15 Best Kettlebells Reviewed + Buying & Workout Guide 2024

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TOP 15 Best Kettlebells Reviewed + Buying & Workout Guide for 2024

The mighty kettlebell, made famous by the CrossFit and Functional fitness trend, is quickly becoming a fixture in many home and garage gyms.

The kettlebell deserves a spot in the home gym.

Kettlebells are, compact, versatile, useful, strength building tools that rival dumbbells.

If you are thinking of adding kettlebells to your home or garage gym repertoire, look no further!

I have carefully hand-selected and reviewed the 15 best kettlebells of 2024 right here.

I also include the best way to use a kettlebell in your workout, and what you need to know before you choose a kettlebell for your home gym.

TOP 15 Best Kettlebells for 2024

Here’s an overview of 15 of the best kettlebells for your home or garage gym.

Rogue Kettlebells

Rogue kettlebells in outdoor

Review: These Rogue standard size kettlebells live up to the Rogue reputation of quality and ruggedness. These Rogue kettlebells are made from first-run iron ore, not cheap scrap.

They are cast in one solid piece using a process that eliminates the handle seam and prevents dips, voids and other imperfections the cheaper guys have.

There are 17 weight increments available so there is a kettlebell there that is sure to be perfect for you.

Pros

  • Single piece cast from first run ore.
  • Seam-free handles.
  • Precision machined flat bottom.
  • Black matte finish adds superior grip even with sweaty hands.

Cons

  • Handles could be a bit wider to allow for two hands.

Takeaway

Excellent grip, good looks, reasonable price, high quality with attention to detail is what you will get if you choose these Rogue kettlebells.

Rogue Monster Kettlebells

Rogue Monster Kettlebells

Review: Need more Kettlebell? These Monster kettlebells are beasts, designed for some serious HEAVY lifting. The lightest weighs 97 lbs and the heaviest 203 lbs.

They are cast from one massive solid piece of first-run iron ore. These high-quality kettlebells are finished with Rogues signature black matte powder coat for superior appearance and grip.

The bottomed is machined flat so it will stay upright and is free of seams thanks to the casting process.

Pros

  • Kettlebell finish adds significant grip.
  • Monster kettlebells available in weights from 97 lbs to 203 lbs.
  • Flat base for stability during floor exercises.
  • 58mm handle diameter.

Cons

  • The texture of this kettlebell can be rough on bare hands.

Takeaway

The heaviest kettlebells you can buy, made from the highest quality iron ore, using precise manufacturing methods. You will not be disappointed.

Prime Kettlebells by Fringe Sport

Prime Kettlebells by Fringe Sport

Review: The Fringe Sport Prime kettlebells are some of the most attractive kettlebells I have seen. They have a beautiful black matte finish and I love that they are color-coded and easy to id the weight by color.

They have one distinctive feature that sets them apart from others. The handle diameters are just a bit wider than the other guys.

This can be seen as an advantage as you are strengthening your grip each time you swing these around. That’s an excellent two-for-one deal in my book.

Pros

  • Matte black powder coat finish.
  • Both kilo and lb listed on each kettlebell.
  • Color-coded for easy ID.

Cons

  • Weight is in lbs, but each kettlebell is in fractions of a lb, not whole lbs.

Takeaway

Top-rated, attractive, well made, color-coded kettlebells with the wide handles for grip strengthening.

REP Fitness LB Kettlebells

REP Fitness LB Kettlebells

Review: These high-quality kettlebells from REP Fitness are sure to become a favorite for many reasons. To start with, the weight is listed in whole pounds, which is not common with kettlebells.

These weights are carefully made from single-cast, not sand-cast, and the bottom is completely flat so they sit flat and stable with no wobble.

They have a smooth surface, making the handles comfortable, with no burrs or sharp edges.

These REP Fitness kettlebells offer all this and are still some of the least expensive kettlebells around. They are the best bang for your buck I know of.

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Now in whole pound LB increments.
  • High-quality single cast.
  • Completely flat base.

Cons

  • No vinyl coating so they could mark the floor.

