By the Home Lift Hub UK — Platform Lifts, Through-Floor Lifts & Elevator Guides Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Best Through-Floor Home Lifts UK Reviewed (2026)

Through-floor lifts offer a practical solution for multi-storey homes when mobility becomes challenging, fitting neatly between floors without requiring external construction or major alterations. Unlike platform lifts or stairlifts, they provide dignified, full-access transport that preserves the character of period properties.

This review focuses on three market-leading brands in the UK: Stiltz, Aritco, and Wessex—comparing their specifications, installation requirements, and genuine trade-offs to help you choose.

How Through-Floor Lifts Work

A through-floor lift is a compact, enclosed cabin that travels vertically through a single shaft, requiring only floor openings roughly 1.4m × 1.2m. The cabin moves via hydraulic or electronic mechanisms, with the machinery either housed underneath (vacuum-sealed) or integrated into the shaft walls. Installation takes 5–10 working days on average, though older properties with restricted floor voids may need longer.

The key appeal is accessibility: users enter at ground level and exit at full head height on upper floors, avoiding the "platform" feel of some alternatives.

What to Consider Before Buying

Floor space: You'll lose roughly 1.5–2 m² per floor. Ground-floor placement is standard, though top-floor access is possible with reinforced joists.

Structural requirements: Load-bearing capacity must be verified; most homes handle 300–400 kg easily, but Victorian terraces may need spot checks.

Power supply: A dedicated 16A circuit is typical. Backup power systems add £3,000–5,000 but let users descend safely during outages.

Finishes: Cabin colours, materials, and interior lighting vary significantly. Some models feel utilitarian; others blend into modern interiors.

Noise and vibration: Hydraulic units are quieter (around 60–65 dB) than older mechanical systems, though modern electronic lifts now match them.

Top Three Models Compared

| Feature | Stiltz Elevare | Aritco 160 | Wessex Minilift | |---------|----------------|-----------|-----------------| | Cabin size | 1.4m × 1.2m × 2.1m | 1.5m × 1.3m × 2.4m | 1.35m × 1.15m × 2.0m | | Travel height | Up to 3 floors | Up to 4 floors | Up to 3 floors | | Load capacity | 300 kg | 400 kg | 280 kg | | Drive type | Hydraulic | Electronic/vacuum | Hydraulic | | Typical cost | £18,000–24,000 | £22,000–28,000 | £15,000–20,000 | | Installation time | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 4–6 days | | Warranty | 5 years (parts) | 10 years (parts) | 5 years | | Noise level | ~62 dB | ~58 dB | ~65 dB |

Stiltz Elevare

Stiltz dominates the UK residential market, with over 2,000 installations. The Elevare is robust and reliable, using proven hydraulic technology housed beneath the shaft. Cabin finishes range from stainless steel to powder-coated options.

Strengths: straightforward maintenance, generous warranty support, and a proven track record. The company offers remote diagnostics, which is increasingly valuable for aging users.

Weaknesses: hydraulic fluid replacement every 5–7 years costs around £800–1,200. The cabin feels compact on the smaller end. Aritco slightly outperforms it on noise and capacity.

Best for: period properties where a established brand matters; homeowners prioritising reliability over frills.

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Aritco 160

Aritco's vacuum-powered system is quieter and requires no hydraulic servicing. The cabin is the largest here, with steel walls and optional glass panels. Ten-year parts warranty is the strongest in the segment.

Strengths: whisper-quiet operation (important in open-plan homes), highest load capacity, and genuinely low maintenance. Annual servicing is minimal.

Weaknesses: higher upfront cost. The vacuum system is less intuitive for engineers unfamiliar with it, so servicing must use Aritco-approved technicians (typically 40–50 miles of UK coverage centres exist). Initial installation slightly longer.

Best for: new-builds and modern renovations; homes where noise matters; users who value long-term warranty peace of mind over lowest entry cost.

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Wessex Minilift

Wessex is the budget option without cutting corners. Hydraulic drive, modest cabin dimensions, and straightforward engineering make it accessible for smaller homes or tighter budgets.

Strengths: lowest cost. Hydraulic parts are universal, so servicing can use local engineers (not just approved dealers). Quick installation. Suitable for two-floor travel only, which covers most UK homes.

Weaknesses: smallest cabin (note the 0.15m difference in width vs. Stiltz). Load capacity is tightest. Less extensive dealer network outside the south-east. Warranty is shorter at 5 years, though this aligns with budget competitors.

Best for: modest two-storey homes; budget-conscious buyers; properties where the lift serves primarily one household member.

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Installation and Running Costs

All three require structural assessment (typically £300–600). Cavity wall properties need reinforcement around the shaft, adding 1–2 days and £800–1,500.

Annual servicing runs £200–400 for Stiltz and Wessex (oil check, seal inspection). Aritco is £150–250 (vacuum-system test). Electricity use is minimal—roughly 50p per month at current rates.

Repairs outside warranty: hydraulic pump replacement (Stiltz/Wessex) costs £2,000–3,500; Aritco vacuum units are rarer and pricier if damaged.

The Verdict

Stiltz Elevare wins on market confidence and middle-ground balance. Aritco 160 is the premium choice if noise and longevity matter most. Wessex Minilift suits tight budgets and two-floor homes.

Request quotes from all three; installation costs vary significantly by postcode and floor structure. Most offer site surveys free, and watching existing installs is invaluable—Stiltz's demo centre in Kent and Aritco's showrooms let you step inside actual cabins before committing.