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If you’re not already a fan of the book 4-hour body, I recommend picking it up. In it, Tim describes ways that one can lose weight with a simple kettlebell workout and a slow carb diet. Fitness kettlebells are similar to cannonballs with handles. You might have seen weightlifters using these in the gym or on television. Now, as one piece of all-purpose home fitness equipment, you can see how these solid iron beauties could be useful.
Whether your goals are improved strength, flexibility, weight loss, improved fitness, or full-body workouts, kettlebells are useful. After examining the various models available online, I’ve focused my selection so you can find the best kettlebells available for your home gym:
Reviews
Bowflex SelectTech 840
The most notable feature of the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is the quick-change mechanism that makes this kettlebell adjustable. It can be difficult to modify weight options with other adjustable kettlebells, the configuration on this model is simple 'dial and go.'
The dial is found at the top of the kettlebell beneath its handle. Simply rotate the dial to your preference, anywhere between 8 to 40 pounds, then pick up the kettlebell and start your work out. Leave the unneeded weight plates on the floor, and set the kettlebell down over them when you want to use them.
One big concern with adjustable kettlebells can be the shape of the bell and that some have exposed plates. These factors can have some impact on your comfort while you exercise. But these things aren't an issue with the Bowflex SelectTech 840. The plates are hidden in the smooth and rigid plastic housing, which has been designed with smooth edges. It's just a touch wider and more cylindrical than other traditional kettlebells.
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AmazonBasics Cast Iron Kettlebell - Best Standard Kettlebell
This is like a run of the mill, standard design kettlebell in terms of design. Most kettlebells tend to be made with high-quality iron, and this model from Amazon is no exception. This particular kettlebell isn't very different than others out there. I've tried from other fitness brands, but it serves its purpose well enough.
One of the main differences between Kettlebell Amazon and others on the market is the kind of finish they use. The enamel paint over the iron provides a smooth and glossy appearance. It feels very similar in your hand to the type of handlebar on a bicycle, without the rubber grip. The width of is 8.8” and the kettlebell is 10.6”.
While the sales page doesn't explicitly say the kettlebell's diameter, it should match the size of most other kettlebells. It's perfect for many different hand sizes and is able to be gripped from many different angles, and used in various exercises like goblet squats. This kettlebells performance should be suitable enough for most users with or without chalk. Though the paint makes the grip a little slick, it shouldn’t hinder your ability to use the equipment much. There are grooves in the handle that will help with repeated use.
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AmazonBasics Enamel Kettlebell
This great kettlebell comes in sizes from 10 to 60 pounds. Made from solid iron, the shiny black enamel finish feels very secure in your hands. The enamel finish provides added protection as well as an attractive, smooth, shiny appearance.
The shape is traditional, and the bottom is flat. It comes with a textured, full handle for a comfortable, secure grip. With a round, ball-like profile, this unit works as a weight resistance for upper and lower body exercises. This weight is backed by an AmazonBasics one-year warranty.
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Rep Kettlebells for Strength and Conditioning
The best home gym kettlebell for swinging exercises, this model comes in sizes ranging from 1 to 48 kilograms, this model comes with the most available weight options at a discount. You can tell how much each kettlebell weights with the weight stamps in pounds and kilos marked on each side.
You might also notice the colored bands on each unit to denote weight. These are ideal kettlebells for one-handed exercises.
This model was made with a single cast to do away with seams and irregularities you might find on other kettlebells. It has a coat of power on the handle for a sure grip, and a flat bottom to keep it from rolling away when you set it on the floor. With a pristine coat, this kettlebell is a top-notch choice and worth it if the quality is important to you. This kettlebell will last, so it's a great investment.
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Yes4All Kettlebells
This top model is another iron tool, and these kinds of kettlebells have been on the market for a long time. This Yes4All model has been embraced by enthusiasts for its strength and durability. In my view, this one of the best kettlebells you can get for the money.
Designed for top strength and endurance exercises, this kettlebell comes with textured handles for a firm, comfortable grip. It is only 1.25 inches in diameter, making it an ideal choice for indoor use. It is available in a range of different weights.
Like the AmazonBasics model, the Yes4All doesn't have a join or seam in its cast. With no weak or defective areas, it is covered with powder coating, so it doesn't slip during a sweaty workout. The bottom of the kettlebell is flat for when you set it on the floor of your home gym. The Yes4All Solid Kettlebell has a textured handle to provide comfort when exercising. You can use these kettlebells for snatches deadlifts, squats bodyweight training, and military presses.
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Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells
Yes4All has plenty of experience in creating training equipment. While their vinyl coated kettlebells are similar to other models on the market, it also comes with a few small differences that makes it worth the purchase. This top kettlebell is similar to the other Yes4All Kettlebell above, only coated in thick vinyl. This makes the equipment can be dropped without getting damaged.
With solid iron, this top kettlebell has no welds or seams. It provides a solid cast feel in your hand when you lift it, convincing you that the weight will never break. The handle has a width of 8.86”, while it stands at about 11.02”. This is not very different than the other kettlebells mentioned on this page. The thick synthetic vinyl on this kettlebell encloses the bell halfway up the handle. It provides a slightly softer feel than you might expect from the standard iron model. The bottom is flat, so it doesn't roll, but when you set it down, the vinyl makes it wobble slightly.
There's no powder coat finish on the handle of this bell, but because it's solid iron, the grip should be relatively reliable. The handle of this vinyl-coated kettlebell are slightly wider and thicker than other models, so it's not quite a competitive standard.
