· By Winnie Cheung
Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Home Gyms
I am the kind of person who gets bored easily. This goes for food, movies but especially WORKOUTS. If you ask me to do the same thing, with the same equipment, it takes away the fun and novelty. That’s why I'm always on the lookout for new equipment, something beyond the traditional trifecta of bands, dumbbells, and barbells. Something to keep me on my toes.
I’ve found that kettlebells are impossible for me to get bored with. There's so much versatility in the way the kettlebell moves that it forces me to be really present when I'm working out. Most important of all: they're the ultimate 2-in-1 as I get my strength and my cardio all at once.
An adjustable kettlebell is perfect for my home gym. One should be in yours too. After trying several kettlebells in the market, I've summarized their pros and cons below and share my thoughts on what may be the best adjustable kettlebell for you.
My Picks for the Best Adjustable Kettlebells
- Best Overall → Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
- Best for Beginners → Fluid X Boba 13
- Best for Heavy Lifters → So Cal Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Budget → Apex Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Splurge → PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
- What is the Best Adjustable Kettlebell for You?
Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
This is our selection for the overall best adjustable kettlebell thanks to its easy weight adjustment mechanism, with a simple switch of the dial you switch the weights. The design is similar to a traditional kettlebell and it is equipped with an ergonomic handle.
Another reason this made the best adjustable kettlebell list is the weight range. With six different weights, it’s one of the options on the list with the best range, and that helps with different exercises as well as our progression as we improve.
PROS
- Easy to adjust
- Ergonomic handle
- Compact and sleek
CONS
- Expensive ($188 USD)
- Plastic shell - not so durable
KEY FEATURES
- Weight Range: 3.6 kg to 18 kg
- Weight Increments: 3.6, 5.4, 9, 11, 16, 18 kg
- Materials: Thermoplastic Rubber Shell
- Adjustment Mechanism: Dial
Best for Beginners: Fluid X Boba 13
Granted this product doesn’t look like our other best adjustable kettlebells on the list and that’s because it’s so much more than just a kettlebell. This beauty is made of durable PVC that is burst-proof and comes with a one-way valve to be filled with water.
Working with a water-filled weight means that you activate your core muscle in every move to keep your balance. Having two handles instead of one also increases the variety of workouts you can do.
Its soft and bouncy body makes it user-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about scoffing your floor or hitting your knees! This also wins the best portable adjustable kettlebell since you can pour the water out, fold it up and take it to the beach or traveling.
PROS
- Portable and easy to store
- Safe and friendly for beginners
- YouTube Channel with plenty of workouts to guide you
- Competitive price ($70 USD)
CONS
- Not easy to adjust the weight during a workout
- Maximum weight is 13 kg
- No weight indicators when you fill it up
KEY FEATURES
- Weight Range: 0 kg to 13 kg
- Weight Increments: depends on the amount of water filled
- Materials: durable PVC and double-stitched neoprene handles
- Adjustment Mechanism: one-way water valve
Best for Heavy Lifters: So Cal Adjustable Kettlebell
If you’re an advanced kettlebell user then this is a great option for you. This is a heavy adjustable kettlebell, the heaviest on our list with a maximum weight of 32 kg. It’s design is consistent with traditional kettlebell design and fits competition standards.
PROS
- Heavier adjustments
- Fit for Competiton Kettlebell users
- Can replace up to 20 different kettlebells
CONS
- Lowest weight 12 kg
- Not easy to adjust on the go
- Very expensive ($299 USD)
KEY FEATURES
- Weight Range: 12 kg to 32 kg
- Weight Increments: increments of 2 kg
- Materials: Cast Iron
- Adjustment Mechanism: Allen wrench and spanner
Best Budget: Apex Adjustable Kettlebell
Taking all budgets into consideration the Apex makes the best adjustable kettlebell list because of its lower entry in the price range while still delivering a good quality product. This product consists of a handle (6.8 kg) and a base (2.2 kg). To work with additional weight you need to purchase the plates separately.
PROS
- Durable
- Ergonomic handle
- Can handle heavier loads
- Budget price ($70 USD)
CONS
- Must purchase weight plates separately
- The lowest weight is too much for most beginners
- Not so easy to adjust
KEY FEATURES
- Weight Range: 9 kg to 22 kg (with add-on purchase)
- Weight Increments: 1, 2.5, or 5 kg (depending on the plates you purchased)
- Materials: Cast Iron
- Adjustment Mechanism: Disk replacement
Best Splurge: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
This product is on the high-end luxury end of the spectrum of our best adjustable kettlebell list, the Chanel of Kettlebells if you will. They back up their expensive price tag with a five-year warranty. Different from most of the cast iron options on the list this is made of alloy steel.
It also boasts a quick adjustment feature with a simple move of a pin. The design is different than a traditional kettlebell with a more vertical build to be compact and save space.
PROS
- Very easy to adjust
- More durable
- Compact design
CONS
- Expensive ($204 USD)
- Only 4 weight increments
KEY FEATURES
- Weight Range: 8 kg to 16 kg
- Weight Increments: 8, 10, 12, 16 kg
- Materials: Alloy Steel
- Adjustment Mechanism: Magnetic Pin
What is the best adjustable kettlebell for you?
Personally I love the Fluid X Boba. It beats the others on this list not just because of its portability, but for beginners, it's great because it's just water. You get a sense of security when working out with the Boba 13; it's impossible to accidentally go too hard and bang yourself up.
There are tons of benefits to using adjustable kettlebells as they save space, improve your balance, and work strength and cardio at the same time.
Whatever one you choose, keep in mind a good weight to start your kettlebell journey is around 6 kg for women and 8 kg for men. This will allow you to learn the movements and develop proper technique and form for the different exercises.
When you are clear on what are your needs, get the right kettlebell for you and go start those swings!