The Best Adjustable Kettlebells to Take for a Swing in Your Home Gym (2024)

I have a fever, and the only prescription is more kettlebell. Unfortunately, it won’t take long until those kettlebells start crowding your home gym. The solution: adjustable kettlebells. Not only do they help you save space and money, but since kettlebell training combines strength training and cardio, you’ll also spend less time working out, too. It’s a win-win-win. 

Our best adjustable kettlebells guide has a little something for everyone, from those who compete in Kettlebell Sport (yes, that’s a thing) to those who need something that can fit under a bed or in a suitcase. I have my personal favorite, but I know it might not be right for everybody and that’s why there are plenty of options.

I’ve been testing home gym equipment since 2016, and I don’t just use something for a few minutes and call it a day. I take a look a look at every facet of a product for weeks or months at a time before writing reviews. That means taking notes on assembly, the way something sounds, how it feels, and how durable it is over time. 

The testing process for the best adjustable kettlebells was no different. Myself and the Garage Gym Reviews team tested more than 15 adjustable kettlebells by doing kettlebell swings, cleans, long cycles, snatches, carries, squats, and other movements with all of them. We also closely examined and scored important factors like:

• Adjustment mechanism: How easy was it to adjust the weights, and how long did it take?
• Handles: Was it easy to grip? Did the handle take to chalk well?
• Weight ranges: How many kettlebells does it replace? How heavy does it get?
• Price: Is it a good value?

Read on to find out which adjustable kettlebells we recommend you take for a swing around your home gym. 

If you’re more of a traditionalist, check out our best kettlebells guide here. 

The 9 Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Home Gyms

• Best Overall Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
• Most Durable Adjustable Kettlebell: Bells Of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
• Best Compact Adjustable Kettlebell: Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best Competition-Style Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell
• Most Versatile Adjustable Kettlebell: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle
• Most User-Friendly Adjustable Kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Beginners: REP Fitness 16KG Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Heavy Lifters: Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell 
• Best Budget Adjustable Kettlebell: Kettle Gryp

Best Overall Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

Good for: Anyone who wants an adjustable kettlebell that provides great value

Best Overall

Titan 10-40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell

GGR Score: 4.8

Community Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Around $100
• Wide range of weights
• Great for beginners

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Around $100
• One-year warranty
• Free shipping
• Wide range of weights

Cons

• No marked weight increments
• Adjustment mechanism is cumbersome
• The handle is thin

Bottom Line

A budget-friendly adjustable kettlebell that gets the job done.

The Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell replaced seven kettlebells in one, with a starting weight of 10 pounds and a maximum of 40, is compact, comes with free shipping, and has a budget-friendly price. All those factors give it a 5 out of 5 on value and makes it our top pick for most home gym owners looking for an adjustable kettlebell.

You can do just about anything with this adjustable kettlebell that you can do with more expensive products, but this is a case where you get what you pay for. One of my biggest complaints about this product is there’s no marked weight increments on the kettlebell itself—you need to read the weights on the plates inside, so it’s hard to tell how much you’re lifting at one time.

It can also be difficult to replace the weight plates so it keeps its round shape, which is why the adjustment mechanism received a low 2 out of 5 score. The handle is pretty smooth, so you might want to chalk up if you plan on getting really sweaty so there’s no slips.

This kettlebell is the exact same one as Tru Grit’s Adjustable Kettlebell and Kettlebell Kings’ Adjustable Kettlebell, but Titan’s is cheaper than both (it’s also a different color than the other two). It performs all the classic kettlebell exercises just fine, and if you’re trying to build out your budget home gym then it’s a good choice. 

Most Durable Adjustable Kettlebell: Bells Of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

Good for: Those who want an adjustable kettlebell that won’t break easily

Durable Kettlebell

Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

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Product Highlights

• Replaces 18 kettlebells with just one
• 1.1-lb increments
• Great for micro-loading different kettlebell exercises
• Competition-style kettlebell
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Expansion kits available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comes in 0.5-kg increments
• Competition-style kettlebell
• Feels like a regular kettlebell
• Replaces 18 weights with one
• Expansion kits available for those who want to lift heavier weights

Cons

• Adjustment process is time-consuming
• Adjustment requires tool
• Customer reviews say paint chips easily

Bottom Line

The Bells of Steel Competition Adjustable Kettlebell replaces 18 kettlebells with just one piece of equipment.

Unlike other adjustable kettlebells that are made with easily-broken plastic shells, the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell has a steel shell protected by a rubber coating. That means the kettlebell itself won’t crack and your floors won’t take the brunt of the damage—we can’t promise that anything else in a flying kettlebell’s path won’t be damaged.

That said, we don’t anticipate many accidents with this kettlebell. The 35 millimeter handle is suitable for kettlebell sport and should be good for people with most hand sizes, and takes chalk very well. It might be a struggle at first for people with smaller hands, but with practice you should be able to get a good grip on it.

Let’s talk about the weight range, which our testers scored a 4 out of 5. It would’ve been a perfect 5 out of 5 if it had a lighter starting weight than 26.5 pounds, though keep in mind this is a competition-style kettlebell so it makes sense it’s a bit heavier. The weight is adjusted using 1.1 pound iron plates (another durable feature), which is one of the highlights of this kettlebell, and goes up to 70.5 pounds (or heavier if you purchase expansion kits).

The lighter weight increments make it easier to micro-load, or add small amounts of weights to build strength on moves like Turkish sit-ups. This makes it easier to progress than if you were using kettlebells that came in 5-pound increments.

It does, however, mean the adjustment mechanism gets a low score of a 2 out of 5. This isn’t an adjustable kettlebell for high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, as you need to use an Allen key to unscrew the bottom and then add or remove plates to get to your desired weight. Our expert tester adds, “It’s a lot of work to have to break out an Allen wrench to make a minor 1-pound increase, so I don’t think I’d make small weight changes very often.”

You can learn more in our Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell review.

Best Compact Adjustable Kettlebell: Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell 

Good for: Anyone who needs an adjustable kettlebell that can fit in tight spaces 

Space Saving

PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell

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Product Highlights

• Feels like a fixed kettlebell
• Easy adjustment mechanism
• Weight goes up to 52.9 lbs
• Rubber bottom to protect flooring
• Comes in kilos or pounds

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space-saving design
• Replaces 5 kettlebells
• The grip feels very nice to use
• Color coded weight labels

Cons

• The unusual shape doesn't exactly feel like a standard kettlebell
• It uses a pin mechanism, so if you lose the pin, you won't be able to use all of the weights

Bottom Line

The Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell features a cowbell-like, space-saving design that can replace 4 kettlebells. It doesn't feel quite like a traditional kettlebell due to it's shape, but it's sturdy and enjoyable to use.

Adjustable kettlebells are inherently the best exercise equipment for small spaces, but what makes the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell the best compact option is its design. It’s shaped more like a cowbell than a traditional kettlebell, and it’s slightly shorter and narrower than other adjustable kettlebells, which makes it easier to fit in tight spaces. For that reason, I’d recommend this for anyone who might live in a studio apartment. 

RELATED: Powerblock Coupon Code

The cowbell shape also makes the kettlebells a little more comfortable in use. “The relatively flat angle makes the kettlebell much more comfortable resting on my arm or shoulder during presses or clean and jerks,” our expert tester says. “Spherical kettlebells sometimes pinpoint pressure on those areas, causing some discomfort.” He rates the feel of the kettlebell a 4 out of 5.

I don’t think these are the best adjustable kettlebells out there, but they’re far from the worst. The 35-pound and 62-pound options (we tested both) have four weight increments each and use a magnetic pin to adjust the weight, so the adjustment mechanism gets a respectful 4 out of 5. My one big complaint is the sticker stating the increments have a tendency to peel off easily, which is annoying but obviously doesn’t impact the functionality of the kettlebell.

