SIHOO Doro S100 test: Ergonomics for the home office?

The SIHOO Doro S100 is an ergonomic office chair with extensive adjustment options and a modern design. On the manufacturer’s website, the Doro S100 presents itself as the perfect companion for everyday working life. The focus is on ergonomics and comfort to ensure a healthy sitting posture, especially during long working hours in the home office. In addition to the seat height and seat depth, the backrest and 4D armrests can also be adjusted in several stages. The lumbar support is unusual compared to other office chairs. The chair uses a dual, dynamic lumbar support system, which explains the unusual design of the backrest.

In our product test, we want to find out whether the SIHOO Doro S100 meets the requirements of an ergonomic office chair and how it performs in terms of comfort, workmanship and functionality.

Technical data

Scope of delivery

• Various individual parts such as seat cushion and backrest
• All accessories are packed separately
• Protective gloves for assembly included

As you can see right at the start, the box is packed full of individual parts. The SIHOO Doro S100 is divided into a seat cushion and backrest. In addition, there is the mechanism, the two armrests with brackets, the base and five chair leg tubes as well as just as many wheels. The gas spring and a decorative cover for the base are also included in the scope of delivery. Additional assembly material with instructions and protective gloves round off the offer.

Assembly

• takes up to 45 minutes to assemble
• Simple assembly thanks to video instructions on YouTube
• Spare parts (screws, washers) available

Assembling the chair can take around 45 minutes from unpacking to final assembly. In the German instructions, the assembly is divided into 9 steps. However, in some cases, especially with the screws, this is somewhat imprecise, which is why it is better to refer to the manufacturer’s video instructions. Here, every step is explained very well, so that the SIHOO Doro S100 is up and running in less than an hour. It is pleasing that the manufacturer also supplies the spare parts. So there is always an extra copy for the screws or washers. Top!

Installing the backrest on the underside of the seat cushion requires a little dexterity. SIHOO suggests using the packaging cardboard as a base for assembly, which seems sensible. In the test, however, this proved to be a rather wobbly affair, which is why it is better to use a harder surface such as a table or a low cupboard.

Appearance & finish

• Futuristic design, black/white, without separate headrest
• Comfortable mesh fabric, easy to use, good lumbar support
• Workmanship partly unclean, minor blemishes

Visually, the SIHOO Doro S100 deliberately distinguishes itself from the gaming sector. This makes sense, of course, as it is an ergonomic office chair. It is available in two color combinations: black and white. While the black version is characterized by pure black and chrome, the white version stands out a little more with its light grey armrests. Together with the two-part lumbar support and the curve of the backrest, the SIHOO Doro S100 looks downright futuristic. This model does not have a headrest as a separate support, as this is already covered by the backrest.

The workmanship is fine, although this is probably the biggest compromise of the chair. The SIHOO Doro S100 unfortunately has one or two imperfections or blemishes in some corners that spoil the impression somewhat. In our case, for example, this concerns the mirror surface on the back, which looks slightly scratched, as well as the SIHOO lettering on the backrest. Strangely enough, we had to attach the latter to the right-hand side with some glue because it was already coming loose. Perhaps our Doro S100 is simply an assembly model, but it is certainly regrettable. Otherwise, the mesh fabric is carefully stretched over the entire chair and offers pleasant seating comfort. The lumbar support, together with the suspension, is well designed and the mechanical controls are easy to use.

Seating comfort

• Mesh fabric ensures sitting comfort
• Seat depth adjustment relieves strain on thigh and hip muscles
• Breathable fabric is ideal for hot days

Seating comfort is ensured by the carefully integrated mesh fabric that covers both the seat and the backrest, including the lumbar support. With the integrated seat depth adjustment, the chair also provides the necessary relief for the thigh and hip muscles. The shape of the seat is waterfall-shaped and allows unhindered blood circulation, no matter how you sit. The breathable fabric is particularly beneficial for people who sweat. Especially in summer or on hot days, this is worth its weight in gold, unlike a leather chair, which heats up enormously.

In my personal opinion, the SIHOO Doro S100 is extremely comfortable to sit on. The fabric is neither uncomfortable in the home office, nor does it stick to the seat on hot days. It may be worth noting that the front of the seat in particular can be a little tight in our case with shorts. However, this is probably more due to the fact that the skin moves on the mesh and the fine fibers of the mesh rub against it. In contrast, the seat depth adjustment works very well and has been cleverly implemented. The seat length and width are also correct and we have enough space on both sides to change sitting positions at any time. We didn’t feel cramped throughout the entire test period.

Ergonomics

• Height-adjustable backrest with five settings
• Seat tilt up to 135 degrees in three stages
• Excellent lumbar support that adapts flexibly

Let’s now take a closer look at the ergonomics of the SIHOO Doro S100. While the height of the backrest and shoulder support can be adjusted in five stages, the seat can also be adjusted in depth by several centimetres. Adjustment is made using a lever on the right-hand side, which must be lifted to do so. The backrest, on the other hand, has no locking mechanism and can be adjusted up or down by 5 centimetres.

The chair is further adjusted using the long lower handle of the mechanism. The height of the chair is adjusted by pulling it up, and the tilt is adjusted by pulling it out. The locking mechanism can be adjusted in three stages up to an angle of 135 degrees. And there really is room for improvement here, as the increments are too large. A gradation of seven units, for example, would be desirable here, as the transition from sitting upright to the next possible position makes a significant difference. There is also no lock for the 4D armrests, which currently move forwards, backwards or to the side unintentionally. In the long run, this can be a real hindrance in everyday life.

The highlight is the two flexible lumbar supports, which are unparalleled. Two springs per support provide comfortable support for the lower back and automatically adjust to the waist. SIHOO has done a great job here! In general, the lumbar support on the office chair ensures that the natural curvature of the spine is supported, which benefits a healthy sitting posture. Possible back pain or tension in the lower back can be effectively prevented. Accordingly, we did not experience any back problems during the entire test period.

SIHOO Doro S100 test: Conclusion

For the current price of just under €300 (test date: 07.09.2024), the SIHOO Doro S100 offers a lot of comfort and ergonomics. The double dynamic lumbar support is not only the chair’s flagship feature, but also proves to be a highlight in use. The breathable mesh material ensures comfortable sitting and less perspiration in summer. Compared to leather chairs, you have a real advantage, especially in temperatures above 30 °C.

Where there is light, there is also shadow. Precisely because of the low overall price, the workmanship seems to fall a little short, at least in our case. Apart from visual flaws, which can naturally occur, the 4D armrests are somewhat annoying in everyday use. SIHOO should improve on this and, if necessary, install locks so that the armrests can only be moved after they have been activated. The questionable scaling of the chair’s tilt angle was also repeatedly met with incomprehension during the test. More gradations would be desirable here, which would benefit ergonomics.

To summarize, the SIHOO Doro S100 is a solid office chair in its price class. With its dual dynamic lumbar support, it can keep up ergonomically with more expensive models. Unfortunately, the price difference comes at the expense of the workmanship and fine adjustment. If this doesn’t bother you, you can definitely consider the SIHOO Doro S100 in the under €300 price segment.