CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray Review: Your Balcony’s New Best Friend?

There’s a universal craving for that perfect moment of relaxation. You know the one—the sun is warm but not scorching, a gentle breeze is rustling the leaves, and you have a cold drink in hand. For years, my balcony was a place of missed opportunities. I had a couple of rigid, uncomfortable patio chairs that were fine for a quick coffee but utterly failed when it came to truly unwinding. The quest for a chair that could bridge the gap between sitting upright and sinking into a blissful, near-weightless state felt like a never-ending saga. I needed something that was comfortable, practical, and didn’t require a dedicated shed for storage. This search for the ultimate relaxation vessel is what led me to thoroughly test the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray, a product promising to turn any outdoor space into a personal oasis.

What to Consider Before Buying a Zero Gravity Recliner

A zero gravity recliner is more than just an item of furniture; it’s a key solution for deep relaxation and ergonomic support. By elevating your feet to be at the same level as your heart, these chairs are designed to reduce pressure on your spine, soothe sore muscles, and create a sensation of weightlessness. This position can improve circulation and decrease back pain, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to de-stress after a long day, recover from physical activity, or simply enjoy a comfortable afternoon in the sun. The main benefits are a unique combination of ergonomic design, portability, and all-weather durability that standard patio furniture often lacks.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a need for versatile, comfortable seating for their patio, balcony, garden, or even for camping trips and sporting events. If you value convenience, find traditional outdoor chairs lacking in support, and desire a seating option that promotes genuine relaxation, a zero gravity chair is an excellent investment. However, it might not be suitable for those who require a permanent, heavy-duty piece of furniture that stays in one place year-round, or for individuals who need a chair with a very high weight capacity beyond the standard range. In those cases, a more traditional, stationary outdoor lounge set might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the chair’s dimensions in both its upright and fully reclined positions. Measure your available space to ensure it can accommodate the full 60.6-inch length when reclined. Also, consider the folded dimensions (34.1″ x 25.4″ x 4.3″ for this model), which are critical for determining if you have adequate storage space in a closet, garage, or shed during the off-season.
• Capacity/Performance: The weight capacity is a non-negotiable safety feature. The CAPHAUS model supports up to 300 pounds, which is a solid industry standard. Also, evaluate the reclining mechanism. Does it glide smoothly? How effective is the locking system? A reliable lock is essential for feeling secure in any reclined position.
• Materials & Durability: The frame is typically steel, but check if it’s powder-coated for rust resistance. The seat material is equally important; Textilene (or Teslin) fabric, as used in the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray, is a popular choice known for being breathable, UV-resistant, and quick-drying. This makes it far superior to simple canvas or non-ventilated materials for outdoor use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great zero gravity chair should be ready to use out of the box with minimal to no assembly. Consider the weight of the chair itself (7.4 kg or about 16.3 lbs) for portability. Maintenance should be simple—a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that should be required to keep it looking fresh. You can check the latest user feedback on its long-term durability right now.

While the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing Simplicity and Ready-to-Relax Design

The CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray arrived in a surprisingly slim box, a testament to its space-saving design. There’s virtually no assembly required, which was a huge relief. You simply unfold the chair, and it’s ready to go. The only optional step is clipping on the side tray, which snaps securely onto the frame’s side supports. The initial feel is one of sturdiness; the alloy steel frame feels solid, and the vibrant blue Textilene fabric is tightly woven and feels resilient to the touch. The bungee cord suspension system, which connects the fabric to the frame, appears robust and provides a noticeable give, hinting at the body-contouring comfort to come.

Unfolding the chair is intuitive, and it settles into its upright position with a satisfying click. The padded headrest is adjustable, sliding up and down the backrest so you can position it for neck support or as lumbar support, a nice touch of versatility. Compared to other models we’ve tested, the CAPHAUS strikes a great balance between being lightweight enough for easy transport and feeling substantial enough to inspire confidence. It doesn’t have the bulk of some oversized, padded models, but it also feels a step above the flimsier, entry-level options. The immediate impression is that of a well-thought-out chair designed for convenience and comfort. You can see its full feature set and available colors online.

