La-Z-Boy Power Recliners vs. the Competition: Which is Best for You?

Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins

Power recliners have become a staple in modern living rooms, offering effortless relaxation at the touch of a button. But not all power furniture is created equal. 

With so many options available, from value-focused brands like Ashley to premium Canadian manufacturers like Palliser and Elran, shoppers often ask: How does La-Z-Boy’s power furniture compare to the competition?

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we get this question all the time. So, we’re laying it all out in this comprehensive guide, comparing La-Z-Boy’s power recliners to top competitors in terms of build quality, features, customization, pricing, and warranty.

To give you firsthand insight, we’ve included expert commentary from Chardonnay Hayes, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Kingston, who regularly helps customers find the right power recliner for their lifestyle and home layout.

Key Takeaways:

• La-Z-Boy recliners feature exclusive quad power, zero gravity positioning, and patented four-sided unibody construction.
• Top competitors include Palliser, Ashley Furniture, and Elran—each offering unique value and pricing tiers.
• La-Z-Boy's frame and mechanism durability are unmatched, tested for 100,000 recline cycles under a 300-pound load.
• Expert-recommended La-Z-Boy power upgrades include lumbar support, heat & massage, and USB toggle panels.
• Pricing is slightly higher than competitors', but durability, safety, and customization make it worth the investment.
• La-Z-Boy includes one of the most generous warranties on the market, especially for core mechanical components.
  
  

In This Article…

• A Brief Overview of Each Power Recliner Brand
• Where Are Power Recliners Made
• Power Recliner Construction
• Power Recliner Advanced Features & Customization
• Power Recliner Pricing Comparison
• Power Recliner Warranty and Long-Term Value
• Where to Buy Power Recliners in Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston

A Brief Overview of Each Power Recliner Brand

La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy has built a trusted reputation in the recliner world thanks to its durable design, ergonomic focus, and customization options. Its power recliners are available with quad motor systems, zero gravity positioning, and safety-first mechanisms, and all are assembled in North America.

“People are usually surprised by how customizable our recliners are,” says Chardonnay Hayes, a design consultant at La-Z-Boy Kingston. “Once they experience quad power or lumbar control, they realize no one else really compares.”

Palliser

Palliser is a Canadian manufacturer offering power recliners with optional upgrades and mid-range pricing. Their furniture is popular in Ottawa retailers like Dufresne and Upper Room Home Furnishings. 

While some of their products rival La-Z-Boy in build quality, they typically use two to three motors and focus more on style variety and affordability.

To learn more about the comparison between Palliser and La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Ashley Furniture

Ashley Homestore is a global brand known for affordability and trend-driven design. Their power recliner offerings include lift chairs, USB ports, and one-touch controls. 

Ashley focuses on budget-conscious consumers and generally uses fewer motors and lower-end construction materials than La-Z-Boy.

To learn more about the comparison between Ashley and La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Elran

Elran, also based in Canada, partners with Leggett & Platt to develop sturdy mechanisms for their power recliners. Known for modern styles and build quality, Elran recliners use one or two motors and offer some modular customization. 

You can find Elran at local retailers like Sofa World and Countrytime Furniture.

To learn more about the comparison between Elran and La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Pros and Cons Breakdown Summary

1. Where Power Recliners Are Made

La-Z-Boy power recliners are proudly assembled in North America, with mechanisms hand-crafted in Dayton, Tennessee. This gives La-Z-Boy full control over quality assurance and testing.

“When a customer asks where something is made, I tell them our power frames are made right in the U.S., which means faster service and reliable support,” says Chardonnay.

Ashley recliners are often manufactured overseas, while Palliser and Elran produce their furniture in Canada with imported components.

For more information, take a look at the article Where is La-Z-Boy Furniture Made?

2. Power Recliner Construction

La-Z-Boy’s four-sided unibody frame is exclusive in the industry and adds unmatched durability and stability. Unlike competitors using three-sided construction or tubular frames, La-Z-Boy recliners withstand 100,000 recline cycles with a 300-pound user.

“That four-sided frame really makes a difference,” says Chardonnay. “It spreads pressure evenly and eliminates any wobble over time, especially important for people using power recliners daily.”

Elran comes close in terms of structural strength, while Ashley’s frames are best suited for light to moderate use.

To learn more about Where La-Z-Boy Furniture is Made, take a look at this article.

3. Advanced Features & Customization

La-Z-Boy power recliners lead the market with available quad motor upgrades, zero gravity positioning, and adjustable lumbar and headrests. Add-ons like heat and massage, USB ports, and wireless battery packs enhance convenience and relaxation.

“The zero gravity position is one of the most popular features, especially for clients with back issues,” says Chardonnay Hayes. “It genuinely reduces pressure on the spine.”

To learn more about the 7 Exclusive La-Z-Boy Recliner Features, take a look at this article. 

Palliser offers 2-3 motors and integrated USBs. Ashley features basic one-touch recline and USBs, while Elran generally uses one motor and standard remotes.

4. Pricing Comparison

La-Z-Boy’s higher price reflects its quad-motor system, exclusive safety features, and longer lifespan.

“It’s an investment,” Chardonnay notes. “But when you break down the comfort, safety, and longevity, it’s absolutely worth it. I always recommend looking at the value, not just the price.”

5. Warranty and Long-Term Value

La-Z-Boy offers lifetime warranties on frames, springs, and mechanisms, with 3 years on power motors and electrical components.

Palliser and Elran also offer decent coverage, though Elran’s electronics warranty is only 1 year. Ashley provides a 5-year warranty on frames and just 1 year on electronics.

“We often see people replacing their older recliners after just a couple of years because of failed motors,” says Chardonnay Hayes. “That doesn’t happen with La-Z-Boy. You get real peace of mind.”

What’s Next?

Now that you have a better understanding of La-Z-Boy power reclining furniture compared to the competition, visit us in-store at our Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston locations to explore our collection and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.

For more information on our power furniture and furniture in general, take a look at our Comprehensive La-Z-Boy Furniture Guide.

Our sales consultants are always ready to assist. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture fits into your home design.

Related Links:

How Dependable are Power Recliners?

Power Recliners with Heat & Massage Upgrade at La-Z-Boy

A Review of the James Power Recliner