Manual Recliners vs Power Recliners: 5 Differences You Should Know
La-Z-Boy Southeast | February 20, 2019
We recently had someone ask, “What are the differences between manual recliners vs power recliners?” on our YouTube Channel.
This is a great question because there are so many differences between manual and power.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we’ve helped thousands find the perfect recliner for their body type and specific needs.
In order to make the right decision, it’s important to understand the differences between manual recliners and power recliners.
In this article and video, we’ll take a look at five differences you should know between manual vs power recliners.
1) Number of Locking Positions
The locking reclining system on manual La-Z-Boy Recliners offer 16 rocking and 3 footrest positions.
This means you have a total of 48 different combinations of chair and footrest positions to choose from on a manual recliner.
On the other hand, power recliners have four electronic buttons that control the position of your chair and footrest.
When you press and release each button, the position of your chair or footrest will lock in position. No matter where you stop.
This means power recliners give you a nearly infinite amount of locking chair and footrest combinations to choose from.
Plus, some power recliners give you the option to adjust your head tilt and lumbar support.
2) Power Source
This may sound obvious, however power recliners need an electric power source in order to operate.
At La-Z-Boy, our power recliners can be plugged into a nearby wall socket or powered with a rechargeable battery hidden underneath the chair.
The rechargeable battery is a great option if you’re unable to hide the power cord or your recliner is floating in the middle of a room.
Manual recliners are organically powered by your arm, shoulder, and body weight.
Simply reach down and raise the handle to elevate the footrest. Then you can rock through the 16 reclining positions with your body weight.
Note: If the person operating the chair recently had surgery or is elderly, then a power recliner will be much easier for them to use.
3) Recliner Weight
Manual recliners are lighter than power recliners due to the mechanical parts and motor inside.
This means power recliners will be harder to move around your house. Especially if you’re going up or down stairs.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, our full-service furniture delivery makes moving manual or power recliners a breeze.
Our professional delivery team will carry, assemble, and place your new recliner in the exact location you want.
This is the top-of-the-line experience when it comes to furniture delivery options.
4) Heat & Massage
In our opinion, adding heat and massage to your recliner is the ultimate cherry on top.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we carry a wide range of recliners with heat and massage on our showroom floor.
However, you’ll most likely only find heat and massage on power recliners because they need a power source in order to operate.
5) Price: Manual Recliners vs Power Recliners
Power recliners typically have a higher price point than manual recliners because they simply cost more to produce.
La-Z-Boy Power Recliners will run a few hundred dollars more than classic La-Z-Boy Recliners.
You can get an exact quote by visiting any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.
Check Out These Additional Resources
There are many different pros and cons when it comes to manual recliners vs power recliners.
Manual recliners have fewer locking positions, don’t need to be plugged into a power source, and typically cost less.
Power recliners have a nearly infinite amount of locking positions, are easier to operate, and often come with heat & massage.
Here are some additional resources you may like to check out:
- How to Pick the Best Recliner for Me
- 7 Features & Benefits of La-Z-Boy Recliners
- 10 Best Selling Recliners From This Year
We’d be happy to help you find the perfect recliner for your needs at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.