Takeaway

Best budget-friendly kettlebell, high quality at a fair price. Best kettlebells for home gym on a budget.

REP Fitness Kettlebells

REP Fitness LB Kettlebells

Review: REP kettlebells come in weights ranging from 2.2 lbs (1kg) all the way up to 106 lbs (48 kg). They are stamped with both lbs and kg and have colored bands to help visually identify the weight.

The handles are lightly textured and allow a strong grip thanks to a matte finish powder coat finish.

These high-quality kettlebells are single-cast iron one-piece design and will last a lifetime.

Pros

  • Single cast solid iron, one piece construction.
  • Available in heavy weights, up to 106 lbs.
  • Matte powder coat means no need for chalk, excellent texture and grip.

Cons

  • Some find the texture abrasive to the hands, especially when performing high reps.

Takeaway

Best quality kettlebells on the market, perfect for CrossFit, HIIT and kettlebell class.

AmazonBasics Vinyl Coated Kettlebell

Sale
Amazon Basics Vinyl Kettlebell - 20 Pounds, Orange
  • 20 pound kettlebell weight for exercise and strength training
  • Solid cast iron with Orange vinyl coating that protects floors, reduces noise, and prevents corrosion
  • Flat base for stay-in-place storage; weight clearly printed on both sides
  • Textured, wide, curved handle offers a comfortable, secure grip; hold with one hand or two
  • Available in multiple color-coded weight sizes to mix and match for specific workout needs and to expand on over time (additional weights sold separately)

Review: The best part of these AmazonBasics kettlebells, besides the low price, is that they have a vinyl coating. This coating helps you because it makes the kettlebell quieter to use and prevents the kettlebell from scratching or marking your floors.

I love that the vinyl coating is brightly colored, as you will have no problem identifying the weight by sight.

Pros

  • Color coded, easy to ID weight by sight.
  • Affordable.
  • Vinyl coated, won’t scuff or scratch floor.

Cons

  • Base is not completely flat and stable.

Takeaway

The best basic kettlebells, these get my vote for best kettlebells for beginners.

RKC Russian Dragon Door Kettlebell

Russian Kettlebell - 8kg (18 lbs)
  • 18lbs / 8kg
  • Powerful tool to aid weight loss and muscle gain
  • Official RKC Russian Kettlebell
  • Rust Resistant & Smooth, comfortable grip

Review: Legendary lifting equipment manufacturer RKC manufactures this superb kettlebell, available in weights ranging from 10 to 22 lbs.

They have a wide flat bottom, a finely textured cast iron, and a stamp in the center with the brand and weight in kg and lbs clearly marked.

Pros

  • Available in 10, 18 or 22 lbs.
  • Solid single cast iron.
  • No seams, sharp edges or protrusions.

Cons

  • The handle is not big enough to use with two hands.

Takeaway

A solid, well-made kettlebell from one of the best kettlebell brands.

Body-Solid Vinyl-Coated Kettlebells Set

Body-Solid Vinyl-Coated Kettlebells Set, 5-30 Pounds
  • Durable vinyl-coated bottom protects floors, reduces noise and prevents corrosion
  • Permanently stamped weight number on front of bell for easy identification
  • Kettlebell set offers 6 weights in increments of 5 pounds, 5-30 pounds
  • Angled handles reduce stress on your wrist while the texture provides a safe, secure grip
  • Great for a variety of strength and endurance exercises

Review: This Body-Solid kettlebell set is one of the best values for your money you’ll be able to find anywhere. The set includes one each of 5lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 25lb, and 30lb.

These kettlebells have a unique hexagonal handle that is easy on the wrist preventing strain or injury, especially during kettlebell swings.

Each weight is vinyl coated for noise reduction and corrosion resistance and clearly labeled with the weight in pounds.

Pros

  • Set of 6 kettlebells ranging from 5 to 30 lbs.
  • Vinyl coated for dampening noise and preventing oxidation.
  • Hex angles shape lessens strain on wrist during swings.

Cons

  • The flat bottom has a small footprint and the kettlebell, the tendency to tip.

Takeaway

The best set of kettlebells in all of our kettlebell reviews.

Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebell

Sale
Kettlebell Kings | Powder Coated Kettlebells Weight 8KG | Hand weights Workout Gym Equipment & Strength training sets for Women & Men | Weights set for Home Gym (4-48KG)
  • PREMIUM QUALITY CAST IRON KETTLEBELL: Our hollow core kettlebells are made from a single cast, without fillers. Unlike welded and filled bells, they won't rattle or shift during exercise.
  • POWDER COATED WORKOUT WEIGHTS : These cast iron kettlebells are powder coated to prevent rust & corrosion and to avoid slipping during use. The texture gives better grip strength without usage of chalk.
  • RECESSED LOGO - Easier on wrist and forearm because logo is inside the bell instead of protruding outside. Smooth finish and ergonomic design helps in comfortable overhead lifts.
  • WEIGHT ACCURACY - PRECISION MADE - Kettlebells made from gravity casting, a precise way to create a kettlebell. This ensures weight accuracy as per international standards.
  • DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING: Designed to withstand intense and regular workouts, these kettlebells are highly durable and can serve as a long-term addition to your home or gym strength training equipment.

Review: Kettlebell Kings are gravity cast and form one single piece of cast iron, making a stronger kettlebell with a precise weight every time.

Kings kettlebells are available in weights of 4 kilos to 48 kilos. These kettlebells are powder-coated enamel over solid construction cast iron, with color bands on the handles that are coded for weight.

I love the wide flat base of kettlebell kings bells, because you can use these for push up stands and more, they are quite stable.

Pros

  • Powder coated corrosion and rust resistant.
  • Single piece construction, durable.
  • Textured handle provides a secure grip.

Cons

  • Some find the handle diameter too narrow. It is 33 mm diameter.

Takeaway

The king of kettlebells, and one of the best kettlebells for small hands.

Power Systems Kor Kettlebells

Power Systems Kor Kettlebell, 25 Pounds, Blue/Advanced (50190)
  • Pliable, rubber surface of Kor Kettlebells is kinder to floors and users
  • Durable, molded handle provides a solid grip for smooth rotation
  • Uniformly sized for consistent technique development
  • Blue = Advanced
  • Sold separately in 9 different weights - from 5 to 35 pounds

Review: Power Systems makes kettlebells from 5 lbs up to 30 lbs. The handles are coated in a grippy silicone material, and the entire bell is hard rubber-like material, reducing noise and floor wear.

These are perfect for use in a crowded class, or in a home gym, where you do not want to damage floors and walls.

Pros

  • Grippy ribbed silicone-covered handle is sweat-resistant and easy to hold.
  • Rubber bell reduces noise and wear to gym surfaces.
  • Textured rubber surface is ideal for exercises where you hold the bell instead of the handle, or toss, pass or swing the kettlebell to a partner.

Cons

  • Balances different than cast iron.

Takeaway

The best kettlebells for beginners.

Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

Review: This Titan adjustable kettlebell offers 6 different weights in one kettlebell making it the one of the best adjustable kettlebells around.

It uses cast iron plates and a knob dial adjuster to quickly and easily adjust the weight. It has an extra-wide handle, for swings and other moves calling for two hands, and a large flat base for stability.

Pros

  • 6 weight adjustments from 5 to 40 lbs.
  • Uses Cast iron weight plates.
  • Easy knob selector adjustment to change weight fast.

Cons

  • Handle needs occasional maintenance and re-tighten of the screws.

Takeaway

This Titan kettlebell is the best adjustable kettlebell available, hands down.

CAP Barbell Vinyl Coated Cement Kettlebell

CAP Barbell Vinyl Coated Cement Kettlebell, 20 lb
  • Helps develop strength, power, endurance and balance
  • Protective vinyl shell to prevent wear and tear
  • Great option for getting a whole body workout in a short time

Review: This CAP kettlebell is made from Vinyl coated cement making it very affordable. The vinyl coating reduces noise, protects floors and offers traction so you do not lose grip on the handle.

With their relatively narrow width handle, these are among the best kettlebells for women because they fit more petite hands well.

