Best Kettlebells for an Effective Workout
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Stamina Adjustable Kettlebell -
Kettle Bell -
NewMe Fitness Kettlebell Handle -
Rogue Kettle Bell -
Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell -
Buyer's Guide
There’s no way you could argue a kettlebell isn’t one of the most effective workout tools available, as they offer a unique combination of total body strength training and cardio. Kettlebells offer much more than just a great workout as their unique shape allows you to perform exercises which would be difficult or impossible using a traditional dumbbell. To understand more about kettlebells and choosing the perfect one for you, check out our helpful buyer’s guide and list of the best kettlebells in 2022 provided below.
Detailing the Best Kettebell of 2022
Stamina Adjustable Kettlebell - Best Kettlebell Overall
With a big name like Stamina, it’s easy to get behind this impressive adjustable kettlebell. This pick is made of a thick cast iron handle, steel plates, and a sturdy plastic shell which prevents premature wear and tear while keeping everything tightly held together. The weight moves from 16 to 36 pounds in 4 pound increments which is great for experienced users but not perfect for the beginner. The patented weight adjustment system makes changing weights easy, although you can feel slight movements between weights. It does keep the traditional kettlebell shape which is a nice addition and the square base pad keeps everything in check when you’re changing weights.
Kettle Bell - Runner Up
The Kettle Clamp is a unique take on the adjustable kettlebell as it’s a handle that will already work with your existing dumbbells. The Kettle Clamp is made from solid steel and aluminum parts which stand up to everyday wear and can support weight up to half a ton. The design is super simple to use and can be attached and released in a couple of seconds. One feature in particular allows you to attach the unit to a dumbbell which makes it a kettle bell; however, attaching it to a barbell or pull up bar makes it an entirely new form of workout equipment. The amount of weight on this device can thus be as little as the handle weight itself, all the way up to the largest dumbbell you have. The clamping mechanism also ensures a safe and tight fit throughout your workout.
NewMe Fitness Kettlebell Handle - Most Sturdy
A firm grasp is vital for strength training; this adjustable kettlebell handle features a revolutionary ergonomic grip that is non-slip and comfortable in your hands. Adapt your exercise at home by utilizing the weight plates you already possess! This customizable kettlebell set is compatible with all 1" plates used on weights and dumbbells and is rated 900 pounds. With this screw-in clamp, you can easily swap out weight plates on this adjustable kettlebell; it tightens snugly to the toughest plates for a safe and secure grasp. The dumbbell kettle grip is made of high-grade solid steel material with no contaminants, and it is designed to withstand big weights and survive for years. This dumbbell kettlebell handle is affordable and suitable for both men and women.
Rogue Kettle Bell - Honorable Mention
Rogue is one of my go to places for exercise equipment because they always deliver when it comes to strength and quality. Strength is an understatement with these kettlebells which reach from as little as 9 pounds to a staggering 203 pounds; the handles are also color coded for easy weight recognition. These first-run iron ore kettlebells are cast in a single cast mold to create a seamless product with no burrs which may catch your fingers or clothing. The handles of these bells are a thing of beauty with just the right thickness for most hands and wide enough for most individuals to doubles hand it. Rogue powder coats their kettlebells with a finish that's porous enough to hold chalk and protects the bells from harsh environmental elements like corrosive moisture.
Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell - Consider
Yes4All is a company which has only recently come to my attention, and I am thankful that they did. This company somehow manages to toe the line between quality and price. Yes4All offers bells between 5 and 60 pounds in 5 pound increments which is a nice variety for most people and most movements. The only downside to this particular brand is that it's not solid cast with the bell made of iron and the handle crafted from steel. That being said, I haven't come across single issue with seams mentioned online or experienced myself in person. The handles themselves are a nice width and can be used with both hands for most users. These bells are painted which repels most environmental hazards but this coating can wear off over time.
Buyer's Guide
Kettlebell Buyer's Guide
Kettlebells have been used in weight training by Russian athletes for ages but they’ve only recently caught on in the United States. If someone set a kettlebell in front of you, you’d probably assume there wasn’t much to one since it’s basically a handle attached to a weighted ball. However, you may be surprised to find out there’s a lot involved with this simple-looking workout tool. The great thing about kettlebells is they can be used in functional training which means more movement involved and more calories burned.
Kettlebell Types
Traditional Kettlebells
Though the look may vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next, a kettlebells basic form is a metal ball with a handle on it. A traditional model is one solid piece which has been cast from steel, iron, or other solid metal free of seams or burrs.
Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustable kettlebells look similar to traditional kettlebells with the difference being they usually come as a handle with a pin which slides down the middle of a set of weight plates; a stand holds the extra weight plates when not in use. These types of kettlebell aren’t as sturdy as a traditional model, but they’re incredibly convenient to use and can help you save a lot of space.
Weight Considerations
Kettlebells range from a lightweight 2 pounds up to around 200 pounds for strongmen and tough guys. Your ideal weight range will depend on your fitness level as well as the exercises you’ll be performing. Kettlebells can be hazardous if not utilized properly, so weights 30 pounds or greater should only be used for movements where a lot of twisting or swinging isn’t required like an overhear press or chest press. On the other hand, moves like the windmill and kettlebell swing are better suited to weights under 30 pounds.
Workout Considerations
Kettlebells have been designed primarily for functional and sport specific exercises such as kettlebell swings, windmills, and kettlebell loading. Because of their unique shape, kettlebells may not work for 100 percent of traditional exercises associated with dumbbells, but they’ll function for many popular moves such as chest presses and arm curls.
The kettlebell handle should be wide enough where you can comfortably wrap your thumbs and at least three fingers of each hand around it. If the space is too tight inside the handle, it will rub against your hands causing discomfort or injury.
Selecting a Quality Kettlebell
There are a large variety of kettlebells out there and not all are created equally. Most kettlebells you find will be fairly expensive but it’s definitely worth paying extra for a safe, functional workout tool which will last you a lifetime.
Solid vs. Multicast
Most kettlebells are made of high quality steel or iron since these materials are resistant to premature wear. Lower quality models may have sharp seams or burrs which can cut you as well as being multicast instead of being one solid piece of metal. If a multicast kettlebell suddenly falls apart in the middle of an exercise, expect potential injury and/or property damage.
Vinyl Coating Issues
Cheaper models are typically coated in vinyl which is meant to cover imperfections. A vinyl coating will eventually tear off of the kettlebell and even when firmly on the bell, it poses a potential hazard by flying out of your hands if slippery. Finally, the vinyl material can give off a synthetic smell some people may find unpleasant.
Extra Features
Warranty
All Kettlebells come with some kind of manufacturer’s warranty, the length of which usually depends on the quality of the kettlebell itself. Lower quality bells typically feature a limited one year warranty while higher quality options may have a full lifetime warranty.
DVDs and Pamphlets
Many kettlebells come with either a DVD or pamphlet instructing you on many of the most popular workout movements. Pamphlets are okay in this regard but the DVDs are much easier to follow as they basically function as an exercise video.
Additional Equipment
Since these are fairly simple exercise tools there’s not a lot of extra equipment involved relating to the actual function of the bell. However, some companies choose to sweeten the deal by throwing in extras like exercise bands, mats, or even gloves to go along with your new kettlebell.
