Lazy Susan Sizes Compared: 9, 11, 12 and 18 Inch Turntables

The short answer: choose a lazy susan by the space it has to turn in, not by how much you want to store. Measure the depth of the shelf and the width of the cabinet opening, and pick a turntable that is smaller than both. As a rough guide, a 9-inch turntable suits upper cabinets and spice shelves, 11 to 12 inches suits standard kitchen cabinets, pantry shelves and the fridge, and 18 inches is for deep base cabinets and under the sink.

The Four Sizes Compared

We compare four single-level turntables we have reviewed, one at each common size. All the details come from the manufacturers' published specifications; we have not tested them in person.

How to Choose the Right Size

1. Measure the shelf depth

Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the shelf, or to the back of the door if the door has hinges or shelves that stick inwards. The turntable has to spin inside that space. We suggest leaving at least an inch of clearance so bottles near the edge do not catch on the door frame.

2. Measure the opening, not just the cabinet

In a corner cabinet or a cabinet with a center stile, the opening can be much narrower than the inside. The turntable has to fit through the opening to get in, and you have to be able to reach the items on it.

3. Check the height

Add the height of the turntable to the height of the tallest bottle you plan to store, and compare it with the space between shelves. mDesign lists its 9-inch model at about 3.4 inches tall; for the others, measure or check the product page.

4. Think about what will sit on it

• Spices and small jars: a raised rim matters more than diameter. The fluted rim on the 9-inch mDesign keeps small jars from sliding off when you spin it.
• Oils, vinegars and sauces: an 11- or 12-inch turntable holds a full ring of bottles in a standard cabinet.
• Cleaning products under the sink: the 18-inch Copco is built for this, with high walls and soft feet. Measure around the pipes and the garbage disposal first: plumbing often takes up the center of the cabinet.
• The fridge: a turntable on a fridge shelf brings condiments from the back to the front. Check that the shelf is deep enough and that the door still closes.

Single Tier or Two Tier?

All four models here are single-level. A single tier is the easiest to clean and works on any shelf with enough height. If you have a tall shelf and a lot of small items, a two-tier turntable doubles the surface in the same footprint, but it needs more vertical space and the lower level is harder to see.

Cleaning and Care

mDesign says its 9-inch turntable should be washed with mild soap and water and is not dishwasher safe. Copco recommends wiping the 18-inch model with a damp cloth. For any turntable, take everything off and wipe the base every few weeks: sticky rings from oil and syrup bottles are the most common mess.

For more ways to use the space in your cabinets, see our guides on how to organize kitchen cabinets, how to organize spices and how to organize the cabinet under the sink.