How to Best Use Corner Lazy Susans

Consider your "work triangle" or the paths that you use when you move between appliances, and select the Lazy Susan contents based on proximity to your main work areas. You may, for example, wish to create a "baking center" near the area where you mix and roll out dough, or create a snack center for children to help themselves to snacks while you prepare a meal. Take into account the traffic created by the entire family, and consider Steve Thomas' suggestion in "This Old House Kitchens" that you "make it as easy as possible for noncooks to get in and out without causing disruption."

Assess the sturdiness of the Lazy Susan unit. If the shelf seems to bend easily when you press on it, limit its use to lightweight items. A heavier gauge shelf may be appropriate for storing cans or seldom-used appliances such as a blender or food processor.

Group like items and place them in open baskets or boxes to keep them from falling off the rotating shelf. Plastic storage containers and their lids should be divided by size and shape. Small lightweight food packets such as salad dressing mixes, drink mixes and gelatin are best contained in small baskets. Snack bag clips can be fastened to the front edge of the shelf for easy access.

Place infrequently used items at the back of the Lazy Susan, and load heavier items toward the center spindle.

Label items such as spice jars on the top of the lid so you can see the contents easily, and place them in a basket so they are easy to remove from the shelf.

Use short bungee cords to create dividers on wire-shelved Lazy Susans to support tall, top-heavy items such as cereal boxes. Wrap one end around the center spindle and fasten the free hook around the front edge of the wire shelf.