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Written by Jake BolyUpdated by Bojana Galic on April 29th, 2024 Expert Verified By: Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC Bosu Ball Core Workout
As with the best dumbbells, the beauty of a kettlebell lies in its simplicity. Who would have thought that a ball of cast iron with a single handle could provide so much benefit? You can swing and snatch a kettlebell for more power, raise and rotate a lighter bell for shoulder health, and use them instead of dumbbells for a new training stimulus. That’s why over the past decade, kettlebells have seen a resurgence in popularity with many health and fitness enthusiasts — from weekend warriors to athletes, and everyone in between.
This revival means that more manufacturers are producing kettlebells. So, as a consumer, more thought is required when choosing the right product. Our team of experts, including personal trainers and athletes, is here to take some of the burden off your shoulders, testing more than 20 different kettlebells. After careful consideration and personal trial and error, we’ve gathered the absolute best kettlebells on the market.
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer, CrossFit Level 1 instructor, and BarBend editorial team member. She reviewed our products and the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
BarBend expert tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod shares our picks for the best kettlebells. Whether you’re looking for the best value, the best adjustable kettlebell, or you’re a kettlebell athlete and want the best competition option, we’ve got you covered.
As our team assessed more than 20 different kettlebells, we kept several key factors in mind to find the absolute best products. In building this list, these are the qualities we considered:
In terms of durability, we looked at multiple characteristics. For example, there are multiple ways to cast kettlebells, and often a bell’s casting process will correlate to its long-term durability. (Pro-tip: when it’s single-cast rather than welded, you won’t have to worry about much sharpness or potential slippage where the handle meets the body of the bell.)
Additionally, we looked at a kettlebell’s coating, as this, like the casting process, can be a signal for long-term durability. A great coating can provide a better grip and will be chip-resistant. Accounting for factors like this helped us assess the potential life of a kettlebell, so you can be assured your money will go the distance.
On top of the durability tests, we looked at the performance of every kettlebell. These are versatile pieces of workout equipment, so they need to perform well in multiple settings with both chalk and non-chalk users. Every handle’s coating and diameter can impact grip, so we spent extra time assessing their ability to support long-duration use.
When building a round-up list, we want to provide products that suit athletes of all fitness levels. So, we chose a variety of kettlebell weights. We took beginners and competitive athletes into consideration as we tested different weights and browsed resistance options.
Kettlebells are a pretty sturdy, damage-proof piece of equipment. With that said, you shouldn’t have to worry about manufacturing errors. We looked through warranties of different products, selecting kettlebells that come with some sort of protective warranty to shield against non-accidental damage.
Grips and handles are definitely a personal preference. Some athletes prefer a wider handle diameter, while others like a more narrow grip. While prioritizing zero slip grips, we considered a variety of handle diameters and designs. We provided options with smaller and wider windows to suit all fitness needs.
Lastly, we assessed a kettlebell’s value. Let’s not beat around the bush here: investing in your own home gym equipment is a pretty big deal, and you obviously want the most for your money. By taking the above two characteristics into account and comparing them with price, we tried to identify the benefits of kettlebells for the money you’d be putting into them.
Rep Fitness makes a fully cast iron kettlebell that has a chip resistant coating and a handle that will fit a variety of user's hand sizes. We also appreciate that they list weights in both kilograms and pounds on every bell. Color coded handle markings make it easy to differentiate between weights.
For our best overall kettlebell pick, we wanted a product that’s highly durable, offers an excellent grip, and has a powder coating to protect from chips, rust, or corrosion. The REP Fitness Kettlebell ticks all those boxes, earning an overall 5 out of 5 from our testers.
REP Fitness makes some of the best cable machines and their kettlebells are no exception. These have a pretty broad weight range from four kilograms (nine pounds) to 48 kilograms (106 pounds), so there’s something for every athlete. The handle diameters are pretty standard, too, starting at 30 millimeters up to 40 millimeters, depending on the size of kettlebell you choose.
For durability, our team gave these kettlebells a 4.5 out of 5. These are made with cast iron, which shouldn’t have any issues with dents or damage. And these have a powder coating, which helps keep the paint from chipping during home workouts.
When it comes to grip, we gave this kettlebell a 4 out of 5. The black coating actually holds chalk pretty well, providing a decent grip on the weight. We also liked that the handles are color coded, making it easier to find your preferred weight. If you’re a competitor, though, you may want to look elsewhere. These are not built to sport standards, so they won’t give you the exact same feel as a competition bell.
These are pretty standard when it comes to price — you can find cheaper kettlebells but they’re certainly not the most expensive. For value, we gave REP’s kettlebells a 4 out of 5. We also like that you can choose from single or double kettlebells in your purchase.
Forged from cast iron with a durable powder coat, these kettlebells are made to last. Plus, color-coded rings indicate each kettlebell's weight, making it easy to choose the right one for each workout.
If kettlebell workouts are part of your WODs, you’re going to want one that can handle the wear, tear, and sweat of the CrossFit lifestyle. We like Iron Bull’s model for CrossFit training because it’s a gravity-cast kettlebell, meaning it’s made from a single piece of cast iron. Not only does this manufacturing process result in an ultra-durable profile, but it also ensures a kettlebell that’s evenly balanced with a flat base. That kind of toughness and balance is crucial during fast-paced WODs.
Its gravity-cast nature has other benefits, too, as BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, pointed out after using this Iron Bull profile for several days. “Without any welds holding the bell and handle together, you won’t have to worry about the connection between the two coming loose over time,” he said. A good thing, too — who wants to worry about a kettlebell snapping loose from its handle in the middle of an American swing?
Herod rated this kettlebell’s powder coat a 4 out of 5, noting that, in addition to helping prevent rust and corrosion, its “bright, shiny” finish is “beautiful.” That said, he and our tester, a certified personal trainer, both agreed it could be a little grippier.
This gripe extends to the handle. When training with the 26-pound profile, our tester said they found the grip slightly slick. “I’d definitely recommend using chalk if you’re planning on doing heavy swings with this kettlebell, especially if you’re sweaty,” they said.
Furthermore, while our tester was comfortably able to get their hands around it, a colleague with larger mitts had to drop both pinkies in order to get a solid grip. As such, grip scored a 3.5 out of 5.
It’s hard to argue with the value, though. Herod calls the Iron Bull Kettlebell “one of the best budget kettlebell purchases you could make.” With a price range of $30 to $160, this kettlebell is between 25 and 50 percent less expensive than comparable models from Nike and Kettlebell Kings. He rated value at a 5 out of 5, and his overall workout experience a 4.5 out of 5.
Read our full Iron Bull Kettlebell Review.
These kettlebells are up to competition-grade standards for GSU and IKFF use as well as meeting IUKL standards. All of the comp weight bells from 10kg to 32kg have international window size so you can train like you play.
A great competition kettlebell needs to be carefully crafted and specifically designed for competitions so kettlebell athletes can train accordingly. Bells of Steel has developed a well-balanced and (relatively) affordable competition-style kettlebell that’s suitable for competitors. Overall, we gave this one a 4.5 out of 5.
These durable bells are legal for Giveroy Sport Union and International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation competitions, and meet International Union of Kettlebell Lifting standards, so you know you’ll be training with the same type of equipment you use in competition.
All of the comp weight bells from 10kg to 32kg as well as the 48kg one have international standard 35mm diameter handles — though some of the non-competition weight ones don’t. The four, six, eight, and 34-46kg ones have 34mm handles, and the cores aren’t hollow.
For durability, we gave this one a 4.5 out of 5. It’s made with cast steel and the company uses a dual cast process. This helps create a well-balanced product and prevents kettle rattle from happening over time (when scrap metal comes loose in the weight).
