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May 05, 2021 4 min read

Have you been looking into recliners, wondering if a power recliner or a manual recliner is best for your needs?

If you want to know more about the best recliners to buy and aren’t sure which purchase decision is the right one for you, Furniture Fair is here to help.

For over 56 years, Furniture Fair has a history of providing quality reclining furniture to the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville area at fair prices. We want to share our knowledge of recliners with you by comparing manual recliners to power recliners.

Read on to get an in-depth comparison between a power reclining chair, and a manual recliner, so that when you are finished reading this article, you will know which purchase choice is right for your maximum comfort!

Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?
Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

What Is The Difference Between Manual & Power Recliners?

Alright, now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of manual and power recliners. Let’s find out just what makes recliners so different and why that can significantly impact your purchase decision.

We will be comparing manual recliners to power recliners so that you can find out which the best, most comfortable for your living room, reading room, or home office.

Manual Recliners

Manual recliners use a system of levers and springs to create a reclining mechanism that moves into a relaxed position using a footrest built into the chair. When not in use, the footrest tucks neatly away into the bottom of the recliner.

Manual recliners most commonly use a wooden or plastic lever to activate the footrest and recline function; however, some recliners use a discreet pull-handle or a push-back reclining system.

Manual recliners come in various styles, sizes, and upholstery options, including swivel reclining, leather or faux leather, performance fabrics for pet owners whose furniture may need more upkeep.

You can even have your recliner custom-made here in the USA.

Power Recliners

Power Recliners use electricity for the recline function and offer a wide variety of styles and button variations.

Some even feature touch screen technology, cup holders, adjustable footrest, infinite positioning, power massage features, power lift, heating functions, top-grain leather upholstery, and other custom options.

A power recliner uses electric motors to recline and incline at the push of a button. Power reclining allows the user to customize the seating experience to their favorite spot.

Power recliners are also multi-functional chairs. Check out why a power recliner made the list of our best chairs for gaming.

Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

Who Is A Good Fit For A Manual Recliner?

A good fit for a manual recliner prefers the quick motion of a manual recline and doesn’t want all the features that a power recliner has.

In addition, manual recliners are not dependent on a power source to work and are therefore a bit easier to use, move, and incorporate into a home.

If you like functional design that isn’t too reliant on technology and flashy gadgets, a manual recliner is a good fit for you. In addition, with the variety of styles available to choose from, you are sure to find a style that suits your taste.

Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?
Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

Who Is A Good Fit For A Power Recliner?

If you like the instant reclining that a lever recliner offers, a power recliner may feel a bit slow. However, If you don’t like pushing your footrest closed to get up, the power closing function will be perfect for your needs.

Another factor to consider is that if you or your loved one has limited mobility or cannot open and close a recliner by themselves, a power lift chair will eliminate that issue.

With a power recliner, you can effortlessly recline at the push of a button.

Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

How Expensive Is A Manual Recliner?

Manual recliners come in all quality levels and price points, with the recliner prices increasing as you add features and increase in quality. Here are the current price ranges in the Good, Better, Best quality ranking categories.

  • Good quality manual recliners - $249 - $500
  • Better quality manual recliners - $500 - $999
  • Best quality manual recliners - $999+
Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?
Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

How Expensive Is A Power Recliner?

Power recliners also come in the Good, Better, Best price range, with many custom features like power headrest, lumbar support, USB charging stations, and more available at the Better and Best range.

  • Good quality power recliners - $600 - $800
  • Better quality power recliners - $800 - $999
  • Best quality power recliners - $1199+
Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?

Ready To Find Your Next Recliner?

Now that you know about the differences between a manual and a power recliner, you will be ready to determine which one you should buy for your home.

Remember that power recliners are effortless, very customizable, and great for anyone with limited mobility issues, while manual recliners are simple, easy to operate, and less dependent on technology.

If you are in the market for a brand new high quality, comfortable recliner, consider looking at Furniture Fair. We offer manual and power recliner options in all shapes, styles, sizes, and fabrics, including leather. Stop by today and try out a recliner for yourself.

Furniture Fair has 11 locations throughout the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville areas, with the most recent location now open in Beavercreek. Stop by today, schedule an appointment, or visit us online.

Manual vs Power Reclining: Which Is Best For Me?