The best power lift recliners
As people age, they may find it harder to get up from a seated position. So why not get a chair that does the work for you? Not only do power lift chairs recline, but they also provide gentle assistance to a standing position with the touch of a button for people with limited mobility. Power lift recliners are ideal for people who have leg, back, or balance problems, or who have recently had surgery that temporarily affects their mobility.
Power lift recliners offer a variety of capabilities and features that may overwhelm first-time buyers. That’s why we researched the best available online to bring you this review, followed by a detailed buying guide that will help you choose the best option for you.
- 1 Pinnacle Platinum Power Lift Recliner w/ Massage & Heat
- 2 Pulaski Faux Leather Dual Motor Lift Chair in Badlands Saddle
- 3 Fitzmaurice Power Lift Assist Standard Recliner
- 4 Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa With Massage And Heat
- 5 Gymax Massage Recliner Chair Single Sofa PU Leather Padded Sear w/ Footrest
- 6 Signature Design By Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner
- 7 Esright Power Lift Massage Recliner Chair
- 8 Lark Manor Lay Flat Recliner
Pinnacle Platinum Power Lift Recliner w/ Massage & Heat
This ultra comfortable recliner from La-Z-Boy features massage and heat modes to keep you relaxed and comfortable. With the press of a button you can easily get in or out of the chair, or fully recline to a zero-gravity position which can alleviate pressure on the lower back and spine. The seat and back of the chair move together, so there’s no gaps or pinching, providing comfortable support in all positions.
The wired controller is easy to use and controls the heat and vibration settings. The chair has 3 heat settings in the back and seat, and 3 massage modes with adjustable speeds so you can configure the chair to your exact specifications. The chair also features a battery backup in case of power failure, an auto-stop safety feature, and a storage pocket.
When you choose this chair you’re also getting the benefits of high quality craftsmanship from La-Z-Boy, including high grade foam cushions that maintain their comfort and blown fiber fill that helps the cushions stay soft and keep their shape. There are an array of comfortable, luxury fabrics and finishes to choose from, so you can find the exact color and style you’ll love for years to come.
Pros
- Zero-gravity position for comfort and pressure relief
- Great for extra tall users 6’3″ and up
- More than 400 cover choices, with the ability to order swatches
- Full body support in all reclined positions
- Includes La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Some users noted the controls take a while to get used to
Key Features
- 3 heat settings and 3 massage modes
- Adjustable massage speeds
- Auto-stop safety feature
- Wired controller
- Storage pocket
- Battery backup power
- Premium grade fabrics resist fading and wear
Specifications
- Brand: La-Z-Boy
- Weight/Dimensions: 137 pounds, 33.5W x 39D x 45H
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
Pulaski Faux Leather Dual Motor Lift Chair in Badlands Saddle
This recliner is a comfortable and stylish asset to any home! The Pulaski Faux Leather Dual Motor Lift Chair is made of a rustic, saddle brown leather material. It includes a remote control with enlarged buttons to control the position of your feet and back, and uses special lift technology so you can stand up with ease.
The chair features extra padding for comfort and can be cleaned without using water. Its wrapped drop-coil design offers durability and you can even put it together yourself (or add expert assembly for an extra $90). To ensure functionality, customers will also receive a battery backup in their order. Although you can order the piece alone, it pairs nicely with coffee tables, lamps and side tables.
Pros
- Padded arms and back
- Remote control
- Wrapped coils prevent sagging
- Battery backup
- Stylish color, design
Cons
- No heat or massage options
Key Features
- Worn, faux-leather material
- Wood frame
- Saddle brown color
Specifications
- Brand: Pulaski
- Dimensions: 121 pounds, 41H x 34.5W x 41D
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
Fitzmaurice Power Lift Assist Standard Recliner
One of the coziest options on our list, this Red Barrel Studio power lift recliner features ample padding and soft upholstery. The chair has a 180 degree recline angle and infinite positions so you can find the position that’s most comfortable for you and your needs. The chair can lie completely flat for sleeping and relaxing and also offers stability and support when you need to get up.