In use, it feels pretty good on the wrist, and while it doesn’t have the same feeling as a traditional kettlebell, the powder coat does provide a nice grip during training, so I’ll score it a 3.5 out of 5. Both options have a 32-millimeter handle, which is a bit wider than some traditional kettlebells, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

While these aren’t the most budget-friendly option (the 62-pound kettlebell sells for more than $250), I like the design, and they were enjoyable to train with. The design also gives people tight on space an option to easily stow it away when not in use and is the lone adjustable kettlebell to get a 5 out of 5 on size.   

Check out our in-depth Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell review.

Best Competition-Style Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

Good for: Lifters who need a competition-style kettlebell with multiple weight increments 

Competition Kettlebell

Titan Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

GGR Score: 5

Community Score: 5

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Product Highlights

• Adjustable competition-style kettlebell
• Goes up to 70.5 lbs
• Kettlebell and handle diameter remain the same as weight goes up (or down)
• Looks and feels just like a competition kettlebell

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More budget-friendly than other adjustable competition kettlebells
• Goes up to 32kg (70.5 lbs)
• Looks and feels just like a competition kettlebell

Cons

• Requires an Allen key to adjust the weights
• Powder coat showing premature corrosion
• Still quite pricey

Bottom Line

One of the best adjustable competition-style kettlebells that takes some time to adjust.

To be honest, there wasn’t much competition (unintentional pun) for this category, but if you’re someone who’s into Kettlebell Sport, then I recommend the Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell. For those who don’t know, a competition-style kettlebell always has a 5.5-inch base diameter, 35-millimeter wide handle, and 11.1-inch height regardless of its weight. 

A standard kettlebell’s weight and base diameter, on the other hand, change as the weight progresses, and most handles range from 28 to 33 millimeters, though heavier ones can go wider than that. 

There are a few things I like about this competition-style kettlebell, and one of them is that it can go really heavy (up to 32 kilograms, or about 70.5 pounds). Using the adjustment mechanism (more on that in a second), you can get 19 different weight increments, which is a lot and enough to give the weight range a 5 out of 5. I’m also a fan of how it feels like an actual competition-style kettlebell, which is great for anyone practicing to compete. 

But that’s about where the positives end. The most annoying thing about this adjustable kettlebell was the adjustment system, which requires you to use an Allen key to unlock the shell and separate the cast iron plates. It’s not difficult, just tedious so I’ll score the adjustment mechanism a 2 out of 5.

The powder coat on it is also pretty poor, and mine already shows signs of corrosion after just a few months.

This is the exact same product as the Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell, just at a lower cost and that’s why we recommend Titan’s. 

If you need a traditional competition kettlebell, I recommend reading my Titan Fitness Competition Kettlebells review. I’m actually a fan of those. 

Most Versatile Adjustable Kettlebell: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle

Good for: People who want a versatile product that can be used for multiple purposes 

Versatile

IronMaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle

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Product Highlights

• Can be used with Ironmaster’s Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
• Handle is heavy and power coated, providing a great grip
• Can hold up to 80 lbs
• Lifetime warranty

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy duty and comfortable
• Goes up to 80lbs
• Fully compatible with dumbbell weight plates
• Powdercoating provides secure grip

Cons

• Pricey
• High starting weight

Bottom Line

Heavy-duty and with a standard kettlebell feel, the IronMasters Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebells are a solid set of adjustable kettlebells that allow for a wide variety of weight jumps. The compatibility with the dumbbell weights make this product unique and valuable.

There’s a big elephant to address with the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle, and that’s the fact that it’s just a handle. So yes, you’re paying around $100 just for a 22-pound handle that you then need to purchase additional weight plates for to make it heavier. 

With all that in mind, this is still one of the most versatile adjustable kettlebells on the market and I think it’s worth it for some people. One big reason for that is because it can be used with Ironmaster’s Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells plates, so if you already own an Ironmaster then it’s a no-brainer. Even if you don’t, I think it’s worth looking into getting one just because you can have all the benefits of dumbbells and kettlebells without taking up too much space.

