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Lazy susan or blind corner? Surprised KD recommending blind corner

11 years ago

Sure the lazy susan doesn't reach all the corners, but the spin factor allows for easy reach. She sent an entire explanation as to why (you don't gain space, less cost..is what I got out of it) but I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around that. I thought the lazy susans were an improvement over blind corners. ( I mean I've had them, I liked them). Thoughts?

Comments (42)

  • 11 years ago

    Do you think cost wise it would end up the same as just getting the susan? I put my huge food processer and mixing bowls on the susan, is the rev-a-shelf more limiting size wise?

  • 11 years ago

    I just wanted to say that I really like my corner susan. However, it's a 36" and called a "super" susan. No pole in the middle. Plenty space for my appliances and my huge bowls. I fit a ton in there.

    Is the "lazy" susan the one with the pole in the center? I would not get that one. I had it in my last kitchen and hated it. Things fell off the sides and it didn't fit much at all. I think the cabinet was smaller though, probably a 33" and had the diagonal door.

    Is a "super Susan" an option or just the one with the pole?


  • 11 years ago

    There are many more corner options than lazy susan or blind corner. The best solution for you depends on your layout, and what you plan to store in that space. If you have a peninsula or a room on the other side, you can access the space from the opposite side.

    I have a U kitchen, so two corners. One has a super Susan, as rebunky described. I use it for small appliances, and I love it - so very much better than the lazy susan I had previously.

    In the other corner, I closed off the corner completely, and put drawers on both sides. This is between the sink and range, and I use those drawers for cooking utensils, pots and pans, canisters of dry goods, and lots of other things that I use every day. My kitchen had enough places elsewhere in the kitchen (even though it isn't huge) to store things I don't use often, so I don't miss the dead space in the corner at all.


  • 11 years ago

    Good point AnnKH. It's so hard for me to figure out what I'm storing where, I just compare it to my previous kitchen which is probably not best.

    Rebunky now that you describe it, I think in my first IKEA kitchen I had a regular susan, but in my last home I didn't have that pole to contend with and never had anything falling off, so I think I must've had what you described. And I believe my current corner space is too small for that. ? I knew my old kitchen worked well but I'm even more impressed at it's design after realizing the planning in that!

  • 11 years ago

    I'm looking at these drawers for my new kitchen

    corner drawers

  • 11 years ago

    I have a Kraftmaid unit similar to the Rev a shelf posted above and I love it. When I open the cabinet, there are two trays that slide out in one unit. I keep my smaller everyday casserole and glass dishes in these trays. When fully extended, this unit pivots with the door and there are two large pullout drawers inside the cabinet. I store my large casseroles and serving trays in these. And I have a drawer on top with a two tiered cutlery tray, so quite a bit of storage for a 18 inch cabinet!

  • 11 years ago

    I have a reduced depth corner with a drawer set on one side and a cabinet on the other. I had to sign off on the blind space. I unblinded it by buying a plastic shoe box, filling it with pictures of the house before and after remodeling, info about our family, samples of original wallpapers, a TV guide and some music CDs. I hid it between the two cabinets before the counter was installed. My only regret about the set up is I wish I had two drawer sets.

  • 11 years ago

    Cheryl, what a wonderful idea for the next homeowner.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Do you have a small child who can crawl into the blind corner space to retrieve fallen items?

    Um...not really kidding - Our KD asked us exactly that question. Those pullouts will not close if something falls off inside the cabinet - and a grown person cannot fit inside one. In addition, my KD said that of all the types of cabinets she's sold the #1 cabinet/accessory she got complaints about, by a huge margin, were blind corner cabinet pullouts.

    Corner susans will still close if something falls off - if it's even possible for something to fall off! Our corner susan in our old kitchen had a single curved wall that followed the contour of the curved shelves so close to the sides of the shelves that about all that could fall off would be a grain of salt - nothing else could possible fit b/w the wall and the shelves.

    In addition, that corner susan held so much! ALL my pots & pans, colanders, and large serving pieces. Others have stored small appliances in them - they're ideal for that b/c some appliances are heavy and you can just turn the turntable to get the appliance in the front and lift it out easily. I really wanted one in my new kitchen for small appliances - but it was one of the concessions I made to my DH to, instead, turn the cabinet 90 degrees so it could be a Pet Center. Oh well - in my next kitchen!

