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The 8 Best Adjustable Kettlebells

A personal trainer confirms: The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is the best

By
Ravi Davda
Ravi Davda
Ravi Davda

Ravi Davda is a certified personal trainer with nearly 10 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Ravi has worked with a range of personal training clients both in-person and online.

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Updated on August 16, 2023
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Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Tara Laferrara, CPT
Tara Laferrara
Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT
Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method.
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Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
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Rich Scherr
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Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

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Kettlebells together in a group on a grey floor

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Exercising with kettlebells can offer you a great workout because you’re able to combine strength exercises and cardio exercises all in one. This usually means shorter, more intense, and more effective workouts. “Training with kettlebells is great because it hits many aspects of a healthy and well-conditioned body all at once,” Kris Ceniza, personal trainer and physical therapist, says.

The benefit of adjustable kettlebells over regular kettlebells is that they’re more cost-effective compared to buying individual kettlebells. They can also help to save space. Prices of adjustable kettlebells vary from $50 to $250, and the more expensive options can sometimes be worthwhile because of their durability and ease of use. When selecting adjustable kettlebells, it’s important that you look for an easy adjustment mechanism, safety, grip, and weight range. 

We chose the best adjustable kettlebells by researching dozens of options from trusted brands. We also consulted experts to decide which features were most important. We looked at the adjustable kettlebells’ materials, versatility, design, durability, and more.

Based on our research, here are the best adjustable kettlebells on the market.

In This Article
Pros

  • Resistance level is easy to adjust

  • Space-saving design

  • Ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Expensive

We chose the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell as our best overall pick for a number of reasons. First, we love the weight-selection dial on this adjustable kettlebell, which makes shifting resistance levels between exercises easy to do. This and other features also earned it our top spot for the best adjustable kettlebell during our kettlebell test in the Verywell Fit Testing Lab, where we gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.

It has an ergonomic handle which should help your grip better during use. Also, the design of the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is compact and sleek, which means that it’ll save a ton of space in your house or wherever you decide to use it.

Testing Notes: “This is the best adjustable kettlebell I have ever used. It offers users a ton of different weights, and it's not too bulky, which is often a complaint about adjustable weights in general.”

The only drawback is that it’s one of the more expensive items on our list. However, because it has a dial to change the weight rather than additional plates (which is what some cheaper options feature), this saves time and can result in a more intense workout. This explains the higher price point. We also love that these come with a two-year warranty.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 8 to 40 pounds | Adjustment Increments: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds | Warranty: Two years | Dimensions: 8.8” L x 7" W x 12.5" H | Handle: Ergonomic | Adjustment Mechanism: Dial

  • Person holding a Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person working out with a Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person showing the inside of the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person lifting the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell from its base

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person lifting the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Pros

  • Heavy max load (great for advanced lifters)

  • Durable

  • Ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Can’t adjust lower than 20 pounds

  • Changing plates may get frustrating

  • Weighted plates are sold separately

For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Apex Adjustable Kettlebell. Made from iron and reinforced with a powder coating, this adjustable kettlebell is built to last. It comes with an ergonomic handle, which allows for one-handed or two-handed workouts to be completed with ease.

One drawback of this kettlebell is that you can’t go lower than 20 pounds, which may be too heavy for some beginners, especially for certain exercises, like using with a balance board. Also, some may find changing plates when rotating through exercises frustrating and may prefer an option with a dial adjustment system. Note: The weight plates for this kettlebell are not included with the purchase, so you will also have to buy those separately unless you already have access to 2.5-, 5-, or 10-pound standard weight plates.

Otherwise, the Apex Adjustable Kettlebell is a dependable and budget-friendly option that we recommend for intermediate to advanced lifters. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 20 to 50 pounds | Adjustment Increments: Adjusts in increments of 2.5, 5, and 10 pounds (depending on what weight plates you have) | Warranty: Two years | Dimensions: 8” L x 6.5” W x 10” H | Handle: U-bar handle | Adjustment Mechanism: Replace the removable spacer disks (not weighted) with 2.5-, 5-, or 10-pound weight plates (not included with this purchase). Then, use the locking pin to secure them in place.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Easy to use

  • Durable

Cons

  • Requires dumbbells for use

  • May not fit all dumbbells

Looking to do kettlebell workouts while you’re on the go? We recommend the Kettle Gryp Dumbbell Grip Handle. When traveling, it’s common to find dumbbells at your hotel or local gym, but it can be difficult to find kettlebells. This is exactly why we love the Kettle Gryp Dumbbell Grip Handle—you can use it to instantly transform any dumbbell into a working kettlebell. Simply open it, place your dumbbell inside the grip, fasten it, and you have a fully functioning kettlebell. It’s easy to use, durable, and lightweight, making it a great choice for kettlebell workouts wherever you are in the world. 

