Skip The Basic Countertop Paper Towel Holder: The Modern, Space-Saving Alternative

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Ah, the humble paper towel roll: a crucial kitchen staple that rescues us all at one time or another, like when we're elbow-deep in a top-speed spill or monumental splatter that somehow coats every nearby surface. Even when the mess isn't quite so epic, having a roll at the ready and easy to grab is an absolute necessity for daily kitchen chores and maintenance. But paper towel rolls can be every bit as bulky as they are functional (mega rolls, we're looking at you!), and they take up precious counter space. Sure, you could hide them in a cabinet, but you're trading efficiency and ease of access for extra countertop square footage, which doesn't feel as prudent when your hands are dripping wet. What you need is a middle ground, and you're in luck, because it actually exists: magnetic paper towel holders.

Designed to be affixed to any metal surface, such as your fridge, these clever magnetic paper towel holders allow you to have unimpeded access to the roll when needed while keeping it off the countertop. The magnetic holders are available in several finishes to match your kitchen aesthetic, and different models have some variation on how to load them. For U-shaped options (like the Moneer Magnetic Gold Paper Towel Holder for $22.99), the roll slides right on, while double-sided styles (such as the KES Magnetic Paper Towel Holder for $20.90) keep the rolls a little more secure. There are even magnetic organization systems that incorporate the paper towel bar with other storage solutions like shelves and hooks. So, let's break down some of the best places around your home to use these types of magnetic paper towel holders to maximize counter space and efficiency.

Magnetic paper towel holders can be used in many rooms throughout your home to manage countertop clutter and maintain a clean, elevated aesthetic. The most obvious place is the kitchen, where you can stick the magnetic holder on the side of your fridge. This is an out-of-the-way yet practical spot to quickly access paper towels. You can opt for a basic holder if all you're worried about is paper towels, or you can upgrade to more complex magnetic organizers to add storage space to the side of your fridge — paper towels included. 

Aside from the fridge, most other large or small kitchen appliances present usable metal surfaces, so you can get creative with placement depending on your layout. For instance, the underside of stainless-steel kitchen hoods can be a great temporary spot to stick your paper towels while stirring Sunday supper (just position them away from any open flames). Portable metal kitchen carts (like this one from Ikea) are a great budget-friendly storage solution, and they're also an excellent place to stash a magnetic paper towel holder.

In addition to the kitchen, you can provide easy access to paper towels in many other spaces. In the laundry room, the side of a stackable washer and dryer presents a tall vertical metal space for some serious magnetic storage. Or, if you'd rather keep it simple, you can tuck a basic paper towel holder in a small gap alongside a machine. If you happen to have metal cabinets in any area, like a garage or outdoor kitchen, the inside or outside of the cabinet doors are a great place to mount a roll. Similarly, the sides of utility shelves on most grills are metal, making them an ideal spot for a magnetically adhered paper towel roll.