Power vs. Manual Recliners: Pros and Cons

What's better than returning home after a long day at the office and falling into the soft cushioning of your reclining chair? Nothing, right?

Few things come to our mind when we think of the pleasure of relaxing in the realm of comfort. But, the world of recliner furniture is evolving rapidly. People adding recliners to their living areas seems like a new trend! Although the market has many recliner options, most need clarification when choosing between a power vs. manual recliner chair. Read below to learn about the pros and cons of power and manual recliners and make an informed decision.

Power vs. Manual Recliners: Everything To Know Before Buying

A power recliner differs from a manual one just by a single essential feature: motor. 

All it takes to recline is pushing a button on a power recliner and connecting it to a power source. On the contrary, a manual recliner requires some energy; you use the force of your hands to recline the chair manually. Prices for both varieties of recliners vary based on brand and quality, but power recliners are usually costlier. 

Electric vs. Manual Reclining Chairs: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Power Recliners:

Pros:

Positioning options:

Power recliners have no competitors when it comes to features and functions. Since the remote control regulates the recline, you can try different positions until you discover the one that suits you best.

Additional features:

A power recliner chair features some of the best accessories to enhance comfort and ease. For instance, the built-in USB ports on this chair allow you to charge your phone or laptop since it is designed to be used with a power source. Other premium features are massager, self-heating, remote control, and more. 

No strength required to operate:

Gone are the days when you had to push the lever to position the recliner. A power recliner comes with a remote or a button for easy use. You don't need to apply full body force for the recliner to go to a particular position.

Cons:

Power required:

Its biggest downside is the never-ending need for a power source to operate a power recliner. Because of this, you won't have much leeway in putting the chair wherever you like. Although charging packs are available, they may run out of juice if not topped up regularly, causing the whole chair to become unfunctional. Additionally, forgetting your recliner plugged in while charging for long periods might increase your electricity usage, which leads to increased electricity costs and battery failures. 

Costlier:

A power recliner is costlier because it is bigger and has a motor. The additional features and parts used to enhance the chair's features are the leading causes of its increased price tag. Also, these last less time, and you may need to spend more money fixing any motor issues or regular wear and tear in the long run.

Pros and Cons of Manual Recliners:

Pros:

Simple to use:

No one beats a manual recliner for its easy operation. All you have to do is pull the lever and adjust the position. Some recliner chair features will operate through your body weight. However, manual recliners are still much more accessible than electric ones. Moreover, with lesser movability, the potential problems drop, which increases lifetime and durability.

No electricity needed:

Among the best pros of a manual recliner is that it doesn't require an electrical supply. As a result, you can enjoy recliner options by paying less for electricity. You may use it anywhere, inside and outside the house, and you won't have to worry about being close to a power source. Moreover, manual recliners, which are not electronic, have become a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option. 

Cheaper:

Don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a reclining chair? The best part of a manual recliner is that this chair features reclining, and you can enjoy the same comfort for a much lower price. 

Cons:

Little features:

Manual recliners are often limited in versatility because they offer few features. The most you can get from a manual recliner is lumbar support and a few reclining angles.

Noise!

The worst part about manual recliners is the noise. The screeching sounds come when the device moves into position, reaches the maximum number of recline positions, or faces an obstruction while reclining. The age and state of your recliner and its support features may also produce noise as you move around. 

Sloppy motion:

You can't force a manual recliner; if handled forcefully, the mechanism may eventually loosen and become unfunctional, resulting in a sloppy motion that develops over time.

Multiple Recliner Options: Which is the Best for You?

Although the debate between power vs. manual recliners is long, choosing one from recliner options depends on your preference. However, here are our two cents. Power recliners are undoubtedly becoming the new norm because of their abundant optional features and infinite reclining settings. These qualities make motorized recliners a superior choice for most furniture buyers, especially for individuals with mobility issues. 

On the contrary, we can't ignore manual recliners as if they don't exist. Manual recliners are a good investment for individuals seeking a comfortable chair with an uncomplicated design without spending an arm and a leg.

Power vs. Manual Recliners: Choose the One Your Heart Loves - At North End Furniture

Finding a store with an array of sumptuous recliners, each one tempting you to settle into its inviting cushions, seemed like a dream. 

But no more. 

Step into North End Furniture to find your ideal chair that manifests your style and provides the ultimate comfort! At North End Furniture, you may relax knowing that you're receiving the most bang for your buck thanks to our extensive inventory of high-quality and competitively priced recliners, beds, tables, and more. So, power vs. manual recliners? Whichever! Bring your favorite chair home from North End Furniture today and take your relaxing game to a level like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are power recliners good for backache?

Absolutely! Power recliners are the best option for people with back pain. An electric recliner chair features a motor that can help you stand up straight without putting pressure on your back. Set it up in the most comfortable position, and you are good to go! You are not confined to sitting upright uncomfortably, as you would be in a manual chair.

Can power recliners use a lot of electricity?

A power recliner is no different from any other electrical equipment in that it runs on electricity. However, the more accessories you add, the greater the price will be. For instance, accessories like built-in heating and massage may increase the cost.

Is a manual or power recliner better if someone has mobility issues?

The increased flexibility and strength needed to move or open and close the footrest of manual recliners makes them less desirable for people with mobility problems. Their operation is slow compared to motorized reclining footrests.