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Most people think kettlebells are used for only strength training. However, they can also be used for other types of workouts like cardio, balancing, and flexibility exercises too! They're the perfect workout tool to keep on hand, as they're also easy to store in the house and not too hard to incorporate into your daily routine even for beginners.
We've narrowed down the choices for you by picking our 10 favorite kettlebells, with Cap Bar's enamel-coated cast iron kettlebell taking the first place. We really loved the durable design and sleek enamel coating of this brand. Read on for more of our favorites, as well as a buying guide with expert insights from a personal fitness trainer.
I am the manager and head personal trainer for a local fitness facility. I graduated from college with my bachelor's in Exercise Science and have been in the industry for the past 5 years since. I am super passionate about fitness and how our bodies work!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
You might think all kettlebells look the same, but actually, they're totally different! You have to consider a few details before making your decision, such as the equipment's material and coating.
We don't mean that you have to look for a completely oval-shaped kettlebell. What it means is to choose a body that is not too round.
A round kettlebell isn’t easy to use in a racking position or for the overhead press because the round edge digs into your forearm. When you buy a kettlebell, you want to make sure that the one you choose can fit all kettlebell positions.
In addition, it's important to pay attention to your kettlebell's base. Some kettlebells have a base that's wider than the body, making them ideal for pushups and other ground-based exercises. Others are more balanced or even have a small base. The base size you select will depend on what exercises you practice.
We suggest you choose a flat base with no attached plastic or rubber, as these can disrupt the aerodynamics of your kettlebell. Just make sure that your kettlebell's base is truly flat, so it doesn't roll when you put it down. A flat base will also give you a smoother range of motion.
Depending on the type of kettlebell you choose to use or purchase, the surface area of the bottom will differ in size. It's all personal preference and what type of exercises you will be performing. While doing pushups and kettlebell rows, I would recommend using a kettlebell with a larger flat bottom so that it will be less likely to fall over.
There are three main types of kettlebells. One is the most popular type that we can see everywhere, while another is designed for athletes; the third is perfect for those with limited space to store their equipment.
The original type of kettlebell is made of 100 percent cast iron and is welded in one seamless form. These kettlebells are made in different sizes based on their weight, usually in five-pound increments. The heavier the weight, the bigger the size.
Cast iron kettlebells are great for beginners and many types of workouts, especially two-handed body exercises. We recommend choosing cast iron kettlebells with big and wide handles for a comfortable grasp if you're new to the equipment.
If you want to do two-handed swings, goblet squats, high pulls, and other basic kettlebell exercises, we suggest you choose cast iron kettlebells with enough space on the handle for two hands.
Competition kettlebells are made for athletes and competitive kettlebell programs. They're made from steel, so they’re more durable than cast iron kettlebells. Unlike cast iron kettlebells, all competition kettlebells are the same size regardless of weight. To avoid confusion, most kettlebell brands offer a color code or numbering system to differentiate the weights of their products.
The handle of a competition kettlebell is rectangular, small, and designed to be used with one hand. This means that you may not be able to do as many types of kettlebell exercises. However, it also makes competition kettlebells a good choice for users with smaller hands. Due to their compact size and occasional rubber padding, these kettlebells may also be useful for home training.
Like adjustable dumbbells, adjustable kettlebells are good for someone who has limited space. Instead of buying a whole set of kettlebells, you can own one that comes in different weight sizes.
It can be used the same way as a normal kettlebell, but some people have found that it makes kettlebell swings feel unnatural. You might need some time to get used to and feel comfortable with the adjustable option.
While the traditional kettlebell sets offer five different weights (17, 26, 35, 52, and 70 pounds), you can find kettlebells today ranging from five to 80 pounds in five-pound increments.
This weight range is often enough for a year of steady exercise if you prefer low-weight, grinding exercises for core strength. On the other hand, if you want to practice ballistic-style kettlebell exercises that require two hands, 26 pounds is often considered a good starting weight.
Those who are biologically male more often start with the weight range of 26, 35, and 53 pounds. You should start with the lowest weight size of 26 pounds if you have little or no experience in weight training.
The next range, 35 pounds, works for one-handed exercises while 53 pounds can be used with two-handed exercises. But if you’re advanced in your technique, you can definitely go for higher weight options since there are now many available weight options.
Males and other people with larger muscle mass should be careful to not start out with kettlebells that are too heavy. The muscles you use to lift kettlebells are more varied than those used for lifting dumbbells. Starting too heavy could lead to bad form, or worse, to injury. Start with the recommended low weights, then work your way up with good form.
