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Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

Reach Higher Places With the Best Step Ladders in Town

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Published 5:24 am
Show contents
Here Are the Best Step Ladder of 2023
  • 1 HBTower Step Ladder
  • 2 CoscoProducts Step Ladder
  • 3 Rubbermaid Step Ladder
  • 4 Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Step Ladder
  • 5 Delxo Step Ladder

As children, some of us silly billies wondered how it’s like to reach the ceiling fan or how to open various cabinets. This remained a mystery until we were introduced to the crafty world of step ladders. Whether you want one at your job or just around the house for a couple of tasks, this convenient gadget can save you a lot of effort and make life much easier. Since having one really eases the ‘high-level’ issues, we have compiled a list featuring some of the best step ladders in 2023 for you to order from the comfort of your home. 

Many people focus on making a list of all their safety/convenience tools in one place before moving in. You might be surprised to see how many ladders make it to the list. So, if a gadget is that important and you are also considering buying it, why don’t we make your life easier? Let’s dig into the world of convenience tools and find some of the best step ladders in the market. 

Here Are the Best Step Ladder of 2023

1

HBTower Step Ladder

– Best Overall
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HBTower is a three-step ladder made from sturdy steel. It can easily accommodate over 500 lbs weight and comes in a classic black color with a handgrip and safety buckles that lock to add a sense of stability and security during use. 

Moreover, it is conveniently foldable and weighs only 11.5 lbs. You can store it in a small space without any issue. This step ladder features a high-friction design and a 2-year warranty that adds more to the professionalism of the seller and reliability of this product. 

Pros
  • Convenient to store
  • High friction frame and a secure handgrip
  • Can tolerate up to 500 lbs of weight 
  • Easily foldable
Cons
  • Opening and closing may be hard for some people
2

CoscoProducts Step Ladder

– Runner Up
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As convenient as ever, Cosco has introduced a product that people are not worried about investing in. The Cosco 11408PBL1E is a portable step ladder that can help you with indoor and outdoor activities around the house. It features large steps with a rubber handgrip for more stability and security.

This steel ladder can handle over 200 lbs weight despite only weighing 13 lbs itself. You can easily store it in any small corner without any hassle. Additionally, it comes in various colors like blue, platinum, purple, green, red, and gray. You can also find a two-step variant if you’re looking for something smaller. 

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable 
  • Heavy duty with a convenient grip
  • Two variants available
Cons
  • Can slip on wet surfaces
3

Rubbermaid Step Ladder

– Honorable Mention
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Designed conveniently for people who want to reach cupboards and cabinets around the house, Rubbermaid RMS 2 is actually a dream come true. This product is made from high-quality alloy steel that capacitates around 225 lbs weight despite weighing only 10.5 lbs. 

Other than its Type 2 ANSI duty rating, it comes in a classic white color that does not look odd or out of place in a house. The slim design helps make convenient storage, while the non-slip design adds a lot to the security. Available in one, two, and three-step variants, the product also has a 1-year limited warranty.

Pros
  • Portable and extremely lightweight 
  • Easy to store 
  • It comes with a warranty 
Cons
  • Not suitable for heavier or obese people 
4

Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Step Ladder

– Also Consider
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Flip-N-Lite by Little Giant Ladders can be a good buy if you are looking for a long-term ladder to use around the house. Perfect for accommodating around 300 lbs, this Aluminum ladder can reach higher spots of the house like your ceiling fan. It is 74.75 inches long, 21.25 inches wide, and 6 feet in height. 

Additionally, the product comes with extra-wide rungs that reduce your instilled phobia of falling. It is available in grey color with 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet height variants. 

Pros
  • Durable and perfect for long-term use 
  • Made from heavy-duty aluminum 
  • Suitable for heavier people
Cons
  • Foot space might be insufficient for older or weaker people 
5

Delxo Step Ladder

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Delxo is a high-quality four-step ladder that is made from a perfect combination of alloy steel and rubber. Certified by GS and TUV, this product is known to offer a safe and stable experience. When open, the ladder is 52 inches in height, 34 inches in length, and 17 inches wide, making it a space-saving yet high step ladder.

Furthermore, the steps have extra wide foot support and a non-slip rubber surface making it almost impossible for you to slip or fall. 

Pros
  • Additional support and foot grip for balance
  • Can bear up to 330 lbs 
  • Convenient hand grip 
  • Available in two, three, and four-step variants
Cons
  • It might be heavy to carry for some people

Buying Guide for the Best Step Ladders

A step ladder is quite commonly used nowadays. Over the years, it has proven to help people manage their personal and professional ladder requirements. For some people, research is almost as hard as getting a doctorate. Before you go and invest your money in the first ladder you see, we have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best step ladders for long-term use. 

What Things To Consider When Buying a Step Ladder? 

To ensure that you are making the right decision, here is a list of things to consider when buying the best step ladder for your use. 

