Best Non-Folding Treadmills of 2023
Classic home treadmills have non-folding frames. Sometimes they have attached wheels to ease “big moves” like relocating to a new home… but unlike folding treadmills, these fitness machines claim floor space on a semi-permanent basis.
The required amount of floor space varies a good deal. The average home treadmill is about three feet wide and seven feet long. Some are much larger, just like commercial treadmills for fitness clubs. But some non-folding treadmills for home use have compact frames. Of these, some of the highest rated are the two incline trainers shown below. Incline trainer treadmills are ideal for weight loss exercise. They make it possible to burn calories very quickly just by walking; no need to run!
Below are five of the best non-folding treadmills for home use in 2021. These five favorites represent the high-end brands NordicTrack and Life Fitness. Also featured is machinery NordicTrack, a brand with fitness machines for all price ranges.
Top 5 Best Rated Non-Folding Treadmills
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
Model | Life Fitness | NordicTrack | NordicTrack | Sole | Precor |
Rating | Rating: 96.3% | Rating: 96.1% | Rating: 95.4% | Rating: 94.5% | Rating: 94.3% |
Motor | 4.0 HP AC motor | 4.25 CHP | 4.25 CHP | 4.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP |
Speed | 0 - 12 mph | 0-12MPH | 0-12 MPH | 0.5 - 12 mph | 0.5 - 12 mph |
Incline | 0 - 15% | -6-40% | -6-40% | -6 - 15% | -2 to 15% |
Folding? | | | | | |
MSRP | $10,599 | $3,499 | $4,499 | $4,799 | $4,999 |
Pricing | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price |
Non-Folding Treadmills Buying Guide
If this is the first time you are shopping for a new treadmill you may ask yourself — If I had the option between a folding and non-folding treadmill (assuming they’re the same price) why would I not buy the folding treadmill?
Good question.
While folding treadmills are light and compact, two things you need for storage, they sometimes are forced to sacrifice important specs. Non-folding treadmills, meanwhile, do not share the same concern and thus can actually focus on providing the best motor, frame, parts and overall construction to make the treadmill work properly and run for a really long time.
Generally, commercial grade lines are all non-folding treadmills although you can find some really great folding treadmills (i.e. Commercial 1750 and the Sole F80) that are just as dependable and well made.
The non-folding treadmills being better argument probably derives from your local gym where most (if not all) of the treadmills should be commercialized and likely do not fold. However, the reason that gyms invest in non-folding treadmills is because they do not need the extra storage space. Therefore, leasing non-folding treadmills makes much more sense.
Since non-folding treadmills are heavier they are not recommended for constantly moving around the house, although some models are light enough and equipped with transport wheels for basic mobility.
When shopping for a non-folding treadmill the primary specs you should note and compare are:
- Size of motor
- Size of deck (or running surface)
- Max user weight
Those three specs will give you a great idea as to what the model can and cannot support. As always, also considering the brand is important as some companies simply do a better job of producing treadmills than others.
If you are divided between buying a folding or non-folding treadmill ask yourself:
- What room will house my treadmill (dimensions, square feet, other objects in room, etc)?
- What is the size and weight of the treadmill(s) I’m interested in buying?
- Is the treadmill already constructed when shipped or do I need to put it together myself?
- Once the treadmill is constructed, would it be convenient and beneficial to fold while not in use?
- Will I also have to transport it to another room?
If you are concerned about saving space and owning a treadmill that is mobile the logical response would be to buy a folding treadmill. Not so concerned? Why not purchase a non-folding treadmill? It really comes down to how much space you can afford to designate to your treadmill.