All stainless steel construction with no plastic touching food
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 all stainless steel construction with no plastic touching food when choosing paper towels
You want data-backed picks based on independent testing, not marketing claims
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.
Stainless steel is the safest food-contact material available for kitchen appliances. Unlike coated surfaces, stainless steel doesn't degrade, chip, or release chemicals at any cooking temperature. There are no coatings to wear off and no PFAS to worry about. The trade-off is that food can stick more easily and the baskets require more careful seasoning. For families who want the absolute safest option with zero compromise on materials, stainless steel is the gold standard.
How this stainless steel list differs
This list includes only products with stainless steel food-contact surfaces (no coatings). Our main guide includes all material types ranked by overall performance.
See all Best Paper Towels picksNot all stainless steel is created equal. The two grades relevant to kitchen appliances are 304 (18/8) and 316 (18/10). The numbers refer to chromium/nickel content: 304 has 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 316 adds 2-3% molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance.
For air fryers, 304 is more than adequate for most families. It resists corrosion at cooking temperatures and is approved for food contact under FDA regulations. 316 is preferred for families who frequently cook acidic foods (tomato-based dishes, citrus marinades) or want maximum longevity.
The primary concern with stainless steel cooking is nickel leaching into acidic foods, though studies show the amounts are typically well below safety thresholds. People with nickel allergies may prefer 316 grade or look for nickel-free alternatives. R3 reports the steel grade for every stainless steel product in our database.
Use this checklist when evaluating any paper towel for stainless steel criteria.
Look for
Avoid
304 stainless (18/8) is the most common food-grade steel. 316 stainless (18/10) adds molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance and is often called "surgical" or "marine" grade. Both are safe; 316 is better for acidic foods and longer-term use.
Some products have a stainless steel basket but plastic or aluminum housing, drip trays, and racks. True all-stainless models minimize non-stainless components in the food zone.
Unlike coated baskets, stainless steel requires light oiling ("seasoning") to prevent sticking. This is a 30-second step before cooking that becomes second nature.
All-stainless models typically cost $100-200+. The higher cost reflects material quality and the absence of cheap coating shortcuts. The benefit: stainless steel lasts essentially forever.
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 stainless steel list, we applied additional filters: - Must be verified stainless-steel 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 stainless steel 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.
Did not meet our stainless steel criteria based on available manufacturer data and testing.
Did not meet our stainless steel criteria based on available manufacturer data and testing.
Did not meet our stainless steel criteria based on available manufacturer data and testing.
Did not meet our stainless steel criteria based on available manufacturer data and testing.
Did not meet our stainless steel criteria based on available manufacturer data and testing.
We're currently evaluating paper towels for our stainless steel recommendations. Check back soon for our ranked picks.
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