Ergo Sit-Stand Electric Desk Review

The Ergo electric standing desk from Buy Direct Online (BDO) is marketed as a budget-friendly to mid-tier standing desk. One of its strengths is its pre-assembled nature. But how does it compare to the best standing desks in Australia?

Ergo Standing Desk Compared

Updown Desk Pro Series

Overall Rating

5/5

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With a 100-day trial and free returns on top of the 10-year warranty, the PRO series from UpDown is hard to pass up and one of the best standing desks in Australia.

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Desky Dual Desk

Overall Rating

4.9/5

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A top-quality Australian standing desk that provides advanced practicality and functionality with its industry-leading cable management system and power options.

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Omnidesk

Overall Rating

4.1/5

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Value-for-money sit-stand desk with an excellent build quality, a great range of hardwood tabletops, and compatibility with a wide assortment of accessories.

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What We Liked:

• The desk is extremely easy to set up due to its pre-assembled design. All you need to do is unfold the legs, fasten them with the included screws, and the desk will be ready to use.
• A robust workspace is provided by the electrostatically painted metal frame and 25mm thick commercial-grade melamine top.
• The height adjustment controls are user-friendly and responsive, enabling seamless and accurate adjustments within the range of 765mm to 1170mm (with glides) or 805mm to 1240mm (with casters).
• Users can save multiple height settings with the memory height system, facilitating quick switching between preferred positions.
• The anti-collision system enhances safety by halting the desk upon detecting an obstacle.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Very limited desktop options.
•  Users in rural or remote locations may encounter additional shipping costs for certain regions.
• No cable management system.

My Thoughts On The Ergo Standing Desk

The pre-assembled design is a lifesaver

The Ergo Sit Stand Electric Desk comes pre-assembled, reducing time and effort. If you have assembled a standing desk like the Omnidesk Pro, you’ll know what I’m talking about. 

The desk comes in the box with its legs folded. All you need to do is unfold them and secure them with the provided screws. It even comes with its own set of tools, so you don’t need to go to the toolbox. 

Height adjustment controls

The control panel for adjusting the height of the Ergo Sit Stand Electric Desk is easy to use and straightforward, enabling seamless and accurate height changes. 

The desk provides a height range of 765mm to 1170mm with the standard glides and 805mm to 1240mm if you decide to install the included casters. These controls make it simple to transition between sitting and standing positions, which encourages better ergonomics and helps reduce the physical strain of prolonged sitting.

The system allows you to save multiple height settings to quickly and easily return to your preferred standing desk heights at the touch of a button. 

Anti-collision system

The anti-collision system, a feature usually more prominent in high-end standing desks, is a welcome addition. 

This system improves the desk’s safety by halting its movement when it encounters an obstacle during height adjustments. This helps to avoid potential damage to the desk and nearby objects, promoting a safer working environment.

It feels strong

The desk’s strong build is an additional advantage. It comes with a durable metal frame painted electrostatically for long-lasting quality and a 25-mm-thick commercial-grade melamine top. 

This combination ensures that the desk is visually appealing and can hold up to 80kg. This makes it appropriate for various equipment, from computer monitors to heavier office supplies. Even at its highest elevation, there is not much wobble at all.

Related reading: Why Does My Standing Desk Wobble? Common Issues & Fixes

Casters are included

While I didn’t install my Ergo with the provided casters, it is a generous offering from BDO since many standing desks don’t come with this. 

The casters can be locked and unlocked for easy movement and secure positioning. 

The casters are secured to sizable adjustable glides that keep them stable on uneven surfaces. This versatility makes it ideal for adaptable workspaces requiring frequent layout adjustments.

Pricing

At $987, the Ergo is not a value-for-money choice. For only a few dollars more, you can get the most basic version of the UpDown Pro ($1,027), which is better in quality and specifications, such as weight capacity and dual motors.

Having said that, it is quite often on sale for around $600, which makes it a far more appealing option. 

The pre-built design adds considerable value by saving time and effort during installation. Furthermore, the extended warranties (12 years for the frame and 3 years for the motor) offer peace of mind and increase the desk’s overall value.

Design & Aesthetics

For a melamine desktop surface, the Ergo is surprisingly easy on the eye. The ‘dark timber’ that I bought works well with the black legs, and I don’t mind the desk’s rounded corners either. 

Overall, it’s sleek and contemporary look will suit most home offices and professional workspaces. 

How It Performed

The desk’s sturdy construction is noticeable straight from the get-go. The electrostatically painted metal frame ensures durability and adds a touch of sophistication. With a 25mm thick commercial-grade melamine top, the desk offers a professional and smooth surface that is both durable and easy to maintain. All it needs is a wipe with your household cleaner solution and the coffee stains come off.

Its minimalist design allows it to blend effortlessly into any environment without dominating the space, making it a versatile choice for many users.

One thing I did note was the noise it makes when the desktop is lowered or raised. Far from the quiet and smooth running of my other standing desks, you can hear the crankshaft and single motor as if the motor is struggling to keep up. In actuality, the motor is doing just fine and working as intended, but it’s a distinct noise that is slightly uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, there is no way to organise your cables and wiring at all and you will need to make a separate purchase to pick up a cable tray. The cable trays from BDO aren’t expensive, they aren’t the most attractive of items and their basket design could prove to be annoying.

If you don’t want to spend the money, you’ll need to get creative with your cable management.

Warranty & Returns

As far as frame warranty goes, BDO is better than most with its 12-year warranty. This is two years longer than premium desk brands, where one year is often standard. 

However, the shortfall is the 3-year warranty on the single motor. 

Customers Reviews

Despite its shortcomings, the Ergo has received praise from numerous customers for its easy assembly and sturdy construction. They value the convenience of the pre-assembled design and the dependability of the height adjustment controls. The memory height settings are often mentioned as a particularly useful feature. 

While some customers have observed possible additional shipping costs for remote areas, the general consensus is that the desk is worthwhile.

Concluding Thoughts 

After using the Ergo for some time and given its price point and features, the standing desk is a worthwhile entry-level option, provided you can get it on sale. It doesn’t have the refinement, features, and quality of a more expensive desk, but it does provide all the necessary things you would want in a standing desk.