Best Lift Chairs
We tested 10 models in our lab to find out which ones are worth the investment
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Lift chairs are helpful for people with back or knee problems, arthritis, and many other conditions. The simple act of getting up from a seated position can put a lot of pressure on core and leg muscles. A lift chair, also known as a power recliner, can also be a big help for people healing from surgery, making it easier to avoid straining and protecting incisions from potential tears. Many power recliners can lie flat, offering a safe, contained option for sleep as well.
When I underwent several surgeries in a short period of time, a lift recliner made a huge difference in my recovery. I was able to sleep comfortably without worrying about accidentally turning over. I didn’t have to wake someone to help me get up in the middle of the night because the chair could lift me to standing. And because getting to an upright position was easier than it would have been otherwise, I was also more likely to walk around, which was highly recommended by my doctors.
Best Lift Chairs
Other Lift Chairs We Tested
The Best Choice Products Electric Lift Chair had a lift height of 27 inches and a speed of 33 seconds, and was one of the smaller options, with a fully reclined length of 63 inches. It was the lightest of the chairs we tested, but it received low ratings for comfort.
The La-Z-Boy Aster Platinum Power Lift Recliner was the most expensive model we tested. It was also the only lift chair with an enclosed lift mechanism, which is useful if there are pets or small children in the house. The back’s top cushion can easily flip back off the chair when the chair is reclined. It received low scores for comfort and adjustability, was the slowest mover, and had the lowest lift assist, at 25 inches.
The Flamaker Power Lift Recliner scored well on the lift height measurement, at 29½ inches, but testers said it was uncomfortable and not easy to adjust. It was also the most difficult to assemble, requiring the user to stuff polyfill bags into the arms and zip them shut.
FAQs
Where Do You Begin Finding the Right Lift Recliner?
First, think about what you need the recliner for and for how long. This is where a doctor or physical therapist should make specific suggestions. People with poor circulation might need to be able to raise the footrest to a higher position to make sure that blood can circulate easily.
Do you want lumbar support or heat? Does the user need a chair that can fully rise to a standing position, or just a few inches to help them get on their feet? Also consider fit. Will your feet reach the floor when sitting? Is the chair roomy enough that you can move around easily? Is it overly wide so that you don’t feel well supported? Consider the footprint of potential chairs, and remember that most recliners occupy more space when reclined and may need to be well away from walls to fully recline.
Can You Try a Lift Chair Before Buying?
Several medical supply companies rent lift chairs by the week or month, and some department stores carry them as well, for an in-person experience. If you’re buying a lift chair, make sure to give yourself enough time to try out a few because they vary widely when it comes to width, height, and weight load. If you already know what you are looking for, you’ll find this information in our ratings.
Does a Lift Chair Need Separate Adjustments?
Another feature that might make a difference is multiple motors. Three of the chairs we tested had separate motors that allowed us to operate the footrest and back independently. Having only a single recline motor will mean that you can’t adjust the chairback without also moving the leg rest, and vice versa.
If you foresee needing to fine-tune your position as you recline, or if you want to lift the leg rest without lying back, look for a lift chair with multiple motors. (Chairs that have an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, or chair tilt will have several.)
How Much ‘Lift’ Do You Need?
It depends on how much help you need standing up. One thing our testers noticed when evaluating these chairs was the range of lift. Some chairs rose to 29½ inches, and others topped out at 25 inches, according to Bernie Dietrick, who oversees lift chair testing for Consumer Reports. Remember that you can always stop raising the chair when you’re comfortable standing, so getting a chair with more lift assist than you need isn’t a problem.
Another consideration is the time it takes for a chair to go from reclining to upright. In our tests, we saw a range of 32 seconds to 48 seconds. If you anticipate needing a lift chair to elevate you to its maximum height, a slower chair might not be ideal.
How CR Tests Lift Chairs
We collect information on all aspects of the chair, including physical size, ease of use, accessibility, and noise level. In addition to basic measurements—height, total depth, weight, seat depth, distance from floor to seat—testers note a chair’s comfort, features—including massage options, heat options—device charging capabilities, and the ease and visibility of the remote control.
They also include information on the length of time it takes for a chair to go from fully reclined to fully upright, as well as allowances for lumbar adjustment, an extended footrest, and noise levels during lift and massage. The chair fabric doesn’t factor into the ratings, and we don’t use information on chair warranties in our evaluation.
