How many times have you found yourself in the kitchen trying to reach something at the back of a shelf, only to find that it is just out of your grasp? Well here’s the good news – a Lazy Susan can help.
These rotating shelves are designed so that everything on them is within arm’s reach, making cooking and cleaning much easier. But with so many different models available, how do you know which one will be best for your needs?
This blog post will cover the different types, what to look for when purchasing one, and some of our favorite picks on the market based on these criteria. If you’re looking for a Lazy Susan for your home or business, this blog post covers what you should look for in order to get the right product.
What is a Lazy Susan?
A Lazy Susan is a turntable that can be placed on a table, in a cupboard, or in food cabinets. Lazy Susans allow for an easy way to move items around inside your cabinet, so you can access everything without having to get up and search through each shelf every time you need something out.
Simply put, a Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that makes finding and accessing food items much easier. It can be used in the kitchen for condiments, spices, or other ingredients, in your dining room to store all of those placemats and napkins, and even on your coffee table as an entertainment center. The list goes on and on!
How do Lazy Susans work?
Lazy Susans are generally round or square-shaped and can rotate on a fixed base. The top of the Lazy Susan is usually made out of glass, plastic, wood, or metal. Some are large enough to hold several items at once while others are more compact for use in smaller cabinets. It works by spinning which allows you to reach things that you would otherwise be unable to – for instance, on the other side of a table, or at the back of a cupboard.
What are the different types of Lazy Susans?
There are also several different types of Lazy Susans to choose from. One type is the standard Lazy Susan that has a fixed base and rotating top. Another option is rolling, spinning, or rotating Lazy Susans, where the entire unit rotates instead of just the top part on a fixed base. Some have multiple tiers, some integrate with kitchen cupboards, and others can go both inside and outside. Plus, they can be made from countless different materials.
Here are some of the most popular types of Lazy Susans:
Wooden Lazy Susan
A wooden Lazy Susan is an affordable and durable option for cabinets or pantries. You can find them made out of maple, cherry, poplar, mahogany, or walnut wood with either a natural finish or painted surface in any color you like.
Plastic Lazy Susans
A plastic Lazy Susan offers the same features as wooden ones, but the durable plastic material comes in a practically unlimited array of colors and styles.
Metal Lazy Susans
A metal Lazy Susan is sturdy, rust-resistant, and long-lasting, often with a silver or matte black (or any other colored) powder-coated finish that won’t chip or flake over time like other types. They’re also easy to clean because they can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Lazy Susan Turntables Under Cabinet
These Lazy Susans fit in the corner of your cabinets and only require two screws for installation, making them one of the easiest options to put up yourself without any tools or professional help. They rotate on a fixed base that rests against the bottom of your cabinet, and the top part of it is adjustable to fit into your space.
Under-cabinet, Lazy Susans are a good option for smaller cabinets because they take up less room than other styles while still providing plenty of storage options. They also come in several different sizes depending on how many drawers, shelves, or cabinet space you need to be covered.
Glass Lazy Susan
A glass Lazy Susan is a great way to add some elegance and sophistication to your cabinets. The clear top allows you to see what’s stored inside, while the solid base keeps everything in place so they don’t slide around when it spins. These are often made out of crystal or acrylic that won’t break easily if dropped, making them an excellent choice for a dining room table.
Ceramic Lazy Susan
Ceramic Lazy Susans are made of durable, lead-free glazed stoneware that won’t chip or crack over time. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs to match your existing kitchen decor, so you can choose what will look best on top of your cabinets without clashing with the rest of them.
Marble Lazy Susan
A marble Lazy Susan is a stylish option, ideal for displaying on a dining room table. It features the same rotating design as other types, but you can find them in many different colors and finishes to coordinate with your decor. These are also very high-quality products.
Two-tiered Lazy Susan
A two-tiered Lazy Susan is a great choice for kitchen islands, dining room tables, and bars where you can easily reach everything with just a spin of the top. It’s especially convenient if you have multiple people working in that space at once or often host guests when entertaining.
Display Lazy Susan
A display Lazy Susan features one fixed base with two rotating shelves. They’re great for showcasing decorative displays or special collections on your cabinets, and you can even find ones that are designed to hold snacks at the center of a dining table so everyone has easy access to them while eating.
Condiment Lazy Susan
A condiment Lazy Susan is a great way to store and share your most commonly used ingredients in the kitchen or dining room. They’re typically small enough to fit in floating kitchen cupboards. They are especially useful when you have multiple people working together, so every cook has what they need at their fingertips without having to ask for it or take up too much space on the countertop.
Storage Lazy Susan
A storage Lazy Susan is a great way to maximize the space inside your cabinets. They take up less room than other types of rotating shelves, so they’re especially useful for smaller kitchens or dining rooms where you may not have as much cabinet space.
Outdoor Lazy Susan
These Lazy Susans are designed to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use. They’re rust-resistant, weatherproof, and UV-protected so they won’t fade over time like other types of turntables.
What Should You Look For In a Lazy Susan?
