What’s not to love about kettlebells? Their ability to activate multiple muscle groups at once means you get more from each workout. However, like other forms of free weights, kettlebells can be quite space-intensive. Despite this downside, having kettlebells of varying weights for different workouts is essential for a dynamic routine.
With that said, even those very low on space can reap the benefits of kettlebells by using “Adjustable Kettlebells.” These innovative designs give you several different weight options for the space of only one kettlebell. Not only is this a great way to save space, but it could also save you money. So, let’s have a look at the best adjustable kettlebells on the market and find out which one is right for you.
- Best Overall: Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell, Black, 35 lb
- Runnerup: Titan Fitness 10 LB – 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell Set
- Best For Home Gym: KETTLE GRYP – Converts Your Dumbbells Into Kettlebells
- Best Value: Tru Grit Fitness – Adjustable Kettlebell Weight Set – 7.7LbB – 40LB
- Most Unique: OlKar Adjustable Sandbag Kettlebell 1-75Lb
- Honorable Mention: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
Best Overall
Powerblock offers a truly all-in-one weight that is a solid, yet comfortable adjustable kettlebell with all the quality one would expect from a traditional kettlebell.
The Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell has solid construction, three different weight options (22lbs, 26lbs, and 25lbs) and features a single, easy to use pin to adjust weight.
- Overall build quality – Extremely durable w/high-quality finish
- Quality handle – Textured for superior grip but also highly comfortable
- Smooth surfaces – All welds and joints are smooth, ensuring complete comfort
- Easily adjustable – Single pin design makes for quick, easy, and secure changes
- Size And shape -Adjusting weight does not alter the overall size of the product
- Higher price – Price reflects quality however not the most budget-friendly option
Related: Best cheap kettlebells
The Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell does not sacrifice any of the quality you would expect from a traditional non-adjustable kettlebell. The body, handle and selection pin are of 100% steel construction. Yet, the finish on the welds and handle makes everything very smooth and comfortable. The magnetic weight selection pin is simple to use and extremely secure.
The use of a pin instead of removable plates means the kettlebell won’t change shape or size at all, no matter how much weight you have selected. This unit truly offers a four-in-one adjustable setup with virtually none of the downside of other adjustable kettlebells. If you are looking to get your hands on the best adjustable kettlebells out there, this is the product for you. Each weight has the following settings:
- 18lbs
- 22lbs
- 26lbs
- 35 lbs
Runner Up
An adjustable kettlebell set that ranges from 10lbs to 40lbs and offers most of the intrinsic quality features of a traditional kettlebell in a convenient, space-saving seven-in-one design.
- Well made - Plates and handle are made of solid cast-iron
- Easy adjustable - The six adjustable plates are easy to remove and replace
- Quality handle - The handle has a comfortable, secure grip and is wide enough for two-handed use
- Versatile weight Options - 5lbs through 40lbs
- Size and shape - Kettlebell changes size and shape as plates are added or removed
- Kettlebell sometimes rests on forearm - When plates are removed from the top the kettlebell lies directly on the arm causing discomfort
The Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell Set checks most of the requisite boxes for a quality adjustable kettlebell. The handle is wide, comfortable, and secure. While the adjustable plates are cast-iron and built to last and clamp into place with a convenient heavy-duty, plastic clamp. Furthermore, the wide range of weight options makes it great for a variety of exercises.
While the basics are covered here, the classic removable plate system does cause a few issues. First, changing weights does alter the overall shape and size of the kettlebell. Secondly, and more importantly, when plates are removed from the top there is nothing to stop the exposed edge of the kettlebell from resting on your forearm and/or wrist. This can cause some serious discomfort and be a problem when doing things like Turkish get-ups.
The fact that it is possible to remove plates from the bottom instead of the top means the issue isn’t grievous. Still, this is a discussion on the best adjustable kettlebells, therefore I could not in good conscience give this overall good product the number 1 spot. However, if you have an issue with the best overall pick for some reason, this could be an ok substitute. The product contains the following settings:
- Plates that adjust the weight from 10lbs up to 40lbs
Best For Home Gym
If you have a home gym with even a few dumbbells, the Kettle Gryp can instantly convert them into kettlebells. This innovative design gives those with existing equipment a large collection of kettlebells with no extra space requirements.
