Kettlebells are essential for functional training quite like dumbbells are necessary for strength training.

In other words, if you’re looking for a complete workout at home, you’ll need to invest in some quality kettlebells.

In this guide, you’ll find my personal recommendations for the best products and brands to choose.

I’ll explain how to choose the perfect kettlebell, what to avoid, and list other features to pay attention to.

Our Favorite Kettlebell

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights

Bowflex technology is now applicable to kettlebells as well. This is a six-in-one kettlebell system that you can adjust rapidly and continue with your exercise routine.

Just be sure not to drop the kettlebell because the shock may damage the adjustable system and hinder its function.

What customers are saying

The dial is clearly marked, and it is easy to switch from one weight to the other. It’s also extremely secure, with a weight plate locking tab that prevents slipping and improves your security.

Although there are many good reviews, some customers report quality issues.

So it is important to keep in mind that the 3-year-warranty advertised by the company does not include damage due to normal wear and tear of the item or exposure to moist environments.

What we like

• It is of high quality and includes improvements such as the metal locking tab for more security.
• Changing weights is very easy and intuitive, and the adjustable system saves a lot of space.

What we dislike

• Your warranty does not include damage from wear and tear of the item and may not cover you if you give the kettlebell a very heavy use.

Best Kettlebells For Beginners

BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece Kettlebell

This set comes as individual kettlebells, so if you want a pair of each you need to buy the item twice.

These BalanceForm Wide Grip kettlebells are visibly marked with the weight, have different sizes and colors for each, and they are covered in vinyl to be gentle on your floor.

They have a very wide handle, allowing for different exercises and grips, and a flat bottom for easy placing and storage.

Great for beginners

This is a great option for beginners, so it will be perfect if you’re just starting out with functional training or want to build your first home gym.

It’s an eye-catching and affordable pick that will do the job. But there aren’t many customer reviews to discern if there’s any caveat we should know about.

What we like

• It’s a standard kettlebell set with lower weights, appropriate if you’re starting to train.
• Affordable, stylish, and clearly marked.

What we dislike

• It does not have many user reviews to evaluate the customer experience.

Excellent Ergonomic Design

Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell With Handle

This item offers the functionality of a traditional kettlebell but has a softer coating that makes it feel safer and more reliable.

It is not filled with sand but a more solid steel powder material, making it similar to other kettlebells with softer padding.

However, don’t be led to believe that the filling tends to move around because it doesn’t. You get a compact structure and the weight always stays in place.

What customers are saying

Customer reviews are overall very good, and most people say it is very durable and well made, great for home use if you want to avoid damaging your floor.

An important thing to mention is that this product does not come in pairs, and you will need to buy an additional item if you want one for each hand.

Each weight may have a different price, but the design and materials are the same.

What we like

• Wider grip and compact fillings that do not rattle or shift around.
• It is a softer variety, making your workout safer and easier on your floor.

What we dislike

• Some users report a slight variation of weight after receiving the package.

Most Durable Kettlebell

CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell

If you’re not interested in stylish designs and just want a very durable kettlebell that could last for a lifetime, the CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell may be what you’re looking for.

This one is specifically designed to withstand heavy and punishing use, with adequate proportions for almost any activity at the gym.

It is a great place to start if you’re a beginner and will also work perfectly if you’re running a gym and want a durable item.

What customers are saying

The handle of each kettlebell is made proportionally larger as the weight goes up and the size of the kettlebell increases.

This is why some customers complain about getting a smaller handle than they expected.

Overall, most customer ratings are great and only a few people have had a bad experience, namely, those handling the kettlebell improperly and damaging it or complaining about a rough surface that is hard on the skin.

This product does not come in pairs, you will only get one kettlebell per order, and you’ll have to buy two if you want the pair.

What we like

• Straightforward and easy to use.
• Made with durable materials.

What we dislike

• It may damage your floor if dropped abruptly and some users report the metal surface can be hard on your skin.

Fantastic Kettlebell Design

TRX Training Kettlebell

This kettlebell set is a great addition for any home gym, especially if you’re looking for a durable, sturdy, and stylish option.

It has a smooth finish and a comfortable handle that is very appropriate for almost all types of gripping and when performing transitions.

The flat base makes it easier to store and eliminates any wobbling during your workouts.

By ordering this item you will only get one kettlebell, and if you want the whole set, you need to buy it one by one.

What customers are saying

The majority of comments are very positive because this set of kettlebells are manufactured to do the job and feel comfortable at all times.

However, some users report a few issues, such as white streaks in the metal surface or brown spots in the logo.

