Best 2-Step Ladders for Seniors: Top 10 Picks (November 2026)
The best 2-step ladders for seniors include the Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder (best overall for most seniors), the KINGRACK 2 Step Folding Ladder for a padded handrail, and the GOLYTON 2 Step Ladder for a comfortable rubber handgrip.
On this page (9 sections)
- The best 2-step ladders for seniors, ranked by score
- How these 2-step ladders compare
- How we compared these ladders
- What makes the best 2 step ladder for seniors?
- How much weight capacity does a senior need?
- Is a 2-step ladder enough, or do you need a taller one?
- Which 2-step ladder fits your situation?
- How do you set up and use a 2-step ladder safely?
- Our pick for the best 2 step ladder for seniors
The best 2 step ladder for seniors is the Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder, which pairs a hand grip with a top step that locks as you open it. At 10.5 lb it's easy to carry and folds to 2.4 in deep.
Older adults tend to want three things from a small ladder: something to hold, a wide place to stand and a lock that works without thinking. Every model below has at least some of those, and the ranking shows how well each one delivers.
Weight capacity, fold size and carry weight decide the rest. We sorted all 10 by score so you can stop at the first one that fits.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best overall for most seniorsRubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Best for pantry and closet reachingCheck it - 5
Best for light-colored kitchensCheck it - 6
Check itDIAMONDFORGE Step Ladder Foldable Folding Stool
Best for the lightest carry - 7
Check itLouisville Ladder 2 ft Fiberglass Step Stool
Best for a large, steady platform - 8
Best for under-bed and sofa storageCheck it - 9
Best for full floor contactCheck it - 10
Best for a low, compact frameCheck it
The best 2-step ladders for seniors, ranked by score
Rubbermaid leads because it covers the basics with the least compromise, and each ladder after it wins on one clear need. Our score weighs specs and features against what a senior shopper needs.
Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder: Best overall for most seniors
- Hand grip
- ANSI Type 2 Duty Rating
- 225 lb capacity
- 10.5 lb welded steel frame
A hand grip, a one-piece welded frame and a top step that locks as you fold it out. It folds to 2.4 in deep and needs no assembly.
Pros
- Hand grip for the climb
- Slimmest fold here at 2.4 in
- Non-marring rubber feet
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- 225 lb capacity is the lowest here
Rubbermaid is the best pick for most seniors because it handles the basics with no fuss: a hand grip, a one-piece welded frame and a top step that locks as you fold it out. It arrives ready to use, so there's nothing to assemble.
The alloy steel frame weighs 10.5 lb, light enough to carry from the kitchen to a closet. Non-marring rubber feet grip the floor without scratching wood, and the steel steps have tread inserts for traction.
The ladder carries an ANSI Type 2 Duty Rating and a 225 lb capacity, so it suits users who stay well under that number once you add what they carry. It folds to 2.4 in deep and 37.8 in tall, the slimmest fold in this group, so a narrow gap beside the fridge is enough storage.
The trade-off is capacity. Louisville, GOLYTON and the 800 lb models all carry more, so a heavier user or a bulky load should look there.
Rubbermaid backs it with a 1-year limited warranty.
KINGRACK 2 Step Folding Ladder: Best for a padded handrail
- 800 lb capacity
- Soft sponge handrails
- 14.01 x 11.3 in pedals
- Grip-style safety lock
Wide pedals, a padded handrail and an 800 lb capacity in a ladder that weighs 4.15 kg. The grip-style lock folds and secures with one hand.
Pros
- Padded handrails
- Wide non-skid pedals
- 800 lb capacity
- Shark-tooth textured feet
Cons
- Title names no ANSI duty rating
KINGRACK's white steel ladder is the one for people who want something padded to hold and plenty of weight margin. The soft sponge handrails are easy on the hands, and the grip-style safety lock folds and secures the ladder with one hand.
The pedals measure 14.01 x 11.3 in, wide enough to plant a whole foot instead of just the toes. Shark-tooth textured feet grip the floor, and the non-skid treads add traction on the way up.
