The Best Kettlebells for Completing At-Home Workouts

Buying Guide: Kettlebell

How Did We Pick the Best Kettlebells?

Kettlebells come in many shapes, sizes, materials and designs, each of which has its benefits depending on your fitness and experience level. We surveyed the most popular products among fitness professionals and customers to curate this list of top-rated kettlebells that are functional and durable for all your home-based workouts. We evaluated them based on different features such as weight, handle size, material, design and price range.

Why Should You Buy a New Kettlebell?

There are many benefits to exercising with a high-quality kettlebell. Some of the reasons why you should purchase a kettlebell include:

It offers convenience, comfort and versatility

Kettlebells are designed to be convenient to use and store, as they are typically small in size (regardless of their weight). This makes them easier to move around and put away at the end of a workout. They are also typically comfortable to use, featuring handles that are easy to grip securely and safely. In fact, some kettlebells even feature soft exterior materials to reduce pressure or impacts on your wrists and hands. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, kettlebells can be used for many exercises, including rows, presses, deadlifts, Russian twists, squats and more.

Kettlebells are good for beginners

If you’re just starting your fitness journey, kettlebells offer you the luxury of exercising and becoming stronger without the need for big machines or a fully equipped gym. All you need is some space in your home for you to move freely while exercising. Plus, a kettlebell is a budget-friendly piece of equipment, so it can help you get fit without breaking the bank.

You can use it for full-body workouts

Perhaps one of the most enticing benefits of using a kettlebell in your training regimen is the wide range of options that it gives you. There’s no doubt that machines are great, but they often restrict movement because they have a set design. Kettlebells allow you to exercise different muscle groups and even do complex weightlifting exercises without large equipment like a barbell or squat rack, which can be very convenient for any fitness enthusiast.

What Are the Different Types of Kettlebells?

When deciding which kettlebell is right for you, there are two types to consider. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Non-adjustable kettlebell

This type of kettlebell has a simple design as the weight is fixed. One thing you’ll notice about non-adjustable kettlebells is that they are often available in sets. A set may contain kettlebells of varying weights, which is ideal for completing exercises that require different weights or for moving up in weight as you become stronger. Note that having multiple standard kettlebells typically requires more storage space. Still, they are generally more affordable than adjustable kettlebells, which makes them a great choice if you only need one or two (or have a lot of space).

Adjustable kettlebell

Adjustable kettlebells are more sophisticated and advanced when compared to non-adjustable kettlebells. These use varying features and designs that allow you to adjust the weight.

Some designs have removable weights, so you can add or remove them as you like. Some adjustable kettlebells make use of a dial button to increase the pressure of the kettlebell, thereby making it heavier for a more intense workout.

Even though adjustable kettlebells are usually more expensive than their traditional counterparts, they are often a better investment for people with limited storage space or who prefer versatile, customizable exercise equipment.

What To Look for When Choosing a Kettlebell
Big handle

The wide range of movement that good kettlebells offer is due to this important feature. It might seem overly simple, but evaluating the handle’s size is one way to distinguish the best kettlebell from other options. A spacious handle ensures you can use either or both hands while exercising, making the equipment more versatile and comfortable.

Non-slip properties

When training gets intense and sweaty, you’ll need a handle that doesn’t slip out of your hands. The best kettlebells have handles that are either textured or powder-coated, offering you a firm grip. This can make it easier to maintain good form while you exercise and prevent accidents or injuries during use.

Durable materials

Kettlebells are typically made of cast iron to withstand frequent and rigorous use. Many of them feature an outer material, such as vinyl or leather, to enhance their durability and appearance or offer protective benefits to you and your flooring. Some also feature a special coating to prevent the iron from rusting or corroding, which can make a kettlebell suitable for long-term use, both indoors and outdoors.

What Is the Price Range for Kettlebells?

For the simple, non-adjustable kettlebell, prices typically range from $30 to $60 for one. Those in sets can have prices ranging from $90 to $150, depending on the number in a set. If your eyes are set on an advanced, adjustable model, they usually cost anywhere from $60 to $170. These prices often depend more on brand and features than on a kettlebell’s weight or size.

How Is a Kettlebell Best Used?
Start small

If you are a beginner, you might need to start with a small kettlebell. But remember, the goal when getting started is to improve your balance, mobility and form, not quickly move up in weight. So, begin with a reasonable, lightweight option and ensure you are comfortable with moving that amount of weight around. Once you’ve spent some time practicing different kettlebell exercises, completing workouts and building confidence (and strength) with this equipment, you can move up to the next weight.

Maintain balance

When using a pair of kettlebells, you must maintain balance on both sides, so you shouldn’t use kettlebells of different weights at the same time. Balance is a necessary part of exercising with kettlebells to ensure your safety and get the most out of your training regimen.