Crank vs. Electric: Which is the Right Adjustable Height Desk for You?

If you're looking to outfit your office with a standing desk, you may be overwhelmed by the wide range of traditional desks, converters, and even setups that allow for treadmills and stationary bikes. Even if you can't immediately decide on all the functions you want, you should start by deciding between electric and manual adjustment. We've put together a handy comparison guide to help you evaluate the pros and cons of the two modes and decide which is right for your budget and office environment.

The ultimate comparison

Pros and cons of height-adjustable desks with a crank

PROS:

• No electricity required: Since no electricity is required, the user is not tied to an outlet. This is a good solution for regions that experience frequent power outages, for businesses that require mobility, and for users that may not have access to electricity.
• More reliable: When the power is no longer needed, fewer things can go wrong. We have experienced very few problems with our crank desks in the field. Some have been in use for over fifteen years.
• Cheaper: Even if the crank version is not the cheapest option, most models are cheaper than the electric version. It is important to know that entry-level electric models are usually more expensive than crank tables compared to mid-range or high-end crank models.

CONS:

• Very slow adjustment: Unfortunately, one of the main disadvantages of crank tables is the effort required from sitting to standing. The average user needs 25 to 40 centimeters of adjustment to get into a standing position. Most crank tables on the market today require 1-2 cranks per inch of travel. This results in 25-80 turns of the crank as the user transitions from sitting to standing.
• Uneven load: Balance plays an important role in the efficiency of the crank table up and down movement. If the weight on one side of the table is too large, it will be more difficult to adjust. If there are many objects on the table or attached to it, it is important to ensure that the load is evenly distributed.
• Low Load Capacity: The load capacity of crank workbenches is generally 25-35% less than that of power workbenches. Higher load capacity desks require the most cranks per inch of travel.

Pros and cons of electric height adjustable desks

PROS:

• Easy to use: just push the button up or down and the table will start moving immediately. Whether the user is on the phone or has their hands full, the push-button operation is the easiest to handle.
• Increased Weight Capacity: An average electric standing desk has a higher weight capacity than a crank table or converter. This is ideal for users who like to keep lots of items on their desk.
• Quick Up/Down Adjustments: Spend less time transitioning from sitting to standing. Most electric models move at speeds greater than 1 inch per second. The transition from sitting to standing takes an average of 10-15 seconds.
• Larger desk sizes: Since the desk moves with the help of motors, there are no limits to the size of the tables available. Larger L- and U-shaped standing desks often have three motors compared to two for rectangular shapes. When all of the user's items are at standing height, the workspace is much more efficient.

CONS:

• More expensive: The technology needed to move the tables costs more than most cranks and converters. Most high-quality models only start at 400 euros in Germany and prices go up to 1000-2000 euros or more in well-known markets.
• Power requirements: Due to the power requirements, the desk is tied to a socket and mobility is restricted. In the event of a power failure, the table will remain at a certain height until power is restored. Most brands require the desk to be reset after a power outage, which means the user must lower the desk to its lowest point in safe mode (slow movement). This may be more common in certain regions.
• Can be noisy/disruptive: The howling sound emanating from the motors when the table lifts a certain weight can be annoying. Most electric models operate at a volume of 45-60 dB. If the workplace is very quiet, there will be a noise every time the desk is moved. A typical office has a noise level of 45-50 dB and an average conversation is held at around 60 dB.
• Electronics Failure : Many of the electric models sold today have been tested for at least 5000-10000 cycles up and down without failure. Many companies only give a short warranty period. We recommend a minimum warranty period of 4 years.