This chair features a plush and supportive seat cushion made with high density foam that will hold up for years of use. While comfort is key with this chair, it’s also incredibly sturdy and durable thanks to a hardwood frame.
The chair has a two-motor design which means the footrest and back can be positioned separately, which not all chairs can do. All of the controls are programmed through the wired remote, which can be stored in a side pocket.
Pros
- Ability to fully recline flat for sleeping
- Padded and supportive seat cushion and back
- Infinite recline positions
- Upholstery is soft and cozy
Cons
- No massage or heat
Key Features
- 180 degree recline angle
- Storage pockets
- Durable foam fill material
- 100% polyester upholstery
- Easily assembly – just slide the back into the base
Specifications
- Brand: Red Barrel Studio
- Weight/Dimensions: 122 pounds, 42H x 35W x 41D
- Weight limit: 400 pounds
Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa With Massage And Heat
Mcombo’s Electric Power Lift Recliner sofa has all the bells and whistles (heat, massage, cup holders), but it operates on one motor, meaning the back and footrest move in unison with one control. This recliner is a 3-position chair, so it only reclines 140 degrees. While that means it won’t go completely flat like a bed, it is a nice napping position like you would experience in a standard recliner.
Let’s talk about luxury features! First of all, the high-quality faux leather upholstery can be easily cleaned and comes in five colors. There’s a cup holder and a side pocket on each side. Plus, there are dual USB outlets to keep your devices charged. And best of all, this chair will give you a warm, vibrating massage. Eight vibrating nodes operate on nine modes of vibration with five intensities. Set it to massage for 10, 20, or 30 minutes and turn the heat on to get extra cozy.
Mcombo’s Electric Power Lift Recliner may not be the best choice for tall folks. It’s recommended for people between 5’1″ and 5’9” tall, with a maximum weight capacity of 320 pounds. This power chair is easy to assemble and comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Vibrating massage plus heat
- Dual cup holders, side pockets, and USB ports
- Easy to assemble
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Single motor controls back and footrest in unison
- Doesn’t lay all the way flat (reclines to 140 degrees)
- Not for tall people (maximum recommended height is 5’9”)
Key Features
- Vibration and heat
- Dual cup holders and pockets
- Dual USB ports
- 3-position chair: reclines up to 140 degrees
- Single motor controls back and footrest simultaneously
- Easy to assemble
- One-year warranty
- Stylish faux leather cover
Specifications
- Brand: Mcombo
- Weight/Dimensions: 120 pounds, 34.6 x 30.7 x 41 inches
- Weight limit: 320 pounds
Gymax Massage Recliner Chair Single Sofa PU Leather Padded Sear w/ Footrest
This deluxe seat has both sitting and laying options and offers massage technology to loosen tense muscles. The Gymax Massage Recliner has a padded seat and a foot rest. It’s held together with metal brackets for a sturdy design and comes in two different colors.
This recliner is a cozy addition to any modern home space. It has a remote control and timer function, so you can control your massage. The material is also waterproof and easy to clean. Gymax Massage recliner has a wider-resting arm design and a curved back structure to relieve pressure. Plastic pads also keep it from scratching up your floor.
Although this multi-functional seat does not include a power-lift element, it’s attention to easing pain and discomfort makes it ideal for older adults seeking relaxation.
Pros
- Massage and vibrating modes
- Sponge leather cushions
- Remote control
- Stylish look
- Pads to prevent scratching
- Curved backrest
- Stable construction for extra support
Cons
- No heat feature
Key Features
- Black or brown color
- PU leather and sponge material
- 90 to 160 degrees adjustable
Specifications
- Brand: Gymax
- Dimensions: 54 pounds, 32.5L x 27W x 40H
- Weight limit: 275 pounds
Signature Design By Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner
Ashley Furniture’s oversized Yandel power lift recliner has dual-motor capability so the backrest and footrest work independently of each other. This gives you more options to customize your comfort with the touch of a button. The power chair can effortlessly lift you up or recline to the horizontal position, but it won’t recline any further than that, so if you need to rest with your feet above your head, this chair isn’t for you.
