The 7 Best Stairmasters For Home & Gym Use

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Stairmasters are powerful pieces of cardio fitness equipment that can be used both at home and in the gym. Discover the best options out there.

Best Stairmasters top picks

1. StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet
2. StairMaster SM3 StepMill
3. Jacobs Ladder The Stairway GTL
4. StairMaster 10 Series 10G Gauntlet
5. MuscleStepper Commercial Stair Climber
6. Spirit Fitness CSC900 StairClimber
7. Matrix Climbmill C50

Stairmasters are a popular brand of step mills. In the rest of the article, these two terms will be used interchangeably. As you can see, there are other step mill brands that made it to the top picks list too.

Many of these Stairmasters can be used both at home and in a commercial setting. The two exceptions are the smaller and more budget-friendly StairMaster SM3 and the Matrix Climbmill C50.

Because of these different environments, training goals, budgets, personal preferences, etc. It is not possible to create one perfect ranking for everyone. Sometimes picks lower on the list will be better for you personally.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of the best Stairmasters. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

• Weight capacity, dimensions of the steps, steps per minute limits, additional features, etc.
• User reviews
• Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
• Price
• Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best Stairmasters reviewed in depth

The list of top picks can give you a quick overview of the options out there. After that, you can look at each of the best Stairmasters and other step mills reviewed in depth to ensure you are making the right choice.

1. StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet

Our top pick for the best Stairmaster is the StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet. This machine is more of a luxury at-home option and more of a budget-friendly commercial model.

One of the first things you want to check is the dimensions of the workout room and the total size of this Stairmaster which is 58″ L x 34″ W x 89″ H (147 cm L x 86 cm W x 226 cm H) with a recommended ceiling height of at least 10 feet (305 cm).

This machine is definitely one of the bigger models but this can also lead to benefits like a nice step size of 8″ H x 9″ D x 22″ W (20 cm H x 23 cm D x 56 cm W) with 8 steps in total.

Something you do want to keep in mind is that the price of the StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet is somewhat above-average. This machine can still be worth it but there are also people who will be just as happy with one of the more budget-friendly models.

Two other downsides to note are that some customers find this model and Stairmasters in general a bit noisy and that the LCD screen can be challenging to navigate.

There is also a StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet with Touchscreen but this version does cost more.

On the other hand, this machine comes with a great step speed range, Bluetooth connectivity, a handle heart rate monitor, a USB charging port, a weight capacity of 350 pounds (158 kg), etc.

All in all, the StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet is still a great option from the Stairmaster brand if you have the budget and workout space for it.

The limited 10-year warranty on structural frame, other components 10 year warranty for parts, and 3- year labor warranty implies you will be able to enjoy the Stairmaster benefits for a long time to come.

2. StairMaster SM3 StepMill

The StairMaster SM3 StepMill is the most budget-friendly and compact option on this list. This compactness has both upsides and downsides.

One of the obvious upsides is that you need less room to store and use the Stairmaster. For this SM3 a ceiling height of at least 8 feet (244 cm) is recommended.

A potential downside is that some people don’t like the lower (6″ = 15 cm) and narrower (22″ = 43 cm) steps. Additionally, this smaller model has 6 steps in total which leaves less room for climbing than the bigger models.

That being said, there are plenty of customers who are happy with the sizes of these steps and their StairMaster SM3 StepMill in general. If you are looking for the most compact and budget-friendly option this Stairmaster is likely the best for you.

As a result of the smaller frame and lower price, the weight capacity is on the lower side at 275 pounds (124 kg). For most people, this should be enough but this is something to remember anyway.

Next, the StairMaster SM3 StepMill has a nice step speed range of 26-162 steps per minute and 10 built-in workout programs.

While using the machine you can observe things like total workout time, calorie-burning estimations, and the number of floors climbed on the LCD screen.

One thing that could be better is the customer service. In the few cases something does go wrong, there are multiple back-and-forths with customer support and even then the issue is not always completely solved.

The lifetime frame warranty, 5-year mechanical, 2-year electronics, and 1-year labor and wear items warranties do mend the trust in this Stairmaster somewhat. If you want to avoid any issues at all costs you can also consider some of the more premium options.

3. Jacobs Ladder The Stairway GTL

This next step mill is the first off-brand option. To get the benefits of Stairmasters you don’t necessarily need the brand name itself.

One of the first things that stand out in the Jacobs Ladder The Stairway GTL is that it is self-powered. You don’t need any extra electricity when using it but the display does need to be recharged every once in a while.

