Acorn vs Bruno stair lift
- Models
- 130, 180
- Highest weight limit
- 350 lb
- Slimmest fold
- 12¼ in
- Lowest starting price
- $3,000
- Curved model
- Yes
- Models
- Elan SRE-3050, Elite SRE-2010, Elite CRE-2110
- Highest weight limit
- 400 lb
- Slimmest fold
- 12 in
- Lowest starting price
- $3,000
- Curved model
- Yes
Every Acorn and Bruno model
| Model | Stairs | Weight limit | Folded, from wall | Narrowest stairs | Installed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn 130 | Straight | 280 lb heavy-duty version: 350 lb | 12¼ in | 26 in manufacturer's figure | $3,000–$5,000 estimate from review sites |
| Acorn 180 | Curved | 265 lb | 13¼ in | 27½ in manufacturer's figure | $8,000–$15,000+ estimate from review sites |
| Bruno Elan | Straight | 300 lb | 12 in | ≈ 28 in usual guide | $3,500–$5,000 estimate: lift price + usual fitting |
| Bruno Elite | Straight | 400 lb | 15⅛ in | ≈ 28 in usual guide | $5,499–$6,999 estimate: lift price + usual fitting |
| Bruno Elite Curved | Curved | 400 lb | 15 in | ≈ 30 in usual guide | $12,000–$25,000+ published: a dealer's installed range |
Only Acorn and Stannah publish a minimum stair width for their models. ≈ marks the usual planning guide (28 in for straight stairs, 30 in for stairs that turn); the installer measures your stairs before quoting.
In an Acorn vs Bruno stair lift comparison, Acorn is usually the lower-cost option on straight stairs and works on narrower staircases. Bruno, on the other hand, can carry a heavier rider and backs most of its models with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Top weight capacity: Acorn 350 lb on the heavy-duty 130; Bruno 400 lb on both Elite versions
- Slimmest staircase: Acorn works on stairs 26 in wide, Bruno needs 28 in
- Starting cost on straight stairs: Acorn $3,000 fitted, Bruno $3,000 before installation
- Guarantee: Acorn 12 months, Bruno a limited lifetime plan on the Elan and Elite Curved
Acorn and Bruno Stairlift Models Compared
Acorn has two models on offer, one built for straight staircases and one for stairs with a turn. Bruno has three, two straight and one curved.
The fold figure tells you how far the unit reaches out from the wall once the seat, arms and footrest are folded away. When this number is small, people climbing the stairs keep more space.
| Model | Stair type | Capacity | Folded footprint | Minimum width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn 130 | Straight | 280 lb, or 350 lb in heavy-duty form | 12.25 in | stairs from 26 in across | $3,000–$5,000 with fitting included |
| Bruno Elan | Straight-run | up to 300 lb | 12 in from the wall | stairs from 28 in across | from $3,000, plus fitting |
| Bruno Elite | Straight-run | up to 400 lb | 15.125 in from the wall | stairs from 28 in across | one dealer lists $4,999, plus fitting |
| Acorn 180 | Turning | up to 265 lb | 13.25 in from the wall | stairs from 27.5 in across | $8,000–$15,000+ with fitting included |
| Bruno Elite Curved | Turning | up to 400 lb | 15 in from the wall | stairs from 30 in across | $12,000–$25,000+ with fitting included |
Reviewer estimates supply the Acorn figures, since Acorn quotes in your home. For the Bruno curved range, the numbers come from dealers.
Comparing Prices for Straight Stairs
Both brands begin around $3,000, but the two figures are not quite the same thing. Acorn's estimate has installation built in, while the Bruno Elan figure is for the lift alone, and the fitting cost is added after.
For context, the National Council on Aging says a new straight stair lift typically runs $2,500–$5,000 fitted, while a used one goes for $1,500–$3,000.
How long your staircase is also plays a part in the price. A standard rail handles roughly 15.5 ft, and longer staircases need added rail sections.
| Steps going straight | Length of rail | New lift, fitted |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | ~10 ft | Roughly $2,500–$5,000 |
| 13 | ~16 ft | Roughly $2,575–$5,075 |
| 16 | ~19 ft | Roughly $2,800–$5,300 |
| 20 | ~23 ft | Roughly $3,100–$5,600 |
Curved Stairs: Which Brand Is Cheaper?
For stairs that turn, Acorn is the less expensive pick. The Acorn 180 typically lands between $8,000 and $15,000+ installed. The Bruno Elite Curved generally runs higher, between $12,000 and $25,000+ installed.
Industry-wide, the National Council on Aging puts a curved lift at $8,000 to $12,000. Because curved rails are custom-made for each staircase, your own stairs set the final bill.
Weight Limits for Each Brand
If the rider is on the heavier side, Bruno has the edge. The Bruno Elite and the Elite Curved both carry a 400 lb rating, while the Elan is rated to 300 lb.
Acorn's straight 130 is rated to 280 lb, or 350 lb in heavy-duty form. The curved Acorn 180 tops out at 265 lb, the lightest capacity among the 16 models this site compares. Across those models, the middle capacity sits at 350 lb.
Fitting Narrow Staircases
Acorn handles tight staircases better. The Acorn 130 suits straight staircases down to 26 in wide, and the Acorn 180 suits curved ones down to 27.5 in.
Every straight Bruno model requires a minimum width of 28 in, and the Elite Curved requires 30 in. On a staircase only 26 in wide, just a single straight lift among the 11 here fits, the Acorn 130.
How the Warranties Differ
A limited lifetime warranty keeps parts of the lift covered for the whole time you keep it, within limits the manufacturer sets. Bruno applies that coverage to the Elan and the Elite Curved. On the straight Elite, the dealer supplies the warranty details.
Both Acorn models carry a 12-month manufacturer's warranty. Over years of everyday use, this stands out as one of the sharpest contrasts between the two brands.
Which Brand Should You Pick?
Acorn usually suits a rider under 280 lb who has narrow stairs and a smaller budget, and that goes double for curved stairs. Because its estimate includes fitting, the entry price is simpler to compare.
Bruno usually suits a heavier rider, wider stairs, or anyone who puts value on a longer guarantee. Among straight models, the Elan has the tightest fold of the five, at just 12 in off the wall.