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

The quick-lock kettlebell handle can go up to 80 pounds, which is pretty heavy for a kettlebell and enough for us to score it a 5 out of 5 when it comes to weight range. It feels good during use, but heavy weights can put a bit of a strain on the wrist. The handle is heavy and powder-coated, giving it a good grip, and it starts at 22 pounds. That’s a heavy starting point and might be a bit much for beginners, but I don’t think that’s Ironmaster’s primary audience.

Too many people pit kettlebells and dumbbells against each other, but with Ironmaster you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Yes, it may be a bit pricey when you buy both at once, but when you compare the cost to fixed options, the value is clear.

To learn more about Ironmaster, read my in-depth Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Most User-Friendly Adjustable Kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Good for: People who don’t want to fiddle with their adjustable kettlebell to change the weight 

Most User-Friendly

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

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Product Highlights

• Easy adjustment
• Wide range of weights
• 2-year warranty
• Feels like a traditional kettlebell

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to adjust the weight
• Wide range of weights
• Comes with a two-year warranty
• Feels like a traditional kettlebell

Cons

• Only goes up to 40 pounds
• The handle is quite thin and slippery
• The plastic base doesn’t feel very sturdy

Bottom Line

One of the best adjustable kettlebells that's offered at a decent price.

With the exception of the competition-style adjustable kettlebells, none of the adjustable kettlebells we tested were that hard to adjust. But the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell has, without a doubt, the quickest adjustment out of any adjustable kettlebell we tested. 

You can go from 8 pounds to 40 in the snap of a finger, with relatively no friction, just by turning the dial. That’s the textbook definition of a 5 out of 5 adjustment mechanism rating. It replaces six kettlebells in one, about the standard for adjustable kettlebells, and it surprisingly feels like a real kettlebell despite being made of plastic. 

Another thing that makes this a great user-friendly adjustable kettlebell is Bowflex’s library of training videos, which can be found on their website. I like that Bowflex helps to educate people on the proper way to use a kettlebell, especially since they’re not quite as intuitive as a dumbbell. 

There’s also a two-year warranty, but you have to register your kettlebell online once you receive it if you think you’re going to take advantage of the warranty. 

Now, is this the best adjustable kettlebell? Absolutely not. The plastic shell isn’t durable (it gets a 1 out of 5 on durability), the handle is quite thin and doesn’t take chalk very well, and it only goes up to 40 pounds. Also, I wish there were more increments in between the minimum and maximum for more gradual progression. 

With all that in mind, it’s still a budget-friendly and compact piece of equipment that provides all the benefits of a kettlebell. You can snatch and goblet squat with it all day and it’ll get the job done. I’d recommend it to anyone low on space or money, or anyone who doesn’t lift very heavy weights. 

To read more of my thoughts on this product, read our full Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell review.

Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Beginners: REP Fitness 16KG Adjustable Kettlebell

Good for: People who want to start using adjustable kettlebells, or kettlebells in general.  

For Beginners

REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells

Community Score: 5

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Product Highlights

• Feels like a traditional kettlebell
• Incredibly durable, especially for an adjustable kettlebell
• Clearly marked weight increments

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Feels like a regular kettlebell
• Weights are quick and easy to change
• Weight adjusts to 24kg
• Rubber bottom helps protect flooring
• Offered in kilograms and pounds

Cons

• Plastic changing mechanism could break

Bottom Line

If you close your eyes (although we don’t advise it because kettlebells are heavy) when using the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells, you will think that you are using a regular kettlebell.

The reason I recommend the REP Fitness 16kg Adjustable Kettlebell for beginners is because anyone just getting into kettlebells should know what they feel like, and REP does that better than anyone. Other adjustable kettlebells are made of plastic, sometimes steel, but these were the only ones that had the powder-coated cast iron shell that could’ve fooled you into thinking you were touching a real kettlebell. 

