What is a dumbwaiter and what can it carry?

Stair lift chairs are suitable for every situation with straight or curved stair cases in a residence or public building. The stair lift is equipped with your safety and ease of operating in mind. Stair lifts are designed with all of the following features: Most stair chair lift systems are equipped with sturdy armrests, a swivel lever, and a safety belt. All of these safety features are designed for your comfort and ease of use. The stair chair lift can be folded to save space when not in use. Usually the stair chair lift will take approximately 1/2 the space of the stairwell when folded in someone's home. Stair chair lift systems mount directly to the stair treads. "Continuous Pressure" control switch on the stair lift armrest so you can rise and descend at your own control. Each stair lift system comes with two remote controls so that you can send the stair lift away from you or call it to you. Our stair lifts systems are equipped with Rechargeable Batteries that enable the stair lift to work during power outages. Other systems are available to be ordered in A/C for applications like churches, public buildings, and commercial applications. Some private residents prefer A/C over batteries when they have underground utilities or a backup generator. Home stair lift chairs comply with all safety requirements. There are no special building alterations needed and the stair lift can be installed on the right side or left side of the stair case. Installation of the stair lift chairs can usually be done in one day.

What’s the difference between a residential and commercial dumbwaiter?

Stair Lifts are a great fit for any application in which you have limited mobility concerns. If the stairs have become dangerous, but you are able to easily use the chair, this product is a great choice.

Can a dumbwaiter be installed in an existing home or building?

You need to consider the physical ability of the person using the stair chair. Another important factor is the suitability of the stairs where the lift will be installed.

How many floors can a dumbwaiter serve?

Several models will comfortably fit almost anyone up to 400 lbs.

Can I control the dumbwaiter from any floor?

Both. We install traditional elevators in new construction, whole-home remodels, and retrofits of existing homes. The right approach depends on your home's layout and where the hoistway can be placed — our team assesses this during the in-home visit.

What cab sizes are available?

Our stair lift seat swivels at the top of the stairs and locks into place for easy entry and exit.

What door options are available?

Two straight stair lifts are much more cost effective. The person(s) using the lift will need to transfer on the landing to the second lift. On average a curved stair chair is double or more of two straight rails.

Can a dumbwaiter add value to my home?

Each manufacturer makes their own equipment and can't copy certain things about another product.

Who manufactures the dumbwaiters you install?

Stair chair lifts take up anywhere from 11-20 inches on average when folded. It really depends on the size and capacity of the chair.

What if I need service or parts after installation?

Transitions Lift + Elevator carries a full line of replacement parts for all products we sell and services equipment we didn’t install — including Summit and Matot units. One call gets you to a real person who can help.

Does Medicare cover the cost of a dumbwaiter?

Medicare does not cover dumbwaiters. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost in cases where the unit is medically necessary — we recommend contacting your carrier directly for details.

Getting you where you need to be...

Dumbwaiters

Stop carrying heavy loads up and down the stairs. A dumbwaiter moves groceries, laundry, firewood, supplies, and more between floors safely — without the risk of a fall or the strain of doing it yourself. Residential and commercial models available. Made in the USA and installed across Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee & Southern Indiana.

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When Hauling Things Up and Down the Stairs Isn’t Worth the Risk Anymore

A bag of groceries from the garage to the kitchen. Laundry from the bedroom to the basement. A case of wine to the cellar. Supplies from the stockroom to the restaurant floor. These are daily tasks — and every trip up and down the stairs carries risk. A dumbwaiter removes that risk entirely.

The Problem

Carrying heavy or awkward loads up and down stairs — every single day
A fall risk that grows over time as mobility changes or fatigue sets in
Employee lifting injuries that cost businesses in downtime and workers’ comp
A multi-story home or building where moving items between floors is a daily challenge

The Solution

A compact freight lift that moves items between floors at the press of a button
No carrying, no lifting, no stair trips — for residents, caregivers, and employees alike
Residential models for homes; commercial models for restaurants, hospitals, and offices
Made in the USA, professionally installed, and backed by local service

Built for Daily Use, Engineered to Last

Residential and commercial models

Residential dumbwaiters handle household goods — groceries, laundry, wine, firewood — between floors at home. Commercial models are built for higher-frequency, higher-capacity use in restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings.

Up to 6 stops

Residential units serve up to four floors; commercial units serve up to six. Automatic controls at every landing mean the cab can be called or sent from any floor — no need to be at a specific level to operate it.

Multiple door and finish options

Slide-up, bi-parting, and swing door styles are available for both residential and commercial units. Residential finishes include painted steel, stainless steel, and hardwood veneer. Commercial units offer painted steel or stainless.

Up to 500 lb capacity

Residential models carry up to 120 lbs on standard 120V house current. Commercial models are available in 200 lb, 300 lb, and 500 lb configurations on 220V — handling everything from food service trays to office supplies and medical equipment.

Custom cab sizes

Residential cabs are custom-sized up to 24" x 24" x 24". Commercial cabs scale up to 36" x 36" x 48" to accommodate larger loads. Both can be configured with openings on one, two, or three sides.

Made in the USA

Every dumbwaiter we install comes from Inclinator or Fox Valley Elevator — both American manufacturers with proven track records for reliability and long-term support.

Getting Started Is Simple

Free Phone Consultation

It starts with a call. We learn about your home or building, what you need to move, how many floors are involved, and whether a residential or commercial unit is the right fit.

