Last Updated on 29 July 2025 by Greg Brookes
Looking for the best kettlebell for your home workouts?
After coaching kettlebell classes for nearly 20 years and training thousands of students, I’ve tested dozens of brands and styles. In this guide, I share exactly which kettlebells I personally use and recommend to my clients, plus the types to avoid so you don’t waste money on uncomfortable or unsafe options.
Greg’s Top Kettlebell Picks
Best Overall: Kettlebell Kings Cast Iron
If you only buy one kettlebell, this is it. Durable, comfortable handle, and built to last a lifetime.
- Powder-coated for excellent grip
- Ergonomic handle for swings & presses
- Lifetime warranty
Best for Advanced Lifters: Competition Kettlebell
Same size regardless of weight, making it perfect for cleans, snatches, and long cycle work.
- Uniform dimensions
- Ideal for one-hand techniques
- Pro-grade construction
Cast Iron vs. Competition Kettlebells: Which Is Right For You?
Cast Iron Kettlebells
These are what I recommend for most people. They’re durable, versatile, and the handle size scales with weight, making them ideal for swings, goblet squats, presses, and general training. If you’re buying your first kettlebell, this is your best choice.
👉 Check price for Cast Iron Kettlebell here.
Competition Kettlebells
These are best suited for advanced lifters. They stay the same size regardless of weight, which is perfect for cleans, snatches, and kettlebell sport techniques. However, their wide size makes two-handed swings awkward for most beginners.
👉 Check price for Competition Kettlebell here.
Which Kettlebell Should You Buy?
If you’re just starting out or want a kettlebell for general strength, conditioning, and flows, go with the Cast Iron Kettlebell. It’s versatile, durable, and ideal for swings, squats, presses, and almost every kettlebell movement.
👉 Check price for Cast Iron Kettlebell here.
If you’re an advanced lifter focusing on cleans, snatches, or kettlebell sport techniques, choose the Competition Kettlebell. Its uniform size across weights makes your technique smoother and more consistent.
👉 Check price for Competition Kettlebell here.
✔️ Both are excellent choices from Kettlebell Kings – the brand I use daily with my own training and clients.
Kettlebell Types: What’s Out There
Today’s market is flooded with options. Here’s what you’ll find:
🔴 Vinyl-Coated Kettlebells
Cheap, but often slippery and uncomfortable. Seams can dig into your hands, making them a poor choice long-term.
🔴 Adjustable Kettlebells
Versatile in theory, but awkward for many exercises. Often uncomfortable for cleans, snatches, or presses due to shifting weight.
🔴 Cast Iron Kettlebells (Recommended)
Durable, versatile, and perfect for all skill levels. Single-piece construction feels natural for swings, presses, and squats.
🔴 Competition Kettlebells
Same size no matter the weight, ideal for advanced lifts like cleans and snatches, but less practical for beginners or two-handed swings.
Quick Tip:
Simple moves like single-arm deadlifts or slingshots can be done with almost any kettlebell. But for serious, full-body training, quality matters.
How Many Kettlebells Do You Need?
One Kettlebell
Perfect for beginners or minimalist workouts. Great for circuits and “flows” where you move through exercises without setting the bell down. Just know you may need to compromise between upper and lower body needs.
Two Kettlebells
Ideal for balancing upper and lower body training. You can use a lighter bell for upper body and a heavier one, or both, for legs. Versatile without overcomplicating your setup.
Three Kettlebells
Gives you room to progress. With three varied weights, you can double up or adjust based on exercise difficulty. Advanced users benefit most from this range.
7 Kettlebell Features to Avoid
When shopping for kettlebells, avoid these design flaws:
🔴 Thick Handles
Hard to grip, quickly exhausts your forearms, and limits your training.
🔴 Narrow Handle Width
Doesn’t allow for comfortable two-handed swings or goblet squats.
🔴 Plastic or Rubber Bases
Dig into your arms during cleans, presses, and rack positions.
🔴 Sharp Handle Edges
Tear up your hands, making high-rep training uncomfortable and unsafe.
🔴 Perfectly Round Body
Sits poorly in the rack position, causing awkward pressure on your forearm and wrist.
🔴 Poor Handle Spacing
Either digs into your wrist or sits too low, throwing off balance in lifts.
🔴 Vinyl or Plastic Coating
Gets slippery with sweat and can cause chafing or discomfort in racked or overhead positions.