With a high back and thick cushions, this power chair is firm for support, yet extremely comfortable. The faux leather upholstery is an attractive saddle brown that resembles gently worn leather but is actually a comfortable, thick poly fiber. This oversized recliner is 35 inches wide by 40 inches deep with a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds.
This chair is sold and shipped directly from the manufacturer, Ashley Furniture, a trusted furniture brand. It’s easy to assemble and comes with a one-year limited warranty. This chair’s power controls are so quiet and smooth, you can’t even hear when they’re in use. In case of a power outage, this chair’s emergency battery backup allows it to continue to run on 9-volt batteries.
Pros
- Dual-motors allow range of positions
- Soft cover material
- Stylish saddle color looks like leather
- Operates quietly
- One-year limited warranty included
- Trusted brand
- Easy assembly
Cons
- No bells and whistles (heat, massage, or cup holders)
Key Features
- Dual motors for independent head and leg control
- Stylish saddle color
- Soft faux leather-looking polyester upholstery
- Oversized: High back, wide and deep seat
- Supportive yet comfortable
- Fully reclines horizontally
- One-year limited warranty
- Easy assembly
- Quiet controls
- Emergency battery backup
Specifications
- Brand: Signature Design by Ashley
- Model: 1090012
- Weight/Dimensions: 139 pounds, 40 x 35 x 42.5 inches
- Weight limit: 300 pounds (users say this is conservative)
Lark Manor Lay Flat Recliner
This chair is designed to relieve back ache and improve mobility. The Lark Manor Lay Flat Recliner includes heat and vibration technology and smoothly adjusts to a lift-and-tilt position. The recliner offers dual-motor technology to control a variety of seating and laying positions and even has a massage feature that includes five different settings.
To customize the quality of your comfort, you can select from eight different vibration settings and four different zone settings. The recliner has a remote control function for heating at the waist and is padded with a sponge material to optimize comfort and relaxation. You can install this product in just 10 to 15 minutes, and each purchase includes a full year of technical support.
Pros
- Sponge padding
- Heating feature
- Massage settings
- Vibration technology
- Dual motor
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- No cup holders
Key Features
- Black color
- Linen upholstery
- Metal frame
- Foam seating
Specifications
- Brand: Lark Manor
- Dimensions: 44.1H X 34.3W X 36.2D
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
How to choose the best power lift recliner chair
From reclining position options to size, material, advanced features, and warranties, there are many variables to consider when choosing the power lift recliner that’s right for your needs.
Reclining configurations
Power lift chairs are available in three different types: 2-position, 3-position, and infinite-position. This tells you how the chair can operate via the remote control. Both 2-position and 3-position chairs only have a single motor, so the headrest and the footrest operate in unison with one control. If the back reclines, the leg rest will come up at the same time. In other words, the leg rest must be extended in order to recline.
Two-position chairs only recline back about 45 degrees from the upright position, which is a fine angle for watching TV or reading. Two-position is somewhat of a misnomer, as you can stop the chair in any position between sitting and standing. Two-position chairs are the most affordable of the three types available. Choose this kind of chair if you only require temporary assistance due to an injury or operation, and know that this is not a good choice if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the chair.
Three-position chairs do fully recline, like a traditional recliner, but will not lay flat for sleeping. They too have one motor, so the remote operates the chair and footrest in unison just like the 2-position version. Just like a standard recliner, these chairs are ideal for napping in a semi-upright position. Again, don’t be fooled by the name. Three-position recliner lift chairs can be positioned anywhere along their line of travel from reclining to standing.
Infinite-position chairs recline nearly flat like a bed, and some will even recline enough so your feet can rest above your heart, which is perfect for individuals with swelling in the legs and ankles. Infinite-position chairs have two motors that let the chair and footrest operate independently using separate control buttons. This allows a range of positions, so you can sit upright with the footrest up, which is impossible in 2- or 3- position chairs. Since they provide the largest variety of positions, infinite-position power lift chairs are the best choice if you plan on sitting for long periods of time.
