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If I had to pick only one item to use for at-home workouts, I would choose a kettlebell, simply because of the variety of workouts and exercises you can do with it. I’ve been working out with kettlebells regularly for about six years, and ever since I canceled my gym membership last year, it’s become my main form of strength training.
While kettlebells may seem like some of the most straightforward pieces of gym equipment, they have a few key features that can set apart the solid, long-term investments from the cheap ones. I tested four of the below sets (and more at various gyms) — including those from Rogue, Get RXd, and Onnit, the best-known brands in the space — over the course of six years to determine which are the ones to get. Plus, I spoke to physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, Olympic weight-lifting coaches, and home-gym-equipment experts to get their kettlebell recommendations for every type of user and workout.
What we’re looking for
Coating type
Coating is the clearest indicator of a kettlebell’s quality. When I asked certified Olympic weight-lifting coach Paolo Galang what he looks for in a good kettlebell, he said how durable the kettlebell is, and that starts with the coating. “The coating has to provide grip, with or without chalk, regardless of the use — whether you’re slinging them around all crazy during a workout or not.” Kettlebells are meant to be picked up, lifted, and swung more than any other free weight. That’s why the exterior coating has to offer grip but be comfortable enough against the skin throughout multiple sessions.
Much like the grip on a barbell or dumbbell, the coating type comes down to personal preference, but the highest quality kettlebells are made of iron or steel and are powder coated. This provides a smooth finish while offering grip and serving as a barrier against rust, which is important if you plan to use them outdoors. “I don’t want them to get rusty after tons of use and cleaning,” Galang says. Some kettlebells come in a softer enamel, vinyl, or epoxy coating (most often on the round part, though some are coated throughout), which feels soft or rubbery and will generally dampen the noise when the kettlebells are set down on hard surfaces.
Weight range
Like dumbbells, kettlebells are offered in a range of different weights, which is helpful to know whether you’re looking to build a home gym or just to have the right increments of weight for your workouts. I have a set of four (18, 26, 35, and 53 pounds), but I use the 18- and 26-pound kettlebells the most. If you’ve never used kettlebells before, I’d recommend starting with one or two first to get a feel for them before investing in a full set.
Features
Some kettlebells are adjustable, meaning they can accommodate different weight ranges with a single casing, base, or handle. (This is the same principle behind adjustable dumbbells.) Most of the kettlebells I recommend have a color-coding system that corresponds with their weight.
Best kettlebell overall
Coating type: Powder-coated iron | Weight range: 9 to 203 lbs. | Features: Color-coded
The Rogue Fitness kettlebells are my top recommendation because of their soft powder coating and overall durability. These were the first (and only) set I bought in 2019, and I use them about twice a week for at-home strength workouts. My palms get a little sweaty when I lift, and Rogue’s soft powder coating provides a great balance of grip and smoothness, which is crucial when you’re doing swinging exercises. (I like to make sure the kettlebell can move and swing forward in my hand while I’m gripping it; I don’t prefer vinyl-coated kettlebells because they stick to my palms). In terms of durability, I store them inside my apartment (and on one occasion, for a few weeks outside on the back patio), and they have yet to show any sign of rust or wear.
Rogue Fitness kettlebells are some of the most popular sets on the market, and they continue to be a favorite because of their feel and construction. Both Galang and Dr. Clinton Lee, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and former StrongFirst Level I kettlebell instructor, recommend these kettlebells. “Many consider Rogue Fitness to be the best brand of fitness equipment in the country,” Lee says. Galang agrees: “You usually can’t go wrong with their products.” (Rogue also makes my top weight bench recommendation.) Galang calls these kettlebells the best kettlebells for the money because of their durable powder coating. It helps that they look sleek in any gym setting, he says.
Best (less expensive) overall kettlebell
Coating type: Powder-coated cast iron | Weight range: 9 to 106 lbs. | Features: Color-coded
If you’re stocking up on a full set of kettlebells, and if Rogue’s best-of-the-best reputation doesn’t matter to you, I recommend this set from Get RXd, which is comparable to Rogue’s in terms of quality but at a slightly more affordable price per kettlebell and as a set overall. (A 9-, 13-, and 18-pound set of Rogue kettlebells will cost $130, while the same three Get RXd kettlebells cost $96.) I’ve used these kettlebells at a few gyms, and found their powder coating to be comfortable and grippy. Although Lee recommends the Rogue Fitness kettlebells for folks shopping for a new set, he prefers Get RXd kettlebells for his own workouts and attests to their quality. “I’ve been using Get RXd kettlebells for the past five years and have pairs ranging from 9 pounds through 70 pounds. Excellent quality, feels great in my hands and on my wrists,” he says. “As a former certified kettlebell instructor, having high-quality, durable kettlebells was (and is still) important to me. Get RXd certainly fit the bill.”
Most durable kettlebells
Coating type: Powder-coated iron | Weight range: 13 to 70 lbs. | Features: Color-coded
When I shop for fitness equipment, particularly weights, I value durability more than most other criteria because I see these pieces as investments in my home gym setup — they need to be able to handle the abuse from tough workouts on a consistent basis. Plus, returning a broken or defective kettlebell is a headache, given its weight and bulk. Though my Rogue Fitness kettlebells have pleased me with their durability, I reached out to Galang for his top recommendation with durability in mind. He prefers this kettlebell set from fitness brand Onnit, which also makes workout supplements and other gym products. Like the Rogue and Get RXd sets, Onnit kettlebells are made from powder-coated iron and come in the same color-coded increments. But for Galang, what sets these apart is how they hold up to constant use: “The powder coating is chip-resistant and takes chalk usage really well but supports grip without chalk,” Galang says. “I have weight-lifting friends who also own Onnit KBs, and they swear by them — they’re still looking in top shape after being thrown around with sweaty hands for years.”
Best adjustable kettlebell
Coating type: Rubber-coated steel | Weight range: 8 to 40 lbs. | Features: Selection dial, six weights in one system
This BowFlex kettlebell saves space by nesting a variety of weights in one system. It has a selection dial that allows you to pick your desired weight while the kettlebell is in the casing; once the weight is selected, you can lift it from its base. It effectively replaces six kettlebells with one system.
In testing the SelectTech, I found the nesting system straightforward and easy to use. I didn’t like the kettlebell’s rubber-coated grip, however, which felt a little too sticky in my palm when doing swings and clean and presses (as I mentioned above, I prefer powder-coated grips). Personal grip preferences aside, the SelectTech is still my top recommendation for users who use one kettlebell at a time — and who want to save on space and money. It’s also a favorite of home-gym-equipment expert Hayden Carpenter, who uses the SelectTech frequently for hangboarding, a type of training exercise for rock climbing.
Best budget kettlebell
Coating type: Enamel-coated cast iron | Weight range: 10 to 40 lbs. | Features: No color coding
This simple, no-frills kettlebell doesn’t have a powder-coated finish or color coding, but I think this is a great option if you’re a beginner weight lifter who’s looking to give kettlebell exercises a try, or if you’re not sure about investing in a full set of multiple kettlebells. Its enamel-coated grip is smooth and easy on the hands, and it’s half the price of some of the top picks on this list, so its value is hard to beat.
Our experts
• Hayden Carpenter, freelance writer and home-gym equipment expert
• Paolo Galang, certified Olympic weight-lifting coach
• Dr. Clinton Lee, physical therapist, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and former StrongFirst Level I kettlebell instructor
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