With so many massage chairs on the market, how does one navigate to find what is right for them? One effective method our past customers have told us is by comparing reviews of massage chairs. We are going to review a Panasonic massage chair which is in the mid-range level. The model is the EP1273 massage recliner. Our review process rates a massage chair in 5 key areas. Each area is worth a possible 20 points. The overall score is attained by adding up the scores in each key area for a possible score of 100 total points. We present our review of the EP-1273 by Panasonic.

Warranty Coverage & Customer Service: The first area we like to cover is the warranty coverage for massage chairs. This is an important long-term consideration. Massage chairs have many moving parts and complex electronics. You want to make sure you are adequately protected. Let us look at the warranty of the Panasonic EP-1273KL massage chair. The EP-1273 comes with the following warranty coverage: 1 year parts, 1 year labor, 1 year shipping and 1 year in-home service. This is a fair warranty for a mid-level. Although, you may want to consider getting an extended warranty for additional protection. Customer service for Panasonic is fair. Overall, we rate the warranty and customer service a 16.

Comfort & Ergonomics: This is an important category for massage chairs-after all, your goal is to relax. The design of the chair from an aesthetic point of view is a bit sterile and industrial. However, once you take a seat, it if comfortable to sit in. The EP-1273KL has a soft, detachable head pillow. There is also an extra back pad. It is a comfortable chair to sit in. The ergonomics of the chair are thought out and everything is well within reach. The control is simple and buttons easy to push. We give the EP1273 an 18 in comfort and ergonomics.

Ease of Use: Panasonic has designed a fairly intuitive and easy to use remote. Everything is labeled clearly. Adjustments can be made without having to push a number of buttons to get what you want the chair to do. Adjustments are easy to make to the chair. You can switch from automatic programs to manual programs easily. We give the EP 1273 an 18 in ease of use.

Key Features: There are number of great features with the EP 1273 massage chair recliner. The features we want to point out are the Swede-Atsu massage and the stretching function of the leg rest. The Swede-Atsu massage is a specially designed massage mechanism built into this massage chair. The Swede-Atsu replicates the hand movements of a master masseuse. This is a fabulous technology. Panasonic also incorporates a lower body stretch function. This stretching is accomplished by bring the leg rest up to a horizontal position. It then holds the feet and lowers down, stretching the legs. This is very relieving and a great way to relax after a long day. The EP1273 gets an 18 for its features.

Massage Therapy: The EP1273 gives you a choice of four automatic programs. Select Shiatsu, Deep, Gentle and Refresh at the touch of a button for 15 minutes of relaxing massage therapy. You can also select from 3 manual courses covering the back. You have many choices of manual massages. An interesting feature in the EP 1273 is the back rollers. The back rollers have four firm rubber massage heads which make up the Swede-Atsu massage. The Swede-Atsu massage replicates the stroking with the palm of the hand and the pressing with the heel of the hand. You can also feel the mechanical thumbs apply firm pressure. The kneading massage is firm with the rubber massage heads feeling like strong pressure with the thumbs. You also get a thorough calf and foot massage with the leg ottoman of the EP-1273. We rate the massage therapy of the Panasonic EP-1273 an 18.

We rate the EP 1273 an 88/100 in our overall rating. The EP-1273 is packed with some great massage techniques. This full body massage chair provides the most massage techniques in its price category. You get a thorough arsenal of massage treatments. The stretch function is a great addition and provides an effective method to relieve tight muscles in the legs. The warranty on this model is less than we would like to see. If you are looking for a full body massage chair, the EP1273 certainly provides solid massage therapy compared to massage chairs in its class.