Lorell Sit-to-Stand Monitor Risers Review

Editor’s Note: The following is a “forensic” review. We have not yet had the opportunity to test the Lorell Sit-to-Stand monitor riser in our labs. When we have been unable to obtain a review unit from the manufacturer and when there is demand from our readers for information on the product, we evaluate publicly available information that the manufacturer and users of the product have provided online. We then apply our extensive experience evaluating standing desk converters and make an informed projection of how well this product will stack up against other products in its category. As soon as we are able to conduct a hands-on evaluation of the product or learn new information about it, we will update this review. Learn more about our review process at Anatomy of a Review.

Key Facts

• Z-Lift mechanism
• Lowered keyboard tray
• Two models, Standard and Deluxe
• Deluxe has larger work surface and a grommet hole for mounting monitor arms
• Standard model features odd ‘locking’ lift mechanism

Lorell Sit-to-Stand Monitor Risers

In the case of the Lorell Sit-to-Stand Monitor Risers, we’re dealing with what we call Z-Lifts, standing desk converters with a Z-shaped lift mechanism that tend to be both stable and ergonomically-sound.

The first of these products was the Varidesk, and ever since, competitors have been racing to make copycat products. Sometimes they’ve been successful innovators. The ZipLift+ and Winston-E stand out as examples.

The Lorell Sit-Stand Monitor Risers are innovative too, but not in a good way. We question the design decision that went into the Lorell Standard’s peculiar lift mechanism, which requires you to adjust two locks on the back side of the unit before lifting and lowering. There’s also quality concerns with its cheap components, and together they’ve led to our low rating.

A Peculiar Lift Mechanism Among Other Problems…

What’s odd about the lift mechanism? Well, for one, no other model in the market requires its additional, tedious step. Normally you just press the levers in on both sides and lift your unit up or down.

The Lorell requires you to adjust two locks on the back of the device, lift your desktop up, and then—while holding it in place—reach back over your desktop and re-engage the locks. It’s cumbersome beyond what we’ve seen in any competitors, and, as other reviewers note, it poses a bit of a threat to those with back problems. You have to reach across the length of the unit while holding it up at the same time.

Of course, the Lorell Sit-to-Stand monitor risers come in two models. The cheaper, standard version suffers from this tedious lift mechanism while the Deluxe version is built more like a normal Z-Lift converter. It has two handles on either side you press in while adjusting its height. The Deluxe version is larger (37” width vs. 31”) and it comes with a grommet hole in the back for mounting a monitor arm. In general, it’s a better product than the standard version, and if you had to go with one of these, we’d recommend it. But naturally it carries a higher price tag.

Many standing desk converters come with grommets for some added convenience. Check out our article on grommet holes, with everything you need to know about the different ways to use them to enhance your workstation, what to look for in your grommet holes, and where to find the desks with the best ones.

Aside from the lift mechanism on the standard, both models suffer from quality issues related to the laminate surfaces. In some cases, after only a week or so, users report the laminate on the front edge of the device beginning to peel off, exposing the particle board underneath. And at least on the standard version, the keyboard tray has been known to droop down at an angle, so that in the fully lowered position, the front edge scrapes against the desktop.

Bottom Line

In the end, you get what you pay for. These models are inexpensive and not designed to last. Customers mention using the Lorell as a starter kit before eventually upgrading to a Varidesk, the popular (albeit ergonomically deficient) brand in this category. We’d suggest skipping the Varidesk and going straight to a premium Z-Lift with a gas strut braking system and tilting keyboard tray, which is quieter while lifting up and down and more ergonomic while typing.

Many standing desks come with grommets for some added convenience. Check out our article on grommet holes, with everything you need to know about the different ways to use them to enhance your workstation, what to look for in your grommet holes, and where to find the desks with the best ones.

Before buying a standing desk converter, be sure to check out our comprehensive sit-stand converter reviews.

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