One drawback is that, as mentioned above, this adjustable kettlebell accessory does require dumbbells and can’t be used without them. And although the manufacturer states that Kettle Gryp should fit most standard and adjustable dumbbells, it may not fit some neoprene-coated or other dumbbells.

But we love that it can support dumbbells of up to 55 pounds for a truly versatile workout for all levels.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: Maximum weight of 55 pounds | Adjustment Increments: Depends on the dumbbells you have | Warranty: Not listed | Dimensions: Not listed | Handle: ABS plastic | Adjustment Mechanism: Place dumbbells into the grip (dumbbells not included)

  • Person lifting a Kettle Gryp Adjustable Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person picking up the Kettle Gryp Adjustable Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person working out with a Kettle Gryp Adjustable Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

  • Person picking up a Kettle Gryp Adjustable Kettlebell

    Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Pros

  • Wide weight range

  • Wide handle for easy grip

Cons

  • Shorter warranty period than other options

NordicTrack’s Adjustable Kettlebell is our top recommendation for an adjustable kettlebell with a stellar grip. Because of its wide handle, it should be easy to grip and hold on to, no matter which exercises you’re doing. We also love the weight range on this adjustable kettlebell, which spans from 10 to 40 pounds and adjusts in 5-pound increments, making it a great choice for both beginners and more advanced kettlebell users. Simply add or remove the 5-pound weight plates until you get your desired weight, and then use the quick-lock mechanism to secure it into place.

NordicTrack Adjustable Kettlebell comes with a 90-day warranty period, which is shorter than most other options on our list. This may not be enough for some people, especially at the price point it comes at, but we still think it’s a quality option from a trusted brand.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 40 pounds | Adjustment Increments: Increments of 5 pounds | Warranty: 90 days | Dimensions: ‎7” L x 13” W x 9” H | Handle: Wide | Adjustment Mechanism: Add or remove the 5-pound weight plates (included with this purchase) into the lowest open slot until you get the desired weight and lock them into place with the quick-lock mechanism.

Pros

  • Space-saving design

  • Resistance level is easy to adjust

  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Only adjusts up to 35 pounds

We recommend the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell for those looking to splurge on a high-quality, long-lasting option. Made from alloy steel (compared to the slightly less durable iron of other kettlebells on our list) and with a five-year warranty, this product is built to last for a long time. You can easily adjust the weight with the magnetic steel selection pin, and the design is sleek and space-saving. We love that the easy adjustment mechanism means you’ll have no issue rotating between exercises with this adjustable kettlebell.

Note that it is one of the most expensive items on our list. However, we think the material it's made from and the design justify the higher price tag.

The maximum weight the kettlebell adjusts to is 35 pounds. Although this is more than some others on our list, it still may be too light for more advanced kettlebell users.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 18 to 35 pounds | Adjustment Increments: 18, 22, 26, 35 pounds | Warranty: Five years | Dimensions: ‎5.75” L x 4.25” W x 10” H | Handle: Wide | Adjustment Mechanism: Magnetic pin

Pros

  • Adjusts up to 70 pounds

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Small increments for various needs

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Requires a tool to adjust resistance

  • Paint may chip over time

We chose Kettlebell Kings’ Competition Style Kettlebell as our top recommendation for a heavy option because we love that it adjusts up to 70 pounds, making it a great choice for advanced weightlifters. Made from steel, it’s the heaviest option on our list and one of the most durable. Kettle Kings provides a lifetime warranty on this adjustable kettlebell, making it last even longer. You’re also able to go up in small increments on this adjustable kettlebell, which means that the jump from one weight to the next should feel manageable. Some of the other options on our list have a more significant jump, making them less versatile. 