Also, instead of using a range of lighter colors for lighter weight and darker colors for darker weights, color markings are random and don’t follow any particular pattern.

What we like

• It offers a very wide number of weight options.
• A large handle and high-quality manufacture.

What we dislike

• Design and attention to detail may have a few points to improve if you’re very picky.

Best Kettlebell Brands

Bowflex

This is one of the classic brands that you can find in any high-quality home gym.

Bowflex has a long history in the fitness world, and after more than 30 years it is recognized by athletes and professionals as an innovative brand with high-quality products.

Rogue Fitness

Rogue Fitness is another excellent brand, currently working with excellent materials and acclaimed products.

It is an American brand, and their kettlebells are beautifully designed, with an easy to grip handle.

Bionic Body

This brand has over 20 years’ experience in the field of fitness and athletic gear.

It has a wide array of items and accessories, and their kettlebells are an interesting option for those who are looking for a softer kettlebell with an emphasis on safety and solid construction.

Other Recommended Kettlebells

AmazonBasics Vinyl Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell

This AmazonBasics kettlebell has the quality you’d expect from the Amazon brand.

The handle is smooth and textured for a safer grip, and it has a flat bottom for easier placing and storage.

It comes in different colors for different weights and for each order delivers one kettlebell of 10 to 60 pounds.

Kettle Gryp - Kettlebell Adjustable Portable Weight

If you already have a set of dumbbells and consider buying kettlebells an extra expense, this option may be suitable for you.

It is a set of clamps you can attach to your dumbbells, automatically giving you a wide handle that you can hold just like a kettlebell.

This product is very affordable, portable, and adaptable to different types of dumbbells. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Yes4All Powder Coated Kettlebells

This is a great choice for those of you who want to go back to the basics but with style.

These kettlebells are made with solid iron, 9 to 88 pounds of weight, plus color-coded rings and clear labels for each weight to make them easier to recognize and choose.

The flat bottom allows for easy storage and bodyweight exercises, and it is manufactured with durability in mind for indoor and outdoor use.

Yes4All Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight Sets

Adjustable weights and dumbbells have the advantage of saving a lot of space, and this is a great option if that’s what you’re looking for.

It can be adjusted from 10 to 40 pounds and the adjustable system is very easy to understand with a lock you can slide to insert or remove plates.

How Do You Choose A Kettlebell?

Kettlebells are apparently simple and not a big deal until you come across so many options in the market.

Which one is the best?

Consider these recommendations:

Choosing the right weight

There are various sizes and weights you can choose from. Some of them are recommended for men or more experienced users, others for women and beginners.

For men

Men should start using kettlebells with 26 pounds, which is a perfect weight for beginners.

Then they can start exercising with 35-pound kettlebells, holding them with both hands. In time, they can progress to 53 pounds, which they can later hold separately one in each hand.

For women

The best starting weight for women is 17 pounds as they learn the basic exercises recommended with kettlebells.

Then, they move up to 26 and 35 pounds, first holding one kettlebell with both hands and then one in each hand.

Types of kettlebells

There are three main types of kettlebells you can find in the market.

Cast iron kettlebells

As the name implies, they are made with a solid metal piece, and the size increases according to the weight. You usually get a larger handle, so you can use both hands to hold one single kettlebell.

Competition kettlebells

These are smaller than cast iron kettlebells and look like a square. These are not meant to be held with both hands, and you don’t have as much space to slide your grip.

Adjustable kettlebells

The adjustable system is made to save space.

It has either bars or plates you can adjust before lifting the weight, and even though they are very versatile, you need to be careful not to drop them if you want the adjustable system to remain intact.

Material & handles

Most kettlebells are created with iron, but whenever you find kettlebells with powder coating, e-coating, and similar terminology, they are the best for long-term use.

Regarding handles, the best diameter is around 30 to 38 mm with a steel or powder-coated finish.

What to avoid

Avoid this type of kettlebells for your next purchase:

• Very thick handles where you can’t wrap your fingers.
• Handles with a very narrow handle where only one hand fits. This is only reserved for competition kettlebells.
• Kettlebells with a base or feet. They should have a flat base, instead.
• Sharp edges on the handle or rough bits of paint or metal.
• Plastic or vinyl-coated handles. The coating should only cover the body of the kettlebell.

Are Kettlebells Worth It?

Whether or not it is worth buying a kettlebell depends on what you plan to do with them.

They are excellent for functional training and plyometrics plus they can enhance your gym results if you combine them with traditional dumbbell training.

You can actually use kettlebells and dumbbells interchangeably in many exercises.

Kettlebells also give you the option to include a variety of complex exercises that trigger many muscles at the same time, improving your muscle activation and your results.