Which Stair Lift Is Best? Expert Picks and Key Features Explained
When looking for a stair lift for the first time, this is a question everyone asks:
“Which is the best stair lift?”
Of course, if one were the best, no other brand would exist! But just like vacuum
cleaners, Dyson isn’t the only game in town. Tesla isn’t the only car manufacturer to
produce electric cars!
Table of Contents
Almost any search in the UK will bring up these top brands:
- Acorn Stairlifts
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Age UK Stairlifts
- Brooks Stairlifts
- Companion Stairlifts
- Handicare Stairlifts
- MediTek Stairlifts
- Senior Stairlifts
- Stannah Stairlifts
| Company | Strengths / What They’re Known For | Typical Price/Offer (Straight / Curved / Notes) | Reputation / Reviews / Warranty / Service Notes | Where Senior Stairlifts Excels Compared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Stairlifts | Affordable and widely available; quick installation; large dealer network; and fast turnaround. | Straight from ~£1,800–2,500; curved from ~£4,295+ | Strong brand, good UK-wide coverage, many reviews | Senior Stairlifts can compete on price and offer more personalised service rather than mass-market sales. |
| Platinum Stairlifts | Mixed reviews: on Trustpilot, some customers report quality issues or maintenance problems. | Straight lift from ~£2,295–3,500; curved from ~£3,795–6,800+ | Mixed reviews: on Trustpilot some customers report quality issues or maintenance problems. | Senior Stairlifts is an authorised platinum dealer, can differentiate by emphasising reliability and aftercare, avoiding reputational risks tied to inconsistent reviews. |
| Age UK Stairlifts | Senior-focused marketing (charity-backed), appealing to older customers; straightforward options. | Reported straight stairlifts £2,000–4,500; curved £4,500–8,000; reconditioned lower cost options also available. | Charity backing adds trust for some buyers; mixed pricing depending on new vs refurbished | Senior Stairlifts is a more flexible, price-transparent alternative — with clarity on cost ranges, new vs refurbished, and full installation included. |
| Companion Stairlifts | Offers a variety of straight and curved stairlifts, including custom solutions; tends to provide good flexibility. | Straight and curved lifts, with parts & labour guarantee (typically 12 months) | Generally good reviews on Trustpilot; often chosen for flexibility and bespoke solutions rather than basic models. | Senior Stairlifts are similarly flexible and tailored services, but add transparency on total price, and better warranty/support terms. |
| Handicare Stairlifts | Internationally recognised, strong engineering and design, good for narrow stairs and custom layouts. Offers products through authorised dealers. | Straight from ~£2,200; able to handle both straight & curved staircases, including some complex ones | Generally solid reputation, customisation options, and flexibility in design choices. | Senior Stairlifts is an authorised Handicare dealer, offering simple, no-nonsense installations and cost-effective solutions compared to high-end custom products. |
| Stannah Stairlifts | Known for reliability, premium build quality, smooth operation, wide model range (straight, curved, and outdoor). | Typically has a higher initial cost than budget brands, but offers durable, long-lasting stairlifts and extensive aftercare. | Strong reputation, high customer satisfaction, comprehensive warranties/support, modern design and build-quality. | Senior Stairlifts presents itself as a mid-market alternative: lower cost than premium brands, but more personal service than large manufacturers. |
| Senior Stairlifts | Focus on simple, no-nonsense process; competitive pricing; friendly engineers; UK-wide support; emphasises affordability and practical installation. | Reliable stairlift supply and installation — pitched to deliver value-for-money, good support, and transparency in cost. Which? Trusted Traders. | Good customer feedback (TrustScore ~4.1), commitment to support, service and a straightforward, honest approach. | Best “value + service” balance combining affordability closer to budget brands with attention to service and clarity that rivals premium providers. |
None of these providers would be on the list if they didn’t get the basics right!
So how do we decide for ourselves which stairlift is best?
Here are some facts about the various brands
Some providers sell a range of different stairlift brands – Senior Stairlifts, for instance, sells brands including TK Home Solutions/TKE, Handicare, Acorn and Stannah. Whilst other Companies like Acorn Stairlifts will only sell their brand of product.
