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Compact, versatile and affordable, the humble kettlebell packs a powerful workout punch when used correctly.
You've probably seen the row of colorful kettlebells sitting quietly in the corner of your local gym, or you might be waiting to buy the best kettlebells online.
They look like heavy teapots without a spout, but kettlebells are in fact a very powerful tool in the battle for a shapely body.
Maybe you want to get one for your home as part of a tight fitness regime for this year? Then you want nothing but the best kettlebells for home.
This TRX Kettlebell is my favorite because it is really nicely made, with a very comfortable handle. The color coding also makes it easy to grab the weight you want.
It's a bit more expensive than some rivals, but worth the extra investment. With weights from 4kg to 28kg, there really is a TRX for everyone.
The best dumbbells remain the most popular choice for many, but kettles are an ideal counterpart and work your different muscle groups in different ways.
Be careful if you have fragile floor coverings or low ceilings, that's something to keep in mind.
| Kettlebells | Images |
|---|---|
| Absolute best kettlebell: TRX Gravity Cast | 
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| Best kettlebell set: RS Sports | 
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| Best soft rubber coating: Gorilla Sports Kettlebell | 
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| Best kettlebell for beginners: Focus Fitness 10kg | 
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| Best vinyl kettlebell: Y | 
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| Best kettlebell set for women: MiraFit 5, 10, 15 | 
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Also watch this video from eHowHealth with some beginner exercises to get you off to a good start with your new kettlebells:
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
The best kettlebells reviewed
Absolute Best Kettlebell: TRX Gravity Cast
The best kettlebells you can get:
- Weight range available: 4kg to 28kg
- Very well made
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- The heavier ones are relatively expensive
The king of weightlifting has long been the kettlebell, as the lumps of iron are the perfect companion to spice up any Suspension Training.
Plus they are known for their customer focus and training schedules, such as this manual for a power core workout.
The premium line of kettlebells are all beautifully finished and each has undergone a “premium gravity casting process” which is said to increase durability. It also results in that beautiful flat bottom, which makes it easier to rest the kettlebell on the floor when switching hands during a heavy squat routine.
The smooth and consistent finish also feels good in the hand.
TRX has added a pop of color to the handles, making it easy to spot the right weight when switching between kettlebells during the workout.
I'd say the 16kg unit is the one to go for if you're a man in reasonable shape, but there's a good spread of weights, making this a piece of fitness equipment that will outlive the fickle New Year's resolutions.
This is the best exercise to work the BIGGEST muscle in your body.
Best kettlebell set: RS Sports
A fair amount of weights...if you have the space.
- Weight range available: 4kg, 8kg, 12kg,16kg
- Solid construction
The perfect antithesis to modern is better is this old-fashioned selection of kettlebells. This spread from 4kg to 16kg will last a lifetime.
RS Sports kettlebells aren't cheap, but they are designed to last, made from premium iron ore, no scrap metal (as with cheaper alternatives) and using a one-piece mold to ensure the kettlebells hold well in hand. are balanced and built to last.
The powder-coated finish means they won't flake or rust when covered in sweat, either.
Best Soft Rubber Coating: Gorilla Sports Kettlebell
Adheres to competition standards for the more professional types.
- Weight range available: 4kg to 12kg
- Identical size regardless of weight
- Massive weight distribution
- Built to last
We don't know many professional kettlebell athletes, but we're pretty sure they are very aware of Gorilla Sports and the range of competition-specific swingers.
With very strict regulations on dimensions and the opening of the "window" (the handle, for you and me), these solid steel numbers are really only for the very serious enthusiasts out there.
Each solid steel unit is priced individually, but they also come in several sets. Expect to spend a lot more for the heaviest 40kg kettlebells.
View the most current prices and availability here
Best kettlebell for beginners: Focus Fitness 10kg
Best kettlebell for beginners.
- Weight range available: 2kg to 10kg
- Solid construction
- A bargain
It's not always a good idea to go out and spend a ton of money on exercise equipment during an excited whim. Also, it's not worth risking a trip to the chiropractor due to overly heavy weights.
If you're new to the whole kettlebell thing, this eco-iron number from Focus Fitness is a real bargain, with a stainless steel handle for a comfortable and long-lasting touch.
The 10kg max mass may feel a little light in time, but for those starting out or who don't need a massive load on their bells, this is great. Its compact size makes it perfect for storing at home for the odd spontaneous session.
View the most current prices here
Best Vinyl Kettlebell: York
Best kettlebell for hard floors.
- Easier on floors
- Comfortable to hold
The vinyl coating that wraps these cast iron weights is a handy addition for anyone concerned about damaging their parquet, but the unit remains robust and a much more durable option than cheaper full vinyl offerings.
York only offers these standout beauties in 2,5kg, 5kg and 7,5kg weights which will probably be too light for those who want to sound real or add some bulk, but they have recently added 10 to 20kg. added.
Best kettlebell set for women: MiraFit 5, 10, 15
Coolest kettlebell set with matching holder.
You can also cover your needs with this very affordable set of entry-level kettlebells. The Mira set offers a decent spread of three plastic weights (5lb to 15lb, that's 2,25kg to 7kg), on a plastic stand.
That's not a huge weight limit, of course, but it allows lighter users to easily switch between high resistance and low resistance/high rep workouts for little money.
The vinyl coating may feel cheaper than the cast iron and steel suggestions on this list, but all three of these will cost you half the price of a single kettlebell from some of the other brands.
Why buy a kettlebell?
These broad bundles of fun provide solid muscle-building resistance with the added pleasure of an intense cardio workout (then you also want to look at these battle ropes!), and, when used correctly, can sum up a long gym routine into one short, sweaty swinging session.
Do not you believe me? The American Council on Exercise has conducted research on kettlebells showing that regular users not only benefit from strength gains, but also a marked increase in aerobic capacity, dynamic balance and, best of all, a dramatic increase in their core strength.
Also read: these are the top rated dumbbells from beginner to pro
How to choose the best kettlebell
Unlike barbells, kettlebells can take some getting used to. It's definitely worth seeking advice from your gym on proper form to avoid injury. Once mastered, however, the kettlebell will become a regular part of your fitness regime.
These compact weights are small enough to fit in even the tiniest of spaces and most workouts require just one kettlebell meaning you can enjoy some fat-burning workout time from the comfort of your own home for under a tenner, as long as you literally have enough room at home. to swing an object around.
Those new to the kettlebell world should make sure they can handle the weight with ease, as the grueling sessions are impossible if you can't even lift the thing overhead.
That said, opting for a measly 2kg kettlebell may mean not encountering enough resistance to thoroughly challenge the muscle. If you can, go to a gym or local fitness store and try a few weights until you feel good.
It's a good idea to spend a little more to get a product that is built to last. Where vinyl bells can save you a few bucks, they can be prone to cracking and splitting, and the handle seams on cheaper models can be scratchy and uncomfortable.
A solid cast iron kettlebell — or even better, those with smooth steel handles — are usually the most comfortable and are also sturdy enough to survive a nuclear attack.
Finally, it's also worth noting the bell's handle distance (or 'window', to give it the proper title) and its diameter. Larger hands may find certain bells difficult to grip and comfortable on the forearm, which is necessary for heavy overhead pressing exercises.
Also read: the fitness gloves with the best grip
