Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs Review: The Ultimate Comfort Upgrade for Your Outdoor Oasis?

There’s a moment every spring when the sun finally breaks through the clouds, and the urge to live outdoors becomes irresistible. My patio, however, often told a different story. It was a graveyard of well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing chairs. There were the rigid, unyielding metal ones that left grid marks on your back, and the flimsy plastic ones that felt one strong gust of wind away from taking flight. The real problem was finding a chair that invited you to stay. I wanted something that was as comfortable for a two-hour dinner with friends as it was for a quiet morning coffee with a book. The endless cycle of buying, disliking, and storing subpar chairs was not just frustrating; it was preventing my family and me from truly enjoying our outdoor space. This wasn’t just about seating; it was about creating an extension of our home, a place for connection and relaxation. The search for the perfect blend of durability, style, and, most importantly, ergonomic comfort, led me to test the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs.

What to Consider Before You Buy Patio Dining Chairs

A Patio Dining Chair is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming an outdoor area into a functional and inviting living space. They bridge the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor durability, solving the common problem of having nowhere pleasant to sit for meals, conversations, or simple relaxation in your backyard, balcony, or garden. The main benefits are clear: they encourage more time spent outdoors, enhance the aesthetic of your space, and provide the practical function of comfortable seating, making outdoor entertainment not just possible, but a genuine pleasure. Without them, a beautiful patio is just a slab of concrete; with them, it becomes an alfresco dining room and a personal retreat.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values comfort and functionality for their outdoor living. They are homeowners, apartment dwellers with balconies, or anyone who loves to entertain guests or simply unwind in the fresh air. They understand that investing in quality seating pays dividends in usability and enjoyment. Conversely, these chairs might not be the best fit for those with extremely limited storage space who require easily stackable or folding options. Someone looking for a purely utilitarian, budget-first solution for very occasional use might consider simpler, non-swivel alternatives. The person who prioritizes motion, all-day comfort, and a modern aesthetic, however, will find chairs like these to be an essential purchase.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is arguably the most overlooked and critical factor. Beyond ensuring the chair fits your patio’s footprint, you must measure your table’s height. Specifically, measure the distance from the ground to the underside of the tabletop or any apron/lip. Compare this to the chair’s armrest height to ensure the chairs can slide underneath when not in use. As we discovered, and one user pointedly noted, the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs has an arm height of 27 inches, which may be too tall for some standard tables.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the basic weight capacity. Consider the performance features that enhance your experience. Does it swivel? Does it rock? A 360-degree swivel offers incredible convenience for conversations, allowing you to turn to face different people or views without awkwardly shuffling the entire chair. A gentle rocking motion can add a profound layer of relaxation that static chairs simply cannot offer.
• Materials & Durability: The outdoors is an unforgiving environment. A powder-coated metal frame is essential for preventing rust and corrosion from rain and humidity. For seating material, Textilene fabric is a modern marvel—it’s breathable to prevent sweating on hot days, UV-resistant to prevent fading, and incredibly quick-drying after a summer shower. This stands in contrast to traditional wicker, which can sometimes retain moisture, or bare metal, which gets scorching hot in the sun.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Your outdoor furniture should facilitate relaxation, not create more chores. Look for materials that can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Consider the assembly process; clear instructions and included tools are a significant plus. Chairs that don’t require cushions save you the hassle of running outside to bring them in every time it rains.

Making the right choice upfront ensures your patio becomes the go-to spot for relaxation, rather than a collection of uncomfortable regrets. These factors will guide you toward a purchase that serves you well for many seasons to come.

While the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs 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 and Assembling the Soohow Chairs

The pair of chairs arrived in a single, surprisingly compact box. Everything inside was meticulously packed and protected, with foam wrap separating the metal components to prevent any scratches during transit. Upon laying everything out, my first impression was of substance. The powder-coated metal frame felt heavy-duty and robust, a far cry from the flimsy tube steel of cheaper chairs we’ve tested. The brown finish was even and smooth, suggesting a quality coating that would hold up to the elements. The Textilene fabric was tightly woven and felt both strong and flexible to the touch.

The box included a clear, illustrated manual and neatly bubble-packed tool kits with all the necessary bolts, washers, and Allen wrenches. Following the feedback of other users who found the process straightforward, I timed the assembly. As one person noted, it took about 35 minutes per chair, working at a steady, unhurried pace. The holes lined up perfectly on our set, and the process was intuitive: attach the swivel base to the leg assembly, then attach the combined seat-and-back piece to the base. One user mentioned their 13-year-old was able to assemble them, and I can confirm it’s a manageable one-person job, though having a second person to hold the seat in place while you start the first few bolts can speed things up. Once built, the chairs looked sleek and modern, ready to elevate our patio setup. You can see the full dimensions and stylish design for yourself.

