For today’s post we’ve selected the best electric standing desk frames for base-only requirements.
As part of the selection process, we’ve covered height range, desktop size compatibility, weight capacity and warranty. We’ve also looked at controller function, extras and of course price range.
These are all important considerations when choosing the right frame for you. You’ll find all the information you need for each model within the specs and product detail sections.
You’ll also find some top tips on making the right choice, which we recommend that you read – especially if buying a standing desk frame for the first time.
Contents
Top Tips for Choosing Your Frame
Read this before you buy!
The Best Electric Standing Desk Frames
- FlexiSpot (EG1)
- iMount
- MAIDeSITe
- Ergomaker
- FlexiSpot (E5B)
Top Tips for Choosing Your Frame
Height Range
It’s important to get the height right when choosing a standing desk frame. We use Inch Calculator for recommended measurements. Remember to factor in the thickness of your desktop, and to be sure of the best ergonomic positioning, take your own measurements as well as looking at the guidelines.
You should find the correct desk heights for sitting and standing to make sure your frame will work for you. For shorter and taller users, triple stage adjusting legs are more suitable as they offer a wider height range.
Extendable Width
Each of the frames we’ve featured below are extendable. This gives you the flexibility to get a bigger desktop in the future if required, or to go smaller should you need to downsize. Recommended desktop sizes are given for each product.
Weight Capacity
This is another key factor when it comes to choosing the right desk frame. As well as checking the weight of your equipment, don’t forget to factor in the weight of your desktop as well. This sounds obvious, but it’s a point which can easily be overlooked.
By keeping within the weight capacity – also known as lift capacity – your frame will last longer and you will be covered within warranty if anything should go wrong.
Price Range
We’ve given the price range within each product description. Please note pricing – along with all other details – was correct at the time of publishing. Please note also that prices fluctuate with sales, promotions and new products arriving. For live pricing click on the link next to each frame, along with stock levels and shipping times.
The Best Electric Standing Desk Frames
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FLEXISPOT (EG1)
A basic desk but great quality – a real good budget option.
Height range 71cm – 121cm
Extendable width 85cm – 129cm
For desktop width 100cm – 160cm
For desktop depth 50cm – 80cm
Weight capacity 70kg
Click for Amazon product page (affiliate link)More about the FlexiSpot EG1
FlexiSpot is a well-known brand and we love their desks and frames. (As you’ll see, we’ve featured another FlexiSpot model further down.) This particular frame is a great budget option and is at the lower end of the price scale.
So what do you get for your money? The frame is made with heavy-duty, industrial grade steel. Available in a choice of black, white, silver or multi-colour. (The latter features bands of red, pink, white and blue on the legs – not our kind of desk but take a look – you might like it.)
The controller is a simple, 2 button affair for up or down adjustment only. The maximum height is less than some other models, but should still do the job unless you’re taller than average.
The 70 kg weight capacity is one of the lowest within our feature and the recommended desktop sizes are also the smallest. But if you have limited workspace and minimal equipment, this could be a good option for you.
The frame is certificated for meeting a number of durability, health and safety and environmental standards and there’s a good warranty to back this up – 5 years for the frame and 3 years for the motor. Plus you get lifetime tech support.
The EG1 frame usually retails at around £220, but FlexiSpot regularly offer promotions and seasonal deals. If you’re looking at the right time, you might pay closer to £150. Either way, this is a great frame with lots to offer.
PROs – great price, ideal for smaller desktops, good warranty, certification.
CONs – lower max. height and weight capacity, no memory function.
IMOUNT
Another great choice for budget – excellent value for money.
Height range 71cm – 121cm
Extendable width 85cm – 125cm
For desktop width 100cm – 160cm
For desktop depth 50cm – 80cm
Weight capacity 70kg
Click for Amazon product page (affiliate link)More about the iMount frame
The iMount frame is similar to the previous model in many ways. It has the same height range – the lowest of the feature, but still suitable for users around 6 feet tall or more. (Don’t forget to factor in desktop thickness.)
Again, the weight capacity is on the low side and the recommended desktop size is smaller than the others. The i-Mount frame also features a simple, 2 button controller for up or down adjustment only. To match the lower spec is another great price – retailing at under £200.
The warranty is a little better than the FlexiSpot model, with 5 year cover for both frame and motor. Colour choices are black, white or silver. All in all, another great choice. Yes, it’s basic, but if you’re limited on space and budget this could be a top option.
PROs – great price, ideal for smaller desktops, great warranty.
CONs – lower max. height and weight capacity, no memory function.
MAIDESITE
A great choice for larger desktops. This model has the best weight capacity.
