The Surprisingly Fascinating Story of the Lazy Susan (And Why They’re Making a Comeback)

The Mystery of Susan’s Laziness

The truth is, nobody really knows who Susan was or why she was considered lazy. The name “Lazy Susan” has been lost to history, which is both frustrating and somehow perfect for such a wonderfully practical but unassuming invention.

What we do know is that rotating serving platforms have been around for centuries. In 18th-century England, they were often called “dumb waiters” – not because they were unintelligent, but because they were silent servants that eliminated the need for actual servants to constantly reach across tables or walk around serving guests.

The Gentleman’s Magazine from the early 1700s actually celebrated these “silent machines” as modern marvels that had replaced human servants at the dinner table. Imagine the excitement over a piece of spinning wood!

Why Lazy Susans Actually Make Sense

The Reach Problem: Anyone who’s ever sat at a large dining table knows the awkward dance of “can you pass the…” followed by careful coordination to avoid spilling things. A lazy susan eliminates this entirely. Everyone has access to everything without asking or stretching.

Space Efficiency: Instead of spreading condiments, appetizers, or shared dishes around the table taking up individual space, everything centralized on a rotating platform. It’s surprisingly space-efficient.

Natural Conversation Flow: There’s something democratic about a lazy susan. No one person controls the condiments or has to play server. Everyone can access what they need independently, which keeps conversation flowing naturally.

Modern Lazy Susan Uses

Beyond the Dining Table

• Kitchen islands: Perfect for organizing cooking oils, spices, or frequently used ingredients
• Pantry organization: Great for grouping similar items (baking supplies, canned goods) where you can see everything at once
• Refrigerator efficiency: Rotating trays help you access items in the back without moving everything
• Craft rooms: Keeping supplies organized and accessible
• Office spaces: For shared supplies or desk organization
• Entertaining Essentials: Lazy susans have become popular again for charcuterie presentations, appetizer spreads, and casual dining. They make hosting feel more relaxed because guests can help themselves without constant serving.

What Makes a Good Lazy Susan

Size Considerations: Too small and it defeats the purpose. Too large and it dominates the table. The sweet spot is usually about 1/3 to 1/2 your table’s width, leaving room for individual place settings.

Weight Distribution: Quality lazy susans have smooth, reliable rotation mechanisms that can handle weight without wobbling or sticking. Cheap ones become frustrating quickly.

Surface Material: Wood provides warmth and can be personalized, but requires more care. Other materials might be more practical for heavy use or outdoor entertaining.

The Personalization Appeal

Here’s where lazy susans get interesting as gifts or personal pieces. Unlike many functional items, a lazy susan becomes a centerpiece,  literally. Adding family names, meaningful dates, or custom designs turns a practical tool into a conversation piece.

Popular Personalization Ideas:

• Family names for regular family dinners
• Wedding dates for anniversary gifts
• “Gather Here” or similar sentiments for hosts who love entertaining
• Coordinates of special places for meaningful locations

When Lazy Susans Don’t Work

Small Tables: On intimate tables for two, a lazy susan can feel awkward and take up too much proportional space.

Formal Dining: Some formal dining situations call for proper service rather than self-serve casual access.

Limited Storage: If you don’t have easy storage for a lazy susan when not in use, it might become more hassle than help.

The Modern Revival

Why are lazy susans popular again? Partly it’s the trend toward casual, social dining. We’re entertaining more informally, and lazy susans fit that relaxed, help-yourself style perfectly.

There’s also something appealing about tools that solve simple problems elegantly. In our complicated world, a lazy susan’s straightforward functionality feels refreshing.

Practical Shopping Considerations

Mechanism Quality: The rotating mechanism is everything. Test it if possible – it should spin smoothly and quietly without wobbling.

Maintenance Requirements: Wood lazy susans need the same care as cutting boards – hand washing, drying, occasional oiling. Consider whether you’re willing to maintain it properly.

Storage Reality: Where will you keep it when not in use? Some people display them permanently, others store them between entertaining occasions.

The Bottom Line

A lazy susan might seem like a simple, almost antiquated concept, but there’s something timelessly practical about eliminating the “can you pass the…” dance at dinner tables. Whether you’re hosting regular family dinners or occasional gatherings, the right lazy susan can make shared meals feel more relaxed and inclusive.

And while we may never know why Susan was considered lazy, we can appreciate that her namesake invention continues to make dining more convenient – and perhaps a bit more democratic – centuries later.

Curious about adding one to your entertaining collection? A quality lazy susan is one of those simple tools that can genuinely improve how shared meals feel.  See if this one fits your style.