A Deep Dive into the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Experience

A chair like this isn’t judged on specs alone; it’s about the feeling it delivers. Over several weeks, we put the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray through its paces on sunny afternoons, cool evenings, and even one unfortunate, unexpected rain shower. We used it for reading, napping, stargazing, and as our primary balcony seating. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its performance.

The “Zero Gravity” Sensation: Reclining and Overall Comfort

The core promise of this chair is the “zero gravity” recline, and in this respect, it absolutely delivers. Shifting your weight is all it takes to transition smoothly from an upright 90-degree position to the full 150-degree recline. The motion is fluid and requires minimal effort. As your feet elevate, you can feel the pressure lifting from your lower back—it’s a tangible sense of relief. The Textilene fabric and high-elastic bungee suspension work in concert to cradle your body, eliminating pressure points that you’d experience on a rigid surface. The fabric is breathable, a feature we deeply appreciated during a particularly warm afternoon; there was no uncomfortable sweating or sticking to the chair, a common issue with solid plastic or vinyl furniture.

The locking mechanism consists of two dial-style locks under the armrests. To engage them, you find your desired angle and turn the dials to create friction and hold the position. Here, we found an area for improvement. As confirmed by some user experiences, the locks aren’t foolproof. They function more as tensioners than absolute locks. For us, they held the position reasonably well, but a significant shift in weight could cause a slight slip. It requires a firm turn to get a solid hold, and we wouldn’t recommend it for someone who wants to be locked rigidly in place without any give. That said, for gentle relaxing and reading, it was perfectly adequate and never felt unsafe. It’s a common feature in chairs at this price point, but one that prospective buyers should be aware of. The comfort offered by this ergonomic reclining design is still its standout feature.

Built for Convenience: The Side Tray and Portability

Modern relaxation requires modern amenities, and this is where the included side tray transforms the chair from merely comfortable to genuinely practical. It’s a simple piece of molded plastic, but its design is brilliant. It clips on easily to the right side of the chair and stays firmly in place. It features two cup holders—one standard size and another slightly larger with a cutout for a mug handle. The dedicated phone slot holds a smartphone vertically, perfect for glancing at notifications or keeping it out of the sun. There’s also a larger, shallow recess perfect for a small tablet, a book, or a snack plate.

We found ourselves using the tray constantly. It kept our drinks secure, our phones within reach but out of our pockets, and our e-reader safe. It’s a feature that, once you have it, you can’t imagine living without. When it’s time to pack up, the tray detaches in a second. This leads to the chair’s other major convenience: its portability. Weighing just over 16 pounds and folding down to a mere 4.3 inches thick, storing it is a breeze. We could easily slide it into a narrow space between a cabinet and the wall in our utility closet. This makes the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray an exceptional choice for those with limited storage space, such as apartment dwellers with balconies. The ease of folding and storing is a feature that really sets it apart from bulky, non-folding alternatives.

Durability and Outdoor Readiness

An outdoor chair must withstand the elements, and the CAPHAUS chair is built with this in mind. The alloy steel frame feels robust and easily supported different users in our household, living up to its 300-pound weight capacity claim. The L-shaped nonslip foot covers provide a stable base on various surfaces, from wooden decking to concrete patios, preventing scratches and slipping. The Textilene fabric is the real hero of its outdoor design—it’s UV-resistant, so the vibrant blue color shouldn’t fade quickly in the sun, and it’s remarkably easy to clean. A simple wipe-down is all it needs.