This Stairmaster is made for both at-home and commercial gym use. Keep in mind that you do need enough room. A ceiling height of at least 8.5 feet (259 cm) is recommended for the Jacobs Ladder The Stairway GTL.

Something that stands out in this model is the below-average price. At the same time, this Stairmaster is still sturdy enough to hold individuals up to 350 pounds (158 kg).

By looking at all of the given features this Stairmaster machine looks great. Something that could be better is a mention of the specific step speed range and width of the steps. Especially in the case of Stairmasters which require a decent investment.

Additionally, there is not a lot of customer feedback (yet). The Stairmaster brand options that are for sale are at least good enough to be so well-known. Jacobs Ladder is not a no-name brand but seeing more reviews would provide more confidence.

The GTL version allows you to adjust the step speed on the control panel. There is also a different Jacobs Ladder Stairway where you wear a waist belt that makes it so the machine speeds up as you go higher and slows down when you go lower.

This version with waist belt is more budget-friendly but people typically like the control panel of other Stairmaster models. Both can be a good choice for Stairmaster workouts at home or in the gym.

4. StairMaster 10 Series 10G Gauntlet

The next model from the Stairmaster brand is more of a luxury option, especially in a home setting. One of the first things that stand out is the depth of the steps at 12″ (30 cm).

This can be useful for individuals with large feet, who plan to climb their Stairmaster in more unusual ways, and simply people who enjoy the extra room.

Another relatively unique feature is the large step speed range of 24-190 steps per minute. If you or your gym visitors are interested in high-intensity Stairmaster workouts this can be another big benefit.

To make all of this even better, the weight capacity of 400 pounds (181 kg) in combination with the warranties implies that this Stairmaster will offer great workouts for a long time to come.

These more premium Stairmaster features are obviously for sale at a relatively high price. Whether these things are worth it to you depends on a lot of factors like budget, how often the machine will be used, how heavy the users are, etc.

Something else to keep in mind is that this Stairmaster also requires a decent amount of room. For example, the recommended ceiling height is at least 10 feet (305 cm).

Similar to the first gauntlet Stairmaster, you can get a model with either an LCD screen or a StairMaster 10 Series 10G Gauntlet with a touchscreen. This will generally be easier to navigate but does come at an extra price.

In both models you get a variety of extra features. For example, you can connect a heart rate measuring device like a smartwatch to the screen to display your heart rate and track your workouts.

5. MuscleStepper Commercial Stair Climber

When it comes to features for the price, the MuscleStepper Commercial Stair Climber from Muscle D is another solid pick. One of its main downsides is that it does not have a lot of customer feedback.

This is something that does give a bit more confidence when buying a relatively pricey piece of fitness equipment like a Stairmaster from a brand that is not that well-known.

Another smaller downside of this model from Muscle D is that it does not offer Bluetooth connectivity to display a more exact measurement of your heart rate and track your workouts.

This Stairmaster is also on the taller side. The minimum ceiling height recommendation is 10 feet (305 cm).

If you don’t mind these downsides, the MuscleStepper Commercial Stair Climber is an option with a below-average price for the features it offers.

This Stairmaster has a weight limit of 350 pounds (158 kg) which is not exceptional but should be enough for most people.

Similarly, the step speed range of 26-162 steps per minute is great but not exceptional like the Stairmaster 10 Series 10G Gauntlet. Other nice additions are the narrow design, LED screen, transport wheels, and warranties.

You do lack the Stairmaster brand name, Bluetooth connectivity, and customer feedback. Whether the MuscleStepper Commercial Stair Climber is worth it depends a lot on how much you value these things.

6. Spirit Fitness CSC900 StairClimber

The Spirit Fitness CSC900 StairClimber is similar to the previous option in that it is a solid machine at a reasonable price but not the Stairmaster brand and without Bluetooth connectivity or a lot of customer feedback.

This machine is definitely made to be used both in a commercial gym setting and at home. The weight capacity of 400 pounds (181 kg) is the highest on the list together with the StairMaster 10 Series 10G Gauntlet.

Another feature that positively stands out is the depth of the steps of 11″ (28 cm). This is not quite as impressive as the premium Stairmaster model but still unusually good.

The step speed range of up to 168 steps per minute is great but not to an exceptional extent. Most people will find this enough to get in a good workout but fitter individuals may want a model with a higher limit.

Some of the other somewhat standard but solid features include the total size, other step dimensions, LED screen, and warranties.

Whether you want to give the Spirit Fitness CSC900 StairClimber a try depends on things like how much you value the Stairmaster brand and Bluetooth.