In-Home or On-Site Assessment

We visit your location to measure travel distance, confirm stop count, evaluate hoistway placement, and walk through cab size and door configuration options that fit your space.

Professional Installation

Factory-trained technicians handle the complete installation and walk you through the dumbwaiter before they leave.

Ongoing Support

Maintenance, repairs, and service for as long as you own your dumbwaiter. We also service equipment we didn’t install.

What Our Customers Have to Say

How to Choose a Dumbwaiter

A quick primer for first-time buyers — the four decisions that shape every project.

Residential or Commercial — Know Your Setting

Residential dumbwaiters run on standard 120V house current, carry up to 120 lbs, and serve up to four stops — ideal for moving groceries, laundry, firewood, and wine between floors at home. Commercial models run on 220V, carry up to 500 lbs, serve up to six stops, and are built for the sustained demands of restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings.

Expect a custom-built rail

Unlike straight rail lifts, which are cut from standard stock, curved rails are engineered and fabricated specifically for your staircase. That process takes time — typically a few weeks between measurement and installation — so planning ahead matters.

Choose Your Cab Size and Configuration

Residential cabs are custom-sized up to 24" x 24" x 24". Commercial cabs scale up to 36" x 36" x 48" for larger loads. Both accommodate openings on one, two, or three sides — useful when the dumbwaiter needs to be accessed from multiple directions on the same floor, or when the hoistway layout makes a single-side opening impractical for your daily workflow.

Confirm Your Travel Distance and Number of Stops

The residential model travels up to 35 feet and serves up to four stops. The commercial 200 lb model travels up to 27 feet; the 300 lb and 500 lb models extend to 47 feet across up to six stops. We confirm travel distance and stop count during the assessment before any equipment is ordered — so the right unit is specified for your building from the start.

Select Door Type, Finish, and Access Controls

Door options include slide-up, bi-parting, and swing styles on both residential and commercial units. Residential finishes include painted steel, stainless steel, or hardwood veneer; commercial units offer painted steel or stainless. Automatic controls at every landing are standard — no need to be at a specific floor to call or send the cab where it needs to go.

Proudly Installing Dumbwaiters

Explore Our Product Line

Residential Dumbwaiter

Commercial Dumbwaiter

Dumbwaiter FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

What is a dumbwaiter and what can it carry?

Stair lift chairs are suitable for every situation with straight or curved stair cases in a residence or public building. The stair lift is equipped with your safety and ease of operating in mind. Stair lifts are designed with all of the following features:
Most stair chair lift systems are equipped with sturdy armrests, a swivel lever, and a safety belt. All of these safety features are designed for your comfort and ease of use.

The stair chair lift can be folded to save space when not in use. Usually the stair chair lift will take approximately 1/2 the space of the stairwell when folded in someone's home.

Stair chair lift systems mount directly to the stair treads.

"Continuous Pressure" control switch on the stair lift armrest so you can rise and descend at your own control.

Each stair lift system comes with two remote controls so that you can send the stair lift away from you or call it to you.

Our stair lifts systems are equipped with Rechargeable Batteries that enable the stair lift to work during power outages.

Other systems are available to be ordered in A/C for applications like churches, public buildings, and commercial applications. Some private residents prefer A/C over batteries when they have underground utilities or a backup generator.

Home stair lift chairs comply with all safety requirements. There are no special building alterations needed and the stair lift can be installed on the right side or left side of the stair case. Installation of the stair lift chairs can usually be done in one day.
What’s the difference between a residential and commercial dumbwaiter?

Stair Lifts are a great fit for any application in which you have limited mobility concerns. If the stairs have become dangerous, but you are able to easily use the chair, this product is a great choice.
Can a dumbwaiter be installed in an existing home or building?

You need to consider the physical ability of the person using the stair chair. Another important factor is the suitability of the stairs where the lift will be installed.
How many floors can a dumbwaiter serve?

Several models will comfortably fit almost anyone up to 400 lbs.
Can I control the dumbwaiter from any floor?

Both. We install traditional elevators in new construction, whole-home remodels, and retrofits of existing homes. The right approach depends on your home's layout and where the hoistway can be placed — our team assesses this during the in-home visit.
What cab sizes are available?

Our stair lift seat swivels at the top of the stairs and locks into place for easy entry and exit.
What door options are available?

Two straight stair lifts are much more cost effective. The person(s) using the lift will need to transfer on the landing to the second lift. On average a curved stair chair is double or more of two straight rails.
Can a dumbwaiter add value to my home?

Each manufacturer makes their own equipment and can't copy certain things about another product.
Who manufactures the dumbwaiters you install?

Stair chair lifts take up anywhere from 11-20 inches on average when folded. It really depends on the size and capacity of the chair.
What if I need service or parts after installation?

Transitions Lift + Elevator carries a full line of replacement parts for all products we sell and services equipment we didn’t install — including Summit and Matot units. One call gets you to a real person who can help.
Does Medicare cover the cost of a dumbwaiter?

Medicare does not cover dumbwaiters. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost in cases where the unit is medically necessary — we recommend contacting your carrier directly for details.

Professional Measure + Installation available in the following areas:

Greater Cincinnati, Greater Dayton, OH, Northern Kentucky, Greater Louisville, KY including Southern Indiana, Kentuckiana, Central Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Southern Kentucky, Nashville, and Middle Tennessee.