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CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell Weight
Setting the bar for kettlebell quality even higher, the CAP Barbell is made from solid cast iron, with weight within 1% of the weight on the label, with machine-finished, powder-coated iron. After Cap Barbells are cast, each kettlebell has been powder-coated, with a seamless surface and a texture that is comfortable to touch. The flat base keeps the kettlebell resting firmly in place. Each Cap Barbell kettlebell offers color-codes for easy identification and sorting, and the weight is displayed in both pounds and kilograms.
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RKC Dragon Door Russian Kettlebell
This may earn the title of the best kettlebell for home use. It comes with an excellent reputation for safe and well-balanced weights that are a joy to swing. While this model may not be anything unusual, it's made of high-quality materials with a plain black finish and a wide range of weights between 10 to 70 pounds.
The finish is smooth, and the handle is comfortable. You don't need chalk for performance, which can make your home gym messy. The weight stamps feature both pounds and kilograms. The stamps are recessed so that the bells don't snag on your clothes or skin when doing a kettlebell swing. Like all of the other kettlebells in this list, this model has a flat bottom to sit firmly on the floor when not in use.
Body-Solid 5-30 lb. Kettlebell Set
This is a perfect starter set each in increasing five-pound increments. These give you the lower weight kettlebells you require for aerobic exercise, as well as the heavier ones for building strength.
Made of steel-reinforced iron with a black enamel coat, this set of kettlebells are easy to clean and look nice in any décor, but the coating isn't particularly smooth, and it's prone to chipping. The weight stamps are recessed, but hard to read. These kettlebells are well-balanced and sit flat on the floor. The handle window is well-adjusted to each different size, and they are fine to hold without chalk despite the shiny cover.
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Durability and Performance
When considering durability, there were multiple factors to examine. For example, kettlebells can be cast in several different ways. And often, the casting process will have an impact on the long-term durability of the equipment.
Another thing to make sure of was the quality of the kettlebell’s coating. It can influence the type of grip you can take on the bell as well as the potential of the equipment chipping on floors. By accounting for these kinds of things, you can be more certain that you’re buying quality kettlebells.
On top of testing the durability, we examined the performance of all of the kettlebells. Because they’re such versatile pieces of equipment, they need to perform well whether being used by chalk users or non-chalk users. Because diameter and coatings can have an impact on the grip, we checked whether they support long-duration use.
Your Kettlebell Training
Before purchasing, make sure to consider how you intend to train and then assess the target kettlebell's functionality. While a lot of bells are similar, there are some with niche uses, so keeping these things in mind will promote an informed buy.
Price
Lastly, I took a look at the price of each model. Let's not be coy, buying home gym equipment is a serious affair and you're going to want the best you can get for your money. Taking these things into account, I tried to identify the best kettlebells for the money you'd be spending.
Conclusion - Which Kettlebell Should You Buy?
I prefer affordability and durability when recommending a starter kettlebell. I think the Yes4All Kettlebell is great to start out with. A vinyl kettlebell has a vinyl coating that will prevent damage if the equipment gets used incorrectly. They also make a great addition to your routine when you want to start resistance training.
If this round-up still didn't help you find the perfect bell, then I hope it at least gave you some guidance on what to look for. Every kettlebell may appear somewhat similar in design, but after doing some investigating you might find they differ dramatically in features.
Before making an investment in any kind of strength equipment, you need to make certain it will mesh with your lifting style. With so many different kettlebell workouts, I'm confident you can find what you're looking for in the list above.
Questions and Answers
Are adjustable kettlebells worth it?
They can be just as suitable as standard kettlebells when used correctly. When using an adjustable kettlebell, the most critical part is the handle.
Are kettlebells good for weight loss?
Using good kettlebells can help you use more muscles when you are exercising. Swinging the kettlebell and other different exercises can promote weight loss, granted that your physical activity is paired with a suitable diet.
Are competition kettlebells better?
Competition kettlebells tend to be slightly more durable because they are created out of steel instead of iron. They tend to have a different mass and impart good ballistic properties as a result of the larger center mass.
What exercises can I do with kettlebells?
There are so many great ways to use a kettlebell to get a full-body workout. You can do swings, single-arm rows, tricep extensions, single-arm swings, squeezes, goblet squats. Check my guide on the best beginner kettlebell exercises for more details.
How many times a week should I do swings?
This depends on the intensity and what kinds of workouts you plan on doing. A good workout program may recommend you exercise 3 to 5 times a week to see the results you're looking for. You can do 300 swings per day or 200 swings in a set for the best results.
What are the best kettlebell movements?
Each exercise engages different muscles and has different advantages during home workouts. Some you do with one arm and others are two-handed exercises. They include:
- Kettlebell Swings
- Kettlebell Snatches
- Kettlebell Cleans
- Kettlebell Clean & Presses
- Kettlebell Goblet Squats
What makes a quality kettlebell?
Though the definition of qualifies as a "quality kettlebell" may differ from person to person, here is how I suggest you evaluate them. Is the kettle one-cast construction? This means the kettlebell was created with one cast and isn't the amalgamation of different kinds of metals.
Second, you'll want the equipment to be chip-resistant, durable, and rust-resistant coating. A coated kettlebell can go a long way to prolonging your investment. Vinyl coated is best. Lastly, you'll want to look for a kettlebell with a flat-bottom finish, void of seams, and other construction weaknesses.
What is the best kettlebell brand?
It's difficult to say which kettlebell brand is the best. On the criteria of functionality, warranty, and construction, I would recommend Rogue Fitness, Kettlebells USA, and Kettlebell Kings, and Ader.
Are kettlebell swings considered weight training or cardio?
They can be either. It really depends on the number of reps, sets, and the intensity you implement during your workout.
Generally, lighter kettlebell training will allow you to perform more reps, so you'll be engaged in a more cardiovascular focus. When you perform heavy swings, you'll do fewer reps, having more of a power and strength focus.