These have a slightly larger handle circumference, which helps reduce the risk of your hands tearing, earning the grip a 4.5 out of 5. On smaller handles (34 millimeters), athletes can squeeze too hard and cause blisters. We also like the wider-than-usual window size, so your fingers won’t cramp while holding the weight.
You will have to pay a bit extra for the high quality, though. These are around $20+ more expensive per weight than your average training kettlebell, so our team gave the overall value a 3.75 out of 5. However, this is pretty common for competition kettlebells compared to standard options.
These kettlebells are a great budget pick, as they're priced cheaper than the market standard. Plus, they also have a protective powder coat and color-coded handles, so you get a bang for your buck.
Free weights aren’t always cheap and kettlebells are no exception. However, you can find more budget-friendly options, like the Fringe Sport Kettlebell. These are several dollars less per weight than popular competitors and the company offers free shipping, which can really increase the price. For overall value, we gave this pick a 5 out of 5.
Fringe Sport’s matte kettlebells are a solid all-around pick. They earned a 5 out of 5 for durability, thanks to their solid cast iron build and protective powder coat. You shouldn’t experience any issues with damage to the weight but the company does offer a one-year warranty in case the product arrives in less=than-perfect condition.
These have a flat base, too, making them easy to place on the ground for elevated push-ups or burpees. Plus, the handles are color-coded, which makes for easy identification. You shouldn’t experience any issues with the grip but we did give this category a 4 out of 5, as some kettlebells offer an even wider window.
If you’re an athlete prepping for competition, though, this isn’t the most ideal choice. These are standard training kettlebells, which don’t exactly mimic the type of weight you use in competition. In that case, you’d prefer a competition kettlebell.
These kettlebells are made with highly durable cast iron and they have a black powder coat, too, which can help keep the weight protected from rust, corrosion, and paint chipping as you exercise.
When you buy a kettlebell, you shouldn’t really be replacing it too often. To find a weight with as much longevity as possible, a powder coat is ideal, as this can help prevent chips, rust, or corrosion. Titan Fitness’ Cast Iron Kettlebells are durable and have a powder-coated black finish.
For durability, we gave this product a 5 out of 5. Not only does the powder coat help keep your kettlebells in mint condition, these are also built with heavy-duty cast iron, which can withstand plenty of wear and tear. You also get a one-year warranty should any issues arise (though we doubt you’ll need it).
Overall, we gave these weights a 4 out of 5. These are durable but we do wish that Titan Fitness offered a broader range of weights. These go from four kilograms (nine pounds) to 32 kilograms (70.5 pounds), which is a lower range than other competitors sell. For some experienced athletes, the heaviest kettlebell here may not be sufficient.
The grip is pretty standard and you shouldn’t experience any issues. However, we did give this product a 5 out of 5 in this category, as their handle diameters are slightly smaller than others, starting at 26 millimeters up to 39 millimeters. This can help provide an easier grip on the weight. However, we do wish the handles were color coded, too.
For overall value, we gave this product a 4 out of 5. Most four kilogram kettlebells start at around $30 and these are $29.99. We like that these weights have both the pounds and kilograms etched into the side and the flat base provides a nice platform for elevated push-ups or L sits.
These competition-style adjustable kettlebells are made from cast iron and feature a powder coat. With three buying options available, there is an increased chance you can find an option that meets your requirements.
Kettlebells are already versatile, but adjustable kettlebells take things a step further. Our top pick for adjustable kettlebells has the durability and sizing of a traditional kettlebell, but can be tweaked to be various different weights. Overall, we gave this a 5 out of 5 in use.
“It doesn’t feel very different from a standard kettlebell at all,” our tester said, giving this product a 5 out of 5 for overall workout experience. “If I trained with a blindfold on, I wouldn’t even know I was lifting an adjustable kettlebell.”
Most adjustable kettlebells are very different in design from non-adjustable ones and often have less durable material in the handle or body. But our testers actually gave this product a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. REP’s adjustable KB has a cast iron build as well as a durable powder coat finish.
