If you or a loved one needs help choosing a lift recliner, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you find the best power lift recliner for your situation. Power lift recliners are particularly useful for people with limited mobility, which could be as a result of a disability, health condition (including convalescing post-surgery), or old age. Because it can be difficult to lower oneself into and out of a chair in these conditions, the power lift recliner lifts and tilts to help you get on and off the chair, so you don’t have to strain as you lower yourself onto the chair or stand up on your own.
We’ve reviewed seven different power lift recliners, and after a long researching process, we can say that the Irene House Power Chair Recliner is the best choice, for a number of reasons: none of the other chairs had a motor that is as powerful as its motor, and none had the same sturdiness and comfort. You can read more about this and other recliners in our product reviews section.
We considered all the important features in a lift recliner, including the material, dimensions, weight, and weight capacity. And, later in the review, we explain in greater detail why they matter. We’ll also show you how to evaluate each feature for quality and efficiency before you buy a power lift chair. We’ve added a summary table, in-detail reviews of each product, and a buying guide to make it easy for you to follow along and find specific details quickly.
More features: powered by German Brand Okin motor; has an extending footrest; side pocket design; has a warranty
Among the most desired qualities in a power lift recliner is the ease in getting on and off the chair, and this couldn’t be easier than in the Irene House Power Chair Recliner. The lift mechanism operates flawlessly, not surprising given that it runs on an Okin motor, a leading German brand that is widely used in medical equipment and theater seating. One other cool thing about this motor is that it runs quietly; you won’t have distracting noise coming from the chair when you’re trying to take a nap.
The chair’s ergonomic design allows you to sit with a naturally relaxed posture so that you’re not straining your body. And you can choose one of the chair’s three positions: the upright, the slightly inclined, or the fully reclined, sleeping position. Something that may bug you about this chair is that the footrest doesn’t come up high enough when raised. For someone who just wants to elevate their feet without lying back all the way, this can be annoying. But it is no deal-breaker, given that this is arguably the best power recliner lift chair on the market.
The chair has steel brackets and a hardwood frame for durability. The brackets snap onto the back of the chair easily; to install, just slide the back onto the brackets and wait for the click and you’re done. Upholstery material covering the frame is thick, soft padding for comfort, and this is overlaid with a soft, breathable suede fabric for even greater comfort.
More features: has a metal reinforced seat; comes in a protected package
It feels good to have a lift chair that gives you a considerable amount of customization, like the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner. It’s powered by dual motors that allow you to elevate your feet and recline independently. The lift mechanism moves into the lift-and-tilt position smoothly, such that you’ll find getting off the chair easy even when you have problems with mobility. Control the chair using the responsive one-touch power button, which is also the button you use to adjust the chair’s position.
We have to say that this is a well-made chair, with a sturdy, corner-blocked metal frame and a seat that’s reinforced using metal. High-resiliency cushions cover the seating area, with their thick foam padding providing a cushy surface for your backside, while the high back offers sustained support for your back and neck. For enhanced comfort, the chair is upholstered in polyester. The fabric is so well made that, at first sight, it looks like leather, but the real pleasure is in how soft and non-clingy it is.
The Yandel supports a maximum weight of 300 lbs. and has a seat depth and width of 21″ and 19″ respectively. The width is okay even for folks with a broad torso, but the seat is too deep for shorter people. You can power this chair using two 9V batteries, but you’d have to buy these separately as they don’t come with the chair.
More features: overstuffed pillows design; anti-skid upholstery; 1-year warranty; sturdy metal mechanism; has a side pocket
The CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair has a sturdy metal frame that is strong and durable. It’s a considerably large chair that supports a maximum weight of 300 lbs. And while the lift mechanism is efficient and smooth, it is rather slow. Imagine you were being lifted in slow motion, and you can see how this would not be enjoyable. But if all you care about is a chair that keeps you comfortable enough for you to relax in, this probably won’t bother you.
The upholstery is of excellent, anti-skid quality. It could do with extra padding, though, because the cushioning feels a little rigid. Definitely not comfortable to sit in for hours at a time.
There’s a side pocket on the right side of the chair where you can put the remote for easy accessibility. Now, the pocket isn’t that big, but it’s handy for storing your phone, and you can also throw in a couple of magazines or a book. Speaking about the remote, there’s nothing fun about accidentally dropping the remote and then struggling to pick it up or find someone to pick it up for you. That won’t happen with this chair because the remote is wired through the frame of the chair. Another advantage of having a wired remote is that you won’t ever have to worry about replacing batteries.
More features: TUV approved lift motor; USB charging ports; has cup holders; has a warranty
What you notice as soon as you power on the Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner is that it runs very quietly. The counter-balanced, high-performance motor with indecipherable noise level used on this chair is TUV approved for quality, safety, and sustainability; it’s guaranteed to last a decade or more.