What Size Kettlebell Should You Buy?
If you have access to kettlebells then use these tests to determine what’s right for you:
- Overhead Press Test: If you can press it for 8–12 reps with good form, it’s a good upper-body weight.
- Goblet Squat Test: Same 8–12 rep test—good form and control means it’s right for legs.
Recommended Starting Weights
Women:
- 8kg (17lbs): Learning the basics, and overhead exercises
- 12kg (26lbs): Two-handed swings, goblet squats, cleans, deadlifts
- 16kg (35lbs): Advanced progressions, heavier swings and deadlifts
Men:
- 12kg (26lbs): Beginners with no lifting experience
- 16kg (35lbs): Foundational strength moves
- 24kg (53lbs): Two-handed swings, heavier snatches, more advanced work
My Go-To Weights:
- 12kg: Warm-ups, pistol squats
- 16kg: Versatile for circuits and flows
- 20kg: Snatches, and a general working weight
- 24kg–32kg: Strength-focused moves like cleans, presses and squats
Best Kettlebell Brands to Buy
You want consistent sizing, comfortable handles, and durability. Here are some trusted names:
USA Options
- Rogue Fitness: Durable, powder-coated, accurate
- Kettlebell Kings: E-coated, ergonomic, lifetime warranty
- Onnit: Good aesthetics and functionality
- Titan Fitness: Affordable, good grip, broad range
- Rep Fitness: Durable, smooth finish, accurate weights
UK Favourite
- Wolverson Fitness: Long-time favourite for durability and performance
Final Thoughts
A good kettlebell is an investment in your fitness journey. Start with cast iron, avoid gimmicks, and choose sizes that match your strength level. If you follow the tips in this guide, you’ll buy once, and train for a lifetime.
Ready to Get Started?
Investing in the right kettlebell will save you frustration and help you build strength safely and effectively.
👉 Check my recommended kettlebells here and start training today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Kettlebells
Most women start with 8kg (18lbs) or 12kg (26lbs). Men often begin with 12kg (26lbs) or 16kg (35lbs). Use the overhead press and goblet squat test—if you can do 8–12 controlled reps with good form, it’s a solid starting weight.
For most people, cast iron is the better choice. It’s versatile, scales with weight, and allows comfortable two-handed exercises. Competition bells are great for advanced users but not ideal for beginners due to their uniform size.
Yes. A single kettlebell is enough for full-body workouts, circuits, and flows. You’ll just need to choose a weight that balances your upper and lower body needs, or be ready to compromise a bit on loading.
They can be convenient, but often sacrifice comfort and safety in dynamic moves like snatches or cleans. If you’re serious about training, fixed-weight kettlebells are a better long-term investment.
Look for a handle wide enough for two hands, especially for swings and goblet squats. Avoid thick handles (tire out your grip) or narrow spacing (limits movement and comfort).
No. These coatings often get slippery and can cause chafing or discomfort during racked positions. Bare or powder-coated cast iron is best for grip, durability, and feel.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. This helps support my work without affecting your cost.
I checked out the Amazon site that contains the kettlebells you are currently recommending ( . The site does not list a 12 kg kettlebell. Yet in some of your posts, you recommend 12kg kettlebells for both men & women. Are there other brands you recommend that make 12kg kettlebells?
I bought one kettlebell and you verified I do, in fact, have the proper one. I am building my strength and it absolutely feels great! Amazing teacher, you are.
Hi Greg, I always appreciate your insights. I’ve been increasing double kettlebell work. I currently use two 35 lbs kettlebells, but I feel I need to increase weights. I use cast iron kettlebells now. Do you have any experience with the adjustable competition kettlebells (12kg to 32kg)? If so, what are your thoughts of those verse buying cast iron sets at several weights?
Thanks in advance.
Hello John, no I’ve not used adjustable competition kettlebells but the issue will always be the design and how they sit against the arms / wrist in the racked position.
IS there a big difference if a woman start with a 20lb/9Kg rather than the 8kg. Is there something particular about the kettlebell being 8kg rather than 9kg?
No that is fine Lili, the 8kg just tends to be a more standard available weight.
Greg. Is there a physical test to do with a ketttlebell that will tell you it’s too heavy, too light or when to increase your ketttlebell weight? Thanks.
It will tend to vary depending on the exercise Katie, but generally women will start with an 8kg or 12kg and progress to a 16kg for two handed swings.
