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Best Heavy Duty Recliners For Big Men [500 Lbs+]

The Best Heavy Duty Recliners For Big Men Up To 500 Lbs

Tired of inferior recliner chairs that simply don’t make the cut?. I know I was, which is why I searched for countless hours to find what I believe to be the Best Heavy Duty Recliners For Big Men.

Here we list only the recliners suitable for the obese, overweight and heavy people. Including big and tall recliners as many of us large people have extra height as well.

Nothing substandard for us bigger folks. It’s time to kick the feet back and relax in style as we review some large capacity recliner chairs.

The Recliner You Buy Matters

Quick Links to Info on this Page:

Being a big guy myself, I know how important the right recliner is. Not only for durability and weight capacity. But also for ease of use. Which is why I tend to always recommend recliner-lift chairs for us heavy people.

A recliner alone is excellent, but when your larger than normal, getting out of the chair can be a massive struggle. Which is why I love these lift chairs that can tilt forward and basically ease the burden of trying to stand up. So let’s get into it.

Quick Recliner Comparison Chart

Capacity Features Price

Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair with Massage and Vibration, Taupe

400 LB 8 Point Massage, 150° Recline, Electric Power Lift, Thick Padding, 37"D x 37"W x 42"H
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Lane Home Furnishings 4501-19 Gladiator Cafe Rocker Recliner, Cafe,Medium

500 LB 24"
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Mega Motion NM7001-CDV-A01 Vance Ultimate Power Recliner Chair, Cafe Finish, Designed for The 5'8" to 6' Person, 3 Position, 2 Motor Lift, USB Port in Handwand, 500 Pound Occupant Weight Limit

500 LB 27"x27"
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Stallion Big Man (Extra Large) King of Comfort Wallsaver Recliner. Weight Capacity 500 Lbs. Ext. Length 79"

500 LB 25"x26" Seat, Reclines to the length of a King Mattress (suits Tall people up to 6'8", Thick 2.2 Hr Foam for extra padding.
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Catnapper Omni 4827 Power Full Lay-Out Large Heavy Duty Lift Chair Recliner 450 lb Capacity - Merlot Fabric

450 LB Made in USA, 24"x25" Seat, Powerful, yet safe 24 volt motor lifts with smooth, quiet efficiency Battery Backup System,
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Catnapper Mammoth Lay Flat Extra Large (Power Recline) Recliner with Ext. Ottoman. Free Curbside Delivery. Rated for Up to 400 Lbs. Ext. Length 85 in. The Lane Stallion Recliners Bigger Cousin.(Ink)

400 Lbs This chair is 'Mammoth' in size. Boasting a huge 26.5" Wide seat and oversized length (85"), this powered recliner is ideal for the big and tall folks.
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Catnapper Burns 4847 Power Dual Motor Infinate Position Full Lay Out Lift Chair Recliner 400 lb Capacity - Midnight Blue

400 LB 22"X22" Seat
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Seatcraft Pantheon - Big & Tall - Home Theater Seating - 400 lbs Capacity - Top Grain Leather - Power Recline - Powered Headrest and Lumbar - Cupholders - Arm Storage, Row of 2, Black

400 LB Per Seat 26.5"W x 24"D Seat Size, Available in up to 4 Seaters, ighted cup holders and base, hidden in-arm storage compartments, built-in SoundShaker bass shakers in each chair
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Dreamsir Oversized Rocker Recliner Chair, Manual Recliner Single Sofa Couch, Soft Fabric Overstuffed Rocking Chair for Living Room, Theater Seating for Big Man, Sandy

350 Lbs Oversized Manual 30 Degree Rocker and Recliner, Very soft padding with a breathable fabric finish.
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Signature Design by Ashley Clonmel Microfiber Power Zero Wall Wide Seat Adjustable Recliner, Brown

Unknown Extra Wide Recliner 57" Wide in total, Zero Wall power recliner, Soft luxurious polyester microfiber finish.
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

Mega Motion Infinite Position Power Easy Comfort Lift Chair Lifting Recliner FC-101 Infinite Recline Rising Electric Chaise Lounger - Element Blue Color Fabric

325 Lbs 20"x23", 2 Stage Motor Lift with Zero Gravity Infinite Position, USB Port, Side Pockets and more.
CHECK PRICE AMAZON

400 Lb Weight Capacity Recliner With Massage Function

Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair with Massage and Vibration, Taupe


This massage/recliner chair by Homegear has been made with comfort and convenience in mind which I feel they have succeeded in doing. It offers some excellent features that should be on all recliners if mobility is limited.

Often the hardest thing about a recliner is getting out of it and with just how far back this chair goes it could have been an issue. That’s not the case thanks to the electric-powered motor.

When you’re a big person, getting out of the recliner after a nice relaxing time can be very difficult. It’s so much harder to pull yourself up when you are carrying around a few extra hundred pounds.

Fortunately, the Homegear recliner features an excellent power lift and a very high capacity of 400 lbs. Just these two features alone are worthy of claiming this to be one of the best heavy-duty recliners on the market. Not too many, if any recliners can hold someone over 350 pounds, so this is certainly a rarity.

Full 150° Recline, Even As An Obese Person

Many consider best thing about a recliner is that they recline back into a super comfortable position. So I really like how Homegear allows this chair to go back the full 150° so you’re able to lay down and forget about the world for a while.

