If fitness trainers were asked to choose a desert island fitness tool, many would choose kettlebells. They allow you to perform swings, snatches, presses and clutches, a dynamic combination of movements perfect for at-home workouts, according to CSCS strength and conditioning coach Katie Wilder-Thomas.
“The kettlebell is a tool that can be used to train strength, power and endurance,” says Wilder-Thomas. Dumbbells distribute weight evenly on both sides of a metal bar, while kettlebells place weighted balls under the handles, which allows you to move the weight in new and challenging ways.
If you’re considering adding kettlebells to your home gym, you may have questions about how to incorporate kettlebells into your workouts and how to find the best ones for your space. We’ve tested over two dozen kettlebells, and our team has idea– So keep reading.
Our Favorite Kettlebells Overall
this Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Has the feel of a traditional kettlebell, but instantly adjusts from 8 to 40 pounds thanks to its quick-turn knob. Since this piece of equipment replaces six smaller kettlebells at a fraction of the price, it’s easily the number one choice for us.
Best Kettlebells: Overview
Here are the kettlebells we recommend for anyone exercising at home:
Best Kettlebell Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Best Kettlebells for Intermediate to Advanced Levels: PowerBlock Pro Adjustable Kettlebell
Optimal Weight Range for Top Kettlebell Sets: REP fitness kettlebell
The Best Kettlebells for CrossFit: Iron Bull Power Kettlebell
Plus, we tested and loved four other kettlebells:
How we choose the best kettlebells
The only way to test a kettlebell is to start swinging, squatting, and deadlifting, so we enlisted our dream team of testers (including certified fitness experts, elite athletes, and weightlifting coaches) to do just that. We tested two dozen kettlebells and selected our favorites based on how they performed during our sweatiest, toughest workouts. We then checked their warranties and durability to create our final rankings. Here’s more about how we test fitness gear.
Why buy six kettlebells when you can only buy one? The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell instantly adjusts from 8 to 40 pounds, so you can complete your exercises with ease and save some money.
What our testers think
Buying six kettlebells will typically cost you a few hundred dollars, which is why discovering the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebells feels like a life hack. This model is available in weights ranging from 8 to 40 pounds in increments of 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40, all with sturdy, easily adjustable metal and plastic construction. Given that it can weigh up to 40 pounds in a compact setup, we recommend this kettlebell for beginners to intermediate fitness professionals, as well as anyone who needs to get the most out of a small studio apartment.
Our team was also impressed with the two-year warranty, which gives you peace of mind when investing in more expensive fitness equipment. This kettlebell adds up to about $150, so you’ll feel comfortable knowing that if a part breaks or you decide you don’t like the kettlebell, the brand has your back. (Please be sure to register the device online immediately after unboxing. Otherwise, the warranty will be void.)
“As an adjustable model, this kettlebell has a unique shape and proportions compared to typical gym kettlebells,” our tester said. Love using this for lower body lifts – it’s the perfect size for deadlifts.
The medium-weight PowerBlock Pro Adjustable Kettlebell works wonders for those who are just starting to introduce heavier weights into their fitness routine. Additionally, the intuitive pin insertion system makes it easy to switch between weights.
What our testers think
Lifting weights at home doesn’t always feel reasonable. (The price point alone might have you running back to the gym.) Our test team loves the PowerBlock Pro Adjustable Kettlebells, which are a one-time investment that’s basically a set of mid-weight kettlebells, ranging in weight from 35 to 62 Pounds vary. While that $300 may be expensive at first, it’s much more reasonable than the price of purchasing five individual weights.
