Designed for quick and seamless installation. Logically packed with clear instructions.
Precision engineered to work in demanding environments.
Near silent operation, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Engineered to consume less power, helping you save on energy costs.
Able to cater to a wide range of industries and applications.
Flexible shaft structure, lift car and accessories.
| Key Features | ISO-A | ISO-C | ISO-Z |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (kg) | 50 - 300 | 100 - 300 | 100 - 300 |
| Door Type | Roller Shutter / Bi-Parting | Roller Shutter / Bi-Parting | Roller Shutter / Bi-Parting + Hinge door |
| Serving Height (mm) | 700min. | 0 | 800min. |
| Speed (m/s) | 0.4 - 0.25 | 0.27 - 0.25 | 0.27 - 0.25 |
| Lift Car Entrances | Single / Through / Adjacent | Single / Through / Adjacent | Single / Through Single |
| Pit Depth (mm) | N/A | (DH/2) + 50 | 250min. |
One of our experienced engineers will visit the site to assess the needs of the project
We provide a detailed quote with the breakdown of the costs and work required
We project manage, do the building works, install and commission the lift.
Discuss your project in with our team
UK Service Lifts team have over 20 years of experience within the service lift industry. We’ve installed dumbwaiters across many different types of buildings, businesses and residential homes.
We are the exclusive distributor for Metallschneider GmbH; a company in German that specialises in the production of high-quality goods lifts and have a reputation for excellence and reliability.
We understand the unique needs of lift installation companies. Our dumbwaiter lift packages are designed to be easy to install, reliable, robust, and flexible, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of your customers. Partner with us to provide top-quality dumbwaiter solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity or your customers.
A dumbwaiter is a type of small goods lift or elevator which is designed to transport food, goods, or other items between different floors within a building. These compact lifts are commonly found in restaurants, dentists, bar, schools, hospitals and private residences.
The term “dumbwaiter” has an interesting origin. It combines two words: “dumb” and “waiter.”
Dumb: In this context, “dumb” refers to silence or quietness. The original dumbwaiters were designed to move items (such as food or dishes) silently between floors without the need for human communication or interaction. They operated inconspicuously, avoiding unnecessary noise.
Waiter: The second part of the word, “waiter,” implies a service role. Waiters in restaurants and other establishments traditionally assist with serving food and drinks. By combining “dumb” with “waiter,” the term emphasizes the quiet, efficient service provided by these small goods lifts.
Check out our history of dumbwaiters.
The modern dumbwaiter was invented in the 19th century by a man named George W. Cannon. Cannon was an American inventor who is credited with inventing the first mechanical dumbwaiter. Cannon’s design was a simple pulley system that was operated by a rope and could transport goods between floors.
A dumbwaiter operates like a mini freight lift, designed to transport items (such as food, dishes, or laundry) between different floors within a building. Here’s how it typically works:
You can choose whether your Dumbwaiter is at serving height level (waist level) like the ISO-A, or at the floor level – like the ISO-C – depending on the items you need to move.
Bi-parting doors which open horizontally are the most common form of door for small service lifts. But if space is limited in the shaft, then hinged doors can be specified. A mixture of both can be included depending on the needs of the building and end user.
Dumbwaiters can be a single lift car or a stacked double-decker lift car design. The advantage of the ISO-Z double-decker lift is that only a single lift shaft is required. This means double the lifting capability in a very space efficient package.
Car Protection systems are designed to protect both the contents being carried as well as the lift itself. There are many types of car protection and some work together. For example, a drop bar may be appropriate for a larger lift but typically with Dumbwaiters a door is provided with the lift car.
The main material used in constructing dumbwaiters is steel for the frame and lift car. This provides durability and strength to handle various load capacities. If there isn’t a shaft structure in place then an enclosure can be specified and these are typically made from stainless steel or high-quality plastic materials, making them easy to clean and maintain.
The lift car is made of steel and can be galvanised or stainless is required.
Dumbwaiters in restaurants, cafés, and hotels are common. They’re used to speed up food delivery and help remove dirty dishes. They typically move between the kitchen and dining area.
They are also used in private residences, libraries, hospitals, and other buildings where items need to be moved efficiently between multiple floors. A residential dumbwaiter helps transport laundry and could add value to homes.
The cost of a dumbwaiter varies depending on the size, weight capacity, and features. A 50kg dumbwaiter for example starts from about £7,500. However, the price can be higher or lower depending on the specific needs of the restaurant. This price doesn’t include installation or any building works.
Yes, modern dumbwaiters incorporate various safety measures to help prevent accidents and malfunctions. These may include:
The cost of any goods lift installation depends on factors such as the type of lift, the number of floors it will serve, and any customisations required (e.g., size, load capacity, aesthetics). Typically, prices for a dumbwaiter installation range from about £7,500 to £10,000. Commercial dumbwaiters may cost more due to their heavier load requirements and additional features. Building works and other costs should also be factored in depending on the installation site.
The key components of a dumbwaiter system include:
The maximum weight capacity of a restaurant dumbwaiter varies depending on the model and manufacturer. However, most restaurant dumbwaiters have a weight capacity ranging from 50kg to 100kg. Some models can even handle heavier loads.
Yes, restaurant dumbwaiters are very common. They are a convenient and efficient way to transport food, dishes, and other items between floors. In fact, many restaurants rely on dumbwaiters to improve their service and increase efficiency.
The standard dimensions for a dumbwaiter vary depending on the manufacturer and model. However, most dumbwaiters have a compact design and can fit into small spaces. The dimensions typically range from a small dumbwaiter of about 500mm x 500mm x 500mm to a larger version at about 800mm x 800mm x 800mm.
Installing a dumbwaiter in a restaurant can provide several benefits. It can improve the efficiency of the kitchen staff, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and enhance the overall dining experience for customers. Additionally, a dumbwaiter can help to reduce noise and odours in the dining area by keeping the kitchen activities hidden from view.
Business and individuals use dumbwaiters for tasks such as moving food, groceries, laundry, dirty dishes, luggage or paperwork between floors.
For alternatives to dumbwaiters check out our post.
If you’re experiencing faults either give us a ring or take a look at the SKG Service Lift Fault Code page.
