Best Stairmaster Machines | Review 2020

May 7, 2020 by

Paige Bremner in Fitness Equipment, Product Reviews, Stairmaster

You may know StairMaster has the typical revolving stair machine in your local gym that gives a killer cardio workout. However, StairMaster is actually a brand that popularized the revolving step mill machine into becoming a household name for the piece of equipment.

In this article, you will obtain access to information on Stairmaster machines and our recommended list of the best Stairmasters (in no particular order).

This Stairmaster review is mainly here to provide you with all the knowledge you may need on stair masters so you can make your own practical and confident decision.

Whether or not you want to find the perfect machine to have in your home or just want to know more about StairMaster machines in general, this is the perfect article for you to read.

You may even find yourself being enlightened and surprised while reading by what you find out about workout machines.

Quick Overview: Our Top Stairmaster Machines

Best Features

StairMaster 8-Series Gauntlet

Best Workout

StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill

Most Affordable

Bowflex TC100 TreadClimber

Best Programs

StairMaster SM3 StepMill

First, What You Should Know About Stairmaster Machines

A Stairmaster or stair stepper is a stationary fitness machine that rotates steps allowing the user to climb at the speed or duration that they wish. It provides an above-average cardio workout while also providing a low impact strength and toning of the lower body muscles. The muscles that are mainly targeted are:

Hamstrings
Calves
Quadriceps
Glutes

Some of its main benefits are it being: low impact, which helps in preventing injury or even people with advancing age. A lot of the activity we partake in is particularly hard on our joints, and the Stairmaster promotes a smooth and low impact motion, which will be helpful on our joints.

Another benefit is providing a lower body workout, The climbing and pushing resistance used while on the Stairmaster focuses on the calves, glutes, quads, and hamstrings as we mentioned above. You can also have your glutes and hip flexors engaged by allowing your opposite shoulder to lift as you step up. This way, you can engage as many muscles as possible.

Many people don’t consider steppers when they’re looking for cardio exercise equipment, but they are an amazing way to burn fat and lose weight while also simultaneously toning your muscles.

Now let’s go through our top Stair master machine picks, in no particular order, since every machine has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on what the person is looking for.

1. StairMaster 8-Series Gauntlet

The StairMaster 8-Series Gauntlet is slightly different looking from the various alternatives, but that doesn’t make it any different from giving an amazing workout to anyone who uses it. It is packed with many interesting features that make it easier and more efficient to use, such as an LCD screen which gives all the information you’ll need, such as:

Heart rate tracking
Calories
Interval timers
Floors climbed

It has a smooth stepping action because of its electronically controlled alternator that ensures the descent of the steps are reliable and comfortable. The machine is a quiet design, which means you can use it in the early mornings or late at night without bothering others where you live. This staircase can run from anywhere between 26 to 162 steps per minute, which means it can accommodate people at many different levels.

The stair master machine weighs 343 pounds with measurements of 58 x 34 x 89 inches, which means it is quite a hefty piece of equipment.

It also requires a ceiling height of at least 10 feet to operate. It also offers nine resistance levels and ten workout programs to make your exercise experience more diverse and interesting with every use.

Why It's On Our Top List

Chain Drive Mechanism. One of the main reasons why this stair master machine is on our top list is because of its chain drive mechanism. Most of the other stair steppers on the market have a pedal system; the Stairmaster Gauntlet makes its series of eight steps along with a chain drive mechanism. This means that it essentially provides a smoother, more natural flow of motion, so it feels like you are actually climbing upstairs.

This makes the machine effective in getting a great cardio workout and toning multiple leg muscles such as our calves, hamstrings, glutes, and quads. While it’s not a low impact climb, it can move at low speeds compared to a treadmill or just running in general, which makes it easier on the joints still if needed.

Multiple Resistance Levels & Adjustable Speed. On the Stair master Gauntlet, you get nine different levels of resistance that allows the workout to get harder as you get more in shape. This also goes for being able to adjust the speed at a low 24 to an impressive 162 steps per minute. These features both make it so the machine is more accessible for every member of the family and at any fitness level.

The Landmark Challenge. The most interesting and provoking feature on the machine to us by far is the landmark challenge. With this feature, the monitor stimulates climbing the worlds most iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower, which we find is a great way to keep people motivated while exercising.

Cost & Warranty

The StairMaster 8-Series Gauntlet being a premium exercise machine brand stands at $7,659.00 (New) on Amazon & 4,499.00 (old) on Amazon with free scheduled delivery.

With the StairMaster Gauntlet Stair Climber, you are provided a 15-year warranty on the frame, 3 years on parts, and 1 year on labor.

