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Best Kettlebells Brands Reviewed
What we love most about kettlebells is that they are considered to be a compound movement which means they trigger more than one muscle group. Plus, unlike dumbbells, you only need to purchase one weight to get the most benefits. This means it won’t take up all that much room in your home or home gym.
In this guide, we compiled a list of some of our favorite kettlebells. These choices are a great addition to any home gym for those that want to build muscle and squeeze in a little bit of cardio.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
One of the most important things that we considered was the materials used for each kettlebell.
Unlike your basic dumbbell, a kettlebell is made to swing around and has a much wider range of motion than a dumbbell. Due to this fact, we made sure that each selection was composed of materials that were sturdy, durable, and crafted for a soft landing.
Core materials: Hands down, cast iron is the best material for these products. Basically, a kettlebell is simply a cannonball with a handle attached to it. Cast iron is ideal because it is an incredibly dense material that is quite heavy. This means that even some of the heavier 50-pounds options will not take up all that much room in your home gym.
Another option that we found was those made from cement. While cement is a little more porous than cast iron (which means they will be quite a bit bigger), they are considered to be made from environmentally friendly concrete.
Exterior materials: Kettlebells are made to be swung around, so we wanted to ensure that they were coated with a soft material on the outside. When you are swinging them around, you not only run the risk of hitting yourself with them, but they are also more prone to be dropped and dent your flooring.
There are a few different exterior materials that we found, and they were all considered to be beneficial. Plastic is a great option because it is incredibly durable and can take quite a beating without becoming torn or chipped. A plastic coating is one of the most common exteriors that we found out there on the market.
Neoprene is another great option. What makes neoprene great is that it is soft to the touch, so it won’t hurt as much if you accidentally bonk yourself in the head during a halo swing! The only downside to neoprene is that it isn’t as durable sturdy as plastic.
Weight
Finding the perfect weight for you will help you reach your goals.
Heavier isn’t always better, and there is such as thing as being a little too light (no matter how many reps you pump out). We wanted to ensure that we selected brands that gave the user a lot of weight choices to select from. We have broken down all of the reasons you may want to select a heavy or lighter option.
Lighter weights: These options aren’t just designed for those that aren’t all that strong. If you want to lose a few extra pounds while still building and sculpting muscle, lighter weights are the way to go.
Plus, selecting a lighter weight option also allows you to use them for more isolated exercises such as lateral raises to build muscle where you feel that you need it most.
The downside to selecting lighter weights is that they may not be ideal for full body compound movements. If you are using them for big muscle groups like your hamstring, glutes, and core- it may not be enough to really dig down deep.
Heavier weights: This is a great option if you are really looking to build muscle while burning fat. Heavier weights are ideal for those big compound movements like deadlifts and squats. These lifts engage a wide range of muscle groups and are great for burning fat as well.
The downside to heavier weights is that they are really only good for big compound lifts. If you want to focus simply on your upper body, heavier options are not going to be ideal- especially for halo swings!
The bottom line when it comes to ideal weight is to take into consideration your goals. If you want something that is more isolated and designed to slightly up the intensity of your cardio workouts, lighter options are the way to go. If you want to hit all of those big muscle groups with compound lifts, we suggest going heavy.
If you are still unsure of which type of weight you want for your home gym, many brands offer a set of multiple designs that run from very light to pretty heavy.
Style
It’s your home gym, so you get to decide how it looks!
There are a couple of camps that these designs typically fall into. These camps are comprised of bright and cheery and utilitarian and functional.
The bright and cheery options are typically color coordinated by weight. Brighter options land in the lighter weight options, and darker colors land in the heavier options. Plastic coatings on the base add protection and function, but they also look great too.
Another benefit of color coordination comes when you buy them in a set. If your routines are fast-paced, you often do not have the time to read the front of every design to find your next option in your drop set. When you select a set, you will quickly be able to recognize your next option simply by the color.
Utilitarian designs don’t have colorful bases. In fact, they often do not have any coating at all over the basic cast iron core. The look of these design often does not have any added benefits besides looking like something that came straight from a professional gym.
