In this elliptical trainer review we will suggest the best trainer, the best value trainer and a budget trainer.

Best elliptical trainer:
Reviewers say Precor makes the best elliptical trainers on the market. The EFX 5.17i is Precor's entry-level elliptical trainer, but reviews say that doesn't stop it from being one of the most durable options. It has four programs, twenty resistance levels, an optional heart-rate monitor, an incline that adjusts from 12 to 25 degrees, and a long, 19-inch stride. The EFX 5.17i also has a childproof safety feature. According to the manufacturer, Precor's elliptical trainers don?t have a weight limit, so they're appropriate and stable for heavier individuals. The EFX 5.17i doesn't provide an upper body workout, although the Precor EFX 5.33 elliptical trainer (below) does.

Best value:
If you have limited space (or a limited budget), reviews recommend the Smooth CE, which is a compact 22 x 57 inches in size. The Smooth elliptical trainer has seven programs and an included wireless heart-rate monitor. Unlike the Precor above, it includes an upper body workout. Reviews like the adjustable pedals, making the stride length customizable for family members of different heights, and there's a high weight capacity of 325 pounds. The Smooth elliptical trainer uses a flywheel instead of rollers on a ramp for the leg movement, so the user can't adjust the incline. The machine's speed and resistance are based on the workout program and there's a manual program as well. The high-end Precor has an adjustable incline.

Budget elliptical trainer:
The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has one huge advantage over other models in its price range. It has a one-year warranty on parts and labor -- longer than other models, which usually have only a 90-day warranty. The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has ten preset programs and two heart-rate-controlled programs (it has handgrip heart-rate sensors) and can support up to 275 pounds. While reviews warn that machines in this price range won't hold up like the Precor or Smooth elliptical trainers above, the warranty and variety of programs might make the Eclipse worth a look.

Club-quality elliptical trainer:
Precor's health-club-quality EFX 5.33 elliptical trainer adds moving handlebars for an upper-body workout. There are fourteen programs (including manual), along with twenty resistance levels. The incline is fixed at 20 degrees. With Precor elliptical trainers, you must choose between an adjustable incline (such as on the EFX 5.17i above), or an upper-body workout.