You can take your pantry from chaos to organized bliss with just one thing: a lazy Susan. These spinning trays bring ingredients front and center, turning those deep shelves and awkward corners into easy-access storage.
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Lazy Susans let you use every inch of pantry space and keep your go-to items right at your fingertips. No more digging behind cans or losing spices in the shadows. With the right lazy Susan setup, you might even double your storage and cut down on cooking time.
Got a walk-in pantry? Or maybe just a single cabinet? Either way, there are clever ways to make lazy Susans work for you. From picking the right size to trying out new organizing tricks, you can turn your pantry into a space that actually helps you cook and plan meals.
Why Lazy Susans Are Essential for Pantry Organization
Lazy Susans fix three big pantry headaches: wasted space, hard-to-reach stuff, and general disorganization. These rotating platforms turn awkward corners and deep shelves into usable storage and keep your most-used items within arm’s reach.
Benefits of Using Lazy Susans in Pantries
Lazy Susans bring instant organization by grouping similar things together. You can dedicate one to oils and vinegars, another for baking, and a third for all those random spices.
Key organizational benefits:
• Visual clarity – grouped items keep things from getting mixed up
• Easy inventory management – you can see everything at once
• Reduced food waste – nothing gets lost at the back
• Quick meal prep – related things stay together
When you spin a lazy Susan, you don’t have to move a bunch of stuff to reach what you need. That saves time and keeps jars and bottles from toppling over.
Using a few smaller lazy Susans works better than one giant one. Different sizes help you organize by category and make the most of your space.
Accessibility and Space-Saving Advantages
Lazy Susans make those awkward corners and deep shelves actually useful. Usually, these spots just turn into black holes where things disappear.
A 12-inch lazy Susan fits most pantry shelves. If you’ve got a big corner cabinet, try an 18-inch one. The spinning design lets you grab anything from any angle.
Space-saving perks:
• Corner use – turns those 90-degree nooks into storage
• Vertical stacking – two-tier models double what you can store
• Deep shelf access – brings the back row forward with a spin
• Compact footprint – circles just use space better than squares
Two-tier models are perfect for small stuff like spice jars and sauces. The top level shows off your favorites, while the bottom holds extras.
Challenges in Traditional Pantry Storage
Traditional shelves create all sorts of problems. Deep shelves hide things, so you end up pulling out everything to find one item.
Corner cabinets often waste tons of space because of their weird angles. Most regular storage just can’t use those areas well.
Common pantry storage issues:
• Lost items – stuff disappears behind other things
• Expired food – forgotten items go bad before you remember them
• Wasted motion – always moving things around to reach the back
• Corner dead space – 90-degree angles just don’t work for storage
• Toppling containers – stacks fall over when you grab something underneath
It’s just plain frustrating when you can’t find what you need. Lazy Susans fix this by making everything visible with a quick spin.
The smooth rotation stops those annoying jar avalanches, too.
Choosing the Right Lazy Susan for Your Pantry
You’ll want to pick a lazy Susan based on your pantry’s size, what you need to store, and the types of things you use most. Materials matter for durability and cleaning, while size and features affect how well it’ll work for you.
Materials and Durability Options
Plastic lazy Susans are usually the cheapest. They’re lightweight and you can clean them with just soap and water. If you’re putting food directly on them, look for BPA-free plastic.
A lot of plastic models have non-slip surfaces. That keeps bottles and jars from sliding when you spin it.
Wood lazy Susans look great and match classic shelving. Bamboo or hardwood versions resist moisture better than softwoods. You’ll need to oil them once in a while to keep them from cracking.
Wood works best for dry goods. Don’t put wet or sticky stuff right on the wood.
Acrylic and glass options make it easy to see everything. Clear trays open up the look of your pantry, but they do show fingerprints and water spots.
Metal lazy Susans can hold the most weight. Stainless steel ones won’t rust and can handle heavy cans without bending.
Types and Tiers: Single vs. Two-Tiered Lazy Susans
Single-tier lazy Susans are best for tall things like bottles, spray cans, or big containers. They give you the most space between shelves. Most are between 9 and 18 inches across.
Use single tiers for condiments, oils, and vinegars of different heights. They’re also good for big bulk containers.