The ladder is made of iron and plastic, weighs 4.15 kg and stands 32.05 in tall. KINGRACK says it supports 800 lb and calls the build rust-resistant, which gives a very large margin for someone carrying a loaded box.
Home, kitchen, pantry, closet and office use are all named in the title, and the bullets add cleaning, painting and decorating.
Rubbermaid beats it on one point: its title names an ANSI duty rating, while this one doesn't. If that matters to you, Rubbermaid or Louisville fits better.
GOLYTON 2 Step Ladder: Best for a comfortable rubber handgrip
- 500 lb capacity
- Rubber handgrip
- Automatic safety buckle
- Cross metal support
A rubber handgrip, thickened anti-slip pedals and a buckle that locks on its own. It weighs 8.8 lb and folds to 3.15 in.
Pros
- Rubber handgrip
- Locks automatically
- 8.8 lb weight
- Thick rubber feet
Cons
- Thickest fold here at 3.15 in
GOLYTON suits someone who wants a firm rubber handgrip and a mid-range 500 lb capacity in a steel frame. The grip is comfortable to hold while you climb, and the thickened pedals carry anti-slip particles across the surface to support the whole foot.
A safety buckle behind the pedal locks on its own when you open the ladder, and a cross metal support strengthens the step. Thick rubber feet cover the floor, so they resist sliding and scratching, and the listing also says it suits indoor and outdoor use.
It's alloy steel at 8.8 lb, lighter than Rubbermaid and BONTEC, with an open size of 32.09 x 19.09 x 21.26 in. GOLYTON names homes, kitchens, offices and garages as places it fits.
Folded, it's 3.15 in thick, the chunkiest fold in this group. If your closet gap is tight, Rubbermaid at 2.4 in or KINGRACK at 2.64 in slides in more easily.
People who want the largest weight margin should look at the 800 lb models instead.
HBTower 2 Step Ladder: Best for pantry and closet reaching
- 330 lb capacity
- Push-down top pedal lock
- Two step mats
- Noise-free TPR feet
A support-rod frame that locks when you press the top pedal down, with a sponge handle and TPR feet. It comes in black.
Pros
- Locks when the top pedal goes down
- Sponge handle
- Step mats for grip
- TPR feet protect floors
Cons
- 330 lb capacity is well below the 500 lb models
The black HBTower is a good match for a pantry, a washroom or a closet where you reach for items at the back of a shelf. Its support-rod frame stays tight against the body, and pressing the top pedal down sets the safety lock.
Two mats on the steps give grip, and a sponge handle makes it easy to carry. The noise-free TPR feet hold the floor without marking it.
The alloy steel frame stands 34.25 in tall and 16.53 in wide, with a 330 lb capacity. It weighs 4 kg, and the listing gives a maximum height of 31.8 in.
HBTower also says it can double as a plant stand when you aren't using it as a ladder.
The black finish is a plus where you'd rather not see a white ladder leaning in a corner.
The trade-off is capacity. At 330 lb it carries far less than GOLYTON or KINGRACK, and it has no ANSI duty rating in its title, so heavier users have better options higher up the chart.
HBTower Step Ladder: Best for light-colored kitchens
- 330 lb capacity
- Wide anti-slip pedal
- Sponge handrail
- 8.8 lb
The white version of the HBTower design, with the same lock, step mats and TPR feet. It stands 34.25 in tall.
Pros
- White finish
- Sponge handrail
- TPR feet
- 8.8 lb weight
Cons
- Nearly identical to the black HBTower
This HBTower is the white version of the same design, and it suits kitchens and bathrooms with light cabinets. It uses the same lock where the top pedal presses down, the same step mats and the same TPR feet.
The sponge handrail gives you something to hold, and the wide anti-slip pedal supports your whole foot. The lined pedal gives secure footing, and the feet are noise-free.
At 8.8 lb it's easy to move between rooms.
The alloy steel frame is 34.25 in tall and 16.53 in wide, with a 330 lb capacity and a 33 in maximum height. Its model number is TJ242KBH, where the black one is TJ242KAH.
Choose between the two HBTowers by color, since the frame and capacity match.
The trade-off against the rest of the field is the same as the black one: 330 lb is well below the 500 lb models. It also names no ANSI duty rating in its title, unlike Rubbermaid and Louisville.
