Home elevators have become a practical and stylish solution for homeowners in the United States, offering enhanced accessibility, convenience, and increased property value. With numerous types of home elevators available, choosing the right one can be challenging.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 10+ best types of home elevators, their features, pros and cons, and estimated costs to help you make an informed decision.

Why Install a Home Elevator?

Installing a glass elevator is no longer just a luxury—it has become an essential feature for multi-story homes, especially for:

• Seniors and individuals with mobility challenges – Reduces the risk of falls and improves independence.
• Homeowners looking to increase property value – Homes with elevators attract more buyers.
• Convenience and future-proofing – A home elevator ensures long-term accessibility for aging in place.
• Space-saving alternatives to staircases – Many models require minimal structural modifications.

Now, let’s explore the top types of home elevators to consider.

1. Hydraulic Home Elevators

Best for: Smooth and quiet operation in larger homes

How it Works: Uses a hydraulic system powered by a pump and piston to move the elevator between floors.

Pros:

• Smooth, quiet operation
• High weight capacity
• Reliable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Requires a separate machine room
• Higher installation costs

Estimated Price: $30,000 – $150,000 (including installation)

2. Traction Home Elevators

Best for: Energy efficiency and multi-story homes

How it Works: Uses steel ropes and a counterweight system to move the residential elevator up and down.

Pros:

• Energy-efficient
• No machine room required
• Can travel multiple floors

Cons:

• More expensive than some other options
• Requires space for the counterweight system

Estimated Price: $45,000 – $155,000

3. Pneumatic (Vacuum) Home Elevators

Best for: Stylish, space-saving, and energy-efficient solutions

How it Works: Uses air pressure to move the elevator up and down inside a cylindrical tube.

Pros:

• Sleek and modern design
• No cables or counterweights needed
• Space-saving and requires minimal installation

Cons:

• Limited weight capacity
• More expensive due to unique technology

Estimated Price: $45,000 – $160,000

4. Shaftless Home Elevators

Best for: Budget-friendly and compact spaces

How it Works: A small, self-contained domestic lifts that moves between two floors without requiring a shaft.

Pros:

• Ideal for small homes
• Lower installation costs
• Minimal structural modifications needed

Cons:

• Limited to two floors
• Smaller weight capacity compared to hydraulic or traction elevators

Estimated Price: $25,000 – $130,000

5. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators

Best for: Homes with limited space for a machine room

How it Works: Uses a compact traction system without requiring a separate machine room.

Pros:

• Saves space
• Energy-efficient
• Lower installation cost compared to traditional traction elevators

Cons:

• May not support heavy loads
• Higher maintenance costs than some other types

Estimated Price: $50,000 – $155,000

6. Outdoor Home Elevators

Best for: Homes with exterior access needs

How it Works: Installed outside the home, providing access to porches, decks, or multi-story entrances.

Pros:

• Ideal for wheelchair users and accessibility needs
• No major interior home modifications required
• Weather-resistant and durable

Cons:

• Requires weatherproofing maintenance
• May not blend well with home aesthetics

Estimated Price: $60,000 – $125,000

7. Inclined Platform Lifts

Best for: Homes with staircases that cannot accommodate a vertical elevator

How it Works: A platform lift installed along an existing staircase to transport users up and down.

Pros:

• Great for homes without elevator space
• More affordable than vertical elevators
• Easy to install on most staircases

Cons:

• Takes up stairway space
• May not work for very steep or curved staircases

Estimated Price: $25,000 – $62,000

8. Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)

Best for: Wheelchair users needing a short vertical lift inside or outside the home

How it Works: Moves users up and down a small vertical distance, typically 4 to 14 feet.

Pros:

• Affordable alternative to a full home elevator
• Simple and quick installation
• No major structural changes required

Cons:

• Limited to shorter distances
• Not as visually appealing as other options

Estimated Price: $58,000 – $105,000

9. Dumbwaiter Elevators

Best for: Transporting small items between floors

How it Works: A small lift designed to move objects (like food or laundry) between floors.

Pros:

• Saves time and effort
• Affordable compared to full-size elevators
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Not for passenger use
• Requires a dedicated shaft space

Estimated Price: $34,000 – $112,000

10. Luxury Custom-Built Home Elevators

Best for: High-end homes seeking elegance and customization

How it Works: Fully customizable elevators with unique designs, premium materials, and smart technology.

Pros:

• Unlimited customization options
• High weight capacity
• Adds significant home value

Cons:

• Extremely high cost
• Longer installation time

Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000+

Comparison of Home Elevator Types

Here’s a quick comparison of the best types of home elevators based on features, advantages, and estimated costs:

Type of Home Elevator	Best For	Pros	Cons	Estimated Cost
Hydraulic Home Elevators	Smooth, quiet, large homes	High weight capacity, reliable	Requires machine room, higher cost	$30,000 – $150,000
Traction Home Elevators	Energy efficiency, multi-story homes	No machine room, smooth operation	Higher maintenance costs	$45,000 – $155,000
Pneumatic (Vacuum) Elevators	Modern design, space-saving	No cables, sleek look	Limited weight capacity, expensive	$45,000 – $160,000
Shaftless Home Elevators	Budget-friendly, small homes	Compact, minimal installation	Limited to two floors	$25,000 – $130,000
Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators	Space-saving, energy-efficient	No separate machine room needed	May not support heavy loads	$50,000 – $155,000
Outdoor Home Elevators	Exterior accessibility	No interior home modifications needed	Requires weatherproofing maintenance	$60,000 – $125,000
Inclined Platform Lifts	Homes with staircases	Affordable, easy to install	Takes up stairway space	$25,000 – $62,000
Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)	Wheelchair accessibility	Simple installation, affordable	Limited to short distances	$58,000 – $105,000
Dumbwaiter Elevators	Transporting items	Saves time, low maintenance	Not for passenger use	$34,000 – $112,000
Luxury Custom Elevators	High-end homes, customization	Elegant designs, premium features	Very expensive, longer installation time	$50,000 – $100,000+

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right type of home elevator depends on your budget, space availability, and accessibility needs. If you’re looking for an affordable, compact solution, shaftless elevators are a great choice. For long-term, high-capacity use, hydraulic or traction elevators are ideal.

For a modern and futuristic look, pneumatic elevators provide a sleek design with minimal space requirements.

By comparing the features, pros, cons, and costs in this table, you can find the best home elevator to suit your needs!