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Regarding a "time capsule" - we did something similar when we remodeled. We assemble pictures of the original house, the floorplan, and a few extra items, stored the pictures in "picture safe" bags (no acid, etc.), and placed the items in the wall. We didn't have a blind area anywhere in our Kitchen - we used all our space.

    A few years ago, there were a couple of threads talking about what to put in a "time capsule".

  • 11 years ago

    Now is the perfect time to figure out what to store where. I made a list of most of the things in my kitchen (sometimes it was groups, like "cake pans", not a list of each pan). I separated that list into things I use every day, things I use regularly, and things I hardly ever use, but I sure need them a few times a year.

    Then I analyzed my current kitchen - what I liked about it and what I didn't, and my goals for the remodel. My goals were to improve/increase storage, improve flow, and eliminate clutter from the counters. We don't have a pantry, and had metal shelves in the laundry room in the basement for bulk purchases: cereal, rice, canned goods. I wanted enough storage space in the kitchen to keep those things upstairs.

    We kept cases of pop and beer stacked up on the floor next to the fridge - very untidy - so in the new kitchen I have a cabinets sized specifically for them. I measured small appliances, so I knew how much headroom I needed on each shelve of the Super Susan. I measured my cake pans (which I store vertically in a drawer), to make sure the drawer height was sufficient.

    So as the process developed, I got the appliances more or less situated, then started filling in stuff: flatware here, plates and bowls there, cups and glasses here, pots and pans there, rarely-used baking dish on a top shelf. Another benefit to the inventory exercise is that it forces you to look at ALL your stuff - and I found a fair number of things that didn't need to go back in the cabinets. I made up a nice box for my kids to use when they move out of the house in a year or two!

    As you find places for things, you realize what you need that corner space for: small appliances, canned goods, pots and pans, or a hidey-hole for the pressure cooker or stock pot or roasting pans that you only use a few times a year, and you don't mind standing on your head to dig them out infrequently. Or, like me, you'll discover that you have most things assigned to good spaces, and wheat you really need is drawer space in the most-used corner of your kitchen - and you can only get that by closing off the corner.


  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    annkh, may I ask what type of door you have on your SS? Is it the 2 panel folding kind? Or the pie wedge shape attached?

  • 11 years ago

    I've had a lazy susan in one corner of my "U" kitchen for over 20 years. It has the pole in the middle and a tall lip to prevent things from falling off/out. It has two levels. The top level is one circular area. The bottom level has four dividers which create four sections. I can store small appliances on the bottom level, and other things, and tons of stuff on the top level. I think something fell off only one time in all those years, and I could easily reach it. No problem. The slight extra space at the back comes in handy because that's where the dishwasher tubing runs. It's affixed to the back of the cabinet wall. I love my lazy susan!

    I had one like it in the other corner, but I removed the susan and use that space for a trash can and a recycle can. Both fit fine. Very handy and out of sight.

  • 11 years ago

    I'd reiterate what AnnaKH said, it depends.

    Not long ago there was a thread on corner that points out that sometimes it is actually more efficient to kill the corner.

    As to turn outs, RevAShelf or Hafele le mans, I put them in almost half the time (over a hundred and counting, have one in my own kitchen....zero complaints, zero. Now they are always purposes for exactly the same type of item storage as susans, things with a low center of gravity, awkward size and a bit heavy-no cereal boxes. Those things simply don't fall off.

    The issue with susans is that they consume 36 of wall in both directions. That can have a big impact on the sizes possible for adjacent cabinetry, hence there function. I can't count the number of layouts I've fixed (improved storage and function) where a knee jerl reaction placed a susan

  • 11 years ago

    Beth, neither. My super susan is in an angled corner, with a drawer above. My cabinets were custom, so I could get whatever I wanted - and I wanted a drawer for a knife insert.

    In my old kitchen, I had the pie-shaped with door attached. If I put heavy things on it (like a crockpot), the shelves would slip down the pole, and about twice a year I'd have to readjust, which was a pain. That's why I insisted on a super susan this time - where the turntables rest on a shelf.

    I tried posting a photo, but it came out sideways.

  • 11 years ago

    My lazy susan, also, to add to my comment above, doesn't angle IN. The front of the cabinet is angled straight across from one side to the other. It has a good lip on both the top and lower shelves. I keep heavier or larger items or awkward size items on teh bottom, and things like small cans and boxes on the top shelf (coffee, tea, cocoa, dry creamer, etc.). It's a fairly low cost way to have easy access to a ton of stuff. The cabinets are not as wide as normal, but of course the interior gets larger toward the back. The cabinets on either side of them are normal size. I love the lazy susan. I even buy those small plastic lazy susans in stores and put them in cabinets. But I imagine there are all sorts of ways to use those corner cabinet spaces. The lower cost option always gets my preference. Isn't it nice to have choices? Of course, sometimes there are just too many choices.

