Few pieces of gym equipment match the versatility of the best adjustable kettlebells. These compact weights have been a staple in fitness routines and CrossFit classes for years, and now, with the addition of adjustable kettlebells, you can supercharge your home gym essentials with additional flexibility. They are suitable for anyone looking to tone or build strength.
The best adjustable kettlebells at a glance:
• Best overall adjustable kettlebell: Perfect Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell Weights - view on Amazon
• Best smart adjustable kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell - view on Fitness-superstore
• Best adjustable kettlebell for design: Fiar Adjustable Weights Kettlebell Set - view on Amazon
What makes a adjustable kettlebell different from a traditional kettlebell?
The main difference that sets apart an adjustable kettlebell from a traditional kettlebell is its adaptability. While standard kettlebells come in fixed weights, adjustable kettlebells offer a range of weight options in one single package.
Typically, an adjustable kettlebell has a mechanism that allows you to add or remove weight plates, which gives you the flexibility of customising the weight to suit your own fitness level and workout requirements. This ease and versatility makes adjustable kettlebells a great choice for individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
Also, the best adjustable kettlebells are space-saving, often cost-effective and convenient, making them a popular choice for home gyms and individuals looking to diversify their workouts without cluttering their home with lots of different kettlebells of varying weights. They are a great piece of equipment that can complement your dumbbell or resistance band workouts.
So, say goodbye to your cluttered living area doubling as a kettlebell station, and hello to customisable and space-saving strength training. You're in the right place to discover the best adjustable kettlebells that will take your fitness routine to the next level.
The best adjustable kettlebells to vamp up your home gym:
Best overall adjustable kettlebell
We've given Perfect Fitness the title as the 'best adjustable kettlebell' because of their extremely affordable price, seven different weight combinations and colourful design. The intuitive weight adjustment system enables you to dial in the exact resistance you need and cater for your ever-evolving fitness goals. Its kettlebells also include an easy-grip handle and weight combinations of 3lbs, 4lbs, 5lbs, 7lbs, 8lbs, 9lbs and 12lbs - all in its one compact design.
Pros
- Flat bottom for easy storage
- Grip handle for one or two handed exercises
- Seven different weight combinations
Cons
- Better for beginners, if you're more advanced this kettlebell may not be for you
| Brand | Perfect Fitness |
| Weight | Adjusts up to 12lbs |
| Colours | Black, Red and Grey |
- Customer review: "Weights, dumbbells, and kettlebells are great for working out with but if you have a small space to store and organize these items at home (like I do) this adjustable kettlebell is perfect. With this one kettlebell, I can have four different weights that take up only the space of one kettlebell.
"The body of the weights (including the handle for the top part) is moulded from the same plastic material and looks almost seamless. This makes for a slippery handle but depending on how you are using the kettlebell, may not be a bad thing. If the slipperiness bothers you or worries you , you can easily wrap it with some grip tape. Personally, I like that better than all those weights with the rubbery or foamy handles that are moulded into the product and when they get gross or when they start to fall apart, there's no easy way to remove and replace those.
"The handle itself is a good thickness for my hands (I typically wear a large in gloves) and there is enough room to hold the handle with both hands. The smooth surface also makes cleaning them in between workouts easier.
"The mechanism to release the change the weight of the kettlebell is simple and easy. There is a small tab that is mostly recessed so there should be little chance that it will accidentally get hit and release the removable weights.
"Overall I really like the design and function of this kettlebell and think its a great way to be able to keep more fitness equipment in a small home."
Best smart adjustable kettlebell
www.fitness-superstore.co.uk
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is truly a remarkable piece of equipment in the world of fitness. With the simple turn of the dial, you can easily select your desired weight, ranging from 3.5kg to 18kg, making it suitable for absolutely everyone, athlete or not. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip during your workout, while the compact design allows you to replace up to six separate kettlebells, for just one.
Also, if you are new to exercising with kettlebells, with purchase, Bowflex give you access to 24 trainer-led exercise videos which show you the basics of incorporating kettlebells into your routine.
Pros
- Access to 24 trainer-led assistance videos with purchase
- Choose the weight you want with the touch of a dial
- Combines six weights in one compact product
Cons
- The design itself is quite bulky
| Brand | Bowflex |
| Weight | Adjusts up to 18kg |
| Colours | Black and Red |
- Customer review: "Really cool piece of Bowflex kit. Compact, nice looking, great quality and it makes it easy to do different workouts and adjust weights so fast. Might get a second one!"
Best adjustable kettlebell for design
Fiar Adjustable Kettlebell set offers six adjustable weights, ranging from 3.8kg to 18kg, which ensures you have the perfect resistance for a variety of exercises. One thing that sets its kettlebells apart from the rest is its design, as it doubles as a stylish addition to your home, blending silver grey metal, light grey plastic and vibrant leather accents seamlessly. Plus, its non-slip feet means you can exercise confidently without worrying about damage to any floors or furniture.