StairMaster 8-Series Gauntlet

About

Revolving staircase with eight steps
Bluetooth for workout data tracking
brake and drive chain precisely control the stair speed
Step rate: 24-162 steps per minute
Accessible for a wide range of users

2. StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill

The StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill can be described as taking your local gym to your home. This is another stair master on our list that actually includes the revolving steps instead of having pedals to try and stimulate the sensation of stairs. StairMaster has an amazing reputation for producing top-quality exercise equipment in their 30+ long years in the business so we can expect the 7000 PT to be a high-quality machine.

The StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill provides the ability to adjust the settings from 24 steps to an impressive 162 steps per minute. This helps make the workout machine more accessible for individuals with all types of fitness levels or age restrictions. You can also program the machine to change the step rate and resistance periodically, which is a very convenient feature that we enjoy.

The stair master machine gives a realistic step experience with 8-inch high revolving stairs, which also means that you will need quite a bit of room if you are thinking of purchasing the machine. The stair master company states that the ceiling height should be at least 10 feet. The positive side of having 8 inch high steps is that it gives a more intense cardiovascular and toning lower body workout, which results in burning more calories.

Why It's On Our Top List

The Programs. On the StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill, you have access to multiple preprogrammed workouts and fitness tests so you can keep your workouts from getting stale and boring. The fitness test and CPA Fire Fit test on the stair master can gauge your fitness levels and consistent improvement as you keep leveling up. The six included fitness programs are:

Calorie burner
Manual
Quick start
Speed intervals
Heart rate zone trainer

Display Console. Some of the main differences between this specific machine and the other version of the StairMaster are in the console. The black console gives you easy access to all of the information you will need during your workout sessions such as calories burned, speed, time, and flights you have climbed.

One of the cool features of this console is that it can be upgraded whenever you desire to the newest version (blue screen) or the silver screen for more features.

Cost & Warranty

The StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill, being another high-quality exercise machine brand, stands at 2,899.99 right now on Amazon with $250 shipping on Amazon (There are always new people and companies offering up the machine, but at this moment that is the last one being offered on Amazon).

The StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill measures at 29 x 78 x 50 inches (W x H x D), at the weight of 475 pounds and 400-pound weight capacity. The warranty on this stair master machine is three years for parts, one year for labor and wear items and 15 years for the frame.

StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill

About

Revolving staircase with 8-inch-tall steps
Adjusts from 24 to 162 steps per minute
20 resistance levels and 6 programs
Easy to read, backlit LCD display

3. Bowflex TC100 TreadClimber

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Stepper Machine is designed for more low impact workouts that are just as efficient and effective. As part of BowFlex’s new line of innovative models, the TC100 provides and calorie burning, unique 3-in-1 design. This particular machine design acts as a stair climber, treadmill, and elliptical all in one, making it the most unique models on our list.

There are two separate treadles with moving belts that move in an up and down motion to stimulate either of the three types of workouts and can burn up to 2.5x more calories than a traditional treadmill.

The TC100 stepper machine reaches up to a speed of 4.0, which is perfect for walking and has a rear machine step platform for safety.

The console area of the BowFlex TC100 features an interactive backlit LCD display, which is an upgrade from the former TC10 Bowflex machine. The machine also provides contact grip sensors placed on the fixed handlebars to monitor your heart rate; however, there are no wireless heart rate monitoring options. We should also state that the machine is not really recommended to runners, but it is amazing for low impact exercise and from a reliable brand.

Why It's On Our Top List

Unique Design. The 3-in-1 design of the Bowflex TC100 Treadclimber is a unique set up that provides a low impact workout, but while keeping the challenging aspects. Since it can simulate the experience of a treadmill, elliptical, and stair master all in one, we can expect it live up to its promise of burning up to 2.5x more calories.

The Console. The console on this machine model is more spacious than the former TC10 model of Bowflex, and it also contains features such as:

Contact grip sensors
A media holder
Two large cupholders
New attractive design

This screen is also larger than any of the other models that Bowflex provides, even larger than the four small screen set-up on the TC10. You can track your time, distance, speed, and calories burned while monitoring your fitness goals using the two customizable user profiles that are provided. These type of personalized options really made us consider the Bowflex TC100 as a top spot because most of its former machines didn’t feature any features like this. There is also a dual-purpose USB port on the console that can power up your devices while you work out.

It’s Compact. The TC100 stair master has a small footprint and is a compact design overall, which is not very common for stair masters. It is also even equipped with transport wheels, so it is easy to move the machine and store it away when you need it. This was especially impressive to us considering the stair master is considered to be three machines in one, so we expected it to be bulkier.