The powder coat finish not only provides excellent grip, but it’s also great for preventing rust over time. Adjusting the weight is very easy with a push and twist. Importantly, the weights are in the interior of the body, so the bell doesn’t change sizes based on the weight you select. This is key to keeping your technique consistent.
“The handle feels exactly like your typical cast iron kettlebell with a great texture,” our tester said, giving the grip a 5 out of 5. “This isn’t common for adjustable kettlebells — I loved it.”
We like that the bottom of the weights has a protective rubber coating for your floors, which also prevents it from moving around or sliding. While this bell is bulletproof on the outside, you still shouldn’t drop or slam this around, because the weights rest on a plastic fastener (just like many adjustable dumbbells) which can break pretty easily if not treated with care. REP does offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, but that doesn’t cover accidental damage.
After several workouts with this adjustable kettlebell, our testers gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for value. However, this weight does only go up to 24 kilograms (about 52 pounds). You can find heavier weights for kettlebells from other competitors but this is pretty good for an adjustable option.
Read our full REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell Review.
For most athletes, a single kettlebell probably won't cut it. But with this pick from Bells of Steel, you can build your own custom set, selecting only the weights you need.
Typically, a single kettlebell won’t cut it for all your workouts. Especially if you want to train your entire body, a kettlebell set is ideal. Bells of Steel’s Powder Coated Kettlebell Set allows you to fully customize your own set for weights that suit all your needs.
When it comes to optionality, we gave this set a 5 out of 5, as the company offers a pretty broad range. You can choose from four kilograms (nine pounds) all the way up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds). And you can choose any number of kettlebells in your set, all you do is add the weights you want.
Durability shouldn’t be an issue here. Our team gave these weights a 5 out of 5 in this category, thanks to the heavy-duty cast iron build and the powder coating, which can help protect from rust and corrosion.
The powder coat also provides a good gripping surface. This one can hold onto your chalk pretty well and won’t slip as you sweat. The handle diameters range from 30mm on the lower end to 39mm for the heaviest weight, which is a little smaller than some competitors. That does mean these can feel a little easier to grip, though!
For overall value, we gave these quality kettlebells a 5 out of 5, as they’re among the cheapest on the market. Each weight is a couple dollars cheaper than the average for their size and you even get five percent off your set if you choose a minimum of three weights.
Made of cast iron and with a flat bottom, Eleiko's Training Kettlebells feature extra wide handles that more easily allow for a two-handed grip on certain movements. The kettlebells are double moulded with a surface texture designed to promote durability while holding chalk consistently.
When it comes to cardio training, you want a kettlebell that’s durable, won’t tip over, and has a wide window for your hands. This Eleiko kettlebell has all those elements, making your cardio workouts as efficient as possible.
For grip, this one earns a 4.5 out of 5. The handle has a mild texture for enhanced grip and it holds chalk well, too, so you won’t be constantly re-applying in the middle of your HIIT session. The wide handle window is shaped like a rectangle, giving your fingers ample space. You can easily fit two hands in the window, too, for swings.
As for durability, you shouldn’t come across any issues with this weight. It’s made of high-grade cast iron and, since it’s built for dynamic training, this weight is impact-resistant, so you can drop it as much as you’d like with no issue. After trying it out, our testers gave the durability a 5 out of 5.
Eleiko’s kettlebells also come in a broader range of weights than most competitors. These start at four kilograms (nine pounds) and go all the way up to 56 kilograms (123 pounds). So, even for advanced athletes, you’re sure to find an optimal weight option.
For overall value, though, we had to ding Eleiko some points. We gave this category a 3.5 out of 5, as these are a little pricey. The lighter weights have standard pricing but as you get into the heavier ranges, Eleiko’s bells are a little more expensive than the standard.
These single-cast powder-coated kettlebells undergo a gravity-casting process, leading to an accurate weight and an evenly balanced kettlebell.
