Final Verdict
We love CAP Barbell’s 3 Tier Dumbbell Rack because it can hold an impressive amount of weight and the angled shelves make accessing weights safe and easy. A relatively low-cost investment, this steel stand takes up little room in the home or gym and is easy to assemble without professional help.
For a versatile storage solution that can adjust according to your gym’s needs, we love Rogue’s Universal Storage System 2.0. This customizable dumbbell rack can be built with your choice of two or three shelves. The shelves can then be moved up or down, depending on the needs of your equipment. It is heavy-duty and can store a complete dumbbell set as well as kettlebells, medicine balls, and more.
How We Selected the Best Dumbbell Racks
To choose the best dumbbell racks on the market, we spent hours researching dozens of options from the best-in-class manufacturers of strength training equipment. We only chose picks that ranked highly in key areas, including size, design, construction and durability of materials, weight capacity, ease of assembly, protective and technical features, and value.
We further narrowed down our top picks by consulting experts in the field of fitness and strength training. Those experts included:
Daniel Sullivan, CPT, CNC, a certified personal trainer and IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
—including a certified personal trainer and a professional bodybuilder, both of whom own gyms—to get the best advice for choosing safe, quality dumbbell racks. We also consulted and cited academic journals and scientific findings to support any claims made throughout the article.
We will continue to keep an eye on the market to update our recommendations as safety, technology, and versions of weight-training equipment change over time.
What to Look for in a Dumbbell Rack
Size
When it comes to selecting a dumbbell rack, how many dumbbells you need to store, as well as the size of your workout space, are both important factors to consider. If you are tight on space, you may need a compact rack, especially if you plan to fit other equipment in the area as well, such as a treadmill or elliptical machine. If you only have a few weights, you can also opt for a smaller dumbbell rack.
On the other hand, if you have a larger or complete dumbbell set, you can find clever space-saving, vertical loading racks or much bigger stands, as long as your area can accommodate them.
Weight Capacity
In addition to the size of your workout environment and the number of dumbbells you have, take into account how much weight you need the rack to hold. A complete set of dumbbells ranging from 2 or 5 pounds up to 50 pounds each will need a sturdy rack with a higher maximum weight capacity.
Design
All of the above factors (workout space, quantity of dumbbells, and weight capacity needed) will dictate which rack design is best. The most common dumbbells rack designs to consider are:
Horizontal rack
Bench-like vertical storage in various widths with two- to three-level open shelves (can be placed anywhere in a room for access to weights from both sides). Space-saving with sometimes angled shelving (for visibility and easy access to weights).
Angled horizontal rack
Bench-like vertical storage in various widths with two- to four- closed shelves (only accessible from one side). Space-saving with sometimes angled shelving. Best positioned against a wall (ideally with wall anchors for safety).
A-frame rack
Small triangular rack designed for a few light weights. Very compact and can be placed anywhere in a room.
Vertical “tree” rack
Vertical storage that is safest with lighter weights. Very compact and can be placed anywhere in a room.
Whatever rack design you choose, go for an option that will keep you safe, stable, and injury-free when reaching for and setting down your dumbbells. Open and angled shelves, for instance, will help you to easily see and select your weights and release them in their spots after a set of exercises. Lachance is an advocate for strong metal racks and angled shelving. “We have a three-tiered system that even has extra space on top for additional storage for more things, and we sure use it!” she says. Above all, follow manufacturer instructions, never overload your rack, and always place heavier weights on the bottom shelf of the rack.
Construction
Ensure the material and construction of your dumbbell rack can safely bear the load required. “We recommend looking for a rack that is made out of high-grade steel–the heavier the steel, the sturdier the rack will be,” Sullivan says. High-grade steel, along with welded joints, reinforced corner brackets, and stainless steel rust-resistant bolts and screws, will last longer, hold massive loads, and withstand the force impact of released dumbbells.
You might look for versatile racks made to hold different types of dumbbells, such as fixed rubber, urethane, hex, studio, or adjustable dumbbells. Some are even able to accommodate other kinds of weights, such as medicine balls or kettlebells. If you will need to move your rack on occasion, consider something with caster wheels or one light enough to safely move by yourself or with help from another person. Alternatively, rubberized feet will help keep a rack stable and prevent it from sliding or harming your floor when setting weights back down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a dumbbell rack?
Investing in storage for your weights depends on how much equipment you have and your personal preference. “If you only have one pair of dumbbells, then no, you really don't need a rack,” Sullivan says, “but if you're looking to grow your collection we can't recommend a dumbbell rack enough.”
Besides keeping your space tidy and safe, you’re also prolonging the condition of your items. “You're investing in the longevity of your workout equipment by giving it a safe docking station, protecting your weights from being banged against other objects, and organizing your weights appropriately,” Sullivan says.
“Depending on how many dumbbells you have, you could even make a rack or buy a set of interchangeable dumbbells before having to spend the money on a rack,” Lachance says. “But there are always smaller racks if you only have three to five pairs of dumbbells you need to store,” she adds.
How to build a DIY dumbbell rack
Beginners, the budget-conscious, or those needing custom organization may be tempted to hack a dumbbell rack. But is it possible or more work than it’s worth? Sullivan weighs in. “You are most certainly able to build your own dumbbell rack at home,” he says. “There are many resources online that you can tap into that act as a guide on how to build your own dumbbell rack. With a long list of building supplies to choose from, you can build a rack that best suits your space and spending,” he adds.
Above anything, if you choose to DIY a home for your dumbbells, safety should be a priority. Ensure the materials, design, and construction of your finished rack will meet the load-bearing requirements of the weights you will place on it. Always use protective gear such as gloves and glasses and enlist a friend for any lifting or construction as needed.
Rather than “reinventing the wheel” entirely, consider scrapping the two-by-fours and opt for sturdy, store-bought materials or solutions. Lachance offers this store-bought trick. “One DIY trick I have seen used a lot is buying a metal storage rack from your local hardware store. These are always rated for over 1,000 pounds, which is plenty of weight for most people’s dumbbells, and you have extra space to store more things in it!” Lachance says.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A life-long athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, knows her way around the weight room and regularly researches the latest and best options in fitness gear and strength training equipment. For this guide, she researched and prioritized manufacturers and brands that provide safety, durability, value, and versatility in their dumbbell racks for the overall health of their users. She is careful to recommend products and brands that are reliable, safe, and trustworthy and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers.