way of spills and splatters. They stay clean, dry, and ready for use. More importantly, it creates a dedicated "station" that doesn’t interfere with your primary cooking and prep zones.
This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about workflow. When you can grab a towel without reaching across your cutting board or knocking over the olive oil, your kitchen becomes more efficient. It’s a small change that has a surprisingly large impact on how your space functions day-to-day.
Simplehuman Wall Mount: Sleek Tension Arm Design
The Simplehuman holder is a classic for a reason. Its core feature is a precisely engineered tension arm that provides just enough resistance to tear off one sheet at a time with a single hand. This is non-negotiable in a tiny kitchen where you’re often holding a pot lid or a messy utensil in your other hand.
This design is especially brilliant for mobile living, like in an RV or a van. The tension arm prevents the entire roll from unspooling and dragging on the floor while you’re driving down a bumpy road. It’s a small detail that solves a massive, recurring annoyance.
Installation requires drilling, making it a permanent fixture. But its die-cast metal bracket and stainless steel rod are built for the long haul. You mount it once and forget about it, which is exactly what you want from good utility hardware.
Command Adhesive Holder: Damage-Free Installation
For renters or anyone hesitant to drill into their custom cabinetry, the Command holder is the answer. It uses their famous adhesive strips, which hold surprisingly strong but can be removed cleanly without leaving behind holes or sticky residue. This gives you the flexibility to test a location or move the holder if you rearrange your kitchen.
The key to success with any adhesive mount is meticulous surface preparation. You have to clean the underside of the cabinet with isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease or grime. Skipping this step is why these mounts fail; the strips need a perfectly clean surface to bond to.
Be realistic about its limitations. While strong, it’s not as bomb-proof as a screw-in model. In a high-vibration environment like an RV, screws are always superior. But for a stationary tiny house or apartment, it’s a fantastic, damage-free way to clear your counters.
iDesign Forma 2-in-1 Holder with Storage Shelf
In any small space, single-purpose items are a luxury. The iDesign Forma holder embraces this principle by integrating a small wire shelf above the paper towel bar. This simple addition doubles the utility of the same footprint, turning unused vertical space into valuable storage.
That little shelf is perfect for things you want to keep off the counter but within easy reach. Think small spice jars, a bottle of dish soap, or a container for your sponges. It effectively creates a mini "cleaning station" in one compact unit.
Before you commit, measure carefully. The added bulk of the shelf means you need more vertical clearance below it. Make sure it won’t interfere with your coffee maker or block your view of a prep area. It’s a brilliant space-maximizer, but only if it fits your specific layout.
Spectrum Diversified Magnetic Holder for RVs
This is a niche solution, but for the right kitchen, it’s a game-changer. The Spectrum holder uses powerful magnets to attach to any flat, ferrous metal surface. No drilling, no adhesive, just a satisfying clack as it locks into place.
The most common application is on the side of a refrigerator, which is often an expanse of underutilized vertical space. It can also work on a metal range hood or even the side of a metal tool cabinet if that’s part of your setup. This is especially useful in RVs and vans where metal surfaces are common and drilling into thin walls can be tricky.
The major caveat is that you need the right surface. It won’t work on stainless steel appliances unless they have a high iron content (test with a fridge magnet first). The magnets also need to be strong enough to resist the downward pull when you tear a sheet. For mobile rigs, this is an incredibly versatile and non-permanent option.
KAMENSTEIN Perfect Tear: Patented Ratchet System
Effortlessly tear one paper towel at a time with the patented Perfect Tear Technology, preventing unraveling. This brushed silver metal holder easily mounts horizontally or vertically and fits all roll sizes.
The KAMENSTEIN holder tackles the one-handed tear problem with a different mechanism: a patented ratchet system. As you pull, the base "clicks" and holds the roll in place, allowing you to tear off a single sheet without the whole thing spinning freely. It’s incredibly satisfying to use.
The ratchet system provides a different feel from a tension arm. Where a tension arm provides smooth, constant pressure, the ratchet offers distinct, tactile stops. Neither is definitively better; it’s a matter of personal preference. Both achieve the same goal of preventing waste and frustration.
This feature is a lifesaver when your hands are covered in dough, grease, or whatever else you’re cooking. You don’t need a clean, free hand to steady the roll. You just pull and tear. It’s a small piece of mechanical engineering that makes a messy job a little bit easier.
Prodyne Flip-Down Holder: Folds Up When Not In Use
For the absolute minimalist or the most spatially-challenged kitchen, the Prodyne holder offers a unique feature: it folds. The arm holding the paper towel roll can be flipped up, tucking the entire unit flat against the bottom of the cabinet when you’re not using it.
This is ideal for installation over a tiny sink or a temporary prep area where you might occasionally need the full vertical clearance. When you need a towel, you flip it down. When you need the space, you flip it up. It’s the ultimate "now you see it, now you don’t" solution.
The tradeoff is convenience and durability. Having to perform an extra action (flipping it down) can be a minor annoyance. These models are also typically made of plastic, which won’t have the same longevity as their metal counterparts. It’s a specialized tool for a specific problem: when every last cubic inch counts.
Installation Tips for a Secure and Level Fit
Getting your holder mounted securely is just as important as choosing the right one. First, always do a dry fit. Hold the holder and a roll of paper towels in your desired spot. Can you still open the cabinet door completely? Does it block a crucial under-cabinet light?
When you’re ready to drill, don’t trust the cheap screws that come in the box. The bottom of most cabinets is thin particleboard. For a rock-solid installation, use shorter screws with a wider thread, or better yet, a small toggle bolt that anchors against the inside of the material. This prevents the screws from stripping out over time.
For adhesive models, the prep work is everything. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, not a household cleaner that might leave a residue. Press the base firmly for at least 30 seconds, and then—this is the part everyone forgets—wait the recommended time (usually an hour) before hanging the holder and a roll of paper towels. This allows the adhesive to cure and form its strongest bond.
Choosing an under-cabinet paper towel holder isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about reclaiming your most valuable kitchen asset—the countertop. Whether you need a damage-free adhesive mount for your apartment or a rugged, tensioned arm for your RV, the right choice makes your small kitchen work smarter, not harder. Analyze your space, consider your needs, and get that paper towel roll up and out of the way.
