A turntable - also called a lazy Susan - creates calm and overview in cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator. By gathering bottles, jars, and small containers on a rotating base, you get quick access without reaching to the back. This aligns well with élé living's approach to minimalist organization, where function and aesthetics go hand in hand. Choose the diameter according to your shelf space and decide whether a high or low rim suits your contents. See the entire selection of turntables to find a solution that matches your kitchen.
Turntable for the kitchen
In kitchen cabinets, a turntable helps utilize deep shelves, so you don't forget what ends up at the back. Place the turntable by the stove for cooking oils, vinegars, and everyday spices. A high rim reduces the risk of tall bottles falling over when you spin it. A natural material can give a calm expression in open cabinets or on the kitchen counter - an example is the Wooden Turntable with High Rim. Measure the shelf depth, leaving a little space all around for a smooth rotation.
How to get started
- Empty the shelf and choose one category per turntable - e.g., cooking oils or baking ingredients.
- Agree on a fixed placement that everyone in the household can reach.
- Place what you use most in the front half, so it's visible when the turntable is at rest.
Choose what goes on the turntable
- Bottles: Oil, vinegar, soy sauce, dressings in glass bottles.
- Spices: Uniform jars create a calm look. Optionally supplement with Spice Jars and Accessories.
- Serving: Small glasses with salt, pepper, and a small bowl of toothpicks at the dining area.
Lazy Susan for spices
A turntable effectively functions as a spice station. Place the most used spices at the front, and group the rest by type - warm spices in one place, herbs in another. Stick to a few repeating jar types for a uniform look. Consider a lower rim if the jars are small, so labels and names remain visible when you are at the stove.
Refrigerator turntable
A refrigerator turntable creates structure on a regular shelf - not in the door - and makes it easy to reach jars and containers at the back. Use it for pickled vegetables, pesto, dips in jars, and leftovers in small containers. A high rim provides extra stability when spinning on cold, smooth shelves. A practical choice is the Plastic Turntable with High Rim. Place the turntable at a height where everyone can see the entire surface, and maintain one clear category at a time to avoid clutter.
Maintain the routine
Put jars back in the same place after use, and do a quick weekly review: check dates, use the oldest first, and remove what no longer needs to be there. This keeps the overview sharp in everyday life.
Space optimization and zones
Turntables work best as fixed "stations." Place them close to the task they support: cooking near the stove, baking near the mixer, and serving near the dining area. In cabinets with high shelf spacing, a turntable can effectively utilize depth. If you have tall bottles, choose a model with a high rim. If you want a transparent solution that makes the contents easy to see, a clear plastic tray with a rim can be an advantage. For open shelves, wood provides a warm, calm look where the contents are still in focus.
Simplify everyday life
Stick to a few repeating sizes and materials for a consistent look. Start with one area - e.g., spices - and build on it once the routine is established. This way, you get a solution that looks good, is easy to use, and supports a calm everyday life. When you are ready to expand, you can gather your choices in an overview via the turntable collection.
