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 Steelcase, Criterion, 4535331DW : $369

Overall Ratings
mfgr & line	UNC price	overall score	seat	back	arms	lumbar adjust	directions	material	rater's opinion	state contract
Steelcase, Criterion, 4535331DW	$369	69%	2	1	2	0	2	4	3	Yes

See also Steelcase Criterion Plus, 45393321 BW

Description

This is a highly adjustable chair with big padded surfaces on the seat and back. It has a somewhat scooped back, which does not provide much of a lumbar curve. Most of the adjustments are easy to figure out and use.

Seat Description

A well-padded seat pan with height, depth and backward tilt adjustability.

Backrest Description

The backrest has a bit of a scooped back and a large cushion. It is adjustable in height, angle and tension. The seat back also has a "variable backstop" which can be set to allow the user to rock backward a set distance only.

Armrest Description

The armrests are big and somewhat padded. They are easily height and width adjustable.

Unique Features

The armrest width adjustment is unusually easy to use. The user just pushes in and out on the armrests and they slide into place. Unfortunately, there is no mechanism to lock the armrests into place so they have a tendency to slide around during use. Rising out of the chair while pushing on the armrests can cause them to slide, which can be startling.

Comments

Users looking for deep lumbar support may need to add some padding to the backrest of this chair as there is very little lumbar support. Some of the adjustments are very easy to use, while a few, such as backrest tension, are difficult to manipulate. The width armrest adjustability is nice and very easy to use, though the design could be refined to prevent the armrests from sliding away from where the user wants them. The trigger mechanism for the armrest height adjustment is simple to use. Unfortunately, the armrests fall very easily and can be difficult to move back up. Also, there is no built-in way to tell for sure if both armrests are at the same height. The variable backstop is nice, though it would be nice to be able to lock the back in a reclined position if desired. The trigger that adjusts the backrest height is obvious, however it can be difficult to use while seated. The user has to pinch firmly and pull down with one hand to move the backrest. The seat pan depth adjustment also takes some playing with to figure out. The adjustment is easy to reach, however. Overall, more intuitive mechanisms (i.e. trigger in direction of movement) would be nice but this chair scores well in most areas. It is a good balance of usability and low cost.