The mechanism lifts smoothly, and you can adjust the chair to any position, meaning you can lift the chair and stop at any desired position. The only thing you won’t be able to do is recline the chair all the way back to a flat position; it only reclines up to 140°. So that cancels out any chance of you sleeping in the chair, which would be a delight because it’s a very comfortable chair.
The back and seat are plush, thanks to the overstuffed padding and built-in springs that give the chair a bouncy feel. The overstuffed padding extends to the armrests where the pillow-top arms provide a cozy surface on which to lay your hands.
Two cup-holders, one on each side of the chair, provide storage for your drinks, and dual side pockets provide ample storage for small items like your phone, a book, a bottle of pills, etc. You also get two USB charging ports for low-power devices like your phone and iPad. To use the ports, you have to plug in a separate adapter.
More features: has five massage modes; eight vibrating points, two intensity levels; TUV certificated; big side pockets
Furgle Power Lift Recliner Chair supports 2-in-1 functionality and is both a recliner and a massage chair. The electric linear actuator used in this chair is a high-performance unit that is TUV certified for quality and safety. It runs quietly and powers the lift mechanism to move smoothly, so you can adjust it to any position. The chair doesn’t lie back flat, but you can recline it up to 140°. The massage feature offers five massage modes and two intensity levels. It comes complete with eight vibrating points.
The frame, made from solid wood and metal, is sturdy and bound to last a long time. Overstuffed sponge padding makes the seat, back, and armrests comfy. These are covered in soft faux leather, allowing you to sit in the chair for as long as you want without suffering fatigue. It comes with big, dual pockets on both sides of the chair where you can slip in small items like your phone, and 2 cup holders.
The chair has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. and accommodates most people well. However, the footrest is quite short for taller people; if you’re 6′ and above, your feet will hang off the footrest. Although you cannot substitute the electric power supply with batteries, you can connect it to a portable power station if you plan to use it in a place that doesn’t have a power outlet.
More features: comes in two colors; has rolled armrests; has a USB Port
The oversized dimensions of the Harper&Bright Designs Wilshire Series Recliner Chair make it a great choice for people with a broader torso or wider hip area, given that the backrest is 39″ high and the seat 22″ wide. The recliner’s metal frame is sturdy and supports up to 300 lbs. in weight. It’s powered by a motor that runs quietly and smoothly, which in turn enables the lift mechanism to lift and tilt steadily. You can recline it up to 160°, and you can only raise the footrest when reclining the chair since the footrest and body are not independent.
It’s covered with soft, premium leather that is double-stitched for durability. Beneath this are heavily-stuffed cushions that are specially designed and arranged to support the spine and all the main pressure points.
The recliner comes with a built-in remote that is controlled from the right side. Unfortunately, the remote isn’t long enough to reach the left side for those who would prefer to use the opposite side. As you get accustomed to using it, though, you realize it’s easy to operate and impressively responsive. A USB charging port on the right side of the chair keeps your phone, remote controls, and other small items within reach while also allowing for easy cleaning of the breathable leather.
More features: has massage, heat, and vibrating functions; 150 degrees of recline; solid wood frame
As a power lift recliner and a massage chair, the Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner allows you to enjoy the soothing luxury of a health spa right inside your home. The lift mechanism is smooth and moves steadily in both up and down motions, and you can recline the chair up to 150°. While the motor runs smoothly, it can get loud sometimes, especially when you activate the power lift.
To enjoy a massage, switch to massage mode on the remote control and enjoy up to 5 massage options and eight vibration motors. Choose between 2 intensity levels and three timer settings. Also integrated with this feature is lumbar heating to help soothe and relax sore and tight muscles.
To ensure your comfort and support for the back, the manufacturer uses thick but soft cushioning on the seat, back, and armrests. This is covered in comfortable and easy-to-clean fabric. Our only gripe with the armrests is that they are too short; they stop a couple of inches from the edge of the chair, which means the lower end of your arms will likely hang off the armrests.
The chair has a solid wood frame, which is strong and should remain in top condition over the years. Its generous dimensions make it the best power lift recliner for a tall person. And with a weight capacity of 400 lbs., this is a recliner that can accommodate most people.
To enjoy the benefits a lift recliner has to offer; you must ensure that you buy the best recliner you can afford. That would mean knowing how to evaluate power lift recliners for quality, which we show you how to do in this next section.
You need to use a power lift recliner if you have a hard time getting in and out of chairs, either due to pain or decreased mobility as a result of age or illness. If you are recovering following surgery and the doctor instructs you not to strain your body, it’s a good idea to consider using a lift recliner.
You may also consider a power lift recliner if you or a loved one are suffering from health conditions like arthritis, advanced Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and chronic back pain. But the use of the chair isn’t limited to serious illnesses only. A power lift chair can feel like heaven when you’re struggling through a mild illness that saps your strength and leaves you tired.
Power lift recliners are not created equal. Below, we’ll look at the features that differentiate one lift recliner from another. These are also the features you should consider when buying a power lift recliner.
