When you have a long, exhausting day, you probably want to relax and get in a relaxing environment. Although recliners were mainly invented for those people who were unable to sit upright, they are a great way to get a peaceful environment even when you’re healthy but just want to relax for some time.
However, in recent years, recliners have gained notoriety for being the go-to furniture for unwinding and finding peace of mind. This may be valid for a few users, but the question of power vs. manual recliners is still there.
These are the two primary kinds of recliners available. It’s possible to choose between a power and a manual recliner. Continue reading if you can’t decide between the two options presented here. I hope this article will help you understand the critical distinction between power recliners and manual recliners.
Key Takeaways
- Recliners provide a relaxing environment for those who want to relax after a long day.
- The market has two common types of recliners: power and manual.
- Power recliners are activated by a button and run on electricity, while manual recliners are activated manually.
- Power recliners offer more luxury features like precision, heat, and massage but are more expensive and bulky than manual recliners and vice versa.
What Is a Power Recliner?
A power recliner is a particular chair type or sofa that can be rearranged into various reclining positions with the help of an electric motor, requiring electricity. The motorized mechanism is usually operated with a remote control that allows the user to adjust the position of the chair or sofa without physically manipulating it.
A typical power recliner uses a single motor for the reclining mechanism, but a few have two motors. One is used to control the headrest functionality, while the other motor controls the footrest mechanism. This type of recliner is called a dual-power recliner and provides a more premium experience to the user.
Pros and Cons of Power Recliners
So, are power recliners a good choice or a bad one? Are there any problems with a power recliner? I have explained the pros and cons of a power recliner. Hopefully, you will know enough to decide whether to choose a power recliner after reading this article.
Pros of Power Recliners
Power Recliners Are Easy To Use
Using power or an electric recliner comes with many luxuries. One of the benefits of using a power recliner is having a button that allows you to recline according to your ease.
A power recliner allows you to recline without having to do any kind of struggle. You can simply push down the button to set your desired position.
More Useful for Injured People
Power recliners have the ability to function with a single press of a button. It provides a facility to people who are either injured or naturally disabled. So, using a power recliner has proved helpful for injured people.
They Are Extremely Precise
Electric recliners are proven to be extremely precise. You can try different positions by pressing a single button. Using a power recliner, you can set the position that is most comfortable for you.
Power Recliners Last Longer
when you purchase a thing, you want that thing to survive for a long period. Power recliners are likely to last for a prolonged period of time. The probability of a power recliner getting broken is much less than a manual recliner.
You Get Heat and Massage
A massage is the best choice when you are tired or bored. Many power recliners also offer heat and massage options. So, a power recliner will take you into a new atmosphere.
Cons of Power Recliners
Need To Be Placed New Power Outlets
Power recliners work on electricity, so they must be placed near a power outlet to provide the current to your recliner and plugged in to start working. Unlike manual recliners, you need a specific space at your home for power recliners that limit the flexibility of your recliner.
Pricier Than Manual Recliners
When talking about the price, power recliners are more expensive. This is one of the cons that may change your mind about purchasing a power recliner. But having more luxury demands more money.
Big, Bulky In Size
Where power recliners provide many amazing features, there is a downside to this. Power recliners are bulky in weight. Unlike manual recliners, electric recliners are not easy to move. So, if you are thinking of buying a power recliner, you should specify a space in your home for your recliner.
What is a Manual Recliner?
A manual recliner is a type of chair or sofa that can be adjusted into different reclining positions through manual manipulation. Unlike power recliners, which use an electric motor to adjust the position of the chair or sofa, manual recliners have a lever or a button that must be manually pulled or pressed to recline or return to an upright position.
Although you have to recline manually, this procedure is not that difficult. All you have to do is to pull the lever or button and push back your arms and shoulders. The chair will recline immediately, and a footrest emerges so you can place your legs on it. Yes, using a manual recliner requires a little effort, but it is worth the chair’s comfort.
Pros and Cons of Manual Recliner
You may be worried about whether a manual recliner is a good choice. Or is it worth purchasing? I have described everything you need to know about a manual recliner. So keep reading, and you will be good to go!
Pros of Manual Recliner
Manual Recliners are Simple to Use
Simplicity and ease of use are a few things that you want to have in your recliner. If the reclining procedure is complex, you probably won’t use a recliner altogether. Manual recliners offer you the simplicity you need in your life. You can easily recline your chair by pushing back your arms.
They are More Affordable Than Power Recliners
Before purchasing anything, the price is the most important factor that decides if you are actually able to buy that thing or not. One of the benefits that you get with a manual recliner is its low price. Manual recliners are relatively cheaper than power recliners.
Less Weight, Easy to Move
Having a recliner is a blessing, but it becomes tense for you if it is not easy to move due to its heavy weight. Manual recliners are low-weight and flexible. So, if you want, you can easily move a manual recliner from one room to another without any hurdles.
Cons of Manual Recliner
Require Strength/ Force to Open
While using a manual recliner has many benefits, it can challenge some people. Manual recliners require a little effort to get the desired reclining position. People with disabilities can’t generate the force needed for the recliner to expand.
Less Number of Seating Positions
A manual recliner offers a great comfort level. But it lacks in offering a different number of seating positions. Generally, it is either reclining or not reclining. There are no in-between options available in a manual recliner.
Here, i’ve discuss Problems of Power Recliners and Possible Issues & Fixes.
They Have a Shorter Lifespan
Unlike power recliners that offer a long lifespan, manual recliners are likely to wear out early. This is because a manual recliner operates with the help of your body. So, a manual recliner has a higher chance of getting broken early.
Power vs Manual Recliner: Which One to Choose?
As we have seen above, both power and manual recliners have pros and cons. So, which one should you choose? Well, only you have the answer to this question. Where a power recliner is simpler to use and more precise than a manual recliner, a power recliner is also pricier and heavier than a manual recliner.
So, in the end, it is you who decides whether to choose a power recliner or a manual one. You have the pros and cons on the screen in front of you. You should go for the one you think is right for you. I suggest you visit the market and try out both. Choose the one which offers you a great level of comfort plus is within your budget.
- Read my this post on Power Recliner Motors?
- Hoffman Leather Power Reclining Sectional
- How To Get Out Of A Power Recliner When The Power Goes Out?
FAQs
Which Lasts Longer, Manual or Power Recliner?
When talking about the lifespan of a recliner, power recliners are likely to last longer than manual recliners. Power recliners come with a button to choose the desired reclining position.
The whole mechanism behind it operates beyond the limits of the user. Whereas in a manual recliner, your body controls the mechanism of reclining. This elevates the chances of a manual recliner getting broken early.
Which is Better Power Recliner or a Manual?
If you are wondering which recliner is better, a power recliner or a manual one, both types have pros and cons. It depends on your choice to decide.
If you want precision in your recliner and also want to have an option of massaging, then a power recliner is the right choice for you. If your budget is a little tight and you want your recliner to be flexible to move, then go for the manual recliner.
How Long Do Power Recliners Last?
Power recliners can provide comfort without requiring extra effort. Power recliners have a larger life span. If you use your electric recliner properly and carefully, it can last from 10 to 20 years.
Can Power Recliners be Operated Manually?
Power recliners come with an option of a button. By pressing that button, you can choose your desired reclining position. Power recliners have no option to operate manually. So, if your button is not working properly, you should call a professional for help.
