Lazy susans: an old idea that still solves a modern problem

A turntable in the middle of the table removes the single most disruptive thing about a shared meal.

The problem it solves

Passing dishes interrupts conversation and leaves someone holding a hot bowl. A turntable means everything reaches everyone without anyone standing up.

For a table of six or more, it changes how the meal flows.

Sizing it

The turntable should be roughly a third of the table width. Larger and there is no room for plates; smaller and it will not hold the dishes.

An 18-inch turntable suits most round tables that seat six.

Wood versus metal bearings

A smooth bearing is the whole product. Cheap turntables stick under load, which is exactly when you need them to move.

Test it loaded, not empty — an empty turntable spins beautifully regardless.

Beyond the dining table

They work on a kitchen counter for oils and condiments, in a corner cupboard where things get lost at the back, and on a coffee table for snacks.

The cupboard use is arguably more valuable than the table one.

Cleaning around the bearing

Spills run to the centre and sit around the mechanism. Look for a design where the top lifts off or the bearing is sealed.

This is what determines whether it is still turning smoothly in two years.

Weight limits

Loaded with full serving dishes, a turntable carries more than people assume. Check the rating if you plan to use it for a casserole.

Acacia and hardwood models generally take considerably more than plastic ones.

Storage

A turntable is awkward to store and easy to leave out, which is fine if it looks good enough to live on the table.

That is a real buying criterion, not an afterthought.

Four products that show the range

The least expensive way in: VCREATC Small Black Rectangular Tray, 8.1″ x 4.1″ Plastic Organizer at $7.88. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

A step up from the basics: UP Red Coral Melamine Serving Tray, 15″ Rectangular Platter for Entertaining at $18.99. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

A middle-of-the-range option: Gibson Home Gracious Dining 3-Tier Rectangle White & Gold Serving Set at $29.99. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

The most substantial option: Vercraft 40″ x 40″ Square Black HDPE Picnic Table with 8 Cup Holders at $97.99. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

What it costs

Across the 19 items currently listed, prices run from $7.88 to $97.99, with the middle of the range around $24.99. That spread is worth knowing before you start comparing, because the cheapest and dearest options here are usually not the same kind of product at all.

Shipping is a flat $7.99 per order and free once the order reaches $65.00, which is set out in full on the Shipping Policy page.

Coming in instead

Varick’s Market Place is at 80 Varick St, New York, NY 10013, open Mon–Sun: 6:00 AM–12:00 AM. If you would rather look at something before buying it, call +1 212-547-8754 and we will put it aside for you.

Anything already ordered can be followed on the order tracking page.

Questions that come up with this

Are you open at unusual hours?
The counter runs Mon–Sun: 6:00 AM–12:00 AM at 80 Varick St, New York, NY 10013. Online orders can be placed at any time.

How soon does an order ship?
Within one to two business days, then two to five business days in transit inside the United States.

What is carriage?
A flat $8.49 per order, and nothing from $65.00 upward.

The FAQ page covers the rest.

Where this sits in the shop

Varick’s Market Place groups its range into 6 sections, so it is usually quicker to start from the group than to scroll the whole shop. These are the ones with stock on the shelf right now:

Serving Trays — 7 items
Outdoor and Party — 3 items
Tiered Stands — 3 items
Decorative Trays — 3 items
Charcuterie Boards — 2 items
Lazy Susans — 1 item

If none of those is obviously right, the full shop lists everything on one page.

In short

A turntable in the middle of the table removes the single most disruptive thing about a shared meal. If you want to talk it through rather than read about it, +1 212-547-8754 reaches the shop during opening hours, and the contact page has everything else.