When shopping for a treadmill, you can anticipate how much you will need to spend based on your intended usage. If you only need a treadmill for walking, a top-rated budget treadmill under $1,000 will probably hold up fine. Light joggers can get away with treadmills around $1,500, but serious runners should start looking at treadmills in the $2,000 price range. Experts say spending more initially will save you endless frustration and time spent dealing with customer service representatives. Reviewers also say to keep the following in mind when shopping for treadmills:

  • Look for a motor with a continuous-duty rating of at least 3 horsepower for running. Lighter runners may be able to get away with a 2.5-horsepower motor, but bigger is better in this case. If you plan to just walk on your treadmill, a less powerful motor is fine. Reviews say you should avoid manual treadmills altogether.
  • The two-ply belt should be no less than 18 inches wide and 50 inches long. According to Prevention magazine walking editor Maggie Spilner, a shorter belt forces the average walker to shorten his or her stride. If you have long legs, you must have a belt longer than 50 inches. The American Council on Exercise recommends at least a 49-inch belt. Tall runners should look for belts around 60 inches long.
  • The deck should be at least a quarter-inch thick. The best decks are low-impact structures that absorb shock by flexing under your foot when it strikes the belt. If you have injuries like shin splints or recurring back/foot problems, this feature is a must.
  • The display panel should show all of the necessary information at once, preferably in large, easy-to-read numbers. Make sure the display shows speed, distance covered, incline and time elapsed. Some displays show all the information at once, but many have a scanning display, which rotates information.
  • Push-button controls are better than dials or switches. Sliding switches can be imprecise and stubborn to move. You should be able to easily reach and push control buttons while you're running.
  • Beginners should look for an incline of at least 10 percent. A treadmill's maximum incline should suit your fitness level. According to the American Council on Exercise, beginners will do fine with an incline of up to 10 percent, but advanced exercisers may want a treadmill capable of 15 percent. Test the machine's stability during incline mode before you buy.
  • Walkers need a speed capability of 5 mph; runners need 8 to 11 mph. The starting speed should be slow (0.1 to 0.5 mph) to avoid injury.
  • Look for a safety key if you have kids. Children and pets should not be able to start the machine by accident. Reviews say refrigerator magnets can start some machines that use a magnetic key.
  • Go for a treadmill with a panic button or automatic shutoff. If you slip or get into trouble, the power should cut off instantly by means of a button you push or a tether attached to your clothes.
  • Read the fine print on the warranty. If you're heavier than the warranty specifies, the contract may be void. The frame should have a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Other components should come with a warranty of one to three years for parts and labor. Avoid 90-day warranties. Look out for special exclusions or ways the warranty can be voided. Finally, make sure you can return the treadmill if it doesn't suit you.
  • Don't bother with an extended warranty except for very inexpensive machines. Although experts say extended warranties are usually a waste of money, you might consider one if your treadmill comes with only a 90-day warranty. We found scads of complaints about these inexpensive machines, and a longer warranty may save you from some frustration down the road.
  • Keep your treadmill clean. Dirt and dust are the primary early killers of treadmills, so weekly dusting is a must to ensure your machine has a long life. Lack of regular at-home maintenance can also void your warranty. Many treadmills also require regular lubrication to keep the belt and deck in good working order; check your user guide for instructions.
  • Check the delivery policy. Sometimes, "delivery" only means delivery to your curb, and you may have to pay extra for delivery into your house -- or even for unloading off the truck. Check the retailer's delivery policy before signing on the dotted line.
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