The Best Cake Turntable (Review) in 2020

What is a Cake Turntable?

A cake turntable is not entirely dissimilar to a normal cake stand. However, it has one, crucial difference – it can turn the top plate. This allows for cake decorators to twist the baked good to where they need to be, in order to obtain the best angle for their decorating needs.

Modern turntables will use ball bearings, which make for a smoother, simpler turning mechanism that allows for a cleaner finished result. However, there are a few ways in which you can make your own, if you’re struggling, although do be warned that these are not going to be as smooth or easy to set up as a ready-made, bought revolving stand.

Things to Consider When Buying a Rotating Cake Stand

• Height and Size

Before buying, the height of your revolving stand may not seem that important. However, it allows you to access your baked goods without straining your back as you lean over, so can make a huge difference to how quickly and easily you can finish your decorating.

The size, on the other hand, is absolutely essential – as you’ll need to get the right diameter, in order to comfortably fit your cake on. It should also have a good inch or more on each side, so that you can have a little flexibility and added security while working.

• Material

The material of your stand will make a huge difference to how it feels as you work. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is completely inert and won’t react to any materials you may need to use, while plastic is more lightweight and can feel a little unsteady, if your baked goods don’t weigh it down. Both options, however, are great for quickly and easily cleaning up after you’ve finished.

• Mechanisms

Locking mechanisms can be a major help if you’re looking to complete more detailed work. After all, nobody wants to be halfway through a major piece of artwork, only for the stand to shift and smudge your labor, just as you finish. Tilting is also a great benefit for similar reasons, in that you’ll be able to more accurately see the top of your cake as you go.

• Grip

All turntables should have a good level of grip, as this will help to avoid your cake from falling all over the stand as you spin. Your new bakeware should have a grip on the top plate, to hold your item in place as it spins, and on the base, to ensure it doesn’t slip from under you during your decorating.

Different Types of Cake Icing Turntables

• Single-Sided

Single-sided cake turntables are the standard type that you can easily find on our list of Top Picks. They remain static on one side and will turn freely, and are usually a simple rounded shape. These are the most popular as they are the most affordable and suit the casual home baker without concern, and square-shaped cakes can still happily sit atop the plate, providing the size still fits.

The biggest benefit to these is that they can use a grip around their base, or be weighted on side as you can find with a cast iron base turntable. This allows you to work faster, without fear of your cake falling or the bakeware itself going off-balance while you're piping and ruining your hard work.

• Dual-sided

Dual-sided options work in the same way as the single-sided turntable, except that they can be turned on their head. Usually, the other side of this will be square, making it more suited to larger cakes and – not surprisingly – cakes with a square shape.

They are usually only required for professional bakers, who will need to use both sides regularly, and can be more expensive. Both sides will need to be heavily weighted, in order to counteract the centrifugal effect of the revolutions, and poor quality options will often miss this.

• Tilting

Tilting stands are ideal for those who like to be more detailed, as you can twist and turn the cake table, in order to better see what you’re decorating. If you need to complete a more artistic piece of work on the topside of your cake, then the tilting option is the best choice for you. They should also come with the ability to revolve on their axis, and should have a better level of grip than standard turntables, in order to maintain a high quality result.

Benefits Of Using a Cake Spinner

As you can imagine, putting frosting or buttercream on your cake can get very awkward. By turning the product to where you need it to be, you can easily and quickly finish your decorating or frosting, without fear of getting any over yourself or around the kitchen. Similarly, the overall result can be much smoother and result in a more professional looking cake.

For those with smaller kitchens, a good turntable is helpful in more ways than one, as it allows you to access every part of the cake without worrying about the space of your kitchen side. Not only that, but it can help those who may be a little stiff or struggle with reaching the right areas with their cookery and baking tools. For those who are older or struggle with physical ailments, a good quality turntable can allow them to continue with their favorite hobby, safe and well, without putting themselves under stress.

Best Cake Turntable FAQ

Q: What size of a cake decorating turntable do I need?

A: You can figure out the required size of your turntable by using the diameter of the cake you’re looking to make. The easiest way to do this is to measure the sandwich or baking tins you use during your baking and buying a turntable that is, at least, two inches wider than these. For example, if you’re looking to bake a cake that is ten inches in diameter, then you’ll want to buy a cake turntable that is 12 inches across – giving you a good inch on either side of your finished cake.

Q: How long does a cake spinner last?

A: A cake spinner can last for the rest of your life, if you’re willing to take care of it. For some, you may need to occasionally (very occasionally – roughly once every few months or years) oil the ball bearings used for the revolving motion. However, there are plenty of anecdotes that mention how very few bakers will actually require to do this, unless they are looking for a professional spinner.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my rotating cake stand?

A: The most important thing you can do to maintain your cake stand is to clean it, and many stands are not suited to soaking in hot water or running through the dishwasher, due to their ball bearings and the oil required to keep their motion smooth.

To clean your spinner, you should use a damp cloth and gently wipe over the entire product. A cleaning spray that you would also use on your worktops can also be a good option, if there is staining or you’re concerned about cross contamination, although do be sure that this is suited to the material you have chosen. If you’re able, it’s also worth oiling the ball bearings used in your stand, on a semi-regular basis, as mentioned above. This will help to maintain the smooth motion of your revolving stand and ensure your cakes are always quickly and easily decorated, without any lumps and bumps.

Q: What can I use instead of a cake spinner?

A: If you’re in a pinch and need a spinner in a hurry, then you can cheat a little and use a lazy susan for the same effect, although this will be lower to the work surfaces and can be a little trickier to get a good result. Similarly, if you don’t have one of these, you can also use the plate from your microwave. Simply remove the plate and insert ring from your microwave and set it up on your worktop. Be advised, however, that these may enjoy running around a little, so do try to keep a firm hand on your microwave plate as you work, or you may end up losing your cake!

Q: How do I transfer a cake from a turntable to a cake stand?

A: The best way to transfer your cake from the revolving stand to a static stand would be to place a suitable baking board below your baked goods, before you begin. By taping the board to the stand itself, you can be sure that your finished product won’t move, on top of your spinner. That said, if you have missed the opportunity to do this, or don’t have a board, fear not – there are other ways to move your finished product!

If you have room in your fridge or freezer, the best method is to place your cake into one of these, to maintain the overall structure and integrity of your beloved treat. Once you’ve done this, use a spatula and/or a lifter to gently raise your cake, using your hands if required – but try to use these delicately, so as not to ruin your frosting.

Our Top Pick

This high quality revolving cake stand from Ateco provides a professional base on which to complete your decorating, without charging you excessive amounts. Perfectly steady, thanks to the stainless steel ball bearings and silicone cap, this cake turntable allows you to fulfill a great range of decorating needs. With an aluminum base and wipe-clean surface, this is a great option for new users and baking veterans alike.