Looking for a bell that’s got a luxe feel and is also a sturdy piece of equipment that can throw down with the toughest of workouts? Enter the Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebell.
If you like your kettlebell training to feel luxurious and hardcore, look no further than the Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebell. These bells are designed with single cast iron, which means the weight is one piece, rather than two welded together. That helps minimize your risk of breakage, earning this product a 5 out of 5 for durability. They also have a powder coat, which helps prevent rust.
The logo and weight information is recessed instead of stamped and large enough to see clearly, giving a more high-end feel as well. We really like that the powder coat is grippy enough to support both chalked and bare-handed training, even when we were sweating like crazy (about two minutes into the workout). For the grip factor, we gave these a 4.5 out of 5.
“The powder coat on these weights is a little more gritty than other competitors,” our tester said. “That helps you really get a good grip on the weight when you’re doing swings or carry exercises.”
You’ll get that premium feeling from these kettlebells because their handles aren’t painted, taped, and re-painted throughout the construction process — which can lead to sharp, pointy edges along the sides of the bell’s horns. Instead, the colors are painted on after the rest of the bell is complete, leaving your handles smooth enough to support you through tough workouts without poking at your skin. Plus, the bells range in weight between four and 92 kilograms, meaning you’ve got a load of training options.
Luxury comes at a cost, though. Even the lightest, four kilogram (9 pound) weight is more than double the market average. So, our team had to give the overall value a 3 out of 5. But if you want a top-of-the-line kettlebell, these are the best choice.
Rogue's Rubber Coated Kettlebell takes their standard model and adds a protective black urethane exterior coating. When you need to protect your floors during a workout, rubber-coated kettlebells are going cause less potential damage than iron or steel options. They're also great for movements that involve contact with the bell itself, like goblet squats.
When wear and tear is a concern, coated kettlebells can be useful. They reduce potential dings, scratches, and marks on floors and other surfaces, and they can be more comfortable during movements like goblet squats or when there’s significant skin contact with the bell.
Rogue’s Rubber Coated Kettlebell takes their standard model and adds a black urethane coating, earning a 5 out of 5 for durability. It’s not a “soft” coating in that it won’t compress easily when gripped or held, but it’s a much more forgiving surface than standard iron or steel – especially when setting the bell down on floors.
The handle is still finished with a textured powder coat which we found provides an excellent grip. “Whether or not you use chalk, this handle is going to provide a secure grip,” our tester said, giving this category a 5 out of 5.
Despite the coating, the bells still have a flat bottom and perform great, and the size difference compared to a standard kettlebell is minimal. It’s the feel we really like without adding a bunch of unnecessary features apart from a durable-yet-protective coating.
However, for optionality, we had to give this pick a 3.5 out of 5. Rogue’s Rubber Coated Kettlebell comes in fewer weight increments than their standard bells. So, finding your perfect fit may not be as simple as you’d like.
These are also pricier than standard kettlebells, earning a 3.75 out of 5 for overall value. The urethane coating does jack up the price a bit, which can be a dealbreaker for some athletes. However, if you prioritize protecting your floors and other equipment, we think the rubber is worth the cost. These are especially useful if you don’t have a dedicated gym space and you need to be careful not to hurt your house.
Read our full Rogue Rubber Coated Kettlebell Review.
This adjustable kettlebell system replaces six individual kettlebells and features an easy-to-use dial to adjust the weight so you can get straight to your workouts.
One great thing about being a strength-training beginner? You can expect to see really quick progress — hooray! For that reason, we recommend an adjustable kettlebell for beginners, as it allows plenty of room to grow. And we recommend the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell.
“This kettlebell replaces six individual kettlebells with weights ranging from eight to 40 pounds,” explains Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester. “That’s honestly a really solid number for a majority of beginner weightlifting athletes and even some intermediate ones as well or if you’re just new to kettlebell training.”
After testing this piece of fitness equipment ourselves, we gave this pick an overall 4 out of 5 for workout experience. The weight adjustment mechanism is extremely simple to use, all you have to do is twist the knob at the top of the bell.
