The stair climber is one of the most popular pieces of cardio equipment in gyms and homes around the world. It allows you to target your glutes, thighs and hamstrings like no other exercise. Stair climbing is also a great way to ramp up your cardiovascular system.
In this article we bring you in-depth reviews of the 6 best stair climbers on the current market.
Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine
As one of the most established and respected fitness companies on the planet, Bowflex have a reputation for producing top quality home fitness equipment. Their Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 lives up to that reputation on all fronts. This machine is far more than a stair climber. In fact, it is 3 machines in one – a treadmill, a stair climber and an ellitpical.
Benefits
3 Machines in One
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine is a treadmill, an elliptic machine and stair climber, all combined into one streamlined unit. It provides you with independent foot treadles that provides a very natural stepping motion, but can also be set to move forward rather than just up and down. This provides you with an elliptical motion to work your muscles more effectively. If you want to use it as a treadmill, you can also set the machine so that just the treads move.
Durable
The strength and durability of the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine is attested to by the fact that it can accommodate user weights up to 300 pounds. This machine is exceptionally well built using premium materials, including very solid framing steel.
Adjustable Resistance
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine provides you with 12 levels of adjustable resistance. When used as an elliptical or treadmill it can achieve a max speed of 4 miles per hour.
Four Separate LCD Screens
The monitor of the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine provides you with four separate LCD windows. This provides you with a constant readout of your speed, distance, time and calories.
Compact
The compact, streamlined design of the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine makes it ideal for use in confined spaces. The look of the machine is very stylish, so that it fits into even the most upmarket decor.
Low Impact
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine provides you with a very low impact workout that is easy on the joints, thanks to the individual treads mechanism and low on / off height.
G.O. Coach Console
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine features a G.O. Goal Console which provides you with all the guidance you need to get in a productive workout. The console tracks the workout of a single user towards a 90-minute goal.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine allows for ideal body positioning when using the machine. This puts your body in the ideal alignment, taking pressure off your spine and joints.
Drawbacks
Limited Speed
The treadmill function of the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine provides you with a maximum speed of just 4 miles per hour.
Expensive
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine will cost you around two thousand dollars. For that price, you’ll get a high spec cardio machine, but it may be overkill if you’re simply after a reliable stair climber.
Summary
The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 Stepper Machine is a high-end combination of a stair climber and elliptical and a treadmill. It provides you with a quality workout and looks great, but it’s rather costly.
Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber
The Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climberis the top of the line when it comes to climbing stairs. Stairmaster are the world oldest and premier supplier of stair cardio equipment. This is a commercial gym quality machine that provides you with the best stair workout you can get – just be prepared to pay for it.
Benefits
Chain Drive Mechanism
While most other steppers feature a pedal system, the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber makes use of a series of eight steps along with a chain drive mechanism. This provides for a much smoother, naturally flowing range of motion. On this unit, you don’t pretend to climb up steps – you really do.
Increased Efficiency
When you walk on the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber for one minute, you get the same level of cardio benefit as you would get from walking for five minutes on a treadmill. That makes this machine five times more efficient!
Low Impact
The Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber provides you with a very gentle (but no easy) workout that doesn’t place the stress on your ankles and knees that running on a treadmill does.
Multiple Resistance Levels
On the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber you get 9 different levels of graduated resistance. This allows for you to make the workout harder as you get fitter. It also makes it appropriate for every member of the family and every fitness level.
Adjustable Speed
You can exercise at any rate between 24 and 162 steps per minute on the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber. That makes it gentle enough for grandma yet challenging enough for an athlete.
Two Window LCD Display
The monitor of the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber provides you with a two-window LCD display. This allows you to get dual readings on all of the key training diagnostics that you need to monitor while training.
Landmark Challenge
The Landmark Challenge feature of the monitor allows you to simulate climbing the world’s most iconic structures, such as the Eiffel Tower. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated.
Warranty
With the Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber, you get a 15-year warranty on the frame, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
Drawbacks
Expensive
The Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber costs around $7000. This may be cost prohibitive for most home users, but if you can afford it you will love it!
Summary
The Stairmaster Gauntlet Stair Climber is functionally the best stair climber on the market. It is a beautifully made unit that will last for decades, as attested by the 15-year warranty.
Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper
TheAncheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper is a multi use cardio machine that combines climbing and cycling. This is a beginner and intermediate level unit that is compact and functional.
Benefits
Mimics Mountain Climbing
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper provides you with a very good simulation of the actions that you would undertake when mountain climbing. This involves both hand and leg motion, with the hands in climbing position above the body.
Works Entire Body
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper works the upper body far more than the lower body. It fully engages the shoulders, lats and arms in the upper body climbing motion. Th angling of the lower body also allows you to maximally work your glutes and quads.
Adjustable Height
The adjustable height of the Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper makes it usable for a wide range of people. The maximum user weight of this machine is 330 pounds.
