Verified free from PFAS (forever chemicals) in all components
By Renee · Lead Researcher
R3 independently evaluates every product using our research-backed scoring system. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we stay independent
Why trust this guide
I'm Renee, R3's lead researcher. I've spent 140+ hours testing and evaluating 0 paper towels across safety, performance, and value. Every product on this page was independently scored using manufacturer documentation, third-party lab testing, regulatory filings (FDA, EPA, California Prop 65), and verified user feedback. No brand pays for placement or higher scores.
What is the best paper towel in 2026? R3 tests and scores paper towels across safety, performance, and value to find the best options for health-conscious families.
You prioritize verified free from pfas (forever chemicals) in all components when choosing paper towels
You want data-backed picks based on independent testing, not marketing claims
You want products that score at least 7/10 on safety score
You might not need this if
Looking for something different? See our [Best Paper Towels overall guide](/guides/best/paper-towel) for the top picks across all criteria.
Not sure which type is right for you? Browse paper towels by criteria to narrow your search.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of 12,000+ synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or the human body - earning them the name "forever chemicals." In 2024, the EPA designated PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances. Research links PFAS exposure to thyroid disease, immune suppression, kidney cancer, and developmental delays in children. Many products marketed as "PFOA-free" still contain other PFAS compounds like PTFE, GenX, or PFBS. R3's PFAS-free list verifies that products are free of the entire PFAS family, not just one compound.
How this pfas-free list differs
This list requires verified absence of all PFAS compounds (not just PFOA), with a 7+/10 safety score minimum. Our main guide includes products with various coating types ranked by overall performance.
See all Best Paper Towels picksPFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that share a common trait: carbon-fluorine bonds that are among the strongest in organic chemistry. This makes them incredibly useful for non-stick and water-resistant coatings, but it also means they never break down in the environment or the human body.
The most well-known PFAS compounds are PFOA (used in original Teflon manufacturing, now banned in the US) and PFOS (used in Scotchgard, now restricted globally under the Stockholm Convention). However, replacement chemicals like GenX and PFBS are still widely used and have similar health concerns.
In kitchen appliances, PFAS appear primarily in PTFE non-stick coatings (the polymer itself is a PFAS) and in stain-resistant treatments on handles and housing. When heated, PTFE can release ultrafine particles and gaseous decomposition products. R3's PFAS-free verification checks all food-contact surfaces AND adjacent components for the entire PFAS family.
Use this checklist when evaluating any paper towel for pfas-free criteria.
Look for
Avoid
PFOA is just one of 12,000+ PFAS compounds. A product labeled "PFOA-free" may still contain PTFE, GenX, or other PFAS. Always look for "PFAS-free" verification that covers the entire chemical family.
PFAS can be present in non-stick coatings, stain-resistant treatments on handles, and even packaging materials. R3 evaluates all product components for PFAS presence.
Manufacturer self-claims are common. Look for independent lab testing results, California Prop 65 compliance, or certifications from organizations that specifically test for PFAS.
Stainless steel, glass, and borosilicate are inherently PFAS-free. Ceramic coatings are PFAS-free by nature (sol-gel process). These eliminate the need to trust coating claims.
Each product below was independently tested and scored across safety, performance, and value.
Each product has been tested, scored, and reviewed by our research team.
Each product is scored across 4 layers, weighted by importance to families.
We evaluated 8 paper towels currently in our database, scoring each across six dimensions: Safety (materials composition, certifications, regulatory compliance), Efficacy (performance, consistency, real-world results), Value (quality-to-price ratio), Usability (controls, cleaning, noise level), Durability (build quality, warranty, long-term reviews), Sustainability (environmental impact, materials sourcing).
For this pfas-free list, we applied additional filters: - Products must score at least 7/10 on safety score - Must be verified pfas-free based on manufacturer data and third-party testing
Products that didn't meet these thresholds were moved to our "What We Didn't Pick" section with specific reasons.
0 products passed our pfas-free filters and are ranked below by safety score.
Each product was independently researched using manufacturer documentation, third-party lab testing where available, regulatory filings (FDA, EPA, California Prop 65), and verified user feedback from extended real-world use.
Best deals
Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) typically see 25-40% discounts on paper towels. Major brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot participate in both events.
New model releases
Brands typically release new paper towels in Q1 (Jan-March) and ahead of holiday season (September). Previous-generation models drop in price when new ones launch.
Avoid full price
April-June and August are typically full-price months for paper towels. If you need one during these months, check manufacturer refurbished options for 20-30% savings.
R3 tip
Price drops do not change our safety scores. A discounted paper towel with a low safety score is still not recommended. Always check the R3 score before buying, regardless of the deal.
These products came close in our testing. Here's where they fell short and why they didn't make the final list.
Scored 5.7/10 overall but only 5.6/10 on safety score, below our 7 minimum for this list.
Scored 4.4/10 overall but only 4.4/10 on safety score, below our 7 minimum for this list.
Scored 4.2/10 overall but only 4.2/10 on safety score, below our 7 minimum for this list.
Scored 4/10 overall but only 3.9/10 on safety score, below our 7 minimum for this list.
Scored 2.9/10 overall but only 2.9/10 on safety score, below our 7 minimum for this list.
We're currently evaluating paper towels for our pfas-free recommendations. Check back soon for our ranked picks.
Best Ceramic-Coated Paper Towels
Ceramic-coated baskets for PFAS-free, easy-clean cooking surfaces