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Stairlifts

Acorn Stairlift Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 5/5

Average Cost: $2,500 - $10,000

Acorn Stairlifts, established over 25 years ago, stands as a prominent player in the stairlift market, known for its high-quality, custom-fit solutions for residential and commercial settings. The company is celebrated for its innovative approach, focusing on customer safety and satisfaction. Acorn offers a range of stairlifts that are customizable to various staircases, ensuring they meet diverse customer needs and maintain industry standards.

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In business for more than 25 years, Acorn Stairlifts is one of the most well known brands manufacturing and installing custom stairlifts for residential and commercial use. Based in the U.K. with U.S. headquarters in Florida, the company has a reputation for its quality products which are designed to fit a variety of staircases to accommodate the needs of its customers.  

With a focus on innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction, Acorn Stairlifts is one of the top competitors in its market and is known for producing high-quality stairlifts that meet or exceed industry standards. In this Acorn Stairlift review, we’ll take a look at the various products Acorn Stairlifts offers, their pros and cons as well as the company’s standing compared to top competitors in the field. We’ll also take a look at customer feedback so you can make an informed decision about whether to purchase Acorn Stairlifts.  

Pros and Cons of Acorn Stairlifts

All brands will have benefits and drawbacks to their specific designs and offerings, especially when compared to competitors. In this Acorn Stairlifts review, we’ll briefly take a look at some pros and cons below:

  • Pros

    • Versatile Range
    • Quick Installation & Free Quote
    • Safe & Easy
    • Strong Customer Support
  • Cons

    • High Cost
    • Service Issues
    • Pricing Opacity
    • Lower Weight Limits

Pros

  • Wide range of products suitable for various types of staircases. Acorn Stairlifts offers a large inventory of customizable products that work with a variety of staircases. 
  • Quick installation process, often within a few days. Professional installation of Acorn Stairlifts is a quick and simple process for the right pro and can be done in a matter of just a few days. 
  • Offers a free, no-obligation home visit and quote. Deciding on a brand and product can be daunting, but Acorn Stairlifts offers free in-home quotes before you commit.
  • Stairlifts are equipped with safety features and are easy to use. As with all mobility products, safety and ease of use are paramount and Acorn Stairlifts makes these factors a priority.
  • Provides a comprehensive warranty and after-sales support. Once your product has been installed, Acorn Stairlifts remains available to troubleshoot and provides a good warranty.

Cons

  • Costs can be high, especially for customized models. Acorn Stairlifts offers a comprehensive but often expensive solution, which usually requires some customization of its products. 
  • Some customers have reported issues with customer service responsiveness. Some customers report that it can be difficult to get in touch with Acorn Stairlifts to troubleshoot its product after installation.
  • Limited information on pricing without a consultation. Unfortunately, you can’t get a tailored quote from Acorn Stairlifts online as pricing information is very limited on its site. 
  • Lower weight limits. Acorn Stairlifts has weight limits on its products at 280 and 350 pounds, which are lower than its competitors. 

Types of Acorn Stairlifts 

Acorn Stairlifts offers three primary types of stairlifts: straight, curved, and outdoor. 

Straight stairlifts are designed for straight staircases without turns or landings. Curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit staircases that feature bends, turns, or landings. And outdoor stairlifts are designed to be used outdoors and built to withstand external weather conditions. These types of stairlifts are typically used to make entry into a home or other building. 

curved-stairlift

Each of these types of stairlifts is designed to be attached to the staircase itself vs. the wall, which reduces the impact of any required renovations. The company uses an installation system known as FastTrack featuring modular, interlocking rails which are easy to assemble on site. The FastTrack system also eliminates the need for manufacturing custom stairlifts, because they can be assembled to any length onsite, cutting down the installation time as well. 

Acorn’s various offerings have proprietary names as well. The Acorn 130 is its straight stairlift, the Acorn 180 is its curved staircase and the Acorn 130 Outdoor Stairlift is its weather resistant product. The Acorn 180 has a weight capacity of 265 pounds, while both Acorn 130 models have capacities between 280 and 350.

Each model comes with a seatbelt, footrest safety edges, and carriage safety pads. Acorn Stairlifts are designed to function even in the event of a power outage using their DC battery backups.

