Buying a stairlift can be confusing so we decided to create a stairlift comparison guide to help out! In this comparison guide we will outline some of our preferred stairlifts. We’ll explain why we use them over some other models and what their benefits and features are.
Not all stairlifts are created equal and some will definitely outlast others. We like those models because we like happy customers and fewer problems!
We have already done a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to choosing a stairlift. Our 20 years of experience has taught us which stairlifts keep on going, when others fail and ring up problem after problem! So if a stairlift model isn’t listed here, it’s because we don’t use them.
Stairlift Comparison – Types Of Stairlift
Before you choose a stairlift, you’ll need to pick a type of stairlift which matches your requirements. It’s no use getting a straight stairlift if you have a curve in your stairs is it!? Similarly, if you have a narrow or awkward staircase, you may need a specialist stairlift which deals better with tricky or narrow stairs.
We will recommend a stairlift which matches your requirements after we have assessed your stairs, (if necessary). Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 to get the ball rolling and get a free assessment/survey of your home.
Stairlift Comparison – Stannah 260 Vs Flow X
Here’s two of our favourite stairlifts for a curved staircase:
These two stairlifts are superb for narrow stairs, with the Flow X being the more nimble of the two. If a Stannah 260 doesn’t fit your staircase, we would recommend the Flow X as the go-to alternative. While the Flow X is a more advanced stairlift technically, with its ASL technology, the Stannah 260 has a superb build quality and is known to last.
ASL (Advanced Swivel and Levelling) means the Flow X can navigate very awkward stairs, which can be un-doable for other stairlifts.
Stairlift Comparison – Brooks/Acorn & Stannah 600
On the left we have a Brooks/Acorn straight stairlift and on the right a Stannah 600 stairlift. We like the Stannah’s which are superb at installations which require a narrow fitting. Acorn/Brooks stairlifts are a budget choice and can be fitted very quickly. So they are often the recommendation when the stairlift is needed urgently. See also our post on Acorn versus Stannah stairlifts.
We do also use the Flow X for straight staircases when another model won’t fit. The Flow X can carry a passenger up facing down/up the stairs which allows more leg room and is important on certain installations where another model can’t fit. The picture below is a Flow 2a, (the previous model to the Flow X) showing a user facing down the stairs on a narrow curved staircase. See the case study for this one here.
Stairlift Comparison – Heavy Duty / Bariatric Stairlifts
Here’s two heavy duty/bariatric stairlifts. The one on the left is a Platinum Ultimate and the one on the right is a Bruno, both for a curved staircase in the pictures but can be used with straight stairs too.
The Platinum is a better stairlift if there’s a narrower staircase and its single rail is a more elegant look than the larger heavy duty rail of the Bruno. However, the Bruno has a higher load capacity, carrying users up to 29 stone. The Weight limit of the Platinum is 25 stone. Both these are an excellent choice if you’re in need of a heavy duty stairlift.
Stairlift Comparison – Flow X versus Platinum Ultimate
It’s also worth a quick “side-by-side” comparison of these two stairlifts. Pictured above are the Platinum Ultimate and the Flow X. Both these stairlifts have excellent manoeuvrability on narrow stairs which is worth noting. The Flow X is known for its ASL (Advanced Swivel and Levelling) technology. It is the “go-to” stairlift for very narrow and difficult stairs. However, the Platinum boasts a similar versatility when it comes to narrow staircases and has a heavier capacity if you need a heavy weight stairlift.
The Flow X has a weight capacity of 19.6 stone whereas the Platinum Ultimate can carry up to 25 stone in weight. In terms of the most agile stairlift of the two, it is definitely the Flow X. It can navigate staircases as narrow as 61cm in width, and folds to just 38cm in width.
Summary
So there’s our stairlift comparison. If there is a particular stairlift you like which is not mentioned here, give us a call on 0800 046 3438. We can provide most stairlifts but tend to stick to the most reliable of stairlifts! Our 20 years of experience in the industry has taught us which stairlifts stand the test of time the best! We like those models because they give us the fewest problems!
We also are known for our reconditioned stairlifts – we give all our reconditioned stairlifts a full 2 year no-exclusion warranty because we know they will last and we choose only the best makes and models for refurbishing.
Want more information or to arrange a free, no-obligation home assessment?
Call us on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page.
You can also see some of our installations on our YouTube page here.