Good construction will increase the lifespan of your kettlebell, while an outer finish or added coating can protect kettlebells and your floor from damage.
Cast iron kettlebells can either be made from one piece of iron for the whole kettlebell or a melded set of the ball and the handle. A single piece of iron is what you want to choose because it’s more durable. This is called a single-caste kettlebell.
A loose handle not only hampers your workouts but could pose a safety risk. Even though it’s likely more expensive than two pieces, it doesn’t break easily. Be on the lookout for lines that imply welding, or even ask the seller if you're feeling uncertain about whether the kettlebell you're looking at is a single piece.
Rubber coating on kettlebells helps protect your floor from scratches. It also cushions the sounds your kettlebell can make when you put it down. That makes rubber-coated kettlebells a good choice for apartment dwellers, or for people training at home who don't want to damage the flooring.
You may be able to differentiate between weights easier if you get a multi-colored, rubber-coated set of dumbbells. One thing to be careful about is that rubber can become slippery when your hands sweat, so you'll have to be wary of accidentally dropping your equipment. Still, rubber coating can personalize your kettlebells and protect against damage and noise.
The two main advantages of vinyl coating are protecting the floor and helping you easily identify the weight of the equipment due to color differences.
Vinyl-coated kettlebells are similar to their rubber-coated counterparts, as they tend to be more slippery when your hands get sweaty. It's also easier for the vinyl coating to chip or wear down than it might be for rubber or powder coating.
Still, vinyl-coated kettlebells can be a good start for those who want to grab a particular weight quickly or have less experience with the equipment and want to protect the floor from possible falls and scratches.
Powder coating refers to kettlebells made from cast iron and coated with enamel paint to protect the iron, so it protects your kettlebell from rust and corrosion. This paint is incredibly durable and doesn't peel or chip easily.
Powder coating gives your handle more texture, meaning you get a firmer and more comfortable grip on your kettlebell. This can increase your workout effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury. Powder-coated kettlebells are recommended if you want to start lifting really heavy weights or intend to perform more intensive ballistic exercises.
My two favorite kettlebells are a non-welded handle and an anti-rust. The non-welded is super durable, and this is the type of kettlebell that we carry in our fitness gym. I love the anti-rust because, well, it won't rust! You won't have to worry about rusting the handle or any other part of it in the process of cleaning.
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Cap Barbell's kettlebells are made of cast iron and coated with black industrial powder to prevent rust. Whether you're working out indoors, outdoors, you don't have to worry about rust buildup. They come in a wide variety of weight increments to suit any type of workout, including an 80-pound set.
Some reviewers warned that while the body is powdered, the handle has a glossy finish that can be slippery. Others, however, preferred the gloss finish due to the fact that it prevents chipping or scratching to the paint. They added that the kettlebells are incredibly durable and long-lasting, and appreciated the wide variety of weight options.
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Kettlebell Kings' Competition Kettlebell is designed according to international standards. Each weight is made completely of steel with a vinyl coating to match competitive weight colors. Better yet, any kettlebell bought from Kettlebell Kings comes with a lifetime warranty.
A few users warned that the handle of the older design is harder to hold, as its steel is too smooth. Still, the newer model of this kettlebell is wildly popular for how easy to grip the handle is. Users find the smaller window is more comfortable. They added that the quality of the kettlebell is truly impressive for competition or for casual practice.
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Yes4All's kettlebells are coated with powder for anti-slip purposes and have a flat-based design for ease of use. Each kettlebell is fully cast-iron and features a wide handle for a double-handed grip. These kettlebells are single-cast, meaning they don't have any weak points between the handle and the body.
Some reviewers claimed that the product arrived damaged or that the handle was loose, making it useless. On the other hand, others noted that this kettlebell is a good investment because it can be used for years without any problem. They liked the vast weight denominations to suit all types of kettlebell exercises.
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Bowflex's adjustable kettlebell has six different weights of 8 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. It has an easy-to-operate turn dial when you want to switch the weight you're working with. It suits all fitness levels for full-body workouts and is great for someone who has limited space. The added workout videos teach you proper form when using the product.
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Ziva's rubber kettlebell is a great choice for your home workout, as the chip-resistant rubber coating creates a cushion between the kettlebell and your floor. The body sports a flat base for easy storage and use, while the stainless steel handle has an ergonomic grip.
