Is Kmart's lazy susan good value for the price?

Yes, for light to moderate use. At around AUD 15–20, it performs comparably to brands costing twice as much, though it has a smaller surface and less durable lacquer.

Can the Kmart lazy susan hold heavy items like cast iron?

It is not designed for heavy cookware. The bamboo top and ball-bearing base are best for jars, condiments, and small bowls. Heavy items may cause wobble or damage over time.

How does Kmart's lazy susan compare to IKEA's SNUDDA?

Kmart uses bamboo and looks more natural, while IKEA's is clear acrylic and lighter. Kmart is slightly larger and more premium-feeling, but IKEA is cheaper and easier to clean.

Should I buy a more expensive lazy susan from a hardware store?

Only if you need a higher weight capacity or plan to use it in a pantry for heavy jars. For tabletop serving, Kmart's model is usually sufficient and more attractive.

Kmart Lazy Susan vs Other Brands: Quality and Price Compared

What Kmart's Lazy Susan Actually Offers

Kmart sells a 30cm bamboo lazy susan under its Anko brand, typically priced around AUD 15–20. It features a solid bamboo top, a ball-bearing turntable, and a non-slip base. The bamboo is sealed with a clear lacquer, giving it a smooth, water-resistant surface that suits everyday use.

The turntable rotates smoothly with moderate weight, but it is not designed for heavy cast-iron cookware or oversized platters. The edge is slightly raised, which helps keep items from sliding off. Assembly is minimal—the base and top arrive pre-fitted, so you only need to attach the non-slip pads.

Compared to premium brands, Kmart's bamboo is thinner and the lacquer can wear over time with frequent washing. However, for the price, it delivers a functional turntable that suits most home kitchens. The main limitation is size: 30cm is smaller than many competitors, so it holds less than larger models.

A round bamboo lazy susan on a kitchen counter with a small bowl and spice jar on top

How Kmart Compares to IKEA on Build and Price

IKEA's SNUDDA lazy susan is a direct competitor, priced around AUD 9–12. It uses a clear acrylic top with a low-friction turntable. The acrylic is lighter than bamboo, making it easier to lift and clean, but it shows scratches more readily and can warp if exposed to heat.

The SNUDDA rotates very smoothly and is ideal for condiments or spices. Its smaller diameter (28cm) means it holds less than Kmart's model, but the transparent design lets you see items from above. IKEA's construction is simpler—no lacquer to wear—but the plastic feels less premium than bamboo.

In terms of price, IKEA is cheaper, but Kmart offers a more substantial, natural-material product. If you want a turntable that looks like a wooden serving board, Kmart wins. If you prioritize lightweight, easy-clean function and don't mind plastic, IKEA is a solid budget pick.

Kmart vs Bunnings and Hardware-Store Brands

Bunnings sells lazy susans from brands like Ward and Hafele, typically priced between AUD 25 and AUD 50. These are often made of stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, designed for pantry or cabinet use rather than tabletop serving. They tend to have higher weight capacities—some up to 25kg—and more durable bearings.

The trade-off is aesthetics and price. Hardware-store models are functional but rarely look good on a dining table. They are better for heavy jars or large cookware, but they cost two to three times as much as Kmart's. If your lazy susan is mainly for serving, Kmart's bamboo is more attractive and adequate for most loads.

For cabinet storage, the extra cost of a Hafele model may be justified by its durability. However, for a typical home, Kmart's unit handles everyday items like oils, spices, and small bowls without issue. The main advantage of hardware brands is longevity—they are built for constant rotation and heavier items, which Kmart's may not match over years of use.

Online Brands and Premium Wooden Lazy Susans

Amazon and specialty kitchen stores offer bamboo lazy susans from brands like Fox Run, Lazy Susan Experts, and Chef's Path, ranging from AUD 20 to AUD 60. These often feature thicker bamboo (up to 2.5cm), dual-bearing mechanisms, and larger diameters (40cm or more).

The quality difference is noticeable: premium bamboo is heavier, has a smoother finish, and the turntable spins with less wobble. Some models include a removable rim or a non-slip surface, which Kmart lacks. However, the price is often double or triple Kmart's, and shipping costs can add to the total.

If you entertain frequently or need a large surface for a dinner party, a premium brand may be worth the extra spend. But for everyday use, Kmart's bamboo lazy susan offers 80% of the functionality at 40% of the price. The main compromise is size and the lacquer's durability over time.

A large wooden lazy susan with bowls of snacks on a dining table

Which One Should You Buy? Price, Quality, and Use Case

The right choice depends on how you plan to use the lazy susan. For serving snacks, condiments, or small plates on a table, Kmart's bamboo model is a strong value. It looks good, rotates smoothly enough, and costs less than most alternatives. For pantry storage of heavy jars, a hardware-store model with a higher weight capacity is safer.

If you want a large turntable for a wide spread or a product that will last many years, investing in a premium brand from Amazon or a kitchen specialty store is justified. The thicker bamboo and better bearings reduce wobble and extend the lifespan. Kmart's is a budget-friendly entry point, but it is not a professional-grade tool.

In summary, Kmart's lazy susan wins on price and aesthetics for light-to-moderate use. It loses to premium brands on size, durability, and smoothness. For most home kitchens, it offers the best balance of cost and function, making it a sensible first purchase. If you find yourself replacing it often, upgrading to a higher-end model is then a worthwhile investment.