Unlike most step ladders, stepping stools are more compact, shorter, and provide much wider steps. They’re a fantastic alternative to step ladders if you want something that’s easier to store or don’t need anything too tall.
Regardless of your reason for needing a step-stool with three steps, you’ve come to the right place. We narrowed it down to the 12 highest-rated choices on the market. You’ll certainly find what you’re searching for below!
In Short, Here Are The Highest-Rated 3-Step Foldable Stepping Stools On The Market
- Rubbermaid RMS-3T
- Cosco 11408PBL1E
- Delxo Aluminum Woodgrain
- HBTower
- Best Choice Products
- Little Giant Ladders
- LUISLADDERS
- Delxo
- xaestival Lionladder
- Rubbermaid RM-3W
- Delxo Folding Steel
- KARMAS PRODUCT
1. Rubbermaid RMS-3T
First up, the Rubbermaid RMS-3T is an excellent stepping stool with 3 steps. It’s one of the few with a top cap that could be used for tools or items. With a 225-pound weight capacity, it has a sturdy construction compared to most stepping stools. It also comes with a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind!
Users Say: “I love this. I’m 5’3 and there is a whole world I couldn’t access but now I can!! I’m a teacher and I could easily reach my walls to put work up and change it. I also felt comfortable up so high since the step stool is sturdy! I even got my mom one (5’2 and a teacher too) and she loves it!”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 225 pounds
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Stool Weight: 16 pounds
- Dimensions: 52.2H x 18.2W x 2.4D
- Step Count: 3
- Top Cap
2. Cosco 11408PBL1E
This stepping stool isn’t absurdly famous for nothing. There are a plethora of reasons why we love the Cosco 11408PBL1E.
It’s relatively lightweight at only 13 pounds, delivers reliable stability, durable for the price, has a practical top rubber handgrip, provides a decent weight capacity of 200 pounds, and easy to store with a petite folded design. Not only do we highly recommend it, but it has astounding customer-reviews, as well!
Users Say: Glad I read other reviews that warned about the surprise “click” when you first step on it as it snaps into place. It did startle me even though I was expecting it. No worries. We have high ceilings and I’m short, so I bought another for the bedroom walk-in closet. It’s a nice stool. Lightweight folds easily and flat. Just be expecting that loud “click” when stepping on.
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Stool Weight: 13 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.95 x 17.2
- Top Rubber Hand Grip
3. Delxo Aluminum
With a stylish wooden finish, the Delxo is an attractive option. This 3-step stepping stool is made with sturdy aluminum. Unlike the previous unit, this one provides an immense weight limit of 300 pounds.
Another beneficial attribute is it’s much lighter than most stepping stools on this list. Weighing only 9 pounds, it’s very mobile and effortlessly portable for most people.
Overall, this stool is one of the better choices on the market due to its lightweight, durable build with a 300-pound limit, and elegant appearance. We fully endorse it!
Users Say: “I’m not easily bowled over by a product, but this one did it. I needed something lightweight, sturdy, and useful, but it’s going to a cottage rental, so I wanted it to be very attractive too. This ladder exceeded all of my expectations and blends right in with all the wood in the cottage. It adds to the decor and does not look cheap or cheesy.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Made of Aluminum
- Stool Weight: 9 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Wooden Color
4. HBTower
Here is one of our absolute favorite stepping stools on the market. Better yet, it’s currently on a significant 25% price reduction, as well.
Along with it being the most robustly constructed on this list, the HBTower also possesses the highest weight capacity of 500 pounds. It’s built for maximum longevity and the ability to withstand vigorous conditions. You’ll be very satisfied with its dependability.
Users Say: “I’m 77 and hesitant to use the wobbly wooden steps I’ve had for years. So I bought these. They are wonderful — sturdy, lightweight, and unfold easily. My kitchen cabinets go all the way up to the 9’ ceiling, so I needed something that could get me to the top shelf safely. I like having a sturdy handle to grab.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 500 Pounds
- Dimensions 41 inches tall x 20 inches wide
- Stool Weight: 11.5 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Top Rubber Grip
5. Best Choice Products
With near-flawless ratings amongst users, the Best Choice Products is yet another trustworthy 3-step stepping stool. Right off the bat, you’ll notice the non-slip grips incorporated in each step for enhanced safety.
It provides an above-average 330-pound weight limit, reliable stability, and a top cap for holding accessories or tools. However, it’s a bit heavier than many 3-step stools weighing 15.2 pounds.
Users Say: “Just what I needed. I wanted something strong enough to accommodate the large people in my family and safe for moving items up to and down from ceiling-high cabinets. It seems to be very safe and sturdy and the shelf is very useful. All in all, a good product at a reasonable price.“
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 15.2 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- Top Cap
- Top Rubber Grip
6. Little Giant Ladders
If you need a heavy-duty 3-step stepping stool for contract work in rough environments, the Little Giant Ladders is possibly your best bet. Nevertheless, you can absolutely use it for your home, as well.
This stool has an extended hand rest making it easier to climb for those with bad knees. Another list of noteworthy features worth mentioning is its impressive 375-pound weight limit, tough aluminum construction, slip-resistant feet, and foldable handrail for added convenience.
Users Say: “This step ladder is well designed and well built. Each of the three steps is wide and deep. This product provides a safe, comfortable platform to stand on. I like the raised bar! It provides a safe place to hold. Also designed with a small tray to hold several tools. Folds up very ease, does not require a lot of storage space.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 375 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 16.1 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Top Hang Grip: Yes
7. LUISLADDERS
With unique handrails on each side and top, the LUISLADDERS is a safe choice if you want extra security. Better yet, it’s very tough constructed with steel.
