Stannah Stair Lifts Review: What to Know Before You Buy
Stannah stair lifts were awarded easiest to use in our roundup of the best stair lifts. Learn more about the brand’s dexterity-friendly features and many customization options in depth, as well as cost details in our in-depth Stannah stair lift review.
- Stannah stair lifts are designed to be user-friendly, especially when it comes to the seat belts.
- Our survey respondents have spent between $5,000–$15,000 on stair lifts.
- A Stannah representative needs to come to your home and see your stairs in person to provide you a free quote.
- Curved stair lifts cost around $6,000 more to install than straight stair lifts. Stannah offers both types.
Our mission at NCOA is to support everyone’s right to age well. We take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you lead a healthier life. We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing stair lifts to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best stair lifts, we:
- Consulted with mobility specialists including gerontologists, physical therapists, and primary care doctors for guidance on choosing the best stair lift
- Put more than 10 models through a series of 17 different tests at several different stair lift showrooms
- Mystery-shopped more than seven brands
- Surveyed more than 500 older adults on their experience using a mobility product like a stair lift
- Interviewed experts on the importance of mobility, independence, and aging in place for older adults
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
Read more about our mobility products review methodology.
The Stannah stair lift earned the Easiest to Use title in our guide to the Best Stair Lifts. Stair lifts, often battery-powered chairs on a rail system, can help you age in place and maintain your mobility in a multistory home. When we surveyed older adults about the mobility aids they used, stair lifts tied with walkers for the second most popular aids after walk-in tubs.1
Stannah, which has been in business for more than 30 years, offers multiple stair lift models that can be fitted for both curved or straight staircases. Stannah stair lifts can also be installed outdoors. But this Stannah stair lift review will focus on the indoor models.
For these Stannah stair lift reviews, we evaluated the Stannah stair lift collection for accessibility, comfort, and ease of use. We also looked at cost and other factors to help you determine the best Stannah stair lift for your needs.
Feeling sticker shock? Try this tip to save money on stair lifts
If you’re worried a stair lift is out of your budget, consider renting or buying used. Some companies (like Lifeway Mobility) rent stair lifts or sell used models, which could save you thousands.
Why we recommend Stannah stair lifts
Falls are the main cause of injury in older adults.2 Mobility aids—like stair lifts—can be crucial tools in preventing falls. “Independence isn’t just about doing things on your own, it’s about having confidence and control over your daily life,” said Tina Sadarangani, ANP-C, GNP-BC, PhD, RN, creator of The Enlightened Caregiver and a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner. “Safety is what makes that possible.”
Safety is where Stannah really stood out in our testing. Stannah stair lifts impressed our testers with the brand’s considerations for accessibility and dexterity. All stair lifts support mobility, but not all of them are as accessible for people who may have limited hand strength. You can fasten the seat belt of a Stannah stair lift with one hand. The armrest controls are designed to be easier to press. You can even order extra harness-like seat belts for your Stannah stair lift if you’re concerned about core strength.
Stannah stair lifts come with load sensors, so the chair doesn’t start moving until you’re seated. This prevents accidental starts. Unlike other stair lift brands, Stannah uses the same chair style for its straight-stair models as its curved-stair models. Our testers noted brands like Harmar and Bruno stair lifts had less comfortable chairs for the straight-stair models.
Stannah
- User-friendly
- Includes remote
- Accessible seat belt
- Folds for a “slim profile”
Comparing Stannah stair lift models
| Comparison Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Straight or curved |
Straight or curved |
| Max weight capacity (pounds) | 350 (straight) 352 (curved) |
350 (straight) 352 (curved) |
| Location | Indoor |
Indoor |
| Best for | A wider seat with longer armrests |
More style options and a smoother ride |
Understanding Stannah stair lift models
Stannah Siena
The Siena is Stannah’s bestseller. The Siena’s longer arms provide extra safety the other Stannah stair lifts don’t. This also improves the ease of rising from the chair. You can choose from seven different vinyl colors for your Stannah Siena upholstery. The Siena line is the only Stannah lift to come in XL. Its standard chair has a 20.5" width compared to the Starla's 18.5" width.
