Lazy Susans for Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets hide whatever you put at the back. A turntable brings it to the front with one turn.
Corner base cabinets and deep corner shelves are where kitchen items go to be forgotten. Reaching into the back means kneeling, moving three things to get one, and usually giving up. A turntable, also called a lazy Susan, fixes this for a low cost and with no installation. This guide covers sizing, what to put on it and what to keep off it.
The corner problem
A corner cabinet is deep in two directions, so items at the back are hard to see and harder to reach. Most people stop using that space, and the cabinet fills with things that are rarely needed.
Measure the opening, not just the shelf
Measure the width of the cabinet door opening and the depth of the shelf. A turntable has to fit through the opening, and its diameter should leave a little room on every side so it spins freely.
Measure the height between shelves too. A two-tier turntable doubles the space but needs more clearance.
Use a turntable for small, frequent items
Turntables work best for items you reach for often: oils, sauces, spices or cleaning sprays. Group them by use, so one turn shows everything for one task.
Spin to reach oils, sauces and spices at the back of a shelf. Two tiers use the height of the cabinet.
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If the shelf is tall, a shelf riser above or beside the turntable uses the empty space overhead for plates or containers.
Widens to fit the cabinet, and the removable panels let the shelf sit around awkward pipes.
View on Amazon Add to Amazon cart 🛒Keep larger items in bins
Items too big for a turntable, such as bags of rice or extra paper towels, are easier to pull out of a corner when they sit in a bin with a handle.
A mix of sizes for snacks, packets and produce. Clear walls show what is running low.
View on Amazon Add to Amazon cart 🛒Which turntable size fits?
| Shelf depth | Turntable diameter to look for |
|---|---|
| 12 inches (upper cabinet) | 9 to 10 inches |
| 16 to 18 inches | 12 to 14 inches |
| 24 inches (deep base cabinet) | 16 to 18 inches, or two smaller ones side by side |
Leave at least an inch on every side so the turntable spins without hitting the wall or the door frame, and check that it fits through the opening of the door.
Single tier or two tiers?
- Single tier: best for tall bottles such as oil and vinegar, or a shelf with low clearance.
- Two tiers: doubles the space for short items like spices, sauces and small jars. Check the height of the tallest bottle you plan to keep on the bottom tier.
- Divided or with a raised edge: keeps things from flying off when you spin quickly.
What to put on it
- Cooking oils, vinegars and sauces next to the stove.
- Spices in a cabinet close to where you cook.
- Vitamins and medicines in a high cabinet away from children.
- Cleaning sprays under a sink, if the pipes leave room.
What to keep off it
- Heavy pots or small appliances, which make it hard to spin and can tip over.
- Loose bags that slide off. Put them in a bin instead.
- Glass bottles on a turntable without a raised edge.
Keep it working
Wipe the turntable when you wipe down the kitchen, since spilled oil makes the base sticky. Group items by task, so one spin shows everything for one job, and turn labels to face outward.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lazy Susan better than pull-out shelves for a corner?
Pull-out or swing-out corner systems use more of the space but need installation and cost more. A freestanding turntable is the easiest option for renters or a quick fix.
Can I use a lazy Susan in the fridge?
Yes, a small one works well for condiments and jars on a fridge shelf. Choose one that is easy to remove and wash.
Why does my turntable wobble?
It is usually overloaded on one side. Spread the weight evenly and keep heavy items near the center.