Stannah and Acorn are the two most recognised stairlift brands in the UK, but they differ significantly in price, installation speed, and long-term reliability. Stannah stairlifts cost £3,300+ for straight models and use custom-built twin-rail systems. Acorn stairlifts (sold as Brooks in the UK) start around £2,000-£3,000 for straight models and use modular stock components. Both brands serve the same purpose, but the right choice depends on budget, staircase complexity, and how quickly you need installation completed. Manchester Stairlifts supplies Brooks stairlifts from £995 — significantly below both manufacturers’ direct pricing.
Price Comparison Between Stannah and Acorn
Stannah stairlifts carry premium pricing that reflects their bespoke manufacturing approach. New Stannah straight stairlifts start at approximately £3,322, while curved Stannah models begin around £4,195. Acorn straight stairlifts range from £2,000-£3,000 new, with curved Acorn models priced between £4,000-£6,000.
These prices represent direct purchases from the manufacturers. Independent suppliers in Greater Manchester offer reconditioned stairlifts from £1,195 and new straight stairlifts from £995, providing substantial savings compared to brand-direct pricing. For shorter-term needs, stairlift rental from £50/month avoids large upfront costs entirely.
| Stairlift Type | Stannah Price | Acorn Price | Manchester Stairlifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Straight | £3,322+ | £2,000-£3,000 | From £995 |
| New Curved | £4,195+ | £4,000-£6,000 | From £2,950 |
| Reconditioned | Limited availability | Available through dealers | From £1,195 |
| Rental | Limited | Limited | £50/month |
Price alone should not determine your choice. Installation requirements, weight capacity, warranty terms, and aftercare support all affect total ownership cost.
Rail System and Engineering Differences
Stannah uses a twin-rail mechanical levelling system built specifically for each staircase after a detailed survey. Acorn uses a single-rail electronic levelling system with modular components manufactured to standard specifications.
The mechanical twin-rail approach from Stannah tends to perform more reliably over 10-15 years because fewer electronic components can fail. The Acorn electronic levelling system works well initially but introduces more potential failure points as the stairlift ages. Both brands operate at similar noise levels, typically under 50dB during travel.
For curved staircases, Stannah’s bespoke rail manufacturing accommodates unusual angles and tight turns more precisely. Acorn’s modular curved rails suit standard curved configurations but may not handle complex multi-turn staircases as elegantly.
Installation Speed and Process
Acorn stairlifts install faster than Stannah models because Acorn uses stock modular components. A standard Acorn straight stairlift can be fitted within 1-2 hours of arrival. Stannah installations require a preliminary survey, custom rail fabrication, and a scheduled fitting appointment, typically adding 1-3 weeks to the process.
When speed matters—such as hospital discharge situations or rapid mobility decline—Acorn’s faster turnaround offers a practical advantage. When precision fitting matters more than speed, Stannah’s custom approach delivers tighter tolerances.
Independent stairlift suppliers often maintain stock of both new and reconditioned units, enabling same-week installation regardless of brand preference.
Weight Capacity and User Suitability
Standard Acorn stairlifts support users up to 120kg (approximately 19 stone). Stannah offers models with capacities ranging from 120kg to 160kg depending on the specific model selected.
Users weighing over 19 stone should request heavy-duty models from either manufacturer. Both Acorn and Stannah produce bariatric variants, though availability and pricing vary. Specifying weight capacity requirements during the initial survey prevents problems after installation.
Seat width, armrest spacing, and footrest dimensions also differ between models. Users with broader builds or limited hip mobility should test-sit demonstration units before committing to either brand.
Customisation and Aesthetic Options
Stannah provides more upholstery colours, rail finishes, and seat configurations than Acorn. Stannah stairlifts can be ordered with powered swivel seats, adjustable seat heights, and folding rail sections for doorway clearance.
Acorn stairlifts offer fewer customisation options but maintain a consistent slim profile that suits narrow staircases. The Acorn 130 straight stairlift occupies minimal staircase width, leaving adequate passing space on most UK stairs.
For properties where matching existing décor matters, Stannah’s broader colour palette provides flexibility. For functional installations where aesthetics are secondary, Acorn’s standardised options reduce cost without compromising safety.
Acorn and Brooks: Understanding the Brand Relationship
Brooks is Acorn’s UK trading name, not a separate manufacturer. Acorn Stairlifts acquired Brooks and Bison Bede to expand UK market coverage and curved rail manufacturing capability. When comparing stairlift quotes, treat Acorn and Brooks as identical products with different branding.
The Brooks Acorn 130 and Brooks Acorn 180 are the same units sold under the Acorn name internationally. Spare parts, servicing procedures, and safety certifications remain identical across both brand names.
Long-Term Reliability, Warranty and Servicing
Both Stannah and Acorn manufacture stairlifts designed to last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Annual servicing extends operational life and maintains warranty validity for both brands.
Stannah offers a 2-year warranty on new stairlifts with options to extend coverage. Acorn provides a 1-year parts and labour warranty as standard, with extended warranty packages available at additional cost. Warranty terms vary when purchasing through independent dealers versus direct from manufacturers, so confirm coverage details before purchase.
Stannah’s mechanical levelling system requires less frequent adjustment than Acorn’s electronic system. However, when Stannah mechanical components do fail, repairs can be more complex. Acorn’s electronic components are easier to diagnose and replace but may need attention more frequently after year 7-8 of operation.
Independent service engineers can maintain both brands. Users are not locked into manufacturer-only servicing contracts, which reduces long-term maintenance costs for either choice.
Making the Right Choice for Greater Manchester Homes
Stannah suits buyers who prioritise premium build quality, extensive customisation, and long-term mechanical reliability. Acorn suits buyers who need faster installation, lower upfront cost, and straightforward functionality.
Greater Manchester residents can access both brands through independent suppliers who offer competitive pricing without manufacturer markups. Straight stairlifts from £995 and curved stairlifts from £2,950 provide entry points below both Stannah and Acorn direct pricing.
For complex curved staircases with multiple turns, request quotes from both brands and compare rail routing solutions. For standard straight staircases, the functional differences between brands matter less than the service quality and aftercare provided by your chosen supplier. For guidance on selecting the right stairlift type for your home, see our complete stairlift buying guide.
