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Corner cabinets are the Bermuda Triangle of kitchen storage; stuff goes in and, somehow, just vanishes into the dark, unreachable void. If you've ever crouched with a flashlight, digging around for a spice jar you swear you own, you're not alone.
Lazy Susan turntables are a lifesaver for these tricky dead zones, spinning your items right into reach and squeezing every bit of storage out of awkward corners.
You’ll find them in all sorts of sizes and finishes; cheap plastic ones under $25, or fancy wood and stainless steel versions that’ll take a beating for years.
Picking the right turntable really comes down to your cabinet’s size and what you plan to stash there.
Let’s talk about measuring your space (yep, get the tape measure), ways to organize everything, and a few tricks that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without one.
Key Takeaways
- Lazy Susans turn impossible-to-reach corner cabinets into usable storage with a quick spin
- Plastic models are great for light stuff like spices; wood or metal ones are better for heavy cookware and last much longer
- Measure first, organize by how often you use things, and you’ll actually use all that hidden space
Why Lazy Susan Turntables Are Essential for Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets are notorious for swallowing up your stuff, but a lazy Susan can make them usable again. Pop one in and suddenly you’re not crawling on the floor or playing cabinet Tetris to get at the pots in the back.
Common Corner Cabinet Challenges
Corner cabinets waste a ton of space in most kitchens. Anything more than a foot and a half deep is basically lost during the chaos of daily cooking.
Blind corner cabinets are the worst. You know something useful is buried back there, but getting it means emptying out half the cabinet first.
That L-shape just encourages things to slide into the abyss. Cans expire, you buy duplicates, and all that storage just sits there, wasted.
Most standard shelves in corners waste about 40% of the available space. The triangular “dead zone” becomes a graveyard for stuff you never see again.
How Lazy Susan Turntables Maximize Storage
A cabinet lazy Susan turns that dead space into a spinning, accessible storage spot. Even if your stuff is two feet deep, it’s just a spin away.
Since you can rotate everything, you don’t have to move things around to reach the back. Everything’s visible and within arm’s reach.
Spreading weight across the turntable stops the stacking and teetering you get in deep corners. No more towers of cans ready to topple.
Most lazy Susans boost usable storage by 60-80% over fixed shelves. Because you can spin, you can pack more in without losing access.
Two-tier systems are awesome—heavy stuff like appliances down low, lighter things like spices up top.
Comparing Lazy Susan Types: Full-Rotation, Kidney, and D-Shaped
Full-rotation lazy Susans spin a full 360° and are perfect for true corners with both doors that open wide. Tons of storage, but you need room for the doors.
Kidney-shaped models have a curve cut out for single-door access. That shape lets the turntable swing clear of the door frame and still use most of the space.
D-shaped lazy Susans have a flat back and a curved front. They’re great for blind corners where there’s only one door to reach the space.
| Type | Best For | Storage Efficiency | Door Clearance Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Rotation | True corners | Highest | Both doors |
| Kidney | Single door access | Medium-High | One door |
| D-Shaped | Blind corners | Medium | One door |
Installation is a little different for each. Full-rotation ones usually mount in the center, while kidney and D-shaped models often attach to the side and work with whatever cabinets you already have.
Choosing the Right Lazy Susan for Your Space
The material, size, and shelf style of your lazy Susan all affect how well it’ll work in your corner cabinet. Knowing what matters will help you pick something that fits your space and your wallet.
Material Options: Metal, Wood, Plastic
Plastic lazy Susans are the cheapest—think $15 to $30. They’re fine for light stuff like spices, but they can wobble if you pile on the weight. Most last a few years if you’re not too rough on them.
Metal versions, especially stainless steel, are tough and can handle 35+ pounds per shelf. They resist stains and look pretty sleek, but you’ll pay $80 to $150 for the good ones.
Wood lazy Susans look great and can handle heavy dishes or cookware, but they need a little extra care. If your kitchen gets humid, you’ll want to watch for warping.
If you’re storing heavy stuff, go with metal. For pantry basics, plastic is fine. If you care about looks, wood is the way to go.