In order to adjust the resistance level of this kettlebell, you’ll need to use the tools provided to open the kettlebell from the bottom and then add or remove the weight plates until you get the resistance level you’re looking for. This adjustment mechanism may take more time than more streamlined options and may be frustrating when you’re attempting to adjust weight fast between sets and exercises. 

Another downside is that the paint on this kettlebell is not designed to be as durable as other options because it’s not powder-coated. Overall, we think the versatile weight range and small increment levels make up for this option’s drawbacks.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 12 to 32 kg (26.5 to 70.5 pounds) | Adjustment Increments: Increments of 1 kg (2.2 pounds) | Warranty: Lifetime | Dimensions: ‎Not listed | Handle: Not listed | Adjustment Mechanism: Use the tools included to open the adjustable kettlebell from the bottom and add or remove weight plates, which are included in this purchase. Secure the weights back into place using the bolt provided.

Pros

  • Rubber bottom to protect floors

  • Resistance level is easy to adjust

  • Non-slip grip

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Only adjusts up to 35.3 pounds

If you want a rubber-coated adjustable kettlebell, we recommend REP’s Adjustable Kettlebell. The benefit of a rubber-coated kettlebell, especially with a rubber bottom, is that it’s less likely to scratch up your floors during use, which is especially beneficial for those working out at home. There’s a dial that you need to push down and twist to adjust the weight, making it simple to switch resistance levels between exercises. We also love that REP’s Adjustable Kettlebell has a non-slip grip for easy holding.

One drawback is that the adjustable kettlebell only adjusts up to 35.3 pounds, which may be too light for some exercises or for more advanced users. REP Fitness does offer adjustable kettlebells with heavier loads, but these also come at a higher price point, which we didn’t think was worth it, given that this option is already one of the more expensive ones on our list. 

The kettlebell comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can protect your pricey purchase.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 18 to 16 kg (17.6 to 35.2 pounds) | Adjustment Increments: Increments of 2 kg ( 4.4 pounds) | Warranty: Lifetime | Dimensions: ‎Not listed | Handle: Non-slip | Adjustment Mechanism: Dial

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Adjusts up to 40 pounds

Cons

  • 5-pound increments may be challenging for some

For a versatile adjustable kettlebell, we recommend Kettlebell Kings’ Adjustable Kettlebell. It comes with a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind, and we love the range of weights it provides, starting from 10 pounds and going up to 40 pounds. This makes it one of the most versatile adjustable kettlebells on our list.

The kettlebell does adjust in 5-pound increments, however, which can be a challenging progression for some exercises and exercise levels. But we still recommend it for most users as it is a compact, well-built kettlebell from a trusted brand.

Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 40 pounds | Adjustment Increments: Increments of 5 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime | Dimensions: ‎Not listed | Handle: Not listed | Adjustment Mechanism: Add or remove the 5-pound weight plates (included with this purchase) until you get the desired weight and lock them into place with the quick-lock mechanism.

How We Selected the Best Adjustable Kettlebells

To determine the best adjustable kettlebells, we first spoke with Kris Ceniza, a personal trainer and physical therapist, and Jessica Domi, NASM-CPT, a personal trainer and director of operations at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. They shared their advice on why kettlebell training makes for a good workout, the benefits of adjustable kettlebells over regular kettlebells, safety precautions when it comes to using adjustable kettlebells, and what to look for when purchasing one.

Next, we researched dozens of adjustable kettlebells from the most trusted brands on the market and picked the best products based on durability, comfort, and value. We also considered the quality of the adjustment mechanism, weight range, handle, and material of each kettlebell.

What to Look For

Weight range

It’s important to consider the weight range of the adjustable kettlebell before purchasing it. You’ll want a weight range that will be enough for you to challenge yourself during a wide variety of exercises but not too heavy that you’re unable to do the exercises with proper form. The benefit of an adjustable kettlebell is that you have multiple weights to work with, allowing you to progress over time, but it’s important to find kettlebells with adjustment increments that make jumping to a more difficult weight possible.

