Dumbwaiters: The Smart Solution

By Author: Thomas Howard
Total Articles: 3764
Comment this article

Do not be deceived by the term dumbwaiter for it does not refer to a human server who is stupid or speechless. But in some way, it is. The dumbwaiter we are talking about is actually not a person but a small elevator that is installed in a business facility or at home.
It basically has the same functions of a vertical wheelchair lift, transporting loads from one floor to another. The main difference is that, a platform lift carries a mobility device and its occupant while a dumbwaiter transport smaller loads or materials, like grocery items or other goods.

In some legendary movies and television shows like the Tomb Raider and the sitcom Webster, the dumbwaiter was significantly dishonored as it secretly ferries one or more persons to and fro the different floors in some luxurious houses. However, for safety and security reasons, it must be importantly remembered that dumbwaiters are strongly discouraged to be utilized in transporting people. These units basically serve as means of transferring materials across the various floor levels of a certain building or home.

Residential dumbwaiters are used to move ...
... food and drinks from the kitchen to the dining room, soiled clothes from the bedroom to the utility area, and firewood from the basement to the living room, provided that these rooms are on different floor levels of the house.

Outdoor dumbwaiters are even used to transfer dog food and water from the living room or kitchen to the outside yard where your hungry pet anticipates his dinner. Dumbwaiters are more popular in commercial environments, such as transferring food from the kitchen to the tables of starving hotel guests, medical files and bank documents from different levels of the floor.

In deciding what type of dumbwaiter elevator will you purchase or install, there are three very important questions that you must answer carefully.

1. What will you transport?
2. What is the average weight of your loads?
3. How small or big is/are the cargo/cargoes that you will load or transfer?

Residential Applications

For dumbwaiters that will be utilized at homes, a small unit is definitely the best option. Such dumbwaiter elevators can easily carry loads weighing from fifty to hundreds of pounds. However, some units can transport weights as much as 500 pounds.

Manual or Electric

Manual dumbwaiter elevators, which make use of pulley systems and human muscle power are generally cheaper. On the other hand, dumbwaiters that are driven by electric motor are more expensive but are way more convenient since they are push button activated.

Retrofit or New Construction

If you decide to incorporate a dumbwaiter elevator to an existing construction, the floor plan of the building must be carefully considered. Shafts can be configured into a pre-existing construction. But installing a dumbwaiter elevator into a new structure is still the easiest solution. Also, make certain that your target floor is directly below or above the starting point, as these dumbwaiter elevators only move down or up the building and not from side to side.

It is recommended that you contact experienced and trustworthy contractor to help you determine which dumbwaiter elevator best fits you.