What is a dumpwaiter?

A dumpwaiter is a small elevator typically used in commercial and industrial settings to transport goods and materials between levels. It consists of a platform mounted inside a shaft, which can be operated manually or mechanically to move up and down. Typically, dumpwaiters are used to move items such as food and supplies between floors in restaurants or hospitals, as well as for moving tools and equipment in warehouses. They can also be found in homes to transport items from the kitchen to other areas of the house, such as the basement or pantry. Dumpwaiters are usually electrically powered and can either be self-propelled or require manual operation. They are often equipped with safety features such as automatic doors, brakes, and overload sensors.