When looking at different models, there are several factors that come into play depending on what type of cabinet the Lazy Susan is being used in. If you are using it inside kitchen cabinets, consider things like the size, how many shelves or drawers it has available for storage, and what kind of material they are made out of.
For when you have an island in the middle of your kitchen where people tend to gather when cooking together, a two-tiered design is ideal so everyone can reach everything with just one spin. Here are some of the most important things to look for in a Lazy Susan:
Size
It’s important to consider how much space you have to store things, or if you can even fit a Lazy Susan into your cabinets at all. Some can be rather large, so you’ll need to think about both how much you need to store, and how much storage space you have in your kitchen.
Capacity
As well as the size of the Lazy Susan, you’ll also need to think about how many things you want to store on it. Some are smaller and only have two shelves, while others can have up to six or more. You’ll want to be sure you get one that will fit everything you need it for so nothing gets lost in the back of your cabinets where you won’t see it anymore.
Material
The material the Lazy Susan is made out of also comes into play depending on what it is being used for. For instance, if you are using the Lazy Susan inside cabinets that have glass fronts like some types of kitchen islands do, then a marble or wooden base would be best because they will look good sitting on top of your countertops without clashing with the rest of them.
Also, if you are using the Lazy Susan outside, then it’s important to consider the weather resistance and a UV-protected exterior.
Types of Lazy Susans
When looking at different models, there are several types that come into play depending on what type of cabinet or surface they will be used for.
For example, a two-tiered design is ideal for when you want to put something on display, or want to use it as storage on your shelves. In comparison, marble or solid wooden Lazy Susan will be great for displaying on a dining room table, or as a centerpiece in a home.
Can you dismantle it?
For a Lazy Susan that will be used inside cabinets, then this usually won’t matter because they’re going to stay in one place. However, if you plan on using it outside or it’s important for whatever reason to take apart an indoor model so it can fit into smaller spaces, then make sure the design is easy to disassemble and put back together again.
Ease of Cleaning
No matter what type of Lazy Susan you’re looking at, it’s important to consider the ease of cleaning. For an indoor model that will be used inside cabinets, then stainless steel or wooden base is ideal because they won’t show stains or discoloration as much as marble or other materials might over time due to water damage from major spills.
A dishwasher-safe Lazy Susan is also a good idea so you can easily clean it up after use without having to scrub at any stains or food particles that might have gotten stuck on it if the base isn’t removable from its tray.
Indoor or Outdoor Use?
A Lazy Susan that will be used outside should have a UV-protected exterior and weather-resistant material so it won’t break or chip after sitting out for too long. So, you’ll need to think about where you want to use it.
Durability
This will both depend on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor piece of equipment, and also on the material used to make it. However, durability is especially important for an outdoor Lazy Susan as it will have to stand up to the weather and be exposed outside. Nonetheless, it’s important regardless, and should certainly be taken into consideration.
Design and Style
The design and style of your Lazy Susan are also going to depend on if it’s an indoor or outdoor model, and the material used. However, you should consider how much room will be available for storage when looking at a Lazy Susan that has three levels stacked together as some models do instead of two tiers separated by legs so it can hold more items than other types.
Price
Finally, you should consider your budget when looking at the best Lazy Susan. Although prices vary by design, the material used, and manufacturer brand name, you can still find something that’s within a reasonable price range depending on what you’re willing to spend.
Our top Lazy Susan recommendations
Lipper 18-Inch Acacia Wood Lazy Susan
Whether you’re using your Lazy Susan in a cabinet or the refrigerator, its look isn’t critical. However, if it’s going to be on your kitchen table, you’d want it to be more visually appealing. The beautiful Lipper International 18-Inch Acacia Wood Lazy Susan is a great choice if you’re looking for an attractive Lazy Susan that delivers big on functionality.
This high-quality hardwood Lazy Susan will fit in nicely on any kitchen table. The elegant and sturdy acacia wood construction is resistant to scratches and measures 18” in diameter and 1.25” tall. The turntable is built to spin 360 degrees in both directions, and it’s ideal for producing spices, condiments, and other small dishes on demand.
The Lipper International Acacia Wood Lazy Susan is hand-wash only, and it’s been praised for its flexibility and attractiveness. Turntables are often utilized in fruit bowls and condiments, with many people claiming they’re ideal for any dinner table.
Pros:
- Attractive and sturdy wood design
- Handwash only, but very easy to clean up after use thanks to the wooden base
- Spins well in both directions.
Cons:
- The price point is a little high compared with other models on this list, so it might not be ideal if you’re shopping on a budget.
ZAFUU Round Lazy Susan Turntable
This Lazy Susan turntable is perfect for those who want a simple and affordable kitchen accessory. The ZAFUU round lazy susan turntable features an elegant finish that will look right at home on any table, and the size makes it suitable for smaller serving dishes or snacks.
The Lazy Susan may be used for a variety of purposes, whether you want to use it at the dining room table or in the pantry. Made of sturdy, tempered glass with an aluminum core, this piece fits effortlessly into any décor and works well in a formal dining room as well as a rustic country kitchen.
