Facts About Steppers:

Steppers are the Queen of the aerobic workout equipment and calorific burning.  In addition to the cardiovascular work rate steppers tone the lower legs and the glute muscles of the butt.  Good for toning ankles and shaping lower leg defination. Elastic resistance arm bands tone upper arms & work the upper body.
Calories:
580-680 calories per hour
Body Primary:
Heart - cardiovascular workout, aerobic  endurance
calorie burner.
Body Secondary: 
Glutes, lower leg and ankle definition and trimmer of the
thighs.
Equipment: 
Steppers are basically hydraulic supported pedals which
move up and down opposite to each foot and leg
combination.  Bigger machines give more range and
body movement.  Mini steppers are notoriously a waste
of money and hard to concentrate to stay on unless they
have upper body stability support or a handle or they
allow the body and feet to twist in the stepping motion.
If you can afford a quality stepper although more space is
required they do give a unique work out that many demand,
as well as giving support to step endurance in the gym.
Heart Rate Control:  
Not often built in or deemed necessary in all but the upper
models.  Never built in to a mini-stepper.
Mechanism:  
Hydraulic resistance controlled programs in all but mini\'s.
Look Out For:
Stability and equipment weight.  Heavier is usually better.
In mini\'s look out for upper body support and/or that
natural body twist motion accommodated for in the
design.