DIAMONDFORGE Step Ladder Foldable Folding Stool: Best for the lightest carry
- 600 lb capacity
- 7.4 lb
- Gravity lock
- Curved leg-room design
The lightest ladder here at 7.4 lb, with sponge-covered handrails and a gravity lock. It folds to 2.95 in.
Pros
- Lightest here at 7.4 lb
- 600 lb capacity
- Curved design gives leg room
- Ready to use
Cons
- Title names no ANSI duty rating
DIAMONDFORGE is the lightest ladder here at 7.4 lb, which makes it a good choice if you carry it up and down stairs or between floors. It still holds 600 lb, with a gravity lock that engages as you open it.
The wide iron treads support the foot from heel to toe, and sponge-covered handrails give a firm grip. Large rubber feet resist sliding and protect the floor, and the frame is described as thickened 9mm alloy steel.
A curved design gives more leg room, so your shins are less likely to knock the frame. It stands 34 in tall and 15.7 in wide, folds to 2.95 in and comes ready to use.
The title uses words like extendable and tall, but the listing gives two steps and a 34.8 in maximum height, so treat it as a short stool.
The red finish is easy to spot in a dim pantry. Its title names no ANSI duty rating, which Rubbermaid and Louisville do.
Louisville Ladder 2 ft Fiberglass Step Stool: Best for a large, steady platform
- Type IA
- 300 lb capacity
- Fiberglass
- Large molded top
A 2 ft fiberglass step stool with a large molded top and steps with twice the area of a standard step. Louisville says it meets ANSI and OSHA standards.
Pros
- Large steps and molded top
- Type IA duty rating
- Fiberglass build
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- No handrail named
- Shorter at 24 in
Louisville Ladder's FS1502 is a different kind of ladder: an industrial 2 ft fiberglass step stool with a Type IA duty rating and a 300 lb capacity. It suits people who want a very wide, flat place to stand and who value fiberglass.
Louisville says the large molded top and steps offer twice the area of a standard step. Heavy gusset bracing supports the bottom frame, each step is held by six large-headed steel rivets, and Louisville says it meets or exceeds ANSI and OSHA standards.
It weighs 8 lb and stands 24 in tall, the lowest reach in this group. A 1-year warranty covers it.
The data counts two steps in the bullets and three in the specs, so look at the step height before you order if exact height matters.
The trade-off is that no handrail is named, while most of the other ladders here have one. Pick Louisville for platform size and fiberglass rails, and pick a handrail model when you want something to hold.
BONTEC 2-Step Ladder: Best for under-bed and sofa storage
- 880 lb title capacity
- Sponge handrail
- Folds to 2.7 in
- No assembly
A padded handrail, 14.2 in wide pedals and a 2.7 in fold that slides under a bed or sofa.
Pros
- Highest title capacity at 880 lb
- Sponge handrail
- Slim fold
- No assembly
Cons
- Description gives 600 lb, title gives 880 lb
BONTEC is a good fit for a small apartment where the ladder lives under a bed or sofa. It folds to 2.7 in thick, measuring 34.6 x 18.1 in folded, and it needs no assembly.
The listing names the closet, a wall, under the bed, under the sofa and behind the door as places to store it.
A sponge-covered handrail gives a comfortable grip, and non-slip rubber pedals and rubber feet hold the ladder in place. The top pedal measures 14.2 x 10.4 in and the lower one 14.2 x 8.1 in, enough for a person working while standing.
The alloy steel frame weighs 10 lb. BONTEC's title says 880 lb, and the description says a 600 lb max load, so treat 600 lb as the safe planning number.
Even at 600 lb, it comfortably covers most users.
The trade-off is the lower pedal: at 8.1 in deep, it's narrower than KINGRACK's 11.3 in pedals. If a deep step matters most, KINGRACK fits better.
