Stannah vs Acorn Stairlifts — Honest Comparison

Stannah and Acorn are the two best-known stairlift names in the UK. Both are long-established British manufacturers, both make straight and curved lifts, and both have a strong reputation for reliability. The right choice depends on your staircase, your budget, and how long you expect to need the lift.

We're an Acorn Accredited Partner, so we'll be straight with you: we install Acorn day in, day out, and we know the product inside out. We'll also tell you honestly when a Stannah lift might suit a particular customer better.

The companies at a glance

Both companies manufacture in the UK and both back their lifts with national service networks. Stannah has the longer history; Acorn is the larger stairlift specialist by installed volume in the UK.

Straight stairlifts

For a typical straight staircase, the engineering differences between the two brands are small. Both use a fixed rail bolted to the treads (not the wall), both run on rechargeable batteries that keep working in a power cut, and both have a folding seat, footrest and arms so the stairs stay usable on foot.

Acorn 130 — the UK's best-selling straight stairlift. Compact, quiet, with a swivel seat that locks at the top to make standing up easier. Quick to fit because Acorn keep the rails in stock.

Stannah Siena / Sofia — Stannah's straight range. Similar core features, with the option of a powered footrest and a slimmer rail profile. Lead times can be longer because installations are scheduled through Stannah branches.

If you need a straight lift fitted quickly, Acorn is usually the faster option. If you prize the Stannah brand history and don't mind waiting a little longer for an appointment, the Stannah models are equally capable lifts.

Curved stairlifts

This is where the two brands diverge more meaningfully. Every curved rail is made to measure for one specific staircase, so the manufacturing approach matters.

Acorn 180 uses a modular rail system — sections are cut and joined to follow your staircase. This keeps lead times shorter and costs lower than a fully single-piece rail.

Stannah Starla / Siena Curve uses a continuous welded rail engineered as a single piece. The ride is exceptionally smooth and the rail is slim, but manufacturing typically takes longer.

For most UK homes — a 90° or 180° turn, a half-landing — both will do the job. For very tight or unusual staircases, it's worth getting both surveyed and comparing what each can offer.

Reliability, warranty and aftercare

Both manufacturers offer a 12-month warranty as standard on new lifts and run national service networks. Extended warranties and service plans are available from both. In practice, the most important factor for reliability isn't the badge on the seat — it's whether the lift has been correctly surveyed, fitted, and serviced once a year.

Because we're locally based in Greater Manchester, our own engineers handle every install and every callout. There's no call centre between you and the person who fitted the lift.

Price

Stannah does not publish list prices — every quote is given after a home survey. Acorn publishes starting prices and tends to come in lower on like-for-like installations, particularly on curved lifts. Our own fitted prices are:

• Straight stairlift — £1,995
• Reconditioned stairlift — £995
• Curved stairlift — £2,995

All three include the free home survey, installation, handover and a 12-month warranty.

Which is right for you?

• Fixed budget, straight stairs: Acorn, through us — a like-for-like install typically costs less than Stannah.
• Curved staircase, standard layout: either brand will work; Acorn typically costs less and has a shorter lead time.
• Very unusual staircase or you specifically want the Stannah ride: worth getting Stannah to survey as well.
• Short-term need (recovery, renovation): consider renting rather than buying either brand new.
• Tight budget for a permanent lift: a reconditioned stairlift at £995 fitted is often the most sensible call.

If you'd like an honest opinion on which lift suits your stairs, book a free home survey. We'll measure up, walk you through your options — including when Stannah would be the better fit — and quote a fixed price on the day.

Our fixed prices

All prices include the free home survey, installation, handover and a 12-month warranty.

Our stairlifts

• Straight stairlifts — £1,995 fitted
• Curved stairlifts — £2,995 fitted
• Reconditioned stairlifts — £995 fitted
• Outdoor stairlifts
• Servicing & repairs

Book a free home survey

Call 0161 330 5544 or request a callback. A local engineer will measure your stairs and give you a fixed price on the day — no pressure, no obligation.