Sit Stand height desks product review – Pro and Cons

Alternate between sitting and standing work regularly and feel like you have made a sustained physical activity. Live healthy and work better now. To get started, see the options available for you.

ELECTRIC SIT or STANDING DESK

The electric height adjustable desk is without a doubt the most popular type of sitting and standing desk because of the speed and accuracy with which one can achieve the desired height. An electric motor, generally located below the worktable within a secured metal housing, permits movement of the work table from top to bottom and bottom to top. The motor is activated by a control, with or without a height programmable option, placed under the table within the user’s reach.

PRO

• Ease of use
• Speed of adjustment
• Adjustment accuracy (with programmable control)
• Movement without backlash
• Motor strength
• Made to support frequent to heavy use

CONS

• Low noise
• Power required
• Power Cable can be annoying
• Most expensive standing desk option

See all electric standing desks  |  Illustrated product : Workrite Sierra SEHX

 

SIT STAND DESK WITH COUNTERWEIGHT

The adjustable height desk with counterweight system is a great alternative to the electric sit stand desk option. A counterbalance height adjustable desk uses a balanced mechanical system to move the desk up and down. The counterweight must be calibrated using a dedicated crank. The equilibrium point is reached when the spring tension is sufficient to withstand the desk load including your computer and accessories.

PRO

• Fastest transition time
• Quiet
• No power required
• For medium to frequent users

CONS

• Fine height adjustment requires a certain dexterity
• Slight physical effort is required

See all standing desks with counterweight  |  Illustrated product : Humanscale Float

 

CRANK OPERATED SITTING or STANDING DESK

The adjustable height desk crank works with the motion of a simple mechanical gear. The crank is manually activated and moves the desk either up or down until it reaches the desired height. Most products available on the market adjusts at the rate of 5 to 6 crank turns per inch (2.5 cm). It takes many crank turns to make a complete stroke of about 20 inches (50 cm) and move from a sitting to a standing position.

Very small or tall persons do appreciate the crank desk to attain their individual sitting height comfort zone. People using wheelchairs also find the crank desk as a great solution to solve their working room accessibility issue.

PRO

• Less expensive option
• Easy to operate
• No power required
• Quiet

CONS

• Takes more time to adjust height

See all crank operated standing desks  |  Illustrated product : Workrite Sierra SCFHXL

 

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM
or DESK CONVERTER SET

The height adjustable platform is an ergonomic accessory added to an existing desk. Why replace your old desk when you still like it? And how to alternate between sitting and standing when you don’t want to let go your fixed-height desk? This is when the desk converter comes into play to convert an existing fixed-height desk in a very functional sit stand desk.

The desk converter is provided with a vertical central structure attached to the fixed desk or table. It supports up to two computer screens. A platform to support the keyboard and mouse moves from bottom to top and top to bottom along the central structure activated by a counterweight system.

PRO

• Cost effective alternative
• Quick adjustment
• Easy to relocate

CONS

• Take space on the desktop

See all desk converter  |  Illustrated product : Humanscale QuickStand