  • 11 years ago

    Ann, thank you! I have seen what you are talking about, though not with a drawer above. Nice.

    jakuval, thank you for elaborating on the turn out, that helps. I have been considering those as well.

  • 11 years ago

    I'm considering this Kornerking unit for my corner cabinet. A GW used it in her kitchen and had great things to say about it... Maybe worth mentioning to your KD. Here's a link Kornerking

  • 11 years ago

    I love my normal pie- shaped lazy susan even though it has a pole.It's the only place in my kitchen to put tall appliances, and they easily lift out when swung to the front. The walls are curved around it to hug the unit so that nothing falls off. I also have a pie-shaped Ikea lazy susan downstairs in our basement kitchenette where the walls are not curved and things can fall off. They rarely do, but the opening is large enough that I can easily reach in to get them. I do admit to storing a few items in those otherwise unused corners in that Ikea unit.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    We've found the bi-fold Lazy/Super Susan to be an excellent corner solution, especially when compared to a blind corner cabinet. No pole in center, and rotating pie cut shelf sitting on top of shelf inside cabinet is ideal.

  • 11 years ago

    We recently remodeled our kitchen. It has three blind corners! One is next to the wall under the cabinets on the counter return. Luckily a door under the counter provides access, and we store things we don't use much under there. Another was too small for any lazy solutions out there, so we just put in a normal Lazy Susan and it works for some things. The other has the whole custom Rev a Shelf design and I love it! I vote on any Lazy Susan solution if you can find one that fits your space. Good luck!


  • 11 years ago

    My house came with a double lazy susan corner cabinet. The previous owners used it to store their canned goods. I store small appliances (sizes from a coffee bean grinder to a juicer), and have had to retrieve something from the corner a lot of times--fewer since the kids don't spin it anymore but every once in a while, something's back there. The back corner is really deep so I keep a long grabber around. If I were doing this over, I would have the blind corner and I'd push my thanksgiving/christmas feast trays back there.


  • 11 years ago

    " We've found the bi-fold Lazy/Super Susan to be an excellent corner solution"

    What concerns me with this option is the folding door banging into its neighbor. Does anyone find this a problem, or not?

  • 11 years ago

    We had that kind of corner door in our previous house. Even though my DH and kids tend to be rough on things, we had no problems.

  • 11 years ago

    Good to know, thanks fc!

  • 11 years ago

    I just opened my folding corner door, and had no problems with it banging into it's neighbor. I do have self closing bottom drawers under the cook top next to it, and if one of those drawers isn't quite shut, it can be a problem. Easily fixed though! Just close the drawer!


  • 11 years ago

    Thank you Suzi!

  • 11 years ago

    We have the bi-fold super susan and no problems with door banging BUT it houses just stuff only I would normally use - the crock pot and small electrics, baking items like sprinkles, food coloring, crisco, nuts, etc. I had to use it for food storage in my last kitchen since we had nothing else and I developed a very strong hatred for it. With the stuff I have in there it's okay.

    I was all set to box it off and do drawers and I finked out. It's fine but I think I'd rather have had a 3 drawer stack vs. a 2 shelf susan - especially since I have a pantry that can house the large and small electrics anyhow.

  • 11 years ago

    autumn, did you dislike it because you had to get in it more often then?

    Part of my problem is, I don't know what is going to go in this corner after the reno. I am going to actually lose storage space so I really need to figure this out.

  • 11 years ago

    I think that is your million dollar question-what you intend to use the space for. It can make it or break it.

    For food I could never did anything and I found it awkward. Canned good several deep, cereal/rice boxes in a round cabinet. Too tall then on their sides. Double up the canned goods they fall over while trying to reach something else. A pain in the neck. It made me cringe. We wasted so much food, it would expire before I found it. The only food items I didn't mind there were my flour and sugar Tupperware containers. That's it!

