When choosing a residential dumbwaiter, there are a few important things to consider. Probably the most important thing, even before price, is what size dumbwaiter best suits your needs. After all, if you need one that lifts 500 pounds on each load and you choose one that only lifts 200 pounds, then you’ve pretty much wasted your money. You need to determine how much weight, what type of items, and how often you will need to lift them.

Dumbwaiters come in a variety of sizes. Many will lift up to 500 pounds, as a standard weight. So if you plan on hauling more weight, you’ll obviously need a larger dumbwaiter, or perhaps a home lift. If you simply plan to use this device to transport goods like groceries, firewood, or clothing, then a standard-sized one will suit your needs perfectly. Space, however, is also an important consideration. If you plan on transporting only small loads, a small dumbwaiter will do just fine, and it can save you the cost and space barrier of larger models.

You also need to determine if you want a standard automatic electric dumbwaiter or if you prefer to go for a manual one. Many models come standard and operate on 120V electrical power, however some people choose to save on their electric bill, as well as cost, by installing a manual dumbwaiter.

You should also consider in which rooms of your home you need to install this device. If you’re going to use it primarily for transporting clothes, it’s ideal to install it in the laundry room and head straight up from there. Choosing the main room for the elevator first, and then ultimately the landing, will help you in the overall process. If you mainly use it to transport food, it would be best to have it installed in your kitchen. From the initial installation location, the machine will be installed facing up, so if you have a hallway above your kitchen or laundry room, it will lead to that location. It is also important to know what is above the room you choose. You will need to make sure there is enough space above to do the installation.

While cost is an important factor, it is generally less important than functionality and convenience of installation. If you have yours installed in a location that is not beneficial, you are simply wasting your money. These convenient devices take a lot of stress and worry away for people with disabilities and those who care for disabled or immobile family members. Having a forklift installed is a wonderful way to help in the day-to-day life of those who need greater mobility. Determining in advance where it should be installed and the exact size and function you need will help you enjoy the dumbwaiter in the long run.