A lazy Susan is a revolving tray that makes it easy to serve food to everyone at the table. Its origins as a piece used for serving are murky. Still, some trace its reemergence in the modern era to the 18th century when servants decided they needed a bit of a break from passing out individual servings of food or the condiments that went with it.
So if you are ready to take a lazy Susan for a spin and are looking for timeless style, the Crown Mark Ferrara Lazy Susan is a good choice.
Lazy Susans are available in metal, wood and plastic.
Whenever you are setting the table, size matters. If your lazy Susan is too large, there won't be room for plates, but too small, and it's virtually useless. A good compromise is a diameter of 21 to 24 inches. This is big enough to hold what you need without overwhelming diners.
A lazy Susan has two main uses: general organization and serving at the table.
Regardless of where you use it, nonskid feet or other sturdy stoppers on the bottom of your turntable keep everything where it should be. The last thing you want is a lazy Susan that slides across the table when you try to spin it.
Even a small lip or rim is helpful. This feature prevents spills or drips from the table or cabinet. It also helps to hold wobbly bottles upright.
You don’t need another serving piece that requires a complicated care ritual. The best lazy Susan will clean easily with a damp sponge. Some plastic turntables can even be popped in the dishwasher for the easiest clean up.
The price depends on the materials used and the style of the turntable. Expect to spend $14 to $40.
A. Yes. Even though it originated as a way to make serving meals easier, there are a variety of uses outside of the kitchen.
A. While many lazy Susans do not have a stated weight limit, it is true that some are better for heavier items than others. Plastic lazy Susans may not be sturdy enough to hold up to heavy items, such as a jar of screws in a garage workshop. Reserve these for lighter-weight items, such as spice jars, craft materials and first aid supplies in the bathroom.
On the other hand, a wood turntable with a lower profile is the best choice for presenting elaborate, heavy dishes or the condiments that go with them. Not only can it hold more weight, but it is also more stable when it spins.
What you need to know: At 21 inches, this model has plenty of space for serving at large gatherings.
What you’ll love: The deep espresso finish is beautiful and durable. There are no grooves or ridges on the surface, which gives it a stylish look. It has a low profile that makes for easy storage.
What you should consider: It is noisy when in motion and gets louder when fully loaded.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Oxo Good Grips Lazy Susan Turntable
What you need to know: It is an affordable option that does its job well.
What you’ll love: Rubber feet keep the turntable in place when it is in motion. A rubber ledge holds everything in place. The base is larger than the tray that rotates, so anything on the tray won't knock against a cabinet wall. It is available in either 11-inch or 16-inch diameters.
What you should consider: It is designed for lightweight use only.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Copco Non-Skid 2 Tier Turntable
What you need to know: If you plan to use your lazy Susan for cabinet storage, this two-tier model gives you even more space.
What you’ll love: Each level has a nonskid surface to keep cabinet items from sliding around. It has a rimmed ledge to keep spills contained and products in place. It is available in 14 different colors.
What you should consider: Measure carefully. Some cabinets may not be tall enough to make good use of both tiers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