For grip, we gave this kettlebell a 3.5 out of 5. “The handle is pretty slick, in my opinion,” Herod says. “It’s also welded to the top of the kettlebell and it’s pretty thin.” However, we did like the wider-than-average window, which felt comfortable on the wrists and forearms.
When it comes to durability, an adjustable kettlebell won’t be quite as tough as a standard weight, earning a 3 out of 5 in this category. The inside plates are steel but the SelectTech 840 does have plastic components on the outside, which can break if you’re not careful.
When it comes to value, though, we gave this adjustable kettlebell a 4.5 out of 5. If you were to buy all the weights in this mechanism individually, you’d pay way more than $129. Even compared to other adjustable kettlebells, this price point is a more budget-friendly option.
This kettlebell package is ideal for kettlebell (or strength training) beginners or for adults with smaller hands, considering the handles have a relatively small diameter.
For adults with smaller hands, a more minimal kettlebell handle diameter is ideal. This set of kettlebells from Torque are lighter in weight and, therefore, have a smaller handle diameter, making grip way easier.
These weights also have a black paint coating that provides a comfortable and secure grip. Paired with the smaller handle diameter, we gave the grip an overall 4.5 out of 5 — don’t expect these to go slipping out of your palms.
Torque’s kettlebells are plenty durable, too, earning a 5 out of 5 in that category. These are commercial-grade solid cast iron, plus the coating protects from paint chips and corrosion over time.
While this six-piece set is easier to grip for smaller hands, the weights only range from four kilograms (nine pounds) to 20kg (44.1 pounds). For some, this weight range may be plenty. However, for more experienced athletes, the top weight may be a little too light for some exercises.
These kettlebells are made well with a durable powder-coat finish that provides a great grip, even when not using chalk. The color-coded handles make it easy to grab the right weight quickly.
Amazon makes shopping for just about anything more convenient — you can even pick up kettlebells. These ones are not only solid kettlebells, but they also qualify for free Prime delivery, potentially saving you a ton of money and allowing you to receive them very quickly so you can get to training.
The convenience factor is a strong draw with these kettlebells since they qualify for free, two-day Prime delivery if that’s available where you live. Considering they’re good quality, too, (more on that below), we gave the overall value a 4.5 out of 5.
These are solid KBs overall, earning a 4 out of 5 for durability. They’re made with cast iron, which can last a lifetime. Plus, they have a powder coat to protect against any scratches, corrosion, and rust.
We like that the durable powder-coat finish also helps ensure a solid grip, even when you’re not using chalk. There are some reviews that say the finish rubs off over time, so you might want to keep that in mind.
You also might be pleasantly surprised by the price — a one-pood (about 36 pounds) KB comes in right around $75, which is considerably less than some comparable brands. However, you don’t get quite as many weight options as you might see with some competitors.
Why invest in a kettlebell? This piece of exercise equipment offers a whole host of benefits, including building strength, versatility, and more.
As a piece of resistance equipment, kettlebells can help you gain strength. Regular strength training can help you develop stronger bones, sharpen your brain, and potentially manage chronic symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Kettlebells bring so many benefits to the table that they deserve their own “benefits of” article,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “For starters, kettlebell training comes with all of the usual benefits of resistance training: increased muscle mass, strength, bone density and bone health, improved mental health and confidence, balance and coordination, and independence into old age.”
Unlike some other pieces of equipment, there’s more than one way to use a kettlebell. There are plenty of exercises you can do with a kettlebell and they can help you get an excellent cardio workout, build your balance, and improve your muscular stability, too.
“Kettlebells training specifically is a versatile form of training that allows for the ultimate mastering of many movement patterns,” Capritto says. “I love kettlebells for their ability to challenge balance, coordination, and stability, in addition to strength. That’s not something you can always achieve with other free weights or machines.”