It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also extremely useful since all you have to do to keep it sparkling is spray it with a little bit of window cleaner and wipe it down with a paper towel!
Pros:
- Durable, tempered glass design
- Stylish design and elegant finish
Cons:
- Might be too small for some households
Sagler 2 Tier Lazy Susan Turntable
To get twice the storage capacity, you’ll need a two-tier Lazy Susan. Plus, multi-level turntables are perfect for cabinets with extra storage. The Sagler 2-Tier Lazy Susan Turntable is one of the most popular items on the market, according to customers. It is said to be durable and efficient.
The Sagler Turntable is 10″ in diameter and 6″ tall. Depending on what you intend to store on the bottom shelf, it may fall below 4.75” of clearance—think about this when planning your storage options. The product is composed of long-lasting stainless steel that has a brushed finish to keep it looking clean and bright after years of usage.
It’s also easy to assemble and spins quite easily. Many people appreciate that it is the ideal size for keeping spices, and this unit’s low price can’t be beaten. The Sagler 2-Tier Lazy Susan Turntable is a must-have if you’re looking to tidy up your pantry or cabinets.
Pros:
- Spins very easily
- Two shelves allow for abundant storage
- Price is low when compared to other Lazy Susans of the same size and durability
Cons:
- Less attractive than other options
Vinotemp Epicureanist Slate Lazy Susan
The Epicureanist Slate Lazy Susan is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous turntables available. This lovely Lazy Susan is made of genuine stone and would make a stunning centerpiece for your next dinner party.
The Lazy Susan is nearly 16″ in diameter and little more than 1″ tall. This rustic, unfinished edge gives it an organic look and is constructed of genuine slate. The stone is placed on a glass base, and the unit is also dishwasher safe.
One of the appealing aspects of this Lazy Susan is that it may be written upon with chalk, allowing you to use it as a cheese board or charcuterie platter. There’s even a piece of chalk included so you can get started.
While this isn’t the most practical lazy susan on the market, it is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking attractiveness, and slightly more than basic functionality. The price of a natural stone centerpiece is considerably higher than that of other materials, but consider all the compliments you’ll receive on this lovely stone centerpiece.
Pros:
- Attractive and unique
- Can be written on with chalk
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as practical as other options on this list.
Native Trails Antique Copper Finish Lazy Susan
The Native Trails Grand Antique Copper Finish Lazy Susan is made of 100 percent hand-hammered recycled copper and provides a warm atmosphere to any dinner party, inside or outdoors. The turntable, which has a 20-inch diameter and comes in three different sizes, is mounted on a smooth turning base with non-slip acrylic feet to protect surfaces.
Because copper is a naturally antibacterial metal with a living finish, its patina will change and grow over time. This Lazy Susan will grow with you, adding to its vintage look and charm. You could even say that it will become a family treasure.
Pros:
- This is a really smart-looking Lazy Susan, and it’s one of the most attractive options on this list.
- It has an antique finish so you know that it will stand out in your kitchen.
- Can be used inside and outside
Cons:
- Expensive
What Criteria Did We Use To Come up With These Suggestions?
We used a range of criteria to come up with the above suggestions. Things like durability, size, and material were all important in our considerations. As well as this, we also considered what customers have been saying about the products. We wanted to help you find a product that was going to be durable and reliable for your kitchen needs.
First, we considered the size of the product. The Lazy Susan’s we recommend are all around 19 inches in diameter, which is a great fit for most kitchens and cabinets. Most homes will have enough space to accommodate one of these large turntables without too much effort or clutter.
Second, we considered material. Stainless steel is a popular choice for many people as it is very easy to clean and maintain. Plastic can be a good option too, but you need to make sure that the unit is durable enough for regular use if this is your choice of material. In terms of attractiveness, wood and stone were popular options and great for Lazy Susan’s that would be left on display.
Thirdly, we considered the reviews that people have written about these products. We wanted to provide you with a list of Lazy Susan’s that are reliable and durable, made by companies who take pride in their work. The three product suggestions above all come from very reputable brands so we know they’ll offer you years of use without any problems at all.
Conclusion
A Lazy Susan can be a great investment for any kitchen. It’s perfect for saving space and time, as well as being an attractive way to display dishes or crockery that you use on a regular basis. If you’re shopping around for the best one, there are many factors to consider including size of the turntable, material type, and weight capacity.
All the selections above are great options, but overall, we prefer the Vinotemp Epicureanist Slate Lazy Susan and the Lipper 18-Inch Acacia Wood Lazy Susan because both of them are the most versatile and sturdy options on this list. They can hold up to 40 pounds of weight each, which is great for serving heavy dishes or displaying your favorite plates without worrying about them falling off.
These selections will make an excellent addition to any kitchen because they’re made from strong materials that won’t break easily under pressure, they’re available in different sizes to suit your needs, and they will last for many years too.
We hope this article has been helpful in finding the best Lazy Susan for your kitchen and you’re able to take home one that works great for your space and needs.