Best riser recliner chairs: comfortable, secure and easy to use

Riser recliner chairs (also known as reclining chairs) offer a choice of seating positions and by enabling you to get in and out of a chair without assistance, they also help you maintain independent living. But they're pricey and not all chairs are worth the money. 

We use teams of trained experts with decades of experience and a user panel, all aged over 65 and made up of people of different sizes and weights, to test popular riser recliner chairs for comfort, ease of use, speed and security. Our panel alone, make more than 100 checks on each chair.

As well as the seven Best Buys recommendations we've discovered, our tests have found that the most expensive models aren't necessarily the best – we've pulled out a Great Value recommendation and warned against two products that performed poorly enough to get a Don't Buy, one of which cost well over £1,000. 

The best riser recliner chairs

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The riser recliner chairs we tested

All the riser recliner chairs we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best riser recliner chairs from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Where possible we've included direct links to buy the chairs online, though for chairs that are only available in-store or through a catalogue or home visit we've linked the manufacturer's page.

CareCo Augusta

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Available from CareCo (£589.99 with VAT relief, £707.99 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2019

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 22.5cm

Need to know No backup battery, no crush prevention, upholstered armrest, 86 x 181cm (W x L) when reclined, 125kg weight capacity

Celebrity Canterbury Cloud Zero

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Available from Hafren Furnishers (£1,349 without VAT, £1,619 with VAT), The Recliner Store (£1,499 without VAT, £1,798.80 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2024

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 24.5cm

Need to know Rechargeable backup battery, crush prevention (sprung loaded), wooden armrest, 73.3 x 171cm (W x L) when reclined, 190.5kg weight capacity

Celebrity Hollingwell 

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Available from The Recliner Store (£1,359 with VAT relief, £1,631 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2024

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 21cm

Need to know Rechargeable backup battery, crush prevention (sprung loaded), upholstered armrest, 83 x 171cm (W x L) when reclined, 190.5kg weight capacity

Electric Mobility Fenlake

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Available from Mobility Co. (£1,099 with VAT relief, £1,319 with VAT), First Choice Mobility (£1,295 with VAT relief, £1,554 with VAT)

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Most recently tested November 2024

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 23.0cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery (spare not supplied), no crush prevention, upholstered armrest, 83.5 x 159cm (W x L) when reclined, 158.8kg weight capacity

Fenetic Atlas

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Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,199.99 with VAT relief, £1439.99 with VAT)

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Most recently tested August 2021

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 26.4cm

Need to know Rechargeable backup battery, no crush prevention, upholstered armrest, 84 x 171cm (W x L) when reclined, 160kg weight capacity

Fenetic Cullingworth

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Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,399.99 with VAT relief, £1679.99 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2019

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 27.8cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, upholstered armrest, 89 x 188cm (W x L) when reclined, 158kg weight capacity

We've tested rollators and mobility walkers at a range of prices – head to the best rollators and mobility walkers to see which ones aced our tests for adjustability, maneuverability, walking and comfort.

Fenetic Westminster 

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Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£879.99 with VAT relief, £1055.99 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2018

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 25.2cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, no crush prevention, upholstered armrest, 81 x 181cm (W x L) when reclined, 158kg weight capacity

HSL Burrows 

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Available from HSL (£1,777 with VAT relief, £2,132.40 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2019

Backrest type Waterfall

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 24.9cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, crush prevention (sensor triggered), upholstered armrest, 86 x 166cm (W x L) when reclined, 160kg weight capacity

HSL Ripley

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Available from HSL (£1,777 with VAT relief, £2,132.40 with VAT)

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Most recently tested January 2021

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 26.7cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, no crush prevention, wooden armrest, 76 x 185cm (W x L) when reclined, weight capacity unavailable

Pride Mobility Dorchester 

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Available from MobiQuip (£1,189 with VAT relief, £1,426 with VAT), Kardinal Independent Living (£1,280 with VAT relief, £1,536 with VAT),  Great British Mobility (£1,295 with VAT relief, £1,554 with VAT)

This same model of chair is also available from CareCo, as the CareCo Oakdale (£2,299.99 with VAT relief, £2,759.99 with VAT). 