However, we did encounter one issue that a user also noted. After being caught in an unexpected rainstorm, we folded the chair to bring it inside. As we did, a small amount of rusty-colored water trickled out from one of the joints. This is a common occurrence with hollow tubular steel frames; water can seep in through small openings or joints and cause some internal surface rust, which then drains out. While the frame is powder-coated externally, the inside is untreated. This didn’t seem to affect the structural integrity during our testing period, but it’s a critical point for long-term care. To maximize the chair’s lifespan, we strongly recommend storing it under a cover or in a dry place when not in use, or at the very least, tilting it after rain to ensure all water drains out completely. Despite this, the overall build quality provides excellent value for its price point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other owners, we found that our experience with the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray aligns closely with the general consensus. Many users praise the chair for its out-of-the-box comfort and the incredible convenience of the foldable design and included side tray. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive when it comes to the sheer relaxation factor it provides for the price.

However, the two points we noted in our deep dive are echoed in other reviews. One user specifically mentioned that the “locks didn’t hold very well for my liking,” clarifying that they had to balance the chair rather than relying on a rigid lock. This confirms our assessment that the locking mechanism is more of a tension system. The same user also reported discovering “rusty water” coming off the chairs after they were left out in the rain overnight. This feedback validates our finding and reinforces our recommendation to protect the chair from heavy downpours to ensure its longevity. These critiques are generally framed as minor issues in an otherwise excellent product, not “reason to return” dealbreakers.

How Does the CAPHAUS Chair Compare to Alternatives?

The CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray exists in a competitive market. To give you a full picture, we’ve compared it against three popular alternatives, each catering to a slightly different need.

1. MOPHOTO Zero Gravity Padded Lounge Chair with Side Table

The MOPHOTO chair is aimed at users who prioritize plush comfort and a higher weight capacity. Its key differentiator is the padded seating, which provides extra cushioning, making it feel more like an indoor recliner. It also boasts a significantly higher weight capacity of 440 pounds, catering to larger individuals. The trade-off, however, is in its bulk and weather resistance. The padding can hold moisture longer than Textilene fabric after rain and may be warmer on hot days. Choose the MOPHOTO if maximum cushioning and a higher weight limit are your top priorities and you don’t mind the extra bulk.

2. MFSTUDIO Oversized Zero Gravity Recliner Chair

The MFSTUDIO model is all about space and strength. As an “oversized” chair, it offers a wider seating area, which can be more comfortable for broader individuals or those who simply like more room to shift around. It also features a robust frame supporting up to 400 pounds. While it uses a similar Textilene fabric to the CAPHAUS, its larger dimensions mean it will take up more space both when in use and when folded for storage. If you find standard zero gravity chairs a bit constricting and have the extra space, the MFSTUDIO is a fantastic, heavy-duty alternative.

3. Hanperal Zero Gravity Chair Tray 2 Pack

This isn’t a chair, but an accessory that highlights a key strength of the CAPHAUS model. The Hanperal tray is for people who already own a zero gravity chair that didn’t come with this essential feature. The fact that CAPHAUS includes a well-designed tray as standard is a significant value-add. If you already have a chair you love but are frustrated by the lack of a place for your drink or phone, this two-pack of trays is the perfect solution. It underscores just how indispensable this small accessory is to the overall relaxation experience.

Final Verdict: Is the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Recliner Folding Chair with Side Tray to anyone looking for an affordable, comfortable, and highly convenient outdoor seating solution. Its blend of ergonomic design, easy portability, and the indispensable side tray makes it a standout performer in its category. It successfully turns any small space—a balcony, a patio, a patch of grass—into a genuine zone for relaxation. The breathable Textilene fabric and smooth reclining motion provide a level of comfort that far exceeds its modest price tag.

While it has minor flaws, namely a tension-based locking system and a susceptibility to trapping rainwater in its frame, these are manageable issues that don’t detract from its core value. For the vast majority of users seeking to read, nap, or simply unwind outdoors, this chair is an exceptional choice. If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor relaxation game without breaking the bank, the CAPHAUS recliner offers an unbeatable combination of features and comfort. We wholeheartedly believe it’s a purchase you won’t regret. You can check the latest price and see what other users are saying here.