You’ve probably heard the term ‘Lazy Susan turntable’ used before – but how much do you really know about them?

In this blog, the experts at Stainless Steel Equipment & Manufacturing (SSME) will explain everything you need to know about rotary turntables, including where their name originates from, what they are for and why you should consider investing in one.

Why is it called a Lazy Susan turntable?

Lazy Susan turntables have been around since the 1700s and were formerly known as ‘dumbwaiters’.

Many believe that Thomas Jefferson named the Lazy Susan after his daughter who complained about always being served last at the table. Others argue that Thomas Edison – who also had a daughter named Susan – created the rotary turntable for his phonograph.

Though the true history of the name Lazy Susan remains unknown, one thing we can be sure of is that these rotating conveyor systems can improve the efficiency of production lines and packaging stations.

What are Lazy Susan turntables used for?

Rotary turntables are used throughout various areas of manufacturing – providing a cost-effective solution for loading and discharging products as part of the production line.

They are typically used to:

• Improve productivity – manually feeding products to the next stage of production can be a timely process that requires great precision.

Lazy Susan turntables, on the other hand, are designed to convey goods quickly and efficiently. They ensure products are accumulated and replenished efficiently – allowing you to meet the growing demands of customers without sacrificing quality or safety.

• Transfer bottles – rotary turntables are incredibly versatile pieces of equipment.

Although they are commonly used to assist with the movement of food at various stages during the production line, they’re also great for transferring empty or full plastic bottles. This makes them ideal for pharmaceutical companies.

• Provide cost-effective sortation – when it comes to feeding and sorting products at different stages, a Lazy Susan turntable is guaranteed to make it easier for you. They come with fixed or variable speeds and can be placed at the end of the production line or used with an integrated conveyor belt.

Stainless steel rotating turntables are extremely durable and withstand the rigours of fast-paced environments – lasting for many years to come.

• Ensure hygienic product handling – while all industries should adopt hygienic practices, it’s especially important in food processing areas.

Luckily, Lazy Susan turntables are manufactured from plastic or stainless steel, meaning they are food-safe and can be easily wiped clean to prevent contamination. This not only gives customers peace of mind that the products they consume are 100% safe, but it also helps you to comply with the strictest food hygiene regulations. And that means you won’t have to worry about your reputation being tarnished.

Is a Lazy Susan turntable worth the investment?

Call us biased, but here at SSME we firmly believe that businesses within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industry can benefit from having at least one Lazy Susan turntable.

These rotating trays will allow you to handle goods effectively and maintain hygienic standards without putting too much pressure on your workers.

As with all the products we supply at SSME, our Lazy Susan turntables can be tailored to suit your requirements and are available for a highly competitive price.

To find out more about rotating turntables, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, get in touch today.

Either give us a call on 0121 661 6346 or email sales@ssmeltd.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.