KINGRACK 2 Step Ladder: Best for full floor contact
- 500 lb capacity
- Horseshoe-shaped rubber feet
- Extra wide pedals
- 2.64 in fold
Horseshoe-shaped rubber feet, textured wide pedals and an ergonomic handrail, with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Horseshoe rubber feet
- Ergonomic handrail
- 2.64 in fold
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Same 500 lb capacity as GOLYTON, which adds a rubber handgrip
This black KINGRACK suits someone who worries about the ladder sliding on a smooth floor. Horseshoe-shaped rubber feet give full floor contact, keep the ladder in place and protect the surface from scratches.
KINGRACK says it passed a 500 lb load test and describes a reinforced steel frame with strong back support. The extra wide pedals have a textured surface, and an ergonomic handrail gives you something to grasp.
Open, it measures 20.51 x 19.45 x 30.94 in, and folded it's 2.64 in thick and 34.45 in tall. The metal frame carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Named tasks include reaching high cabinets, cleaning windows, changing light bulbs and organizing closets.
The trade-off is that GOLYTON offers the same 500 lb capacity with a rubber handgrip and automatic lock. The 800 lb KINGRACK above this one also gives a much larger margin.
Pick this model for its feet and slim fold, since its 2.64 in depth is close to Rubbermaid's 2.4 in.
Urackify 2 Step Ladder: Best for a low, compact frame
- 800 lb load test
- Safety latch
- Wide textured steps
- 3.41 kg
A 28.5 in tall frame with wide textured steps, a secure handrail and an easy-grip safety latch.
Pros
- 800 lb capacity
- Easy-grip latch
- Lowest frame at 28.5 in
- 3.41 kg weight
Cons
- Shortest frame here, so less reach
Urackify is the shortest ladder here at 28.5 in tall, which suits people who want a low, steady step to reach lower shelves and cabinets. It's 19.33 in wide and weighs 3.41 kg.
Urackify says it passed an 800 lb capacity test and describes the steel as corrosion-resistant. Extra-large textured treads give secure footing, and a handrail gives you something to hold.
An easy-grip handle and a safety latch fold and secure the ladder without much effort. The metal frame is lightweight, the maximum height is 31.02 in, and the listing says it suits indoor and outdoor projects.
The title names home, kitchen, office, pantry and closet use, and the bullets add cleaning, painting and decorating.
The trade-off is reach. At 28.5 in, it puts you lower than the 34 in DIAMONDFORGE or HBTower, so you'll reach less on a tall shelf.
If you need more height, a taller frame is the better choice, and the 800 lb capacity is the same as KINGRACK's top model.
How these 2-step ladders compare
Capacity runs from 225 lb to 880 lb, and the biggest differences are handrails, fold depth and carry weight. The table lays out the basics side by side.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Material | Color | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder | overall for most seniors | 225 lb | Alloy steel | White | 9.7 |
| KINGRACK 2 Step Folding Ladder | a padded handrail | 800 lb | Iron, plastic | White | 9.5 |
| GOLYTON 2 Step Ladder | a comfortable rubber handgrip | 500 lb | Alloy steel | Gray | 9.4 |
| HBTower 2 Step Ladder | pantry and closet reaching | 330 lb | Alloy steel | Black | 9.3 |
| HBTower Step Ladder | light-colored kitchens | 330 lb | Alloy steel | White | 9.1 |
| DIAMONDFORGE Step Ladder Foldable Folding Stool | the lightest carry | 600 lb | Iron | Red | 8.9 |
| Louisville Ladder 2 ft Fiberglass Step Stool | a large, steady platform | 300 lb | Fiberglass | Orange | 8.8 |
| BONTEC 2-Step Ladder | under-bed and sofa storage | 880 lb | Alloy steel | White | 8.6 |
| KINGRACK 2 Step Ladder | full floor contact | 500 lb | Metal | Black | 8.4 |
| Urackify 2 Step Ladder | a low, compact frame | 800 lb | Metal | Black | 8.3 |
Read the table with two notes in mind. Weights come in mixed units in the listings, with KINGRACK's white model at 4.15 kg, the black HBTower at 4 kg and Urackify at 3.41 kg.
Capacity figures are seller claims, and BONTEC's listing gives two different numbers. Rubbermaid and Louisville are the only models here that name an ANSI duty rating.