Pros

  • Wide flat handle enough room for two hands.
  • Completely encased in vinyl to protect kettlebell and gym surfaces.
  • Very affordable.

Cons

  • Pund per pound, larger than metal kettlebells.

Takeaway

The most affordable kettlebell of all these reviews.

Marcy Hammertone Kettlebells

Marcy HKB-035 Hammertone Kettle Bell, 35 lb , Black
  • Premium Quality Kettlebells: Marcy’s kettlebell weights are furnished with high-quality hammer-tone finish for optimum performance and durability. The ergonomic construction boasts a sturdy handle that ensures a secure grip during exercise.
  • Patented Design: Our kettlebells are constructed from recyclable cast iron reinforced with a non-rust coating. The coating offers exceptional metal protection that resists damage to the bells and prevents rust buildup.
  • Ideal Home Gym Equipment: Enjoy working out from the comfort of your home with our versatile gym gear. Our kettlebell weights are excellent for various strength-training and circuit training exercises.
  • Kettlebell Sizes: This kettlebell is available in 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 45, and 55 pounds to allow you to customize your training according to your needs. Each piece of equipment is cast to a precise weight for safe and efficient weightlifting exercises.
  • Kettlebell Sets: With a limited two-year manufacturer guarantee that lets you get the most out of your investment, our strength training kettlebells can be a great addition to your gym set.

Review: These handsome Hammertone finish kettlebells from Marcy come in weights of 10 lbs to 55 lbs.

The durable finish will not peel or chip like paint might, and offers just the right amount of texture for a solid grip, without forming calluses and being rough on the hands.

Pros

  • Attractive and durable hammertone enamel finish.
  • Weight of up to 55 lbs.
  • Wide flat handle, accommodates two hands.

Cons

  • The flat bottom surface is pretty small, so these kettlebells may tip over.

Takeaway

Best looking kettlebell from one of the best kettlebell brands.

TRX Gravity Cast Kettlebell

Review: TRX kettlebells are gravity cast which means each kettlebell will have a uniform weight and be one solid piece.

Available in weights of 4 to 40 kg, with a matte finish that offers a secure grip on the handle.

My favorite aspect of these kettlebells is their large flat stable base so they won’t tip and stand well for pushups and other bodyweight exercises.

Pros

  • Gravity cast iron one single piece, more durable than handles that are screwed on.
  • Color-coded according to weight for easy identification.
  • Large flat base.

Cons

  • Handle is a little small for two handed exercises.

Takeaway

With decent grip, and one piece construction these are some of the best kettlebells of 2024.

Titan Fitness Cast Iron Kettlebell

Titan Fitness 50 LB Cast Iron Kettlebell, Single Piece Casting, LB Markings, Full Body Workout
  • NO FILLER OR WELDING: Each Kettlebell is individually cast as one solid piece instead of welding parts together. The mold has a hollow core cast to precisely the correct weight ensuring accuracy compared to other molds
  • FREE WEIGHTS FOR STRENGTH TRAINING: Kettlebells allow you to target a wide range of muscle groups, giving you a full-body workout. Use these kettlebells to perform swings, deadlifts, squats, get-ups, snatches, and other athletic or cross-training exercises.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Each kettlebell is well-formed, balanced, and features an easy-to-grip handle for a comfortable and non-slip grip. The finished texture holds chalk well but provides enough texture that chalk is not needed.
  • PRACTICAL: Standard-sized handle wonâ€t hurt your wrists; flat bottom makes it easy to store and prevents rolling
  • DIMENSIONS: The 50 LB Kettlebell measures 10.7-inch tall with a 6.8-inch base. The smooth handle provides a 38mm diameter hold.

Review: This kettlebell from the reputable fitness equipment manufacturer, Titan will not disappoint.

It has a handle large enough for two hands to fit comfortably is made from solid cast iron and has a finish that allows for slip-free handling.

The kettlebell has no rough edges or protrusions and the weight is stamped into the front in pounds.

Pros

  • Grippy finish that gives just the right amount of texture without tearing your hands up.
  • Large handle with wide grip fits both hands at once.
  • Carefully finished with no seams or rough edges sticking out.