This is important because one of the biggest benefits of kettlebell training is improved grip strength due to its thick handle. But when you’re just starting out at something you need a little help and this shell’s powder coat helps provide that. A plastic handle, by contrast, is a little more slippery and if you’re not confident in your grip…well, let’s just say you don’t want to be swinging near the China cabinet.

RELATED: The 10 Best Grip Strength Exercises

The weight increments are also perfect for providing novices with a challenge, without overloading them either. You get a starting weight of 8 kilograms (about 17.5 pounds) and a maximum weight of 16 kilograms (a hair over 35). I do wish they had more increments in between those two weights to allow for gradual progression, but we’re sure you’ll get the hang of it. It’s enough for it to earn a 4 out of 5 for weight range, and the dial mechanism is an easy 5 out of 5 due to how simple it is.

Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Heavy Lifters: Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell Swing

Good for: Anyone who needs more weight than adjustable kettlebells can offer 

For Heavy Lifters

Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell

GGR Score: 4.8

Community Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Compact
• Portable
• Works with most Olympic plates
• Around $60

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Can hold up to 500 lbs
• Works with most Olympic plates
• Budget-friendly at around $60

Cons

• Weight distribution doesn’t feel like a traditional kettlebell
• Taller than most kettlebells so the weight hangs low
• Can be difficult to get the peg through the holes

Bottom Line

A durable and portable handle that allows you to do kettlebell training with Olympic weight plates.

Do you want to do heavy kettlebell swings–and I mean, heavy kettlebell swings? Then you need the Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell Swing. This is a loadable rod with a kettlebell-like handle that can be fitted with just about any 2-inch Olympic plate, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. Now that’s what I call heavy.

It must be said this feels a lot different than a kettlebell for a few reasons, with one being that the weight is a lot further from your hands than it is on a traditional free weight. That’s going to take some getting used to, as will the 19-inch height. Some reviews by shorter people state the weight scratches the floor, but I didn’t find that to be a problem. (If you want to protect your floors, check out our best home gym flooring guide). 

Adjustments are also going to take longer than other adjustable kettlebells, since you’re loading and unloading plates for each weight change. Our expert product tester adds, “It’s great for heavy kettlebell squats, but if you’re wanting a quick weight change in the middle of your workout, this isn’t it.” He rates the adjustment mechanism a 3 out of 5.

Other than that, you can do many kettlebell movements you would do with an ordinary kettlebell. I really like that the handle resembles a kettlebell, and has a 33-millimeter diameter. Because it’s so close to the real deal, I’m going to score the handle a 5 out of 5.

It has a larger sleeve height than similar products, while still being budget-friendly, and the powder-coat finish means it won’t corrode that quickly. It also has a flat base that allows it to stand up when not in use. 

Best Budget Adjustable Kettlebell: Kettle Gryp

Good for: People looking for the most budget-friendly option and don’t mind some tinkering

Best Budget

Kettle Gryp

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Portable
• Unique concept
• Less than $50
• Great for small spaces

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable
• Creative solution for home gym owners on a low budget
• Great for anyone who travels on a regular basis

Cons

• Requires you to have dumbbells
• Weight distribution feels different than a kettlebell
• Thin handle is made of lightweight plastic

Bottom Line

A unique solution to home gym owners who don't own kettlebells but want to train with them.

We might be cheating a little bit with this one, but the Kettle Gryp is a great budget option for those who are looking to do some kettlebell training. It’s a plastic handle that locks a fixed dumbbell in place to transform them into a kettlebell. As we cover in our in-depth Kettle Gryp review, you simply lock the dumbbell in place, grab the handle, and start swinging. 

I say swinging because the design doesn’t lend it to snatches very well, and presses aren’t that bad but they’re not the best either. Caine Wilkes, GGR senior staff writer and Tokyo Olympian, felt the same way in his Kettle Gryp review. “The Kettle Gryp works fine on squats, deadlifts, and swings, but movements with rotation along the handle—notably snatches and cleans—felt clunky and awkward in practice,” he explains.