The fact you can recline this far back without tipping or breaking the recliner for up to 400 pounds is astonishing. Being able to recline this chair so far back might worry some people for some very valid reasons, especially when you weigh more than 300 pounds. You can have peace of mind knowing that this recliner has been designed with an anti-back-tipping design to help with preventing this issue.

Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair with Massage and Vibration, Taupe

Features Durable Taupe Fabric

When it comes to upholstery for a recliner it can often get overlooked, which it shouldn’t in my opinion. Having the wrong upholstery on your recliner can make it uncomfortable when you sit for long periods. Especially as a bigger size person trying to relax on a hot summers day. 

With this chair using a durable fabric material rather than bonded leather, sweating is far less of an issue. Fabric material is designed to breathe better on hot days and nights. Getting hot and sticky on leather is not my ideal way to relax, so this durable fabric material is certainly a blessing for me.

Simple Things Done Right

Getting the simplest of things right is far more important then you might think. If they get the smallest thing right it tells me that the company actually cares about the product they’re putting their name on.

So while putting dual storage pouches on this recliner may come across as a small feature, it’s one I know many people appreciate. But at the end of the day, it’s the heavy-duty 400 lb weight capacity and full recline that makes this recliner simply one of the best out there for heavy people.

Homegear Fabric Power Lift Electric Recliner Chair with Massage and Vibration, Taupe

$569.99


Heavy-Duty Power Recliner

One of the first features people look to is recliners for heavy weights. The capacity to hold you safely should always he high on your priority list.

Lane Home Furnishings 4501-19 Gladiator Cafe Rocker Recliner, Cafe,Medium

Like many of the recliners on this list, this Gladiator by Lane Home Furnishings has a high weight capacity of 500 pounds. Which is ideal for someone wanting a power recliner over 400lbs for their body weight.

The heavy-duty rating of this recliner is enforced by the fact Lane has used 7-gauge steel components when constructing this chair. The higher the steel gauge, the thicker the components are. Being a 7 gauge, you’re getting a heavy duty steel component recliner.

To add to the strength and durability of this recliner, Lane has also bolted the armrests to the mainframe of the recline. This adds an extra element of safety and security when reclining in this chair.

Reclining Is Super Easy

Once you sit down on the relatively 24-inch wide seat, you can feel the robust heavy-duty nature of this chair immediately. The true test comes when you have to recline in it. There’s nothing scarier as a big person than putting your life in the hands of gravity.

Reclining back on this 79 inch long recliner is doing just that. Fortunately, the Gladiator is up to the task. It provides the safety and reassurance a big person needs to recline back so far. One of the best power recliners for someone over 400 lbs.

Lane Home Furnishings 4501-19 Gladiator Cafe Rocker Recliner, Cafe,Medium

The reclining motion is put into motion by pushing the button located on the left side. The button is at an easy to reach location, even if you have short arms. To engage the recline, you simply hold down the button, first the footrest will raise and then follows the gentle recline of the backrest.

You can stop the recline motion at any time by releasing your finger off the button. This allows you to have the chair in any position you like as you sit back and relax in true comfort.

I rate the Gladiator considerably high on the list of best heavy duty recliners simply for the fact it’s powered and built for larger people. The framework is there, the durability is there an most importantly, the confidence to recline safely is there. Finding a heavy duty recliner that uses power to recline is rare, so I appreciate the fact Lane has provided this option for us larger folks.

Lane Home Furnishings 4501-19 Gladiator Cafe Rocker Recliner, Cafe,Medium


Recliners For Heavy Weights

The Mega Motion company has released a Mega superior lift recliner chair just for us oversized fellas. Ok so not just for us big guys but you get the point. This is great news because Mega Motion is famous in the mobility industry and specializes in equipment to help specific people who find normal life activities a tad bit harder than the common folk.

Mega Motion NM7001-CDV-A01 Vance Ultimate Power Recliner Chair, Cafe Finish, Designed for The 5'8" to 6' Person, 3 Position, 2 Motor Lift, USB Port in Handwand, 500 Pound Occupant Weight Limit

This particular recliner for heavy weight is rated to a maximum of 500 lbs. That includes the lift feature as well. So to get in and out of the chair much easier all you have to do is press 1 button and your ready for easy sitting.

It reclines to 3 different positions including full recline so you can really relax in comfort. The recline feature is powered by an electric motor which is controlled by a handy remote (That can’t get lost because it’s attached to the recliner).

500 LB Power Lift Recliner Also Available In Ocean Blue

As for comfort and style, I usually prefer fabric chairs, and it’s no different from the Mega Motion Heavy Duty Big Lift Chair. There’s nothing worse than on a hot summer day and your skin sticks to the vinyl or leather sofa.

Mega Motion Easy Comfort Superior 3 Position Heavy Duty Big Lift Chair 500 lb Capacity Chaise Lounge Recliner - Ocean Bl

This material chair comes in a variety of colors too, so your not short on choices. I personally like this Ocean Blue variety. However, I have found it hard to track down Availability is often scarce.

Overall, I like the amount of cushioning on this recliner, its a good balance between over the top squishy and rock hard. For a power lift recliner to be able to handle up to 500 pounds in weight is just mind blowing to me. Congratulations to Mega Motion for thinking about us larger folks.

Mega Motion Easy Comfort Superior 3 Position Heavy Duty Big Lift Chair 500 lb Capacity Chaise Lounge Recliner – Ocean Bl


Best Big And Tall Recliners 500 Lbs


What a recliner chair this beast is, or should I say ‘Comfort King’. It’s another heavy duty recliner with a load-bearing capacity of 500 lbs. In my opinion, the best big and tall recliners on the current market. Brought to you by Lane Furniture and is proudly made in the USA.

