The leading food lift and dumbwaiter
Often referred to as kitchen lifts, these small service lifts are ideal for various uses. From food lifts in commercial catering, kitchens, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels to dumbwaiters for medical centres, offices and industrial applications, they're an invaluable necessity for moving items floor to floor.
Stannah is the market leader. We've been installing high-quality commercial dumbwaiters for more than 50 years. Our comprehensive product range ensures you receive the best advice and the perfect product within your budget and with that special Stannah ingredient—personal service.
We have a wide range of dumbwaiter dimensions, including four 50kg and two 100 kg load capacities, making it easy to fit into the space available. Most models are available off the shelf for quick installation and turnaround. Plus, we can supply a wide variety of bespoke sizes.
If you’re unsure of the best option for your building, we can arrange a free site survey to discuss your requirements.
Our Microlift dumbwaiter range
Standard
The popular choice for waist-height loading
Double-decker
Two separate lift cars working in tandem within the same shaft
Floor-level loading
Floor level access for small trolleys
Bottom drive
For low headroom applications
| Model (50 & 100kg) | Door types | Speed (m/s) | Travel | Headroom (mm) | Pit depth (mm) | Power supply | Car entrances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Shutter / Hinged | 0.35 | 12 stops / 30m | 2600-3000 | N/A | 415V three-phase** | Single / Through /Adjacent |
| Double-decker | Shutter / Hinged | 3000 | 350* | ||||
| Floor level loading | Hinged | 1800-2200 | |||||
| Bottom drive | Shutter / Hinged | 2250 | N/A |
Features and benefits
Reduces manual handling hazards
Installing a dumbwaiter is a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of injury associated with manual handling and improve operational efficiency.
Flexible dumbwaiter design
We offer a wide range of dumb waiter sizes and configurations. Our 50kg Microlifts are invaluable in smaller commercial settings, such as cafes or restaurants. Our 100kg models are perfect for large restaurants, hotels, and industrial settings.
Reliable performance
We’ve installed over 22,000 Microlifts in the last 50 years. Many of the first are still going strong, showing we supply a reliable, hard-wearing lift backed up with regular service visits and 24/7 support to ensure long life.
Support every step of the way
With over 150 years of experience, Stannah is one of the UK's leading dumbwaiter companies. Our dedicated team will be beside you from start to finish.
Design & Planning
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Dumbwaiter dwg, technical data and NBS specifications are easily downloaded from our technical area
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Grey baked enamel RAL7038 or stainless finish and choice of additional options, including heated shelf
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Free site survey to find the perfect dumbwaiter design for your building
Installation
- Working with your builder, we'll help ensure a smooth dumbwaiter installation, providing exact builders' work requirements and visiting the site for installation readiness
- Installation takes just 1-2 days for a two-floor lift, working in hours that suit you
Operation
- Twelve-month warranty & servicing included, including 24/7 emergency callout
- Highly trained Stannah lift engineers through our network of service branches take care of your lift
- As a leading dumbwaiter manufacturer and supplier we've excellent UK spare parts availability
How can we help you?
Frequently asked questions
What is a dumbwaiter?
It's a type of service lift, also known as a lazy waiter, food lift or restaurant dumbwaiter, often used to carry and transport food and drinks in hospitality venues such as bars, restaurants and domestic kitchens.
Why do they call it a dumbwaiter?
Manual dumbwaiters were first used in large houses with kitchens and household staff in the basements or servant's quarters. The servants used the lift to move food from the kitchen to the dining room. The term's origins simply mean the lift was a way of having a 'silent' servant, not heard or seen.
What's a typical dumbwaiter size?
You'll be surprised at the small space needed. Our most popular dumbwaiter size is a 50C, 50kg standard model. Its compact shaft size of 900mm x 9000mm and waist-height loading makes it perfect for moving smaller goods between floors. There are a range of dumbwaiter sizes available, smaller or larger than this.
Are there different dumbwaiter dimensions?
They come in a wide range of sizes and weight capacities, including four 50kg and two 100kg models, offering a wide choice of sizes ‘off the shelf’. Low headroom and bottom drive models significantly reduce headroom, and we can provide niche dumbwaiters to suit specific spaces. You can find more details on dimensions in our brochure, plus our technical area includes dumbwaiter CAD blocks, specifications, and datasheets to help you place the right model into your project.
How much does a commercial dumbwaiter cost?
Dumbwaiter prices start at £7,000 and vary depending on travel, number of stops, configuration, and additional options and finishes. Plus, all our models include 12-month servicing and 24/7 emergency cover. You’ll need to factor in any building works in addition to the dumbwaiter installation cost.
Do you supply outdoor dumbwaiters?
To install an exterior dumbwaiter, a fully pre-built outdoor shaft is required to protect it from the elements.
How long does it take to install a dumbwaiter?
Most dumbwaiter installations for a two-floor service lift are completed in one to two days, and then our engineers return for a second visit to commission the lift.
What is the maximum capacity of a dumb waiter?
Our larger 100kg industrial dumbwaiter suits high-traffic environments such as large restaurants, hotels, and industrial settings such as factories and warehouses.
Do you have used dumbwaiters for sale?
We don’t sell second-hand dumbwaiters. These little workhorses are well-used, as such, we’d always recommend choosing a new product as it will be energy efficient, have new parts and will include warranty and servicing.
Can a dumbwaiter carry people?
No. Absolutely not. These little lifts are designed to carry goods only.