Adjustment mechanism

Adjustable kettlebells can either be adjusted using additional plates or with a dial or pin. The former usually takes slightly longer to adjust, but this type of adjustable kettlebell is also usually cheaper. The more expensive adjustable kettlebells usually have a dial or pin. Before buying, consider whether you’re willing to splurge a bit more for easier and quicker weight adjustment. If you are a fan of circuit training, you may want to splurge for a kettlebell with a dial or pin so you can quickly adjust the weight between exercises.

Durability

It’s important to take care of your adjustable kettlebell if you want it to last long. “Follow the cleaning instructions provided to make sure of proper use and longevity. Many cleaning solutions will mention what surfaces they are safe to be used on, so if you are unsure of what to clean your kettlebells with, a quick Google search will help you determine what cleaning agent is best used to clean the kettlebells’ material. It's also important to not throw adjustable kettlebells on the ground, as it could mess up the gear system that adjusts them. Placing them on the ground after use is best for their longevity,” Domi says.

Handle

Because a kettlebell is not built the same way as a dumbbell, you’ll want to look for different features in the handle. “A kettlebell's handle is at the top, so the weight is right under your grip. This makes it superior to dumbbells when it comes to training power,“ says Ceniza. If you have larger hands, a wider handle may suit you better. An ergonomic handle is ideal for those who want a more secure and comfortable grip whilst performing kettlebell exercises, which is especially important when you’re lifting heavier loads.

Material

If you’re worried about scuffing up or damaging your floors, consider an adjustable kettlebell that is rubber-coated or at least has a rubber bottom. Not only can this help to protect your floors, but it can also help to reduce the noise from a workout, helping you maintain a good relationship with your downstairs neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are adjustable kettlebells any good?

    If you’re asking this question, we assume you already understand the benefits of training with kettlebells. For us, the reason why we love adjustable kettlebells compared to standard kettlebells is that they’re space-saving and cost-efficient, which is especially important when you’re working out from home or in a small space. When picking out an adjustable kettlebell, quality matters. “Investing in a quality adjustable kettlebell is important, so you know the equipment is going to last, work well, and not aid in potential injury,” says Domi.

  • Are Bowflex kettlebells worth it?

    The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is our best overall recommendation for a reason—we love it because of how easy it is to change weights between exercises and for its ergonomic handle and space-saving design. “I have used Bowflex products in my home gym, and they have not failed me. They work excellent, are durable, and offer great value for money,” says Ceniza.

  • What is the heaviest adjustable kettlebell?

    Typically, the heaviest adjustable kettlebell is 40 pounds. For most kettlebell users, this will be enough for a wide variety of exercises. If you’re looking for something even heavier, the Kettlebell Kings Competition Style Kettlebell goes up to 70 pounds, which is significantly higher than what you usually get with adjustable kettlebells. It does come at a higher price point, however.

  • What is a good kettlebell weight to start with?

    When it comes to choosing a good kettlebell weight to start with, your training experience and the exercise you’re planning to do is important to consider. As a rough guide, an 18-pound kettlebell is a good starting weight for most women, and a 35-pound kettlebell is a good starting weight for most men. However, be open to adjusting these based on your requirements and experience levels.

  • Are adjustable kettlebells safe?

    If used properly, adjustable kettlebells are safe. “Like any gym equipment, adjustable kettlebells are perfectly safe with proper use and treatment. Following the instruction manual and guidelines for use will ensure you are using the equipment properly and prevent injury,” Domi says. If you’re new to exercising with kettlebells or exercising in general, we recommend starting off with a lighter weight and gradually progressing from there.

  • What can you expect to pay for an adjustable kettlebell?

    When it comes to adjustable kettlebells, the price can range from $50-$350. With the lower end of this range, you may need to purchase additional plates separately, and the adjustment mechanism is usually manual and requires you to add or remove plates to adjust the resistance. This means that it’ll take longer to switch between different weights for various exercises.

    With the more expensive adjustable kettlebells, the weight can usually be adjusted with a dial or a pin, making it much quicker to adjust between exercises. Pricier adjustable kettlebells also tend to be more durable and less damaging to floors.

    The cheapest option on our list is often available for less than $70, whereas our top recommendation, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell, was $199 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

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Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Academy O. What is the best kettlebell weight to start with? Onnit Academy.

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