A Deep Dive into the Soohow Swivel Chair’s Performance

A chair’s true worth is only revealed through use. We spent several weeks with the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs, using them for morning coffees, long work-from-home sessions on the laptop, and evening dinners. We evaluated them on the core pillars of what makes an outdoor chair exceptional: motion and functionality, long-term comfort, and all-weather durability.

The Swivel and Rock: A Dynamic Duo of Relaxation

The standout feature is, without a doubt, the dual-motion capability. The 360-degree swivel is completely silent and exceptionally smooth. This isn’t just a gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you use your outdoor space. During a backyard barbecue, we could effortlessly turn to chat with someone at the grill, then swivel back to the table without the screeching, scraping shuffle of a static chair. It makes conversations feel more fluid and natural. When relaxing alone, being able to turn to follow the sun or simply change my view of the garden was a small but significant luxury. The mechanism feels robust, with no wobble or grinding, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability.

Complementing the swivel is a gentle, subtle rocking motion. This was a delightful surprise, as several users also happily discovered. It’s not a deep, porch-rocker sway, but rather a slight give-and-take that allows you to lean back and find a perfect point of balance. This small amount of movement makes a huge difference in preventing stiffness during long periods of sitting. As one user aptly put it, “They are able to slightly rock back and forth which is something I love!” We found this feature especially calming while reading or just enjoying the quiet of the evening. This combination of swivel and rock transforms the chair from a simple dining seat into a versatile lounger, making it a feature that really sets it apart from standard patio chairs.

Ergonomic Engineering for Hours of Comfort

Comfort is subjective, but the design of the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs is rooted in objective ergonomic principles. The high backrest (the total chair height is 43 inches) provides ample support all the way up to the shoulders, which is a major benefit over lower-backed chairs that can cause slouching. The contour of the backrest follows the natural curve of the spine, and we felt no pressure points or discomfort even after a three-hour dinner party. The seat itself is generously sized at 19.5″ wide by 19″ deep, providing plenty of room without feeling cavernous. The seat height of 17.5″ felt perfect for most adults, placing our feet flat on the ground for a stable posture.

The armrests are another high point. They are curved and wide enough to comfortably support the entire forearm, not just an elbow, as one happy customer noted. This is a small detail that makes a big difference in reducing shoulder strain. The true star of the comfort show, however, is the Textilene fabric. It has the perfect amount of give, cradling your body and distributing weight evenly, eliminating the need for a cushion. On a hot, sunny afternoon, the breathability was a game-changer; air circulates freely through the mesh-like material, preventing the sticky, sweaty feeling common with solid plastic or vinyl chairs. This combination of a supportive frame and forgiving fabric makes it a chair you truly want to spend time in.

Built to Brave the Elements: Materials and Durability

Outdoor furniture is an investment, and it needs to withstand sun, rain, and humidity. Soohow’s choice of materials appears to be spot-on for longevity. The entire frame is constructed from powder-coated metal. This finish creates a hard, durable barrier that is far superior to simple paint in resisting chipping, scratching, and, most importantly, rust. We left the chairs out during several heavy downpours, and water beaded up and rolled right off the frame. After weeks of exposure, we saw no signs of rust or degradation, even at the joints and welds.

The Textilene fabric is equally impressive. After a rainstorm, we were amazed at how quickly it dried. A quick wipe with a towel and it was ready for use, or simply left in the sun, it was bone dry in under an hour. This is a massive convenience compared to cushioned chairs that can stay waterlogged for days. The fabric is also touted as being UV-resistant, and while our testing period was only a few weeks, the deep brown color showed no signs of fading or becoming brittle, which aligns with feedback from users who have had them through a season. While one user expressed concern that the material might not be sturdy enough for year-round exposure, the vast majority of feedback, and our own hands-on experience with the heavy-duty fabric and frame, suggests these chairs are built to last and will maintain their integrity through harsh weather.

Assembly and Critical Practical Considerations

The assembly process, as mentioned, was refreshingly simple. The instructions were clear pictograms, and all parts were clearly labeled. We found, as did other users, that all the holes lined up precisely, and the bolts threaded smoothly. This speaks to a decent level of manufacturing precision. It’s worth noting that one reviewer out of a large sample reported receiving a chair without pre-drilled holes. While this appears to be a rare quality control lapse, it’s a possibility to be aware of. For the vast majority, the experience is quick and painless.