Cons

  • Packaging for shipping needs improvement.

Takeaway

Titan is one of the best brand of kettlebells, and this hefty kettlebell is a prime example of the brand’s craftsmanship.

woman in CrossFit gym holding a kettlebell and wearing CrossFit shoes

First Things First: What is a Kettlebell?

A traditional kettlebell is a metal weight, usually cast iron or steel, shaped in a ball with a metal handle on top and a flat base on the bottom of the ball.

Ideally, the kettlebell is one solid piece of metal. Inferior kettlebells may have handles that screw on and those should be avoided as they can break and be hazardous.

To use a kettlebell you simply grip the handle and lift the weight.

Kettlebells are simple, safer and easier to balance than barbells, which is one reason why they are so popular in functional fitness and CrossFit.

Picture this:

You are doing weighted box step-ups, onto an 18 inch wood plyobox.

Which is safer to use while stepping up on the box? A long barbell on your back? Or a compact kettlebell held near your torso, close to your center of gravity?

The compact size of the kettlebell allows you to maintain balance easier than the barbell would.

Why do I Need Kettlebells? What are the Benefits of Kettlebells?

woman wearing crossfit hand grips and using kettlebell

Unilateral Training – it seems obvious, but you can use a kettlebell with one hand, and train unilaterally, or one side of the body at a time.

You can’t really do that with barbells which generally use both hands.

Balance – many exercises that call for barbells or dumbbells can be done with a kettlebell, and it is easier to balance a kettlebell.

Take the squat as an example. It is traditionally done with a barbell, but you can use a kettlebell in each hand and have better balance and work more stabilizing muscles using kettlebells.

No one has ever heard of the barbell swing, right?

With a kettlebell, you can perform a kettlebell swing, which includes bending the knees slightly while swinging the bell through your legs and back, and returning to an upright position while swinging the bell up over your head.

The kettlebell swing is an excellent exercise and hits most of the core muscle groups in your body, along with burning a respectable number of calories with each swing.

You can’t do a swing with a barbell because you will take out your neighbor or land flat on your bottom, or worse if you try.

The kettlebells concentrated center of gravity makes them easier to hoist up above your head, or hold away from your body with your arm fully extended.

closeup image of a kettlebell and CrossFit gloves in gym

What can I do with the Humble Kettlebell? Kettlebell Exercises and Workouts

Kettlebells can provide a full-body workout. Many exercises that engage the core, the shoulders, the legs, and the lower back make use of a kettlebell.

For beginners or lighter intensity workouts, kettlebells can be used for squats.

KB Exercise #1: Kettlebell Farmers Walk

This super simple move utilizes two heavy kettlebells lifted from the ground and held at your side as you walk the length of the gym.

Whoever said working out had to be complicated?

KB Exercise #2: Kettlebell Deadlift

The kettlebell deadlift is an alternative move to the barbell deadlift.

Place the kettlebell centered in front of you, grab the handle with both hands and lift the weight while your arms remain extended toward the ground.

KB Exercise #3: Turkish Get Up

This is a more complicated kettlebell exercise that work core muscles and pretty much everything else.

The exercise begins on the ground while laying on your side, holding the kettlebell, rolling to your back, maintaining the kettlebell overhead, getting on one elbow, bringing one knee up with foot planted on the floor, posting to the hand, sweeping the other leg behind you, standing upright, then returning, performing the motions in reverse.

KB Exercise #4: Bicep Curls

Many people find that low-intensity bicep curls work great with a kettlebell, since the weight distribution is perfectly even.

KB Exercise #5: Kettlebell Swing

We have previously described the kettlebell swing, but this video demonstrates the move well.

Kettlebell Workout Routines

This quick full-body kettlebell workout will keep you fit with minimum time and fuss, right from home. All you need is a kettlebell and 15 minutes to get it done.

This workout is great for beginners because there is an intro which quickly covers each move, followed by a full length follow along workout.