Stallion Big Man (Extra Large) King of Comfort Wallsaver Recliner. Weight Capacity 500 Lbs. Ext. Length 79"

Specifically Designed For The Big And Tall People

There’s so much to love about this recliner chair but the most important factors are what matters most. Firstly this Comfort King recliner is suitable for big and tall people.

The high back and headrest ensure that tall people can easily relax in comfort. In fact, when fully reclined, this chair is the same length as a King size mattress which makes it suitable for people up to around 6’8″ in height. To be precise, the chair measures 40″ x 44″ x 48″.

If your height bothers you and you want more options, there’s this article just on tall peoples recliners which may be of further help.

The Comfort King Is Rated Heavy Duty

When you recline in this chair, the wall-saver feature moves the chair forward automatically so that you’re not banging into your walls. Its frame is made from all steel including the seat box, which is how it gets its heavy-duty rating.

The chair itself just looks so cozy and comfortable from all the thick padding, even on the footrest. The ComfortKing By Lane Furnishings is an all-round must-have chair for comfortable, relaxing, and watching the flat screen while confidently reclining in style. Big and tall people are in heaven with this recliner.

Stallion Big Man (Extra Large) King of Comfort Wallsaver Recliner. Weight Capacity 500 Lbs. Ext. Length 79″


Big Boys Recliner – 450Lbs Lift Capacity

More Than Just A Cat Nap!


Heavy-duty frame, heavy-duty materials, cushioning and pure comfort. This CatNapper 450 lb weight capacity recliner is one chair not to be messed with.

Catnapper Omni 4827 Power Full Lay-Out Large Heavy Duty Lift Chair Recliner 450 lb Capacity - Merlot Fabric

It’s a massive chair that will keep you coming back for more. The oversized pockets on the sides are truly huge and perfect for almost anything you can think of. This is one chair you won’t want to get out of in a hurry.

Heavy-Duty Build

Being a heavy duty lift chair means it’s a good choice for obese and heavy people who struggle to get in and out of a normal sofa or chairs. All powered by an electric motor that seamlessly can recline to multiple positions.

One nice feature on this chair is the backup power. So if you lose electricity for any reason, you won’t be left stuck in an awkward position unable to get out. The backup power comes from 9v batteries. Make sure you take advantage of this feature. Really important.

As for comfort levels, it’s hard to be disappointed with the Omni Catnapper. If you have ever slept in a recliner before or basically use a recliner as a bed, I think you’re in for a treat.

Amazing things can happen when you sleep in a lift chair of this caliber. It’s also an acceptable temporary bed for people with bad backs or suffering from surgery. However, be sure to consult your doctor before using any chair as a sleeping apparatus.  They should have named this chair the Everyday Napper!. Made in the USA.

Catnapper Omni 4827 Power Full Lay-Out Large Heavy Duty Lift Chair Recliner 450 lb Capacity – Merlot Fabric

$1,599.00


Best Big Man’s Lay Flat Recliner

For Up To 400 Lbs


For those that simply can’t have anything but pure comfort, then I think you will love this heavy duty ‘Lay Flat’ Power Recliner Chair by Catnapper. It’s rated to hold up to 400 pounds of weight and this is thanks to the well constructed steel seat frame.

Catnapper Mammoth Lay Flat Extra Large (Power Recline) Recliner with Ext. Ottoman. Free Curbside Delivery. Rated for Up to 400 Lbs. Ext. Length 85 in. The Lane Stallion Recliners Bigger Cousin.(Ink)

The steel seat box shouldn’t warp out of place which tends to happen with the wooden frame recliners. This alone is a great feature for the heavy person looking for a reliable and sturdy recliner. 

Mammoth Dimensions 

This chair is known as ‘The Mammoth’ and its easy to see why. This chair is huge! Catnapper weren’t messing around when they created this beast of a chair. In fact, the chair is recommended for people over 6 foot.

But its not just the length of the chair that is astounding, but the seat width also. With a 26.5″ distance between the arms, the extra wide seat gives you the space needed to really sit back and relax. This in combination with the 400 pound rating, makes the Mammoth a great choice for big and tall people. 

A little feature I like about this recliner is the memory foam gel inserts. This adds a nice finishing touch to really amplify the comfort level. Us larger folks need as much padding as possible, by having these gel memory foam inserts it gives you that little bit more comfort and support. 

Catnapper Mammoth Lay Flat Extra Large (Power Recline) Recliner with Ext. Ottoman. Free Curbside Delivery. Rated for Up to 400 Lbs. Ext. Length 85 in. The Lane Stallion Recliners Bigger Cousin.(Ink)


Heavy Duty Theatre Room Recliners

400 Lb Capacity Per Seat


When it comes to theatre recliners it’s hard to go past this top of the line recliner from Seatcraft. These recliner will improve your home theatre experience by not only being comfortable but offering a lot of 21t century features that are there to make your life easier.

Seatcraft Pantheon - Big & Tall - Home Theater Seating - 400 lbs Capacity - Top Grain Leather - Power Recline - Powered Headrest and Lumbar - Cupholders - Arm Storage, Row of 2, Black

When designing this recliner Seatcraft made sure they kept big and tall people in the picture. They did this by giving this recliner a wider seat and deeper seat that makes it more comfortable to sit in. The width of the seat itself is 26.5-inches and the depth is an impressive 24-inches.