- Turns dumbbells into kettlebells – saves money and space
- Durable – made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, urethane foam, and stainless steel
- Easy to use – Easy-open hinged handle is convenient and secure
- Portable – Fits into cars or backpacks to go to the gym
- Price - With existing home gym equipment the
- Doesn’t fit some neoprene coated dumbbells
- Can only be used with up to 55lb dumbbells
- Requires you to already have dumbbells
The Kettle Gryp Dumbbell Grip Handle is an innovative piece of technology for the world of kettlebells. While it isn’t a kettlebell itself, it snaps over the handle of your dumbbells and turns them into kettlebells. This means that people with even a few dumbbells in their home gym can instantly have a collection of kettlebells as well. This is a great way to space and money assuming you already have some equipment.
The design is economic and convenient to use. Simply open the handle and place your dumbbell inside, then reclose it and you’ve got a kettlebell. The Kettle Grip is built to last and made from durable impact-resistant ABS plastic, urethane foam, and stainless steel. The handle grip has a very soft feel that’s pleasant to use, while also having enough grip to allow for intense, explosive workouts.
It certainly deserves a mention in the best adjustable kettlebell discussion for those who already have home gym equipment. However, if you prefer a more standard adjustable kettlebell for your home gym you can’t go wrong with the best overall or runnerup mentioned above. The Kettle Gryp contains the following:
- 1 Kettle Gryp dumbbell handle
Best Value
The Tru Grit Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell is hands down the best adjustable kettlebell that you get on a budget. With amazing ease of use, versatile weight options, and a solid handle this unit is as quality as it is affordable and ergonomic.
- Seven-in-one-set – Saves space and money
- Several weight options – Includes half-weights
- Comes in 20lb and 40lb options
- Easy to adjust
- Only goes up to 40lb
The design is ergonomic and offers seven different weights for the space of one. The handle is non-slip and suitable for swings, rows, squats, presses, curls, and twists. Perhaps the greatest selling point here though is the overall ease of use. With a pull of the tab, each plate can quickly and easily be removed and replaced. Furthermore, the set features a variety of weight options including many half-pound selections. The two versions available are:
- 20lb set with the following settings:
- 5lb
- 7.5lb
- 10lb
- 12.5lb
- 15lb
- 17.5lb
- 20lb
- 40lb set with the following settings:
- 7.7lb
- 12.3lb
- 17.8lb
- 23.7lb
- 29.7lb
- 35.2lb
- 40lb
Most Unique
OlKar’s durable leak-proof bag can be filled with a variety of things and made to weigh up to 75lbs. Its quality material and solid handle make it highly usable even at higher weights.
- Durable construction - The premium nylon cordura material lasts longer than regular fabric
- Dustproof inner lining - prevents sand and dust leaking
- Quality handle - Soft rubber handle has a comfortable slip-resistant grip
- Safe - Less risk of injury or damage if dropped
- Very customizable weight options - Bag can be filled up with material to a desired weight
- Compact when empty
- Requires you to have filling material
The OlKar Adjustable Sandbag Kettlebell is a unique alternative to traditional iron kettlebells. Their durable, leak-proof bag can be filled with sand, dirt, pea-gravel, small stones, or even beans or grains. With the more dense materials, the bag can weigh up to 75lbs, which is nearly double most other adjustable products on the market.
Despite it being a bit different, it does check all the boxes of quality iron kettlebells. If you don’t mind acquiring some filling this is a great way to get a highly adjustable kettlebell for a great value. The product contains the following:
- 1 unfilled kettlebell bag
Honorable Mention
Bowflex may be the most recognizable name in the home fitness world. The popular brand released their version of the adjustable kettlebell which boasts possibly the easiest weight adjusting system out there.
- Easy-adjust weight - Features a dial to easily and quickly change weights
- Durable build - Durable molding around metal plates
- Small handle - doesn't support two-handed use
- Lacks grip - Handle becomes very slick when sweating
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is often touted as the “best adjustable kettlebell” on the market. However, I disagree with this. Let me elaborate.
Kettlebells are overall pretty simple pieces of equipment. Therefore, there are only a few categories in which they must succeed to be quality products. The popular Bowflex product checks most boxes but fails in arguably the most important area, the handle.
First, it lacks any real grip and can be hard to hold onto once you start sweating. Secondly, it is small and doesn’t feature a typical kettlebell handle shape. Meaning that two-handed exercises are problematic and even single-handed uses can be cramped.
