Maximize Your Space: The Best Uses for a Lazy Susan in the Kitchen

Even as smart appliances and other advanced technology have increasingly been integrated into homes in recent years, a simple device like the lazy susan shows that basic functionality can still deliver some of the most meaningful value to homeowners.

A lazy susan is a rotating tray, and as it rotates, it offers easy access to items that would otherwise be harder to get to. A lazy susan can help you store things in an organized way while keeping items in arm's reach. For homeowners, lazy susans can be put to use in different rooms, whether it's for car parts in the garage or beauty products in the bathroom. But one place where they can offer the most diverse benefits is in the kitchen.

In this article, I'll review the types of lazy susans and the differences between them. I'll also cover where and how you can use a lazy susan in your kitchen and the materials that are most often used to make these simple yet effective devices.

Types of Lazy Susans

Lazy susans come in a variety of designs to suit different spaces and organizational needs. The most common types of lazy susans include:

• Full-circle lazy susan: A classic choice, the full-circle Lazy Susan is ideal for standard cabinets, open shelves, countertops, or tables. Its complete 360-degree rotation ensures that nothing gets lost or becomes impossible to reach.

• D-shaped lazy susan: Designed to fit into lower corner cabinets without a bi-fold door, the D-shaped version has a flat edge that aligns with the cabinet door for seamless installation. When the cabinet is opened, the turntable can fully rotate inside the cabinet, so there's no effort needed to access items stored toward the back.

• Kidney-shaped lazy susan: This model has curved shelving and is meant primarily for corner cabinets that have an L-shape. Its unique shape optimizes the use of hard-to-reach spaces, and it rotates smoothly for effortless access.

• Pie-cut lazy susan: A pie-cut lazy susan has a sharper cut that looks like someone has sliced out a piece of pie. It is typically used in corner cabinets, especially those that have a bi-fold door. The lazy susan attaches directly to the cabinet door, so when the door is opened, the entire lazy susan rotates outwards, making it easy to grab what you need.

Some other types of lazy susans that may enhance your kitchen can be categorized by their features.

• Double-layer lazy susan: Also called a two-tier turntable, this type of lazy susan is perfect for maximizing vertical storage. This design features two rotating shelves, which can be particularly helpful if you have shorter items to store, like spice jars or smaller cans of food. These also work well in tall cabinets.

• Divided lazy susan: For this type of lazy susan, the tray has built-in sections that are designed to keep items separate and neatly organized.

Where and How to Use a Lazy Susan

A lazy susan is a helpful accessory that can be used in different ways. It can make items more accessible and also help optimize the use of limited storage space. At the same time, they can be a component of your kitchen decor, offering added visual appeal.

One of the most popular ways to use a lazy susan in a kitchen is by mounting it inside a cabinet. Especially for low, corner cabinets, a lazy susan can put items within easy reach. To get the most out of an in-cabinet lazy susan, it's essential to pick the proper type and size.

Similarly, some homeowners like to put a lazy susan under the kitchen sink. Too often, this is a space that goes to waste because it is harder to access. But a lazy susan can keep things organized, making it so that any person can get to things like sponges, rags, and bottles of cleaning materials without having to bend over or squat down.

A lazy susan can also be placed on exposed shelves, such as in a pantry. In these places, it adds organization and makes it easier to store food, coffee, and other items that you want to be able to access without difficulty. Some people even like to put a small lazy susan inside their fridge to keep condiments organized and save precious fridge space.

A kitchen counter is another common place to put a lazy susan. A stylish lazy susan not only looks interesting but also helps give quick access to items like salt, pepper, and spices. You can also put a lazy susan on a dining table, bar, or kitchen island where it can be used to help with the service of family-style dishes.

Different Materials Used for Lazy SusanS

Kitchen lazy susans are available in a range of materials to match different design styles and household needs. Choosing quality materials enhances durability and contribute to aesthetics and functionality.

• Metal: Sturdy and long-lasting, metal lazy susans are often made of stainless steel or aluminum. They are resistant to rust and easy to clean, making them ideal for heavy-duty use.

• Wood: For a more classic or rustic look, wood lazy susans provide warmth and charm. They are typically crafted from durable hardwoods and are treated to resist moisture and stains.

• Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, plastic lazy susans are simple to clean and come in various colors. They are perfect for lighter items and can be a budget-friendly option for cabinet storage.

• Glass: A sleek, modern choice, glass lazy susans add elegance to dining tables and countertops. Tempered glass versions are especially strong and scratch-resistant, ensuring both beauty and durability.

• Mixed materials: For in-cabinet lazy susans, it's common to find a combination of materials. For example, a post to mount the lazy susan may be made of metal while the shelves themselves are made of a heavy-duty plastic.

Conclusion

Storage is an important but often overlooked component of kitchen remodels. For that reason, when we work with clients on their kitchen's interior design, we typically suggest ways to enhance storage without sacrificing appearance or function.

While there are various sources of space optimization and kitchen organization, we've found that lazy susans are a straightforward and affordable option. When replacing corner cabinets, we frequently recommend considering a lazy susan as a way to boost daily convenience and ease of actually using the kitchen. Beyond using a lazy susan for hidden organization, we love the way that a visible lazy susan can reflect a homeowner's broader stylistic sense.

In the end, though, what's most important for any kitchen remodel is customization, and at Hogan Design & Construction, that's our specialty. Our design-build process enables us to tailor every detail of a project to your needs and preferences. For more than 25 years, we've been serving clients in the greater Chicago and the southern Wisconsin region, offering seamless and stress-free remodeling solutions.

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, we invite you to contact us to schedule a time for a consultation. And if you'd like to learn more about our firm, please visit our website to read about our team and see project examples from our portfolio.