Systems such as the aladdin storage lift and the versa attic lift have changed how home owners move and store seasonal items, bulky items, and any other gear.
These systems allow you to move almost anything from the ground level up in the attic and take advantage of that extra space you have up there.
With Aladdin and Versa Lift being two of the best systems out there, in this post, we’ll compare the specs, installation needs, useability, safety features, and long-term value. This way, you’ll know which investment is best for your home and which system is most suitable for your needs.
Aladdin Storage Lift Systems
Aladdin storage lift systems are electric lifts with a platform ideal for homeowners and smaller workshops (or even garages). They’re designed for efficient ceiling mounting which helps owners move storage boxes or bulky and heavy items up to the attic.
Therefore, Aladdin storage lift systems are very user friendly and they’re an affordable option that can integrate into standard garages and homes.
Features and Key Specifications
The maximum weight Aladdin storage lifts can handle is 500 lbs, considering you’re relying on their strongest model, which is ASL-500.
Such weight capacity makes it suitable for boxes and bulky items. Some people even managed to use Aladdin storage lift systems to lift furniture pieces that you’d usually store in the attic.
Each winch cable can handle up to 400 lbs, allowing the platform to handle up to 1,800 lbs. This way, you’re on the safe side, ensuring the platform handles recommended load easily.
The platform itself weighs 270 lbs when in place. The single-size platform from Aladdin offers a width of 36 inches by length of 68 inches. This is a perfect fit for everyone who wants to store medium-sized boxes, small furniture pieces, and/or totes. The only downside is that, unlike competitors, Aladdin doesn’t offer a variety of platform sizes.
The platform can be installed and raised on ceilings up to 16 feet in height, with the attic joists having to be a minimum of 2x8, without being over 16 inches to ensure they can fit the motor.
Aladdin storage lift system is powered by a 115 V, 60 Hz electric motor that requires only one electrical circuit. At the touch of a button, the motor will safely ensure the platform is raised evenly across four cables for the best stability, balance, and level movement.
In reality, the lift can move 1 inch per second, and you shouldn’t be worried if you hear whining sounds as that’s normal for the “break-in” period.
Controls are wall-mounted and the keyswitch is easy to use as you only get to choose between raising and lowering the platform.
However, at an additional cost, you can get a wireless controller, which you can use from the floor and the attic to operate the platform. This remote is known for going into stand-by after 30 seconds of inactivity so that’s also something to keep in mind in case you have to double press the button to get the platform going.
From safety features, we should mention that the motor automatically turns off when the platform reaches the ceiling, while the railings on the side ensure that you don’t have to worry about things tipping over and falling during the lifts.
Installation Process
For the installation of Aladdin storage lift systems, it’s best to have a qualified carpenter and electrician, even though the installation is simple.
The process includes:
-
Preparation and site assessment
-
Creating the ceiling opening
-
Installing structural support
-
Installing the motor drive assembly
-
Positioning the bearing place assembly
-
Securing to the structure
-
Attaching the cart cables
-
Electrical installation and control setup
-
Assembly of the cart and ceiling panels
-
Final assembly and load platform
While it sounds like a lot at first, the work is easier if you already have an existing ceiling hole that fits the dimensions. If not, you’ll at least get to choose where you’d like the ceiling lift system to be.
Keep in mind that if you purchase the Aladdin storage lift from our store, you can also work with our partners at Assembly Help to get your lift installed at an additional fee.
Price and Value
The price of the Aladdin ASL-500 storage lift system is $3,899.99, and if you grab the offer in time, you will also get free shipping.
Optional accessories are available at an additional cost and can include the earlier mentioned wireless remote controller or a loading ramp.
Compared to competitors, Aladdin is a lower-cost option, especially when it’s compared to competitors such as VersaLift. However, there’s also a huge difference in quality and intended use, so that’s also important to keep in mind.
Aladdin storage lift system is ideal if you plan on storing occasional items, need maximum weight capacity, have a slightly limited budget, but don’t mind slower operation since you don’t plan on using the platform frequently. If that’s the case, you’ll get a good value for the price.
Versa Lift Attic Lift Systems
Versa Lift attic lift systems feature a number of models that fit various attic opening sizes and ceiling-to-floor heights. They’re a great fit for residential but also light commercial use thanks to their heavier capacity and modular options.
On top of that, Versa attic lift systems are known for being equipped with rich features that make them one of the best brands on the market.
No matter which model of their lift systems you look into, you’ll always find the same traits such as robustness, versatility, and accessories that help loading and securing the items.
Features and Key Specifications
The best thing about attic lifts by Versa Lift is the variety of capacity tiers. There are various models designed to handle different storage needs, with the most popular models being Model 24 and Model 32.
