Vari, formerly VariDesk, is an impressive standing desk and accessory company. Their quality has improved steadily over the last several years, and the Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge is no exception.
We've tested, reviewed, and rated many of the best standing desks and were very impressed with the company's last offering, the Electric Standing Desk which we awarded 4.5 out of 5. This latest model has many similarities to the beloved original Electric Standing Desk, with some notable changes that make it unique in and of itself.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Unboxing and First Impressions
Vari's packaging is simple and understated. The desk arrived well-packaged with clear instructions on how to build it. The instructions were so clear that my five-year-old son could look at the pictures and understand how to assemble most of the steps. Vari ensured that all the tools needed to assemble the desk were included in the package. The instructions were so simple that I didn't have to use a drill or electric screwdriver as usual.
Unlike other standing desks I've built in the past, this one already had the desktop and frame assembled, so I only needed to add the legs. Even adding the legs was incredibly simple. The mounting points slid into a groove and clicked down into place; all I did was add a few screws to ensure they stayed locked in place. In addition to this easy way to add the legs, the pre-assembled frame and desktop made the build process much easier and faster. It only took me 14 minutes to complete, even with two kids running around as "helpers."
I noticed the high-quality desktop and leg materials right out of the box. That's a big deal, especially since I have tested many desks. Going into testing this desk, one concern was that I wanted to avoid the ComfortEdge looking gimmicky in real life. It looks good in photos, but in person, I hoped Vari did this rounded edge perfectly, smoothly, and, most importantly, intentionally. Thankfully, that is exactly how it looks. The rounded bevel front looks like a featured element, not an add-on to a previous model.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Design and Build Quality
For a standing desk to be high-quality, the pieces must be made well and from the right materials. For my Vari Desk with Comfort Edge, I chose a walnut top, black legs, and a 48 x 30 desktop size. As I previously stated, the rounded front top edge of the desk stood out immediately, but not in a bad way at all. There was a clear front and back of the desk, and Vari had precisely created this desk version.
as tested
Type: Electric Standing Desk
Height Range: 25 - 50.5 inches
Desktop Size: 48 x 30 inches
Lifting Weight: 220lb
Storage Space: drawers and storage units are available for add-on
Warranty: 5 years
The desk, as a whole, has a very clean, minimalist, and modern look. There's nothing flashy, and while I am a big fan of the walnut finishes (no shame for jumping on that bandwagon), this looks good in any of the spaces in my house that I have tried. While moving this desk around to different areas in my house to get a feel for how it looks against various backgrounds, with other lights, and so on, I became very appreciative of the robust construction, the easy-to-remove legs, and height adjustability. I could get this set, plug in the legs, and hit my preset, and no matter what was going on, I could have the desk at the perfect height every time.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: In use
Coming from someone who has used many of the best office desks, both traditional and standing models, I expected to like the ComfortEdge less than I do. I did not think Vari would design this desk so well, nor did I come to appreciate it as much as I do. During long working hours, this ComfortEdge noticeably reduces wrist and arm fatigue as they are no longer resting on a 90-degree angle made of wood.
The rest of the desk is stable, has minimal wobble, and works excellently with the ComfortEdge at various heights. Both while sitting and standing, I appreciate the ComfortEdge design and the relief it brings to my forearms. The desk legs have an impressive height range that I can utilize to set the perfect four memory presets and then continue to choose any height I want manually. Having four presets is something that I took for granted early on in my standing desk journey. It's something that I did not realize how beneficial it was until I didn't have it for a few desks I have had.
With four presets, I usually set a seated height, a standing height, an ergonomic stool height, and an auxiliary height. The auxiliary height I set is perfect for me to tinker on my desk. Whether that is photo shoots of gear, building something, or opening a package. If I had a stationary desk or a standing desk without presets, I would never take the time to put the desk in this position, but since I can press a button, the desk will automatically go to that perfect height and then back to where I had it before the auxiliary height, it's a no brainer for me.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Final verdict
The Vari Electric Standing Desk with ComfortEdge is a fantastic desk overall. Its smooth taper on the front top edge alleviates pressure from your forearms while you use it, and it looks clean and intentional. While it is expensive, quality standing desks come at a price. If you are looking for an excellent standing desk that will last you years and elevate your work from home or office space, make sure to check out the Vari Electric Standing Desk with ComfortEdge.
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