This HIIT style kettlebell workout will rev your metabolism and burn calories and fat long after the workout is complete. The workout covers kettlebell squats, kettlebell pushups, kettlebell cleans and more.

How do I Find the Best Kettlebells for My Workout?

Not all kettlebells are built equal.

Despite their similar appearance, kettlebells can have different designs.

The small differences may not be noticeable at first glance, but each kettlebell brand designs their kettlebells in specific ways.

Let’s take a look at some of the variations possible between each brand and style.

athlete doing squats with kettlebell

The Grip Width and Diameter

The grip, or the handle, is where you hold the kettlebell. There’s no standard for handle diameter or width unless the kettlebells are competition grade which most home kettlebells are not.

As a result, some kettlebells have thinner grips others have wider grip diameters.

A wider diameter grip can help you improve your grip. The Prime Kettlebells by Fringe Sport are a good example of kettlebells with a wide diameter handle.

The width of the handle matters, too. If you are using both hands, like you would with a two-hand swing, you want the kettlebell handle to be wide enough to accommodate both hands. The Cap Vinyl-coated kettlebells have a wide handle that allows you to use both hands at the same time.

Grip Texture

Some grips are textured, and this is a huge bonus if your hands sweat easily.

Your hands may slide on polished, smooth grips, and they may slip out of your hand. Some manufacturers use powder coating, hammertone finishes or other matte finishes to add grip.

Some kettlebells have texture built into the cast metal.

Be careful!

Too much texture may lead to callouses or tears.

If you need help with your grip, or do not want to develop callouses on your hands, why not consider a pair of CrossFit gloves? I have a list of the best CrossFit gloves here.

Kettlebell Construction

Look for one-piece construction!

The most important thing to look for concerning the grip handle is the way it’s integrated with the weight. In other words, look for a kettlebell that is all one piece.

Ideally, the handle and weight are one solid piece of metal.

Be Aware: cheap kettlebells have screwed on handles that are separate from the metal bell. These are not advised as they can break and be dangerous.

A quality one-piece construction kettlebell should have smooth seams with no jagged or rough edges that may scratch and cut skin.

Flat bottoms are what you want when it comes to kettlebells!

man doing push ups using kettlebells in crossfit gym

Round bottoms are great on everything except kettlebells.

If you plan on using the kettlebell as leverage against the floor, you need a flat bottom kettlebell.

Kettlebell push-ups are one exercise where a flat bottom is needed.

It’s better to select a kettlebell with a wide flat bottom. They’re more stable and easier to store than kettlebells with small bases or uneven bottoms.

Rogue kettlebells have wide flat bottoms that are very stable. Check them out!

Kettlebell Coatings

The coating of a kettlebell may provide any combination of 3 characteristics:

  • Coating for noise reduction – kettlebells with a vinyl coat are make less noise when set or dropped on the floor. They also protect floors and other gym surfaces.
  • Coated for corrosion and oxidation resistance – the matte black or enamel coating on the kettlebell helps prevent rust or oxidation of the weight.
  • Coated to provide grip and texture – the manufacturer may place a matte or textured finish to enhance the ability to hold and grip the bell, even with sweaty hands.

Standard, Adjustable or Portable

There are three styles of kettlebell:

  • Standard: standard kettlebells are the regular, one solid piece of cast iron you see in most gyms.
  • Adjustable: adjustable kettlebells have weights that can be added or removed to change the weight. These are good for small gyms where space is tight. They can be challenging to adjust and standard kettlebells will make your workout go faster.
  • Portable: portable kettlebells are good for those who travel a lot, or need a super space-saving option. You fill portable kettlebells with sand, gravel, pebbles, dirt or whatever material you have available.

If you are interested in adjustable kettlebells, I created a list of these space-saving workout wonders here.

I also have a list of the best adjustable dumbbells if you are interested in saving space.

Kettlebell FAQs

woman rubbing hands with gym chalk preparing to lift kettlebells

What are the Best Kettlebells to Buy?

If you are looking for an inexpensive high-quality kettlebell, I really like the Rep Fitness Kettlebells. They have the best value per dollar ratio out there. They are single cast, have nice wide handles, a machined flat bottom, and best of all they are really affordable.