Power lift recliners have at least three different materials for the base, frame, and seat. Typically, the base is made from metal and consists of brackets on which the frame of the chair rests. This part needs to be particularly sturdy as it carries the weight of the chair, including the motor, which is why it has to be made from metal. The frame can be made from metal or wood. Both materials are durable, so your choice of one over the other comes down to preference. CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair and Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner are examples of lift recliners that have a metal frame, while The Irene House Power Chair Recliner has a solid wood frame. Lastly, the seat is padded for comfort and covered in a fabric that may be leather, faux leather, polyester, vinyl, microfiber, or other fabric. Some manufacturers reinforce the seat with a meal to make it stronger and boost its lifespan. Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner is an example of a lift recliner with such reinforcement on the seat.
Power lift recliners are heavy and weigh more than 100 pounds on average. In fact, lift recliners that are considered to be lighter in weight are like the Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair, which weighs 99 pounds, or Harper&Bright Designs Wilshire Series Recliner Chair, which weighs 102 pounds. Heavier recliners like Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner weigh close to 140 pounds. None of these are light by any stretch of imagination or definition. And you certainly won’t be able to carry the chair in its box when it’s delivered to your home. Fortunately, it doesn’t come assembled. Rather, it’s mostly in two or three parts.
When carried separately, the parts are not as heavy as the assembled chair, so carry them in bits to the location where you intend to install the chair, and then you can assemble them from there.
Power lift chairs come in different sizes. What you may need to remember is that they are bulky pieces of equipment, and so the most compact of them will still be big by armchair and recliner standards. They have a depth of 32-41 inches or more, the width of 33-40 inches or more, and a height of 40-42.5 inches usually.
Always compare the chair’s dimensions with the amount of space you have in your home so that you don’t end up buying a chair that is too big.
This indicates the maximum weight the power lift recliner can hold. The average lift recliner can accommodate 300 pounds, so most people can use it quite comfortably. If you are slightly heavier, consider a chair with a higher weight capacity. The Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner can support up to 320 pounds in weight, while the Furgle Power Lift Recliner Chair and Harper&Bright Designs Wilshire Series Recliner Chair support 330 pounds in weight each. The Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair has an even higher weight capacity of 400 pounds. As you can see, we have power lift recliner chairs that cater for different weight ranges.
What’s important is to ensure that you choose a recliner with a weight capacity that is higher than what you weigh.
These top power lift recliners combine performance, stability, comfort, and durability to deliver a reliable solution for anyone with mobility issues. Our Editor’s Choice Irene House Power Chair Recliner, in particular, stands out for its unmatched motor power, smooth operation, adjustability, and comfort. An ergonomic design and breathable fabric show that the manufacturer cares about your overall comfort, not just the efficiency of the mechanical parts. In the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Oversized Recliner, we see an emphasis on usability, with a one-touch control button, independent control for the footrest and body, and high-resiliency cushions, all of which make this a reliable recliner. Third, on our list of best power lift recliners is Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner. Its high-performance, TUV-certified motor, smooth lift mechanism, and wide range of features make it a favorite for anyone looking to upgrade their current recliner. Plus, it comes at a super attractive price with a year’s warranty as a safeguard.
How to fix power lift recliner? Need your tips and tricks asap.
One way to fix a power lift recliner is by replacing the two metal brackets on the back of the chair. You will find plastic bands under them. Remove old bracket, remove plastic band (if it is glued), insert strap in new bracket, and secure with glue or screws according to manufacturer’s directions.
This depends on what is wrong with the power lift recliner. There are many things that could be wrong with it, including loose wires, bad connections or a bad motor. A qualified technician would be able to figure out how to fix it.
A few suggestions would include checking to make sure there are no loose wires near any connections and that all wire terminals fit snugly into their connective sockets; then try pressing firmly on either side of the foot pedal until it clicks in place.
How do you know if power lift recliner remote needs replaced?
The power supply in the remote of the power lift recliner might need replaced. You can tell this by checking the battery life on the remote. If it has gone down quickly even though a new battery was installed, or if batteries have been dying after a long time of use, then you may need to replace the power supply. You can also see if any of buttons on the remote are loose and whether there is dirt inside.
Are power lift recliners safe?
Yes. Power lift recliners are designed to make it easy for seniors to get up and go in a chair. They have features that help them, like arm lifts and leg rests. Some of them even have a motorized place where you can sit so they can move around to different places in the room.
Does anybody know power lift recliners are covered by medicare?
Medicare does cover recliners that can be equipped with a customized electric adjustable footrest system to help facilitate the safe transfer process of the individual into and out of the chair. These chairs must meet certain criteria set forth by HCPCS code E0699 before they will be eligible for coverage – such as those that provide adequate power adjustments and easy lock braking systems.
Yes. A power lift recliner is an alternate seating option for people who need more assistance than a conventional power chair provides. Medicare Part B covers the cost of this equipment as long as it’s prescribed by a doctor and meets certain criteria, including weight capacity. Probably, for more info you should consult with your doctor.