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Best Kettlebells

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
Bowflex
SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

If you have limited space, multiple users in your household, or like a variety of weight options, this is the best choice, according to our fitness expert.

Pros

Change resistance from 8 to 40 pounds with a simple dial turn. Adjustable weight makes switching between exercises more efficient and replaces the need for several units. Comes with access to trainer-led exercises.

Cons

Notably pricier than traditional models.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sunny Health & Fitness Vinyl Coated Kettlebell
Sunny Health & Fitness
Vinyl Coated Kettlebell
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Our fitness expert praises this as an affordable and durable choice for novices and casual users.

Pros

Garners praise for its vinyl coating, which holds up well to regular use and protects the floor from scratches and dings.

Cons

Handle is a tad small. Occasionally, users found that the handle had uncomfortable ridges that could be sanded off.

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight
Amazon Basics
Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A trustworthy, no-frills pick that does its job at an affordable price.

Pros

Many different weight options, ranging from 10 to 60 pounds. Made of solid, quality cast iron that is built to last. Textured, wide handle creates a comfortable and secure grip for both beginners and experienced lifters.

Cons

A couple reports of customers receiving products with sharp burrs on handles.

Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell
Bionic
Body Soft Kettlebell
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

This innovative model provides added safety for users and floors with its soft exterior shell.

Pros

Large, ergonomic handle to better facilitate larger movements. Padded, exterior shell helps prevent damage and reduce risk of injury. Hard handle for stability and good grip.

Cons

Somewhat bulkier than a traditional one with its added padding.

CAP Barbell Enamel Coated, Cast Iron Kettlebell
CAP Barbell
Enamel Coated, Cast Iron Kettlebell
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

It's hard to match this kettlebell's performance for the price, making it the best value for your money.

Pros

The CAP's solid cast iron construction holds up well to repeated use. Very affordable price point.

Cons

Handle is a bit narrow for larger hands.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
164
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best kettlebells

Getting in shape requires a commitment, but making it to the gym every day can be tough. Home fitness equipment provides an effective workout and certainly makes sticking to your exercise goals a little easier – and kettlebells definitely have a place in your home workout regimen. Unlike a treadmill or elliptical, kettlebells probably aren’t going to become an eyesore in the corner of your bedroom and still provide a few heart-pounding workouts. They’re more versatile than the same old hand weights, though, so you can create an exercise regime that’s tailored to your specific fitness goals.

While buying a kettlebell probably doesn’t seem that difficult, many factors affect how well this equipment fits into your workout routine. Finding the right model means knowing what materials to look for, what type of handles best meet your needs, and the proper weight to give you the best workout. With so many options available, choosing the ideal kettlebell can definitely be a challenge.

Content Image
Kettlebells originated in Russia in the 18th century as a means to weigh crops and dry goods for market.

Benefits of kettlebells

If you haven’t worked out with kettlebells before, you may not know what all the fuss is about. There’s a good reason why they’ve become such a popular workout tool in recent years.

First of all, kettlebells can provide an incredible workout. When you swing them, you can elevate your heart rate quickly and burn up to 20 calories per minute, which is often more than you’d do in a cardio class at the gym. Best of all, they actually combine the best of a cardio and strength training workout so you never have to choose between the two again.

If you have issues with achy joints, kettlebells also tend to be easier on the body. The workouts utilize smooth, swinging transitions so your shoulders, elbows, and knees don’t take as much of a beating as they would with jump training. Kettlebells can be worked into a variety of exercise forms, too, so you can use them with strength and power training, as well as with traditional cardio workouts such as running.

Best of all, kettlebells don’t take up much space in your home. You don’t need to make room for a bench or barbell set in your den or shove your treadmill in a corner of your guest room. You can easily stash your kettlebells in a closet or under the bed, and you will still get the same intense workout you’d get from a five-minute sprint.

Expert tip
The Kettlebell Swing exercise is one of the best movements to strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and core. It is fairly easy to learn and can be performed as consistently as three days a week with at least a day off between each session.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Kettlebell considerations

Materials

When purchasing kettlebells, you usually have to choose between two materials: cast iron and vinyl.

As their name implies, cast-iron kettlebells are made from solid cast iron. Because they only contain one material, they tend to provide the most accurate weight measurements. Cast-iron models are also extremely durable, so you can trust that your equipment will last for years.

Vinyl kettlebells also feature cast iron, but the metal is coated with a layer of vinyl to keep the weight from damaging your floor if it falls. However, the vinyl coating is prone to cracking and peeling, and the weight of the kettlebells is often inaccurate because the iron beneath may contain holes that are filled with another material. When this is the case, the bell doesn’t precisely match the weight measurement indicated.

Construction materials

Kettlebells are typically made in two ways: via a one-piece casting or a two-piece assembly.

With a one-piece casting, the handle and ball of the kettlebell are actually one continuous piece. That means you don’t have to worry about the ball falling off as you swing the kettlebell around.

With a two-piece assembly, the handle is a separate piece, attached to the kettlebell’s ball. As a result, the handle isn’t as secure as in a one-piece assembly, which means it’s possible the handle could snap or break off.

"One-piece cast kettlebells are more durable than two-piece assemblies, as the juncture between the ball and handle is solid and more resistant to cracking."
STAFF
BestReviews

Handles

Handle Seam

When the iron is cast for the kettlebells, a seam is left across the center of the handle’s underside. If the seam isn’t treated, it can be uncomfortable to grip the handle.

