A lazy susan is a tray rotated on a table or countertop to make food or other materials available for sharing. The rotational design allows any item placed on it to be accessed from all directions. Lazy Susans are typically used in dining areas to share plates, condiments or snacks, which is convenient. The name Lazy Susan was coined in the early 20th century and has become a valuable and popular household item. The function of Lazy Susan’s invention most probably stemmed from the desire to simplify serving meals and to improve the meal-sharing experience. Its design has evolved, adapting to different materials, dimensions and styles to suit various aesthetics and practical needs.
See also: How to create your dream farmhouse kitchen?
Lazy Susan: Materials
A Lazy Susan may be made from a variety of materials, such as:
Wood
Solid Wood- Solid wood Lazy Susans are preferred for durability and appeal. These include maple, oak, walnut and bamboo.
Plywood- Another cheaper yet sturdy and reliable option is plywood.
Plastic
Acrylic- Acrylic Lazy Susans are light and durable and come in various modern colors.
Polypropylene- The plastic is known to be solid and chemical resistant and ideal for Lazy Susans in kitchen and pantry environments.
Metal
Stainless Steel- Stainless steel Lazy Susans are strong, do not rust and look stylish. These are usually used in industrial or modern kitchen designs.
Aluminum- Aluminum Lazy Susans are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and are suitable for different applications.
Glass- Lazy Susan with a tempered glass surface gives a sleek look. Tempered glass is safer than regular glass because it breaks into small pieces when it breaks.
Marble or stone
Some expensive Lazy Susans will have a base or surface of marble or any other natural stone. These are luxurious and durable options for tabletop organization.
Combination of materials
Some Lazy Susans may consist of different base (wood) materials and rotating components (metal or plastic) to find that perfect balance between style and usability.
Lazy Susan: Mechanisms
Bearing mechanisms
Critical parts of Lazy Susans include bearing mechanisms, for instance, ball bearings for rotational smoothness, roller bearings for even weight distribution and raceway bearings for stability. The versatile solutions include friction, thrust bearings and precision mechanisms with different load capacities and applications.
Rotating mechanism
Lazy Susans are based around a rotating mechanism incorporating many bearing systems. These components define how the turntable performs, which makes it rotate smoothly so that items can be accessed easily. Manufacturers choose these mechanisms by load capacity and use purpose so that users always get the best experience in use.
Lazy Susan: Types
Kitchen Lazy Susans
Source: Pinterest
The Lazy Susans are circular, designed explicitly for kitchen organization, and installed in cabinets or on the countertops. They make the availability of spices, condiments and cooking materials easier, thus increasing accessibility in the kitchen. Usually made of wood, plastic or stainless steel with a different bearing mechanism for smooth rotation.
Tabletop Lazy Susans
Source: Pinterest
Lazy Susans for tabletop, which can be used for dining or display purposes, are designed to provide better-shared meals or showcases. They are diverse in terms of form, material and style, which is functional and aesthetic to the dinner table. They are usually constructed from glass, acrylic or wood, with ball bearings to ensure smooth turning.
Corner Cabinet Lazy Susans
Source: Pinterest
They are angular to fit in tailored corner cabinets, and these Lazy Susans are tailored for optimizing corner cabinet spaces. They act as good storage and easy access points to commodities that otherwise would be difficult to reach from corners. They are generally fitted with tailor-made features for corner cabinets, such as kidney-shaped or pie-shaped units.
DIY Lazy Susans
Source: Pinterest
DIY Lazy Susans refers to customizable turntable solutions that users can assemble or repurpose for their unique requirements. Creativity in design and sizing allows the users to customize their Lazy Susan to suit a specific space or taste. They come primarily in kits or as separate units, allowing the users to choose their preferred materials and bearing elements.
Lazy Susan: Benefits
- Takes up minimal space, especially for corners and deep shelves.
- It aids with rapid and efficient item arrangement.
- Increases accessibility, eliminating the need to stretch or bend.
- Saves space for small kitchens or tight spaces.
- Helps track visibility, so that goods will not be lost or discarded.
- It provides design flexibility in different shapes, sizes, and materials.
- Makes the surrounding environment neat and organized.
- Customizable turntable, tailored to specific wants.
