Senior citizens need comfortable and safe chairs in the kitchen, even more than the rest of us. But how to find the best kitchen chair for elderly people, and what exactly do you need to look out for?
We’ve got all you need to know about kitchen and dining room chairs for seniors in this review, so keep on reading!
For those short on time, these are the 3 good options for older adults to check:
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Reviews of the Best Kitchen Chair for Elderly People
1. OFM ESS Collection Leather Executive Chair—Best Overall
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This everyday chair from OFM has a steel tube frame that’s sturdy and has sled-type legs that prevent it from moving around easily on a laminated kitchen floor.
It has a padded leather seat and back that allow you to recline gently and relax in comfort with your family.
The seat’s back goes up to an overall height of 32.75 inches and is soft, so it won’t damage your walls if you need to lean against them for more support.
The seat’s height is about 19 inches, which is comfortable for most customers. But for those who’ve gone through hip surgery, it’s not high enough.
It weighs 28 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to move around for older adults. The chair has a weight limit of 250 pounds. The seat width is 20 inches, and its depth is 19 inches.
Pros
- Comfortable and padded seat.
- Backrest won’t damage walls.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Armrests to help you get up.
Cons
- Low weight limit, not for large seniors.
- Heavy.
2. Flash Furniture Hercules Series Big & Tall—Best for Large Seniors
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The Hercules chair from Flash Furniture is ideal for large seniors who need an extra sturdy seat at the dining table. Its steel frame has a weight limit of 500 pounds, so it can handle heavy-duty use. The design doesn’t tilt over easily, and the legs of the chair are non-marking.
If you’re larger, you also need a wide, comfortable seat. This one has a seat width of 24.5 inches, and the seat and back are cushioned and covered with soft leather.
The price is higher than that of simpler models, but you will be happy with its quality and sturdiness. Another possible negative is that it’s heavy, so it’s not easy for a senior living alone to move around.
Pros
- High weight limit.
- Sturdy steel frame.
- Non-skid legs that don’t mark the floor.
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move.
- Higher price than other models.
3. Platinum Health Adjustable Hip Chair—Best Chair For Hip Replacement
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For seniors with hip problems, this customizable model can make your life a lot easier. It has an adjustable height and seat angle, and removable arms.
You can change it to suit your needs, but take note that even the lowest setting is pretty high, at 23 inches. However, if you’re a taller senior, this could be ideal for easy sitting and rising at the table or kitchen counter.
The chair has non-slip rubber legs to prevent the chair from moving when you’re getting up. It’s also easy to assemble and adjust without the need for any tools.
You can use this chair in the shower because the padding is waterproof foam—it’s easy to clean and disinfect. The structure is aluminum, which stays rust-free but can’t take a massive weight. The limit is 265 pounds, which might not be enough for heavier seniors.
Pros
- Adjustable height, seat angle, and removable armrests.
- Non-slip rubber legs.
- No-tool assembly.
- Waterproof and easy to clean.
Cons
- Low weight allowance.
- The lowest height is high.
4. Drive Medical Kitchen Stool—Best Budget Medical Chair
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This kitchen stool is a lower-priced option for those looking for a hip-friendly kitchen chair for seniors. The seat is angled to make it easier to get up, and the seat height is adjustable between 21 and 27 inches.
Some customers don’t like the removable armrests. They aren’t padded, so they’re not the most comfortable under your arms.
The weight capacity is 300 pounds, but the seat width is only 14 inches. The chair is slightly wider than the seat, but it still rules this one out for seniors with wider posteriors.
Pros
- Angled seat.
- Adjustable legs.
- Removable armrests.
Cons
- Armrests aren’t comfortable.
- Narrow seat.
5. Flash Furniture Hercules Stack Chair—Best Stackable Chair
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If you want a set of chairs for when the whole family is together, we recommend this stackable model from Hercules. They’re designed primarily for office use but are well suited to a kitchen.
They’re strong and sturdy, and have a weight limit of 550 pounds. The seat width is 16.5 inches, though, so it might be a squeeze for bigger bottoms.
This chair does have armrests, but they’re wooden, unpadded and uncomfortable. The seat is also not the most well-cushioned, but it’s adequate enough to sit comfortably for an hour or two.
This review is for the armed option. You can also buy the chair without arms.
The chairs are sold as a single or as a 4-set pack, and there are seven color options to match most decors.
When you don’t need them, you can stack these up in a corner. The weight is just below 15 pounds, so they’re not lightweight, but they are manageable.
Pros
- Stackable when you don’t need them.
- High weight limit.
- Sturdy.
- Not too heavy.
Cons
- Not the most comfortable.
6. OFM Core Collection Big and Tall Chair—Most Comfortable
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For seniors looking for a really comfortable seat, this OFM model with 4¾-inch padding might be the ideal buy. It’s a little on the expensive side, but the seat is super-cushioned and sturdy, and the quality is easy to see.
The seat is wide at 23 inches, and the weight limit is 400 pounds.
A sled-type tubular base means that the chair doesn’t tilt or tip over easily, so it’s safe for use on laminate or wooden floors. It’s also easy to clean and disinfect, thanks to the antibacterial vinyl upholstery.
On the negative side, at 45 pounds, this chair is heavy to move around, so a senior living alone may have some trouble with it.
Pros
- Comfortable, thick cushioning.
- Wide design.
- 400-pound weight limit.
- Sled base that doesn’t tip over.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Heavy.
What To Look for in the Kitchen Chair for Elderly People
If you’re still not sure what to pick, these are some things that are good to have in the best kitchen chair for elderly people.
Armrests
Arms are a crucial component in chairs for seniors. You lose 3 to 8 percent of muscle every decade after 30, so it’s normal to need some help getting up (See also recliners to help you get in and out easily). Some of the models on our list have removable armrests so that you can customize them to your needs.
Stability
It’s important to pick a sturdy chair that won’t tip over. Sled-type legs, like those on our top pick OFM ESS Collection Leather Executive Chair, and a substantial weight are the most suitable for those who prioritize stability.
Cushioning
A nice, thick layer of cushioning keeps everybody comfortable, but it’s key to keeping a senior citizen’s experience pleasant. Ample cushioning helps protect your joints and makes sitting for those extended family dinners more pleasant.
Adjustable Height
Seniors with hip problems often need a higher seat to help them get up. Especially after hip replacement surgery, you shouldn’t use a chair that makes your hip bend over 90 degrees.
The Platinum Health Adjustable Hip Chair and Drive Medical Kitchen Stool have seats that go up to 27 inches to help protect your hips.
Weight
Seniors have less muscle mass, so you’ll need to make sure your new kitchen chair is a manageable weight. This is especially important if the person lives alone—pick a weight under 20 pounds, like the Platinum Health Adjustable Hip Chair.
Bariatric Chairs
Big and tall seniors may need a special chair to accommodate their weight. If that’s you, pick a chair with a high weight limit. The Flash Furniture Hercules can comfortably hold up to 550 pounds and has a wide seat for extra comfort.
FAQs
What Kind of Kitchen Chair Is Best After Hip Replacement?
After hip replacement, go for sturdy, high chairs with armrests. You can also buy a seat cushion to elevate your previous chairs. Don’t use chairs with wheels because they may make you lose your balance.
Are Chairs With Wheels Good for Elderly People?
Chairs with wheels for older adults can be a good option occasionally. They allow you to move around without getting up from your seat, so you don’t stress tired muscles or weak bones. However, they can make you lose balance more easily, so they can sometimes be dangerous for seniors.
Are Kitchen Chairs With Arms Good for Elderly People?
Kitchen chairs with arms are essential for older people because they give you that little extra bit of leverage to get up safely. We recommend that seniors, especially those with joint problems and muscle mass loss, pick chairs with armrests.
The Winner
The top pick in our review of the best kitchen chair for elderly people is the OFM ESS Collection Leather Executive Chair. It’s comfy and cushioned but also safe and durable for everyday use.
If you’ve got hip surgery coming up, go for the Platinum Health Adjustable Hip Chair. It’s adjustable, easy to clean, and you can use it for both the kitchen and the bathroom when you’re in recovery.
For large seniors, we recommend going for the Flash Furniture Hercules Series Big & Tall chair. It can handle a heavier weight without tipping over, and the seat is wide and comfortable