Pros
- Six adjustable weights: 3.8kg, 6.3kg, 9kg, 11.7kg, 14.4kg and 18kg
- Wide ear-shaped handle so you can concentrate on your workout without hand fatigue
- Easy to adjust weight with the side adjustment pins
Cons
- Not a traditional kettlebell shape
| Brand | Fiar |
| Weight | Adjusts up to 18kg |
| Colours | Silver and Orange |
- Customer review: "This Fiar kettlebell is a great idea and is an optimum way to save space and have a wide range of bell weights in one unit. This is basically a kettlebell shell with weight plates inside that you can select using a pin. This way you can have different weights for different exercises or increase weight easily as you build strength.
"The handle is comfortable enough to grip. The body is quite big and you have to take care when swinging this between the legs, but no more than other larger sized kettlebells. The casing seems to be well made and there are no sharp edges or rough spots.
"All in all this is a great idea and a neat way to have a selection of weights in one unit. Worth considering."
Best budget adjustable kettlebell
The YANZHI Adjustable Kettlebell has a user-friendly adjustment system, so you can easily switch between different weights from 5lbs to 12lbs, making it suitable for beginners. The weights are simple to install and disassemble, with a weight-adjustment system that allows for easy changing between exercises. If you're looking to add a little colour to your home gym, the blue YANZHI adjustable kettlebells may be the choice for you.
Pros
- Great value
- Bright blue colour
- Handle is designed to be large and comfortable for maximum control
Cons
- Better for beginners, if you're more advanced this kettlebell may not be for you
| Brand | YANZHI |
| Weight | Adjusts up to 12lbs |
| Colours | Blue |
- Customer review: "Really easy to remove from lower segments by pushing down on one button, and then easy to reattach by twisting until it clicks. Colours are great, comfortable to hold, and as a beginner I’m very happy with the weight range provided."
Best traditional adjustable kettlebell
The ISOGYM Kettlebell may look like your traditional kettlebell, but it's adjustable. It has six different weight selections: 3.4kg, 5.5kg, 10.7kg, 13.4kg, 15.9kg and 18kg, making it great for anyone of any fitness level. To adjust the weight, simply pull and slide the mechanism on the top, then twist either clockwise or anticlockwise to lock and unlock. Another handy addition to its kettlebell is the rubber sole, which stops the floors from getting scratched in your home.
Pros
- Seven weight options from 3kg to 18kg
- Looks like the more 'traditional' kettlebell
- Rubber sole for scratch-free home storage
Cons
- Only available in black
| Brand | ISOGYM |
| Weight | Adjusts up to 18kg |
| Colours | Black |
- Customer review: "Great innovative ISOGYM product that is well designed and easy to use. The adjustable weight system means you don’t have to have a full set of individual kettle bells and this saves a lot of space in the home."
FAQs
What exercises can you do with one kettlebell?
There are plenty of exercises that can be done with only one kettlebell. In fact, you can get a whole body workout with just one, which makes picking up an adjustable kettlebell such great value in terms of budget and space. Here are a few of our favourite single kettlebell exercises:
• Kettlebell swing
• Bulgarian split squat
• Kettlebell deadlift
• Goblet squat
• Snatch
• Clean
• Russian twist
• Turkish get-up
• High-pull
• Renegade rows
Are adjustable kettlebells any good?
Simple answer - we wouldn't be writing about them if they weren't any good.
Adjustable kettlebells can be an excellent fitness tool for those looking to optimise their workouts and save space in their living area. These versatile weights allow you to easily change the resistance level, sometimes with just the click of a dial, making them suitable for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. Also, their adaptability means you can target different muscle groups and adjust the intensity of your exercises, helping with both strength and endurance gains.
If that isn't enough, adjustable kettlebells are cost-effective as they eliminate the need to purchase multiple fixed-weight kettlebells or dumbbells.
Is a 10kg kettlebell too heavy?
Whether a 10kg kettlebell is too heavy for you depends on your own fitness goals and current level. For some, a 10kg kettlebell may be more than enough to hold during exercises like swings, squats and lunges. It provides plenty of resistance to challenge your muscles and promote gains, especially for individuals who are new to kettlebells. However, as a beginner we'd advise to start with a lighter kettlebell to learn the movements correctly, then think about gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger.
Alternatively, experienced lifters may find a 10kg kettlebell too light for certain exercises and may choose heavier weights to continue their progress. Our 'best' list is comprised of options for both beginners and advanced lifters.
Should I do more reps or use heavier kettlebells?
If your aim is to build muscular strength and power, opting for heavier kettlebells with lower reps (typically 6-8 repetitions per set) may be more effective. Heavier weights will help to stimulate muscle growth and strength gains. However, if you're trying to enhance muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness, using lighter kettlebells with higher repetitions (something along the lines of 10-15 more per set) can be more beneficial. An ideal approach is one with variety to avoid plateaus and ensure continuous progress. So both approaches could be incorporated into your routine for a well-rounded fitness level.
Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
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