- Smooth-bearing mechanisms to effortlessly rotate.
- Improved kitchen, dining, and office room functionality.
- Quickly access stored items and save time.
- Applicable for different settings, like kitchens and office spaces.
- Stylish, bringing a modern look to spaces.
- Helps in avoiding overstocking and making assessment easy.
- Preserves the lifespan of items by saving them from deterioration or oblivion.
Lazy Susan: Shapes and sizes
Shapes and sizes of Lazy Susans are designed to suit various requirements: woodwork, round wooden turntables and plastic acrylic turntables with a modern look. Metalcraft Inc. offers stainless steel rotators for industrial kitchens featuring modern designs and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, Crystal Clear Co.’s tempered glass Lazy Susans act as elegant dining table centerpieces. Green Living Co’s sustainable circular bamboo swivel tray for sustainable organization of pantries. All-in-One Corp goes further in innovation by using combo material revolvers made from wood and metal for versatile use. When deciding on a Lazy Susan that suits taste and function, it is essential to know the key features and qualities of these popular shapes and sizes.
Lazy Susan: Uses
Craft supply organiser
Repurpose a Lazy Susan as a rotating craft supply organizer with paints, brushes, and other materials right at hand.
Under-sink storage solution
Increase storage under-sinks by adding a lazy susan and conveniently access cleaning supplies or kitchen essentials.
Outdoor condiment station
You can use a weather-resistant Lazy Susan as an outdoor condiment station for barbecues, picnics, and other occasions.
Accessory carousel
Set up a tabletop Lazy Susan carousel to store accessories like scarves, belts, or jewelry for a stylish and easily accessible accessory carousel.
Bedside table organiser
By twirling, change it into a bedside book, remote control holder, and necessary organizer.
Bathroom vanity storage
Toiletries should be placed under the bathroom sink, and a Lazy Susan would be helpful to maximize limited cabin space.
Spinning bookshelf
Use a Lazy Susan to make a rotating bookshelf and display the books or collectibles.
Art supplies carousel
Utilize a Lazy Susan for paints, brushes, and other artistic tools to keep art supplies organized and within reach.
Pantry snack station
Put snacks in a lazy Susan pantry to create a snack station with increased visibility and access for children and adults.
Desktop organiser
Reduce the clutter on the desk using a small Lazy Susan for pens, notepads, and other office materials.
Lazy Susan: Installation and maintenance
To ensure good performance and lifespan of Lazy Susans, follow the critical installation and maintenance tips shown. As per manufacturer instructions, secure mounting provides stability while checking weight capacity prevents overload. Dust will accumulate without regular cleaning, especially in kitchen settings. Bearings must be inspected and lubricated as necessary to maintain smooth rotation. Soft close mechanisms prolong wear, and wooden Lazy Susans must be moisture-protected. These details are critical for both DIY and professional installation. They ensure these organizational wonders continue to operate effectively.
FAQs
Which type of wood is used to make Lazy Susans?
Maple, oak, walnut, and bamboo Lazy Susans made from solid wood are durable and appealing. Another inexpensive and sturdy solution is plywood.
What is the significance of bearing mechanisms to lazy Susans?
Different bearing mechanisms exist, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, raceway bearings, friction bearings, and thrust bearings, to ensure proper rotation, stability, and load capacity of the rotating parts.
Should Lazy Susans be adopted in workplaces?
Yes, Lazy Susan can be an excellent option for office spaces, where it can be used to organize desktops and provide easy access to office items like pens and notepads.
What is the Lazy Susan meant for?
Its primary purpose is to help share food, especially in dining areas, by giving a rotating plate or pedestal to access the items.
What types of Lazy Susan are available for corner cabinets?
Yes, Lazy Susans Corner Cabinets are angular to fit corners, providing storage convenience.
Will I be able to self-install a Lazy Susan, or will it need a professional?
Some Lazy Susans are shipped with easy-to-follow installation instructions that allow DIY installation. Nevertheless, a professional installation is recommended for complex designs or perfect alignment.
How is a lazy Susan different from a turntable?
Sometimes, the terms are used interchangeably. A Lazy Susan is an alternative word for a turntable, and this term is usually employed when referring to rotating trays used for sharing food.
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