Treadmills are great exercise equipment. They enable you to get a workout no matter what the weather outside is like. However, even veteran exercisers can sometimes make costly mistakes when buying treadmills. That’s why it’s important to learn how to choose the best treadmills for your type of workout.

The first step is to figure out how you’ll use your treadmill, and then set a budget accordingly. For instance, people who plan solely to walk on their treadmills probably can find an entry-level treadmill for under $1,000. People who jog can often find a good treadmill for around $1,500, but serious joggers and runners should expect to pay at least $2,000 for a treadmill that will hold up to the stress of their workout.

In addition, reviewers say that the best treadmills will have the following characteristics:

Motor. Most reviewers caution against buying a manual treadmill no matter how inexpensive it may be. Manual treadmills simply don’t hold up. Instead, experts say the best treadmills for runners and joggers have a motor rated at a minimum of 3 horsepower for continuous duty. Walkers can get away with motors having less horsepower.

Belt. First, make sure the belt is two-ply. Then get a treadmill with a belt that’s a minimum of 50 inches long and 18 inches wide. Anything shorter will cause the exerciser to shorten his or her stride, causing stress on the body. Tall athletes should get a belt at least 60 inches long.

Deck. The best decks are a minimum of a quarter-inch thick and offer low-impact, shock absorbing structures. This means that the deck should flex beneath your foot when it hits the belt. Anyone who has back or foot problems, or injuries such as shin splits, definitely needs a flexible deck to avoid recurring injuries.

Display. Make sure the display panel shows speed, distance covered, incline and time elapsed in numbers that are big and easy to read. This is especially important for older people exercising on a treadmill.

Controls. Most reviewers prefer push button controls over switches or dials. Remember, you’ll likely be changing treadmill conditions while moving, so hard-to-move controls can be a hazard.

Incline. The level of incline depends on an exerciser’s fitness level. The American Council on Exercise says a 10 percent incline is suitable for beginners, while veterans can go up to 15 percent. A key factor here is the treadmill’s stability when you engage the incline. Test it well before buying.

Speed. To avoid injury, the best treadmills start out slow, around 0.1 to 0.5 mph. Top speed for walkers should be 5 mph, while runners can go as high 8 to 11 mph.

Safety. These are among the most important qualities for any treadmill. If you have children or pets, then your treadmill should have a safety key so that kids or animals can’t start the machine by mistake. Avoid magnetic keys; believe it or not, experts have found those fun, funky magnets on your refrigerator can unlock a treadmill. It wouldn’t take a curious child long to figure that out! For safety you also want a treadmill with an automatic shutoff or “panic button.” This is a control device such as a push button or a tether that clips to your outfit that will cut off the power if you slip or fall while on the treadmill.

Warranty. Be sure to read all the fine print. For instance, if you weigh more than the treadmill’s rated maximum, your contract may be void. Look for lifetime warranties on manufacturing defectsin the frame and 12 months to three years for labor and parts. Look out for exclusions or exceptions that will void the warranty, and be certain that you can return the machine if it isn’t the best treadmill for you.