In this article, I will try to present my findings regarding the best kettlebells for beginners.
Table of Contents
ToggleChoosing suitable kettlebell weights for beginners may be challenging since there is a wide variety on the market.
After doing several experiments, it took me well over 15 hours to analyze and test the best kettlebells for beginners.
After finishing testing all of them, I picked the 10 best kettlebells based on my specific criteria.
Please read below for the best kettlebells for newcomers and other tips before buying them.
Let’s begin!
Top 3 Kettlebells for Beginners
Editor’s Choice
Bowflex Selecttech 840 Kettlebell
– 8-40 pounds
– 6 different weights
– 1-year Membership
#2nd Best Choice
Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell
– One piece construction
– Neoprene grip
– Portable
#3rd Best Choice
Best Choice Kettlebell Set
– Set of 3 kettlebells
– Solid concrete
– Rack included
Best Kettlebells for Beginners
Best Kettlebells for Beginners 2024 Reviews
After more than 15 hours of examination, I finally made up a list of the best kettlebells for people that want to buy their first fitness equipment.
When evaluating kettle bell weights, I considered four main factors: type, reviews, quality, and price.
You can see below the best kettlebells for sale that made our list.
1. Bowflex Selecttech 840 Kettlebell (Editor’s Choice)
Rating
Durability: 5.0
Weight: 5.0
Price: 5.0
Features
– Weight range 8-40 pounds
– 6 different weights
– 1-year JRNY Membership
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is the best kettlebell for sale, featuring a 1-year JRNY Membership. This ensures that it is a quality, adjustable kettlebell made to withstand damage and last a long time.
Furthermore, this adjustable kettlebell has a weight range of 8-40 pounds, easily replacing 6 standard bells allowing you to do kettlebell exercises like a kettlebell swing, kettlebell snatch, and many others.
What makes this the best adjustable kettlebell is that it has one of the most comfortable ergonomic handles, which will ensure that you don’t drop the bell or cause any damage to your kettlebell or your home gym floor.
We have found from using this product that this adjustable kettlebell has a strange shape which will need a period for some.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- These adjustable kettlebells are very easy to use
- They are not flimsy
- It can be used in any kettlebell workout
- One of the best fitness gifts for men
Cons
- It has not the best shape
2. Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 5.0
Weight: 5.0
Price: 4.9
Features
– One piece construction
– Neoprene grip
– Portable fitness equipment piece
The Meister Elite portable sand kettlebell is ideal for traveling or home workouts due to its portable build and neoprene grip with a semi-rigid handle that outperforms its competitors.
Based on our first-hand experience, what makes this kettlebell an excellent piece of fitness equipment is the one-piece construction with a drybag seal that eliminates leaking of sand, while its heavy-duty PVC flexible construction is made to take beating and last.
With it, you can perform a wide range of kettlebell exercises such as kettlebell swings, snatches, squats, pulls, and even more kettlebell movements with this bell.
Through our trial and error, we discovered that the sand would leak after some time.
Pros
- The materials are high-quality
- Great for various kettlebell exercises
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Sand will start to leak after some use
3. Best Choice Kettlebell Set
Rating
Durability: 5.0
Weight: 4.8
Price: 5.0
Features
– Set of 3 kettlebells
– Made from solid concrete
– Rack is included with them
The Best Choice kettlebell set will provide you with a wide weight range with its 5, 10, and 15-pound bells that all come with a wide and comfortable grip to accommodate both hands, giving you a firm grip.
Also, all three kettlebells are constructed out of high-quality solid concrete with an additional layer of protection, making sure it prevents cracks or a complete breakdown, so it lasts you years to come.
Based on experience, this set’s excellent added bonus is the rack included with the weights so that you can store them easier, which is especially helpful if you want to save room in your home gym.
Our analysis revealed that the these cheap kettlebells may easily be damaged during shipping.
Pros
- Nice price for a set of 3
- Good set to do all kinds of kettlebell exercises
- User-friendly and easy to hold
Cons
- They are easily damaged during shipping
4. Kettle Gryp Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.9
Weight: 4.8
Price: 5.0
Features
– Made from high-impact ABS plastic
– Comfortable, secure grip
– Lightweight and portable
The Kettle Gryp adjustable kettlebell has a handle made of sturdy and durable ABS plastic, giving it a textured mold so you can grip it easier, and it will feel softer and will ensure your ultimate comfort.