The weight capacity is 400 pounds per seat and this is a result of the reinforced wood frame construction. A high-quality hardwood is a better option for heavy people as it is not prone to bending and warping like cheaper steel.

Feature Packed

The number of features on this recliner is incredible with all of them designed to make your experience better. Something as simple as having lights for its cup holders so you can find it in the dark. You’re able to turn these off if this is something that you’re not a fan of.

The backrest alone on this recliner is taken to another level as you’re able to adjust the headrest, recline, and the lumbar on it at the touch of a button. It’s made even better by how you’re able to save your favorite position on it so the next time you use it you can press a button and get back to your favorite spot.

Seatcraft Pantheon - Big & Tall - Home Theater Seating - 400 lbs Capacity - Top Grain Leather - Power Recline - Powered Headrest and Lumbar - Cupholders - Arm Storage, Row of 2, Black

Even More Quality Of Life Improvements

No matter who you are there is a good chance you have a phone or an iPad that you use to relax when you’re on a recliner. It can be annoying when you’re using it and the battery starts to die so you need to go leave it on charge. This recliner has a USB charging port so you’re able to use your phone without worry of it dying on you.

Adding simple things like a hidden storage compartment in the arms and swivel tray tables really do add to an already impressive recliner. Then something like the ambient lighting underneath the chair is added and the chair looks even better in the dark. You’re also able to turn the light off as well if you don’t like that feature.

The SeatCraft Theatre Chairs Are available in 400 pound rated single chair recliner to seats of up to 4 (The LoveSeat)

Seatcraft Pantheon – Big & Tall – Home Theater Seating – 400 lbs Capacity – Top Grain Leather – Power Recline – Powered Headrest and Lumbar – Cupholders – Arm Storage, Row of 2, Brown


Extra Strong Recliner Chair 400 Lb Limit


The advantages of owning a powered recliner far outweigh the higher upfront cost in my opinion. With how easy they make it too get out of the recliner and get into a good position it’s difficult to go back to having to do it the old fashioned manual way.

Catnapper Burns 4847 Power Dual Motor Infinate Position Full Lay Out Lift Chair Recliner 400 lb Capacity - Midnight Blue

With the power system in this Catnapper Burns recliner getting out of your recliner will be something that is no longer an issue for you. Having such a great engine and this quality of life improvement makes this a recliner you should consider to make your life easier.

Assembly of this chair can be a little difficult for those who might not be the most mechanically minded. Thankfully there is an option to have someone to put it together for you but it will cost a little bit extra. This is something you should consider as having a rough assembling process can ruin your opinion of something when the product itself is really good.

When You Demand Comfort

The woven velvet upholstery is durable and really comfortable against your skin when sitting on this recliner. It’s also very breathable for when you need to sit for longer periods of time which adds to the comfort of this recliner even more.

One thing that really adds to the comfort of this recliner is the ability to just raise the legs without needing to recline the whole chair. This is a small thing but it can allow for a variety of comfortable positions that help with trying to get the right angle to face the tv you’re watching.

Heavy-Duty Is The Focus

The reclining mechanism inside a recliner needs to be extremely tough and really durable. It’s one of the most important parts of a recliner so it’s not something that should be ignored.

Catnapper made the right choice in making this mechanism out of steel which is really durable. As a result of the reinforcements, this recliner has a capacity of 400 pounds.

Catnapper 4847 (Ash) Burns Power Lift Recliner Chair.-Rated for 400 lbs. 72″ Ext. Length. Duo Motor Lift Chair. Controls Back and Ottoman Separately. Lay Flat Recliner. Free Curbside Delivery.

$1,549.00


Heavy Duty Recliners –  Extra Wide

As we know, weight capacity is not everything. Some of us just have larger rear ends. So a recliner with 500 pounds capacity may be more than enough, but simply not wide enough.

Fortunately, there are some heavy duty extra wide recliner options out there for us. One of the widest recliners I’ve come across is the wall-saver powered recliner by Ashley Furniture which is now on amazon.

When I say wide, I mean wide. This recliner is basically the size of a love seat but designed for single person use. So do keep this in mind when buying to make sure you have sufficient space in your room for this big boys recliner.

Signature Design by Ashley Clonmel Microfiber Power Zero Wall Wide Seat Adjustable Recliner, Brown

How Wide Is The Clonmel Recliner?

This oversized recliner has a total width of 57 inches, which is quite wide when you compare it to some of the other high capacity recliners. While the extra-wide seat is big enough for 2, it’s perfect for one just one big man or woman.

Note that it doesn’t recline fully flat, but close enough for the average height person. However, taller people may not enjoy the leg space the Clonmel offers.

The weight capacity is not exactly specified. I have heard rumors that it is technically around the 350lb mark, but I have also heard people over 400 pounds comfortably use this recliner.

But overall, it’s hard to dispute that this is not one of the widest seat recliners available for a single person. In terms of comfort, it’s very well padded and is finished with a plush microfiber material. So no sticking to leather on hot days with the Clonmel by Ashley Furniture. The only issue is fitting it through narrow door frames, so do keep this in mind when buying. 

Signature Design by Ashley Clonmel Microfiber Power Zero Wall Wide Seat Adjustable Recliner, Gray


350 LB Capacity Recliner Rocker

Best For Overweight People


While it’s great to see more and more manufacturers catering to people that weigh up to 500 pounds, it’s important that there’s ample quality recliner choices for overweight people. Because as we all know, the higher the weight rating, the more expensive the product genuinely is. 