LED Display
The LED Display of the Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper provides you with a very user-friendly way to monitor your training diagnostics. The back-lit display provides you with continuous reporting of your time calories, speed, distance and pulse rate.
Exercise Bike Function
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper comes with its own exercycle. However, this cycle is purely designed to be a warm-up for the main workout on the stair climber.
Adjustable Resistance
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper allows you to progressively increase the resistance level of your climbing action as you progress up the levels. This ensures that you are constantly making improvements.
Drawbacks
Not Overly Sturdy
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper is not designed for an advanced hard-core workout. The framing and structure are fine for intermediate level training. When you really push it, however, it is likely to move around a little.
Cycle Not Very Powerful
The exercycle that comes with the Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper is a lightweight model that is only suitable for a light warm up.
Summary
The Ancheer Vertical Climber Maxi Stepper is a great option for beginner and intermediate level trainers who are looking to get a great overall body cardio workout. The bike that comes with it is pretty light-weight and it is not suitable for advanced level trainers.
Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper is multi function aerobic and anaerobic exercise machine that allows you to get a complete full body workout. It is actually 3 machines in one, along with resistance weights.
Benefits
3 Machines in One
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper provides you with a twister to target your core, while also giving you an effective workout for your legs and cardio system while also burning plenty of calories.
Four Weight Resistance Levels
With the Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper, you get four dumbbell resistance levels, so that you can work your body progressively in order to get bigger and stronger.
Twister Disc
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper provides you with a specially designed disc which targets the core and obliques.
Adjustable Step Height
The stair climbing function of the Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper provides you with an adjustable step height and width, so you can customize the machine for your height and build.
LCD Screen
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper provides you with a simple, yet effective monitor that allows you to monitor your training diagnostics. It allows you to track your time steps and calories burned.
Drawbacks
Not Heavy Duty
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper is not an overly robust machine. As a result, it will move slightly when you exercise at maximum intensity.
Summary
The Soozier Aerobic Twister / Stepper is a multi-purpose machine that will provide beginners and intermediates with an effective overall body workout. However, it is not really suitable for those looking for a high-intensity cardio workout.
Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepperis a very pared down version of a conventional stepper machine. This makes it very cost effective. It is very popular along home gym users due to its price and its functionality.
Benefits
Lateral Motion
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper provides you with both an up and down and a lateral motion. This means that you are able to simulate both a stepping and an elliptical exercise motion.
Compact Design
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper is about as compact as it gets. All you get are a pair of attached foot pedals. However, this still allows you to get in a surprisingly effective workout.
Adjustable Resistance
On the base of the Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper, you get an adjustable resistance dial. This allows you to increase the intensity of your workout as your fitness level increases.
LCD Monitor
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper features rather simple, yet functional monitor, in the base of the unit. It provides you with a readout of your important training measures.
Lightweight and Portable
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper is the most portable and lightweight stepper that we have ever come across.
Drawbacks
Limited Use
You can only use the Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper for about fifteen minutes at a time to prevent the hydraulics from over-heating.
Not for A Serious Workout
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper is suitable for a light workout, but is not appropriate for a serious cardio session.
Summary
The Stamina In-Motion Twister Stepper is a budget-priced basic stepper that provides you with a good warm-up or light training session. It allows you to get both a stepper and an elliptical session in. However, it is not suitable for a serious cardio workout.
Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper
The Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper is a compact stepper that makes use of twin adjustable hydraulics to provide a smooth stepping action. This is an affordable, function cardio exercise machine.
Benefits
Fold Up Design
The fold-up design of the Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper makes it great for use in small apartments. It folds out quickly and easily and is quite sturdy when in user mode.
Smooth Stepping Motion
The twin hydraulics of the Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper provide you with a very smooth, natural stepping motion.
Multi-Function Monitor
The multi-function monitor on the Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper provides you with an accurate readout of your calories burned, time, speed, steps per minute and total number of steps.
Drawbacks
Limited resistance
The Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper provides an adjustable resistance but the top level will not provide a challenging workout for serious athletes.
Summary
The Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper delivers a functional cardio workout for the beginner and intermediate user. This is a foldable unit that is ideal for confined spaces.
Miageek Stair Climber Machine
TheMiageek Stair Climber Machine is a single use vertical climbing machine that comes in a high value package. Powerful steel alloy and a folding design make this stair climber a great choice for those on a budget.
Benefits
Steel Alloy Frame
A sturdy frame is the foundation for any great piece of workout equipment, and the stair climber is no different! You can feel confident putting your full body weight on this stair climber machine.
Fold Up Design
This stair climber also folds up to save space for whatever environment you are in. It can be easily used in a pinch to get the workout you need. Taking it with you is also quite easy.
Full Body Workout
The Miageek machine has a total of 6 different positions to create the ultimate workout environment with a single piece of equipment. You can rest assured that you can train whatever muscle groups you want to attain your goals.