If the design of your home gym is made to look like something out of Gold’s Gym, these basic black cast-iron designs will fit in perfectly. Just be sure to be careful when planting them on the ground or when doing your halo swings!
Features
These designs are pretty basic, but a few key features can make all of the difference.
The basic design is that of a cannonball with a handle at the top. However, there are a few design features that we found that make a world of difference. Below, we have listed some of our favorite features that we found with these products.
Bell design: We know, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense that a kettlebell is shaped like a ball and not a bell. However, some designs actually adopt the bell shape. The GoFit option has a curved shape that is perfect for a lot of different movements.
There is a high probability that you will bonk yourself at least once in every workout. Sometimes, the ball-shaped design just isn’t ideal for some style of movements that work close to your body. The bell shape of the GoFit option runs very smoothly along your body to reduce the risk of bonking!
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Wide grip: If the grip is too narrow, you won’t feel like you have a lot of control over your movements. That’s why we wanted to make sure that the designs that we selected for our list were wide enough for all sizes and shapes of hands.
When a grip is too narrow, your fingers tend to bunch up in an incredibly uncomfortable way. While this may not be much of a problem when working with lighter weights, it is a real problem when heavier units.
Workout tools: Some users aren’t aware of all of the different exercises that you can accomplish with these products. That’s why we loved it when companies added a few extra features to get you started right out of the box.
Some products come with a little booklet of workout ideas, as well as explanations of the muscle groups that they work. Others even go so far as to include a free DVD with expertly crafted workout routines to get you lean and mean in no time!
Durability
No one likes buying weights, which is why we selected designs that you only need to purchase one time.
To ensure that it isn’t something that is going to break on you in the middle of the set, there were a few things that we looked at.
Single-cast iron: Hands down, this is the most important feature that we considered. Single-cast simple means that the handle and the ball are composed of one single unit.
Some designs out there weld the ball and the handle together. While this may work for a while, over time these welded components will lose strength over time and may even break. The last thing that you want is for your ball to come loose in the middle of a basic swing and fly right through your living room window!
When it is made as one single unit, the jaws of life would even have a hard time prying the handle away from the base! This means that while it may become dented and chipped over many, many years of use, it will still be functional.
Powder coated finish: Some designs skip out on a plastic coating and simple coat the iron with a powder coat finish. While cast iron is incredibly tough, it isn’t impervious to rusting in wet and humid climates over the years.
With a powder coated finish, it means that your design won’t rust even when you place it in storage in your musty old storage shed or garage.
Top Rated Kettlebells
1. Yes4All
Whether you are working out in your living room or home gym, this kettlebell from Yes4All is our favorite choice. It is made from high-quality materials that create a great grip and will protect your flooring. It is also offered in a wide assortment of weights and sizes so you can make sure that you get the perfect weight for your needs.
This kettlebell is composed of a high-quality cast iron that provides an even and balanced weight. It is then coated with a thick layer of vinyl not only on the base of the unit but on the handle as well for a comfortable grip and a soft landing.
The base of the unit has a flat bottom that stands up on its own when not in use. This design makes it a lot easier to store when you are running low on space. Plus, the vinyl for this unit is a right royal blue that looks great in any space.
For those that are in the market for something that is easy to use, made from high-quality materials, and has a sharp finish- this is a great choice. Plus, it comes from a company that is known for making high-quality products that can stand up to quite a beating.
2. REP FITNESS
Unsure of what size will work best for you? The thing that we liked most about this kettlebell from REP FITNESS is that it is offered in a wide assortment of sizes in tight intervals. Weight options range from very light to pretty heavy. Plus, it is made from high-quality materials that will stand up over time.
Each kettlebell is composed of a high-quality iron that holds up very well over time. The thing that we liked most about this design is that it is made as one solid single-cast unit. What this means is that the handle and bell are one solid unit, so you never have to worry about the handle snapping off on you!
