Electric or manual? It's one of the first questions people ask when choosing a recliner. Both give you that classic La-Z-Boy comfort – the difference is in how you get into position, the extra features, and what suits your body and your room.
Manual recliners
With a manual recliner, you recline by pulling a handle or simply leaning back into the chair. La-Z-Boy's rocking recliners use a patented mechanism with many recline positions, and you can usually recline the back on its own without raising the footrest.
- Usually more affordable
- No power cord, so you can place it anywhere in the room
- Simple, reliable and lightweight
- Options include rocking, swivel and wall recliners
Electric (power) recliners
A power recliner moves at the touch of a button. You can stop at any position, so it's easy to find exactly the right angle – and it takes no effort to get back upright.
- Smooth, effortless reclining – ideal if you have less strength in your arms or legs
- Stop in any position, not just set positions
- Extras such as power headrest, lumbar support, USB charging and massage
- Needs to be near a power point (or uses a battery pack on some models)
Which is right for you?
- Choose manual if you like a traditional rocking or gliding feel, want the best value, or need the chair away from a power point.
- Choose electric if you'd like to recline without effort, want fine-tuned positioning, or want features like power headrest and USB charging.
- Choose a lift chair if standing up is getting harder – it's a power recliner that also lifts you to your feet. See our lift chair guide.
Room and space
Recliners need room to recline. Wall recliners and wall saver models are designed to sit close to the wall, which makes them a great choice for smaller living rooms, units and retirement living.
Durability
Both types are built to last. La-Z-Boy backs its rocker and Glideaway recliner mechanisms with a lifetime warranty, and its electrical parts, motors and batteries with a 2-year warranty.
Try both side by side
The easiest way to decide is to sit in both. Visit our La-Z-Boy Gallery on Woondooma Street, Bundaberg, and our team will help you compare.
Browse power recliners, rocking recliners, wall recliners and swivel recliners.
