This Forgotten Kitchen Gadget Will Instantly Transport You Back to the ’60s | April 30, 2025

There’s something magical about the sound of a wooden spice rack spinning gently under a kitchen cabinet—the faint creak of wood, the soft clink of glass jars bumping against one another. For many of us who grew up in the ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s, it was a common sight in Grandma’s kitchen. You’d stand on tiptoes, spin it with childlike curiosity, and marvel at the vibrant labels on jars of paprika, cinnamon, and oregano. It wasn’t just a practical kitchen tool; it was a little piece of culinary theater.

In those days, the hanging spice carousel embodied the optimism and ingenuity of post-war America. Kitchens were smaller, but families were growing, and efficient use of space was a priority. Cabinets became home to clever solutions like fold-out ironing boards, built-in cutting boards, and, of course, the rotating spice rack. Its placement under the cabinet freed up valuable counter space while keeping essential spices at arm’s reach—a must for the era’s home cooks.

The spice carousel is a descendant of the lazy Susan, a rotating tray that dates back to at least the 18th century. Though its origins are debated, it became a household name by the early 1900s, popularized as a dining table accessory for passing condiments and dishes. By mid-century, its versatility expanded into the kitchen, where it evolved into the hanging spice rack we know today.

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