Most people would like to see more reviews for an off-brand option of a pricey piece of equipment like a Stairmaster. That being said, there are individuals who don’t mind this lack of customer feedback.

Other factors like the amount of workout room you have and your fitness equipment budget will play a big role too.

7. Matrix Climbmill C50

The first thing to know about the Matrix Climbmill C50 is that it is more of an at-home Stairclimber machine. Its weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) and smaller size will likely not be enough for a commercial setting.

Even if you are looking for a step mill to use at home, this model from Matrix is definitely on the smaller side. The step size of 5.6″ H x 9″ D x 15.8″ W (20 cm H x 23 cm D x 40 cm W) may feel a bit lacking, even for smaller individuals.

Additionally, the relatively low height offers less climbing room than the bigger Stairmasters on this list. Another feature that could use improvement is the step speed range of 24-137 steps per minute.

The main reason why you would get one of the Matrix Climbmill C50 models is that some of these have a big immersive touchscreen.

You can use these screens to watch your favorite TV show or choose one of the iFit workouts where you simulate the visuals of walking somewhere in the world.

In turn, this could lead to being more consistent with your workouts and all the benefits that come with that. You may also just enjoy your existing workouts a lot more.

So in terms of Stairmaster features besides the screen, the Matrix Climbmill C50 is rather lacking. Additionally, there is not a lot of customer feedback to see to what extent the Matrix brand delivers.

If you really value making your workouts more fun or productive with the large touchscreen of this Matrix model, you could consider it.

Individuals who just want to put on their headphones and have a challenging Stairmaster workout like want to choose a different model.

How to choose a Stairmaster

Stairmasters are a relatively pricey piece of fitness equipment so you want to pay extra attention to getting the right model for you. If you are still not sure after the individual reviews you can consider some of the following factors.

Overall size

Something where Stairmasters stand out is their large dimensions, especially when it comes to height. To be able to get the benefits of Stairmasters you need to be able to use them. For this you need enough room.

Make sure you check the dimensions of the option you have in mind and remember that you need additional room above to stand on the Stairmaster.

Weight capacity

Besides enough room, the Stairmaster also needs to be sturdy enough to hold the people that will use it. Additionally, you may be interested in using this machine while wearing extra weights like a weighted vest.

A higher weight capacity is also somewhat of an indication of how well-built the Stairmaster is. The weight capacities of the Stairmasters on this list vary from 275 pounds (124 kg) to 400 pounds (181 kg).

Especially in a commercial environment like a gym where a lot of people of a variety of weights use the Stairmaster each day, you may want to go for one of the strongest models.

Step size

Another relevant difference between the Stairmasters is how big their steps are in height, depth, and width. These are mostly relevant in terms of personal preferences.

For example, individuals with large feet may be able to use steps that are 9″ (23 cm) deep but find steps that are 12″ (30.5 cm) deep a lot more comfortable.

Additionally, if you want to do more complicated Stairmaster workouts where you switch between regular and sideways steps, some extra room can be valuable.

Ideally, you would try out Stairmasters of different step sizes before investing in one but the next best thing is measuring the dimensions of one or more stairs to get an idea of what feels comfortable to you.

Speed

How fast you take steps on a Stairmaster influences things like the number of calories you burn, how much you work your muscles, how much you train your cardiovascular system, how interesting your workout is, and more.

Different step mills have different capacities when it comes to how fast and slow they can turn. This is often noted as steps per minute.

However, some models don’t mention this detail. In these cases, you have to make an educated guess and/or choose a different Stairmaster.

Additional features

The previous details were all basically essential when it comes to training with a Stairmaster. These machines also often come with a variety of additional features that can be nice to have.

Some examples of these include a USB port, touchscreen, transport wheels, air fans, Bluetooth connection, bottle holders, heart rate monitors, etc.

How important these things are, varies a lot from individual to individual. If one or more of the features seems like something you absolutely want you can make sure the Stairmaster you have in mind includes these.

Price

Investing into your health is often a great idea but there are cases where you can get similar or more benefits at a lower price. In these situations, you can save yourself some money.

Warranty

Stairmasters are pricey pieces of fitness equipment. In the case that anything does happen you want to have a warranty to ensure things will be made right.

Additionally, a long warranty does give some indication of how much a Stairmaster brand stands behind the quality of its products.

Our top pick

At this point, you may still not be entirely sure what Stairmaster you should get. In that case, our top pick of the best Stairmasters, the StairMaster 8 Series 8G Gauntlet, is the right choice for most people.