Our Picks for the Best Treadmills

Intended use is the determining factor when your in the market for a treadmill. If your going to use it for serious walks, then one of the best treadmills for around $900 will do just fine. We’ve examined some reviews by experts and running enthusiasts to help you determine the best treadmill for you.

1. Horsepower – Make sure that your desired treadmill is electric. According to bike enthusiasts, manual treadmills are troublesome, and you should stay away from them as much as possible. Try to find a treadmill that has a motor of a minimum of 3 horsepower.

2. Belt Length – Make sure that the belt for your desired treadmill is a minimum of about 20″ (width) x 62″ (length). This is a standard size that you’ll find on most high end models, and will satisfy the needs of both casual walkers, to serious runners.

3. Deck Depth – Make sure that the deck for your desired unit is a minimum of 1/4th” in thickness. This will do a good job of absorbing the shock from your foot hitting the belt as you walk (or run).

4. Control Panel – Make sure that all of the information that you would like to see is readily available via the control panel. They should be very simple to reach, and should be in large letters and numbers to make it very easy to read. The control panel should show speed, the amount of distance that you’ve covered, the unit’s incline level, and how much time has elapsed during your workout. Also check to see that your desired unit has an “emergency stop” feature.

5. Incline Percentage – Make sure that your desired unit has an minimum incline percentage of about 15%. Scalability is key in this key, and you’ll want a unit that will have the ability to grow to your needs as your level of fitness increases.

6. Speed Settings – Make sure that your desired unit has the capability of going 11mph. This will allow you do both casual walking, all the way up to serious running. The speed that you start with should always be slow (somewhere around or under half a mile per hour).

7. Warranty – Make sure that your desired unit comes with a warranty, and also be sure that you read all of its stipulations so that you are very clear on what is covered, and isnt covered. Consumers have said that they have voided the warranty because they weighed more than the total maximum capacity for their treadmill. Whats most important is that the frame of the treadmill has a lifetime warranty, and that the warranty will stand against any and all manufacturers defects. Other parts of the treadmill will usually come with a warranty that will include parts and/or labor. Extended warranties (as well as 90 day warranties) should be avoided. For a machine that is as expensive as these, having a long warranty is generally a rule of thumb.

8. Maintenance – Make sure that you clean your treadmill regularly. This includes dusting and wiping the unit down to get rid of dirt, and dried sweat, and bacterial build up, as well as using lubricants to keep your treadmill working in great condition.

9. Delivery Policy – Make sure that before you purchase the treadmill, you check with the retailer on their delivery policy. Some “curbside” orders are literally just that, they will deliver to your curb, and will charge you an extra fee to bring it to your doorstep. We’ve found that in cases like this online retailers (I.E Amazon) are best because doorstep deliveries are automatic.