He could still do those moves, in addition to carries and get-ups, just fine but they didn’t feel like they do with an actual kettlebell. Part of that is because dumbbells and kettlebells have very different weight distribution (to learn more, read our dumbbells vs. kettlebells comparison). 

The 1.15-inch handle diameter is smaller than most kettlebells so it might take some getting used to if you’ve trained with traditional kettlebells, especially if you have bigger hands. Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and GGR’s performance editor, has baseball glove-sized hands and was still able to use it, so we’ll give the handle a 3 out of 5 score.

While the Kettle Gryp is only recommended for dumbbells with a handle up to 4.5 inches long up to 55 pounds, I was able to fit a 150-pound dumbbell in it just fine. I’m not recommending you go over the weight limit, I’m just saying it has worked for weights heavier than the advertised capacity.  

I’d recommend this for anyone low on budget, or people who are constantly traveling (not many hotel gyms have kettlebells). 

RELATED: Kettle Gryp made our Best Fitness Gifts list!

Other Adjustable Kettlebells We Tested

If you thought that was all the adjustable kettlebells we tested, think again. We tried out quite a few that, for reasons we’re about to get into, didn’t make our final list. That said, we still wanted to let you know about them in case you think they’re worthwhile. 

JAXJOX Kettlebell Connect 2.0: If you’re looking for the best smart adjustable kettlebell, the JAXJOX Kettlebell Connect 2.0 is the one we recommend. But in full honesty, that’s not saying much. While it’s cool the kettlebell can track your workout for you via an app, I wasn’t blown away by this product. For one, you have to plug the whole thing back into the base to change weights, which is annoying, and the clunky app needs a major overhaul. 

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell: This kettlebell is the exact same kettlebell as the Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell, from the adjustment mechanism down to the weight increments, but at a higher price. Seeing as they’re the same thing, we recommend going with the more budget-friendly option. 

Tru Grit Adjustable Kettlebell: This adjustable kettlebell from Tru Grit is the same adjustable kettlebell as the Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell, but at a higher price. 

Kettlebell Kings 10-40 lb. Adjustable Kettlebell: Same story as above. All three are made on the same manufacturing line, just with different colors and branding and sold at different prices.  

How We Picked and Tested Our Best Adjustable Kettlebells

After scouring the internet to find all the different types of adjustable kettlebells out there, we then had them shipped to my garage gym and tested every single one of them out. That means there were countless hours of kettlebell swings, snatches, presses, goblet squats, and halos. 

But working out with them wasn’t the only thing we looked at. Here’s what else went into us deciding what made the list, and what got left off. 

Weight Range

The reason people choose adjustable kettlebells is because they don’t want to purchase a kettlebell set, and just want one piece of equipment. To that end, we looked at the weight range of each product and how many kettlebells it replaced. A kettlebell workout routine might use heavier weights for one exercise and lighter weights for the next. Having that versatility is vital in an adjustable kettlebell. 

Adjustment System 

We wanted to make sure each adjustable kettlebell was easy to…well, adjust. The weight settings should be intuitive, or at the very least quick to change so you’re not spending precious time in between sets fiddling with the kettlebell to get to your desired weight.  

Price Point 

This is something we look at for every piece of workout equipment, and with adjustable kettlebells we wanted to make sure you were actually saving money. It doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive one that costs more than a kettlebell set off of Amazon, does it? 

Durability

You want to make sure your adjustable kettlebell will last you a while. We flagged certain products that are made of materials that aren’t heavy-duty (like plastic) and might not stand up to the wear and tear of frequent use. 

Handle 

Kettlebells by their very nature present a risk of slipping out of your hand and causing some damage to the people around you or your property. We wanted to make sure the kettlebells we recommended had a grippy, ergonomic handle that feels good in the hand during use. 

Benefits of Adjustable Kettlebells

It should go without saying, but one of the best parts of adjustable kettlebells is the fact that they save you money and space. After all, you’re replacing multiple weight options with just one piece of equipment that costs less than an entire kettlebell set. 