One or two people who bought this kettlebell said the base was a bit too small to do pushups with. However, most were thrilled with how easy the rubber coating was on their floors and how easy the handle was to grip. Many said they found the kettlebell to be a perfect fit for their home gym.
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This kettlebell has a thick vinyl coating which helps prevent floor damage, corrosion, and noise when using the equipment. The handle is wide and slightly textured, giving you a better grip for both one and two-handed exercises.
Some reviewers said that the plastic coating cracks easily, and the base is not as flat as claimed. However, other reviewers said that it has a comfortable grip with a perfect size handle. It's an excellent product for home workouts, and most people highly recommended this product for its size and design.
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A soft kettlebell is better than cast iron for several reasons. First, it doesn't damage your floor and storage place. It's also quiet to put down, so it's great for people who live in apartments. The softcover makes it more comfortable to lift and hold than original kettlebells. Last but not least, it'll never rust!
One main concern from reviewers is that if the kettlebell is damaged, it starts to leak sand. On the other hand, most reviewers say that it's soft, easy to use, and protects their hands. They added that the handle is smooth with no seam, making it comfortable to use. Others noted the kettlebell was safer to use in home environments and reduced the risk of injury.
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For heavy lifters, it's crucial to consider the shape, material, durability, and safety of your equipment. This kettlebell is made with one piece of cast iron and no welded handle, so it's very durable. It comes with a matte powder coating, which prevents slippage and protects the kettlebell from peeling, scratching, chipping, and rust.
Most reviewers say that it can be used for a very long time with no issues, but some say that the coating began to chip and rust. Meanwhile, others loved the shape of the handle because it's narrow and not too thick. They liked the grip, noting it's for swinging. Overall, it's incredibly popular among intermediate and advanced lifters.
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This simple and compact kettlebell is made of recyclable cast iron and painted with a hammertone metal coating, so it's resistant to rust and corrosion. A non-slip grip and wide handle help to provide security and increase the effectiveness of your training.
Some reviewers complained that while the handle window was spacious, the handle itself wasn't wide enough for double-handed exercises. However, others added that the compact size of the bell and its handle made it a good tool for people with small hands or for single-handed exercises. They added that the bottom was incredibly sturdy and that the hammertone metal felt durable.
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This kettlebell has a different design and color from most kettlebells. It also has a generously-sized handle and body that make it more approachable for beginners. Since it's coated with PVC, it doesn't cause loud noises when you put it down, making it a perfect kettlebell for someone who lives in an apartment.
This kettlebell was too bulky for some users, especially those in the intermediate and advanced levels. Instead, most beginners like the big handle because it feels comfortable and good with basic kettlebell movements and balancing exercises. They also like the color and the fact that it protects the floor.
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This adjustable kettlebell by Apex comes with a 15-pound handle, a five-pound base, and four removable spacer disks, so you can add weights ranging from 20 to 50 pounds. It's powder-coated and is designed for easy adjustment.
Reviewers claimed that it's bulkier than other kettlebells and the base can get loose, which would be unsafe. Others were unhappy that the weighted plates had to be bought separately. Still, many users liked how easy to adjust and sturdy the kettlebell was. Many people preferred this kettlebell over a set of kettlebells because it's space-efficient.
Looking for a short workout using your new kettlebell? Here's a short, 10-minute full body workout from BodyFit By Amy that will help you get in shape with your new home workout gear.
Still have some lingering questions about kettlebells and how to use them? Gentry is here to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions!
Gentry says, "It all depends on what exercise you are performing. While doing a simple kettlebell squat, you should have both hands on the outside handles of the kettlebell, with your elbows tucked in to your body and the bell right under your chin.
While doing a kettlebell swing, you will want both hands on the very top of the kettlebell handle with all fingers wrapped around for a good grip."
Gentry says, "This is a personal preference. Some like to use kettlebells in their everyday workout while others - mostly beginners - are intimidated by them.
While they are great in their own way, some people just prefer using a dumbbell over a kettlebell. Once you become more familiar with them and the unique exercises that you can do with them, they become more fun."
Gentry says, "In some exercises, yes. But there are unique exercises that kettlebells just work a lot better than a dumbbell, for instance, kettlebell swings and Turkish get-ups.
While you can absolutely do these two exercises using a dumbbell, a kettlebell is just a lot easier because of the weight placement in them."
There are many workout tools that you can add to your home gym. Most of them are affordable and can be used by all fitness levels. Check out our suggestion for other home workout equipment.
If you want a little more inspiration while you shop, here's a collection of Amazon's recommended kettlebells.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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