Electric vs. Manual Standing Desks – Which Is Your Perfect Fit?
Both electric and manual standing desks have one aim in common – to make working more comfortable and productive for the user. Generally speaking, when it comes to choosing the right adjustable desk for your office set-up, it often comes down to personal preference. However, there are a couple of key factors to consider when choosing either a manual or electric standing desk. You need to make sure that whichever desk you decide to go for matches your requirements and lifestyle.
What Are Electric/Manual Standing Desks?
Both electric and manual desks have a desk frame that you can adjust to a standing position. There are many benefits to incorporating a standing desk into your office set-up, which is why they’re becoming more popular across the world.
The main difference between the two models is how you adjust the height of the desk. Electric desks are adjusted with the push of a button, whilst manual desks usually have a hand crank. Apart from the mechanisms to adjust the height, the two desk frames look largely similar.
Electric Desk Vs Manual Standing Desk
If you’re considering investing in a standing desk, then it’s important you choose the right one for you. There are a couple of factors to think about, which we’ll go through in detail.
1. Convenience
There’s no denying that electrical equipment is more convenient than manual – and a desk is no exception. You can adjust an electrical desk to your perfect position at the push of a button, whilst a manual desk will demand a bit more effort on your part.
2. Adjustability and Precision
Electric desks are usually easier to adjust to multiple heights, making them suitable for different users. It’s also easier to adjust them to exactly the correct height and angle, which isn’t always possible with a manual one.
3. Programmable
Some electric desks allow you to program your desk to the perfect height, meaning once you press the button the desk raises exactly to your preferred and saved height. This isn’t a possibility with a manual standing desk.
4. Cost Comparison
One of the best things about manual desks is that they’re usually more affordable. Because they don’t require electrical mechanics, they’re cheaper to make which is great news if you’re fitting out an entire office.
5. Speed of Adjustment
Electric desks are usually much quicker than manual desks to adjust. This helps to save time and make the workplace more productive.
6. Power Source
One of the main setbacks of an electric desk is that it needs to be close to a power source. This can be quite restrictive when it comes to more open workspaces or hot desking. A manual desk, however, doesn’t require a power source and allows for much more flexibility. They can easily be combined with our ergonomic workstations to create dynamic and productive workplaces.
7. Ease of Moving
It’s not only a power source that restricts how an electric desk can be used. Usually, electric desks are also heavier than manual ones, meaning they can be harder to move around.
8. Environment
It’s not something many of us would think about when it comes to electric vs manual standing desks. But, because they don’t need a power source and therefore don’t produce electrical waste, manual desks are normally better for the environment.
9. Maintenance Work
Most electronic equipment needs some maintenance work at some point – and it’s the same for electronic desks. There’s the potential that it might fail exactly when you want to use it (which can be very annoying). Luckily, the standing desks we offer at Elevar come with a 5-year warranty to ensure they’re functional throughout the working day.
6. Noise Level
If you work in an office with other people, it’s a good idea to be considerate of the potential noise your desk might make. Because of the motorised parts, electric desks tend to make more noise than manual desks (which barely make any noise at all). If you’ve got an office neighbour who likes their peace and quiet, a manual desk may be a better choice.
7. Health Requirements
For some of us, health and ability are the biggest factors when choosing a manual or electric height-adjustable desk. Manual desks require more effort which could be difficult for those with limited mobility or back pain. An electric desk, however, is much easier to use.
8. Frequency of Use
If you’re planning to use your electric desk often, it may be worth investing in an electric desk. You can program it to your desired height, it’s much quicker and all you have to do is press a button. However, if you don’t see yourself using the adjustable desk often, it may be a better idea to get a manual version. It really depends on whether you’d like to be standing often during the day or not.
So, Electric Desk or Manual Standing Desk?
Really, which height-adjustable desk you get will come down to personal preference and your workspace. An electric desk can be easier for those who may have difficulties cranking a desk but you can expect to pay a little more. Likewise, many people find that manual desks work better in dynamic office settings but they do take longer to adjust.
If you’re still unsure about which desk would work best for you, get in touch with the team at Elevar. We’ll be happy to take you through your options and find the perfect one for you!