Dreamsir Oversized Rocker Recliner Chair, Manual Recliner Single Sofa Couch, Soft Fabric Overstuffed Rocking Chair for Living Room, Theater Seating for Big Man, Sandy

when you weigh under 350 pounds, there’s not really much point in spending twice the amount to buy a 500 pound rated chair. So with that in mind, lets have a look at the best recliner for an overweight person weighing up to 350 pounds. 

Affordable Yet Practical Reclining Rocker

Upon first glance of the ‘Dreamsir’ recliner, you instantly get that feeling of oversized, well padded luxurious comfort. Just by looking at this chair you can tell its going to be comfortable, even if you’re not an overweight person. 

But if you are overweight, you are in for a treat. Boasting a 350 pound weight capacity, the Dreamsir is in my opinion one of the better choices for overweight, yet not obese people. I say overweight because the seat size is not the widest, coming in at 20.4″ wide, so its not really suitable for a morbidly obese sized person. However the seat height is quite suitable, measuring 22″ from top of seat to the floor. 

Dreamsir Oversized Rocker Recliner Chair, Manual Recliner Single Sofa Couch, Soft Fabric Overstuffed Rocking Chair for Living Room, Theater Seating for Big Man, Sandy

In terms of reclining, the Dreamsir also offers a 30 degree rocking feature, which I quite enjoy. Not all recliners offer a rocking feature, so its a nice touch. The chair reclines back 160 degrees, which is not quite flat, but in my opinion, a more comfortable position when chilling out watching TV. 

Overall Dreamsir have nailed it in terms of an affordable, manual rocking recliner. Just enough padding and comfort to suit someone weighing in the 300’s, while offering decent seat space at the same time.  

Dreamsir Oversized Rocker Recliner Chair, Manual Recliner Single Sofa Couch, Soft Fabric Overstuffed Rocking Chair for Living Room, Theater Seating for Big Man, Sandy


Best Recliner For Someone That Weighs 300 Lb


Another great lift chair for overweight people that weigh around 300 lb is by Mega Motion. The infinite position chair does just what it’s called. Two individual motors allow you to position both the chair and the footrest to any position imaginable.

Mega Motion Infinite Position Power Easy Comfort Lift Chair Lifting Recliner FC-101 Infinite Recline Rising Electric Chaise Lounger - Element Blue Color Fabric

This is ideal for people to find the correct position that suits there personal needs.

The material on the chair is so soft to touch and combined with adequate cushioning makes a really comfortable chair or temporary bed. This recliner has a heavy duty rating of 325 pounds. So make sure you adhere to the weight restriction ratings.

Like it’s bigger Brother, this chair also has the backup power feature for those untimely electricity shutoffs. The lift feature also works like a charm for easy access. With quite a few choices for color, I see this recliner being a popular choice among the heavy community.

Mega Motion Infinite Position Power Easy Comfort Lift Chair Lifting Recliner FC-101 Infinite Recline Rising Electric Chaise Lounger – Element Blue Color Fabric

$1,198.00


Video Review: 5 Recliners For Big Men


What To Look For When Buying A Big Mans Recliner

If none of the above recliners really do it for you, what are your options?. To continue the search or to drop your comments below with what you are after. If you decide to keep looking for suitable recliner chairs that meet your needs, there are a few things to consider when searching.

1. Try In-Store

While you can often find a bargain online, you don’t get to interact with the chair. This can lead to disappointment when the chair arrives. So if you have the opportunity to view these recliners on a showroom floor, go for it.

2. Take Weight Capacities With A Grain Of Salt

The scariest thing about buying a recliner chair as a big person is breaking the chair due to excessive weight. So naturally, we look for the official weight capacity of a recliner.

But just like when buying a heavy duty treadmill, you don’t actually know how these recliners are weight tested. Sometimes it’s just a marketing ploy when in fact the chairs haven’t had extensive use. So the safest bet is to look for consumer reviews that are around your weight and compare.

3. It’s All In The Seat

A comfortable sitting seat can make or break your new recliner purchase. This is why it’s important to consider 3 factors regarding the seat:

  1. Seat Width: Will it be wide enough for you to actually sit in?
  2. Seat Depth: If you’re short or tall, the depth of the seat will determine how comfortably you fit in the chair. If the depth is too short, the tall people will have only their backsides planted, while if the depth is too deep, short people won’t be able to have their feet planted on the ground properly.
  3. Seat Height: This matters for both tall and short people again. But it’s also important for heavy people as the lower the seat is, the harder it is to pull yourself out of the chair. Especially if its a well-padded and plush recliner.

Type Of ReclinerTypes Of Recliners For Heavy People

The type of recliner you buy is just as important as the weight capacity. The manual more traditional recliners can be hard to operate if you are too large or if you have a disability.

So it’s important to check what type of manual action handle the recliner has. Some are wooden levers while others are small inconspicuous inward handles.

Of course, there are the electric recliner chairs that take the grief out of using a manually operated recliner chair. Just make sure the buttons to operate the recliner are in a convenient location.

If they are too far down the side of the chair, it can be very difficult to navigate the body over to push the buttons.

If getting in and out of any recliner is too much for you, or if using a manual handle release is too much work, the best bet for a bigger person is to opt for an extra wide power lift chair. These chairs do all the hard work for you. With the push of a button on the remote, you can have the chair raise up so you can sit in it while standing and vice versa.