If you are building your home or garage gym on a budget, I recommend you check out the article I wrote on how to build a budget home or garage gym. I cover configurations for several types of home gyms and give you DIY ideas to save even more money.

What are the Best Kettlebell Brands?

Looking for the best kettlebell brands? Look no further!

Brands, like Fringe Sport, Rogue, REP Fitness, Titan and Valeo, produce kettlebells with wider grips that work better for people with large hands.

Brands like AmazonBasics and Yes4All that create affordable vinyl-coated kettlebells, which work great for people who enjoy the protection of the coating.

Rogue, Fringe Sport, REP Fitness, Apollo Athletics, RKC, Kettlebell Kings, Marcy, TRX, Titan and Body Solid’s offerings are made of solid single cast iron, guaranteed to stand up to the test of time.

Do Kettlebells Really Work?

Kettlebells work for getting fit, strengthening muscles and getting a great workout.

They are just as useful as dumbbells for strengthening, and come in weights in excess of 200 lbs.

Check out these Rogue Monster kettlebells for high weight kettlebells from 97 lb up to 203 lbs.

They are serious muscle building tools.

Do I Need One or Two Kettlebells?

You can start off with just one kettlebell if you are a beginner, on a tight budget, or just want to give kettlebells a try.

The vast majority of kettlebell exercises are done with one kettlebell, so having only one will not hold you back when you are starting out.

The reason you may want to invest in a second identical weight kettlebell is for the few exercises where you might use two kettlebells, like a double kettlebell squat clean.

The best reason to invest in more than one kettlebell is to be able to vary the weight you use. As you progress, you will need more challenge, so a higher weight kettlebell may be just what you need.

Also, some exercises may be too difficult with a heavy kettlebell, and having the option to use a lower weight can be a benefit.

Can You Build Muscle with Kettlebells?

Absolutely.

The kettlebell was used originally as a muscle-building tool and is still used that way today.

Check out this video to see how the mighty kettlebell can help you build muscle.

If you are getting started building your own garage or home weight lifting gym, check out this collection of the best weight lifting equipment for a home gym that I created as I was building my own budget weight lifting home gym.

Are Kettlebells Better than Dumbbells?

Are kettlebells and dumbbells so similar that you don’t need both?

A valid question!

You don’t want to invest more than necessary in your home gym.

Let’s use a simple pros and cons list to sort things out.

Dumbells

Pros
  • Good for controlled (slower) movements.
  • Widely available.
Cons
  • Weight is divided on either side, weight is not centered like a kettlebell.
  • Dumbbells are unbalanced for dynamic moves like swing movements.
  • Cannot get both hands on the dumbbell handle at once.
  • Dumbbells are wider than kettlebells.
  • Dumbbells do not have a compact, single center of gravity like a kettlebell.

Kettlebells

Pros
  • Weight is centered and focused in one spot.
  • Good for explosive, dynamic, fast movements, like the kettlebell swing.
  • Kettlebells are more compact than dumbbells, even at heavier weights.
  • Most kettlebells can be used with two hands on the handle at the same time.
Cons
  • Not as common as dumbbells in most gyms.
  • Kettlebells are fixed weight, so you need to buy more as you progress.

The Bottom Line, Dumbbells vs Kettlebells

While there are similarities between kettlebells and dumbbells, they are actually quite different.

Like apples and oranges different.

They are both components of a well-rounded home gym. They serve different purposes, and each have specific exercises where they are the correct tool for the job.

Wrap up

To sum up, it’s important to make sure the kettlebell you get is one you can use in the long term. It’s worth it to pay more for the best kettlebell; one that has one-piece construction, smooth edges, and a finish that gives you a good grip.

That wraps up this list of the best kettlebells of 2024. I hope you are able to use the info to pick out a kettlebell for your gym, and that you picked up some new exercises to try.

If you have a really compact home gym or are on a tight budget, why not consider an all in one home gym? They take up hardly any space and can be tucked under the bed when not in use. I have a list of the best all-in-one home gyms right here, so take a look.

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