Best Set of 4: Metal Bar Stools Set of 4 Counter Height Barstools

When it comes to sets of bar stools, we looked for several factors beyond quality and durability . . . such as, are the stools stackable? You’d think this would be a given, but we were surprised at the number of metal bar stool sets we researched that weren’t!

After trying out several brands, we picked this reader favorite by the FDW store as the best set of 4. Excellent sturdiness and yes, they are stackable.

What We Liked

• Nice bang for the buck.

• Stackable.

• Perfect size at 24″ high (also comes in 30″ high version).

• Rubber pads protect floor.

• Fully assembled.

What Needs Work

• Can rust if left outside in the elements.

Best Set of 2: FDW Bar Stools Counter Stool Barstools Set of 2 Industrial Metal Bar Stools

These bar stools are by the same maker as our previous pick, but come as a set of 2 instead of 4. The same pros and cons apply!

Best White Metal Stools: Vogue Furniture Direct 24″ High Barstools

For the best white metal stools, we researched and compared several brands before deciding these stools by Vogue Furniture are the best bet for most folks. And if you don’t like white, they come in a dozen or so other colors. We liked the quality here and the retro look is perfect for that mid-century vibe.

What We Liked

• Sturdy.

• Retro look.

• Fully assembled.

• Lightweight at 9 lbs.

• Rubber foot pads protect flooring.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Best Metal Stools with Backs: AC Pacific Modern Light Weight Industrial Metal Bucket Back Barstool

Yes, most metal stools sold today are backless . . . and we realize that can be uncomfortable for some folks. After trying out several options and getting reader feed back, we decided these stools by AC Pacific are the best choice in this category. 

At 30″ high, these stools are what’s commonly referred to as bar height (versus counter height, which is usually about 24″ high).

What We Liked

• Easy to assemble.

• Sturdy.

• Nice distressed black finish.

• Bar height.

• Lightweight at 11 lbs.

What Needs Work

• Small seating area.

• Backrest is a bit short for taller folks.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!