Install an Under Cabinet Holder for Easier-to-Reach Paper Towels

Having paper towels easily accessible when cooking or cleaning is a necessity in any kitchen. However, the classic countertop paper towel holder often takes up precious space needed for meal prep and appliances. Under cabinet paper towel holders offer an ingenious solution for keeping towels handy while freeing up room on your counters.

Mounting a paper towel holder directly beneath your upper cabinets keeps rolls organized and out of the way. No more rummaging through drawers or cabinets for that extra roll when you need it. Simply reach above and tear off a fresh sheet cleanly and quickly. It's a convenience that you'll wish you had installed sooner.

Why Install an Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder?

Free Up Precious Counter Space

Kitchens often come with a lack of horizontal surfaces for all the mixing, chopping, and organizing that meal preparation requires. Mounting a paper towel holder under your wall cabinets, rather than occupying room on your counters, opens up coveted space for appliances, ingredients, cookware, and decor.

With rolls stored overhead, you'll gain back functional areas clear for rolling dough, setting up stand mixers, resting hot pans, or arranging decorative elements. Even small kitchens can benefit from a bit of reclaimed space to work more comfortably.

Reduce Clutter

Nothing detracts from a clean, minimalist kitchen aesthetic quite like a half-used paper towel roll abandoned by the sink. It contributes to visual clutter and disorganization even if the rest of the room looks tidy and spotless.

Stashing rolls overhead in a designated under cabinet paper towel holder prevents them from marring your decor. Without that errant cardboard cylinder on full display, your counters stay neat and streamlined. The only time rolls come into view is when you need to tear off an individual sheet.

Easy Access When Needed

Regardless of how organized your pantry or drawers, fishing out a new paper towel mid cooking or cleaning can be inconvenient. You have to temporarily abandon messy hands or running sink water to walk across the room.

Positioning rolls in a holder overhead means towels stay within instant reach when you need them most. You barely have to pause whatever task you're tackling to grab additional sheets for wiping spills, drying dishes, checking doneness, or handling hot pans.

What Types of Under Cabinet Holders Are Available?

Today's under cabinet paper towel holders come in diverse styles to not only keep your towel supply orderly but also complement your specific kitchen design aesthetic.

Material Types

For a seamless look, select a holder constructed from, or finished with, materials already found in your kitchen's color palette and finishes. Metal versions come in gleaming stainless steel, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more. You'll also find options in solid wood tones, acrylic, porcelain, and even glass.

Standard or Custom Sized

Check the width between your cabinets to determine whether a standard sized paper towel holder will fit the existing space. Or explore custom-width racks sized specifically for your unique under-cabinet dimensions. These not only prevent a sloppy loose fit but also utilize all available area efficiently.

Open Design or Enclosed Housing

Open racks allow for quickly grabbing towel sheets but leave rolls more exposed to dirt and moisture. Enclosed housings offer an added degree of protection. However, the tradeoff is slightly more inconvenient access through a door or slot.

Key Features to Look For

While styles may differ, quality under cabinet paper towel holders contain a few must-have features in common to keep rolls secure while you tear off sheets one-handed.

Durable Springs

Six built-in tension springs apply continual pressure to grip the towel roll. This prevents the paper from unspooling onto the floor or spinning loosely whenever you try tearing off a sheet. It also enables clean, straight tears rather than ragged, angled ones.

Wall Mounting Hardware

Under cabinet holders require sturdy accompanying mounting hardware to affix them securely inside your cabinetry. Screws, bolts, or adhesive should be chosen based on the weight of the holder and your cabinet's interior construction material.

Easy One-Handed Tearing

Quality racks allow you to rip off sections of paper towel cleanly using just one hand. Perforated tabs facilitate tearing so that you don't need to yank wildly and unravel more sheets than intended.

Installation Process and Considerations

Installing an under cabinet paper towel holder is a relatively straightforward DIY project taking less than 30 minutes. However, accurate measuring and proper hardware are key for both aesthetic appeal and safety.

Measure Space

Whip out your tape measure and check the exact width between your selected cabinets before purchase. Note obstructions like pipes or ductwork interfering with the mounting area. Accurate sizing ensures your new holder fits flush without unsightly gaps.

If your space is exceptionally narrow or wide, a standard sized rack just won't work. Spring for a custom option sized specifically for your unique dimensions instead.

Mounting Surface Prep

Thoroughly clean inside cabinet walls with mild detergent, removing any built-up grease residue. If you're installing onto an existing adhesive mounting strip left from a previous holder, scrape any sticky remnants entirely off the surface. Drill appropriately sized pilot holes through cabinet walls if your hardware calls for them before proceeding.

Secure Install

Refer to your hardware's guidelines for specifics on securely attaching your holder. Typically two to three screws either at the edges or back plate anchor it firmly in position to support a full load's weight. Over-tightening risks stripping cabinet material.

Safety test by loading a few paper towel rolls and yanking downward before relying solely on the holder's strength. Proper mounting keeps it fixed in place despite continual pulling and tearing.

Alternate Uses and Paper Towel Considerations

An under cabinet paper towel holder eases access and organization for household tasks beyond the kitchen too. Here are a few ideas on alternate locations and paper towel options.

Reusable Paper Towels

Eco-conscious homeowners are shifting from single-use paper towels to reusable and sustainable alternatives better for the environment. These reusable cotton towels feature a perforated edge for tearing off just what you need while cutting household waste.

hassle-free paper towel access benefits untidy garages, laundry rooms with frequent spills, and cluttered pantries too. Consider installing additional holders wherever you store backup rolls currently stuffed in drawers or cardboard boxes.