The Best Bar Step Stool

Best Multi-Purpose

Cosco Retro Counter Chair/Step Stool With Lift-up Seat

A Versatile Stool With Retro Flair

Constructed with easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery and non-marring leg tips, this stylish dual-functioning stool is a must-have for your kitchen.

If you're in need of both a counter chair and step stool, look no further than this offering from Cosco.

At first glance, this product may appear to you as just an ordinary counter chair. However, if you take a closer look, you will see that it doubles as a step stool. This is perfect for homes that are tight on space or for anyone who loves a handy two-in-one device.

One thing we especially love about this stool is its vintage mid-century design––not only will it allow you to grab hard-to-reach items from the top shelves in your kitchen with ease, but it will allow your own personal style to shine through when redecorating your space.

Not only is this step stool chair stylish, but it is also manufactured with high-quality material. The comfy seat cushion is upholstered with vinyl that makes cleaning super easy and the leg tips are non-marring to protect your home's floors from scratches and scuffs.

Key Features

  • Functions as both chair and step stool
  • Dimensions: 17.72 x 17.52 x 33.86 inches
  • 225 pound weight capacity
Best Wood Stool

Winsome Wood Stool

Gorgeous Antique Walnut Finish

A modern wooden option that not only blends in with your decor but is also lightweight and easy to stow away.

For those looking for a step stool that looks much more modern than our first pick, this option from Winsome Wood may be the one for you.

Crafted with solid composite wood and finished with a beautiful antique walnut stain, this stool has unique two-tier design for both low and high reaches. Both steps are long, rectangular, and feature slats that help you get traction while stepping onto the stool. The frame has a strong and sturdy base so it can support up to 250 pounds.

We love this step stool because you don't have to worry about stowing it away every time it's not in use because its design allows it to seamlessly blend in with your home decor. However, it is quite easy to carry around the house since it weighs only 9 pounds.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing this stool is that assembly is required.

Key Features

  • 250 pound weight limit
  • Dimensions: 15 x 18.5 x 21.5 inches
  • Assembly is required
Most Portable

Acko 2PACK Folding Step Stool

No-Frills Option For On-The-Go Use

This small, but mighty stool can hold a maximum capacity of 300 pounds and is compact enough to store anywhere.

Sometimes you just need a sturdy, no-nonsense stool that's great for on-the-go use and this step stool from ACKO is perfect for that.

This compact stool is incredibly light, weighing in at just 4.01 pounds. When folded, it measures just 17 x 1.25 inches, so it easily fits in compact spaces like storage closets, kitchen pantries, or the trunk of your vehicle. But don't let the small size fool you––this stool is as sturdy as the rest of the stools on this list and has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds.

When opened up, the stool is 13 inches tall, which is just enough height to easily grab things from hard-to-reach areas.

We especially love this stool because of its safety features. The center folding bar is designed to prevent collapse and all four corners are rounded so it won't scratch up your walls or accidentally scratch your kids.

Key Features

  • Dimensions when open: 13 x 14 x 11.5 inches
  • Weight capacity of 300 pounds
  • Folding bar designed to prevent inward collapse
Honorable Mention

Delxo Lightweight Aluminum 2 Step Ladder Step Stool

Safe And Sturdy For Around The House

Much lighter than a hefty, steel ladder, this option has a high weight capacity and non-slip feet for your safety.

A simple step ladder like this one from Delxo will help you reach into your tallest cabinets all while giving you a comfortable platform to stand on. The sturdy and durable aluminum construction allows it to hold a 330-pound weight capacity, the highest of all the stools on our list.

When folded, the stool is only 1.4 inches wide, so it can be stowed away in super tight spaces. When the ladder is opened up, it measures 32"H X 21"L X 18.5"W.

We love that the feet of this step stool have non-slip rubber grips, so you won't have to worry about it sliding all over the floor. Plus, it has a comfortable handgrip for your convenience when carrying it around.

Key Features

  • 330 pound weight limit
  • 32-inches tall when opened
  • Sturdy aluminum frame
Amanda Huffman

Amanda Huffman is a writer based in St. Louis. When she’s not writing about lifestyle and culture, she can be found cooking up new recipes in her very small kitchen, doing improv, or hanging out with her cat Joni.