Best paper towels

When it comes to slurping up spills, some paper towels really do "bring it," which is Bounty's challenge to the messy among us. Best of the 23 we tested are plain Bounty and Bounty Extra Soft. But all Bounty products aren't equal: A third version, Bounty Basic, absorbed less than its brandmates.

We tested absorption (the weight of water that a 25-square-inch piece of paper towel could hold) and scrubbing (the number of strokes needed to tear a section of wet paper towel rubbed over a mildly abrasive surface). The best at scrubbing survived five to 10 times as many scrubbing strokes as those that tore most easily. We also assessed wet strength (force required to pull a section of wet towel apart).

Prices ranged widely, from $1.46 to $5.12 per 100 square feet, but you needn't pay top dollar. Great Value (Walmart) cost $1.82 per 100 square feet and was very good; Earth Friendly Products, one of the priciest, was lowest rated of all.

Bottom line. Try one of the three recommended products. If you go through paper towels like mad, and top performance isn't paramount, consider Great Value or Kirkland Signature, which were very good and are cheaper than most.