Due to its convenient design, you can convert your standard dumbbells into an excellent top-level training experience with a wide weight range without spending additional dollars on it.
Based on our observation, the Kettle Gryp has a design that allows you to open the handle and put the desired weight in it, making sure that you can enjoy your kettlebell training with no worries.
After doing testing with this bell, it can be said that the handle for most people is a bit wider than what they are used to.
Pros
- The price is great
- It has an excellent mechanism
- The construction is sturdy
Cons
- The handle may be too wide
5. Spri Kettlebell Weights
Rating
Durability: 4.9
Weight: 4.8
Price: 4.9
Features
– Durable vinyl-coated kettlebells
– Wide grip handle
– Color-coded weights
The Spri kettlebell weights have a wide authentic kettlebell handle that will help you get a more comfortable and secure grip while not needing any chalk.
However, this bell features a durable vinyl coating to prevent any floor damage and has a flat bottom so you can easily store it and make it even more space-efficient.
It is worth mentioning that this Spri deluxe vinyl-coated kettlebell has a wide weight range from 5 to 50 pounds which is just a perfect weight for beginners that are trying to start lifting.
Based on our first-hand experience, the handle on this kettlebell could be too small for some users that want to do two-handed movements with it.
Pros
- Great at protecting the floors
- Comfortable and easy to use
- It is well constructed cast iron kettlebell
Cons
- The handle is a bit small for two-handed kettlebell exercises
6. Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.9
Weight: 4.8
Price: 4.7
Features
– Larger handle for superior grip
– Constructed out of soft materials
– Compact and easy to transport
The Bionic Body Soft kettlebell is a perfect addition to any beginner’s home gym because it is made out of heavy-duty and soft materials, which will prevent damage and injuries from accidental drops.
Because of its large handle, you can perform various movements with an optimal grip and superior control.
What makes this the budget kettlebell is that it has an offset center of gravity, so you can customize your kettlebell training even more, and it is great since it comes in various different weights.
We have found from using this product that the soft material will be worn off after some time.
Pros
- They are not loud like solid bells
- The handle feels great
- Their design is great
Cons
- The soft materials are not durable
7. Yes4all Vinyl Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.7
Weight: 4.8
Price: 4.7
Features
– Solid cast iron kettlebell
– Comfortable grip
– Vinyl coated
The Yes4all vinyl-coated kettlebell features a rubber base which creates a sturdy and flat foundation so you can perform your training without damaging the floor.
In addition, the elegant PVC cover will make your kettlebell appearance nicer for your home gym and help protect the weight itself.
It is made out of cast iron and has an enamel coating finish, which makes it a durable kettlebell and a smooth surface for a pleasant workout experience.
After trying this product out, it can be said that the rubber base is not among the most durable features of this kettlebell.
Pros
- Excellent addition to any home gym
- Well made and good design
- No slippery grip
Cons
- The rubber base is not the most durable
8. Apex Adjustable Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.7
Weight: 4.7
Price: 4.7
Features
– Weight range 20-50 pounds
– Adjustable kettlebell
– Cast iron kettlebell microphones
The Apex adjustable kettlebells are highly durable and long-lasting weights since they are made from solid cast iron and are powder-coated kettlebells.
Also, this adjustable set features a 15-pound weighted handle with four removable space disks, with weights ranging from 20 to 50 pounds, which is great for beginners.
When you remove space disks, you can use weight increments weighing 2.5, 5, and 10 pounds which is a reason why this adjustable kettlebell offers you to do multiple different exercises like kettlebell swings, goblet squats, and other kettlebell movements.
Our research indicates that the biggest drawback is that this set doesn’t come with additional weights.
Pros
- The versatility of these is great
- Space-saving kettlebell
- Excellent for all different kettlebell workouts
Cons
- It doesn’t come with additional weight plates
9. Amazon Basics Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.7
Weight: 4.5
Price: 4.7
Features
– Cast iron kettlebells
– Textured wide handle
– Kettlebell weight 20 pounds
The Amazon Basics kettlebell is a 20-pound kettlebell that is made out of cast iron, making sure that it lasts you a long time for all of your different workout routines.
