Best Small Step Ladders in the UK

This three-step ladder from Home Discount has a nice, minimalistic, sleek look. It's nothing we haven't seen before but the black and white combination really makes the model appear charming but not too eye-catching and distracting at the same time.

We can't say that the modern stylish design is what really sells this product though. We would rather suggest that it has more to do with the non-slip rubber tread surfaced steps and these two lovely side handrails that offer additional support and great stability.

The problem with small step ladders is that they're usually devoid of handrails and instead only come with a handlebar. Here, you have both the handlebar and the handrails, making the model much safer than your average ladder like that.

Sure, it's not like these handrails don't have a downside too. Them, as well as the model's steel construction, really rack up the weight, making the ladder about 2-3 kilograms heavier than most small step models.

But, as far as we're concerned, that is a small price to pay for safety. Plus, it's not like there is that much of a difference between 5-6 kilograms and 8.

Simply put, this Home Discount model is easily one of the best small step ladder prospects on the market right now. It looks about as sleek and stylish as ladders can look. It is safer than your average small step model. Plus, it will allow you to reach higher than those small step models too.

We don't usually care for these self-given "premium" titles but, with this VonHaus Premium 2-step ladder, we're willing to make an exception. For starters, the model's steel structure is about as robust and durable as they come. A frame like that evenly distributes weight for maximum stability. But, of course, it isn't just about the frame's structure.

A small step ladder with a handlebar is nothing we haven't seen before. But a nice EVA foam grip added to that handle is a slightly different story. With that additional safety and comfort, you'll be able to operate the ladder with wet or sweaty hands without worrying about falling down.

Very much below the cushioned foam handle, you will find non-skid rubber feet. Performing a similar function, the feet keep the ladder from slipping and the "rubber" part makes sure that they don't scratch your floors.

Another little detail that contributes to the model's safety mechanisms is a nice little latch that automatically locks in place, preventing the ladder from folding whilst in use. That said, the folding mechanism isn't very ergonomic, so be careful not to snap your fingers when you close it.

Wrapping it up, VonHaus Premium is an excellent small step ladder. Again, the steel here is about as strong and reliable as they come. Thanks to the EVA foam grip, the model is really safe. All in all, it is a practical and functional ladder that doesn't really have any major downsides.

IKEA BEKVAM is a little different from every other model on this list. In some ways, it is definitely more practical. It doesn't incorporate a foldable design, so you won't have to retract and extract it every time you need a ladder. It measures just 41 x 50 x 36 centimetres in overall dimensions, so it's not like it takes up too much space. The model's weight stands at 4.2 kilograms, making it the most lightweight ladder here.

Add the size, weight, and the hand-hole in the top and you have yourself a ladder that you can easily move around the house without putting too much effort into it.

As you can probably tell, IKEA BEKVAM is crafted from wood. More specifically, high-quality Aspen wood. You can sand, lacquer, or paint it and make the already attractive ladder even more charming. Plus, it is one of those wood types that isn't very susceptible to moisture and doesn't really absorb water, so you shouldn't have any maintenance issues.

Now, the downsides here are fairly obvious. Without a handlebar, the model isn't as safe as every other entry on the list. And since you can't extract it, the ladder won't allow you to reach quite as high.

All things considered, IKEA BEKVAM has its flaws and its advantages too. Provided the ceilings in your home aren't too high and you don't have any balance/coordination issues, we can definitely recommend giving this little step stool a try. Otherwise, you might want to look in a safer direction.

There isn't a whole lot to dislike about this model from VonHaus. First of all, the price isn't too steep. This isn't the cheapest small step ladder on the market today but, considering everything that it has to offer, the people behind the model could've probably doubled the price and it would still sell like lukewarm cakes.

To begin with, its construction is well-thought-out and well-balanced. When folded, the model adds up to 50 x 118 x 15 centimetres in overall dimensions, not the smallest ladder but not the largest one either. However, unfold it and its height (meaning the first step's height) goes from 15 centimetres to 73.5. As you'd imagine, with a ladder like that, you'll be able to reach anything around the house, no matter how high your ceilings are.

The white powder-coated steel here is robust and looks pretty nice too. However, the paint job is passable at best, so there's a decent chance it will start chipping away after a year or two.

The steps are great though. They're really wide and come equipped with gripped treads that work wonders preventing you from slipping. The non-skid feet are fairly wide too, keeping you and the ladder nice and stable.

To put it a little differently, this three-step ladder from VonHaus might be the most well-rounded and well-balanced models on this list. Once more, the price isn't steep at all, the size is very convenient, and the little details like extra-wide steps and feet make the model a smart investment.

This ladder from Home Discount is the cheapest option on this list. But we wouldn't necessarily call it a discount ladder. Sure, it isn't without its flaws. For one, when unfolded, the upper step's height doesn't go above 56 centimetres, so we wouldn't really call it the best model for shorter people and/or for individuals with high-ceiling homes.

However, we don't have any issues with the steps themselves. They're really wide and, fitted with rubber mats, they do a very good job preventing you from slipping and falling down the ladder.

The non-skid feet aren't too bad either. They keep the ladder in place regardless of the surface, so you should be able to operate it without worrying too much about your safety.

Having said that, the rubber casing here isn't as effective as it could be and, depending on the floors, the feet might leave marks after them.

Other parts of the model's construction leave practically no room for complaints. The paint job is good. The steel structure is sturdy and durable. The handlebar is there, so the ladder is already safer than any other model without it.

In short, this small step ladder from Home Discount is great in aiding cleaning when you try to reach those hard-to-get places. It is also great for painting, decorating, and any other similar DIY job around the house. However, it isn't too great for short people with high ceilings.