Two-tiered lazy Susans give you double the storage by stacking. The top tier usually sits 4 to 6 inches above the bottom. These are awesome for shorter things like spice jars and small cans.
Two-tier models shine in deep corner cabinets. You can sort items by category on each level. Put the stuff you use all the time on the lower tier for easy grabbing.
Tiered lazy Susans stop small items from getting lost behind bigger ones. The raised sections make natural zones to keep things sorted.
Size, Shape, and Non-Skid Features
Measure your shelf depth and width before you buy. Round models need at least 2 inches of space on all sides to spin easily. If you have square shelves, look for rectangular or D-shaped lazy Susans.
Common sizes:
- 9-12 inches: Small shelves, spices
- 14-16 inches: Standard pantry shelves
- 18+ inches: Big pantries, bulk storage
Non-skid surfaces keep things from sliding around. Raised edges stop bottles from falling off. Some models come with removable rubber mats for extra grip.
Weight capacity really varies. Check the label before piling on heavy stuff. Most plastic trays hold 15-25 pounds; metal ones can handle 30 pounds or more.
Ball-bearing mechanisms make for a smoother spin than simple pivots. Good bearings cut down on friction and keep things spinning well over time.
Strategic Placement of Lazy Susans in the Pantry
Putting lazy Susans in the right spots can totally change your pantry organization. Focus on the areas where things usually get lost or become hard to reach.
Maximizing Awkward Corners and Deep Shelves
Corner cabinets are just tough to organize. Regular shelves leave dead space where things vanish.
A lazy Susan fixes this instantly. Just spin it and everything’s right there.
Deep shelves love lazy Susans. The stuff at the back finally becomes easy to see and grab. No more unloading half the shelf for one can.
Put your lazy Susan near the back of deep shelves. That way, you can still keep your most-used items up front.
Best things for corners:
- Canned goods
- Spice collections
- Small bottles and jars
- Baking supplies
A quick spin brings everything to the front. Suddenly, your corners become the best storage spots in the pantry.
Best Practices for Storing Heavier vs. Lighter Items
How you arrange weight on your lazy Susan really matters. Heavy and light items need different spots.
Put heavier stuff around the outer edge. This keeps the tray stable and stops it from wobbling. Cans and big bottles belong here.
Lighter things go in the center. Spices, small jars, and packets won’t mess with the spin.
Weight layout:
- Outer ring: Cans, big bottles, heavy stuff
- Middle: Medium bottles, boxes, packets
- Center: Spices, tiny jars, light things
Don’t overload your lazy Susan. Most can handle 20-30 pounds, but check to be sure.
Try to balance the weight around the tray. If you put all the heavy stuff on one side, it’ll spin weird and might even tip.
Creative Ways to Organize Pantry Items with Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans can turn cluttered corners into organized storage zones where everything stays visible. Group similar things together on each tray and make zones for spices, cans, or baking stuff.
Organizing Spices and Seasonings
Set up spice zones by cooking style. Put baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg on one side. Keep Italian herbs like basil and oregano together.
Keep everyday spices—salt, pepper, garlic powder—front and center. Stash specialty seasonings toward the back.
Try a sectioned lazy Susan to stop bottles from sliding. Dividers keep spice jars upright as you spin.
Label each section so everyone knows where things go. That way, your system stays neat.
Pick the right size for your spice haul. A 12-inch tray fits most spice bottles. If space is tight, use an 8-inch one in the cabinet corner.
Stack your most-used spices on a two-tier lazy Susan. Put daily go-tos on the bottom, and specialty ones up top.
Arranging Cans, Jars, and Condiments
Put heavy cans on the outer edge of your lazy Susan. This helps keep it balanced.
Sort similar things into pie-shaped bins. Sauces in one, soups in another.
Group condiments by meal. Breakfast jams and syrups in one spot, dinner sauces like hot sauce and salad dressing in another.
Use clear containers for little things like bouillon cubes or sauce packets. That way, they don’t get lost when you spin the tray.
Tall bottles work better in the center. Short jars fit nicely around the outside so you can see everything.
Check expiration dates every so often. It’s easy to forget what’s hiding in the back.
Storing Baking Supplies and Snacks
Sort baking supplies by how often you use them. Keep vanilla and baking powder right up front.
