
Buying Guide for Lazy Susans

Why buy a lazy Susan?
Family dinners can be made a cinch with a lazy Susan. You no longer need to pass the potatoes or the whole charcuterie board when you can simply spin the lazy Susan to make your favorite food within your reach. They’re also perfect for storing loose cans, spices, or condiments inside a cabinet or fridge or on a countertop. You can even get creative with your lazy Susan, using it to grow starter seeds beside a sunny window, display craft supplies, or as a decorative touch in a room.
What should you consider in a lazy Susan?
- Materials: Different materials serve different problems when it comes to lazy Susans. Plastic and metal lazy Susans are most often used inside cabinets as a space-saving tool. Decorative lazy Susans are most often used on dining tables, islands, or kitchen counters as to display snacks, pies, or condiments.
- Surface Space: If you’re using your lazy Susan inside of a cabinet, you’ll want to grab some measurements first. Also, if you have a favorite charcuterie board or pie pan, you can measure the diameter for this purpose as well. Either way, it’s a good idea to measure before you buy.
- Tiers: To save even more space, you might want to look at multi-tier lazy Susans. They’re great on a countertop, in a fridge, in a spice cabinet, or in a pantry. Multi-tier lazy Susans are also great for craft supplies.
Why is a lazy Susan called a lazy Susan?
There are many theories out there as to why a lazy Susan is called a lazy Susan. Around the time that lazy Susans were first widely used in the U.S., Susan was a common name. And since the lazy Susan is a self-service device, it may have been a cut at the household “help” of upper-class families. However, rotating tabletops were commonly used in China since the 13th century as a hygienic tool for distributing food to a large group of people. When it comes to the true origins of the name, there are tons of colorful fictional stories, but the definitive etymology is unknown.
Our Picks for the Best Lazy Susans
Homeries 2-Tier Lazy Susan Turntable
This convenient non-skid lazy susan is perfect for keeping spices, condiments, and cans in your pantry organized.
Pros: This cabinet-friendly lazy Susan is great because it’s easy to assemble without special tools. It’s sturdy enough for heavier items such as canned goods. And if you ever experience an unfortunate spill, this lazy Susan is very easy to clean. It can even organize your favorite bathroom essentials.
Cons: The bottom shelf is short, so it’s better for small spice bottles or short jars.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for something simple to organize small items in your fridge or cabinets, this is a great selection. The grips help keep your items securely in place.
Crown Mark Ferrara Lazy Susan
This quality wooden lazy Susan is beautiful and multifunctional.
Pros: First, this lazy Susan is nice and large, perfect for a dinner party or barbeque. Second, it’s really pretty. The wood is high-quality, and if it matches or complements your decor, even better. But best of all, it’s sturdy. You can pile on the dishes without any worry.
Cons: This lazy Susan may make some noise when you turn it if it has weight on it.
Bottom Line: It’s not easy finding a large lazy Susan made of quality materials. This one fits the bill because it can hold four large plates or several serving bowls. If you have large family gatherings, this may be a great addition to your dining table.
Thirteen Chefs White Marble Lazy Susan
Although this lazy Susan is pretty enough to use for charcuterie, plants, or other display items, it's also functional enough to use in a fridge or cabinet.
Pros: This lazy Susan is both beautiful and functional. It turns smoothly without creaking or rocking. The gray and white marble color scheme matches many different types of decor and is easy to wipe clean.
Cons: There might be slight variations in the finish.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a sophisticated lazy Susan for countertop use, try this pretty yet practical one. It’s designed by chefs with quality and longevity in mind.
TB Home 10 Bamboo Lazy Susan
Made from food-safe bamboo, this lazy Susan is perfect for serving snacks or as a space-saving organizer.
Pros: This pretty and smooth-spinning lazy Susan has plenty of space to fit your favorite breakfast foods, coffee set, or dessert assortment. Because it’s made from bamboo, it’s easy to clean and care for. Plus, it has the added benefit of being an environmentally-friendly product.
Cons: This is not the ideal lazy Susan for heavy objects.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a pretty lazy Susan that packs a lot of bang for the buck, this may be the one for you. With a little care and a nice coating of mineral oil, this lazy Susan will last for years.
Simpli-Magic Lazy Susan
Organize your kitchen essentials in style with this sturdy, rustproof lazy Susan.
Pros: It’s nice to have a Lazy susan that’s easy to assemble so that you can begin using it the same day. It fits inside most standard cabinets and accommodates most spice bottles. Plus, the brushed steel is nice and sleek-looking, adding a touch of class to an organized cabinet.
Cons: There may be a wobble if the weight is not distributed evenly.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to spruce up your cabinets while adding much-needed storage, try this lazy Susan. It’s sturdier than most plastic options and equally easy to care for. Plus, it’s a great value.
Final Thoughts
You can get creative with a lazy Susan. They conveniently give you access to lots of different items, including food, craft supplies, makeup, and whatever else you need.