Lazy Susan

Restaurant serving turntable restaurant in China, 1987

Antique Lazy Susan

Репин. Пенаты. Интерьеры

Lazy Susan is a turntable or rotating tray that is typically placed on a table or countertop to aid in distributing food. Lazy Susans can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and plastic. They are especially useful for large or crowded dining tables where passing dishes manually can be inconvenient. The origins of the name "Lazy Susan" are unclear, but the device has been in use for several centuries.

History

The exact origins of the Lazy Susan are unknown, but they were documented in use in the early 18th century. It is believed that the term "Lazy Susan" was first used in the 20th century. Before the invention of the Lazy Susan, similar devices known as dumbwaiters were used to aid in serving meals. The Lazy Susan simplified dining by allowing diners to easily share and serve various dishes without the need to pass them around, which was particularly useful in the era before the widespread use of dining tables with a large number of guests.

Design and Use

A typical Lazy Susan consists of a circular plate that rotates on a set of bearings. The size can vary greatly, from small models used in kitchen cabinets to organize spices and condiments, to large ones designed for use on dining tables. Some dining tables are even built with a built-in Lazy Susan. In addition to their use in dining settings, Lazy Susans are also employed in other applications, such as in cabinets for easier access to stored items, and in retail displays for showcasing products.

The design of a Lazy Susan allows it to rotate smoothly, making items easily accessible to everyone around the table without the need to reach over or ask for items to be passed. This is particularly beneficial for serving a variety of dishes, such as during family meals, buffets, or in restaurants with family-style servings.

Materials and Variations

Lazy Susans can be crafted from a wide range of materials. Wooden Lazy Susans are popular for their durability and aesthetic appeal, often finished with stains or varnishes to enhance the natural grain of the wood. Glass and plastic models offer a more modern look and are easier to clean, though they may not be as robust as their wooden counterparts.

There are also several variations of the Lazy Susan design, including two-tier models for storing and organizing more items in the same footprint, and models with specific compartments or dividers for better organization of items such as condiments, spices, or utensils.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, particularly in Chinese dining, the Lazy Susan is an essential part of the dining experience. It facilitates the sharing of dishes in family-style meals, embodying the communal aspect of dining. The ease of access to various dishes promotes a more interactive and communal dining experience, allowing diners to sample a wide variety of dishes.

Conclusion

The Lazy Susan remains a popular and practical tool for both home and commercial use. Its simple yet effective design improves the dining experience by making it easier to share and access a variety of dishes. Whether made from wood, glass, or plastic, the Lazy Susan is a testament to the ingenuity of simple design in enhancing everyday life.