Quick answer

If you're deciding between a turntable and a lazy Susan, start with your cabinet's shape. A round turntable is the simplest fix for deep, square cabinets where items get lost in back corners. A lazy Susan is better for corner cabinets or carousels that already have a dedicated round footprint. For most standard kitchen cabinets, a turntable like the SmoothSpin or a rectangular MagicTrack will save more usable space than a traditional round lazy Susan because the shape matches the cabinet.

Why the shape matters more than the spin

Both a turntable and a lazy Susan rotate, but their footprints are different. A round lazy Susan leaves wedge-shaped gaps in a square cabinet, and those gaps become dead space where small items disappear. A rectangular turntable, like the MagicTrack Rectangle Turntable, uses all four corners, so you store more in the same cabinet. A round turntable with bins, like the SmoothSpin Turntable with 6 Bins, trades some corner space for containment: the six clear bins keep small packets, spice jars, and office supplies from sliding around as you spin.

Access: one shelf vs. a full cabinet

A lazy Susan usually sits on one shelf or in a corner carousel, so it organizes a single level. A cabinet turntable can be placed on any shelf, and some designs, like the MagicTrack, rotate forward and around so you can reach items in the back without unloading the front. The SmoothSpin brings everything forward with a smooth spin, which helps when you have multiple small bins and don't want to dig. If you need to organize two shelves, you'll likely want two turntables rather than one tall lazy Susan.

What fits where: cabinet dimensions and clearance

Measure the opening before you buy. A round lazy Susan needs a square or round clear space, and a corner lazy Susan needs a cabinet with a corner. A rectangular turntable fits standard rectangular shelves better, but check the height: the MagicTrack is low-profile, while the SmoothSpin with bins adds height because of the bins. For lids, a dedicated organizer like the StoraLid Container Lid Organizer is a better choice than either turntable, because lids need upright dividers, not a spinning tray. Match the organizer to what you store: turntables for small loose items, lid organizers for flat lids.

Trade-offs to weigh

  • Space efficiency: A rectangular turntable uses cabinet corners; a round lazy Susan leaves gaps. If your cabinet is square, a rectangle turntable stores more in the same footprint. Choose rectangular for square cabinets; choose round only if your cabinet is already round or you have a corner carousel.
  • Containment vs. open access: The SmoothSpin with bins contains small items but adds height. The MagicTrack is open and low-profile but doesn't corral tiny items. If you store spice packets or office supplies, bins help. If you store larger bottles or boxes, open access is faster.
  • Installation and footprint: A lazy Susan may require a corner cabinet or a dedicated carousel. A turntable sits on any shelf and can be moved. Renters or anyone who rearranges often should pick a freestanding turntable over a built-in lazy Susan.

Key product facts

  • SmoothSpin™ Turntable with 6 Bins: SmoothSpin Turntable with 6 Bins includes six clear, removable bins and an endlessly smooth spin that brings items forward. The bins keep small items contained and visible, so you can spin to find what you need without items rolling off. Removable bins let you carry a group of items to the counter and back.
  • MagicTrack™ Rectangle Turntable: MagicTrack Rectangle Turntable has a patent-pending design that rotates the tray forward and around, and its four corners maximize cabinet space. The rectangular shape uses corner space that a round lazy Susan wastes, and the forward rotation improves access to the back of the shelf without removing front items.
  • StoraLid® Container Lid Organizer, 24 Lid: StoraLid Container Lid Organizer, 24 Lid has five adjustable dividers that keep lids upright and ready to be found. Lids are flat and stack poorly on a turntable. Upright dividers make them easier to grab, which is a different job than a spinning tray.

Which should you choose?

Best for

  • Square or rectangular cabinets where you want to use corner space
  • Small items like spice jars, packets, or office supplies that need containment
  • Renters or anyone who wants a movable, no-install organizer

Not for

  • Corner cabinets that already have a dedicated round carousel
  • Storing flat container lids, which need an upright lid organizer instead
  • Very tall items that exceed the turntable's clearance