    It was literally our only place for food in my old kitchen....and we had one 4 drawer stack and 2 cupboards. Good grief I should pinch myself now in my new kitchen. :D

  • 11 years ago

    Autumn, do they make 3 drawer corner stacks? I can't imagine how you would get the drawers out. I'm sure I read that wrong.
    Two years ago we purchased this home and kept the existing floor. We gutted the kitchen. Please know these are not professional photos. I cooked last night, and the maids don't come till Friday....

    Anyway here is the way we worked with the corner that was too small for a rev a shelf. There is wasted space, but I don't need it for anything. That red handled thing is my fried taco holder... my BFF!


    And here is the door that is amazing as long as the drawers are closed. What you see on the countertop is tonight's ribs defrosting.

    And inside that corner door, the amazing Rev a Shelf:


  • 11 years ago

    suzi-"box it off and do drawers" - block the corner and do drawers instead as was mentioned above. I'd have rather had larger or an additional drawer stack than give up the real estate that a susan takes. Sorry for the confusion my choice of words caused.

    But I have seen drawers in the corner at some point on the GW. I cannot remember who had them but I *think* they were custom perhaps? Oh yes - it was pllogs!

    Corner Cabinet Discussion

  • 11 years ago

    You do drawers, you will lose an entire triangle. Drawers are rectangle. Period. You see my drawers, but the blind corner has to have a Lazy Susan solution.


  • 11 years ago

    " Good grief I should pinch myself now in my new kitchen. :D"

    I'd say! Maybe one more for good measure. ;) Thanks for explaining, that really helps me.

    And Suzi, thanks for the pics.

  • 11 years ago

    suzi-yes that's right they are rectangle. And I am aware that I'd have lost a triangle (that would be my wasted space that I didn't need for anything) - and the circle in the rectangle does have some wasted space on the 'corners' anyhow. I thought it out and was prepared to do that. I just offered up what I have and what I contemplated as an option in case it was helpful for the OP. I would have been more than happy to do so and it would have housed the stuff that I have in my kitchen just fine, wouldn't have missed it a bit and susans are pricey. Some people love them, some people like them and some people just don't have them. You don't have to have a susan as a solution. Space calculations have been done showing that it's not really the loss of space that it can appear to be. I am okay with not preferring them even though many or even most enjoy them and find them useful.

    closing-off-a-blind-corner calculations

    beth09-I know it! I actually have a drawer stack that's somewhat empty - hahaha. It is a shock to the system. You will find what works for you. I will say the super susan (no pole) pie shaped does seem much sturdier than my old regular susan with pole.


  • 11 years ago

    I thought about losing the corner, but... in my small home, anyway, I really can't afford that kind of indulgence and it doesn't buy me much in terms of adjoining drawer/pull out real estate.... I'm hoping to go from a blind corner to a super susan corner, but I might have to settle for a lazy susan.


    Suzi, it sure looks like that rev-a-shelf susan thingy is working for you! Tons of goodies in that carousel, that's for sure.


    I'm hoping to use mine for my big roast pans and appliances, i.e., blender, toaster, etc...

  • 11 years ago

    Here's my corner susan, with a knife drawer above. Sorry about the sideways.

    Here's the corner we closed off and surrounded by drawers. Originally, there was a lazy susan between sink and range - in the remodel, we moved a range a foot to the right, to provide more prep space. And we got a smaller sink base, so there was more room on both sides of the corner. The drawers next to the sink are 18"; next to the range are 24". Oh, and we love the pull-out cutting board!


  • 11 years ago

    I had a lazy Susan in my prior 3 homes and loved them

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks for the pics Ann, love the CB!

  • 11 years ago

    Beth - be sure to have the carpenter inset any screws on the back panel of the bi-fold door. I have an early scratch before this was done (hard to see). Since then no problems.

    I put my most commonly used items (colanders and lettuce spinner in the front of the first door. I just open the door far enough to sneak them out.

    Then, my next most used items are still in the front but I have to open the door completely to snag them. The rest of the items are lesser used and I need to spin. This includes my LeCre roasting pan, ancient Corning, giant sauté pan and more

    Now, I don't have any small kids around but I do put lesser used travel mugs and my air popper in the back corners. I kneel down and grab them when I need them. Maybe when I am elderly, I will find a new home or get rid of them. They are too tall to stand on most of my shelves. I could put them sideways in a drawer but love the niche space. (I will be 61 in June and don't need any rugrats to crawl into my SS)

    I have t knocked anything off my SS in 4 years.

  • 11 years ago

    gemini, thank you so much for your thoughts, and especially the helpful hint about the screws. I really appreciate that.

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