Stannah Siena
- Type: Straight or curved
- Max. weight capacity: 350 lbs (straight), 352 lbs (curved)
- Used models available: Yes
- Rental options: Yes
- Financing: Available
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Longer arms for a more secure ride
- Available in seven colors
- Powered footrest operates with buttons to prevent stooping
- Comfortable chair
Cons
- Expensive
- Have to hold the movement button the whole time
- Swivel lever is hard to use in transit
- Struggles a bit with curves
- Long nails may hinder footrest button use
Stannah Starla
The Stannah Starla has some design features the Siena doesn't. The Siena comes in seven colors, and the Starla comes in five. But Starla is the only one you can pair with wood trim to better match your decor. You can also choose among vinyl and woven chair fabrics. Unlike the Stannah Siena, you can summon your Starla with a remote control. It requires a key to operate, which is an added safety feature. There are also lights on the Starla, so you can see during night use.
Stannah Starla
- Type: Straight or curved
- Max. weight capacity: 350 lbs (straight), 352 lbs (curved)
- Used models available: Yes
- Rental options: Yes
- Financing: Available
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Wood trim options
- Remote call button
- Lights up at night
- Tilted seat
Cons
- Expensive
- Woven upholstery might be harder to clean
- Up-tilted seat might be harder to access for shorter users
- Footrest button may be hard to operate with long nails
Who should consider Stannah stair lifts:
- People with limited dexterity: The best thing about the Stannah stair lift lineup is its user-friendly seat belt. You can operate the seat belt with one hand.
- People who value comfort: Our testers reported the Stannah stair lift chairs are contoured and padded nicely.
You may consider other options if you:
- Are on a budget: Stannah stair lifts are among the most expensive we’ve tested, especially if you have a curved staircase.
- Have a curved staircase: Stannah’s services cost more if your staircase is curved or has a lot of landings. The baseline price for a curved Stannah stair lift is about $6,000 more than a straight Stannah stair lift.
The Stannah stair lifts customer experience
Stannah earned a 9.2 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you need to know:
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Payment plans: Yes
- Phone: 888-970-2372
- Contact form: https://www.stannah.com/en-us/contact-us
Warranties
Stannah offers a lifetime warranty on new stair lifts, and a 10-year warranty on gearboxes of refurbished stair lifts you buy from them.
How much do Stannah stair lifts cost?
Stannah stair lifts start at $4,700 for straight staircases and $10,800 for curved staircases. Stannah recommends getting a personalized quote from an evaluator sent to assess your staircase.
While 28% of our survey respondents reported spending less than $5,000 on their stair lifts, a larger percentage (30%) spent between $5,000–$10,000 installing a stair lift. This doesn’t mean stair lifts can’t cost more: 22% of our respondents spent up to $15,000 on theirs.1
If the cost of a brand-new Stannah stair lift gives you sticker shock, there are refurbished stair lifts available, as well as rentals. If you’re curious about Stannah’s rental costs, there is a form you can fill out on its site. For more information on how Stannah’s pricing model compares to other stair lifts out there, check out our guide on stair lift costs.
71% of our survey respondents invested in mobility aids like stair lifts on their physician’s orders.1
Because they are often custom builds, curved stair lifts cost the most. Unfortunately, this also makes it difficult to purchase a refurbished curved stair lift. These are often customized to the previous owner’s home, and may not fit your curved staircase.
Insurance is unlikely to cover the stair lift. We spoke with a focus group about mobility aids. One participant, Janel, said she is looking into a stair lift for her mom. “We're in the process of trying to get that for her, but I noticed through insurance…it's a modification, so you can't. They don't cover it," she said.3
Medicare may not often cover stair lifts, but you might be able to get grants and funding to help you cover the costs of home modifications.
Cost comparison of Stannah stair lifts
| Type | Stannah straight | Stannah curved | Stannah outdoor |
| Starting cost* | $4,700 | $10,800 | $6,300 |
*You'll have to call for full pricing based on your home and needs.