So instead of rattling on about those two factors, we’ll talk about why you might want to engage in kettlebell training. 

Strength Training and Cardio in One 

Kettlebells are beloved by functional fitness and weightlifting fanatics alike, because they give you the best of both worlds. You can work on strength, flexibility, and endurance all at the same time due to the shape and center of gravity, which is further from your hand than a dumbbell or barbell. 

A study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise¹ actually found you burn as many calories during a 20-minute kettlebell workout as you do running a 6-minute-per-mile pace, with the added benefit of getting a muscle-building workout in. 

The adjustable weight on an adjustable kettlebell allows you to increase the intensity of these workouts as you get stronger and improve your cardiovascular endurance over time. 

RELATED: Kettlebell Around the World

Better Grip Strength   

The thick, smooth handle on a kettlebell challenges you to keep a tight grip on it, which increases your grip strength. A 2015 study² showed improvements in grip strength among college adults after just 5 weeks of kettlebell training.

Better grip strength means you’ll be able to hold onto a barbell–or your grocery bags–for longer periods of time.

Build Explosive Strength 

The kettlebell swing requires power in your hips and posterior chain, and as those areas get stronger you’ll be able to better execute movements like running and the clean and jerk, which require explosive power from your lower body. 

What to Look For in an Adjustable Kettlebell 

Coming to this article was a good first step in your search for an adjustable kettlebell, but before you make your final decision here are a few key things to keep in mind. 

Weight

Ask yourself honestly how good of a lifter you are, and whether you need something on the heavier or lighter side. Yes, adjustable kettlebells have wide ranges sometimes, but you also don’t want to pay for something that has a maximum weight you’re not quite ready for. 

Then, learn some quick math because just about every kettlebell out there, including the adjustable ones, are sold in kilograms instead of pounds. A kilogram is 2.2 pounds. 

One other thing to know is kettlebell weight ranges aren’t as straightforward as dumbbells, which typically increase in 2.5 to 5 pound increments. Kettlebells, on the other hand, jump 4-8 kilograms (9-18 pounds). This is because they follow a unit of measurement called a “pood,” which translates to 16 kilograms (35 pounds).

The pood is no longer used anywhere in the world, but that’s what Russian strongmen used back when the kettlebell was created and for some reason manufacturers never strayed from that.

Handle 

You wouldn’t ride a bike with a seat too small or big for your frame, and you shouldn’t use a kettlebell with a handle that doesn’t work for your hands. This can be a problem if you’re online shopping and can’t feel the handle beforehand, but a general guide is people with smaller hands should stick to handles around 28 millimeters in diameter, whereas those with larger hands might want something around 33 or 35 millimeters.

Shell coating 

Many budget-friendly adjustable kettlebells are made of plastic, which gets the job done but it’s not durable. If you want something that will last many years, and you have the budget for it, opt for a powder-coated cast iron shell.

Best Kettlebells FAQs

References

1. Schnettler, C., Porcari, J., Foster, C., Anders, M. (2010). Kettlebells: Twice the Results in Half the Time? ACE FitnessMatters, 16(1), 6-10.
2. Quednow, J., Sedlak, T., Meier, J., Janot, J., & Braun, S. (2015). The effects of high intensity interval-based kettlebells and battle rope training on grip strength and body composition in college-aged adults. International Journal of Exercise Science, 8(2), 3.

Coop Mitchell

Cooper Mitchell ("Coop') is the creator of Garage Gym Reviews. He's produced more content on home gyms and training equipment than likely anyone else in the world and is recognized as the foremost expert in the space. When not writing about barbells, squat racks, and other pieces of equipment, he can be found eating tacos and reading biographies on dead people. Coop has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Art of Manliness, Starting Strength, Men's Health, Business Insider and many others.

Further reading

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We put together one of the best dumbbell triceps workouts ever, so you can build bigger, strong arms with minimal equipment! Check it out! Read more

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Finding the best commercial treadmill on your own can be tough, which is why Garage Gym Reviews is here to save the day! Check out our five favorite options. Read more