Choosing Between the Stiltz Duo+ and Trio+
If you’re considering a home lift for greater independence, mobility, or future-proofing your property, you’ve likely come across our two most popular models: the Stiltz Duo+ and Stiltz Trio+. Both are elegant, space-saving, through-the-floor lifts designed for different types of homes—but which one is right for your lifestyle?
This guide will help you compare the Duo+ and Trio+ models across the features that matter most, including specs, use-cases, cost, installation, who it’s best for—so you can make the right decision with confidence.
If you’re considering a home lift for greater independence, mobility, or future-proofing your property, you’ve likely come across our two most popular models: the Stiltz Duo+ and Stiltz Trio+. Both are elegant, space-saving, through-the-floor lifts designed for different types of homes—but which one is right for your lifestyle?
This guide will help you compare the Duo+ and Trio+ models across the features that matter most, including specs, use-cases, cost, installation, who it’s best for—so you can make the right decision with confidence.
What Makes Stiltz Home Lifts Different
Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll enjoy:
- No shaft, no pit no machine room, no major building work
- Run quietly (usually 50-60db) and plug-in ready.
- Energy-efficient operation just like a house appliance like kettle
- Compact footprint that fits almost anywhere in the home.
- Designed and tested to international safety standards (EN 81-41 / ISO 9001).
- Advanced safety features, including obstruction sensors, safety locks, and emergency stop ( if you want to have a more detail of our safety feature look at this article: Stiltz Home Lift Safety Guide—Everything You Need to Know About Lift Safety
What Are the Key Differences?
While both the Duo+ and Trio+ share the same advanced technology, quiet operation, and sleek design, each model is tailored to meet different lifestyle needs and space requirements.
The Duo+ is the more compact option (smallest and most space-efficient model)
» Perfect for: one person or two standing passengers who want a discreet, space-saving solution without any major home renovations. An excellent choice for homes where saving space and maintaining open room layouts are top priorities.
The Trio+ is the larger model and designed to fit a standard wheelchair or up to three standing passengers.
» Perfect for: homeowners who need more space and full accessibility or wants to future-proof their home with maximum flexibility. With its larger cabin, it comfortably fits a standard wheelchair, a walking frame, or up to three standing passengers.
The Duo+ is the more compact option (smallest and most space-efficient model)
» Perfect for: one person or two standing passengers who want a discreet, space-saving solution without any major home renovations. An excellent choice for homes where saving space and maintaining open room layouts are top priorities.
The Trio+ is the larger model and designed to fit a standard wheelchair or up to three standing passengers.
» Perfect for: homeowners who need more space and full accessibility or wants to future-proof their home with maximum flexibility. With its larger cabin, it comfortably fits a standard wheelchair, a walking frame, or up to three standing passengers.
Duo+ vs Trio+: Feature Comparison
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 2 people (standing) | Up to 3 people / 1 wheelchair user + a carer |
| Cabin Size (approx.) |
0.8 m² footprint
|
1.25 m² footprint
|
| Mobility Aid Compatibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs | Fully wheelchair accessible |
| Installation Space | Fits in tight corners or smaller rooms | Requires more floor space but still compact |
| Typical Locations | Lounge to bedroom, stairwell voids | Garage to hallway, larger lounge areas |
| Design Style | Minimalist and discreet | Spacious with wide access doors (on both sides) |
| Running Costs | Low energy usage (same in both models) | Low energy usage (same in both models) |
| Lift Shaft Required? | No – self-supporting structure | No – self-supporting structure |
| Cost | Lower price point | Higher due to larger size and capacity |
| Installation Time | Typically 1–2 days | Typically 1–2 days |
Stiltz Duo+
The Stiltz Duo+ is the ideal compact home lift for everyday convenience, designed to fit seamlessly into smaller spaces such as tight corners, bedrooms, lounges, or stairwell voids.
With a footprint of only 0.8 m², it comfortably carries up to two standing passengers and offers a minimalist, discreet design that blends easily with any interior.
While not suitable for wheelchairs, it provides a smooth and energy-efficient way to move between floors, requiring no lift shaft thanks to its self-supporting structure.
The Duo+ is also the more affordable option in the range and can typically be installed in just 1–2 days, making it a practical and elegant mobility solution for most homes.
Stiltz Trio+
The Stiltz Trio+ is the larger, fully wheelchair-accessible model built for users who need more space, flexibility, and future-proof mobility.
With a 1.25 m² footprint, it can accommodate up to three standing passengers or one wheelchair user plus a carer, all within a spacious cabin equipped with wide access doors on both sides.
Although it requires more floor space than the Duo+, it remains impressively compact compared to traditional home lifts and fits well in areas like larger lounges, hallways, or even garage-to-home access points.
Like the Duo+, it runs on low energy, needs no lift shaft, and installs in around 1–2 days. The Trio+ sits at a higher price point due to its size and capacity but delivers full accessibility and generous room for mobility aids.
Most Important Question – How to decide, Duo or Trio?
Choosing between the Stiltz Duo+ and Trio+ ultimately depends on your household’s needs and the space available in your home.
Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- How many people will regularly use the lift?
- Do you or a family member require wheelchair or walking-frame access?
- How much space can you dedicate to the installation area?
- Are you looking to future-proof your home for aging in place, or do you simply want the most compact option available
Your answers will guide you toward the model that best suits your lifestyle — the Duo+ for smaller, space-conscious households, or the Trio+ for those who prioritise accessibility and long-term flexibility.
Small Homes or Limited Space?
→ Choose the Duo+
The Duo+ is ideal for smaller properties, apartments, or homes with tight corners. It works perfectly for two standing passengers or someone with limited mobility who doesn’t use a wheelchair.
Wheelchair Users or Large Households?
→ Choose the Trio+
The Trio+ offers ample space for wheelchairs, walking frames, or up to three standing passengers. It’s a smart choice for multi-generational households or if you’re planning ahead for mobility needs in the future.
Future-Proofing Your Home?
→ Lean toward the Trio+
Even if you don’t use a mobility aid now, the extra space of the Trio+ ensures your home is ready for aging-in-place or any unexpected changes in mobility down the line.
Common Installation Scenarios
- Stiltz Duo+: Commonly installed in lounges, bedrooms, or where minimal footprint is a priority. Ideal for single users or couples.
Choose Duo+ if:
- You want a compact, cost-effective home lift.
- You live in a smaller home or apartment.
- You do not need wheelchair access.
- Stiltz Trio+: Often installed from garages to hallways or where wheelchair access is needed. Also popular in larger family homes.
Choose Trio+ if:
- You use (or might use) a wheelchair or mobility aid.
- You want extra space or future-proof design.
- You prefer the most versatile and accessible model.
Customer Story: How the Jones family transformed their home life with the Stiltz Duo
For Judith and Tony Jones, finding their dream home twenty years ago was pure serendipity. The couple fell in love with a charming 1930s Art Deco property by the seaside in Frinton-on-Sea. Over the years, they lovingly restored the Grade II listed house, transforming it into a timeless blend of coastal elegance and modern comfort.
When Mobility Challenges Appear
As Tony began to experience reduced mobility due to Alzheimer’s, the couple faced a difficult question: how to stay in their beloved home safely without giving up their independence. Their staircase, a narrow dog-leg design, ruled out a traditional stairlift. As a former occupational therapist, Judith knew they needed an early, practical solution — one that was safe, future-proof, and sympathetic to their home’s style.
“I saw an advert for Stiltz in the Radio Times,” Judith recalls. “It seemed like exactly what we needed — something compact, quiet, and elegant enough not to spoil the house’s character.”
Choosing the Stiltz Duo+
After careful consideration, Judith and Tony chose the Stiltz Duo+ Home Lift. The lift was installed neatly into an alcove beside the fireplace, travelling directly up to their bedroom above.
“It’s been the perfect answer for us,” says Judith. “Everything was handled smoothly by Stiltz — we didn’t have to coordinate anything ourselves. The installation was quick, tidy, and completely stress-free.”
The Duo+ design allowed the Joneses to maintain the property’s period charm while giving Tony full access between floors.
“It gives him continued independence,” Judith explains. “And it’s a huge help for me — he can move around safely, and it’s given us back a bit of life as it used to be.”
| Feature | Benefit for the Jones Family |
|---|---|
| Compact footprint | Fits perfectly in a listed home with limited space |
| Elegant design | Complements Art Deco décor without visual disruption |
| Whisper-quiet motor | Ideal for shared living spaces like the bedroom and lounge |
| Simple 13-amp plug connection | Quick, fuss-free installation |
| Two-person capacity | Perfect for couples who want to travel together |
| Full independence | Enables Tony to move freely between floors every day |
Result
✅ Maintained independence and safety
✅ No need to move home
✅ Minimal disruption during installation
✅ Preserved the charm and integrity of a Grade II listed property
Stiltz — More Than a Lift, an Extension of Comfort and Independence at Home
A Stiltz Home Lift isn’t just about moving between floors — it’s about living freely and confidently in the home you love. Safe, quiet, and effortless, it connects every level of your house with comfort and style.
Whether you’re planning for the future, supporting a loved one’s mobility, or simply adding convenience to your lifestyle, Stiltz brings every floor within easy reach — beautifully and securely.
If you’d like to learn more about Stiltz Home Lifts, click the article to find out more.
If you have more questions, you can find the answers in this article:
<< Stiltz Home Lift FAQs: Installation, Usage, Space & More >>
FAQ
Can I fit a wheelchair in the Duo+?
No, the Duo+ is not designed for wheelchair users. For wheelchair accessibility, the Trio+ is the appropriate model.
What’s the smallest space a Stiltz lift can fit into?
The Duo+ is our most compact model and requires less than 1 square metre of floor space.
Is the Trio+ suitable for walking frames or rollators?
Yes. The Trio+ provides ample space for walking aids, rollators, and powered chairs.
How long does installation take?
Both the Duo+ and Trio+ can typically be installed in 1–2 days, depending on site conditions.