No matter your age, bean bag chairs are always fun and comfortable. Beyond this, they are typically lightweight and super versatile, so you can set them up in a number of different orientations for ultimate comfort. We tried out the Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair and tested out its comfort, ease of cleaning, price, durability, overall look, and recommended age range. Keep reading to see what we thought.
Material: Durable polyester, long-lasting filling
The Big Joe Original Bean Bag’s outer cover is made of tough and durable polyester. This contributes to its easy cleanup; the material is both water- and stain-resistant. The cover is also double stitched, which is reassuring in that the seams won’t easily fall apart. Overall, we found that the cover feels like it’s made with high-quality materials. It’s really thick and feels like it won’t easily tear or rip. As for the inside, this bean bag is filled with Megahh beans. These polystyrene beans are pill-sized styrofoam pellets that are smooth and perfectly round. They are made from 100 percent virgin beans, which means they have never been used and are not from recycled materials. The benefit of these beans is that they are supposed to last 30 percent longer, and the bag won’t go flat as fast as reground bean bag fillings. Eventually, the beans will need to be replaced as the beans will flatten over time.
Texture: Stiff, not super soft
Because this bean bag has durability and strength, unfortunately, it doesn’t translate to comfort. The material feels pretty stiff and inflexible when you sit on it. It is not very soft at all. It almost seems like there is too much filling because the bean bag wasn’t capable of conforming to our body shapes when we used it. The lack of mobility combined with the tough material creates a dense, hard bean bag. Over time, we noticed that the bean bag got a little softer as the beans inside flattened, and it began to feel a little more comfortable. Overall, it was still pretty stiff. The stiffness and fullness make it difficult to orient the bag in any other way than laying it flat. Most of the time, we sat crossed-legged or laid down on it with our legs hanging off the side. We tried to adjust it so it was shaped more like a chair, but there is too much filling to shapeshift or mold to our bodies.
Design: Designed with youngsters in mind
The Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair is rectangularly shaped and comes with a pretty large logo tag on its side. The tag made it look sort of juvenile because it’s so oversized. In terms of style, it fits in with the vibe of a dorm, gameroom, or a child’s playroom or bedroom, considering its vibrant colors and soft sheen.
Washing: Easy maintenance, spot clean only
One of the better features of the Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair is its easy maintenance. The cover is made of a super durable polyester, which is water- and stain-resistant and is meant to last for many years. The cover is not removable; it only requires spot cleaning. Just use a spritz of cleaning solution on the affected area, brush it clean, and allow it to air dry.
Extra features: Lightweight, refillable
This bean bag is great because it is so lightweight, weighing only 5.5 pounds. We loved how easy it was to move around the house. It wasn’t bound to one room, so we could easily bring it to our bedroom and then to the living room. Another great benefit of this product is that it is refillable. Eventually, once the beans inside wear out and flatten, instead of buying a brand new bag—which can be quite expensive, Big Joe sells refill bags to revive the old one. The company’s site provides detailed video instructions on how to refill the bean bags properly. The Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair also comes with a 30-day warranty if the bag deflates within 30 days of purchasing.
Recommended Age: Best for children or college students
Because of its durability, it’s a great option for children who may be more prone to spills or other accidents. The zipper is also childproof so there’s no way to unzip the cover unless a paper clip is placed in the zipper to pull it back and forth. The Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair can make a great gift for a college student. It’s the perfect size for a dorm room, measuring 58 x 46 x 8 inches, so it won’t take up a ton of space.
Price: On the lower end
Bean bag chairs aren’t cheap. Depending on the size, type of cover fabric, and type of filling, bean bag chairs often run for over $100. The Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair is on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, retailing for around $60. This is a pretty good deal considering its durability, long-lasting filling, transportability, and size.
Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair vs. Fatboy Original Bean Bag Chair
The Fatboy Original Bean Bag Chair is basically a larger version of the Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair that costs almost four times as much, retailing for around $220. The two are very similar in the fact that they are both durable, rectangularly shaped, filled with virgin beans or beads, and require a spot clean only. They also both appeal to a younger audience. Ultimately, Big Joe is a better deal. The only exception is if the chair is going to be used in an office space or for a tall teenager since the Fatboy size is better suited for an adult. The Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair is a great option for children or college students. It offers a playful vibe with its vibrant color options, more comfort than a regular chair, fits in small spaces and is built to last for a long time. However, if you don’t fit in either of those age categories, we’d recommend opting for another bean bag chair that will provide more comfort and flexibility.