Toss measuring cups and small tools in a container on the tray. That way, all your baking stuff stays together.
Group snacks by type using little bins. Granola bars in one, crackers or nuts in another.
Keep opened snacks in clear containers so they stay fresh. Label them with what’s inside and when you opened them.
A two-tier lazy Susan gives you more space for baking. Flour and sugar go on the bottom, smaller things like food coloring up top.
Put snacks where kids can reach if you want them to help themselves. It’s a small thing, but it makes the pantry work for everyone.
DIY Lazy Susan Solutions and Customization Ideas
If you build your own lazy Susan, you can pick the size, materials, and features you want. You can also tweak store-bought models to fit your pantry needs just right.
Making Your Own Lazy Susan
DIY lazy Susans are surprisingly simple. You’ll need a round wooden board, some lazy Susan turntable hardware, and basic tools.
First, measure your pantry corner or cabinet. Grab a pre-cut wooden round from the hardware store that fits your space.
Basic steps:
- Mark the center on your board
- Attach the turntable hardware using the holes as guides
- Sand the top and finish it however you like
- Add a handle or drawer pull if you want easier spinning
Material ideas:
- Wood: Plywood, pine, or hardwood
- Cheap option: Use two cake pans with marbles in between as ball bearings
- Heavy-duty: Metal rounds for big, heavy stuff
If you go with the cake pan method, just drop some marbles between two matching pans and you’ve got a spinning surface for light items.
Customizing Store-Bought Models
You can tweak store-bought lazy Susans to fit your kitchen better. Most basic models just don’t have all the features you need for pantry storage.
Try adding raised edges by gluing thin wood strips around the edge. That way, jars and bottles won’t slide off when you spin it. Wood glue and a few finishing nails usually do the trick.
Popular Modifications:
- Put in dividers to split up sections for different stuff.
- Lay down non-slip mats so jars and bottles stay put.
- Attach small baskets or containers for loose odds and ends.
- Paint on chalkboard sections to make labeling easier.
Paint or stain your lazy Susan if you want it to match your pantry’s vibe. If you plan to set food right on it, stick with food-safe finishes.
Some folks add LED strip lights underneath to brighten up those dark corner cabinets. I’d go with battery-powered lights since they work best for anything that spins.
Maintaining and Optimizing Your Lazy Susan Setup
If you want your lazy Susans to keep spinning smoothly, you’ll need to look after them. A little maintenance and some clever organizing can really help you avoid clutter piling up again.
Clean the mechanisms and try out fresh organization systems. You’ll be surprised how much more you can fit when you maximize your pantry storage.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Take everything off your lazy Susan about once a month and give it a good clean. Wipe down the spinning part with a damp cloth to get rid of crumbs or greasy spots.
Check the bearings or ball system underneath to make sure it spins smoothly. If you hear any weird grinding or sticking noises, clear away any junk that’s gotten stuck in there.
For wooden lazy Susans:
- Stick with wood cleaner, and don’t soak it.
- Rub on some food-safe wood conditioner every few months.
- If the surface feels rough, just sand it lightly.
For plastic or metal models:
- Wash with warm, soapy water for a deep clean.
- Dry it well so metal parts don’t rust.
- Swap out any worn rubber grips on the bottom.
Give it a spin after cleaning. If it still sticks or wobbles, maybe you loaded it with too much stuff or things weren’t balanced.
Try not to put hot pans or dishes right on top. That can warp plastic or mess up wood finishes in no time.
Seasonal Reorganization and Upkeep
Take a look at your lazy susan every three or four months. Toss out expired stuff and anything you haven’t touched in a while.
Try grouping similar items together, and shift things around so they match how you actually cook. Keep the oils and vinegars you use all the time right up front, where you can just grab them.
Optimization checklist:
- Weight distribution: Put heavier jars in the center
- Height clearance: Leave about 2 or 3 inches between your items and the shelf above
- Access zones: Store daily items where your dominant hand can reach them easily
Move seasonal stuff around when you need to. For example, if you’re baking more during the holidays, pull those supplies forward.
If loose items keep sliding everywhere, maybe it’s time to try a divided lazy susan. Compartments help keep jars and bottles from rolling around while you spin it.
When the mechanism stops working for good, or your storage needs really change, go ahead and swap out your lazy susan for a new one.