Cost & Warranty

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Stepper, being a high-quality exercise machine brand, stands at 1,799.00, being one of the lower-priced stair masters on our list.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Stepper measures at 57 x 31.5 x 59 inches (W x H x D), at the weight of 158 pounds and 300-pound weight capacity. The warranty for the TC100 stepper offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for a 2-year coverage.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Stepper

About

3-in-1 machine: Treadmill, elliptical, and stair master
for an easy, low-impact workout with high-impact results – and all you do is walk
Electronic Functions: Speed, Distance, Time and Calories
Speed range of .5 – 4 mph

4. StairMaster SM3 StepMill

The StairMaster SM3 Stepmill, being a high-quality exercise machine brand, stands at 1,799.00, being one of the lower-priced stair masters on our list.

The StairMaster SM3 Stepmill measures at 57 x 31.5 x 59 inches (W x H x D), at the weight of 158 pounds and 300-pound weight capacity. The warranty for the TC100 stepper offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for a 2-year coverage.

is a stair master that is best for the home since it is the smallest one on our list, which means it is easy to accommodate and fit into your household. The machine has 6-inch stair height but has a similar speed range as other stair master models on the market, making it a calorie torcher.

This fitness equipment provides a state of the art heavy-duty polypropylene design with the steps being wider for comfort and balance.

The SM3 Stepmill comes with a blue backlit LCD screen, which is easy to read and gives you the critical information you need to know during your work out, such as:

Floors per minute
Calories
Heart rate tracking
Workout profiling abilities

The step range is between 26 to 162 steps, which isn’t the most significant range we have on our list, but it is relatively similar and provides almost identical results. There are side rails on the stair master to give help on posture correction so you can get the most of our your workouts. It is also an excellent piece of equipment for building stamina because it provides a high impact workout that does wonders for your legs and cardiovascular health.

Why It's On Our Top List

Console Displays. The information on the LCD display is situated at eye level so you can see more clearly, which is something we liked. There is also a large amount of data available such as:

Speed
Time
Number of calories
Number of steps

This is all conveniently displayed so you can keep track of all your progress, but most other stair master machines have these features. However, what we specifically liked about what the console on this machine had to offer was the preinstalled programs that act as a gym instructor. Some of the preinstalled programs are:

Quick start
Heart rate zone trainer
Fat burner
Calorie burner
Mystery challenge
Bell Shaped
Etc.

This can guide you through your workout more efficiently and provide more of a challenge for you when you need it. More importantly, it provides a way to keep your workouts from getting boring and stale since it gives the most extensive list of exercise programs we’ve seen on a stair master.

More Affordable. You definitely get the value of your money with this stairmaster stepmill machine since it provides a serious workout and all the necessary features. The more features that it offers, the more it will be of use to you and keep you challenged, which is exactly what the SM3 Stepmill does. A lot of the features are also made to serve individuals who may use this machine and multiple safety features as well. It is not the lowest priced machine on our list, but it is the lowest price revolving stair master that gives you all you may need in an exercise machine.

Cost & Warranty

The StairMaster SM3 Stepmill, being a high-quality exercise machine brand, stands at 1,799.00, being one of the lower-priced stair masters on our list.

The StairMaster SM3 Stepmill measures at 46 x 29 x 73 inches (W x H x D), at the weight of 223 pounds. The warranty is at an impressive lifetime for the frame, five years for mechanical, two-year electronics, and one year labor and wear items.

StairMaster SM3 StepMill

About

Smaller but just as tough as the commercial version sold into gyms
Step range of 26 to 162 steps per minute
10 total workout programs
Easy-to-read large backlit LCD display

What does a stairmaster for for your body?

A Stairmaster help tone and strengthen your lower body muscles such as the hamstrings, quads, and glutes, while also helping to decrease overall body weight. A Stairmaster, much like all other cardio gym equipment, will help with your cardiovascular health. It can also help with the following:

Developing core muscles
Bettering posture and balance if you don’t use handrails
Being able to use different types of gym equipment while on the machine (hand weights, glute band, ankle weights, etc.)

Is the Stairmaster better than running?

The Stairmaster is a more efficient and versatile exercise than running because it is low impact, while still being a challenging workout. When it comes to running it is very hard on your joints and when you are wanting to do more intense and longer exercises a Stairmaster is better.

Is the Stairmaster a good way to lose weight?

The Starmaster is an excellent way to lose weight since it is a low impact exercise, but still very challenging and torches calories. When you are using a stairmaster you are not only doing a cardio exercise but also toning and strengthing your lower body muscles in the process.

Will the Stairmaster make my thighs bigger?

The Stairmaster will not necessarily make your thighs bigger, but it will build muscle on your thighs and tone those muscles. Most likely if you have fat to burn in your legs you will start to lose fat and replace it with lean muscle mass. Since the Stairmaster is mainly a cardio exercise machine and does not use weights you will not gain the amount of muscle that it takes to make your thighs significantly bigger in muscle mass.