Higher-end brands will file down the seam to create a smooth, even surface. Inexpensive kettlebells often don’t have this seam removed, which leaves a sharp edge that can cut your skin when you grip the handle.

Always feel along the underside of the handle before you purchase a kettlebell. If you feel a rough, raised seam, it’s best to try another model.

Diameter and Width

The size of a kettlebell’s handle can make a big difference in how comfortable it is to hold.

In general, the diameter of a kettlebell’s handle will increase as the weight goes up. For example, a 13-pound kettlebell will have a handle with a smaller diameter than a 16-pound kettlebell. Smaller bells will typically have a diameter of about 30 mm. Heavier bells will have diameters of approximately 38 mm.

Use the size of your hands as a guide when considering a kettlebell’s handle diameter. The larger your hands, the larger you need the diameter to be.

Pay attention to the width of the handle too, though. Some exercises may require placing both of your hands around the handle, so you don’t want the fit to be too tight or uncomfortable. Most kettlebells increase the width of the handles as the weight goes up, but you can find some bells with handles that extend past the ball in a V-shape for smaller models. If you have large hands, look for this type of kettlebell.

Expert tip
For individuals focused on weight loss, kettlebells are an awesome choice to help elevate the heart rate and exercise in a very effective fat-burning zone.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Handle Finish

While most kettlebells are made of cast-iron or vinyl-coated cast-iron, their handles are available in several different types of finishes, including bare iron, enamel, powder coating, and vinyl.

  • Bare iron handles are what most competition kettlebells have, so they’re the standard. Bare iron provides a good grip, so you don’t have to worry about the equipment flying out of your hands.

  • Powder coating has an even rougher texture, so this type of finish is a good option if you find that your hands get very sweaty during workouts.

  • Enamel handles have a smoother finish, but they still work well.

  • Vinyl handles are best avoided because they don’t offer a good grip and have a tendency to crack and peel.

Kettlebell weight

Once you’ve chosen a kettlebell with the material, construction, and handles that you prefer, the most important question to answer is what size to get.

Kettlebells are available in weights ranging all the way from 5 to 88 pounds. The appropriate size for you depends on your fitness level and what type of workouts you’ll be doing.

In general, a woman who is older or not very active should start with 5 pounds to 15 pounds. A man in a similar condition should opt for a 16 pound to 26-pound kettlebell.

For women in average shape, with some weight training experience, it’s best to start with a 15 pound to 25-pound size. A man in average shape should choose a kettlebell between 26 and 35 pounds.

A woman who is extremely fit and has significant experience with weight training should purchase a kettlebell between 26 pounds and 35 pounds. For an extremely fit man, kettlebells from 35 pounds to 53 pounds should work well.

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Expert tip
My favorite kettlebell exercise which targets both the core and the shoulders is the Bottoms Up Kettlebell Carry, which is becoming more and more popular in gyms.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Kettlebell pricing

When it comes to fitness equipment, kettlebells are one of the more budget-friendly options around. In general, they range from $10 to $30.

Inexpensive

If you are just starting with kettlebells and aren’t sure that you’re going to like the workout, start with an inexpensive option, one that comes in at about $11, and upgrade once you know that you’re committed to the exercise routine.

Mid-range

If you want an extremely well-made kettlebell that’s comfortable to grip and will stand up to intense workouts, opt for a model that’s approximately $25 to $28.

Expensive

For those who want to work with multiple weights of kettlebells, but have limited space, adjustable kettlebells are available for between $50 and $150.  Look for an adjustable kettlebell by trusted fitness brands. While they charge top dollar, many obscure fitness brands make poorly designed adjustable kettlebells.

"Exercisers experience an average heart rate of 93% maximum during a kettlebell workout."
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips & fun facts

  • There are plenty of single-kettlebell exercises. Start with one, then work your way up to two-kettlebell exercises.

  • While kettlebells can provide effective aerobic exercise during a workout, they also cause a prolonged anaerobic burn after you’ve completed your routine.

  • A kettlebell workout usually burns approximately 20 calories per minute, which is the equivalent of running at a six-minute mile pace.

  • For exercise, the Shaolin Monks in China lifted large padlocks that were very similar to modern kettlebells.

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Kettlebells were originally called kettleballs because they were hollow.

FAQ

Q. How many kettlebells do I need?

A. If you’re just starting out with kettlebell workouts, it’s best to stick to a single bell at a time. Once you master exercises that utilize a single kettlebell, you can progress to those that require two of the same weight. However, it’s a good idea to have kettlebells in a couple of different weights so you can scale your workout up or down, depending on your goals.

Q. What muscles can you work out with a kettlebell routine?

A. From a weight training perspective, kettlebells can target most of the major muscle groups. Depending on your routine, you can work out your back, shoulders, arms, abs, hips, glutes, obliques, and/or legs.

Expert tip
Most women can perform a variety of exercises and achieve a full body workout with just two kettlebells, weighing 10-pounds and 20-pounds. Most men can perform a variety of exercises and achieve a full body workout with 20-pound and 40-pound kettlebells.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. How often should you work out with a kettlebell?

A. The frequency of your routine will depend on the intensity of your workout, so it’s a good idea to consult with a trainer or fitness expert for advice. However, because the kettlebell can work out the entire body, it’s important to rest so your body has time to recover. In general, working out every other day is a good average-intensity program for beginners.

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