Picture this scenario: you've got a lovely salmon filet on the stove, but you accidentally turned the heat up too high. Suddenly, the apartment fills with smoke, setting off the smoke alarm. You freak out, the dog freaks out, everyone is freaking out, so you grab a dining room chair, jump on top of it, and try to rip the battery out of the smoke detector. Unfortunately, a dining room chair is no match for a sturdy step ladder, so you lose your balance and go crashing to the ground. Broken chair, broken arm, burnt salmon, freaked-out dog – a sad ending to a tragic story. But we love happy endings, so we're going to help you rewrite this one. We researched the best step ladders on the market so that you can store one in your closet next time the salmon burns. You and your dog can thank us later. Cosco Folding Step Stool Step Up To The BestWith proven durability and added safety features, the Cosco Folding Step Stool takes our highest award.Best OverallFind on Amazon Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to go, and this is especially true with step ladders. The focus should be on safety, convenience, and strength; bells and whistles are not necessary. Cosco understands this, and its Two-Step Folding Stool reflects it. Stability comes from continuous rear leg support, along with a rubber-grip handle on the top bar that you can hold on to while you replace lightbulbs or reach for items on a high shelf. The two steps are extra large and are coated with rubberized, non-slip material to provide extra grip. The top step is 29 inches from the ground, so the Cosco Folding Step Stool is perfect for most household duties. Oh, and it also folds and stores conveniently in small closets and storage spaces. Pros: Rubberized leg tips won’t scuff floors Comes in 3 colors Available in a 4-step model Cons: Not designed to be sat on Instructions are pasted on ladder’s leg Delxo Folding Four Step Ladder Girl, You Couldn't Get Much HigherFor jobs that require a little extra height, the Delxo Folding 4-Step Ladder delivers.Best Multi-LevelFind on Amazon Today’s modern homes are often designed with higher ceilings and more open space, which means recessed lighting is higher and pictures are hung further up the walls. If you need to get further up than most step ladders allow you to, consider the Delxo Folding Four Step Ladder. Spanning over 55 inches from top to bottom, the Delxo is great for reaching the highest shelves in your garage or the smoke detector on your living room ceiling. Featuring a convenient handgrip for easy climbing, a reinforced cross-back support brace, and extra-wide steps for toe-to-heel foot support, the Delxo Folding Four Step Ladder is both safe and convenient. Pros: GS-certified for safety Non-slip steps Available in two- and three-step models Cons: Heavier than smaller designs Can slide on linoleum floors Cosco Two-Step Folding Ladder The Flatter LadderFor smaller homes and tight storage spaces, the Cosco Two-Step Folding Ladder provides functionality and convenience.Best ValueFind on Amazon Have we mentioned how much we love Cosco’s step ladders? They’re simple, strong, safe, and reliable. What we love most about the Cosco Two-Step Ladder are two things: first, it has all the features of their larger models, including the non-slip, extra-wide steps and the leg tips that prevent slipping and won’t scuff up your floors. Second, it folds up to be practically flat – like 2.5 inches flat. This makes it perfect for storage in small closets or under beds or behind sofas – in other words, apartments, and condos. Despite its size, it will still lift you another 28 inches off the ground, so it’s perfect to get small kids to the right height for helping out in the kitchen. Pros: Wide frame for balance Durable aluminum construction Extra-wide top step Cons: Rated for under 200 pounds No choice of colors Little Giant Ladder Systems Safety Step Ladder When Bigger Is BetterSomewhere between a step ladder and a professional ladder, this one covers all the bases.Best HeightFind on Amazon The Little Giant Ladder Systems Step Ladder may seem like more step ladder than you need at first glance, but if you’re looking for a home and garden solution that doesn’t require a tall, unwieldy full-size ladder, then this one is perfect. Constructed of lightweight aluminum (it actually weighs only 27 pounds) it’s a four-step ladder that extends to nearly five feet in length. At the top step, you’ll find a broad and sturdy grip handle that also acts as a sort of guard rail against falling forward. This is particularly convenient for jobs that require an additional stretch. And in case you don’t want to carry 27 pounds of step ladder around, the back legs have built-in tip & glide wheels for easy transport from the garage to the house. Pros: Rated for 300 pounds Slip-resistant, extra-wide feet Folds to only 5 inches deep Cons: No handgrip along the side Locking mechanism can stick Rubbermaid Two-Step Molded Plastic Stool The Rubber Hits The RoadSometimes, simpler is better. The classic shape, design, and utility of the Rubbermaid Two-Step Molded Plastic Stool is perfect for simple tasks.Best LightweightFind on Amazon Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Rubbermaid Two-Step Stool is made out of plastic; this is one tough product, rated to hold over 300 pounds. Best of all, its simplicity is perfect for those on-going, around-the-house needs: to reach that shelf that’s just a foot too high, to replace the lightbulb in the overhead lamp, or to unlatch a window lock. The cutout handles on the side make it easy to carry around (and it only weighs about five pounds), while the non-marring feet won’t damage your floor. Top it off with a non-slip grip on the top step, and you have strength and convenience wrapped up in one small package. Pros: Limited 1-year warranty Perfect for kids or the elderly Reliable name brand Cons: Not collapsable First step not made for standing Frequently Asked Questions My husband is a big guy. Will these step ladders support him? Most step ladders are designed for weights in excess of 200 pounds. Four-step ladders can handle 350 pounds or more, while some of the two-step models are made completely from plastic and could break under weights in excess of 200 pounds. Any step ladder you purchase will be labeled with its max weight, but we advise that you research the specifications before you purchase. How do I keep my step ladder from shaking from side to side? The lateral stability of a step ladder can be a big concern, especially for older adults whose balance may be a bit compromised. Most quality step ladders are constructed to have a wide base, which helps provide stability. It’s also important to keep your feet at shoulder’s length apart when standing on a step ladder. You may also want to find a step ladder with an extra-wide top step. Finally, make sure the ground or floor underneath your ladder is even. For the most part, side-falls happen when the step ladder isn’t placed on a level surface. Are step ladders designed for long term use? A quality step ladder should last you for years and years. That said, a step ladder is also designed to be lightweight and compact, which means it’s constructed from lightweight materials that could lose their integrity faster than those used in professional (full-sized) ladders. It’s pretty easy to figure out if your step ladder is losing its integrity – it’ll simply start feeling flimsy and shaky. Remember, it might not be the frame that’s giving it out, but rather the small screws holding the frame together. Try tightening these screws if possible and then step up on your ladder. If it still feels flimsy, it’s time to move on to another ladder. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Dog Stairs Read more The Best Dog Stairs Read more The Best Bed Dog Steps Read more