Flexispot EC1 Standing Desk Review [Best & Worst]
The EC1 standing desk from Flexispot is rising in popularity among students and remote workers. Before it was introduced, it was unimaginable to have a motorized desk under $300. But there has been some negative feedback too. That’s why we understand your dilemma. It makes sense to question whether the Flexispot EC1 standing desk is worth the hype or not.
Flexispot EC1 is the best low-price electric standing desk on the market. The height range is perfect as well as the color and size options. The only downside to this unit is that it’s less stable after a certain height.
You shouldn’t buy a product (especially desks) just because it’s affordable. Hence, our purpose throughout this review would be to dive deeper into its specs and functionality. Let’s see whether the performance is up to the mark or not.
Flexispot EC1 Standing Desk: An Overview
Not every Flexispot desk is made for you. It would be better to make any decision once you know the targeted user. Let’s overview the Flexispot EC1 electric desk.
It does everything you can expect from a standard sit-stand desk. But the one thing which makes it stand out is the price point, for sure. There’s hardly any other desk that can provide so many features under $300. Well, Flexispot designed this unit specifically as a low-budget option for users. If you are concerned about your sedentary lifestyle and understand the need for a standing desk, money shouldn’t stand in between. That’s what the EC1 desk was made for.
Of course, there are some cons too considering the almost impossible price tag. we will discuss them in detail down below. Now you know what to expect from this table. So, let’s start by checking out the core specs of this unit.
Key Specifications
- Max weight capacity- 187 pounds (including 33 pounds desktop).
- Max height- 47.6 inches
- Min height-27.9 inches
- Comes with a basic controller (two buttons).
- No LED display included
- Speed- 1 inch per second
- Rectangular Shaped with two leg-frames.
Flexispot EC1 Standing Desk Review
In our review, we will go by the required features that users usually look for in a standing desk. Then, we will judge how the EC1 performs based on the specified factors. So, if you are ready, let’s go!
Load Capacity & Noise
The very first question that bothers us regarding a standing desk would be its load capacity. The more it can carry the better. Keeping that in mind, Flexispot EC1 was designed with 154 pounds of load capacity. Considering the desktop weighs around 33 pounds, the total weight capacity reaches 187 pounds. That’s pretty impressive.
Most premium quality desks offer around 210 pounds of weight capacity on average. If you are someone who only uses one device for most of the work, you don’t have to spend more load capacity.
As long as the noise is concerned, Flexispot promises the motor to work super quietly. Remember the more weight you put on top of it, the louder the transition would get. But don’t worry. The motor sound is claimed to never go above 50 decibels. That’s bearable.
Color & Size Variability
Flexispot EC1 electric standing desk offers a variety of color and size options to choose from. It’s a very rare feature for an inexpensive desk.
Color
Chipboard is the most popular desktop material for this unit. In case you didn’t know, chipboard is wood scraps pressed together using resin at a high temperature. You get to choose from mahogany, maple, black, and white (for chipboards). If you don’t mind spending a bit more, bamboo desktops are also available for a minimalist aesthetic.
You can even customize the frame’s color. Right now, black, white, and grey frames are available for this desk on their website.
Size
You will definitely love Flexispot EC1 sit-stand desk size options. The desktop comes in 42×24”,48×24”, 48×30”, 55×28”, and 60×28”. You can even ask for a curved shape (not available in every size though). You can easily fit your medium size desktop, keyboard, side lamp, and important files on the smallest desk size.
So, depending on how many items you need in front of you while working, choose an appropriate size. If you have to look between two monitors frequently, opting for a curved desk would be better for your neck.
Stability
We think the price range gives us a hint about how stable it would be. You can’t expect it to be rock solid at its max height like some other premium desks. That’s for sure. Now, let’s check out a stability test to get a better grip on the situation.
With 100 Pounds
In the first stage of the test, the demonstrator put 100 pounds of weight on the desk surface. We can see, the desk was pretty solid at 28 inches, or the lowest height. There was no rocking or wobbling at all. As the height keeps rising, we can see some major incompetencies.
For example, next the desk was taken up to 39 inches in height which is the ideal working height for an average woman. At this height, the desk starts to wobble when you push from any side. It’s not a great sign, considering we have not even reached the max weight limit.
Finally, the demonstrator takes it up to 42 inches which is the average working height for males. The desk completely fails to keep the legs sturdy. A simple push makes it rock back and forth.
With 187 Pounds
Flexispot EC1 has a max weight limit of 187 pounds. Even though the result is predictable, let’s explain the test. After putting 187 pounds of weight on the surface, the desk was adjusted to 28 inches, 39 inches, and 42 inches again. In this case, the desk loses its stability at its lowest point.
And, as the height increases, the legs really start coming up off the floor. There is a high chance that your possessions will smash on the ground if you accidentally push the table (at 42 inches or above).
So, as far as stability is concerned, Flexispot EC1 doesn’t stand up to the mark. If you are a taller person, it would be a nightmare to work above 40 inches height. And, the case only gets worse with heavier objects on top of the desk.
Affordability & Customization
Flexispot EC1 was designed to keep your pockets happy. We have said it already before. The price on most marketplaces for this unit is around $300.But, on discount periods, you can buy it for as low as $250. It seems insane for a standard motorized desk, right?
Another great thing about the Flexispot EC1 adjustable standing desk is how much freedom you have. Most parts are customizable. And, the cost can significantly go lower if you choose the components wisely. For example, when it comes to desktops, you have to pay around $130 for solid wood. However, going for a chipboard or whiteboard option can save you around $30 to $50.
Moving on, a mediocre keypad with only two rise and down buttons comes with the original package. If you love using technology and want a high-functioning keypad, pay $50 more. The LED-installed keypad memorizes up to three frequent height levels.
The same goes for the desk width as well. You have to pay less for a 42×24 inches desk than a 55×28 inches. By “less” we mean more than $70.
As you can see, choosing a 55×28-inch mahogany wood finish with a premium keypad would stretch the cost up to $400 easily. But you can also cut a lot of costs by choosing inexpensive options. That’s pretty convenient since not every user is a fan of cheaper prices.
Overall Look
Only because you are paying less, doesn’t mean the desk has to be ugly. Thankfully, Flexispot never disappoints when it comes to aesthetics. All the desktops from bamboo to solid wood come with a glossy finish. It is not very thick which lowers the overall weight of the unit.
However, we have one complaint. The motors should have come with a separate case. It seems to upset many users who love a seamless finish. We agree, the motors are under the surface and don’t grab much attention. But, it would be more aesthetically pleasing if the motors (black) didn’t break the color theme.
Another problem is the absence of grommets. The chargers and power cords go behind the desk. It prevents you from setting the desk against a wall. If the desk had grommets, the black wires wouldn’t be visible. We know, functionality is the main factor for an electric standing desk. But you would rather get yourself a desk that works well and look awesome at the same time.
Assembly
Luckily, assembling all the parts together isn’t that tough. The package includes an instruction manual with a visual demonstration. If it’s your first time installing a standing desk, Flexispot advises you to get a partner. With two persons handling the installation, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
The desk is also capable of moving 1 inch within a second. That’s pretty impressive. As long as you stay within the weight range, the transition would be smooth like butter. Flexispot also provides all the necessary equipment to secure the nuts and bolts. All you need is an electric drill and measurement tape. That was the good aspect of the assembly.
However, users complain about the manual being unclear about certain things. For example, you have to put the desktop on the ground and then build the structure from there. Once done, you have to flip the whole thing upside down. That’s a heavy task. And, there is a chance that you might break or damage it.
Final Verdict
Flexispot EC1 Essential Electric desk is by far the least costly standing desk on the market. With all the amazing features, no other desk can beat it when it comes to balancing price and functionality. Moreover, we love how customizable the unit is. If you are conscious about how it looks in your home office, the huge color options would definitely please you.
But that’s about it. The stability is not that great. We wouldn’t recommend it to any taller person (above 5’4’).
We wouldn’t label the EC1 as best or worst. Both are two extremes. We think the desk secures a middle position in the scale. It will satisfy you if your main concern is price. On the other hand, if you are a professional looking for something highly durable, the EC1 is not the best bet.
With that we are signing off! Thank you for being so patient.