Elevators vs. Dumbwaiters: The Difference Explained

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Did you know that there are around 900,000 elevators in operation today across the United States of America? A common misconception is that dumbwaiters and elevators are the same things and that they serve the same purposes. If you’re one of those people then you’re probably thinking “What is a dumbwaiter?”

A commercial dumbwaiter provides a ton of benefits and there are many dumbwaiter uses that make them a worthy investment for your office, hotel, or warehouse. It is important that you understand the fundamental differences between a dumbwaiter vs elevator before you invest your capital into getting one.

The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn about the differences between a dumbwaiter and an elevator. Keep reading this article to learn more today!

Dumbwaiter vs Elevator Uses

There are a number of purposes that both dumbwaiters and elevators serve when you have them in your building. Knowing these different purposes will help you determine which is the right option for you. Here is a closer look.

Dumbwaiter Uses

A dumbwaiter is a great addition to your home or for commercial uses. They make moving or transporting heavy and difficult objects a breeze. You’ll gain access to a reliable lifting system that will make getting groceries or other important home supplies much easier.

The primary use for a dumbwaiter in your home is to move groceries upstairs from a garage. You won’t have to take multiple trips to move your groceries from a lower floor up to your home. This decreases your odds of sustaining an injury or ruining the food and beverages that you’ve just purchased.

Your dumbwaiter is also a great way to get decorations out of your attic to a lower floor for different holidays. If you’ve ever tried to carry heavy boxes full of ornaments down an attic ladder then you know all about the benefits of having a commercial dumbwaiter for your home or business.

Another great use for a dumbwaiter is moving heavy or delicate objects down to your basement or cellar. Add moving laundry from an upstairs floor to where your laundry room and you’ll find that there are tons of dumbwaiter uses that make them perfect for your home.

Elevator Uses

Elevators also have a number of uses that make them valuable to a commercial building or a home. The main purpose of an elevator is to move people from one floor to another with ease and efficiency. Adding an elevator to your home will provide a safe way to get from one floor to another.

They’re a great idea if you have an elderly family member living with you. If they struggle with stairs then the elevator gives them a safe way to move about the house without risking serious injuries. They’re also a great option if you’re wanting to grow old in the comfort of your own home rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living center.

Dumbwaiter vs Elevator Size

Another big difference between dumbwaiters and elevators is the size of each. Both systems work to lift or lower heavy or awkward loads, but they’re quite different when it comes to their sizes.

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Dumbwaiter Sizes

There is no real limit to the sizes of dumbwaiter that you can get for your home or your business. It all comes down to your budget and your needs. A common size for a dumbwaiter is 24 inches wide by 24 inches long by 24 inches tall.

Dumbwaiters that are that size are perfect for transporting laundry or groceries from one floor to the next without the need for carrying them up flights of stairs. Picture a standard cardboard box. That is around the size of a typical dumbwaiter for your home or business.

The smaller size is beneficial because it takes the strain off of your body since you don’t need to reach deep into the dumbwaiter to load or unload it. It is also wise to think about where you want to place your dumbwaiter in your home. Certain areas will require a pit that is six inches deep for the dumbwaiter to sit when you’re loading or unloading it.

Elevator Sizes

Elevators are, in general, much larger than dumbwaiters. Elevators need to be large enough to accommodate at least one person. Most elevators are designed to fit four to six people. The average elevator is around 96 inches tall and 50 inches wide. You want to make sure that your elevator is large enough to fit a person in a wheelchair.

If you choose to get a commercial elevator or a residential elevator then you need to remember to leave a pit that is somewhere between six and ten inches deep. It all comes down to the drive system.

Weight Capacity

The last big difference to know about when it comes to dumbwaiters vs elevators is the weight capacity. They both have different functions and are required for different tasks. Here is a closer look at their capabilities.

Dumbwaiter Weight Limit

A good dumbwaiter has a weight limit of around 120 pounds. That weight capacity should allow you to move your groceries and laundry between floors with little to no effort. If you’re new to using a dumbwaiter then you should weigh items before placing them on the dumbwaiter to be safe.

Elevator Weight Limit

The weight limits for an elevator vary greatly depending on the power system that they use. A cable drum elevator can accommodate up to 1,000 pounds of weight on the inside. Hydraulic elevators are also capable of carrying loads of up to 1,000 pounds between floors.

Now You Know the Difference Between Dumbwaiters and Elevators

Getting dumbwaiters for your home or business is a great idea if you find that you’re making frequent trips up or down flights of stairs with heavy loads. A dumbwaiter makes moving the groceries from the garage to the kitchen a breeze. Knowing the differences between a dumbwaiter vs elevator will help you find the right option for your home.

For more informative articles, make sure you check out the rest of our blog.