Height range 62cm – 125cm
Extendable width 110cm – 180cm
For desktop width 120cm – 200cm
For desktop depth 60cm – 80cm
Weight capacity 125kg
Click for Amazon product page (affiliate link)More about the MAIDeSITe frame
From here onwards we’re looking at dual motors and triple stage telescopic leg adjustment. So what does this mean? Dual motors generally make for smoother adjustment and a higher weight capacity. The MAIDeSITe model has the highest within the feature and can also support a larger desktop. Good news if you have more kit to lift.
The triple stage legs (as opposed to dual stage) offer more when it comes to height range. As well as being suitable for tall users, the lower height setting means this desk could be a better choice for shorter users as well.
That additional flexibility could make this a great option if you’re sharing your desk with family members or co-workers. Plus the controller has a memory function for 4 height pre-sets. Available in black, white or silver.
This is a great quality frame with recognised safety certification and a good warranty – 5 years for the frame and 3 years for the motor. The RRP is around £330 but if you find a deal or seasonal offer under £300…snap it up!
PROs – best weight capacity, good height range, 4 memory settings, certification.
CONs – better suited to larger desktops / work spaces.
ERGOMAKER
This frame leads the way with its 10 year warranty. A great all-rounder.
Height range 63cm – 129cm
Extendable width 100cm – 170cm
For desktop width 110cm – 200cm
For desktop depth 60 – 100cm
Weight capacity 120kg
Click for Amazon product page (affiliate link)More about the Ergomaker Frame
Again, this frame offers an excellent height range for shorter and taller users. In fact, it has the best maximum height of our top 5 and the controller has a 4 height memory function. (Along with simple, up and down adjustment.)
The weight capacity is slightly lower than the previous model, but at 120kg this is still a great weight. The recommended desktop size is at the top end, and this frame can support depths up to 100cm. The design of the frame is sleek and clean, and there are no visible holes or screws in sight. It’s available in black or grey.
The feet on the Ergomaker frame are rounded – as opposed to the square ended versions on the other frames. This gives a softer aesthetic which may or may not work for you.
As for extras, this frame features anti-collision technology, along with overheat and overload protection. Plus the console is lockable to prevent unwelcome access to the controls – whether by kids or colleagues. It has also been certified to meet a number of safety and performance standards.
With a whopping 10 year warranty, this version is way ahead of the rest. We think this is an absolute steal at around £300.
PROs – best maximum height, great weight capacity, 4 memory function, nice extras, best warranty.
CONs – better suited to larger desktops / work spaces.
FLEXISPOT (E5B)
Another great product from one of the best selling standing desk brands.
Height range 62cm – 127cm
Extendable width 110cm – 190cm
For desktop width 120cm – 200cm
For desktop depth 60cm – 80cm
Weight capacity 100kg
Click for Amazon product page (affiliate link)More about the FlexiSpot E5B
As mentioned before, we really like FlexiSpot products. They are well made and the range includes a wide choice of shape, size and budget options.
The E5B model differs from our first FlexiSpot recommendation in that it has two motors instead of one, and triple stage lifting columns. So this model has a higher weight capacity – although at 100kg it’s around the middle of the range – and can accommodate shorter and taller users.
The controller features a triple memory function for height settings and there’s an anti-collision system to keep your equipment safe and bump-free. Plus you can set reminders to alternate between sitting and standing, helping to keep you active throughout the day.
This super-sturdy frame is made with heavy duty, powder coated steel and is available in black, white or grey.
The FlexiSpot E5B holds a number of certificates for performance and safety. It comes with 5 year warranty cover for the frame and 3 year cover for the motor. In addition, there’s lifetime support from the dedicated tech team.
This model is at the top end of the featured price range at around £350. We still think this is a great deal.
PROs – good weight capacity, 3 memory settings plus nice extras, certification.
CONs – better suited to larger desktops / work spaces, top end of price range.
If you didn’t find what you were looking for or have decided the frame-only option isn’t for you, check out our post on the Best Electric Desks Under £300.
The Best Electric Standing Desk Frame Takeaway
When choosing the best electric standing desk frame for you, there are some key considerations you should think about. We’ve summarised these below :
- Height – make sure your chosen frame matches your height needs – for both sitting and standing work
- Compatible desktop sizes – choose a frame which will safely support the width and depth of your desktop
- Weight capacity – remember to factor in the weight of your desktop as well as your equipment when checking the weight capacity of your chosen base.
Also think about whether you’re happy with a simple 2 button controller, or whether you need memory height pre-sets – particularly useful if you share your desk. Some frames offer extras such as anti-collision technology and overheat protection. Are these features important to you as well?
Along with the above points, choose a model with a good warranty. This way you’re covered if things go wrong.
By selecting our top 5, we hope we’ve made choosing the right frame easier for you. They are all good frames with something a little different to offer.
If an electric frame doesn’t quite match your needs, perhaps a manual model would suit you better. Or a complete standing desk including top and base.
How do you stand and work at the moment, and what’s your ideal office set-up? We’d love to hear from you, so send your comments, feedback and photos to jane@standingdeskuk.com.