Size and Configuration Considerations
Always measure your cabinet’s inside dimensions before you buy anything. Most lazy Susans need at least a 24-inch opening, but there are smaller 18-inch models for tight spots.
Check how far your doors swing open, too. A 20-inch turntable might technically fit, but if the door can’t open, you’re out of luck.
Weight matters. Two-tier, 16-inch models often work better than a single huge one, especially for mixed loads. Smaller turntables keep heavy stuff closer to the center post, so they spin easier.
Full-extension shelves are best if your cabinets are super deep and a normal turntable just can’t reach the back.
Adjustable and Tiered Shelf Designs
Two-tier lazy Susans double your storage in a standard-height cabinet. You can keep condiments up top, cans down below. Most have 6-8 inches between shelves.
Adjustable shelves are a game changer if you have tall bottles and short spice jars. You can mix and match heights to fit your stuff.
Kidney-shaped shelves are made for corner cabinets with tight doors. They swing out partway, so you can actually reach things without digging around.
Fixed-height shelves cost less, but you lose flexibility. Adjustable ones are pricier, but they grow with your needs.
Organizing Corner Cabinets Like a Pro
Getting your lazy Susan under control means more than just tossing stuff on it. Start by clearing it out, then create zones, and use a few simple tools to keep everything in place.
Decluttering and Cleaning Your Lazy Susan
Start fresh. Pull everything off your lazy Susan and give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water.
Sort what you find into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Don’t hang onto expired stuff or those five jars of the same spice.
Check expiration dates—especially on spices and oils. If you find garlic powder from 2019, it’s time to let go.
Wipe down every shelf and the spinning parts. Crumbs love to hide in the mechanism.
Give it a spin. If it’s sticky, dab on a little food-safe lubricant to the bearings.
Creating Practical Zones by Item Type
Organize by how often you use things and what they are. Put daily stuff like oils and salt on the outer edge, so you can grab them fast.
Daily Use Zone (Outer Edge):
- Cooking oils and vinegars
- Salt, pepper, and go-to spices
- Coffee stuff
Weekly Use Zone (Middle Section):
- Baking basics
- Specialty condiments
- Canned goods
Occasional Use Zone (Back Areas):
- Holiday baking stuff
- Specialty oils
- Bulk items
Group similar things together—baking spices in one spot, cooking spices in another.
Keep heavy stuff on the bottom shelf to avoid tipping. Lighter things, like spice jars, can go up top.
Using Bins, Dividers, and Non-Slip Surfaces
A few clever add-ons make a basic lazy Susan seriously organized. Clear bins keep small things from flying everywhere.
Must-have organization tools:
- Clear bins for grouping
- Adjustable dividers for custom sections
- Non-slip mats so things don’t slide
A rubber shelf liner works great as a non-slip base and costs hardly anything.
Tall dividers help keep bottles in their zones when you spin.
Use stackable bins to get the most out of vertical space. Pick ones with low sides so you can still see and grab what you need.
Label everything. Even if you can see most of your stuff, labels help everyone else put things back where they belong.
Clever Storage Ideas for Lazy Susan Turntables
With a little planning, your lazy Susan becomes the MVP of corner storage. Use tiers for spices, stash pantry staples smartly, and get creative with pots and pans.
Spice Rack and Condiment Organization
Tiered spice racks that fit the wedge shape of corner cabinets are a game changer. Three-tier organizers keep every jar in sight and easy to grab.
Top spice storage picks:
- Wedge-shaped tiered racks
- Clear spice jars
- Labels for fast spotting
- Small bins for packets
Condiments love lazy Susans. Group them by type or how often you use them—open bottles up front, backups in the back.
Set aside a section for specialty oils and vinegars, another for mustards and sauces. That way, you don’t send everything flying while hunting for that one bottle.
With a lazy Susan, you’ll actually use those random spice blends instead of letting them vanish in the corner.
Ideal Pantry Item Arrangements
Think vertically and by category for pantry storage. Store flour, sugar, oats, and other basics in clear containers that hug the curve.
