Paper Towels

Best Paper Towels and Where to Buy Them in the UK: Smart Picks, Savings, and Practical Tips

Why paper towels still matter in a digital world

You might think wipes and microfiber cloths have taken over, but paper towels remain a go-to in many kitchens and workplaces. They’re fast, disposable, and great for messes you don’t want to scrub off cloths. Think of them as the bandage of household cleaning: quick, convenient, and one-use so you avoid cross-contamination. I’ll show you where to find the best rolls for your budget and lifestyle, from supermarkets to trade suppliers, and even the slightly unexpected places like electrical and lighting retailers that sometimes stock household supplies.

Expert Electrical — the unexpected shop to check

Yes, Expert Electrical is known for lights, fittings, and wiring, but they also sell a surprising range of household supplies and accessories online. If you’re already buying Downlights or sockets, it’s worth scanning their site for cleaning rolls, disposable wipes, or trade-size hand towels. Why? Because trade suppliers often bundle cleaning products with lighting and electrical items for contractors, and that can mean decent prices on bulk rolls.

How to spot the best deals at Expert Electrical

When browsing Expert Electrical, look for trade packs or “bulk” descriptors and compare sheet counts. A pack might not shout “paper towels” on the product title, so check the product details or filters for household supplies. If you’re buying other items, sometimes free or low-cost delivery thresholds make adding a pack of towels the savvy choice. Think of it like picking up batteries at the checkout — small addition, big convenience.

Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons — everyday convenience

Supermarkets are the obvious first stop. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons each sell mainstream brands and value ranges, usually in both kitchen-roll and multi-roll formats. They’re handy if you want to grab a pack while doing the weekly shop, and loyalty schemes like Clubcard or Nectar can tip the value in your favour. Bulk buys are common, but remember: a cheaper roll doesn’t always mean cheaper per sheet.

Using loyalty and promotions to stretch your pound

Don’t overlook seasonal promotions or multi-buy offers — buy two get one free, for instance, can dramatically lower the cost per roll. If you have a loyalty card, check the app or vouchers before you shop; a small points boost on household essentials quickly adds up. Also, supermarket own brands often match the absorbency of big names at a lower price, so give them a try and compare.

Discount and bargain stores: B&M, Home Bargains, and Poundland

If you like a treasure hunt, discount stores often carry branded and no-name paper towels at sharp prices. B&M and Home Bargains rotate stock, so you might find premium packs at a discount. Poundland and similar shops sometimes sell smaller or single-roll formats that are handy for topping up without committing to a huge pack. The trade-off? Variable availability, so you’ll need to be flexible.

Online marketplaces: Amazon UK, eBay — convenience and wide choice

Ordering online is about convenience and selection. Amazon UK often lists everything from small boutique brands to large bulk packs, and you can read many customer reviews to judge absorbency and strength. eBay and other marketplaces let you hunt for deals on discontinued or bulk lots. Shipping and minimum order sizes matter here: if you’re saving time by having rolls delivered, do the math so the cost per roll truly beats the high-street price.

Subscriptions and smart ordering to save time and money

Consider subscription options where available. If you use paper towels weekly, setting a repeat delivery can save you money and the headache of reordering. Always check whether the subscription price is lower and whether you can pause easily — flexibility is key, especially for fluctuating household budgets.

Home improvement and trade suppliers: Screwfix, Wickes, Toolstation, and Costco

Trade suppliers and warehouse clubs are gold for large households or small businesses. Screwfix and Toolstation often carry industrial rolls and centre-feed towels designed for garages and workshops — these are tough and absorbent, and they come in long rolls suited to high-traffic areas. Costco offers bulk packs at membership-only prices but can be very cost-effective if you have storage space. Contractors’ supplies are where you’ll find “value per sheet” numbers that beat regular retail.

When trade products make sense at home

If you host a lot of DIY projects, entertain frequently, or run a small business, trade towels can be a smart move. They’re usually longer and tougher, which means fewer roll changes. Think of it like switching from a commuter bike to an e-bike for long trips — it’s about matching capacity to need.