Drawbacks
Display
The display features on the Miageek are nothing to write home about, and leave a lot to be desired in terms of monitoring your body and workout. It does have basic monitoring features, but the display is tiny and doesn’t do much to help you.
Resistance Levels
This stair climber unfortunately does not accomodate that many different levels of resistance, and only has its different positions to alter your workout.
Summary
The Miageek Stair Climber Machine brings a high quality, basic stair stepper down to an almost unbeatable price, but has few features.
Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper
TheSunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper is another single use stepper that has some additional features compared to other basic stair climbers.
Benefits
Dual Hydraulic
Hydraulic pistons allow you to navigate 12 separate resistance levels through your workouts. This provides great flexibility in targeting muscle groups of varying strength levels, and can even out your workout just as you need it.
Fold Up Design
This stair climber also folds up to save space for whatever environment you are in. It can be easily used in a pinch to get the workout you need. Taking it with you is also quite easy.
Drawbacks
Display
The display, like the Miageek, tells you some basic information and that’s it. The size and arrangement of the display looks almost identical and won’t provide a whole lot of diagnostic information if you’re really interested in that.
Durability
Some users reported that the machine worked out well initially but with time developed some issues concerning piston noise and the durability of the pins and rods.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper has some nice features at a reasonable price, but has mixed reviews on its durability.
BEOUZO Indoor Stair Stepper
TheBEOUZU Indoor Stair Stepper is an extremely compact, affordable indoor stair stepper.
Benefits
No Assembly Required
Putting together the BEOUZU stepper is quite literally effortless; there’s no assembly required with this unit! It takes up very little space and is always ready for use when you need it. Getting a stair stepper workout has never been quite as convenient as this.
High Weight Capacity
This stair stepper machine features a comparably higher weight limit to some of the other products on our list, and can accomodate up to 265 pounds. The strength of this stair stepper machine is due to its sturdy steel construction.
Comfortable Design
Huge no-slip PVC pedals that boost circulation make your workout as comfortable as possible. Rubber stoppers placed along the bottom of the machine prevent it from disrupting those around you during a workout.
Portable
The BEOUZU’s convenient design with carrying handle makes for an easy to transport stair stepper that takes up little space. Using the display only requires a single AAA battery.
Drawbacks
Limited Use
Only 4 modes of use is limited in scope compared to the other products on this list. The levels of resistance may not meet your needs if you are already at a certain level of fitness, but can still provide a cardiovascular workout regardless.
Display
Its no mystery as to why the BEOUZU stair stepper’s display leaves a lot to be desired; the machine itself is comparably tiny to competing products. It displays all the usual diagnostic information, but don’t expect much more.
Summary
The BEOUZU Indoor Stair Stepper has a unique design that requires no assembly, and a construction that’s stronger than expected.
Stair Climber Buying Guide
Here we’ll show you the criteria by which we evaluated these stair climbers in our effort to find the best ones! These categories can also help you decide which stair climber is right for you!
Quality of Workouts
Ultimately the best stair climbers are the ones that give you the kind of workout you need. Excellent stair climbers can work out a variety of muscle groups and still provide you with any needed cardio. Different resistances and modes of use help facilitate whatever kind of workout you want.
Features
Models that combine the utility of multiple machines definitely offer a better value when it comes to space. A more complete workout can depend on what you have access to, and a stair climber model that has more uses is definitely better.
Durability
It’s important to buy a durable, safe piece of equipment anytime you make a purchase on something gym or workout related. You don’t want something that holds you up to be flimsy. A frame that’s made of steel will provide the most stability to your workout.
Comfort
Padded handles along with high quality foot pads can really boost your comfort level when using your stair climber. Look for a machine that really feels good to work out on, and that can facilitate a long workout without discomfort in these areas.
Assembly/Portable
Finding a stair climber that can be taken somewhere somewhat easily and doesn’t use too much space is a huge bonus. Assembling or taking your stair climber on the go might not be a frequent need of yours, but you will be thankful you chose a more portable model when you do have to move it.
Stair Climber FAQ
What is the right length for a stair climber workout?
The appropriate length for a workout really depends on your fitness level and how acquainted you are with a stair climber. Starting at 15-30 minutes can be great
Should I use a stair climber instead of running?
The truth is you can’t go wrong either way, and purchasing a treadmill can be just as great an option. Running can be pretty high impact on your knees, and provides a similar workout in intensity. Using a stair climber is preferred for the sake of your joints.
How is using a stair climber helping me?
The upwards climbing motion of the stair climber provides a great lower body workout. It is a low impact movement that still exhausts you both cardiovascular and muscular. Those recovering from injuries can benefit even more from machine like this.
Will a stair climber build muscle and tone my body?
Stair Climbers provide a whole range of intensities and can assist you in whatever your goals are. You will get a great workout with a stair climber in your lower body, and can see muscular development with enough repetition.