Thursday, December 4, 2008

Product Review: Panasonic EP-1273KL Shiatsu Massage Chair

By Steve Esquire

Let us take an in-depth look at the Panasonic EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair. We review its features, warranty and specifications. Panasonic is a Fortune 500 company with multiple product lines in the electronics industry. The EP 1273KL fits into the $2,000 to $3,000 price range or midrange level of massage chairs. We will explain some its advanced features and give our opinion of the Panasonic EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair.

Massage chair companies are a diverse group. Panasonic obviously has a solid name and reputation. You can buy with confidence and be assured your warranty will be covered. Just a note of precaution if you are considering other brands: Just make sure any chair brand you buy sells to retail clients. If they do not, then be cautious about how they will back their warranty later. Saving a few hundred dollars now may translate into many more times that to fix a chair later.

The warranty of the Panasonic EP-1273KL massage chair provides very basic coverage. The EP 1273 is covered with 1 year parts, 1 year labor, and 1 year in-home service. Also, you get 1 year shipping of parts with Panasonic. Other manufacturers have more extension warranties at no additional cost. Warranty coverage to meet other manufacturers is available by purchasing the extended warranty. This is usually available through the supplier.

The Panasonic EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair uses interesting design aesthetics. There is a distinct modern, industrial look to their product line. The design comes with comfortable armrests which are pleasant to the touch. The back pads and pillows are well designed and outfitted for long term use. There is a designer touch with some platinum colors front and back of the chair base. The chair is relaxing to rest on.

The Panasonic EP-1273KL massage chair has quite a number of manual massages including Shiatsu, Swedish, Hawaiian, tapping, rolling, kneading, compression and percussion. The back rollers have four firm rubber massage heads. These rubber massage heads are controlled by Panasonics Swede-Atsu massage which simulates the stroking with the palm of the hand or the pressing with the heel of the hand. The kneading massage is firm with the rubber massage heads feeling like strong pressure with the thumbs. Choose from four automatic programs with the EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair. The 4 auto programs include Shiatsu, Deep, Gentle and Refresh and are 15 minutes in duration. There are 3 manual courses for the neck and lower back. The manual massages are thorough and help to relieve tired or aching muscles.

The Panasonic EP-1273KL massage chair comes equipped with a dual-use air ottoman system. The air system in the ottoman kneads and loosens the calves. If the ottoman is raised, the feet can be placed on the area for the calves with the knees bent for a soothing foot massage. The ottoman also has a stretch functions, which will at first raise, then lower in 20 degree increments to stretch out the lower body.

Panasonic does a terrific job with the EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair. They include some higher end technology with the leg rest stretching system and their Swede Atsu massaging functions. This is reliable massage therapy administered at the touch of a button. Panasonic has basic warranty coverage from the factory, so consider getting the extended warranty. If you are looking at the midrange price level, then the Panasonic EP-1273KL massage chair should be on your short list. - 14130

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