Timely thread! I am also looking for one, but mine needs to be even taller, to reach 10 foot uppers (at least three feet). I look forward to reading responses!

Maybe this is the thread?

Here is a link that might be useful: For the vertically-challenged: step stool and oven door size

I love my step stool. It fits in a normal base cab and only takes 1 1/2" folded. It comes in white or chrome.

I'm probably going to get the same one as laxsupermom (but am waiting to see if it will get me high enough) and BBB carries it for $25 and will be only $20 with their 20% off coupon!

charlikin, thanks for the link! The amazing thing is it is a thread I started back then, too...probably why I didn't clip it--assumed I remember to look at my emails! Anyway, it is now clipped. Thanks again.

laxsupermom, I was just looking at that stool on amazon.com this morning but, in line with sprengle1's comments, it did not specify what the height of the top step is. In addition, a couple of people mentioned that it's easy to get pinched when either opening or closing it. Have you experienced any of that? Any chance you could give me a quick height measurement on that top step? Thanks!

The top step is 17". I've never been pinched and am not sure how that could even happen. To close the stool you place one hand(thumb, really) on the red button and the other hand on the top step. Your hands shouldn't be anywhere near the hinge slide things.

Mine is called a skinny mini and is similar tot he one laxsupermom posted except that it has 3 steps and an arch that runs like a guard rail behind the top step. Adds height, so it goes in a tall utility cabinet. It's still very narrow. I got mine at Target.

laxsupermom and lascatx, I just ordered one each of both of those stools. The container store seemed to be selling one identical to lax's but it says it's 18 inches high; hoping that's not a misprint, even an inch helps. But I was curious about that one on Target as well and thought I'd get it also and compare the two so I ordered both. The Target site says that stool is only 30 inches high, total, but it looks like it would be more...is it really just 30, las? Once I get them both, I'll let you all know if I see any differences.

I have this one (see lowes link). It's less than 28", folds up nicely, very sturdy and very lightweight. It's also rated for up to 300lbs (DH can use it as well).

Here is a link that might be useful: Werner step stool

This is a stepladder that is always out in the kitchen. I think it's pretty darn cute. If you have small kids that like to perch and participate, it might be fun. I'm getting one (an old wooden one we've been using just died) as soon as we recover from the plumbing bill.

Here is a link that might be useful: Retro step stool chair

Thanks sophie for that backup idea. I may end up there if these others don't work out...good to have lots of backup plans!

Slateberry, I remember those! Fond memories of a red one at my grandma's. We did love to perch in it, too. I don't think I have room for one like that to sit out, but it is fun!

Thanks again for all the great ideas, everyone.

Slateberry51, thank you so much. $63!? Yippee!

Just got a catalog (Country Home?) with that stool for $119. My grandmother had one too, in red, in her black/white/red kitchen. I immediately wanted it in red for my new black and white kitchen. But $119 was a little steep. Never thought of Amazon (do they sell EVERYTHING now?)

So YIPPEE! $63! You've made my night. :D

My Mom picked one up one of these (It also comes in a two step version that is 17" high) on sale for $9.99:

Features:
Folds from 9" high stepstool to easy to store 2" width
300 lb. weight capacity
Skid resistant top and feet
Carrying handle

It is just enough for her to get into the top shelves without stretching. It's fine for getting into cupboards or anything where you have something in front of you but I warned her if she tries to change a light bulb in a ceiling fixture on it the next stop is the home, any of the small stools seen here are not ideal for that sort of thing.

Someone had a really nice step stool from Williams Somona that I think they had cut the bottom off of so it would fit in a shallow cabinet/space in the end of an island. I would love to see the picture again. Can anyone remember who or find the picture?

That was cat_mom. Really nice stool - pricey, but much prettier than all these utilitarian types.

That said, I have the utilitarian one from the Container Store. Very similar but not identical to the one from BB&B. It feels very sturdy though, and it's pretty easy to use. Fits diagonally in my 15" wide x 19" deep broom closet. :-)

caryscott, where did your Mom get that one? I could use one (the taller one) for my bedroom closet. But the other ones are too pricey for my occasional use.

Yup, that was me (good memory charlikin!):

Posted by cat_mom (My Page) on Mon, Sep 1, 08 at 16:43

I'm 5'3" as well and I love my W-S 2-step step stool (they also make a taller, 3-step version). It's slim, lightweight, extremely easy to open and close, and it looks cool, too! The only downside is that it's too tall to store in a "normal" height cabinet, so my DH had to pop the rubber feet off, cut down the legs, and then pop the feet back in/on. I can reach the top shelf of all my cabs while standing on it (ok, maybe not all the way in the back of my over-the-fridge cab!).
I do have a slightly taller step stool stored in another room just feet away from the kitchen if I really needed it. I do need to stand on a ladder or counters to clean the range hood chimney where it meets the vaulted ceiling, and I need the ladder to reach the tops of the upper cabs themselves (for cleaning or placing decorative items up top).

FYI, they've gone up a bit in price since I purchased mine (Jan '07?).

IMHO, it is the easiest one to use that I've found--easy open/close, very sturdy, and truly ultra-light in weight. Worth every penny (especially since I can't reach much higher than the second shelf in most cabinets, and in only a couple of cabinets, the 3rd shelf!).

Just saw that retro one in yellow on target.com for $54.99, but didn't see it in red.

I couldn't find the one I got int he store on target.com, but my 3 step version is more like 43" when folded. I have a tall utility cabinet but it is only 12" wide, so I have the height, but loved the fact that it is only 1-3/4" wide st the widest point with the cross support. Most of it is only 1-14" wide. I paid about $30 for it.

slateberry 51,
Boy, does your photo link bring back memories! My grandmother had one of those for all of us grandchildren to perch on and it was yellow! Thanks!
Pam