Also, it has a black enamel finish which will provide a kettlebell with more durability and even corrosion protection, which is why it is an ideal choice for beginners that want to add a bell to their home gym.
In addition to all of this, it has a wide and textured handle which will give lifters a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to do one and two-handed movements with it.
Our analysis of this product revealed that some users found the coating of this bell is not the smoothest.
Pros
- Straight up simple to use
- The kettlebell handle is comfortable
- Great cast iron kettlebell
Cons
- The coating is not smooth
10. HANISNA Kettlebell
Rating
Durability: 4.7
Weight: 4.5
Price: 4.5
Features
– Cast iron kettlebell
– 2-year warranty
– Ergonomic wide handle
The Hanisha adjustable kettlebell is an excellent set that comes with 6 weight plates, out of which four are 4.6 pounds and two are 5.5 pounds, with a handle weighing 7.8 pounds.
Furthermore, the kettlebell is made from high-quality cast iron and has an enhanced powder-coated finish to prevent any corrosion and increase its overall durability.
Also, the wide ergonomic handle is made for a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to hold a bell and perform two-handed movements with it as well as single-handed exercises.
Our research indicates that the Hanisha adjustable kettlebell may have some problems with the lock mechanism.
Pros
- It feels like a classic kettlebell
- The handle feels comfortable
- Perfect for home gym kettlebell training
Cons
- There are some problems with the lock mechanism
Start Building Your Dream Body Today
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Emily Thompson, San Francisco, CA
Learn More About Our Online Coaching ServiceHow We Picked Best Kettlebells for Beginners
To find the best kettlebell for a beginner, I looked at every single choice available on the market.
After doing extensive research and testing, I ranked them on these four following specific criteria.
Type
Because the main focus on these is to be for beginners, I included several different options like cast iron, adjustable, and competition kettlebells.
There is a wide variety to choose from, which is exactly why I have a couple of different options for kettlebell types.
Quality
Kettlebells that lack build quality are cheap but, therefore, will not merely last as long as a solid bell.
Buying these cheaper alternatives means potential durability problems and some performance issues in the long run.
The inferior handles on them will affect your grip, and you could even potentially injure yourself.
Reviews
I took into consideration the feedback of customers to see how people see these kettlebells.
This will help you get the real picture so you know that not each product is like it is advertised.
Reviews are important to be looked at to purchase the best kettlebell for your need.
Price
Fitness equipment for your home gym can get pricey if you are not considerate with your money.
On my list are all kinds of kettlebells, all for beginners but for people who want to splurge on their bells and people who want a budget version for themselves.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you choose to buy any kettlebell, you need to do your research.
You are lucky since I did the research on your behalf.
Below are some tips to consider before purchasing kettlebells if you are starting your fitness journey.
What to Consider Before Buying Kettlebells for Beginners?
Before buying kettlebells for beginners, you need to consider what type of kettlebell you want. Other than that, you need to look into what kind of exercises you plan on doing and what your current fitness level is.
Apart from them, several different key factors should help you find the perfect kettlebell fit for yourself.
Types of Kettlebells
When it comes to types of kettlebells, there are plenty of them, but the two main classic kettlebell types are:
Cast Iron Kettlebells
When you think about a kettlebell, this is the kind that comes to your mind first.
On a solid cast kettlebell, the handle is generally wider than the bell itself.
The coating on these can vary from vinyl coating all the way to a rubber-coated kettlebell.
They can be seen in most commercial gyms, which can be great for beginners and for two-handed movements.
However, the handle and the diameter of the bell will most likely increase with the weight, so people with larger hands can use heavier weights much easier than someone with smaller hands.
Competition Kettlebells
Competition kettlebells all have a standard 35mm handle that won’t be larger, regardless of weight.
These competition bells are great for one-handed movements, which can be seen in competitions.
Most of the people who use a competition kettlebell prepares to compete, and everyday athletes can be seen using them.
Read our guide below to pick the perfect competition kettlebell for your home gym workouts:
Type of Exercise
Kettlebell training can be made highly versatile.
You have infinite options when it comes to kettlebell exercises, but the two main categories are:
- Ballistic lifts: These fall into the category of explosive movements like kettlebell swings, cleanses, and snatches.
