If you're looking for a high-tech standing desk solution that can keep up with your large modern office, then the Kergo Smart Desk Pro is worth considering. This modern desk is engineered to make life easier for people who want to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.
It is a sleek and stylish piece of furniture that allows you to make the most of your workspace without compromising on comfort or style, but is that enough to invest in this particular sit-stand desk, especially with numerous competitors in the Australian market?
In this guide, I share my three months of experience with the desk to give you the required knowledge to make an informed decision. I also compare it with other high-end and mid-range standing desks in Australia.
Quick Overview of Kergo Smart Desk Pro
I have used the straight-edge Kergo Smart Desk Pro with a white frame and UV-coated Bamboo desktop for a little over three months now. Upon delivery, the desk was packed very well to prevent any damage during shipping.
The desktop is made from high-quality Bamboo, which was obvious when I unpacked it. The finish is smooth and even, coupled with a solid weight that exudes sturdiness and durability. This superior build quality might be why Kergo confidently extends a 10-year warranty on this product.
But the excellent craftsmanship isn't limited to the desktop alone - the motors driving the height adjustment are remarkably smooth and quiet, adjustable from 60 cm to 125 cm with the help of a user-friendly digital control panel. With the included cable management system, all of my cords are neatly tucked away, giving a cleaner work environment. I appreciate the large grommet holes for this purpose.
The downside? Only a few. First, Kergo does not offer a lengthy no-risk trial period, unlike some of its competitors. They do have a 14-day return or exchange policy should you reconsider your purchase, but the product can't be returned once it's been unpacked or assembled.
Like many other competitors, Kergo offers an assortment of accessories, albeit these can prove costly when bought separately. Overall, the Kergo standing desk is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a desk that's both high-quality and easy to use.
Desk weight: 30 kg
Frame material: Carbon steel
Frame colour options: 2 - White and Black
Frame length range: 104 to 173.5 cm
Desktop height range: 60 to 125 cm
Weight lifting capacity: 150 kg (Recommended – 100kg)
Desktop core material: 2 - Bamboo and Premium MDF Wood
Desktop designs: 2 - Straight Edge and Ergo Edge
Desktop finish: 3 - Powder-coating, UV coating, and Melamine coating
Desktop sizes: 3 - 120 cm x 75 cm, 150 cm x 75 cm, and 180 cm x 75 cm
Desktop colour options: 10 - Black, White, Bamboo, Dark Bamboo, Vanilla Oak, Rustic Oak, Seasoned Pine, Beech Walnut, Natural Birch, and Coffee
Warranty: 10 years
Accessories:
Kergo Heavy Duty Single Monitor Arm - $159
Kergo Heavy Duty Dual Monitor Arm - $269
Laptop Stand - $39
Universal Laptop Mount - $39
Anti-Fatigue Mat - $59
Kergo Cable Management Tray - $49 (White or Black)
Kergo LED Desk Mat - $59.95
If you are ready to make a purchase you will find the most competitive price for the Kergo Smart Desk Pro using the button below, or continue into my more comprehensive analysis below.
Kergo Smart Desk Pro: A Deep Dive
Now, let’s take a closer look at the features of the Kergo Smart Desk Pro; I’ll discuss the best bits in detail and also highlight what could be improved.
Best Features of the Kergo Smart Desk Pro
Kergo Smart Desk Pro offers numerous benefits to improve your workspace's ergonomics. I highlight some of the desk's best features and explain why I chose it below.
#1. Excellent Desk Build Quality
As far as the build of the desk is concerned, I can confirm that the Kergo Smart Desk Pro stands tall and strong. Constructed with a solid carbon steel frame, the maximum weight is 150kg, but the recommended weight for long life is 100kg. That's more than enough, the standing desk will handle any workstation devices without wobbling. The bamboo desktop I opted for is robust and can withstand everyday use thanks to its wear-resistant UV finish. Here are the other finish options that were available:
- Powder-coating – Black and White desktops
- UV-coating – Bamboo desktops
- Melamine finish – Dark Bamboo, Vanilla Oak, Rustic Oak, Seasoned Pine, Beech Walnut, Natural Birch, and Coffee desktops
The sit-stand desk also has rounded corners that provide a sleek look and prevent any potential injuries with wider feet for stability. The legs are also thicker than most other standing desks, ensuring maximum support. Kergo allows you to choose between a classic rectangular edge or one with a slightly curved edge that, just like Desky and Zen Space, is called the 'Ergo Edge.'
#2. Optimal Desk Functionality
For functionality, the Kergo Smart Desk Pro is fitted with a twin-motor system and three-stage columns that provide a smooth transition from a sitting to a standing position with a noise level of around 40dB. The smooth motorised system eliminates any wobbling or shaking of the desk.