How to pick the right paper towel: ply, ply, ply

Ply matters. One-ply is light and cheap; two-ply and three-ply increase absorbency and strength. But ply isn’t everything — sheet size and the pattern pressed into the towel (embossing) hugely affect performance. A single thick sheet can beat two thin ones. Ask yourself: what are you using the roll for? Quick spills? Greasy pans? Heavy-duty cleanup? Match the roll to the job rather than assuming more plies always equal better value.

Test for absorbency and strength — a simple at-home test

Here’s a quick test you can do in the aisle or at home: drop a measured amount of water on a flat surface and blot with one sheet. Time how long it takes to soak up and how much residue remains. A good sheet will pick up moisture without falling apart. Use a small amount, like a teaspoon, and measure sheets by eye — a normal kitchen sheet is roughly similar to a square a bit under a foot across, so you’ll get a feel fast.

Eco-friendly options: recycled paper, bamboo, and compostables

Want to be kinder to the planet? Look for recycled-content towels or those made from sustainable fibres like bamboo. Brands such as Who Gives A Crap are available in the UK and focus on recycled paper and charitable giving. Recycled towels can sometimes be less plush but do the job and reduce trees cut. Bamboo options are stronger for their thickness and have a softer feel, though price tends to be higher. If composting is an option, some brands make compostable towel products — check the label for home-compostable claims.

Balancing sustainability with cost

Sustainable choices might cost more up-front but often last longer per sheet because of better strength. Consider swapping one premium eco roll for several cheaper ones and see which ends up more economical long-term. It’s like choosing to buy a sturdy pair of boots rather than several cheap ones — the initial spend is higher, but the lifespan and performance can justify it.

Bulk buying for businesses: where to turn and what to watch

If you run a cafe, salon, or a small office, buying in bulk changes the game. Booker, Costco (membership), and trade branches of Screwfix and Toolstation stock large boxes and commercial hand-towel systems. Look for deals on centre-feed rolls or interfold towels that reduce waste in dispensers. Also, check whether the pack includes a dispenser — sometimes it’s worth buying one to avoid constant replacements and to keep towels sanitary.

Storage and turnover tips for bulk packs

Store rolls in a dry, cool place off the floor to prevent damp damage. Rotate stock so older packs get used first; think of it like pantry management. For businesses, keep a simple inventory checklist so you don’t run out mid-service — nothing kills momentum like scrambling for paper towels when you need them most.

Practical tips to make every roll last longer

Want to stretch a roll without suffering? Use single-sheet dispensers, tear carefully along the perforation, and avoid wiping greasy pans with a fresh sheet if you can scrape first. Use cloths for some tasks: a microfiber cloth for glass will beat a paper towel every time and reduces waste. Treat paper towels like a utility meter: little changes add up to big savings.

Brands to know in the UK — a quick guide

Popular names include Andrex, Plenty, Cushelle, and Velvet for mainstream buyers. Who Gives A Crap and Ecoleaf cater to eco-conscious shoppers. Trade brands and no-names at Screwfix or Toolstation can be practical for heavy use. Each has a niche: plush comfort, industrial strength, or green credentials. Try a few and pick what matches your priorities — feel, absorbency, and price.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you click or head to the till, ask yourself: How many sheets do I realistically use in a week? Do I want soft comfort or hard-wearing strength? Do I need a dispenser or a trade roll for high traffic? Comparing cost per sheet, sheet size, and ply will save you money and make your choice feel less like guesswork and more like a plan.

Quick shopping roadmap

Begin with supermarkets for convenience and deals, check Expert Electrical or trade suppliers if you’re buying other trade items or need bulk, scout discount stores for random bargains, and use online subscriptions for steady supply. If eco-credentials matter, buy from specialist brands or look for recycled labels on mainstream packs. Think of your shopping plan like a small strategy session: a little thought saves time and cash.

Wrapping up — smart buying means smarter cleaning

Paper towels are small, everyday items, but they add up in cost and waste. Whether you buy from Expert Electrical while picking up lighting, grab a budget pack at your local supermarket, or invest in trade rolls for heavy use, a little research goes a long way. Try different options, track which rolls last longest in your home, and align your purchase with what matters most to you — budget, strength, or sustainability. Make your next purchase intentional, and your cleaning routine will thank you.