With such variety, you can get between 200 and 250 lb lifting capacity and 15.3 to 30 cubic feet of space on the platform. This is more than enough for residential use, hence being a good recommendation for even lighter commercial use.
Another reason why it can fit commercial needs is the lifting speed, which is 8 inches per second. This is 8 times faster than Aladdin storage lifts, meaning you can make a 10-foot lift in only 15 seconds.
Both earlier mentioned models, 24 and 32, come with variations, where you can choose between options such as controller type, platform size, and additional features.
The motor used for Versa Lift systems is a 0.6 HP gear motor with an automatic brake when the platform reaches the ceiling. The operation is quiet, reliable, and lifting is even at all times, even at such great lifting speeds.
Versa Lift systems also feature geared motor instead of a basic cable-driven system, which additionally keeps operations smooth even at the start, thanks to high-torque power transmission at lower speeds.
No matter which model you go for, Versa Lift features a variety of safety mechanisms that helps prevent accidents and equipment failure. There are two steel cables (each with 1,000 lb breaking strength) that helps ensure safety in a case of a single cable failing. There’s also an automatic stop feature that disables the system from raising or lowering if there’s a problem and ensures that the platform stops when it’s aligned with the attic floor (regardless of the position of attic joints).
For an additional bit of safety, Versa Lift systems also come with a keyed control system that helps prevent accidental or unauthorized operation.
When it comes to switches, you can choose between a standard corded remote (that comes with a 15-foot lead) or a wall-mounted switch. There’s even the ability to get wireless remote control as an upgrade, which frees you up from the cords and allows you to have a bit more control on the lifting and lowering process.
It’s worth mentioning that Versa Lift also features some proprietary features you won’t find elsewhere. For example, auto-shutter accessory ensures the ceiling door closes automatically when the lift is lowered. This way, there won’t ever be a hole in the ceiling while the lift is lowered, which is ideal for light commercial use where frequent use of the lift would reduce thermal efficiency and dust filtration.
We believe you’ll also have a hard time choosing between additional accessories since Versa Lit really has many. For example, you can get:
-
30-minute fire-rated ceiling door upgrade
-
Truss leg kits
-
Custom height leg sets
-
Wall mounted switch kits
-
Attic ladder safety railing
Lastly, Versa Lift is positioned as a long-lasting premium solution, ideal for frequent yet reliable use. No matter which model you decide to go for, each one of them features a powder-coated steel construction for rust resistance and improved durability, while you’ll get a 3-year limited warranty that covers all parts of the lift.
Installation Process
Versa Lift is actually a DIY-friendly attic lift system and if you’re feeling handy enough, you could install the Versa Lift attic elevator yourself. However, it’s okay to opt-in for professional help, especially for larger models.
We’ve partnered with Assembly Help, so you can quickly schedule the installation date upon the purchase through our store, at an additional fee.
What we like the most about Versa Lift is that their lifts are designed to retrofit through standard attic hatches, so you won’t have to be making a new hole in your ceiling. However, keep in mind that on some occasions, you can have limited headroom or obstruction, in which cases you will have to plan further modifications to fit any type of an attic elevator.
Price and Value
Versa Lift are positioned in the mid-to-upper price range, which is justified with build quality, faster raising capability, geared motor, proprietary features, and the ability to retrofit one of their many storage lift models.
For example, you can get the cheapest Versa Lift model for about $2,985.00, while their most expensive model sits at about $4,670.00.
On top of that, they provide a 3-year limited warranty for all parts, so you’re rest assured your investment will pay off even after years of frequent use.
Which is Better? Versa Lift vs. Aladdin Storage Lifts
Aladdin can lift weights of up to 500 pds.
However, Versa Lift is 8 times quicker in the lifting process than Aladdin. For example, you’d need 2 minutes and 20 seconds to achieve a 10-foot lift using Aladdin.
On that note, it’s important to let you know that Aladdin is a cheaper option and also considered more on a budget side, while Versa Lift systems are slightly more expensive but they’re not overpriced and are well worth the investment in the long run.
The platform design is also very different among the two. While Versa Lift’s platforms are pretty standard, Aladdin has a different concept of a four-corner cable platform with no overhead frame, which is great for stacking things up in height without overhead restriction (but always pay attention to the head space in the attic).
We believe that Versa Lift dominates when frequency and automation matters, proving the build quality and the ability for regular use, even in light commercial cases.
With plenty more additional accessories, proprietary features, a better motor, and great safety features, Versa Lift makes much more sense if you’re on a very tight budget. Some of the cheapest Versa Lift models aren’t overpriced compared to Aladdin’s prices, so even if you have to delay the purchase and save a bit, that’s a better option in the long run.
