Stairlift Brands Compared: Bruno vs Harmar vs Acorn vs Stannah

Which Stairlift Brand Is Best?

At Safeguard we feature Handicare stairlifts. Handicare is part of Savaria, which describes itself as a global leader in accessibility. Bruno, Harmar, Acorn, and Stannah also make straight and curved stairlifts. The right choice depends on your staircase, your budget, and who will service the lift locally.

Families often ask about the brands they have seen advertised. Here is a plain overview of each, based on what the manufacturers themselves publish.

Quick Brand Comparison

Handicare Stairlifts (Featured at Safeguard)

We feature Handicare brand stairlifts, which are known for reliability, durability, and value. Handicare is part of Savaria, which acquired it in 2021 and describes itself as a global leader in accessibility.

We measure your staircase with our digital measurement process and recommend the model that fits it.

Bruno Stairlifts

Bruno is an American, veteran-founded, family-owned company based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. It has been making mobility products since 1984, and its stairlifts are made in the USA.

Harmar Stairlifts

Harmar, based in Sarasota, Florida, designs and manufactures stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, and vehicle lifts.

Acorn Stairlifts

Acorn is a UK-registered company that has made stairlifts since 1992, with factories in Yorkshire and Scotland and a US head office in Orlando, Florida.

Stannah Stairlifts

Stannah is a British, family-owned company founded in 1867. It has made stairlifts since 1975 and sells straight and curved models in the US. Check Stannah's US site for its current range.

Choosing by Staircase Type

For Straight Staircases

Every brand above makes straight stairlifts. A straight stairlift uses a standard rail, and most installations are completed in a single visit, typically within 2-4 hours.

For Curved Staircases

Curved stairlifts need a custom rail, precision-manufactured to fit your staircase. Handicare, Bruno, Harmar, Acorn, and Stannah all make curved models. An accurate measurement matters more here than the brand name. See straight vs. curved stairlifts to tell which you have.

For Outdoor Staircases

Outdoor stairlifts are built for weather. Ask whether a model suits Utah winters: some, like Handicare's outdoor package, are intended for milder climates.

What About Price?

Stairlift pricing depends on your staircase: straight staircases are more affordable than curved installations. The only accurate price comes from an in-home assessment. Our Utah stairlift cost guide explains what drives the price.

What Really Matters

Beyond brand names, here is what to focus on:

1. Local Service

The best stairlift with poor service is worse than a good stairlift with great service. Ask:

• Who services this brand locally?
• How quickly can they respond?
• Are parts readily available?

2. Warranty Details

Compare the warranty on the motor, the parts, the labor, and the battery, and ask who honors it locally.

3. Installation Quality

Any stairlift performs worse when it is installed poorly. Choose your installer as carefully as your brand.

4. Long-Term Costs

Consider total ownership cost:

• Purchase price
• Installation
• Service visits
• Battery replacement (every four to five years)
• Parts availability

Choosing for Utah Families

Start with your staircase, not the brand. At Safeguard we feature Handicare, and we will recommend the model that fits your stairs, whether straight, curved, or outdoor. Whatever you choose, make sure someone local will service it: we provide 365-day client support.

Free In-Home Estimate

Not sure which stairlift is right for your home? We offer free, no-obligation in-home estimates where we:

• Measure your staircase with our digital measurement process
• Recommend the right model for your stairs
• Explain the options honestly

No pressure, no obligation. Contact us today.