How does a dumbwaiter work?

Dumbwaiters have been around for an amazing amount of years and thus they work on a very simple technique which has remained unchanged for much of their lifespan.  Electric motors were added to them in the 1920’s which means that they were mechanically propelled up and down the lift shaft but, before this they worked on a simple system of pulley ropes which meant that their small loads (such as meals) could be transported quickly and reduce the need, in aristocratic households or in restaurants, for a congestion of waiters and servants.  They have a much smaller capacity than a passenger lift does, and this generally means that they are much smaller and are capable of being fitted into domestic dwellings as well as into business concerns.

Whilst they’re generally not needed nor found in many private homes anymore, they are still found in restaurants and sometimes offices although these latter two concerns would generally go for a service elevator instead of the smaller, more archaic dumb waiter. Goods are simply transported from one floor to another and then collected and the cage is returned to its previous destination. It really is that simple.

Dumbwaiter Information Guide: