In today's fast-paced world, having an ergonomic workspace has never been more important. Having a comfortable place to work not only improves your health but can also make you more productive. In recent years, standing desks have gained huge popularity as a great solution to combat the drawbacks of sitting for hours on end.
Two great contenders in the standing desk arena are the FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk Premium Series and the IKEA BEKANT Desk Sit/Stand, but which one is right for you? Both are excellent desks, but a few features set them apart. We'll look at what they are so you can have the comfortable workstation you crave.
The Basics: FlexiSpot E7 vs. IKEA BEKANT
FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk Premium Series
Height Range: 58cm-123cm
Desktop Dimension: 120-180x60-80cm (six size options)
Load Capacity/Static: 125kg/160kg
Cable Management: Under-desk cable duct
IKEA BEKANT Desk Sit/Stand
Height Range: 65cm-125cm
Desktop Dimension: 120x80cm
Load Capacity/Static: Minimum of 70kg
Cable Management: Cable management net
Stability and Durability
One of the biggest worries of standing desks is their stability and durability. However, it's an area where both desks impress. The FlexiSpot E7 boasts high-quality carbon steel construction, providing robust stability even when fully loaded with computer equipment.
That quality construction gives it a minimum load capacity of 125kg, much higher than what IKEA offers at 70kg. Even though the BEKANT is a sturdy desk, the difference in load capacity showcases the difference in construction quality between the two.
Both of them have durable and stain-resistant desktops designed to stand the test of time, shown by both of them having a long warranty. However, in terms of load capacity and stability, the FlexiSpot E7 wins this round.
Cable Management
A cluttered workspace can hinder productivity and add to your stress at work. With an adjustable desk, it's even more important that the cables are kept out of the way so they do not interrupt the mechanism or get in the way of your feet.
Cable management is an area where both desks impress. The IKEA desk has a net under the table where you can hide your plugs and easily feed them through to the desk. The Flexispot desk has put a little more thought into it, as it has a solid tray duct system that will completely hide your cables. This makes it a more elegant solution than using a net.
The BEKANT system works just fine, but it has to be said that the cable management on the E7 not only conceals the wires more tidily but also looks more aesthetically pleasing. Again, the IKEA model is good but comes in second place.
Individual Adjustment and Ergonomics
There's little use in a desk having a great set of features if it doesn't offer you a comfortable working environment. With the ease of adjustment here, both desks shine as a great way to ensure you're always working at your most productive level.
Regarding height adjustment, the IKEA model and the FlexiSpot model goes the same to 125cm (with desktop), but the FlexiSpot desk does a whole seven cm lower. Overall, the E7 has a wider adjustment range, suitable for people of different heights to make choices.
Regarding desk space, the BEKANT offers a standard size of 120x80cm. The E7 is much more flexible as it has a minimum size of 120x60cm but a maximum size of 180x80cm, allowing you to get a desk size perfect for your needs.
Ease of Installation
Both the FlexiSpot E7 and IKEA BEKANT aim to make assembly as hassle-free as possible. The design of the FlexiSpot is geared towards time-saving, meaning you can set it up without any frustration. It has a smooth assembly process, making it accessible to many customers.
Likewise, the IKEA BEKANT also offers ease of assembly. The instructions are simple, and you can put it together in no time. The two are pretty much tied in this respect, as they are both easy to install using only basic tools.
Cost and Design
Again, the two desks are tied here as they both sport modern and sleek designs. Where the E7 does win is in its versatility. The IKEA model gives you six different options where you can choose a black, white, or oak desktop with either a black or white frame.
On the other hand, the FlexiSpot desk has three color options for the frame and an impressive eight options for the desktop. White and black are available, along with six different shades of wood. While both look great, you're more likely to get exactly what you want with the E7.
In terms of cost, both desks are competitive. For a standing desk of the same size, IKEA's BEKANT can cost up to £480, whereas the FlexiSpot E7 comes in a starting price of £399.99 (after discounts). Both of these prices are for a 120*80cm desktop, and FlexiSpot also offers a smaller 120*60cm size, meaning it has a more affordable match.FlexiSpot offers a substantial £120 voucher throughout the year, which becomes even bigger during Black Friday sales. The excellent price, along with FlexiSpot's available vouchers, makes it a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize affordability while still enjoying the benefits of a quality standing desk.
Final Thoughts
Both the FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk Premium Series and the IKEA BEKANT Desk Sit/Stand have their merits and would be an excellent choice for your new workstation. However, the FlexiSpot E7 emerges as the superior choice when looking at all their features.
That’s mainly due to three main reasons. It has superior durability with a higher load capacity, and a more elegant and sophisticated cable management system. Finally, it offers more flexibility in not only the size of the desk but also in its desktop and frame color.
With an equally good ease of installation and design, there is no doubt that the Ikea BEKANT is a great desk and a reliable choice. However, if you prioritize stability, cable management, and a hassle-free experience, the FlexiSpot E7 is the desk for you.