Weight 

The ladder you choose needs to support your weight or the weight of things that you are carrying. We have explained the type of ladder ratings that can handle different weight types below. Ladder injuries are prevalent; you can fall from a broken ladder and get severe injuries if it’s not designed to support your weight. 

Height 

The length of a step ladder you choose to buy depends on the height you are aiming to reach. Usually, a 4-step ladder can reach pretty much anywhere around the house, but consider buying something else if your walls are higher than usual. 

Type of Step Ladder 

There are two types of step ladders:

  1. The front-step ladder has rungs on one side, and the other one is mainly for support. If your activities are simple with no additional objects, this is the perfect item. 
  2. A twin-step ladder has a broader frame and rungs on both ends. This one is used if more than one user needs to climb the ladder or you need to relocate heavier objects.

Why Should Every Home Have a Convenient Step Ladder? 

As mentioned above, step ladders are a must-have in many people’s lists. Here is why: 

Self-supporting 

Step ladders are highly self-supporting; you don’t need anyone to hold the ladder while you climb and perform the task. Their shape and height can help you reach higher parts of the house, like top parts of cupboards, cabinets, and even the ceiling fan. 

Lower chances of falling accidents 

Ladder accidents were prevalent before step ladders came into the market. They come with more comprehensive steps to accommodate your entire foot, making it easy for you to stand on them without losing balance. Other than that, they also have a wider working area that lets you stand the entire time easily. Most of them are made of a non-slip surface that increases friction and gives you more support. 

Convenient for a long time 

While using certain types of ladders or stools, the users are required to balance themselves. Fortunately, this is not the case with step ladders. Whether you want to work for a couple of minutes or a few hours, step ladders are perfect for any time. Their angle on inclination allows added support which helps you stand on it and do tasks without much stress or imbalance. 

Lightweight 

A typical step ladder weighs around 10 to 20 lbs, making it lightweight and easily portable. It is designed to assist people without the need for anything else. Simply carry it to the desired location, set it, and use it. 

Easy storage 

Gone are the days when you needed a whole backyard to store your ladder. Step ladders are easily foldable and can be adjusted even in small spaces depending upon their height. You can even put one in your cupboard. 

What Are Ladder Ratings? 

One of the most important things you need to know before buying a ladder is its grade/duty rating. These are used to define the capability and capacity of each product. Understanding ladder ratings can help you shortlist the best ones that are perfect for your use. Here are the present-day ratings for step ladders: 

Type III (light duty) 

If you are looking for something to help you reach higher objects around the house, Type III ladders are perfect for the job. It is generally used on tasks like painting the house, reaching higher things, or simply making your way in the attic. However, these ladders can hold nothing over 200 lbs, so pick something else if you are on the heavier side. 

Type II (medium duty) 

These ladders are mainly used in professional places such as a construction zone or in an area where you need to relocate items from one height to another. They can hold up to 225 pounds of weight. 

Type I (heavy duty) 

If you have to carry around 250 pounds, a Type I (Heavy Duty) ladder is a perfect choice. Frequently they are used in an industrial location. Still, if you are looking for additional support around the house, this might be the best fit. 

Type IA (extra heavy duty) 

Known to handle extra heavy gear, the Type IA is a perfect fit for industrial use. They can be heavy to carry, but it is an ideal tool to help you reach higher items if you weigh in accordance with them. It also has another variant, the Type IAA. It can hold 375 pounds or more weight. 

What Does a Ladder Grade/Duty Rating Depend On? 

If you are buying a step ladder while considering their duty ratings, it is essential to know what they depend on. A typical duty rating depends on: 

  • Weight of the person who has to use the ladder. Most people on the heavier side prefer buying industrial-scale ladders for personal use. 
  • If you need one to carry material from a lower spot to higher (or vice versa), the weight of objects is also included. Most professionals have to wear protective clothing and customized gear. If you are one of those, you might want to get a rough estimate of everything before picking one. 

Final Thoughts 

A step ladder is everyday equipment used by people around the world. Over the years, they have taken over the concept of a conventional wooden ladder. Step ladders not only allow you to reach higher places but also reduce the chances of falls, injuries, and slips during use. With convenient angles and no-slip grip, they have made it to the must-have list for many people. 

There are plenty of things to consider before buying a step ladder. You must keep in mind that the height, weight, object to carry, and purpose of purchase will help you shortlist the best step ladders. After that, you can easily make a buying decision. 

Step ladders are made from different materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Users are advised to look at their duty ratings before finalizing one for the intended use. People usually buy one for long-term use, so make sure to have all pointers checked before buying one. 

Step Ladder FAQ

Q: What materials are step ladders made of?

A: Step ladders are usually made of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. 

Q: What do ladder ratings depend on?

A: Ladder ratings depend on the weight of the person and the objects they intend to carry. 

Q: Are accidents reduced with a step ladder?

A: People using step ladders have lower chances of meeting an accident because they have a wide footstep and no-slip surface.

Building Supplies Garage
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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