How to buy Stannah stair lifts
Stannah has showroom locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey. But the brand is fairly adamant the best way to get a Stannah stair lift is to call and make an appointment for a Stannah evaluator to visit your home for a free home survey and customized quote.
A custom quote is important—especially if you have a curved staircase. Stannah says its advisors provide a quote “on the spot.” You can ask about financing now, or call Stannah’s service desk later.
Buying a Stannah stair lift secondhand is an option, though Stannah’s site cautions against buying from a person instead of a stair lift company. Buying refurbished Stannah stair lifts directly from the retailer ensures that all parts of your stair lift are up to code and properly installed. You can also check out our stair lift buying guide.
Showroom locations:
- Hamden, Connecticut
- Franklin, Massachusetts
- Fairfield, New Jersey
- Syosset, New York
Stannah stair lift safety features
Stair lifts are heavy machinery. They have plenty of safety features. Floor sensors and bumper edges are added to help prevent you from hitting a pet or a laundry basket. Seat belts and more sensors help make sure your chair never takes off without you already seated.
Safety features
Stannah’s stair lifts are equipped with these features to help make operation safer:
- Load sensor: The chairs are equipped with a sensor. If your full weight is not in the seat, the chair won’t move, preventing accidental starts.
- Obstruction sensors: All stair lifts have sensors under the footrest and in the chair motor that detect objects in the chair’s path.
- Safety edges: If you run into obstacles in your path, Stannah’s safety edges bring you to a gentle stop.
- Seatbelt: The seatbelt helps secure you to the seat during transit. Stannah’s can be operated by a single hand and uses a single button. You can purchase a harness for added stability.
- Longer arms: On the Stannah Siena, longer arms can keep you secure in the chair as well.
- Delayed Start: Stannah stair lifts don’t start right away. The lifts ensure you’re fully in the seat before they move.
Stannah stair lifts installation
Stannah says installation does not require any construction to your home. Instead, adding a Stannah stair lift involves customizing the stair lift, not customizing your home around it. “Because our stair lifts are installed on your stairs, not your wall, that means minimum damage to your house,” Stannah’s website states.
“I was overall satisfied with the installation of my stair lift,” said one of our survey respondents.1 “The team arrived on time, worked efficiently, and explained the system thoroughly once it was installed.”
Installation, administration, and removal are covered in a one-off payment when you rent through Stannah.
If you’re using a grant to cover the cost of stair lift installation, make sure you have all your paperwork squared away before installation begins. Otherwise, you may have to pay out of pocket.
Are Stannah stair lifts right for you?
The majority of our survey respondents said they hoped for increased safety, fall prevention, and enhanced mobility when they opted for their walk-in tubs and stair lifts.1 If you’re seeking the same, a Stannah stair lift may be right for you. But stair lifts are a big financial commitment.
Before you move forward, ask yourself:
- Do I want to stay in my two-story home forever, or do I see myself downsizing?
- Is my staircase curved?
- Am I confident I either have $10,000 or could qualify for a grant to cover installation?
- How likely am I to lose the power key?
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Stannah stair lift?
Stannah stair lifts start at $4,800 but can cost more than $10,800. The cost depends on your type of staircase, whether you’re renting the stair lift, and whether it will be installed indoors or outdoors. Custom builds will increase the cost.
Where are Stannah stair lifts manufactured?
While Stannah is operational in 40 countries, the stair lifts are manufactured in England. Both the headquarters and factory are on the Portway Industrial Estate outside Andover.
Do Stannah stair lifts have a warranty?
Yes, Stannah stair lifts have a lifetime warranty. Refurbished gearboxes have a 10-year warranty.
What is the weight limit of Stannah stair lifts?
Stannah stair lifts hold up to 350 pounds on straight stair lifts, and 352 on curved stair lifts.
How long do Stannah stair lifts last?
Stannah stair lifts last between 7–10 years. Stannah recommends having a technician come service the stair lift at your home every 12 months.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.