It also has an excellent 330-pound weight limit and a locking system. The primary downside we noticed was it’s a bit on the heavier side making it less convenient to move.
Users Say: “This is just what I needed to reach the top shelves in my home. I had a smaller, older, different kind & brand that I’ve used for many years – I recently fell when using it, & it scared me into looking for a safer kind. This is it! The handrails are my favorite feature. I feel much safer with them.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 17.65 Pounds
- Locking System
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Hand Rails
- Made of Steel
- Top Grip
8. Delxo
Running below $70, the Delxo is a relatively affordable 3-step stepping stool. Along with it being GS-Certified, you’ll notice its sturdiness and stability instantly.
You’ll also enjoy the small folded size of 44.3H x18W x 4.3D for easy storing. If you don’t want to blow your wallet on a step stool but need something dependable, it’s a fabulous option!
Users Say: “Exceeded my expectations! I felt much safer using this step ladder than the one I had which is lighter to carry around but never felt comfortable using the top third level steps. This step ladder felt secure when I stood up on the top level to change the light bulbs.“
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 15 pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Dimensions: 44.3H x 18W x 4.3D
- GS-Certified
9. xaestival Lionladder
Next up, the xaestival Lionladder is a stainless steel constructed stepping stool with a 330-pound weight limit. Best of all, it’s one of the lightest on the market at only 7.4 pounds.
Not only can you get it as a 3-step, but the 4-step option is available, as well. The rubber foot pads also produce slip-resistance. We highly recommend it!
Users Say: “This step ladder is sturdy enough for my needs hanging bulletin boards and posters on classroom walls. I wish I’d bought a slightly higher ladder, but this one does fold away nicely and compactly and it’s light enough to move easily.“
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Stool Weight: 7.39 pounds
- Step Count: 3
- Made of Stainless Steel
- No Top Cap
- Dimensions: 49.4H x 18.6W x 3D
10. Rubbermaid RM-3W
Recently, the Rubbermaid RM-3W had a hefty price cut of 12% off the original amount. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s, either way, an incredible bang for the buck.
You can get this stepping stool in either silver, white, or black. Unfortunately, the weight capacity is below-average at 200 pounds. Yet, it’s exceptionally stable for individuals below that weight. Another positive trait is the stunningly high-reviews amongst customers.
Users Say: “Excellent quality! Took a few times to get the tab release figured out for easy, quick release. More “stepstool” than I want in my immediate space but finding that I use it daily and often need the extra height to reach upper areas comfortably (I’m 5’3″). It folds flat and would be perfect in my space if I had a handy “niche” to slide it–but that’s a criticism of my space and not the step ladder. Steps are deep and sturdy. Overall, very happy with this and highly recommend it.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Stool Weight: 13.3 pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Color Options: Black, Silver, White
11. Delxo Folding Steel
Coming with either three or four steps, the Delxo Folding Steel is an outstanding step-stool with a useful top cap, 300-pound weight limit, wide steps, and stable construction. You’ll enjoy the effortless storing once folded, as well. We fully endorse it!
Users Say: “Solid as a rock. Able to get you to any height in a normal room feeling safe and in balance, yet just light enough to carry up and downstairs. Rubber grip on top helps guide travel up and down the steps.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 14.3 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- Top Cap
12. KARMAS PRODUCT
Last but not least, KARMAS PRODUCT is a great step stool with 3 steps. It doesn’t necessarily stand out compared to the rest. Even though it’s not the highest-rated on the market, we still believe it deserved a mention due to its trustworthiness and value for the money.
Users Say: “I use it for getting into the back of my lifted truck’s camper. The hoop comes right to the base of the door, so it’s easy to step in. The plastic latch to lock it open seemed flimsy and hard to latch at first, but it broke in and is working fine now. While I’m not even 200 lbs, it feels sturdy and is still in great shape after a few weeks of hard use.”
Details & Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Stool Weight: 15.7 Pounds
- Step Count: 3
- No Top Cap
- Dimensions: 49H x 19W
Our Winner
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their 7-foot ladder. However, our winner is the HBTower due to its enhanced durability, longevity, and 500-pound weight limit. You’ll also enjoy the ease-of-use and compact design when folded. We highly recommend it!
What’s the difference between a stepping stool and a step ladder?
Although both are very similar, a stepping stool has larger steps and weighs more. A step ladder is perfectly V-shaped where a step stool isn’t. For contracting and work, a step ladder is recommended. For home use, a stepping stool is safer for those with a poor balance due to the wider steps.
How much do stepping stools cost?
Most stepping stools cost anywhere between $40-$80. The cost also depends on how many steps they provide.
How much do stepping stools weigh?
While the weight of a stepping stool highly depends on the number of steps, most weigh anywhere between 7-20 pounds. The rough average is around 15 pounds.
How many steps do stepping stools have?
The majority of stepping stools you’ll find on the market have between 2-4 steps. However, there are also many single-step stepping stools if a foot is all you need.
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best 3-Step Foldable Step Ladders For The Money
- Rubbermaid RMS-3T
- Cosco 11408PBL1E
- Delxo Aluminum Woodgrain
- charaHOME
- HBTower
- Best Choice Products
- Little Giant Ladders
- LUISLADDERS
- Delxo
- xaestival Lionladder
- Rubbermaid RM-3W
- Delxo Folding Steel
- KARMAS PRODUCT
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