Best Home Elliptical Trainers 2014

I've had an elliptical machine in our home for many years. With my husbands feet and size (6'4" 250 pounds) and my knees it's the most efficient way for both of us to work out. It's also more economical than paying $100/month for our family gym membership.

The kind of elliptical you should choose should first be based upon what feels most comfortable and "fits" you and your body type.

In this post we'll review 10 elliptical brands and their top rated models and let you know what to look for in an elliptical trainer. You can also vote for the best elliptical brand/manufacturer and leave a comment below.

New to elliptical trainers? Here's a few tips to look at before you buy.

Check the Weight Limit First

Let's face it, elliptical trainers can be expensive and the last thing you want when forking out a good amount of cash is a machine that squeaks, wobbles, or just doesn't feel solid enough. One of the first things you should look at is the weight limit. The higher the weight limit, in general, the sturdier it is. Because my husband is a big guy we actually opted for a machine that would support up to 350 pounds even though he weighs a 100 less than that. No, this was not in preparation for a future weight gain, we just found that those machines were much sturdier.

Rear or Front Facing Flywheel:

I'm not going to go in to why one is better than the other, but I will say that the machine that "feels right" is the one that you'll work out more often on. We've gone with rear fly wheel machines in the past because they feel more comfortable for us. If you're not sure which you'd rather have, then I recommend you go to the gym or a local sports shop and try them out.

Warranty:

If you go to the gym on a regular basis, then you've certainly seen the occasional elliptical machine that was done and out. While this is mostly because of the high workload that those machines have it is important to make sure your machine has a good warranty. Amazon also sells an extended warranty with their products that can extend coverage and service of your machine.

Elliptical Deals Online:

Did you know that many elliptical trainers from various brands are made by the same manufacturer? In order to get the best deal try to compare the same types of models from different brands. You can also purchase a used elliptical online at a place like Amazon, E-bay, or at a local used sports shop in your city. When my husband and I were shopping for ours we stopped at one of these local sports shops to look around. When purchasing a used elliptical make sure to ask them what their warranty on the item is and don't be afraid to try it out for a half an hour if it looks like one you'd like.

Features and Programs:

Less important than the overall feel are the features and programs that your elliptical comes with. Nearly all elliptical machines come with programmable features and the more you're willing to spend, the more they'll come with. If a certain feature will get you excited to work out each day, like built-in speakers for your iPod or MP3 player, then make sure it has that.

Why Customer Reviews Matter:

When buying anything online customers know best. Take the time to read through the reviews and see what strengths and weaknesses each machine has. I've never regretted purchasing anything that was highly rated by other customers. The same can't be said about other products I didn't do the research on.

#1 Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer Review

The Sole has a large flywheel which allows for smooth performance. Built-in cooling fans make working out easier, an LCD screen allows for quick access to how you are performing, and this trainer has an integrated sound system so you can listen while working out. One thing that reviewers loved was the controls on the handles, making it easier to adjust the incline or resistance without moving your hands. This machine is built for a smooth workout with minimal need to interruptions, allowing for a better workout. This machine is fantastic and well worth the price.

#2 Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer

The Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer is one of the best ellipticals on the market. It may not be the cheapest, but you get what you paid for. This Diamondback elliptical has it all. It tracks your calories, pulse, time, and speed.

You have the ability to customize programs or go with the Quick Start potions. A pause mode with a 5 minute program saver makes it easy to take a quick break. Reviews call this product "impressive" and "high quality". So, if you are serious about investing time and money into exercise this elliptical is for you.

#3 Precor EFX 5.31 Premium Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer Review

The Precor EFX 5.31 Premium Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer is another elliptical on the high end of the pay scale. The Precor may be one of the priciest elliptical trainers, but it is one of the best. This elliptical is fully adjustable to fit your needs.

You can adjust the ramp and stride length for a better workout of change the arm positions to switch from lower body to a total body workout. This product not only has 20 resistance levels, but also 15 ready to use programs ranging from weight loss to aerobic. Included with this elliptical are two water bottles, a mat, a handheld monitor, and a wireless chest heart rate transmitter to keep track of how you're doing.

This beautiful machine gets the job done at home instead of the gym and makes workout out easier and more convenient. This is definitely an elliptical to consider for those who are serious about exercising on a daily basis.

#4. Precor EFX 5.31 Premium Series Elliptical

#5 The Nautilus E514 Elliptical Trainer

The Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer. This elliptical is considerable cheaper than the early trainers. This machine provides a smooth cardio workout for the upper and lower body and come with 16 resistance levels. This elliptical also come with a powerful fan to cool off with and has a total of 20 programs to choose from.

This Nautilus workout machine has a LCD backlit display for easier console reading, a magazine rack for more relaxed workouts and allows you to program 2 profiles to customize your workouts and keep track of your progress. This is a very good product for the price and gets the job done smoothly.

#6 AFG 4.0 AE Dual Action Elliptical Trainer

The AFG 4.0 AE Dual Action Elliptical Trainer is another pricey choice, but a great one. This AFG is a five star machine on Amazon.com and a high quality machine. Their pivoting footpads provide a realistic walking experience and the large flywheel provides a smooth stride.

The power incline and short 16 degrees which allows you to target different muscle groups. The reviews say that this is a sturdy machine and provides the customer with a tough workout. This is one to buy if you are serious about a tough exercise.

#7 Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer

The Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer is probably the most affordable trainer. Very inexpensive you get what you pay for with this little machine. This machine is only 24 pounds and is something easily accessible for the office.

Designed to fit under a desk or in a closet, this is basically a stepper with footpads only, which makes it easy to move around. This Stamina machine is practical, giving you a simple workout for a great price.

#8 Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer is another great find at a great price. This Schwinn machine gives a smooth workout for the lower and upper body and has 16 levels of resistance. This trainer comes with 12 programs, a fitness test, and allows you to customize your workout.

This is a four star elliptical with raving reviews. This product is simple, but the quality and assembly may be difficult so it may be handy to have another person to help. You get a great product at a great price and this is well worth the money.

#9 The Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer

Another great product at a great price is the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer. This machine has 10 levels of resistance, a heavy flywheel for a smooth workout and built-in speakers for easy listening.

This elliptical comes with 10 programing options, has 3 workout programs, and 1 custom workout. This is a five star machine with customers amazed at the great product and the great price. Easy assembly, a great workout, and a quality product make this machine one of the best elliptical trainers out there.

#10 Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer

Last but not least we have the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer. This elliptical is reasonably priced and has a two in one design. You can use the elliptical or you can use the exercise bike.

This comes with more than 10 preset programs and allows you to customize your own workout programs; an adjustable seat and a 14inch stride length make this double the workout for a fraction of the cost. Customers found themselves surprised at how wonderful the product was, considering the price, earning it a four star rating.

This is a nice machine that allows you to get a good work out at home and enjoy it as well. If you are looking for a great product at a bargain than this is the elliptical for you. The Body Champ elliptical machine is a great way to work out at home. Whether you are looking for a simple machine at a low price or the most high tech trainer you can get the elliptical machine will get it done.

As I mentioned customer reviews are important. I'd love to know what brand/make of elliptical trainer you use. Leave your experiences with it below.