Compared to a power rack, for instance, kettlebells are relatively small and easy to store when not in use. For those who need to save space or don’t have a super high budget, this exercise tool fits the bill.
So, you’re interested in a new kettlebell. Here are some personal considerations that should be acknowledged before investing.
You need to consider how and why you train and your training frequency before purchasing a kettlebell. If you’re a kettlebell athlete, for example, you’ll need a specific kettlebell of high quality. Beginners can get away with a cheaper, more basic version, while a more experienced lifter may want to invest in a nicer construction kettlebell. Or, if you engage in CrossFit or cardio workouts, then you’ll need a more comfortable bell with an outstanding grip for high-rep sets.
Assess your workouts honestly, and then look closer at a kettlebell’s features before clicking “buy.” Kettlebells are a great, versatile single piece of equipment when you can only get one or two new items for your home gym — but they aren’t the cheapest items, so you want to get it right before you shell out for one.
Most kettlebells are going to be priced closely. So, we’ve made sure that the more expensive options are worth the uptick in price while the cheaper options are still of a certain quality. We take factors like construction, warranty, customer reviews, and our personal testing process all into consideration when looking at a kettlebell’s price tag.
There are plenty of different kettlebell types that are best suited for different athletes. Training kettlebells are great all-around options for everyday athletes. These are the kettlebells you’ll find in your local gym and are generally most cost-friendly.
Competition kettlebells are best for those who are planning to compete in the sport. These are more pricey and generally meet sport standards to give you an accurate representation of the weights used professionally.
You can also consider an adjustable kettlebell. These are ideal for beginners or those who are limited on space. They offer a pretty broad range of weights within one single mechanism and they’re usually cost-effective.
Before you order just any kettlebell, think about the weight options at your disposal. Choose weights that are suited to your fitness level and maybe even consider ordering one or two heavier kettlebells to allow room for progression.
Handles can vary from one kettlebell to another. Typically, you want a handle that has some sort of coating, as these can hold chalk pretty well to prevent slipping. However, there are handles with wider and smaller windows, too. If you’re someone who has larger hands or loves cardio training, a wider handle window is ideal.
We highly recommend choosing a kettlebell with some sort of protective coat on the top. AFter sitting for a while, kettlebells can rust or corrode but a coat can help increase your weights’ longevity.
It’s tough to say exactly which kettlebell exercises best. Really, it depends on your training goals and experience levels. However, assuming you want to focus on compound movements that will bolster your strength, power, and conditioning, the total-body moves below are a great starting point. Or, isolate certain muscle groups if you want a more specified workout.
A kettlebell flow is like a kettlebell circuit — stringing together a bunch of different kettlebell movements. The key difference is that with a circuit, you will be putting the bell down between moves and even perhaps resting a bit in between exercises. With a kettlebell flow, your goal is to literally flow right from one move into the next without stopping or putting the bell down. So, you might perform a small set of push presses, use the last rep to start an overhead carry, and flow from that right into a small series of kettlebell snatches.
When you’re looking to design your own kettlebell flow, don’t be afraid to look a little silly for a hot second — before you even pick up the weight, simulate the movements to make sure that they can, in fact, flow seamlessly into each other. You’ll need at least one clean programmed in there if you want to transition from a Romanian deadlift to a strict press, for example — so make sure you include all those elements.
If you’ve got a limited budget — or only a small amount of space — you might have to make the sad choice of buying a kettlebell vs. a dumbbell. And while we never want to put two excellent pieces of gym equipment against each other (dumbbells are spectacular training tools), it’s worth noting a couple of things about the versatility of kettlebells:
For a lot of kettlebell lifts, you’ll grip it in a similar way to gripping a dumbbell — in the middle of the handle, keeping your fingers light. It might feel scary at first to not choke the darn thing, but it’s much better for your wrist health to practice gentleness in your grip during moves like swings.
For more complex lifts like cleans, snatches, and Turkish get-ups, you want an offset grip. To avoid the painful flopping of the kettlebell onto your wrist or forearm, don’t grab it right in the center. Instead, tuck the pad between your index finger and your thumb against the curve of the handle.
