Commercial treadmill prices are much higher and many of them start at $4000+ whereas home treadmills can range from $400 to $3000.
Here's where it can get confusing: Although there used to be more of a difference between commercial and home treadmills, the line is blurring as more and more people buy commercial grade treadmills for their homes.
For example, former commercial treadmill brands like Sole, who were once only available to markets like hotels and health clubs are now making their treadmills available to the home market - for a home treadmill price.
And traditional commercial brands like Landice are selling more and more high end treadmills to home users.
One thing to be aware of: this trend is now causing some of the cheaper brands of home treadmills to call their more expensive models 'commercial grade' treadmills.
These are not really commercial grade in my opinion - it simply means that the treadmill was built with heavier grade components than the other treadmills in that brand's line up. That's not a bad thing - it's just that these treadmills weren't necessarily built for a high end gym - they're kind of a hybrid commercial and home treadmill.
Bottom line? If you're looking at commercial treadmills for a health club or gym, consider the brand. Make sure it is a well known commercial brand with a solid reputation. Some examples are Nautilus and Star Trac
If you're looking for a higher end 'commercial grade' treadmill for your home gym, consider a 'lighter' version of a commercial treadmill model or a home treadmill brand that specializes in making higher end treadmills like Sole. These will serve you just as well and cost you thousands less than a health club commercial unit.
Where to Buy Commercial Grade Treadmills:
The following is a list of commercial and commercial grade treadmills - we've linked to our full review which also tells you where to buy each brand at a discount. Click on the links for more info.
Sole - Starting from $1499. Preferred brand used by Hilton Hotels. Offers Free shipping and $0 Sales tax (depending on your state)
Nordic Track - Commercial Grade treadmills start from about $1599. Often offers Free Shipping and installment payment options.
Smooth - Smooth produces several higher end Commercial grade treadmills starting around $1999. Excellent construction and high expert ratings.
Nautilus - Starting around $2258. Very high end. Advanced electronics and tracking tools. Sleek and top of the line components.
Star Trac - Starting around $1995 for residential or remanufactured models. Used by many hotel gyms and higher end health clubs - but still affordable for the high end home gym.
An interesting phenomenon is happening in the treadmill market these days: a lot of home treadmills are being called commercial grade treadmills. This can be confusing for the buyer.
What's the difference between commercial "grade", home, and commercial treadmills? This article will help clear the confusion, and tell you what you need to know before buying.
First off, there are 2 main categories of treadmills: commercial and home treadmills.
Commercial treadmills differ from home treadmills in that they are made for harsher environments, like the gym or health club, and they are built to withstand frequent use. Because of this they are built with a much higher grade of components and subsequently cost more.
For example, most commercial treadmills come with a 4 ply treadbelt instead of the 2 ply treadbelt that is standard to most home treadmills. They also usually come with a much higher powered motor, built with heavier duty commercial parts.