- Grind lifts: The grind lifts are either strength-based on more skilled movements like overhead presses, single-leg deadlifts, and get-ups.
Once you know how you will use your equipment, you need to choose other factors like the weight you want or the materials out of which the bell is made and many more.
Weight
Kettlebells have a large variety of weights to choose from, ranging from just a couple of pounds all the way up to hundreds of pounds. As a beginner, you should stay away from a heavy kettlebell to avoid injuries. Start working on your proper form with a 15 lb kettlebell or lighter if you have an adjustable kettlebell set.
Additionally, the lighter weights are good for certain kettlebell movements like Turkish get-ups and overhead presses.
However, heavier weights are used to build explosiveness and full body strength in exercises like kettlebell snatches or swings.
I wanted to also remind you that most kettlebell weights are listed in kilograms instead of pounds.
You can find a competition for kettlebells where the universal weight is listed in kilograms.
Consider reading the following article to pick the perfect kettlebell weight:
Grip
Kettlebells are just bell-shaped weights with a wide handles on the top.
Competition kettlebells all have the same 35mm diameter handle, no matter the actual bell’s weight.
That will probably be great for most beginners, but some with smaller hands may not have the most comfortable grip.
Cast iron kettlebells tend to be different handle sizes depending on the actual weight of a bell.
That is why lighter weights could be better for people with smaller hands and heavier weights for larger hands.
To ensure your safety, having a secure grip is important.
Handle
The handle should be smooth and comfortable to use, aside from how thick or thin it is.
Sometimes, the process of casting could leave some marks behind.
If that is the case, this can quickly destroy your hands. It is important to find a bell with a smooth handle.
Coating
Kettlebells which are made from cast iron, usually have some type of coating.
With the additional layer, you increase the durability of a bell by preventing scratches, rust, and corrosion.
The three most commonly used coatings are:
Powder Coating
This harder coating helps protect the kettlebell much more than just a coat of paint.
Most powder coat kettlebells have a matte finish, so you could have a better grip on a bell.
Some people also prefer to use chalk with it so it aids grip even more.
Rubber or Vinyl Coating
People prefer vinyl and rubber-coated kettlebells because they appear more aesthetic due to their smooth appearance.
Using this coating will help prevent any damage to the floors while making them less noisy.
However, vinyl and rubber coating on most best value kettlebells can be worn down and could crack after some time.
E-Coating
E-coat kettlebell is arguably the coating that you would want on your bell because it is high-quality.
An electrical current coats the bell to a certain desired thickness with the paint.
E-coated kettlebells last longer than powder-coated ones but therefore are more expensive.
If you want the best e-coating possible, look for military-grade e-coating.
Durability
Kettlebells are amongst the most durable pieces of gym equipment, but they are different.
If you want to use your kettlebells regularly, make sure to buy one that will last you and won’t break after months of usage.
How Many Kettlebells Do You Need?
You only need one kettlebell. With only an individual kettlebell, you can target a whole body.
That being said, there are no limits to which kind of exercises you can do in your single kettlebell training.
That happens because of the instability of having weights on one side of a body and demanding that you balance yourself during kettlebell training.
But if you want to invest in a set or multiple kettlebells, using a few different weights will make your workouts even more versatile.
For more information, read the article below:
What Is the Correct Way to Hold a Kettlebell?
The correct way to hold a kettlebell is to wrap your thumb around the handle and never death-grip the bell. No matter the movement, you need to place your hands based on the kettlebell exercise you want to perform.
It would be best if you had a firm grip so the weight won’t fly out of your hands, but however, you don’t want to squeeze it so hard that your hands start to hurt.
There is a variety when holding a kettlebell for double-handed movements like kettlebell swings since none of us have the same hand size.
But generally speaking, you would put your hands just slightly apart from each other.
If your hands are huge, you may have to put your pinky fingers down the side of a handle.
Benefits of Kettlebell Training
The kettlebell is the best when it comes to an all-in-one tool for training.
Since it has a flat bottom and curved bell, the uneven distribution of weight makes it incredibly effective for strength training and cardio training.
With kettlebells, you can work on several aspects, like strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and others.