Instead of using a vinyl finish, this kettlebell has a powder coated finish right on the iron. While it may nick or scratch hard surfaces, it provides a very sure and secure grip. Most users feel that it feels more stable in their sweaty hands more than vinyl.
If you are looking for something that is made from high-quality materials that can handle even some of your most intense workouts, this kettlebell is it! Users love its very sturdy design, high amount of weight options, and it's very secure grip.
3. Tone Fitness
What we liked about this kettlebell from Tone Fitness is that is is made from eco-friendly materials that you can feel good about using. It is offered in a few weights that are a little lighter than some of the other designs that we have seen. If you are looking to start light and work your way up, this is a really great place to start.
One of the things that we noticed is that this kettlebell is offered in a few bright and sunny color choices. It is constructed of filled concrete which is a little more eco-friendly than iron. The entire exterior is then coated with a vinyl finish for a comfortable grip and to prevent knicks and scratches on your floor.
Weight options are available with this kettlebell from Tone Fitness, although they are a little limited. User can select from sizes that include 10, 15, and 20-pound options. Lighter kettlebells are great for when you are chasing reps and not volume! The good news here, however, is that they have a very small form which will not take up a lot of space.
If you are in the market for something happy and easy to use in your Crossfit routines, this product from Tone Fitness is one of the best kettlebells on the market. Users love that it is easy to use and looks great in any indoor space.
4. GYMENIST
What we liked most about this kettlebell from GYMENIST is that it is made from incredibly durable materials that do things just a little bit differently. It is offered in a wide range of weight options from very lightweight to heavy, and it is also offered in quite a few happy and bright colors to add a little bit of pep to your workout routine.
If you are unsure of what weight you need to select, this is a great place to start. Weights start out at a humble 5 pounds and run all the way up to 50 pounds! This product is one of the best kettlebells if you are working out for reps or working out to bulk up and gain muscle.
The interior of this kettlebell is made from high-quality cast iron for even weight distribution and excellent durability. The outside of the bell is coated with a very soft neoprene that is soft to the touch. The handle is left bare with a powder coated finish for the ultimate grip.
If you want something that is incredibly durable and available in many weight selections, this is a great option. Users love the addition of neoprene to the base with exposed handles for a great grip.
5. Cap Barbell
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this kettlebell from Cap Barbell. It has a basic powder coated finish for the ultimate in stability. It also has a very small frame that will not take up that much room in your home gym. Plus, it is offered in a wide variety of sizes.
Weight options start at a humble ten pounds and run all the way up to a whopping 80 pounds. This is one of the heaviest options that we have found out there on the market. Cap Barbell crafts basic kettlebells that are perfect for lightweight cardio workouts as well as heavy powerlifting sets as well.
The exterior boasts a basic shiny black look to it that only comes in one color. It is composed of iron for excellent weight distribution. It has a powder coated finish that prevents rusting and durability loss over time. Plus it creates a really great grip which is important with higher weight.
If you are looking for something that is made incredibly well and stands up well over time, we feel this is a great choice. It may not come in a lot of colors and it isn’t coated with a soft material to prevent it from chipping when dropped, but it may be the last kettlebell you will need to buy.
6. Empower
Want to switch up your weight but don’t like the idea of multiple kettlebells cluttering up your home gym? This design from Empower is actually an adjustable kettlebell so you can switch up weight as needed. Plus, it is something that can grow with you as you get stronger and stronger.
The biggest thing to note about this design is that with a simple turn and click you can make adjustments to how heavy your kettlebell is. Weight options for this kettlebell are a little bit limited. It can adjust from weights that start at 5 pounds and adjust up to 12 pounds. This is a great option for those using a kettlebell for their cardio routine.
The inside materials are not listed in the product description. However, the entire outside is coated in a thick layer of hard plastic. This plastic is perfect if you don’t want something that will rust in hot and humid climates. Plus, it offers a very secure grip and is easy to work with.
For those that need something that offers a little bit more adjustability than many of the standard options out there on the market, this is a great choice. While it may not be offered in high weights, it is a perfect companion for most cardio and calorie burning workouts.