Great pantry items for lazy Susans:
- Rice and grains
- Baking staples
- Canned goods by type
- Kid-friendly snack bins
Heavy stuff goes down low, lighter items up top. That keeps things from tipping and makes spinning smoother.
Square or rectangular containers make better use of space than round ones.
Root veggies like potatoes and onions do well in ventilated bins down here—the cool, dark spot keeps them fresh.
Smart Solutions for Pots, Pans, and Small Appliances
Small appliances are way easier to grab from a lazy Susan. Put the blender or mixer you use all the time right up front.
Stack pots and pans by size, and use pan protectors to avoid scratches. Store lids vertically in racks or slots.
Cookware organization tips:
- Stack similar pans together
- Use protectors between pans
- Store lids upright
- Handles out for easy grabbing
Wire basket organizers work for lightweight cookware and keep things from sliding. They’re sturdier than cheap plastic bins.
Don’t jam too many pots and pans in there—overstuffed shelves lead to chaos. Keep your favorites on the lazy Susan and stash extras somewhere else.
Enhancing Accessibility and Usability
Pull-out shelves can work with lazy Susans to end awkward reaching. Blind corner cabinets take a little extra creativity to turn into usable space.
Pull-Out Shelves and Hybrid Systems
Pull-out shelves bring everything out to you. Mixing these with lazy Susans gives you the best of both worlds.
Full-extension slides let shelves come all the way out, so you can reach the back without unloading the front.
Try this setup:
- Upper tier: Lazy Susan for everyday stuff
- Lower tier: Pull-out drawer for heavy pots and appliances
- Side compartments: Slim pull-outs for spices and condiments
You get two ways to reach things—spin or pull.
Just make sure your hardware is rated for the weight you’re storing. Most systems handle 35-50 pounds per shelf if mounted right.
Making the Most of Blind Corner Cabinets
Blind corners are tricky—half the cabinet is hidden behind the door frame. Regular lazy Susans often can’t reach it all.
Kidney-shaped lazy Susans fit the L-shape and swing out from the blind spot, so you can actually see what’s back there.
Always measure your opening before you buy. Most blind corners need a 28-32 inch turntable to work right.
Magic corner systems are another option. These pull everything out when you open the door—no more lost space.
The trick? Pick hardware that matches your door swing and cabinet depth. It’s worth the extra measuring, trust me.
Expert Tips for Maintaining an Organized Lazy Susan
Keeping a lazy susan organized really comes down to a few regular habits and some clever storage tweaks. If you can nail a labeling system and occasionally freshen things up, these spinning shelves stay both practical and nice to look at.
Regular Maintenance Strategies
Honestly, it helps to check your lazy susan about once a month—otherwise, stuff just piles up. I like to empty one shelf at a time and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Nothing fancy.
Weekly check-ins are quick:
- Give the lazy susan a spin and look for spills.
- Put stray items back where they belong.
- Toss anything expired right away.
Monthly deep cleans keep things under control:
- Take everything out and wash the shelves.
- Look for sticky spots under containers.
- Vacuum up any crumbs on the cabinet floor.
Don’t forget the spinning part itself. If it starts squeaking, I just rub a tiny bit of cooking oil on the hinges or wherever it sticks. Most mechanisms are pretty low maintenance, honestly.
Setting a phone reminder beats relying on memory. I always pick the same day each month—first Saturday, maybe—so it becomes a habit.
Labelling and Rotating Stock
Labels are a game changer. I use a label maker for permanent categories like “Baking Supplies” or “Cleaning Products.” It just makes life easier.
Front-facing labels are key since everything rotates. Stick them on the edge where you’ll always see them.
For pantry stuff, the first-in-first-out rule works:
- New groceries go in the back.
- Older stuff comes to the front.
- Check dates when you do your monthly clean.
Color-coding can help too:
- Red for expired stuff.
- Green for things you use all the time.
- Blue for seasonal or specialty items.
For bulk goods like flour or rice, I scribble the purchase date on masking tape. It’s not fancy, but it keeps food waste down.
I really prefer clear containers with tight lids over the original packaging. They stack better, and you can see what’s left without opening everything.