How we compared these ladders
We checked the specs and titles for all 10 ladders and compared capacity, handrail or grip, tread size, lock type, feet, carry weight and fold depth. We research and compare rather than test.
Scores come from those details and from how well each ladder fits an older adult reaching a low shelf. Where a title and a description disagree, as with BONTEC, we say so and use the safer number.
Duty rating counted where a listing gave one. Rubbermaid names Type 2 and Louisville names Type IA, so the others did not get credit for a rating.
We left out brand size and focused on which ladder suits a senior's reach and grip.
What makes the best 2 step ladder for seniors?
The best 2 step ladder for seniors has a hand grip or handrail, wide non-slip treads, a lock that engages on its own and rubber feet that cover the floor. Weight and fold size come next, since you'll carry and store it often.
Handrail or hand grip
A handrail is the single most useful feature on a small ladder, because it gives you something to hold on the way up and down. Rubbermaid has a hand grip, GOLYTON a rubber handgrip, and KINGRACK, BONTEC and DIAMONDFORGE use sponge-covered handrails.
Rubbermaid describes a soft comfort grip, and GOLYTON's is rubber, while KINGRACK and BONTEC use sponge. Pick the texture you like best, since you'll hold it on every climb.
Louisville has no handrail named, so it suits someone who steps up beside a counter or wall.
Tread width and foot room
Wider treads let your whole foot rest on the step. KINGRACK's pedals measure 14.01 x 11.3 in, and BONTEC's top pedal is 14.2 x 10.4 in.
Louisville's steps offer twice the area of a standard step, and DIAMONDFORGE's curved design adds leg room.
Locks and feet
A lock that engages by itself removes a step you could forget. Rubbermaid's top step locks as you fold it out, HBTower locks when you press the top pedal down, and DIAMONDFORGE uses a gravity lock.
Two latches are shaped for the hand as well. KINGRACK's grip-style lock and Urackify's easy-grip latch are meant to make folding and securing simple.
For feet, look for rubber or TPR that covers the floor. KINGRACK's horseshoe feet and GOLYTON's thick rubber feet give the most contact.
Frame material
Most of these are steel or alloy steel, including Rubbermaid, GOLYTON, HBTower and BONTEC. DIAMONDFORGE is listed as iron, KINGRACK's white model as iron and plastic, and the black KINGRACK and Urackify as metal.
Louisville is the exception with fiberglass, and its rails are nonconductive, which matters near electrical wiring. For ordinary indoor reaching, a steel model folds slimmer.
Carry weight and fold size
DIAMONDFORGE weighs 7.4 lb, GOLYTON and the white HBTower 8.8 lb, BONTEC 10 lb and Rubbermaid 10.5 lb. If you carry the ladder up stairs, pick from the lighter end.
Folded depth runs from Rubbermaid's 2.4 in to GOLYTON's 3.15 in. That gap decides whether it slides behind a door or beside a fridge.
How much weight capacity does a senior need?
Pick a capacity comfortably above your body weight plus whatever you carry, because the rating covers the person and the load together. Every ladder here lists at least 225 lb, but the margin differs a lot.
Ladders from 225 to 330 lb
Rubbermaid at 225 lb, Louisville at 300 lb and the two HBTowers at 330 lb suit lighter users with light loads. Rubbermaid and Louisville both name ANSI duty ratings, Type 2 and Type IA, which gives a clear standard to compare.
Ladders from 500 to 880 lb
GOLYTON and the second KINGRACK at 500 lb, DIAMONDFORGE at 600 lb and the 800 lb KINGRACK and Urackify give a much larger margin. BONTEC's title gives 880 lb, but its description says 600 lb.
A bigger margin doesn't make a ladder easier to climb. It simply leaves room for a user who carries paint, books or a toolbox.
How to read the capacity number
Capacity is the seller's figure for the person plus the load. The black KINGRACK and Urackify both say they passed a load test, which is a claim from the maker rather than something we checked.
Where a rating like ANSI Type 2 or Type IA is named, you have a standard to look up and compare. Where only a pound figure is given, treat it as a rough guide and leave a wide margin.
Is a 2-step ladder enough, or do you need a taller one?
