Many stair lift units look the same, but there are several brands on the market. Some have decades of experience manufacturing stair lifts, while others are selling competitively priced models.
The brand you select affects everything from pricing to lift performance to what the warranty covers. We’ll compare the top stair lift brands and help you determine which is best suited to your home.
Stair Lift Brands Worth Knowing
There are five popular stair lift brands in the US, including:
- Bruno: A veteran-owned business that manufactures stair lifts in America. They operate on the principle of creating high-quality stair lifts. They aren’t the cheapest option, but they are reliable and long-lasting. Bruno often wins as the “best overall” stair lift brand for its quality and features, such as slim rails, higher weight capacities, and a limited lifetime warranty.
- Stannah: Known for its user-friendly stair lifts, Stannah is a trusted brand. They offer a two-year warranty, shorter than many other stair lift manufacturers
- Harmar: While its models may be slightly louder than those from other stair lift brands, Harmar models are highly rated for their comfortable seats. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty and have a high weight capacity.
- AmeriGlide: Those seeking a more affordable stair lift unit can opt for AmeriGlide. The manufacturer produces cost-effective units, but they often don’t last as long as those from other brands. Purchasers are also typically expected to handle installation themselves.
How to Actually Compare Brands
There are specific features to look for when choosing a brand that will work best for your lifestyle. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Warranty Coverage
When looking at different manufacturers, get clear on their warranty offerings. Some offer lifetime warranties (as long as you’re the owner), and some brands only offer warranties that last a few years. Long-term warranties are often a better deal, as you’ll likely experience issues in year eight, not year one of ownership.
Also, check whether labor is covered by the warranty or if you’ll have to pay everything out of pocket.
2. Parts Availability
Popular manufacturers with local dealers and technicians in your area make it easy to access repair parts. Companies that operate exclusively online or are often out of stock of parts make ordering harder.
3. Weight Capacity Options
Every stair lift manufacturer offers different models with varying weight-bearing capacities. Low-cost brands like AmeriGlide have lower weight capabilities, while brands like Bruno and Harmar have higher weight-bearing capacities.
4. Dealer vs. Direct-To-Consumer
Stair lift brands with dealers in your community are often easy to reach for installation and post-installation repairs. They typically offer quick maintenance services and are easy to contact when things go wrong.
Direct-to-manufacturer brands like AmeriGlide don’t have local dealers in your neighborhood, and it may take longer/or feel more difficult to get help with repairs or installation.
5. Rail Design and Width
Stair lift units all have different rail designs and occupy specific amounts of space on your staircase. Bruno, for example, is known for its slim rail design, which is ideal for narrow staircases, but other manufacturers offer wider rails that may not be suitable for small staircases.
Measure the width of your staircase before making a purchase.
Which Stair Lift Brand Stands Out?
Bruno is one of the most popular and trusted stair lift manufacturers in America. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on major components for original owners. They’re also a veteran- and family-owned business that exclusively manufactures its units in America.
They also have a large nationwide dealer network, making it easy to contact local technicians.
What to Watch Out For With Any Brand
If you’re still unsure what you’re looking for in a brand, there are some red flags you can look for of what you don’t want:
- Warranties that cover parts but not labor
- Direct-to-consumer brands that leave homeowners without local service options
- Extended warranties that cost extra but duplicate what’s already included
- Reviews that are product-specific vs. company-specific (a good lift installed badly is still a problem)
FAQs: Stair Lift Brands
Is Bruno or Acorn cheaper?
Acorn is typically less expensive than Bruno. Homeowners may save a couple of thousand dollars on stair lifts if purchasing Acorn.
Which stair lift brand has the best warranty?
Bruno and Harmar both offer limited lifetime warranties covering major components of the stair lift (motor, gearbox, etc.) as long as the stair lift remains the property of the original purchaser.
Can I get any brand serviced locally in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are many stair lift dealers in Pennsylvania working with popular stair lift brands. At Independent Home Solutions, we work exclusively with Bruno to provide the best experience for homeowners.
Does IHS install brands other than Bruno?
No, we install Bruno stair lifts for homeowners. If you’re interested in installing a used stair lift from another manufacturer, you can contact us, and we’ll let you know if we can help.
Ready For a Stair Lift?
Get a free in-home assessment with no obligation. Call Independent Home Solutions at (717) 393-8213 today.
Our service areas in Pennsylvania include Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and York.