Does Being Too Heavy Void Recliner Warranty

One thing that has always worried me about being a heavy person is voiding warranty due to my weight. While I have broken many chairs over the years as they have been designed for regular size people, not this big boy, I never bothered claiming warranty on the chairs.

So what would happen if you broke one of these heavy-duty recliners as a result of being too heavy? If there is a specified weight limit on the description of the chair, chances are you would be out of pocket. I don’t see any company happily forking over the money on a  product you broke as a result of being too big.

Especially as it has been specified before purchase. However, this is just how I feel and some companies may not undertake this practice.

A Recliner Chairs Weight Capacity?Recliner Chairs Weight Capacity

Many times a recliner will have a weight capacity as a guide for the consumer. While it may have been tested out the back of the shop to hold a 500 lb weight on a once-off occasion, does this mean that the recliner can safely have a 500-pound man using it day after day?

This is the question that has bugged me for some time. I know some companies do in fact test their products for extended use, but how many really do.

Never Exceed The Weight Rating

Which leads me to the point of, never exceeding a specific weight capacity. That is if you’re concerned about warranty and extended warranty options. If a recliner states that it has a heavy duty rating of 500 pounds and you weight 510 pounds, either lose a few pounds or look for another chair.

Why? Because you may void the warranty should the chair break on you.

2 Examples Of Voiding Warranty As A Result Of Exceeding The Weight Limit

  1. Clinton Industries who specialize in medical products such as chairs, cabinets, etc mention in their 5 year warranty that the combined weight, stationary weigh, etc, should it exceed the specified weight capacity will void the warranty.
  2. OFM who do a few products for heavy people also state in their warranty claims the weight capacities and what they consider normal use. As they have specified the weight ratings and normal use, should you not adhere to these conditions, I would assume warranty could be void.

The Recliner Chair Heavy Duty Components

There’s more to a recliner than you might first think and this is especially true when you want something that’s more heavy-duty. The materials it’s made out of is crucial and things like quality control can’t be ignored. Learning what these are and why they’re important will help when you’re looking for that new heavy-duty recliner.

What Goes Into A Heavy-Duty Recliner

In general, there are roughly 4 main components of a recliner that will affect how heavy-duty it is. Just ignoring one of them can lead to an inferior product that won’t give you peace of mind when you go to use them.

The best thing the frame of a recliner can be made out of is some kind of hardwood, which thankfully most recliners are. Hardwood is essential in giving the chair more durability as hardwood is less likely to bow or crack compared to softwood. Then they also reinforce the frame with nuts and bolts with some chairs using steel corners for extra support.

When it comes to the insides of a heavy-duty recliner you can’t afford to not pay attention to what the padding is made out of. Most companies will go with a polyurethane foam since it’s good at holding its shape and being comfortable.

The last few things that go into making a recliner heavy-duty is what the fabric is made out of and how good is the activating mechanism. The fabric needs to be strong as it will be pushed and pulled against so it needs to handle that. Most activating mechanisms are made out of steel since it’s durable and can handle the constant movement.

The Companies Quality Control

Most companies have will have inspectors to go over the quality over the chair even tho they don’t need to if it’s for residential use. This can make going for something that was meant for an office will be more durable but often not as comfortable. Thankfully there aren’t a lot of companies who will skip doing this.

How Strong Is A Heavy Duty Recliner?What Makes A Recliner Heavy Duty

Depending on how thick the gauge of the steel frame can help determine the heavy-duty nature of the recliner. It’s something that isn’t very difficult to understand but a lot of people don’t actually know there are different gauges of steel when it comes to furniture.

What Do The Numbers Mean?

You can be reading a review on a recliner and it mentions the recliner has 14 gauge steel and another has 10 gauge. Most people will instantly go 14 is higher than 10 and think that 14 is stronger. This isn’t the case as the lower the number the thicker and more durable the steel is.

The gauge of steel is the measurement they use for how thick the steel is. The gauge of the steel can also affect what it’s made of and might cause the steel to have some aluminum in it. So more goes into then you might think but the simple answer is the lower the number the thicker and more heavy-duty the steel is.

How Can This Affect Furniture?

Something that has a higher gauge like 20 won’t be as durable but will weigh less than something with a lower gauge. So it becomes a system of do you want something stronger but weighs more or something lightweight that won’t hold more weight.

Going with something that’s a lower gauge like 14 will mean that the steel itself is thick and durable. By being that much thicker does mean that the piece of furniture will weigh more and can make it difficult to move.

So if you want a heavy-duty recliner as you weigh more than 250 lbs, you should aim for something that has a lower gauge steel. There’s absolutely no point in cutting corners here because if the recline isn’t constructed to be strong enough to hold a 400-pound person, then you are in for a surprise.

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  1. Bri says:

    My brother in law is coming to live with us and I want him to be comfortable. He’s about 350lbs and I would like a stylish living room reclining lift chair also one for his bedroom and a mattress set if you sell mattresses

  2. Stan says:

    Would you please update your website. 3 of your 10 suggestions are no longer available. They may be available in different fabrics, but when I click on the Amazon link 3 of them are no longer available

  3. BigManNeedsBigChair says:

    Looking for a recliner or oversized chair for 700+lbs now that living xl is gone I haven’t been able to find anything. Do you have any suggestions?

  4. Genie says:

    Great discussion for obesity person. I I think this informative and helpful.Thanks

  5. Genie says:

    I am very impressed reading this post and I can say this article will help who are tall person.

