A dumbwaiter is a small lift that carries things, not people, between the floors of a building. It is one of the simplest ways to make a multi-story home easier and safer to live in.
How a dumbwaiter works
A compact car travels up and down inside a narrow shaft, with a door at each floor it serves. You load the car, close the door and press a button, and it travels to the floor you choose. Modern dumbwaiters are electric, quiet and fitted with door locks so a door cannot open unless the car is there.
What people use them for
- Groceries from the garage or basement to the kitchen
- Laundry between bedrooms and the laundry room
- Firewood from the basement to the living room
- Meals and dishes between a kitchen and an upper deck or dining room
- Storage boxes to and from the attic or basement
Why they matter for safety
Carrying a heavy or awkward load on the stairs is a common cause of falls, because it blocks your view and keeps your hands off the rail. A dumbwaiter removes that risk. For anyone with back, knee or balance problems, it can make the difference in managing a home on more than one floor.
Residential and commercial
Residential dumbwaiters are sized for household loads and fit into a small space, often a closet or a corner of the pantry. Commercial models are built for heavier use in restaurants, offices and other businesses.
Planning for one
- Location. The stops need to line up vertically, so the shaft runs straight between floors.
- Size and capacity. Think about the largest and heaviest things you will carry.
- Number of stops. Two is typical, but more are possible.
- New build or retrofit. It is easiest to plan in during construction, but many are added to existing homes.
Find out more
Nationwide Lifts of Central New York installs Jeeves dumbwaiters in homes across Syracuse, Rochester, Utica and Binghamton. Call (315) 849-2952 for a free consultation.