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Most recently tested June 2019

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 28.7cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, no crush prevention, upholstered armrest, 89 x 176cm (W x L) when reclined, 158kg weight capacity

Primacare Denbigh

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Available from Kardinal Independent Living (£1,310 with VAT relief, £1,572 with VAT), Lifestyle & Mobility (£1,310 with VAT relief, £1,572 with VAT).

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Most recently tested June 2023

Backrest type Waterfall

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 23.2cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, no crush prevention, wooden armrest, 82 x 178.5cm (W x L) when reclined, weight capacity unavailable

Sherborne Albany 

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Available from Archers Sleepcentre (£1,129.08 with VAT relief, £1,354.89 with VAT), Clearwell Mobility (£1,399 with VAT relief, £1,678.80 with VAT)

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Most recently tested June 2019

Backrest type Waterfall

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 24.9cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, crush prevention (sensor triggered), upholstered armrest, 86 x 166cm (W x L) when reclined, 160kg weight capacity

Sherborne Roma

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Available from Recliners4U (£1,268 with VAT relief, £1,521.60 with VAT), Relax Sofas & Beds (£1,329 with VAT relief, £1,594.80 with VAT)

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Most recently tested January 2021

Backrest type Standard

Can you operate the footrest and back independently? Yes

Armrest height 22.9cm

Need to know Replaceable backup battery, crush prevention (sensor), upholstered armrest, 89 x 171cm (W x L) when reclined, 160kg weight capacity

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Which? Don't Buy riser recliner chairs

Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy. We've tested two riser recliner chairs that we've named Don't Buys.

These models aren't as comfortable as others and have issues like an overly slow or aggressively speedy reclining and rising mechanism. They also have ease of use headaches that set them far below alternative options. 

How we test riser recliner chairs

We go further than anyone else when it comes to testing riser recliner chairs. We use teams of trained experts with decades of experience, along with our user panel made up of people of different sizes and weights.

We regularly revisit the riser recliner chairs on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do. 

Comfort

Our panel of testers, all aged over 65, try out and rate each chair we test. In total, they make more than 100 checks on each chair.

• Users sit in each chair for one hour, use its controls and experience its full cycle of movements and positions. 
• They then rate the chair on a number of factors, including how comfortable it is in both the sitting and reclining positions.
• To ensure that our test is fair, we check that each user’s leg measurements and weight are suited to the chair they are testing, and we buy the same sized chair so our panel can compare them consistently.

Reliability and feeling secure

We also carry out checks, measures and tests in our expert laboratory. 

• We check if the backup battery can power the chair from fully reclined to standing in the event of a power cut, how long that takes and whether you can do that multiple times
• We record how long it takes the chair to get from the recline position to standing.
• We quiz our user panel on whether they felt the chair moved smoothly and enabled them to step out of the chair without feeling wobbly or uncertain.

Ease of use

Our panel of testers also rate each chair on how easy it is to use.

• This includes how easy each tester found the controls to understand and operate, as well as whether the chair has any handy extra features, such as illuminated buttons.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

3 things to avoid in a riser recliner chair

• Wrong seat height - measure the chair to check it will be a good fit for your body. If a chair is too high, your feet won't be able to touch the floor and this will put too much pressure on your back. If it's too low, your legs won't be fully supported and the backs of your thighs could start to ache. Some chairs have an adjustable height feature. 
• Incorrect chair width and depth - a riser recliner chair that's too wide won't properly support your sides and back, and you might feel less secure in the chair. If the seat's too deep, you won't be able to sit with your back fully supported down its length. Often, people who have made this mistake stuff cushions behind them, but this doesn't provide even support. Look out for bespoke chair-making services if your height or size is a big concern.
• Not enough room - riser recliner chairs are heavy and take up a lot of room, so you need to identify a permanent position for yours. Measure your space carefully before you buy to ensure it will fit and ensure there's plenty of clearance behind it so it can fully recline. As a rule of thumb, you'll need at least a 60cm/24 inch space unless it's a wall-hugging riser recliner chair which will need as little as 10cm/4 inches. 