7. Hyperwear
This is another great adjustable option for those that want to buy more than one kettlebell. The adjustability allows you to increase the weight simply and easily as you grow stronger. The great thing about this design is that it is offered in much higher weight options than many of the other adjustable designs out there.
To make weight adjustments, all you need to do is turn the threaded screw at the bottom to load and unload your plates. This process may take a little bit longer than your turn and click options, but it is easier and a little more secure.
Each of the metal plates is coated with a thick layer of neoprene that makes handling them just a bit easier. Plus, you won’t have to worry about chipping or cracking your flooring if you happen to drop your kettlebell. Users found that the handle is a little bit wider than most, which can be a good thing for those with bigger hands.
What we liked most about this kettlebell from Hyperwear is that it is offered in a lot of different weight options that range from lightweight to moderately heavy. The highest weight option offered with this set is 30 pounds. This is a great option for those that want something heavier and adjustable as well.
8. GoFit
GoFit is a tried and tested brand when it comes to any style of gym tools. What we liked most about this kettlebell from GoFit is that it sports a slightly different design from your more rounded options. Plus, it is made from high-quality materials that create a firm grip and a soft dismount.
The shape of this kettlebell is what is just a little bit different. Instead of having a rounded base, the shape of the base is more like a bell. We feel this is a great design because if you are lifting it close to your body, it won’t bounce off of your skin like a very heavy ball.
The inside is constructed from textured high-quality iron for even weight distribution and a sure grip. The flat base is covered in a thick layer of plastic that keeps the kettlebell from chipping your floor or rusting.
Weight ranges are quite wide, ranging from a meger 7 pounds and running all the way up to 45 pounds. Users love this kettlebell because it is made from high-quality materials that can hold up to whatever you can throw at it. Plus, it has an innovative shape that makes a vast majority of your kettlebells exercises just a little bit easier.
9. bintiva
Smart design features are what makes this kettlebell from bintiva stand out from the rest, Users love that they are easy to handle and they are made from high-quality materials. If you are worried about the state of your flooring from accidental drops, this is a really great option.
While many brands claim their kettlebell stays in place, this option from bintiva goes a little bit further. Not only does it have a flat base, but it also as a tacky rubber stand on the base to keep it in place and from scratching up your flooring. Plus, they come in a wide range of bright color options that look great in any home space whether it is your living room next to the sofa or your home gym.
You can elect to buy just one of the color-coordinated kettlebells, or you can buy the entire set. Weight options start out at just 5 pounds and run all the way up to an impressive 50-pound kettlebell. The core is made from durable cast iron, and the base is coated with a thick, glossy layer of plastic.
For those that want something that will look great in any home gym, and goes that extra mile to protect your floor, this is a great option. It is durable and comes in many sizes for those that want to lose a little weight, sculpt, or build muscle.
10. Fitness Republic
The very first thing that we noticed from this kettlebell from Fitness Republic is that is has a sharp and eye-catching finish. It comes in a lot of modest weight options that don’t get too heavy, making it a great addition to any fat burning cardio routine. Plus, smart design features make it just a little bit easier to use.
As we mentioned before, we were immediately drawn to how this kettlebell looks. It sports a bright plastic covered on the base of the unit, and the cast iron grooved handle is coated with a glossy black powder coated finish. This means that not only does it look sharp, but it is less likely to rust over time.
Weight options start out at around 15 pounds and run all the way up to 40 pounds. If you need something that is much lighter than 15 pounds, this option is not ideal. The weight options for this design is perfect for those that want to sculpt some muscle with heavier weights, but don’t want something so heavy that they won’t be able to burn any calories.
If you need a kettlebell that is easy to use and incredibly durable, this is a great option. It has a sharp and glossy finish that looks great in any indoor space, and it is built to really take a beating. Just keep in mind that weight options are a bit limited.
Sources
- , Why Are Kettlebells So Effective?, Blog
- , Who Invented the Kettlebell?, Blog