Finally, these models operate with a paddle control on the arm of the seat or with a remote control. The seats and footrests of the lifts also fold for a more compact design when not in use. 

Cost Ranges and Factors

There are several factors affecting the cost of your stairlift

  • Staircase Type: Straight stairlifts are generally less expensive than curved ones.
  • Length of the Staircase: Longer staircases require more rail material, increasing the cost.
  • Customization: Additional features or custom designs can add to the overall price.
  • Installation Complexity: Difficult installations may incur higher costs.

Price ranges follow based on the type of stairlift, but will increase based on the length, customization and installation as mentioned above. In general, you can expect to spend between $2,500 and $5,500 for most models

Straight Stairlifts: Starting from about $2,500.

Curved Stairlifts: Can reach upwards of $10,000 due to the customization required.

Outdoor Stairlifts: Prices vary widely depending on the staircase’s complexity and length.

Benefits of Investing in Acorn Stairlifts

Investing in a stairlift might be an expensive endeavor, but the benefits are priceless for those who need them, beginning with improved mobility. Stairlifts allow individuals to safely and comfortably navigate their homes, largely without assistance which leads to a greater sense of freedom and independence. 

You can also use Acorn Stairlifts with peace of mind knowing safety features have been accounted for including safety belts, obstruction sensors, and a swivel seat for easy access. These features make for a comfortable fit and ride, providing peace of mind to users and their loved ones.  

Acorn Stairlifts offers a 12-month manufacturer guarantee for service calls, parts, and labor. At the end of that first year, you will also receive a 25-point inspection of the lift, examining key features. You can also opt for extended warranties.

Finally, Acorn Stairlifts offer quick installation, which means you can use the device soon after purchasing.

Brand Comparison of Competitors

There are several stairlift brands on the market, each with their own distinct features, pros, and cons. 

Stannah Stairlifts 

Stannah is a globally recognized stairlift brand, offering various fabrics, colors, and safety features. 

Cost

  • Straight Stairlifts: Starting from around $2,500 to $5,000.
  • Curved Stairlifts: Typically range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the staircase and customization options.
  • Outdoor Stairlifts: Prices vary widely but generally start from around $3,000 to $6,000.

Pro

  • Wide range of customization options, including various seat styles, upholstery choices, and rail finishes, allowing users to personalize their stairlift to match their home décor.

Con

  • Higher initial cost compared to some competitors, particularly for curved stairlifts, which may be less budget-friendly for some users.

Handicare Stairlifts 

Handicare is another top competitor in the stairlift space, with several designs, offering a variety of seat styles and colors for its products.

Cost

  • Straight Stairlifts: Prices typically range from $2,500 to $5,000.
  • Curved Stairlifts: Generally start from $8,000 to $12,000, with higher-end models reaching $15,000 or more.
  • Outdoor Stairlifts: Prices vary but generally start from $3,000 to $6,000.

Pro

  • Offers a comprehensive warranty and after-sales support, providing users with peace of mind knowing that their stairlift is covered and any issues will be addressed promptly.

Con

  • The cost of curved stairlifts can be relatively high compared to some competitors, making them less accessible for users on a tight budget.

Bruno Independent Living Aids 

Bruno is a well-established manufacturer of stairlifts known for its space-saving designs. 

Cost

  • Straight Stairlifts: Starting from around $3,000 to $5,000.
  • Curved Stairlifts: Typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on customization and complexity.
  • Outdoor Stairlifts: Prices vary but generally start from $4,000 to $7,000.

Pro

  • Known for smooth and quiet operation, providing users with a comfortable and unobtrusive riding experience while minimizing disruption to others in the household.

Con

  • May have a slightly higher starting price for some models compared to other brands, potentially putting them out of reach for users with limited financial resources.

Are Acorn Stairlifts Right for You?

Deciding whether Acorn Stairlifts is right for you depends on several factors, including your staircase type, budget, and specific mobility needs. If you prioritize quick installation, comprehensive after-sales support, and a wide range of product options, Acorn Stairlifts could be a great choice. But, it’s important to compare costs and services with competitors and consider a free home assessment to make an informed decision.

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