Size
One of the most important concerns when choosing a power lift chair is its size. Not only do you need to consider whether the chair will fit in the space, but you also need to consider whether the chair is a good fit for the user’s height and weight.
If you already have a favorite chair, just take the measurements of that one to try to find something similar. Measure the seat width, the height of the back from seat to top, and the distance from the seat cushion to the floor of that chair. The measurement from the floor to the top of the chair’s seat cushion should allow your feet to rest on the floor when you are sitting upright with your back against the chair’s backrest.
The larger the chair, the deeper the seat cushion. The depth of the seat is measured from front to back, while the width indicates the measurement from side to side. The seat needs to be wide enough to accommodate your hips at their widest point. Go a little wider if you need to leave room for a pet to sit next to you. Make sure that the measurements of the seat cushion top to the top of the chair back is long enough to support your head and neck—approximately two inches above where your head reaches the headrest.
If you don’t have an old favorite to use as a reference, grab a tape measure and take a seat in any chair where your feet rest on the ground and your back touches the backrest. Measure the width of your hips, the seat depth (from the surface of the back cushion to the back of your knee), and from the seat top to your feet on the floor. A special note here: It is imperative that the user’s feet touch the floor in the seated position of a lift chair and through the entire motion to provide stability. It is unsafe for feet to hang above the floor from a seated position, as the lift feature will slide you down to the floor as it’s elevated.
Most power lift chairs are made for people who are 5’1” to 5’9”. Those 5’10” and over may have to order a custom chair or look for footrest extenders to accommodate their longer legs. Most power lift chairs have a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 330 pounds. Heavy-duty lift chairs, sometimes called bariatric lift chairs, feature extra-wide seats and are reinforced to support users weighing up to 600 pounds. This reinforcement makes the seat considerably more firm. For best results, choose a chair with a weight capacity that closely matches your weight.
Space
Lift chairs are the approximate size of comparable recliners. Consider the room in which the chair will be placed. Standard models slide both out and backward. A typical lift recliner must sit from 18 to 22 inches away from the wall, which could be a problem in tight areas. If you don’t have much space, wall-hugger models allow the lift chair to operate within 4 to 6 inches of a wall. These space-saving models start against a wall and slide forward without banging into the wall behind them. To see how a chair would look in your room, use Amazon’s handy “View in your room” option.
Upholstery
Power lift chairs are available in a range of durable, attractive fabrics, from linen to faux leather. Choose a fabric and color that complements your decor and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that leather and vinyl don’t breathe as much as cloth or even synthetic leather, which could make you sweat if you live in a hot area. The longer you sit, the hotter you get. If you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, skip the leather, which is generally more expensive anyway.
If incontinence is a problem, cloth is probably not the best choice. Some power lift chairs come with matching covers for the armrest, headrest, and even seat rest that detach for washing. Modern fabrics like microfiber, linen, and imitation leather are the most stain-resistant and are typically easier to clean than their leather counterparts.
Advanced features
The best lift chairs have many options that can increase their accessibility, comfort, and convenience. Higher-end chairs feature luxuries from a vibrating massage function and heat to cup holders and USB charging ports. Most come with a side pocket for the remote.
A massaging chair may seem like an unnecessary luxury, but the higher price tag may be worth it for those who suffer from aches and pains or poor circulation. While relaxing and cozy, vibrating chairs actually improve blood circulation to your head, back, lumbar area, and legs, too. If you want to buy a chair with vibrating massage and heat, check to see if the remote has separate controls for each area as well as heat intensity.
Some lift recliners are specially designed with removable armrests so wheelchair users can more easily enter them from the side. However, this feature may be harder to find on the mass market and may need to be specially ordered.
Warranty
Powered furniture has many moving parts. Make sure the seller or manufacturer offers at least a one-year warranty that will cover the repair or replacement of the chair if a problem occurs. Review the warranty carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
