There’s a strong case for using stair-steppers

Stair-stepping machines ruled at gyms until the smooth-flowing elliptical machines came along. Even so, stair-steppers offer a key advantage: a harder workout. Lacking the elliptical’s flywheel-driven momentum, steppers force you to earn every step of your workout. And stepping machines are a lot smaller than ellipticals, making them better suited for apartments or small condominiums. Here are a few of the best:

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Welded frame gives solid feel

StairMaster FreeClimber 4200PT: The lowest-priced commercial model from the company whose name has become synonymous with stair-steppers.

Likes: Same solid club quality you’re used to. Frame made of a single welded piece instead of several pieces bolted together. Self-leveling steps make balancing easy, even without holding handlebars. Vertically oriented bars encourage a healthy, straight-up posture and eliminate “cheating” (leaning forward on hands), which can stress wrists. Built-in water bottle and CD player holder. Push-button resistance change.

Dislikes: Data window has just four programs and no heart-rate monitor. My heel hung uncomfortably over the short, 6-inch-long pedals (an optional extension costs $50). Pricey compared with other home models. Price: $2,399. (800) 782-4799; www.stairmaster.com.

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Smooth steps, varied resistance

Schwinn 305p: Bare-bones model suitable for serious exercisers.

Likes: Fine workout for athletes who can balance without holding onto the bars; ill-suited for uncoordinated types. Readout shows time, rate, step pace, total steps. Dual gas-filled pistons have smooth stroke and 12 levels of resistance. Foot-long pedals. Compact size.

Dislikes: Design is a bit dated. Tiny 2-by-1-inch display. Can’t adjust resistance while in motion. Low handles encourage a forward-leaning posture that can stress your knees and make balancing on hands uncomfortable for those of average or above-average height.

Price: $349. (800) 782-4799; www.schwinnfitness.com

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Lots of features

NordicTrack MTN 740: A stepper that is loaded with features.

Likes: Solid feel. Two-speed, adjustable fan cools face and chest. Bar offers several hand positions and safe upright posture. Steps stay level. Full-size foot platforms. Four programs. Instant resistance change. Display shows speed, calories burned and heart rate.

Dislikes: Heart rate reading fluctuates and seems inaccurate.

Price: $799; (800) 215-7403; www.nordictrack.com

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Made to go places

The X-iser: Mighty-mite stepper that you can take on the road.

Likes: Feels as solid and durable as a normal stepper. Made of burly, forged aluminum parts and pistons. Just 10 inches tall and 14 pounds. Clever tool-free design ideal for travel; instantly folds flat, fits into a suitcase or small backpack ($70 option). Nothing to break or rattle. Three levels of resistance. Full-length foot pedals. Includes workout video and instruction booklet, and one hour of personal instruction in L.A. area (which I found quite helpful).

Dislikes: No electronic feedback. No bars for balance. Requires athletic coordination and high level of motivation. Pistons get very hot and must be cooled by filling a chamber with water before workouts of 10 minutes or more. Can’t adjust resistance while in motion.

Price: $375. (760) 436-8621; www.x-iser.com

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-- Roy M. Wallack