The standing desk also has four programmable memory presets that allow you to save your ideal height settings and switch between them with the touch of a button. This is helpful if you live with a partner. You can each have two presets for your ideal sitting and standing height levels.
The anti-collision detection system detects any obstacle in its path. The electric lift capacity of 150 kg and its overload protection means that even the heaviest monitor can be lifted with ease. The 3.6cm/s lift speed is good, allowing you to adjust the desk height quickly and easily. Still, it’s nowhere near the 8cm/s that the Stand Desk Pro offers.
#3. Efficient Cable Management System
Let's not forget cable management. The Kergo Smart Desk Pro thoughtfully includes adjustable cable ties that can be used to organise and secure the power, data, and audio cables running through the desk. The cable ties are also adjustable, so you can ensure that the cables are exactly where you need them to be.
The desk also comes with an extra-large Grommet – aptly named the Kergo XL Grommet; this is one of my favourite features of the Kergo Desk. The grommet allows you to pass cables through the top of the desk, ensuring that no cables are visible when the desk is in use. It’s large enough to accommodate many cables at once, so you don’t have to worry about multiple cables cluttering up your workspace.
For an even tidier look, you can opt for the cable tidy tray, which helps keep your cables neatly arranged and out of sight, folding down for quick and easy access when you need to add new cables.
#4. Easy to Assemble
The Kergo Smart Desk Pro is designed to be assembled in 30 minutes or less. Like the EverDesk, the Kergo is assembled by tightening bolts into pre-drilled holes using a supplied Allen key, making it very easy to assemble. It also includes all the tools you need in the box.
To assemble the Kergo Smart Desk Pro, I attached the legs to the top and tightened them with the provided Allen wrench. Then, I snapped on the included cable management to help organise my cords and wires. Finally, I connected the control panel to my wall outlet and ta-da.
Easy enough? Well, I have put together a lot of standing desks now, so for me, yes. However, the manual instructions included weren't very clear, and I recommend you watch the video above. Still, it was definitely a much better experience than when I assembled my top-pick budget standing desk, the Artiss.
Read my Artiss Standing Desk review.
Darren Sherwood
#5. User-Friendly Design and Control Panel
The user-friendly design of electric standing desks like the Kergo Smart Desk Pro takes the complexity out of using a standing desk. The simple one-touch height adjustment allows you to quickly adjust the height of the desk from sitting to standing with the press of a button. It's fair to say the user experience is incredibly intuitive; transitioning between sitting and standing is an absolute breeze.
To save your ideal height on the desk presets, you only need to press and hold up or down buttons. They look like the head of an arrow pointed upwards or downwards. Only release the button at your desired height level. Afterwards, press button S, then press buttons 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the next 3 seconds. That’s it, your ideal desk height is saved. For the best sitting and standing heights, use my standing desk height calculator to help you find the ideal range based on your height.
#6. Good Value for Money
While making a bit of a cost comparison on the Kergo site, I noticed that their product range consistently undercuts Desky's pricing. On average, you could expect to save about $20 on their desktop and frame bundles. Naturally, the more robust UpDown Desk Pro Frame sits at a slightly higher price point, but considering the quality, it's a justifiable leap.
Read my Updown Pro Desk review.
Darren Sherwood
#7. Generous Warranty With Return Policy
The Kergo comes with a ten-year warranty, so it is on par with the UpDown there. The warranty guarantees that all parts of the desk are free from defects, as well as provides for repair or replacement for any part that does not perform as expected. Kergo also offers a 3-year warranty for the accessories given along with this sit-stand desk. Note that these warranties are only valid if you purchase your desk from authorised channels in Australia.
Now, let's talk returns. Kergo's 14-day return and exchange policy is a lifesaver if your child hits the final buy button or you have a change of heart, you're able to return the desk for a full refund, excluding shipping costs. However, the desk must remain unopened, unassembled, and unused, with all original labels and packaging intact.
Areas for Improvement
While the Kergo Smart Desk Pro is an impressive piece of office equipment, there are a few areas that could use some improvement to provide an even better user experience.
#1. No Trial Period
One of the main drawbacks of the Kergo Smart Desk Pro is that it does not offer a trial period. This means that you have to commit to buying the product without being able to test it out first. This might be a concern for you if you are investing this much money into a standing desk and need to make sure it will suit your needs before making a purchase.
For comparisons, the UpDown Desk offers 100 days, while the NorthDay EverDesk offers a 21-day trial period.
