We are going to present a review of the Panasonic EP-1273KL shiatsu massage chair. The EP-1273 is a midrange model offered by Panasonic, who has a broad range of massage chairs. We systematically review massage chairs in 5 different categories and give a rating for each category. The scores are added up for a total possible score of 100 points. Let us take a look at the mid-level Panasonic EP-1273KL which is in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.

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: Let us take a look at the EP-1273 from a comfort perspective. The chair back is well padded. You get a pillow to support your head that can accommodate the size of different users. The chair tends to fit the body well and support the back. The materials selected add to the comfort of the chair. The remote is simple for the amount of functions. Panasonic has thought through the design well and earns an 18 for the EP1273.

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 quite a few important features, but we will narrow it down to two. The two key features are the 8 manual massage treatments and the Swede-Atsu massage mechanism. Panasonic incorporates an amazing array of eight manual techniques. The manual techniques include Shiatsu, Swedish, Hawaiian, tapping, rolling, kneading, compression and percussion. There is a massage therapy for virtually every need. The other key feature is the Swede-Atsu massage mechanism. This is a mechanical feature that is designed to replicate the feel of the use of thumbs and the palm of the hand. The mechanics were patterned after real hand movements and then built into the massage chair. These advance features rate an 18 in our book.

Massage Therapy: The EP 1273 comes with the most variety of massage treatments for a massage chair in its class. You have a choice of automatic and manual programs. You can select from 4 automatic and 8 manual massage techniques. The automatic programs run the entire chair, including the air massage system. The 8 manual massage techniques are specifically for the back. Furthermore, there are 3 massage courses that target specific areas of the back. You can also vary the roller width and the intensity settings of the massages. The leg rest comes with an air compression massage for the feet and calves. This is a nice package of thorough massage therapies for a mid range massage chair. The EP-1273 is rated an 18 for massage therapy.

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.