The 6 Best Cake Turntables for the Easiest Decorations

How We Selected

Our writer, Irvin Lin, owns several cake turntables and tested their features while decorating layer cakes. He also consulted with professional cake decorators, pastry chefs, cookbook authors, bloggers, and enthusiastic home bakers to find out what they look for in a rotating cake stand. Almost all cited the Ateco cast-iron base turntable as their go-to cake stand for decorating a cake.

Beyond that, he looked at multiple online articles and lists of the best cake turntables and read reviews for rotating cake stands. He looked at the durability of the material, how smoothly it spun, the stability and nonslip base, the ease of cleaning, and whether it was a reliable and known brand. He also considered the aesthetics of the stand and whether or not it was something he might want to serve a cake on.

Other Options We Considered

• Innovative Sugarworks Artists Cake Turntable: This metal cake stand has an innovative locking mechanism and a graphic red base that makes it stand out. However, it was more expensive than comparable turntables like the Ateco, which has a cast-iron base.
• Wilton High and Low Cake Turntable: The height on this turntable can be raised or lowered, so you don't have to bend over as much, and the legs fold under for more accessible storage. It's great if you need a stand mainly for display, not decorating, so we included it on our Best Cake Stands list. The Wilton Tilt-N-Turn cake stand had a more stable base and durable top for decorating.
• Foreversmooth Cake Turntable Stand: This cake stand was highly rated, but it had a thinner plastic top than the Wilton turntable and felt less durable.
• Kootek 11-Inch Rotating Cake Turntable: This plastic turntable looked similar to the Ateco plastic turntable we chose for the best budget category. It was highly rated, but Ateco is a brand better known for specializing in cake and pastry decorating.
  

What to Look for in a Cake Turntable

Stand Surface

Cake turntable tops are often metal or plastic, with the occasional marble or slate top. Metal tops are very durable and can support heavy cakes. They are often easy to clean, though some metal cake stands do not have a removable top, requiring them to be wiped down with a damp cloth. Be aware that some metal rusts or corrodes, so read the instructions that come with the cake stand to find out how to maintain and clean it properly.

Plastic tops can stain and are sometimes harder to clean, as butter and grease can be difficult to remove from plastic. However, plastic tops don't rust or corrode, so they can often be washed directly in the sink. Not all plastic is the same, and some models are thicker and more durable, while others are thinner and won't support the weight of a heavy layer cake. Some plastic tops also have rubber or nonslip grip rings to keep the cake firmly on the stand top so it won't slide off. 

Marble and slate tops are beautiful to serve food on. They are heavy and durable and can keep cool for a long time, which is essential when decorating with buttercream. If you're picking a rotating cake stand with a marble or slate top, look for one that is sealed to prevent scratches and staining. Marble is susceptible to acidic elements, like lemon juice or vinegar. Both materials are also quite heavy, so storage can be a challenge.

Stand Height

The height of the cake stand can make a big difference. Some are short, so you're constantly hunching over, straining your back. Tall cake stands make for a more effortless decorating experience, as you can easily see your cake from all sides while decorating it. However, taller stands can also be more unstable, making moving your cake a more precarious proposition. You will also need to consider whether or not you have the space to store a cake turntable when you're done using it; some models can take up quite a bit of cupboard space.

Stability

Some cake turntables are made of cheap or lightweight material, making them more prone to instability. These stands can bend or warp when heavy cakes are placed on them, making your decorating lopsided or uneven. Worse, a warped or sagging cake stand could cause your cake to topple over while you decorate it. Choose a turntable made of a sturdy material that can hold up to the weight of a layer cake.

Remember that cake stands can also move and slide around if placed on a smooth surface. Look for heavy turntables with a rubber or nonslip base, or consider purchasing a separate nonslip mat for your cake stand to sit on. This will prevent unfortunate accidents while you work.

"Even a casual hobbyist will benefit from a sturdy turntable with a cast-iron base," notes Bronwen Wyatt, chef and owner of Bayou Saint Cake. "The weight of the turntable will greatly assist in getting a smooth, even rotation. If you don't make cakes often, an attractive metal one can double as a lazy Susan at your dining table." 

Rotation

Look for a cake stand that smoothly rotates when you use it. Jerky or stiff cake turntables will interrupt your workflow. In general, plastic models tend to be less smooth. Loose stands that spin too quickly can also be challenging if you do detailed work or want more control while decorating. Cake stands with ball bearings often turn more smoothly but tend to create more noise when rotating. 

Some cake turntables have a "locking" mechanism that prevents them from rotating unnecessarily. This is especially handy for detailed work. Ultimately, you'll want to look for a cake stand that works with your style of cake decorating.

FAQs 

Do you need to put anything on your cake turntable before decorating? 

Unless you plan on serving your cake directly on the cake turntable, which is possible with models like the JK Adams or Ateco, you should first place a cardboard round with the same diameter as your cake on the stand. Next, place a tiny smear of frosting on the cardboard round. From there, set the bottom layer of the cake on top of the frosting. The frosting will act as “glue” and will adhere the cardboard round to the bottom of the cake. You can then decorate your cake as desired. The cardboard round will allow you to lift the decorated cake off the rotating cake turntable and move it to the decorative cake stand.

If your rotating turntable is flat or has a slick surface, you may also want to place a nonslip mat between the top of the turntable and the cardboard round. This step provides added protection against your cake from sliding around as you decorate it.

How do you transfer a cake from a turntable to another cake stand?

Moving a decorated cake from the turntable to a cake stand can be super anxiety-inducing. If your cake turntable isn't attractive enough to function as a cake stand, the next best thing to do is to decorate your cake on a cardboard round, as outlined above, and transfer it to a more decorative stand.

To place the decorated cake on the serving cake stand, carefully slide a long offset spatula underneath the cardboard the cake rests on and lift it gently, just enough to slide both hands under the cake, one side at a time. Next, line your cake up over the decorative stand, then slide one hand out from under it, leaving your opposite hand underneath the cake to support it. Using your free hand, slide the offset spatula back underneath the cake and use it as a lever to hold it up while you slide your other hand out from under it. Carefully remove the spatula. If you smudge the frosting during the transfer, don't worry; you can use some leftover frosting to fix any minor flaws.

Does spinning speed matter with a cake stand?

Many professional cake decorators prefer a turntable that spins quickly and easily, allowing them to decorate their cakes more quickly. Getting the crumb coating and the base layer coating onto a cake takes time; if you are a professional, time means money.

But quickly spinning turntables might not be the best option for most home bakers or hobby cake decorators. A beginner or home baker might want a slower turntable because it gives them more control over the frosting. Pick a cake turntable that spins at a level you are comfortable with. Remember, when it comes to decorating, faster isn’t always better.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Irvin Lin is the author of the cookbook "Marbled, Swirled, and Layered" and an ongoing contributor to The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes. He runs his own blog, Eat the Love, and is a professional recipe developer and writer. He's decorated many cakes and has gone through several rotating cake stands and turntables, trying to find the perfect one for his cake-decorating needs. He tested several models for this roundup.

Sources

• Jamie Li, founder of Jamie Cake SF in San Francisco
• Bronwen Wyatt, owner of Bayou Saint Cake and chef-in-residence at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans