Where can I try out and buy your massage chairs?

Are you looking to buy a massage chair? The selection can be overwhelming: tapping and rolling massage, zero gravity, Shiatsu—plus dozens of models in every price range. Which chair is right for you? You won’t find that out from the spec sheet. Your body has to experience it and feel the differences.

So here's the short answer to the question in the title: at one of our seven showrooms, where the chairs are set up and ready for you to try out. The long answer—including everything you need to know before your appointment—is in this post.

One question often comes up before making a purchase: Has Stiftung Warentest conducted a test? No, not yet. To find out what “test seal” advertising is all about and what you should really look for when comparing products, check out our article “Massage Chair Test and Top Picks.”

The Internet and Exhibitions: How the Two Interact

Start by taking your time to browse online: compare manufacturers, narrow down price ranges, and get a sense of what’s important to you. Our armchair comparison side-by-side displays up to three models along with their specifications: dimensions, features, and specifications.

It’s best to make the decision while sitting. Whether the rollers are positioned on your shoulders or slightly off-center depends on your height and where your pelvis sits in the chair. Your body will sense this within the first 2 minutes. And that’s exactly what no product page can do.

FAQ: Important Questions to Ask Before Testing

Why do you want a massage chair?

The question may sound trivial, but it determines which model you choose. Is the focus on back support, or on unwinding after the workday? Do you want to work on your muscles after exercising, or are you looking for a piece of furniture to sit in every evening? The clearer the answer, the shorter the list of options: Out of 20 models, you’ll narrow it down to 3 to 7 that suit your body.

If you're unsure, please ask us before you come in: During our expert consultation, we'll determine over the phone whether a massage chair would actually be helpful for you. Sometimes the conclusion is that a massage chair isn't the right choice for you. In that case, we'll let you know.

Does a massage chair help with muscle cramps and tension?

It can be helpful. But it can't replace physical therapy. Here's what these chairs offer:

• Heat: is usually located in the lower back area and can be turned on individually. Heat promotes blood circulation, helping tense muscles to relax more easily.
• Customizable pressure: You set it yourself—from barely noticeable to firm—and you can adjust the duration as well. What feels comfortable in the first two minutes might be too much after ten; that’s something you’ll only discover by trying it out.
• Targeted programs: Spot massage for specific areas instead of a full-body program.
• Shiatsu: the Japanese pressure technique that many models use: The rollers operate two fingers' widths away from the spine.

How does the chair know where your shoulders are?

Most models scan your back once before the first massage—from the cervical spine to the pelvis—and remember where your shoulders and lower back are located. The rollers then work exactly where they’re supposed to, regardless of whether you’re 1.60 m or 1.95 m tall.

If two people of different heights are using the same armchair, it’s important for both of you to try it out together: Not every model suits every body type equally well. At the showroom, you can both take turns sitting in it and immediately see which armchair works for both of you.

What are some special types of massage?

• Thai Stretching: The chair gently stretches and pulls the arms and legs to loosen the muscles.
• Music-Synchronized Massage: The movements follow the music playing through the sound system or via Bluetooth.
• Acupressure: Programs that specifically target pressure points.
• Foot reflexology zones: Rollers in the footrest massage the soles of the feet.

What else should you keep in mind when making a purchase?

Focus on what a product spec sheet doesn’t show: how the upholstery and surface feel, the quality of the stitching, how quiet the chair is when in use, and how easy it is to get into. Sit down in it—nothing beats firsthand experience. And ask about the warranty: Ours is for 5 years, and repairs are done right in your home.

Can the massage chair also be used as a TV chair?

Yes. Many models look like ordinary seating and blend unobtrusively into the living room: turn off the massage function, and you have a comfortable armchair for watching TV. Others are large and clearly high-tech; while they’re also great for watching TV, they make a distinct statement in the room. Our dimensions and the photos in the customer gallery show just how much space each model actually requires.

How much electricity does a massage chair use?

Depending on the model and program, power consumption ranges from about 50 to 300 watts during a massage; the heat function and more complex techniques use more power. At 20 minutes a day, this amounts to just a few euros a month. The exact figures are listed in your model’s user manual, and our consultants will be happy to calculate this for you.

Where can you test and try out massage chairs?

At our 7 showrooms, all massage chairs are set up and plugged in: in the Stuttgart area in Remshalden (Europe’s largest massage chair showroom), in the Cologne area in Leverkusen, in the Dresden area in Hainichen, in the Hamburg area in Heede, and in Mannheim—each location offers appointments and expert consultation. In Bad Säckingen, near the Swiss border, and in Frankfurt-Dreieich, you can stop by without an appointment.

You can find all addresses, times, and information on scheduling appointments on the " Test Drive" page. Take your time: Customers usually stay for one to two hours, and if it takes longer, well, it takes longer.

5 Steps to Getting Your Massage Chair

1. Clarify your wishes and requirements,
2. Expert advice over the phone or in person,
3. Take a test sit and decide,
4. Delivery right into the room, setup, and training,
5. Warranty and Maintenance—We're Here to Help.

It all starts with seating: Find your exhibit here.