Personalizing with Decorative Touches
A lazy susan doesn’t have to be boring. Little decorative changes can make opening the cabinet a lot more enjoyable.
Nice-looking storage containers do double duty. Bamboo canisters or glass jars with cork lids look good and keep stuff fresh.
I line the shelves with removable contact paper or shelf liners in patterns I actually like. When they get gross, I just swap them out.
If you’ve got decent cabinet lighting, small plants or herbs can live on your kitchen lazy susan. A pothos or a few herbs brighten things up.
Matching color schemes pull everything together. I stick to one color family or just go with clear, white, and wood tones.
Seasonal touches are fun too. Sometimes I’ll swap out a couple containers for holiday-themed ones or change the shelf liner color when I get bored.
Just make sure the decorations don’t block the spin or make cleaning a pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Organizing corner cabinets with Lazy Susans brings up a lot of questions—weight limits, container types, spills. These are real concerns if you want your spinning shelves to work without hassle.
What are some creative ways to maximize storage in corner cabinets using a Lazy Susan?
Stacking similar items vertically frees up space. Heavy cans go on the bottom, lighter boxes (like pasta) on top.
Tiered shelf inserts are a lifesaver. They add levels to your Lazy Susan, so you basically double your storage.
I use mini turntables on the main Lazy Susan for condiments or spices. It adds another layer of order.
Mounting narrow wire racks to the cabinet sides works for flat things like cutting boards or baking sheets. Then the Lazy Susan handles the bulkier stuff.
How can I organize my spices and condiments on a Lazy Susan for easy access?
Grouping spices by cuisine—Italian herbs together, Asian sauces in another spot—makes cooking smoother. I always keep salt, pepper, and olive oil right up front.
Tiny spice jars roll around, so I corral them in small bins or trays. That way, they don’t scatter when I spin the shelf.
Labels on the front of containers save time. Outward-facing labels mean I don’t have to spin the whole thing just to find cumin.
Can you give me tips on choosing the right Lazy Susan turntable for my upper corner cabinet?
Measure your cabinet’s opening and depth before you buy anything. Upper cabinets usually need smaller turntables—16 to 20 inches across, tops.
Don’t push the weight limit, especially overhead. Lighter is better when you’re reaching up.
Raised edges or lips on the turntable help keep things from sliding off. I wouldn’t skip this feature for upper cabinets.
Go for ball-bearing mechanisms if you can. They spin more smoothly than plastic, and that matters when you’re awkwardly reaching overhead.
What solutions exist for organizing pots and pans in a Lazy Susan corner cupboard?
Stack pots by size, and stash lids vertically in a rack. It saves you from the lid-hunting game mid-cooking.
Adjustable dividers help separate different types of cookware. I keep frying pans in one section, saucepans in another.
A rubber mat on the turntable keeps metal pots from scratching and cuts down on the racket. Plus, it protects the shelf.
Most-used pans go right up front for easy grabbing. Specialty stuff like roasting pans can hide in the back.
How do I prevent items from falling off my Lazy Susan when I spin it?
Raised edges or adhesive bumper strips around the turntable make a big difference. Even a small lip helps.
Don’t overload one side. If the weight’s uneven, things wobble and fly off. I’ve learned that lesson more than once.
Wide, stable containers beat tall, skinny ones—especially for things like spices. Tall jars tip over way too easily.
Spin it gently. Seriously, it’s not a carnival ride. A slow turn keeps everything in place.
Are there any special considerations to keep in mind when using storage containers with lids on a Lazy Susan?
Make sure the lids can open all the way without bumping into the cabinet ceiling or sides. We usually measure the available space before picking out new storage bins—saves a lot of hassle later.
Go for containers with lids that flip back or pop off entirely, not the ones with swing-open tops. Those hinged styles? They always seem to get in the way of cabinet doors or other containers.
Clear containers are a game changer. You can spot what you need without opening everything up, which honestly just makes life easier.
Try putting lidded containers closer to the center of the turntable—there’s usually more headroom there. Stuff you grab all the time, or open baskets, fit better around the edges where they’re easier to reach.