Choosing the right dumbwaiter size is about more than just fitting a lift into a shaft. It determines efficiency, safety, and how well the lift integrates into your building.
From heritage homes and Michelin‑starred kitchens to hospitals, laboratories, banks and modern offices, dumbwaiters are found in an incredible range of environments. Whether moving food, documents, medical supplies or valuables, the right dimensions make all the difference.
At Husbands, we don’t force you into a fixed box. Our standard 50kg and 100kg dumbwaiter models cover the most common requirements and we’re experts at delivering these with precision.
Alongside these proven options, we also excel in bespoke engineering for projects that demand something different. Where others stop at fixed dimensions, we adapt shafts, headroom and finishes to suit the most complex spaces. We’re the experts who make lifts fit seamlessly — even when others say it can’t be done.
Told a lift won’t fit? We make the impossible, possible.
Commercial Dumbwaiter Sizes
For restaurants, bars, and hotels, 50kg and 100kg dumbwaiters are the workhorses of efficient service. With car dimensions ranging from around 460mm wide up to 710mm wide and depths between 520mm and 820mm, they are designed to handle trays of plates, wine crates, or heavier kitchenware quickly and safely, while still adapting to a wide variety of building layouts and space constraints.
Options include:
- Waist-height loading (most popular)
- Floor-loading (for heavier items)
- Double-decker (two cars in one shaft)
- Bottom-drive (for low headroom)
All models are built for high frequency use, with durable components and compliant fire-rated doors available.
This commercial range leads naturally into our standard specifications below, where you can see the exact tables for our 50kg and 100kg models.
Standard Dumbwaiter Sizes
Most off-the-shelf dumbwaiter lifts are designed around 50kg or 100kg capacities. Here are Husbands’ typical models:
50kg Dumbwaiter Sizes
| Model | Speed (m/s) | Max Travel (2-stop) | Max Travel (3-stop) | Headroom (mm) | Car (W×D×H mm) | Shaft (W×D mm) | Loading | Electrical Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50.45/4 | 0.45 | 4000mm | 7300mm | 2600 | 460×570×800 | 750×750 | Single or Through | Three or Single Phase |
| 50.45/10 | 0.45 | 4000mm | – | 2600 | 430×520×800 | 750×750 | Adjacent | Three Phase |
100kg Dumbwaiter Sizes
| Model | Speed (m/s) | Max Travel (2-stop) | Max Travel (3-stop) | Headroom (mm) | Car (W×D×H mm) | Shaft (W×D mm) | Loading | Electrical Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100.45/4 | 0.45 | 4000mm | 7300mm | 2600 | 710×820×800 | 1000×1000 | Single or Through | Three or Single Phase |
Residential Dumbwaiter Sizes
For homes, compact dumbwaiters typically fit into shafts as small as 750×750mm. These lifts are ideal for carrying groceries, laundry, or heavy boxes between floors. Husbands can integrate them discreetly into cabinetry or even adapt old chimney breasts or cupboards.
- Typical load: 50kg
- Car height: around 800mm
- Serving height: 700–800mm
Quiet in operation, seamless in performance, and carefully designed to blend with interiors without compromise. These lifts add convenience while preserving the character and flow of the home. And for heritage properties, our engineers are experienced at integrating dumbwaiters without disturbing original features, ensuring a seamless fit in even the most sensitive settings.
Bespoke Dumbwaiter Dimensions
Not every project fits a standard lift. Here’s why you can choose Husbands for bespoke solutions: whether it’s heritage properties, tight shafts, or unusual loads, our engineering expertise ensures the right fit and flawless performance.
- No fixed dimensions: built to suit your space
- Premium finishes: stainless, wood, fire-rated, or hygienic
- Complex spaces: restricted headroom, adjacent loading, concealed design
Whatever the challenge, we engineer a solution that integrates seamlessly.
Compliance & Installation Requirements
Every Husbands dumbwaiter is built to meet LOLER and EN 81‑3 standards.
- Headroom: typically 2600mm (based on 800mm serving height)
- Pit: minimal or none for most models
- Power: single or three-phase supply
- Stops: typically up to 12 floors depending on model, making them suitable for everything from two-storey homes to mid‑rise commercial projects
Safety and compliance aren’t optional extras — they’re built-in.
Get in Touch About Dumbwaiter Sizes
Not sure about your requirements? Our friendly team is here to help. We’ll listen to your needs, talk you through the options, and provide clear advice on the best dumbwaiter solution for your space. Our engineers are always happy to discuss your project and offer a bespoke specification consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average dumbwaiter size?
Most residential dumbwaiters fit a 750×750mm shaft. Commercial models are often 1000×1000mm.
Can a dumbwaiter fit in a home chimney breast?
Yes — Husbands specialise in adapting lifts for heritage homes and tight shafts.
How much space is needed for a 100kg dumbwaiter?
Around 1000×1000mm shaft with 2600mm headroom.
What is the minimum headroom for a dumbwaiter?
Typically 2600mm, but bottom-drive options reduce this requirement.
Can dumbwaiters be customised?
Absolutely. Husbands offers bespoke builds to fit unusual dimensions, finishes, or loading styles.
Are Husbands dumbwaiters compliant?
Yes, all our lifts meet LOLER and EN 81‑3 requirements.
