Appliance Dolly vs. Utility Dolly: Which One Should You Choose?

According to OSHA stats, among all the illnesses sustained during work, 90% are work-related injuries. While trying to lift heavy loads or complete their work quickly, laborers and material movers get injured.

A dolly can help safely transport materials. Hence, it can help minimize mishaps. There are two common categories of a dolly, appliance and utility. What is the difference between these two? Which one should you get? We got an answer for you. Let’s find out.

What is an Appliance Dolly?

An appliance dolly is a heavy-duty moving tool. It has a sturdy frame that helps move large items like refrigerators or dishwashers. This specialized moving tool comes with securing straps to transport all the items safely.

What is a Utility Dolly?

A utility dolly or hand truck is a two-wheeled, L-shaped tool. It is commonly used for moving general items like small furniture, boxes, or other stacks. Due to its small and sleek structure, it can easily move through tight spaces.

Appliance Dolly vs Utility Dolly: Key Differences

 

Key Differences

 

Feature	Appliance Dolly	Utility Dolly
Weight Capacity	Up to 1000 lbs	Up to 600 lbs
Structure	Tall and heavy, built-in securing straps, wheel padding and supporting wheels also present	Short and lightweight, basic metallic structure with two wheels, no padding or extra straps
Stability	More stable due to its specialized design	Less stable
Most Suitable for	Heavy items like refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, stoves, etc.)	Small items like boxes, cartons, lightweight furniture, or other everyday gadgets

Appliance Dolly vs Utility Dolly: In-Depth Breakdown

 

Structural Difference

A utility dolly has an L-shaped structure. The vertical part of L is the metallic frame. At the bottom part, there is a toe or base plate to slide under the item. The upper side has handles to maneuver the dolly effortlessly. It has two wheels to balance the weight of utility items easily.

An appliance dolly also has a similar structure but the frame is bigger and more sturdy. The wheels also come with padding to glide smoothly over any surface. Some also have support wheels to provide stability when stopping midway.

This prevents tipping and reduces physical strain. Moreover, there are additional straps to secure the heavy items in place.

Loading Capacity

The small structure of a utility dolly can hold less weight than the appliance dolly. The loading capacity of a simple hand truck is around 400-600 lbs. On the other hand, appliance dolly can hold items with weight up to 800lbs.

Some heavy-duty dollies can even carry 1000lbs easily. Its strong frame enhances weight distribution. The supporting strap keeps the items in place thus maintaining balance and minimizing strain.

Best For

Based on the differences in structure, weight capacity, and stability, both the types serve different purposes. A utility dolly is suitable for moving lightweight furniture, small items, stacked boxes, office supplies, or medium-sized luggage.

An appliance dolly comes with padding and straps to hold heavy items securely. Thus, it is useful in moving bulky items like refrigerators, vending machines, dishwashers, heaters, or other heavy commercial equipment.

Which One is Better for You?

Before recklessly buying a dolly, you must be aware of your needs in the long-term. Ask yourself some questions and you will have your answer. For example,

• What are you moving? If it is something big, you will need an appliance dolly. For small furniture or boxes, choose a general purpose dolly.
• What is the weight of the item you need to move? If you need to move tall or large items, over 500lbs, go for an appliance dolly. For under 500-600lbs, utility dolly can serve the purpose.
• Will it require frequent moving? If yes, choose Utility dolly. It is often helpful in houses where frequent shifting of items is done.
• Will the item need to be transported across flat surfaces, inclines, or stairs? If you need to move goods on flat surfaces with ample space, you can go for a general-purpose dolly. On the other hand, if you are moving a heavy load up the stairs, it is best to upgrade to a motorized appliance dolly.

Some appliance dolly models even have stair climbing features. XSTO CT250S is the perfect example. It can easily handle weight up to 550 lbs. The built-in brakes also prevent accidental rolling.

Conclusion

There are different types of moving dollies. One that is useful for your friend might not be helpful for you. Rather than relying on suggestions, choose a dolly based on your needs.

Selecting the right dolly not only helps in loading or unloading efficiently but also minimizes the risk of injuries. You can use a manual appliance or utility dolly for occasional moving tasks. However, for heavier or frequent moving jobs, choose an electric appliance dolly.