7 things to look for in a riser recliner chair

Here's the seven key features you might want to consider to help you get the most out of your riser recliner chair: 

• Leg rest - choose a dual-motor riser recliner if you want the leg rest to rise automatically as you recline.
• Battery - if there's a power cut, a backup battery will let you move back to a neutral or standing position. 
• Anti-crush - this will help to prevent accidents if pets or small children get underneath the mechanism.  
• Chair shape - some recliner seats and backs are designed to remain fixed in position as you recline. This can reduce the risk of friction or other damage to your skin as the chair moves.
• Support or pressure-relieving - these might help if you have a serious back problem or medical condition. We also recommend seeking the advice of an independent adviser to assess your needs before buying. Head to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists to find a registered therapist in your area. 
• Full recline - although some chairs allow you to lie completely flat, they're not intended for sleeping in for extended periods. If you have difficulty getting into bed, you should consider buying an adjustable bed or specially designed chair bed in addition to a riser recliner chair.
• Waterfall back rests - unlike a standard back rest, waterfall back rests provide a tiered layer of padding that will give you more support.

We've also tested mobility scooters from CareCo, Livewell, Pride and more. See our round-up of the best mobility scooters for more information

Trying out recliner chairs

It's important to try a riser recliner chair in person to ensure it fits your body comfortably and operates smoothly. Everyone's needs are different, so testing the chair helps you confirm its features and support suit you perfectly.

Try as many chairs as you can. A mobility shop should have staff who can advise you on all kinds of equipment, including riser recliner chairs, as well as models you can try. This can be a good way of exploring what features would suit you.

Disabled Living Centres (DLCs) are also worth a visit. Most are charities and may not sell the chairs, but they're a good place to start to understand the range and styles offered and to test out recliners on loan from manufacturers. 

Most chairs will feel comfortable when you first sit on them, but might not feel the same after a few hours, so check the retailer has a good returns policy. 

Whichever retailer you choose, check it's accredited by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). BHTA members must abide by a code of practice, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.

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How much do riser recliner chairs cost? 

You can get basic riser recliner chairs for as little as £300, but the cheapest models are likely single-motor models that don't let you control the back and footrest independently. 

Typical prices for dual-motor riser recliner chairs range from £500 to upwards of £2,000 but don’t assume you need to spend a fortune to sit comfortably.

Our cheapest Best Buys start from around £900 – and we've found some riser recliners costing nearly twice as much that were average in our tests.

The price you pay might also depend on the features and fabric you choose and which company you buy your chair from, so it's always worth shopping around. 

Can I get help to buy a riser recliner chair?

If you need a riser recliner chair because of a medical condition or to help you live independently at home, you might be eligible to get one through your local authority. 

Different local authorities have different rules around what they will pay for, but your first step should be to contact your local council and book an assessment. You can find out more in our guide to financing care at home.

If you have a mobility problem and need special equipment to live independently you may also qualify for VAT exemption. Visit the HMRC website for more information on VAT relief for disabled people.

Consider your options when buying a riser recliner chair

To make sure you're buying a riser recliner chair that's well built and safe to use, shop with trusted sellers online or in-store. 

For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty equipment, see our online shopping advice.

• CareCo sells a wide range of riser recliner chairs, both with single and dual motors. Prices start at just under £500 and you can upgrade to a chair with an in-built massager if you like.
• Fenetic Wellbeing has a wide variety of chairs in different materials and colours. Prices start at around £500. 
• HSL Chairs offers home visits and a free brochure with fabric samples, as well as a 'seven-point seating assessment' to determine your needs.
• Willowbrook stocks riser recliner chairs that are manufactured in the Midlands. It offers a range of different contemporary fabric designs and extras, including reading lights.
• Grosvenor Mobility provides free home demonstrations and its assortment of models comes with onsite and offsite repairs as part of their warranty.

Although some riser recliner chairs are available to purchase brand new online, there are three other main options: 

• Buying a riser recliner chair through a home visit - some retailers will get a sales representative to bring a chair sample to you. They will show their ID on arrival and should provide written information and a cooling-off period.

• Buying a riser recliner chair through a catalogue - this is best if you want an off-the-peg rather than a bespoke model. Check the company’s returns policy and, in particular, who is responsible for the cost of removing and returning the chair should you decide it’s not for you. You can see what your rights are under the Consumer Contract Regulations. 

• Hiring a riser recliner chair or buying second-hand - it's possible to pick up a second-hand riser recliner chair from private sales websites such as eBay. Remember, there's no guarantee that the chair is the right fit for you, so it's best to follow the same steps as if you were buying new. You can hire a chair from specialist companies such as Mobilityhire.com.