With that said, the grip issue can be addressed with gloves or tape. Despite the somewhat easy fix, I feel this falls short of “best” when there are so many other great adjustable kettlebells out there. For these reasons, even though it does a lot right it is at the bottom of my list instead of the top.
Features To Look For In Adjustable Kettlebells
There are quite a lot of adjustable kettlebells out there. With that said, let’s look at a few features that you will always want your adjustable kettlebell to have.
Quality Handle
All kettlebells, adjustable or otherwise, should have a comfortable handle with a good grip. A rough, jagged or otherwise low-quality handle is the quickest way to render your kettlebell unusable. They should also have enough space to allow for easy contact in multiple areas.
Size
By this I mean, how much the actual dimensions of the kettlebell change when you adjust the weight. For example, some with removal plates can be quite large at higher weights. While being quite small on their lowest setting. Some people find the inconsistency of these drastic changes unpleasant.
While this won’t be an issue for everybody, finding adjustable kettlebells that keep the same size and shape is a plus. This is usually achieved by having an eternal weight pyramid system instead of removable plates.
Easy To Adjust Weight System
Within the context of a “best adjustable kettlebell” discussion, how the weight adjusts is very important. First and foremost, you want the weight to be secure after changing and have no risk of changing accidentally.
Next, the weight should be convenient to change, so that you don’t lose steam mid-workout changing it. Lastly, the unit should be clearly marked as to what weight you are currently set at.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adjustable kettlebells any good?
Yes, quality adjustable kettlebells can be just as solid and effective for your workout as other free weights. However, they do have more moving parts that you’ll want to make sure are well built. With that said, any of the products listed above can be purchased with confidence and used exactly like a non-adjustable kettlebell.
Furthermore, the all-in-one design means they take up less room than traditional kettlebells. Which for some people makes them preferable to old school weights.
How do adjustable kettlebells work?
How exactly a kettlebell adjusts depends on the type. However, most of them function quite similarly to the machines you see in gyms with weight plates and a pin. For most adjustable kettlebells, the handle, and exterior shell are removable from the interior plates. Inside the shell will be a locking mechanism that grabs the weight plates and secures them inside of the shell.
So to change weights, first, the shell is placed overtop of the stack of plates. Where the dial is set or the pin is placed controls how many of the plates stay inside of the shell when it’s picked up. At its heaviest setting, all of the weight plates will be picked up and locked within the shell. At its lightest, most or all of the plates will remain on the floor or base.
Other models have removal plates that function almost exactly like a dumbbell or barbell with weight plates. The plates are simply added and removed to adjust the weight.
Are adjustable kettlebells safe?
Quality-built adjustable kettlebells are completely safe when used properly. Just be sure to never exceed the recommended weight limits for your equipment. Also be sure that all claps, dials, and pins are fully locked into place after you change weight. Lastly, don’t use the kettlebell if any part of the kettlebell becomes damaged. Damage can cause weight plates to fall and lead to serious injury.
Are adjustable kettlebells good for women?
Adjustable Kettlebells can be great for women looking to get into kettlebell workouts. Or women who currently exercise and are looking to save some space in their workout areas. Furthermore, they are great for all other genders, ages, and experience levels as well.
Are adjustable kettlebells good for beginners?
Some people may find the concept of adjustable weights a bit daunting. However, the best adjustable kettlebells are convenient and safe to use and function almost identically to regular free weights. Furthermore, considering adjustable kettlebells give you access to multiple (usually lower) weights in a single kettlebell many beginners may find adjustable weights a great place to start.
Do adjustable kettlebells save money?
Buying adjustable kettlebells means you essentially get several kettlebells for the price of the one weight. This almost always works out to be cheaper than buying each separate kettlebell individually, sometimes by quite a bit. So, for those on a budget, adjustable kettlebells can be a great option to save money.
Conclusion
Kettlebells are awesome for getting full-body workouts, losing weights and working cardio. Arguably their only downside is how much space a full set of traditional free weights take up. Luckily for those of us tight on home gym space there are adjustable weight kettlebells that give access to multiple weights for the space (and price) of just one. I hope that today’s article has helped you determine which of the best adjustable kettlebells on the market is the best fit for you. Until next time, get out there and do those Turkish Get-ups!