You can also get creative. A bottoms-up grip challenges your forearms, wrists, fingers, and shoulders. Holding the bell around the body can help emphasize your shoulders a bit more when front-loading your goblet squat and can provide different angles for overhead and floor presses.
Kettlebells are some of the first strength training tools ever made, and their use has stood the test of time. They may have fallen out of fashion with the invention of dumbbells and rotating-sleeve barbells, but people are remembering why they’re such great training tools in the first place. They’re more versatile than a dumbbell and easier to maneuver than a barbell, making them a uniquely useful piece of equipment.
Kettlebells may not be the cheapest piece of gym equipment — especially if you’re purchasing a set of them — but if you purchase high-quality ones like those on this list, then they’re likely to last you a lifetime. Whether you want to improve your strength, explosiveness, cardio, or balance, these funky-looking pieces of equipment called kettlebells can help you achieve your goals.
Kettlebells range in price from around $30 to $50 for a relatively light non-competition option to several hundred dollars for heavier, competition-spec bells. If you’re just starting out with kettlebells, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 for a few lighter, budget-friendly options to give you a taste for kettlebell training. If you like it, you may want to expand your weights or opt for one or two higher-end kettlebells.
The answer to that depends on what your goals and budget are. We’re fans of Iron Bull Kettlebells because they’re high-quality, rather affordable for how well-made the product is, and color-coded, so you can easily switch between weights without fumbling around trying to find the right kettlebell.
If you’re buying a kettlebell to integrate it into an existing training program , you’re probably wondering how much kettlebell work is too much when you’re a powerlifter, weightlifter, or otherwise focused on non-kettlebell aspects of training. The answer: there are always ways to integrate kettlebell work into your lifting that will not take away from recovery.
If you’re not going super heavy, kettlebell swings and Turkish get-ups can be great ways to grease the grooves of positive movement patterns — making kettlebells a great active recovery tool for your “off” days. You can also integrate moves like light kettlebell halos between upper body lifts to keep your shoulders mobile and ready for the pressure that barbell work can put on them. And, if you’re looking for cardio that doesn’t involve endless runs, look no further than a solid kettlebell cardio session as either a finisher or cardio day all on its own.
When you’re considering what kettlebell weight to buy , you need to balance your goals against your “ limiting lifting factor .” What’s the exercise you know you want to do with your kettlebell that you will need the lightest weight for? It might be all well and good to spring for a 32-kilogram bell because you can do your lower body work with it (and maybe floor presses). But if you know you want to overhead press and can’t do that with 70 pounds, there’s your limiting factor.
In other words, you might want a heavy bell for all your lower body training needs. That said, if you want to also be able to get some solid upper body lifting in with your kettlebell, make sure you’re taking that into account. It’s a balancing act that will require some deep contemplation and programming creativity , but it’ll be worth it in the end.
Here are three main factors to consider when looking for a quality kettlebell:
For the most part, kettlebells take care of themselves if you store them in a dry spot — especially if they’ve got rubber coating. You might opt to check your bell over every few months to lightly sand down places where it might chip if you’re training outside or in a garage and have been letting it hit concrete when you set it down. But, for the most part, kettlebells are pretty low maintenance.
If you opt to strip the rust-resistant coating away from your competition kettlebell to give it a more rugged grip, make sure you’re protecting your kettlebell from rust when you’re not using it (pro-tip: wipe off your lingering sweat after each session).
This depends on the types of workouts you like and your current fitness level. If you only want to buy one kettlebell, we recommend an adjustable option, as they’re more versatile for different workouts.
If you plan to buy a set, we recommend getting a few that can work for both upper- and lower-body workouts. Also consider getting a few that are challenging for your current fitness level to give you room to grow.
Jake holds a Master's in Sports Science and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Jake formerly served as BarBend's Fitness and Training Editor.
BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.
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