The most important practical consideration, however, is the one highlighted by a particularly insightful user: the armrest height. We measured it ourselves and confirmed it stands at 27 inches from the floor. This is a critical dimension that is not always listed in product diagrams. Before you purchase, you must measure your patio table. If the clearance under your tabletop is less than 27 inches, these chairs will not slide underneath. For our table, they fit perfectly, but for many others, they won’t. This doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker—you can still use them and simply store them pulled back from the table—but it’s a crucial piece of information for anyone who values a tidy, tucked-in look for their patio set. This one detail could be the deciding factor, so we urge you to measure twice before you buy.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequently praised aspects are comfort and functionality. One user perfectly summarized this, stating they are “not only super comfortable but also look very stylish,” adding that the “360° swivel function is incredibly convenient.” Another reviewer, who was sitting in the chair while writing their review, celebrated the comfort, the long armrests, and the unexpected rocking feature. The ease of assembly is another common theme, with multiple people mentioning the clear instructions and precise alignment of parts, with one person noting, “I put it all by myself, no need to use extra tools for help.”

The constructive criticism is consistent and valuable. The primary issue, as we’ve detailed, is the 27-inch armrest height. One user provided a detailed account, explaining, “it cannot slide back and forth under the table. If that is a factor for you, keep this measurement in mind.” The other minor point of criticism stems from rare quality control issues, such as the one user who received a chair without pre-drilled holes, requiring them to drill their own. While an anomaly, it’s a reminder that manufacturing defects can happen with any product. Overall, the user feedback paints a picture of a high-quality, comfortable, and well-loved chair with one major dimensional caveat to be aware of.

How the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs Compares to Alternatives

The Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs shines in its specific niche of dynamic, comfortable seating. However, different needs and aesthetics call for different solutions. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Rilyson Set of 2 Outdoor Wicker Patio Chairs

The Rilyson chairs offer a completely different aesthetic, favoring a classic, cozy look with their all-weather rattan wicker construction. Their main appeal is the high back and deep seating, which is often paired with plush cushions for a more “indoor sofa” feel. If you prefer the timeless look of wicker and prioritize a deep, cushioned seat for lounging over the active convenience of a swivel, the Rilyson set is an excellent choice. However, you’ll trade the Soohow’s quick-drying Textilene and smooth motion for the maintenance of cushions and a static design.

2. PHI 2 Pcs Patio Metal Dining Chairs Stackable

The PHI VILLA chairs represent the utilitarian end of the spectrum. Made from wrought iron with a simple, elegant pattern, their biggest advantages are durability and stackability. These are perfect for those who need to store their chairs in a small space during the off-season or want a no-frills, highly durable option. They lack the swivel, the rocking motion, and the built-in comfort of the Soohow’s Textilene seat, typically requiring a separate cushion for any extended sitting. Choose the PHI VILLA chairs if your priorities are storage, ruggedness, and a lower price point over ergonomic features.

3. Nazhura Metal Farmhouse Stackable Dining Chair (Set of 4)

This Nazhura set is a value proposition for those needing to furnish a larger space. You get four chairs for what is often the price of two premium ones. Their industrial, Tolix-style farmhouse design is distinctive and works well for both indoor and outdoor settings. Like the PHI VILLA chairs, they are stackable and waterproof. However, they are basic metal seats with no ergonomic contouring, no motion features, and no inherent comfort. These are best suited for someone who needs a large number of chairs with a specific industrial style and for whom comfort for long periods is not the primary concern.

The Final Verdict: Is the Soohow Swivel Chair Set Right for You?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Soohow Set of 2 Swivel Patio Dining Chairs is an exceptional product that delivers on its promises of comfort, durability, and enhanced functionality. The combination of the smooth 360-degree swivel and the gentle rocking motion elevates them from mere dining chairs to versatile relaxation stations. The ergonomic design and breathable, quick-drying Textilene fabric provide a level of comfort that genuinely encourages you to spend more time outdoors. They are sturdy, stylish, and relatively easy to assemble.

The only significant caveat is the 27-inch armrest height, which requires careful measurement of your existing table. If they fit your space, and you value dynamic comfort and all-weather convenience over stackability or a traditional wicker look, these chairs are an outstanding investment. They offer a premium experience that can fundamentally improve how you enjoy your patio, backyard, or balcony. For anyone looking to create a truly comfortable and functional outdoor living area, we wholeheartedly recommend them. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor seating from a mere necessity into a genuine pleasure, you can check the latest price and availability here.