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The 5 Best Kettlebells For Home Workouts
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Investing in a great kettlebell can really level up your workout, but there are a few things to consider first. Ultimately, the best kettlebell for at-home workouts will be the right weight for your training needs, and is made of a solid cast iron that’s durable and easy to grip for deadlifts, swings, and goblet squats. But, what else do you need to know?
The proper weight for you will depend on your training experience and which moves you’ll be doing, so keep your personal needs top of mind. I’ve gathered up kettlebells that range from 5 pounds to 90 pounds, so there should be something on this list for everyone. But, if you’re not sure where to start (or you want to get the most bang for your buck), you can always invest in an adjustable kettlebell that you can customize as your training progresses.
While many kettlebells on the market come with plastic or vinyl coatings, be wary of these designs. Plastic designs are a lot more prone to damage and cracks than steel or cast iron kettlebells. For at-home use, cast iron is usually the best option as it’s durable for the long run, less prone to breaking, and not as expensive as steel kettlebells used primarily in competition settings. Look for a powder coating on the handle which can make it easier to grip, as well. If you’re worried about your floors or your shins, there are also soft kettlebells that make less noise and prevent injuries or bruises, while still getting the job done. (I’ve included two on this list.)
Not sure exactly what you need to get started? Check out these powerful and effective kettlebells and get back to crushing your at-home workouts. And, if you’re looking for the upgrade of the year, I’ve included a kettlebell gripper on this list which will turn the dumbbell you already have sitting in your home gym into a functional kettlebell.
If you’re in the market for new at-home exercise equipment, we asked experts to recommend their favorite fitness gear for the most effective at-home workouts.
1. The Best Basic Kettlebell
- What you get: An 18-pound kettlebell
- Other available weight options: 9, 13, 18, 22, 26, 31, 35, 44, 53, 71 pounds
This basic kettlebell is made with high-quality cast iron and designed with a powder coating that makes the wide handle easy to grip. The color-coded paint marks on every kettlebell in this collection make them easy to distinguish if you have a few in your home gym. And, since these come in weights from 9 to 71 pounds, it’s easy to find one that matches your training needs. For the price, this is a great deal on a kettlebell with all the features you’d find in a pricier piece of equipment.
According to one reviewer: "This kettlebell is shaped well and the handle is a perfect grip size in order to swing, snatch, clean, etc. without fatiguing my forearms. The shape of the kettlebell is super important to me, and this one is perfect as I am able to maneuver it without it hitting awkward spots on my wrist or being difficult to use. The vinyl coating is amazing as it soundproofs the bell as well. Very pleased with my purchase.”
2. A Name Brand Available In Even More Weights
- What you get: An 18-pound kettlebell
- Other available weight options: 9, 13, 18, 22, 26, 31, 35, 40, 44, 48, 88, 90 pounds
When it comes to exercise equipment, opting for a name brand is always a good way to ensure you’re getting high-quality construction. This kettlebell from Nordic Lifting comes in a wider range of weight sizes than other kettlebells on this list, and comes in a durable cast iron design that’s powder coated for easy gripping. While some manufacturers aren’t transparent with their casting process, Nordic Lifting uses a single-piece casting process that ensures this kettlebell is durable and won’t break. Similar to others on this list, each kettlebell is color coded so you can quickly grab the one you’re looking for. Best yet, this kettlebell comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can feel safe investing in this piece of equipment.
According to one reviewer: “Excellent quality and color coded according to weight. This is 1 of 3 kettlebells I purchased from Nordic Lifting and I am extremely happy with my decision! I will definitely purchase from this company in the future.”
3. An Easy-To-Use Adjustable Kettlebell
- What you get: An adjustable kettlebell that can equal 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, or 40 pounds
- Other available weight options: None
If you're looking for a one-and-done option, this adjustable kettlebell is the solution. It’s pricey, but this kettlebell allows you to adjust the weight from 8 pounds to 40 pounds with the simple turn of a dial. Choose from one of six weights (12, 20, 25, and 35 pounds, as well), without having to invest in six different kettlebells. With this Bowflex purchase, you get access 24 instructional videos showing you proper form and technique. This is a splurge, but it’s a great space-saving option that lets you vary your exercises with ease.
According to one reviewer: "I love this product. I have a small apartment and having a bunch of kettlebells around wasn't an option. This takes up little space and works really well. I love it.”
4. The Best Soft Option You Can Customize
- What you get: A soft adjustable kettlebell set with a 6-pound sandbag, and two 10-pound sandbags (adjustable from 7 to 27 pounds, when you factor in the 1-pound handle)
- Other available weight options: A set with three 6-pound sandbags, a set with three 7-pound sandbags, a set with three 10-pound sandbags
To protect yourself and your floors, consider this soft kettlebell, which is comprised of three different sandbags you can adjust to your preference. The easy-to-grip handle itself weighs 1 pound, the blue sandbag weighs 6 pounds, and the two purple sandbags weigh 10 pounds each. You can make any combination of these weights, so anywhere from 7 pounds with the blue sandbag and the handle to 27 pounds with all of it included. This way you can create a custom workout, or gradually increase the weight as you train. But truly, the best part about this kettlebell is that you can still get in a super sweaty workout, but you won't damage your feet or floors if you drop it. Win-win.
According to one reviewer: "What a great product. everything you ever wanted from a kettlebell: flexibility for multiple weights; strong yet non-bulky handles; stable yet agile sand-weights, so it does not hurt the body when you lift [...] What a great innovation; makes me want to workout everyday!”
5. The Editor’s Pick
- What you get: A 15-pound kettlebell
- Other available weight options: 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 pounds
This kettlebell is a favorite of Commerce Editor Amy Biggart, who has been training with it for the past year. She explains, “This kettlebell is a pretty good price for what it is, and the soft design of it means that it makes less noise on my floors when I drop it, and won’t hurt if a rogue swing accidentally hits my leg or knee.” The handle is made of a heavy material, but the rest of the design is softer, closer to a sandbag. Shown here in the 15-pound option, you can choose between several weights to match your training needs. The large handle is easy to grip even when your hands are sweaty, and the durable design will last a long time.
According to one reviewer: “I will never buy another brand of kettlebells!!! This is soft leather so it does not hurt when you inevitably hit yourself with it (not as bad anyway). I will only purchase bionic body soft kettlebells from now on.”
Also Great: This Gripper That Turns Any Hand Weight Into A Kettlebell
If you already have hand weights at home, this kettlebell gripper instantly transforms them into a kettlebell. To use, just open up the gripper, place whichever hand weight you want inside, and snap it shut. This gripper holds just about any size weight firmly in place so you can swing, squat, and deadlift with ease. Plus, the device itself weighs less than 1 pound, so it's super easy to travel with for workouts on the go.
According to one reviewer: "This is a really neat idea. It should work for most any free weight. I have ones where the handle gets bigger in the middle than on the ends, so it's not even. This still works, because the inside of the grip is lined with a cushiony foam that allows for bigger weight handles. It snaps on quickly and allows you to have a range of kettle bells without having to buy them all in different sizes. Great addition to the stay-at-home gym!”