Acorn produces & sells directly through authorised dealers. It also sells its stair lifts under the name Brooks.
Platinum sells its products through authorised partners as they are a manufacturer.
Handicare sells through its sister company, Companion, but it is also the brand sold by Age UK. Age UK and Companion have slightly different terms and conditions. An example would be its warranties, where Companion offers 12 months, and Age UK offers a year’s warranty. Handicare also now owns the companies Minivator and Freelift.
Senior Stairlifts is a reputable brand quickly making a name for itself in competition with the established leading brands. You get to deal directly with the company. Senior Stairlifts is an independent company that sources Stairlifts from a wide range of industry-leading brands so that they can fit the right lift for the customer’s needs.
How Do You Find the Best Stair Lift?
Determining the “best” stair lift depends on a variety of individual factors,
preferences, and specific needs. You should be asking yourself, ‘What is the best stairlift for me, or the person it’s for?’ as everyone’s needs and requirements are different, and you need to find what is best for yourself or the user.
Here’s how you might approach answering this question
Assessing Your Needs:
User Requirements
Consider the user’s physical needs — for instance, do they need a seated, standing, or perched lift? What features will enhance their daily experience with the stairlift?
Staircase Type
The architecture of your staircase — straight, curved, or with landings — will determine the kind of stair lift that is suitable for your home. If you’re unsure, don’t worry, as our engineers will be able to help you determine this.
Space Constraints
Measure the space to ensure the stair lift fits comfortably without obstructing regular home activities. We offer stairlift solutions that fit even the narrowest of staircases. Our engineers will help find you the best solution for your staircase.
Features to Consider:
Safety Features
Look for stair lifts with reliable safety mechanisms like seat belts, obstruction sensors,
and emergency stop buttons. A lot of the stairlifts we offer, new and reconditioned, come standard with safety features like seatbelts and sensors.
Comfort
A good stair lift should have a comfortable seat, easy-to-use controls, and adjustable
features for a custom fit. The stairlifts we offer come with additional options for upholstery or seat options.
Battery Operation
A battery backup is crucial for power outages, ensuring the stair lift remains
operational.
Ease of Use
The stair lift should have intuitive controls, especially for users with limited dexterity. As stairlifts are designed mainly for the elderly and disabled, they all have easy-to-use controls.
Warranty and Support
A strong warranty and readily available customer service are important for long-term
satisfaction. At Senior Stairlifts, we offer a 24-month comprehensive warranty.
Research and Comparison
Brand Reputation
Well-known brands with positive reviews can be a safer bet. But newer companies
may have better prices and service levels. Senior Stairlifts only partners with the best and most reliable stairlift manufacturers.
Customer Reviews
Look for feedback from other users, particularly those with similar needs and
staircases. Speak to users if you can. Check out our reviews.
Cost
While not always indicative of quality, the price can reflect the feature set and durability of the stair lift.
Consultation and Testing
In-Home Assessment
Many companies offer free home visits to assess your staircase and discuss your
needs. Be sure to take those up and be wary of any company not offer this
service. At Senior Stairlifts, we offer a free home visit and survey, with no pushy salespeople or pressure.
Product Demos
If possible, test the stair lift models in a showroom or ask for a demo at home.
Financial Considerations
Budget
Determine your budget and check for any available financing plans or grants, like the
Disabled Facilities Grant in the UK. At Senior Stairlifts, we are partnered with Snap Finance to be able to offer our customers stairlift finance. We are one of the few stairlift companies to provide finance.
Final Thoughts About the ‘Best’ Stairlift
The “best” stairlift is the one that is going to meet your needs and fit well into your home. It will be best if it comes from a reputable company with a strong record of quality and service.
It’s advisable to seek professional advice and quotes from multiple suppliers to
compare options. Nothing beats speaking with the helpline to see how each
company responds to your enquiry.
At Senior Stairlifts, we’re here to help you find the safest, most reliable stairlift tailored just for you. If you’re still unsure which options suit you best, get in touch with our friendly team today for free expert advice or to book a no-obligation home assessment. Your comfort, independence, and safety are just a stair lift away.