How to Use Lazy Susan in Kitchen Cabinet

A lazy susan is one of the most practical kitchen cabinet organizers ever invented. It turns dead corner space into fully accessible storage and makes finding items effortless. Here's how to use one effectively.

What Is a Lazy Susan?

A lazy susan is a rotating turntable that sits inside a cabinet. Instead of reaching to the back of a deep or corner cabinet, you simply spin the turntable to bring items to the front. Modern versions like the YouCopia Crazy Susan come with removable bins and handles, making them far more functional than old-style solid turntables.

Where to Use a Lazy Susan

• Corner cabinets: The classic use case — makes the deep corner space fully accessible.
• Deep upper cabinets: Spin to access items at the back without reaching.
• Pantry shelves: Great for spices, cans, and condiments.
• Under-sink cabinets: Works well for cleaning products on one side of the pipes.
• Refrigerator: A small lazy susan on a fridge shelf keeps condiments organized.

What to Store on a Lazy Susan

Lazy susans work best for smaller items that tend to get lost at the back of cabinets:

• Spices and seasoning bottles
• Oils, vinegars, and condiments
• Canned goods and small jars
• Baking extracts and small bottles
• Vitamins and supplements
• Cleaning products (under sink)

How to Organize a Lazy Susan

1. Group by category: Keep spices together, oils together, canned goods together. Each section of the turntable gets one category.
2. Put most-used items at the front: Start with the items you reach for daily at the front position, less-used items behind.
3. Use the bins: If your lazy susan has removable bins, use them to keep categories contained. You can lift out a whole bin to access items easily.
4. Don't overfill: Leave enough space for the turntable to spin freely. Overfilling causes items to fall and the turntable to jam.

Choosing the Right Lazy Susan

• Measure first: Measure the cabinet interior diameter before buying. Lazy susans come in various sizes.
• Bins vs. solid: Lazy susans with removable bins (like the YouCopia Crazy Susan) are more versatile than solid turntables.
• Single vs. double tier: Double-tier lazy susans double your storage capacity — good for spice collections or pantry shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size lazy susan do I need for a corner cabinet?

Measure the interior width of your corner cabinet and choose a lazy susan that fits with a little clearance on each side. Most corner cabinet lazy susans range from 18 to 32 inches in diameter.

Can I use a lazy susan in a regular (non-corner) cabinet?

Absolutely. A smaller lazy susan works great in any deep cabinet to bring items at the back within easy reach. It's especially useful for spices and small bottles in upper cabinets.

How do I keep items from falling off a lazy susan?

Use a lazy susan with raised edges or removable bins with sides. Spin slowly and don't overfill. Bins with handles make it easy to lift items out without tipping.

Is a lazy susan worth it?

Yes — especially for corner cabinets. It transforms dead, inaccessible space into fully usable storage and eliminates the frustration of items getting lost at the back of deep cabinets.