Related Article:
Kettlebell Alternatives
Kettlebells are one of the most popular pieces of equipment in many commercial and home gyms.
Apart from them, there are also other options if you want to improve your strength training workouts.
Here are some of the best kettlebell alternatives.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are probably the closest thing to a kettlebell, but kettlebells are still more functional.
However, dumbbells are easy to use and come in various weights, making them great for all fitness levels.
Consider reading our guides below:
- 10 Best Dumbbells for Beginners
- 10 Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells
- 10 Best Dumbbells for Women
- 10 Best Dumbbells for Home Gym
Barbells
Barbells are excellent for exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Also, barbells are an alternative to kettlebells for building muscle mass and overall strength.
Medicine Balls
Medicine balls are another alternative to kettlebells, which are versatile products to improve endurance and strength.
Besides that, they are great for improving power and explosiveness.
Who Should Buy Kettlebells for Beginners?
Beginners should buy beginner kettlebells. If you are just starting your fitness routine, you should invest in a quality kettlebell that suits you.
Because you are a beginner, you want to find a weight that will suit you.
Consider buying a kettlebell in a weight range of 20-50 pounds to get started.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kettlebells for Beginners?
People who are experienced lifters shouldn’t buy beginner kettlebells. If you already lift heavy weights, there is no reason to purchase beginner kettlebells.
You should avoid them because they won’t give you enough resistance, and you will not be able to grow your muscles efficiently.
Related Articles:
- 10 Best Kettlebells for Small Hands
- 10 Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Home Gyms
- 10 Best Kettlebells for Home Gym Workouts
FAQs
Which Kettlebells Should I Start With?
You should start with adjustable kettlebells. Adjustable kettlebells are excellent for beginners since they offer you a weight range, so you can have one kettlebell which can be used for full-body training.
What Is the Best Weight Kettlebell for a Beginner?
The best weight kettlebell for a beginner is between 6 and 8 kilograms. This weight range ensures you don’t get injured but still experience toning your muscles and developing cardiovascular endurance.
Why Kettlebells Are Better Than Dumbbells?
Kettlebells are better than dumbbells because they allow a greater range of motion at joints. This is excellent for developing strength at each step of the movement, meaning you can produce more force across the whole range of motion.
Can You Get in Shape With Just Kettlebells?
Yes, you can get in shape with just kettlebells. Kettlebell workouts offer several different kettlebell exercises that work for several muscle groups, and you can also target your whole body.
Can You Build Muscle With a Single Kettlebell?
Yes, you can build muscle with a single kettlebell. With a bit of creativity in your kettlebell workouts, you can forge strength and build muscle.
What Is the Best Kettlebell for Beginners?
The best kettlebell for beginners is the Bowflex SelectTech 840.
What makes this a great option for a beginner is that it is an adjustable kettlebell with a wide weight range from 8-40 pounds.
This is one of the best adjustable kettlebells overall due to its excellent build quality, which makes it withstand any damage.
To make your life much easier, Bowflex gives you a 1-year JRNY Membership so you can perform different resistance training without needing to hire a certified personal trainer.
Please let me know which out of these 10 kettlebells suits your needs the best and will be on your bucket list.
Rating
Durability: 5.0
Weight: 5.0
Price: 5.0
Features
– Weight range 8-40 pounds
– 6 different weights
– 1-year JRNY Membership
Start Building Your Dream Body Today
Ready to elevate your fitness game without falling into the trap of dull, repetitive routines that just don’t deliver? Imagine sculpting your ideal physique and boosting your health, all while still enjoying life’s pleasures, like those irresistible weekend getaways and your aunt’s legendary cheesecake. With our online fitness and nutrition coaching service, you don’t have to compromise. Dive into a personalized fitness journey that blends perfectly with your lifestyle, not against it. Book your completely free discovery consultation today, and take the first step towards a transformation that doesn’t require giving up the joys of life.
“I was skeptical about online fitness coaching, but Functional Body Savage completely changed my perspective. Vanja and Radomir’s personalized approach and attention to detail have helped me achieve goals I never thought possible. I’m stronger, more confident, and grateful for their guidance.”
Emily Thompson, San Francisco, CA
Learn More About Our Online Coaching Service