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Steelcase Series 1

Steelcase Series 1

Based on 133 comments across 3 communities
TL;DR
An affordable, durable task chair many find comfortable for long days, with good adjustability and lumbar support at its price. But it runs small and firm for taller users, and a notable minority report a hard seat or lumbar pad that digs into the back.

68% of 133 verified owners recommend the Steelcase Series 1.

What 133 owners say
1,799 comments reviewed · scored on the 133 clearest verdicts
68%
Recommend
91 owners
11%
Neutral
14 owners
21%
Don't recommend
28 owners
Last 6 months:45% recommend(11 recent verdicts)↓ trending down 25pts vs older reviews
Source
Score
N
Counted in the score
Reddit
68%
133
Reviewed, but not counted — and why
YouTubei
33%
3
Affiliate blogsipaid commission
100%
2

Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 68%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.

The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, and blogs with no affiliate links. YouTube and affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out — hover the i for why.

What owners like
  • Comfortable for full days and long sitting sessions · 35 · 26%
  • Durable build that holds up for years · 22 · 17%
  • Eliminated or eased back pain · 18 · 14%
  • Great value versus Herman Miller and Aeron · 17 · 13%
  • Adjustable lumbar support · 16 · 12%
What owners flag
  • Too small or tight for taller and larger users · 14 · 11%
  • Firm seat that gets uncomfortable or sore · 13 · 10%
  • Lumbar that digs in or feels insufficient · 9 · 7%
  • Limited recline and adjustability · 9 · 7%
  • Backrest too short for the upper back · 9 · 7%

Top quotes, sourced

1,799 reviewed · 138 shown
Sentiment
Community
Sort
YouTube▲ recommend

there is a drastic difference in the way we feel after 8 hours of sitting vs the chairs we used to have

YouTube▼ don’t recommend

Wish I watched this before I wasted money on a series 1

YouTube— neutral

The arms wore out, they had lost all resistance to movement and the pads were delaminating.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I originally had a Steelcase Series 1 ($500) that I liked for a while, but it started giving me intolerable upper back pain, probably due to the insufficient lumbar support.

Reddit▲ recommend

Yup I went through several cheaper options before finally biting the bullet and spending like $600 on a steelcase series 1. It’s night and day. Comfortable for really long time and basically everything is adjustable!

Reddit— neutral

Currently sitting on a Steelcase Series 1. It’s decent, I don’t love it, don’t hate it. I haven’t found a favorite chair I’ve actually never fell in love with one.

Reddit▲ recommend

I ended up going with a Steelcase Series 1, as that seemed the best value for me and I have no complaints.

Reddit— neutral

Also used to have a steelcase series 1. It’s okay but takes more “effort” to lean back and stay in a good posture.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I've been using a Steelcase Series 1 - it seems pretty good for seat depth adjustability, and its a bit more of a normal cushion design, though the cushion has been leaving me rather sore

Reddit▲ recommend

I do have a Steelcase Series 1 chair with ultra adjustable arm rests and I’m constantly adjusting them.

Reddit— neutral

At work, we all use Steelcase Series 1 chairs. They’re pretty basic but more comfortable than my DX Racer for daily use, though they lack adjustability, which is a drawback. Interestingly, while the Series 1 has a very firm seat, it’s still better than plush options.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I used to suffer from back pains when I was using the Steelcase Series 1 but then I bought the Logitech Embody and now I can sit for hours everyday without feeling any pain.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

The HM Aeron is much better in comfort and quality than the Steelcase Series 1. The more expensive SC products may be better, but I'm quite disappointed with the Steelcase chairs I have.

Reddit▲ recommend

I’ve had this chair for almost 2 years now and it’s definitely the best chair I’ve owned. They have even better ones for $750-$1500 but I really can’t complain about the series 1.

r/OfficeChairs— neutral

I work somewhere that only has steelcase series 1s and I am quite neutral about them - really hadn’t given them much thought until I started doing my own research for my home office.

r/BuyItForLife— neutral

I don’t find the series 1 particularly comfortable for long periods of time. It’s a great occasional work from home chair, but would want something better for your planned use.

Reddit▲ recommend

I got a Steelcase Series 1 chair off Amazon during the lockdown and it is still like new to me. It cost $360 four years ago and is now $500. I think it came with a 12-year warranty.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I currently have a Steelcase Series 1 that is pretty uncomfortable and sat in other HM chairs, the Embody seems to be the one recommended for that lower back support.

r/OfficeChairs— neutral

as I'm using it for a week now I feels like my butt is getting sore after 30- 1 hours of sitting and it's only happened on the right side of my butt. I have never had this problem with my old office chair.

Reddit▲ recommend

I have a Steelcase Series 1 (just recently picked up) and it’s super comfy. Reference, I’m 6’1 and 200lbs. Fit in the chair perfectly and all available adjustments are awesome!!

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Now working in an office with a steelcase series 1 and it’s…. Not as fun. I’m sure i sit more ergonomically but I’m not comfy while doing it

r/OfficeChairs— neutral

I have a Series 1 and it’s fine but it’s really a glorified basic office chair. The quality is fantastic but the features are lacking. You won’t get much more out of it than your bog standard Ikea office chair.

Reddit▲ recommend

After lots of research I got this Steelcase Series 1 a few years back and I’m very happy with it. I use it for work and gaming. It’s probably the best chair you can get for under $500.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I got a second hand steelcase series 1 for 100USD a couple of years ago but it hasn't been as supportive as I'd like it to be.

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