  6. Rich says:

    Hi, I’m a Disabled Veteran who is 6’2″ ,350 lbs,currently in a Nursing home till October 9th. Then I’ll be moving to an Assisted living facility. I’m looking for a Big man 400lbs, no power lift, massage and heat would be nice but not necessary. I do need a Handle to raise and lower the footrest and if possible for it to be on the left size. Because I’m a Stroke survivor. Not looking for a Top of the line, as I’m on a Very Limited Budget.

    • bigman says:

      Hi Rich, Unfortunately, most massage chairs are quite hefty in price. However, the Stallion is a really good recliner chair. After doing some research I found that this chair even has a heat and massage model with a 500 pound weight capacity. But the lever is on the right side unfortunately as manufacturers cater to the majority it would seem. You can check the price on amazon for this massage and heat recliner.

  7. Ames says:

    I know you cannot recommend going over the maximum weight capacity of a power recliner or lift chair, but I’m wondering if anyone has heard anecdotally about folks who weigh 550 lbs. using a chair with a 450 lb. weight limit and whether or not any chair might withstand 550 lbs successfully. Thanks in advance for any insights.

  8. Billy says:

    The Beast line of recliners from Best Home Furnishings. Hands down the best “big man” recliner.

  9. Kareema says:

    My son is 6’7″ & weighs around 360-365lbs. He doesn’t need a lift chair, but can you recommend one that can also accomdate his long legs when reclined?

  10. Chris Cronick says:

    Hi! Great article! Looking for something for my 80 year old father. It has to be a long for the foot rest, has to be sturdy and wide as he’s about 320lbs and since he’s a little older, I’d like to try a lift.

    His recliner now is so hard for him to get the feet down ???? so he leaves it up. It’s his birthday soon and I’d love to surprise him. Thank you so much!

  11. Mike says:

    Thanks for this site bigman I am always looking for something I can’t find or they don’t make it. I was even looking for a loveseat double lift chair. They make a chair for 700 lb. people but it doesn’t have the chase lounge. I appreciate your site and will comment from time to time I’m sure.

  12. Karla says:

    Hi. I read your article with great interest. I’m currently looking for a recliner. I would love to get a “lay flat” oversized recliner but want something heavy duty to stand up to a great deal of use. I was looking at the Catnapper by Jackson Furniture but they seem to get a lot of negative reviews. Finding a good quality lay flat in other brands that don’t rock, swivel or glide that I can afford has been less than successful. Any suggestions?

    • bigman says:

      Hi Karla, unfortunately there isn’t a great range of very high capacity recliners that can fully recline due to the overbalancing of weight. Have you considered the Infinite Position Mega Motion, it has a 325 lb capacity and can recline almost completely flat.

  13. Bridget says:

    Looking for a rocker, power, recliner for my 6″3 280pound husband. What do you recommend?? Without breaking the bank.

    • bigman says:

      Hi Bridget. Have you considered the Mega Motion LC-200. It has a weight capacity of 329lbs and is a power recliner. It’s hard not to break the bank when buying an electric recliner which will last and hold heavy weights at the same time. But the LC-200 is moderately priced in my opinion.

  14. Garry says:

    I’m about 6 feet tall (give or take a couple inches with or without shoes on) and knocking on the door of 400 pounds.

    Years ago I used to have a rocker/swivel recliner that I LOVED so much. It was comfortable yet sturdy like a ROCK. Eventually the upholstery and stuffing wore out and it was thrown away. How I wish I still had that chair! 🙁

    Is there ANYTHING out there on the market that’s the same yet durable enough to hold my weight comfortably?

    I don’t really need the lift capability …though if it comes with the chair I’m not going to turn it down 🙂

    Thanks for any suggestions.

    • bigman says:

      Hi Garry. Don’t you hate it when you lose a favorite piece of furniture. My office chair is currently falling apart at the seems and it will be a tragic disposal. Anyways, have you had a look at the Mega Motion Easy Comfort lift chair?. It’s fabric which I prefer and has a weight capacity of 500 lbs. Not the cheapest chair going around but sometimes quality is more important than price.

  15. Mary Stebbins says:

    where do I look for a lift recliner cover for a man with incontinence? Need both new recliner and heavy duty waterPROOF cover as he has a lot of accidents.
    Thank you

    • Mike says:

      Have you thought about a mattress cover? I’m looking for a lift chair for 500 pounds or more a chase lounge,and a wide seat that is at least three positions.

  16. Joseph says:

    Nay suggestions for a big AND TALL recliner? I’m 6’6″ and weigh 360lbs with a long torso and my head is too high for most recliners.

  17. D. Snyder says:

    Thanks for sharing this info on “Big Man” recliners! I have a similar need, however I did not want lift nor a rocker.

    Some other possibilities. (Note these are manufacturer site links, you must search out a dealer to purchase- Edit Found Recliners On Amazon).

    Catnapper Malone was my favorite. 400lb rating. Manual or power.

    Flash Furniture 2 models in several styles. 350lb.

    I have tried the Catnapper Malone, the Beast Rake and the Beast Troubador. I found all to be very comfortable. Malone and Rake were comparable in comfort and quality feel. The Troubador was the most comfortable, although did not seem to be built as well, reflected in it’s rated capacity of 350lb vs the others 400lb. I was unable to find any of the Flash furniture products for a test sit in my area.

    I ended up with the Catnapper Malone powered version.

    Hope this info is helpful to someone. Best of luck in your search!

