REVIEW: Vari Standing Desk – beautifully simple and sturdy

Even after working in the industry for over a decade, sometimes we experience new things and discover hidden gems that we never knew would change our daily habits or routines . I tested the DJI OSMO gimbal a few years ago and haven't taken it off since. Then there was the addition of the EcoFlow Delta 2. However, this was more of a necessity than a convenience. Today, for the first time, I review an office. But it’s not just any office. This is a standing desk. More specifically, the Vari Electric Standing Desk.

Just like your gaming chair (or similar), the desk is an integral part of your workstation and gaming setup. That said, we don't think about it often. Once purchased, it will take years to replace it, even if it does not meet all the requirements. The Vari electric standing desk offers several options, making it versatile and sturdy. But is it worth upgrading your current setup?

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Vari Standing Desk Build and Design

In terms of overall design, the Vari desk is very minimalist. Even with accessories, it doesn't seem very complex to install compared to conventional desks. It only has three main parts, making it relatively easy to assemble.

These three parts include the feet, the board and the controls. The legs are packaged as separate components of the desk and assembled. On the other hand, the controls are part of the tray and are neatly positioned on the right side, with their wiring hidden under the tray.

The desk is available in two sizes, medium and large. I received the largest table, measuring 60×30″ – or 1525x762mm. The smaller variant measures 48×30″ (1219x762mm). Given my current desk and other cabinets, I had to place the desk outside of the study during the review period as it was too large for my layout. Make sure you have enough space when ordering the large option, as it can easily take up a quarter or a third of the room it does.

Besides the size options, there are four different finishes for the table top. Three of them are made of laminate and come in black, white and dark colors. The final option is reclaimed wood, which has a more natural and rustic aesthetic.

Overall, with its minimal aesthetic and easy-to-assemble setup, it is very sturdy with its thick legs, which are as wide as the desk. It creates a stable work area with almost zero clearance at the tabletop, creating a comfortable and safe finish.

Vari Standing Desk Specifications and Features

As we already mentioned, the desk has dimensions of 1525×762 mm. Furthermore, its height varies from 635 mm to 1280 mm. Height adjustment is one of the main features of the Vari electric desk, as it allows users to move between heights to work in a seated or standing position.

Initially, it was suggested to constantly move from sitting to standing before adapting to the change. Going from sitting to standing is a massive adaptation. At first you think it's easy and not a big deal. However, after five to ten minutes, you will quickly become restless as you seek to get into a more comfortable standing position. It would then be best to sit in your chair to rest your legs and back before getting back on your feet. Over time you will get used to it.

Two hooks are included in the package and can be added to any side of the desk. They can be used to hang your headphones, purse or other similar items. It is simple to use but effective, and allows users to add more if necessary.

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Performance

The main purpose of the Vari Electric Standing Desk is to help people suffering from injuries and blood circulation problems. This is especially true for people who have back problems and cannot sit for long periods of time, if at all. With all of its health benefits, a standing desk is a great option. However, it's not as easy as it seems to go straight to a standing desk.

After starting with 10 minute intervals, I eventually progressed to about 30 minutes at a time when using the desktop. This was done over a period of two weeks, while I estimate it takes about a month or more to get completely used to, depending on frequency of use.

With the large desk measuring 1525 x 762mm, there is plenty of space to use. I was able to easily fit my laptop, monitor, mouse pad, and portable storage on it, taking up less than half the capacity. It is therefore ideal to have other items within reach. What I found even more useful was using the desktop for various shots for my regular unboxing videos and having more tech objects available around me during my testing.

Guilty of spending hours in front of my screen, whether gaming, writing or editing, I often spend too much time sitting. Sometimes I make it a point to get up and move around, especially to drink water, go to the bathroom or take a coffee break. The standing desk option is helpful in this regard, as it allows you to continue working while standing. It also helps to subconsciously make more effort to do it, knowing that it is much easier.

With a simple click of a button, by selecting one of the four programmed options, you can adjust it to the height of your standing or sitting position in seconds, without having to search for the right position each time. It works perfectly.

The Vari Electric Standing Desk has a maximum load capacity of 90 kg on paper. This makes it easy to add everything you need to the desk while still having enough capacity to support the full weight of my body. This adds to its sturdy build quality and explains why the unit is as stable as it is when in use.

Some safety features are also built in, especially considering that load shedding can be a factor. This lack of power to the desktop means you won't be able to adjust it and, on occasion, it can cause a problem when reconnected. In this case, the commands provide a simple solution to reset the console without losing the memory setting. Additionally, if the device loses power, it remains locked, which is great peace of mind. In this case, I would suggest opting for the seated position, as two hours may be too long for most users to be standing at all times.

Is the Vari Standing Desk worth it?

The Vari electric desk may not be the most advanced option when it comes to revolutionary technology, but it can make a significant impact on your daily routine. Its design is minimalist, but its aesthetic remains elegant and refined. Its construction is sturdy and does not move under load, which is impressive. This is a great boost to your conventional job, which has many benefits.

The only major obstacle to overcome is the high price. The large model is priced at Rs 14,900, while the small model is available at a price of Rs 12,900. Knowing that an average desk costs between R1,000 and R3,000, it is not easy to add R10,000 to its price. There are many benefits to consider when making the decision, but you need to be sure to get the most out of them.

ErgoTherapy is the sole distributor of the Vari range in South Africa. You can visit their official website if you are looking for an electric standing desk.