#2. Flimsy Control Panel
The control panel of the Kergo Smart Desk Pro is a little flimsy, and it may break if not handled carefully. This is a bit disappointing, considering it’s priced similarly to other high-end standing desks. I thought that was only my experience. However, I’ve found many reviews where consumers are complaining about this panel that truly does not complement the rest of the robust construction.
#3. Expensive Accessories
The company does offer some add-ons for the desk, such as a cable tray, LED mat, anti-fatigue mats, monitor arms, and other items, but these tend to be quite pricey when purchased separately. However, accessories from other high-end options are similarly priced.
#4. Unclear Assembly Instructions
The assembly instructions could definitely use some clarity. It's not very clear how to install the sidebars from the provided manual. Moreover, the cable management add-on seems to be an afterthought, as it isn't mentioned in the instructions at all. It is odd that Kergo has not improved the instructions despite several users echoing the same feedback over the past few months. I'd suggest checking out the assembly video on YouTube – it's only a three-minute watch and will undoubtedly save you some frustration.
Kergo Smart Desk Pro: Rating & Rank
When pitted against its Australian standing desk counterparts, here's how the Kergo Smart Desk Pro performed. Its closest competition was the Desky Stand-up Desk (4.3) and Lazy Maison Standing Desk (3.8) ratings. The Updown Pro pulls ahead with a rating of 4.6.
| Category | Rating (5.0) |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 4.2 |
| Aesthetics | 4.2 |
| Cable Management | 3.8 |
| Customisability | 3.7 |
| Weight Capacity | 4.7 |
| Lifting Speed | 4.1 |
| Ease of Assembly | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Return Policy | 3.0 |
| Warranty | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.1 |
The Competition
If any of the drawbacks above are complete deal breakers, here are other alternatives that you can explore. Likewise, you can read my guide on the best standing desks in Australia for a more comprehensive overview.
UpDown Pro Desk
In terms of build quality, both desks are made from solid wood. However, the Kergo frame comes in lighter, weighing 30 kg compared to the UpDown Pro's hefty 41 kg. Both desks offer a 10-year warranty, but the UpDown Pro takes it up a notch with a 100-day money-back guarantee period, something Kergo users can only dream of.
Both Desks come with dual-motor systems, but UpDown's 150 kg dynamic weight rating is higher than Kergo's recommended 100 kg; the UpDown is set for maximum weight and long-term reliability over speed.
NorthDay EverDesk
NorthDay EverDesk desktop is made from wood veneer, while the Kergo Smart Desk Pro desktop is from solid wood. EverDesk offers a 21-day trial period with a full refund, but Kergo's 14-day refund policy is more restrictive, not permitting even the opening of the package post-delivery.
The weight-lifting capacity of Kergo outshines EverDesk by 30kg. Both desks offer a similar height adjustability range - from 60 to 124 cm. Accessories to complete your office setup are available with both desks, but be prepared to purchase them separately elsewhere to get the best price.
Artiss Standing Desk
Kergo Smart Desk Pro offers a more generous desktop space of up to 180 cm, while the largest option of the Artiss Desk is 140 cm. Kergo has a big desktop and plenty of space to store your things, and thus it weighs 30 kg, while the weight of the Artiss standing desk is just 21 kg.
The carrying capacity of Artiss is capped at 100 kg, whereas Kergo supports an absolute maximum of 160 kg. Artiss' height adjustment is slightly narrower, ranging between 69 – 118 cm, compared to Kergo's 60 – 124 cm. Kergo's 10-year warranty overshadows Artiss's one-year offering. However, when it comes to price, the Artiss Desk emerges as the more wallet-friendly choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kergo Smart Desk Pro.
Is Kergo Smart Desk Pro sustainable?
The Kergo Smart Desk Pro is a well-designed piece of office furniture that can be seen as a sustainable choice for the modern office. Its materials are designed to last, and its construction is designed to reduce environmental impact. The materials used in the desk’s construction include high-quality steel that has been sustainably sourced and is certified to be of exceptional quality.
What is the difference between a straight-edge and an ergo-edge Kergo Desk?
The straight-edge desks have a straight-edge profile that runs along the outside of the desk, while the ergo-edge desks feature a curved front edge that allows for more comfort and ergonomic support when typing and using your mouse. It also helps to reduce strain and fatigue by evenly distributing weight across your body.
Darren Sherwood
The Final Verdict
The Kergo Smart Desk Pro is the perfect standing desk for large office rooms. It is designed with the needs of busy professionals in mind and offers a range of features to help make working from home or the office easier and more comfortable. Given its exceptional quality and user-friendly design, it's no wonder the Kergo standing desk has been met with resounding approval in user reviews.
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