| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Doufit EM-04 Check Discounted Price | L:41.3" W:20.8" H:64.1" | 250 lbs | 15" | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The Doufit EM-04 is one of the elliptical trainers released in 2021. It’s a pretty standard elliptical made for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system. In terms of features, it is similar to the SNODE E16 but comes with a different fitness monitor and has a slightly lower weight capacity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.3L x 20.8W x 64.1H inches (105L x 53W x 163H cm)
- Assembled weight: 83.1 lbs (37.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Stride: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, scan, goals
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The Doufit EM-04 elliptical machine is constructed on a steel frame. It combines oval and cylindrical tubes in
its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this model, at least for the moment.
The trainer also integrates several parts made of thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the pedal trays, the drive system guards, and several other small covers and parts. The casing of the fitness monitor is also plastic.
The trainer is not too large compared with other models. It is approx. 41.3″ (105 cm) long, and 20.8″ (53 cm) wide, while the top of the moving arms reaches approx. 61″ (163 cm) above the floor. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The unit isn’t too heavy either. Its net weight is only 83.1 lbs (37.6 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it can be moved even easier as its front base integrates transport wheels. Also, its rear stabilizer features a set of adjustable levelers.
Like many other elliptical machines, the Doufit EM-04 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed ones integrate metallic pulse sensors. They are non-adjustable and attach to the front mast of the machine via screws. The mobile handlebars feature long grips with rounded grips at the top. They attach to the pedal bars so they will always move as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to remain stationary. Both sets of handlebars have their grips covered by high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort.
Stride, elliptical path, and pedal height
The Doufit EM-04 elliptical offers a pretty neutral pedaling motion. Its elliptical path is almost perfectly horizontal. 
The pedal trays are made from a durable type of thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface and side guards for improved foot stability. They are attached to a set of oval steel bars and should be able to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) with no problem.
This Doufit elliptical offers a stride of approx. 15″ (38.1 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’3″ (190 cm). The pedals are also adjustable. The pedal bars have three adjustment positions so you can attach the trays closer to the front or to the rear.
The machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, the angle of its elliptical path is non-adjustable. Also, the length of the stride remains pretty much the same, 15″ (38.1 cm) regardless if you attach the pedal trays in the front or rear position.
The pedals’ lowest point is approx. 5″ (12.7 cm) above the floor. Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals reach approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The Doufit EM-04 elliptical machine is equipped with a 12 lbs (5.4 kg) flywheel which is concealed by the plastic
covers. It’s not a super heavy flywheel but it has a perimeter-weighted design so it provides a fairly decent momentum. It is also bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse, if you want. However, coasting on this machine is not possible. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the long arms of the trainer continue to move for as long as you pedal.
The machine is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a durable poly-v rubber belt highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. Needless to say, the main advantage of the rubber belt drive is that it doesn’t need periodic lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain which leads to a smoother pedaling motion.
The Doufit EM-04 elliptical trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. However, the resistance can only be adjusted manually. The unit does not have pre-set programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel system and to the tension knob on the front upright bar of the machine. When you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the resistance.
This elliptical trainer offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest resistance level generates little resistance, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 8th level, on the other hand, provides significantly more resistance, simulating a hill climb and giving you the possibility to improve stamina and strength and attain a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter time.
Fitness monitor
The fitness monitor included with the Doufit EM-04 elliptical is slightly different than the one available with
the EM-01 model. It features a 5-window LCD display so you can view up to 5 workout metrics simultaneously without the need to select the one you want to view all the time. It shows speed, time, distance, calories, and pulse.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set workout programs or online connectivity. However, it does offer the possibility to set up goals for your workouts. If a goal is selected, it will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This way, you can keep an eye on your progress and push your limits with every workout.
The unit is fairly easy to use. Its Up/Down buttons allow you to increase/decrease the values for your workout goals. The large Enter button in the middle covers the confirmation function. And finally, the two bottom side buttons cover the unit’s reset function.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling. It also has an automatic shut down function. It turns off on its own if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base unit of the elliptical comes pre-assembled but the rest of the machine does require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the pedal bars, the pedal trays, the front upright bar of the machine, the fixed handlebars, the moving handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the task is not too complicated. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for the task is included.
For maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts, lubricate the joints if necessary, and keep the machine clean. The internal parts should not need lubrication or any maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and ball grips at the top;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with three adjustment positions;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- LCD display console that tracks speed, time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions;
- Device holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display;
- A tablet place on the device holder will cover the monitor’s display;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Doufit EM-04 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a 12-lb internal flywheel, a set of adjustable pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is a fairly decent machine for light to medium-intensity cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.