Which is cheaper, Acorn or Stannah?

Acorn is usually the lower quote and Stannah is usually the premium option. Neither publishes fixed prices for every model, so you get an exact price after a free survey. As a guide, new straight stairlifts typically cost £2,000–£4,000 fitted.

Prices checked 14 October 2026. The only figure that binds anyone is a written fitted quote after a survey.

Which is better for narrow stairs?

Both companies have models for narrow staircases, but neither can confirm fit without a survey. Measure your stairs at the narrowest point and ask each company for the minimum width of the exact model it quotes.

Measure at the narrowest point; a survey confirms the fit.

Which is better for heavier users?

Both offer heavy-duty options rated to 160kg (25 stone): Acorn's heavy-duty model and Stannah's heavy-duty Siena. Acorn's standard 130 is rated to 127kg (20 stone), so check which model you're being quoted.

Weight limits vary by model, so confirm the exact model in your written quote.

Which is better for curved staircases?

Both make curved stairlifts on rails made to measure for your staircase: the Acorn 180, and the Stannah Starla and Siena curved. The Acorn 180 Curved is rated to 120kg. Curved prices vary more than straight ones, so get a quote from each.

Curved rails are made to measure, so lead times and prices vary more than straight lifts.

Do Acorn or Stannah offer perch or standing stairlifts?

Yes. Stannah's Sadler is a perch stairlift for steep or narrow stairs and users who can't bend their knees. Acorn quotes perch seating case by case after a survey.

For users who can't bend their knees or for very narrow or steep stairs. Stannah: Sadler perch lift. Acorn: perch seating quoted case by case.

Which installs faster?

Acorn is usually faster. It advertises next-day installation availability on straight stairlifts, while Stannah books a survey first and then a scheduled fit. Curved stairlifts take weeks with either brand because the rail is made to measure.

Depends on area and stock; next-day is availability, not a guarantee.

Which has the better warranty?

Stannah has the longer standard warranty: 2 years on new stairlifts, compared with Acorn's 12-month manufacturer's guarantee. Ask both what the warranty covers in writing (parts, labour and call-outs).

Check what's included in writing: parts, labour and call-outs.

Which offers better aftercare?

Both offer nationwide aftercare. Acorn uses a national engineer network with optional service plans, and Stannah has its own service branches and service plans. Neither publishes plan prices, so ask for them with your quote.

Can I get a reconditioned Acorn or Stannah?

Yes, both sell reconditioned stairlifts when stock is available, mostly for straight staircases. Ask what warranty comes with a reconditioned lift, because it can differ from a new one.

Reconditioned = straight rails mostly, because curved rails are made to measure.

Which suits me: Acorn or Stannah?

Answer seven quick questions and we'll suggest which brand to quote first.

Which models should I compare?

Acorn has a small, simple range: the 130 (straight), the 180 (curved) and the 130 Outdoor. Stannah has a wider range: JOYA, Siena, Starla, Sadler and an outdoor model.

Final verdict: Acorn or Stannah?

Neither is better for everyone: choose Acorn if speed and price matter most, and Stannah if you want the longer warranty and more styling choice.

Get quotes from both if you have a curved staircase, the user weighs over 20 stone, or your stairs are under 650mm wide at the narrowest point.