    –DES

  18. Jane Allen says:

    This was so well put together. Especially for heavy people who often have a difficulty finding the right fit, when it comes to recliners. I always thought the La-Z-Boy takes care of that population segment but you’ve mentioned some brands I never knew about. I found this article useful.

    • Sandy says:

      Ditto what Steve says about La-Z-Boy. We bought a big/tall La-Z-Boy recliner, and we’re constantly having to repair the foot/leg rest. We had bought that brand due to past positive experience, but their products are not the good quality they used to be.

      • Karen Swan says:

        I will never buy a La-Z-Boy recliner again. They used to be well made from hardwood, but now they’re chipboard on a metal frame; and they don’t hold up well even for someone like me who is overweight but not huge. Now, my son is 6’8″ tall and weighs 537 pounds, he needs a long, heavy-duty chair. I’ve been looking at the Lane Stallion recliner on-line and read your description above, but want to know if you’ve actually used the chairs you describe and have actual experience with them or know people who do. If so, what has your experience been?

        • Timothy Cook says:

          I have a stallion and I am not happy. It has not been right since I bought it. They replaced the frame and now when I pull up on the left arm it comes up and it feels like its falling apart. They are coming to “fix” it at the end of the month. I hope they do.

          • bigman says:

            I hope they come and fix it good for you Timothy. With any product, there’s bound to be a dud. Lets hope they can fix this dud up for you.

    • steve says:

      lazy boy no longer has the equality of the past

  19. Christine says:

    Why arent there any big women chairs?

    • Jose Jimenez Johnson Goldstein says:

      Oh, yes, you’ll definitely want to get the women’s version. These models have a special divot in the seat cushion where the man’s testicle’s are cradled when he sits… (eye roll)

      They just say Big Man because ladies don’t take to kindly to being called “Big”. Where some guys pride themselves on being a “Big Guy”, suggesting someone take a look at “One of those “Big Girl” recliners would likely get someone killed. Can you imagine being a salesman and offering a “Big Girl” recliner to a woman?

      If you’re big- take a look, it’s not gender specific…

      So,

    • bigman says:

      Some of these chairs come in a variety of colors. So if that’s is what you mean by ‘Womens’chairs.

      • shawna says:

        Good grief. Color isn’t the issue. It’s hard to find a recliner for a short heavy person. Any suggestions? I’m 5’2″ and the leg spring always breaks on my chairs.

  20. Michael says:

    I’ve been searching for a big rocker recliner for two years. Everything I have sat in is horrible. Not one has been comfortable. I am 300lb 6’1″ tall. Every chair I sit in my head is above the back headrest so when I put my head back I’m looking at the ceiling. Who puts a TV on the ceiling? And the salesman didn’t actually understand what I was saying. I also don’t want my feet, ankles hanging over the lest rest when extended. That happens all the time and very uncomfortable. It has been such a big problem for me to find a quality chair I may hire someone to actually build one for me.

  21. Michael says:

    Been looking for a large mens recliner for over a year. Furniture is the hardest thing to shop for since you really have to sit in it before you buy it. I want a leather big mens recliner with power. Doesn’t need power lift, but power. To independently change the back and legs at different times. I don’t like those 1 button touch models. I’m over 6 feet tall and weigh 365 lb’s. Most recliners I sit in my legs are just too long. I need something large. Any suggestions?

  22. Wendy says:

    Hi I am looking for heavy duty recliner for 450 lbs capacity without lifting, but I am in Ontario, Canada. Can you direct me to the location that carries them?

  23. Kenny says:

    What would you say is the best recliner for a 400 pound guy like me. Im not too tall but taller then average. I dont want my feet hanging off the edge of the chair when in reclined position. Can you recommend a recliner that can suit my needs and last a long time? thanks

    • Clayton Harley says:

      I’m a 355 guy. My choice for the last decade has been the Best Furniture “Beast” product line, specifically the “Savanta” model. They make 4-5 different variations (one is a lift chair).
      My feet don’t hang off the end, but I have to scoot up and back when getting in and out of the chair. When slid to the back of the seat, my knees don’t even reach the edge of the seat.
      Well padded and comfortable…but the price is over one thousand dollars.
      Mine seem to last about 6-7 years before wearing out.

    • bigman says:

      Hi Kenny,
      Thanks for stopping by to check out these recliners for big men. Because you are 400 pounds, I always recommend big guys to go above there weight. Because of the initial impact of sitting on the recliner is heavier then 400 Lbs so I would say to aim for a 450 pound capacity recliner. Such as the Catnapper Power Lift Recline

      . it’s a really tough recliner and rated to hold 450 lbs. However if your over 6’1″ tall your feet may slightly hang off the edge in reclined position. As you didn’t stated how tall you are, I believe the Catnapper will suit your needs just beautifully. Let us know what recliner you end up buying.

      • STAN JONES says:

        The Stallion with power recline will actually be available in June 2017

      • STAN JONES says:

        Hi Kenny
        The Lane Stallion recliner is made to hold weights of up to 500 lbs and lays out the length of a king size bed. 79″.
        It is also available with heat and massage which is a great addition. It is available as a non rocking wallsaver, a rocker and will be available in power recline in June of 2016
        If you are looking for a big man lift chair it is hard to beat the Lane Boss Lift chair. It is built to hold weights of up to 450 lbs. It has an option of a 6 motor heat and massage which feel great. It also has a usb plug and 2 power plugs in the arm. A great feature for those of us who are tied to our phones, tablets or laptops.