A 2-step ladder is enough for low shelves, cabinets and closet racks within a short reach. If you keep stretching, move up a size instead of reaching further.
For the next size, a 3 step ladder adds height for upper cabinets and closet shelves. Ladders as tall as an 8 foot step ladder are built for ceilings and tall work, and they're a lot to handle in a pantry.
For general household models beyond two steps, see our guide to a step ladder for home use.
How the listed heights compare
Listed maximum heights run from Louisville's 24 in to DIAMONDFORGE's 34.8 in. Urackify lists 31.02 in, GOLYTON 31.51 in, the HBTowers 31.8 in and 33 in, the black KINGRACK 34.44 in and the white KINGRACK 90 centimeters.
A few inches of height can decide whether you reach the second shelf. If you are between two models, take the taller one, as long as it still fits where you store it.
Which 2-step ladder fits your situation?
Match the ladder to the job: a tight closet, a heavy load, a light carry or a smooth floor each points to a different pick.
For a narrow closet or gap, Rubbermaid folds to 2.4 in and KINGRACK's black model to 2.64 in. BONTEC at 2.7 in slides under a bed or sofa.
For heavy loads, the 800 lb KINGRACK and Urackify give the most margin, and DIAMONDFORGE adds 600 lb at the lightest weight.
For smooth tile or wood, KINGRACK's horseshoe feet and GOLYTON's thick rubber feet give the most floor contact. For a pantry with a dark finish, the black HBTower is easy to hide in a corner.
Rubbermaid calls its model an indoor step stool. KINGRACK, GOLYTON, BONTEC and Urackify are described for indoor and outdoor use, so they suit a porch or shed too, on firm, level ground.
For light-colored rooms, the white Rubbermaid, KINGRACK, BONTEC and HBTower models blend in. GOLYTON is gray and DIAMONDFORGE is red.
How do you set up and use a 2-step ladder safely?
Open it fully on a hard, level floor until the lock clicks, then press down on the top step before you climb. Face the ladder and hold the grip with both feet planted.
Set up
Clear the floor of rugs and clutter, and keep the ladder away from doorways. Rubber feet need a clean, dry surface to grip.
Climbing
Keep your body centered over the steps and move the ladder instead of reaching sideways. Have someone nearby when you can, and carry light items only.
If balance or dizziness is a concern, ask a doctor or physical therapist before using any ladder.
Care
Wipe the treads and feet with a damp cloth, and let it dry before you fold it. Look at the lock, feet and hinges now and then.
If a lock or foot looks damaged, stop using the ladder. Store it folded, upright and dry.
Our pick for the best 2 step ladder for seniors
Pick the Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder if you want the best 2 step ladder for seniors overall: a hand grip, a self-locking top step, a 10.5 lb frame and the slimmest fold here. Pick KINGRACK's white model for an 800 lb capacity with padded handrails, or GOLYTON for a rubber handgrip at 500 lb.
Pick DIAMONDFORGE for the lightest carry, BONTEC for under-bed storage and Louisville for the widest platform. Choose the HBTower pair when finish color matters, and Urackify for a low, compact frame.
If you'd like more height than two steps, see our picks for a step ladder for seniors.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best overall for most seniors
Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool Ladder
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
Can seniors use a 2-step ladder outdoors?
Several of these are described for indoor and outdoor use, including KINGRACK, GOLYTON, BONTEC and Urackify. Rubbermaid calls its model an indoor step stool, so keep it inside, and use any ladder only on firm, level ground.
Is fiberglass better than steel for a small step ladder?
Fiberglass is the pick when you work near electrical wiring, since Louisville's rails are nonconductive. For ordinary kitchen and closet reaching, a steel model with a handrail is the better fit and folds slimmer.
Do these ladders need assembly?
Rubbermaid, DIAMONDFORGE and BONTEC arrive ready to use, with no assembly. The rest fold out and lock, so you only need to open them fully before you climb.
What's the difference between the two HBTower ladders?
They share a 330 lb capacity, a 34.25 in height, 16.53 in width and the same lock and TPR feet. The main difference is color: one is black, the other white, with model numbers TJ242KAH and TJ242KBH.
