The Kettler EXT7 Elliptical Trainer – Solid Value for the Price

With its small space saving footprint, the Kettler EXT7 elliptical trainer offers the perfect solution for home users who want a high quality trainer yet one that has a roomy 19" stride and a solid, no-wobble ride normally found on a larger machine.

What You Get

On the SIEMENS® electronic VGA-LCD display you get readouts for time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, energy consumption, watts, pulse, and upper pulse limit with visual & acoustic alarm. The Kettler EXT7 elliptical trainer has 48 pre-set programs including target zone training, 10 freely scalable watt profiles, 5 HR controlled programs, 4 User memories (+1 guest), and manual control.

The full list of features on the Kettler EXT7 includes:

• 75 Resistance Levels (400 Watts)
• 19" Stride Length
• 48 Programs
• USB interface
• Wireless Polar® T34 Heart Rate Transmitter
• Contact Hand Pulse Sensors
• 50 lb Flywheel Drive System
• Maximum Weight Limit: 330 lbs
• Floor-Leveler for Uneven Floors, Transport Casters
• Compact Footprint
• Dimensions/weight — 55"L x 21"W x 65"H"/199 lbs
• Warranty — Lifetime frame, 3 yrs parts & elec., 1 year labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: As of 2021 it looks like Kettler is no longer making ellipticals. They used to have at least half a dozen models available for sale on the company website but now there is only one, the RIVO 4, and it's out of stock.

Check out our Best Ellipticals page to find a comparable model in your price range.

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Trainers and equipment pros cite the many attractive features of the Kettler EXT7 elliptical, which features high-precision German craftsmanship starting with the superior design of the steel tubing frame, a heavy flywheel drive system for a smooth and fluid ride, and integrated gliding footplates with a Q-factor of 6.25" (the width between the pedals).

The Kettler EXT7 also features an electromagnetic eddy-current brake system with a resistance range of 25 - 400 watts (in 5-watt increments). On the elliptical’s state-of-the-art training computer, you get a nifty recovery pulse feature with fitness rating, and a USB interface to download different training programs from KettlerUSA.com

Many compact footprint ellipticals suffer from a lack of stability, yet the Kettler EXT7 elliptical trainer manages to have a solid foundation that accommodates users weighing up to 330 lbs.

Elliptical reviews praise this Kettler machine for its versatility and quality, as well as an eye-catching, elegant profile that makes this model a showpiece for any home gym.

As for the LCD display, some people don’t particularly care for the SIEMENS electronic design, which is a rather colorless technical readout. Other people find the console easy to use, and remark that it is a pleasure not to have a mass of 30 or more single function buttons crowding the display.

Our Thoughts

The bestselling model in this price range, the Precor EFX 5.17i, looks like a hulk next to the compact design and beauty of the EXT7. Kettler’s elliptical trainer warranty doesn’t compare well to Precor’s 10-year parts warranty (the best in the business), nor does it offer the popular incline ramp technology patented by Precor.

Beyond those few issues, the engineering and programming of the EXT7 is second to none. With a hat tip to its craftsmanship and high quality components, the Kettler EXT7 elliptical trainer offers solid value for its $1,900 price tag.

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