Steelcase Leap

If you want one chair that adapts to almost anyone, this is the safest buy. The lumbar support moves up and down and has its own firmness dial, the arms adjust for height, width, depth and pivot, and the seat glides as you recline, so leaning back does not mean losing your support. It is rated to 400 lbs (the Leap Plus takes 500 lbs), and a new chair carries Steelcase's Limited Lifetime warranty: 12 years of multi-shift use, parts and labor. For less money, Circular by Steelcase: Remade sells used Leaps rebuilt by Crandall Office Furniture, its exclusive remanufacturer, with high-wear parts replaced by Steelcase originals where available and a 12-year parts-and-labor warranty. A privately sold used chair may carry no warranty at all.