Dumbwaiters are simply small elevators that are used to transport goods and supplies between floors. However, unlike an elevator, dumbwaiters are not designed to transport people.
Dumbwaiters have existed for many centuries and are one of the oldest types of lifting aids. Often, they are used in commercial settings, such as hospitals and restaurants, although they are also very popular in residential settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions that will help you familiarize yourself with Residential Dumbwaiters. Simply click on the button to find out the answer to the question.
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In homes , people use dumbwaiters to transport things like food, books, laundry, and groceries between floors. They can make stocking the pantry a breeze or allow you to deliver the soup without spilling a drop. Dumbwaiters are also frequently used by those who are mobility challenged and cannot easily use the stairs. A quality dumbwaiter will increase functionality around the home, while increasing a homes value and appeal.
Dumbwaiters usually require at least a 2′ x 2′ vertical shaft between floors, but depending on the model this figure can vary depending on the size of the dumbwaiter car. Dumbwaiters can be installed pretty much anywhere in a home, including in the garage and basement, as long as there is a vertical shaft between floors. In addition to being used on multiple floors, a dumbwaiter can be configured to open on different sides at each stop, which improves installation flexibility.
There are some companies that offer easy to install dumbwaiter kits , which include everything you will need to install a dumbwaiter. Dumbwaiter kits require a good deal of mechanical knowledge to install, but for an average handyman, they should be relatively easy to install. It is also possible to purchase a custom built dumbwaiter , which allows you to use your space most efficiently. In some cases, largely depending on what type of lifting system is used, a custom built dumbwaiter will require professional installation. Manual dumbwaiters have been used for hundreds of years and are still available today, providing another option for the homeowner. Most manual dumbwaiters now use a guided rail system to ensure stability. They also make use of gears and pulleys to reduce the amount of pressure it takes to raise or lower the dumbwaiter.
The cost of a dumbwaiter can greatly vary, depending on the size and type. Manual dumbwaiters are usually the least expensive. Many people choose to build their own dumbwaiter system, which can be very inexpensive. Building and using your own dumbwaiter can be much more labor intensive though.Electric dumbwaiter kits , which have become very popular over the last few years, usually cost between $3000 and $5000. This price can vary between manufacturer though and also depends on the extra features of the dumbwaiter. Some extra features include multiple stops over several floors and larger dumbwaiter cars. It is also often necessary to use a professional installation, which will cost extra. One of the biggest advantages of using an electric dumbwaiter kit is that they can be shipped and installed very quickly, often within a week or two.Custom built dumbwaiters are usually the most expensive option and can easily cost well over $600. However, this can greatly vary between manufacturer. It will also take much longer to have a custom dumbwaiter built and installed. However, the dumbwaiter is built to fit your specific home, which means that all of your space will be fully utilized. Custom dumbwaiters also often use more advanced lifting systems, such as hydraulic lifts, in addition to having more features. This can add to the cost, but also often results in a higher quality dumbwaiter. It is also often necessary to use a professional installation team to install a custom dumbwaiter.