Hi Greg, really enjoyed reading this, I’m a 60 1/2 yr old lady who wants to start kettlebell training. I’m having trouble finding an 8kg wolverston or rep k/bell as all out of stock. What other brand could you recommend, I’m so keen to start. Thank you for the informative blog
Great post Greg thank you. I’m trying to determine if I should purchase a second kettle bell to enable me to vary my work outs a bit. I own a 20kg that I do swings (single and double), squats, lunges and some two hand exercises with. I’m actually thinking a lighter bell so I can try turkish get ups and other exercises to vary the routine, can you recommend a weight to with? Thanks
How about a 16kg Sasha?
Thanks Greg I was debating between 16kg and 12kg, hoping to just purchase one that gives me the best versatility for different exercises.
Dear Greg,
Thank you for the article. I’m from Lebanon and surely by now you are aware of the disaster that happened in my country, so the problem is that everything is limited at the time being, even ordering stuff online.
The point is that i have two iron cast 16KG Kettlebells and i always wanted to buy a (Steel) 20KG Kettlebell Kings brand for single handed workouts.
So do you recommend this brand, in case i’ve found a way to order one?
Thank you!
Dan
I’m familiar with the kettlebell kings brand but I’ve never tried their steel brand. The material isn’t really what matters it’s the design and shape that matters more.
That is an amazing article on Kettlebells. You seem to be an encyclopedia of Kettlebells. Thank you for posting such details.
Hi Greg. That was very informative but I’m just confused about one thing. You were saying about oval rather than round so is it better to have flat sections front and back? I’ve looked at the Wolverson Black series and they seem to be completely round, whereas the Rep Fitness ones have a small flat surface on one side with the weight stamped on it. Others like the Original Kettlebells GB have flat surfaces on both sides. Can you clarify which is best? I won’t be using it for snatches but I will be doing swings, presses, windmill, TGUs etc. Thanks
Yes David the sides of the kettlebell should not bulge out and be completely round or they dig into the forearm and wrist. The black series are a good kettlebell.
I’m an rower/oarsman so naturally very strong on pulling exercises and can easily handle a 32KG kettlebell for swings and deadlifts, but I am less strong on pressing exercises. I do use dumbells as well, but what sort of exercises and kettlebell weights would help with my pressing/pushing strength? Turkish getups look good, but that is one exercise.
Take a look at the push movement pattern here Basil: https://kettlebellsworkouts.com/pushing-movements/
Should I buy them in pairs?
No need for pairs until you have mastered a single kettlebell Boks.
Hi Greg,
any sugesstions for buying good kettlebells in Germany? Looks like REP don’t ship to Europe (or shipping will cost a fortune). What’s about Rogue Kettlebells? Do you have any experience with these? The look is very similar to REP (also the whole website)…
Do you know these? => https://www.sport-tiedje.de/taurus-studio-kettlebell-pro-10-kg-12-kg-16-kg-tf-db2184-10kg
Thanks and best regrads,
Marcus
Yes Marcus the handle spacing on those kettlebells looks ok from the images but I have not used them so I cannot recommend them.
Hello!
I just bought a Kettlebell, I bought the one with the monkey face 36LB, is it a good one or did I make a bad decision?
It will be OK for swinging and deadlifts but cleans etc. may cause your wrist some problems although I have not used those kettlebells.
Just got your first email and looked at the article on what size kettlebell to use. I’m completely dumbfounded that you would say “there is nothing more a lady should ever need for her kettlebell training” than a 16 kg kb. I use a 24 kg for single-hand swings, so go heavier for two-handed swings. I have regularly used a 20 kg for Turkish get-ups, and have managed a few with a 24 kg. I also use the 20 for single-leg deadlifts. I’m a 67-year-pld woman. I think you’re selling you female clients short.
Yes Val, some ladies can lift a lot more especially on the larger lifts using the hips and legs but they are in the minority in my experience.
This is really useful. Thanks Greg (and contributors!). Trying to decide on what kettlebell to buy is a lot more complicated than I imagined. But reading your clear and informative review, and other people’s comments, has really helped. One conclusion I have arrived at is that, as is often the case, buying cheaper versions may be a false economy. Getting the best you can afford at the time will give you a lifetime of use, whereas scrimping at the outset may actually cost more in the long run! Looking forward to my kettlebell exercises. Once again, many thanks.
This is very helpful! Thank you! I see as of September 2019 that you recommend REP Fitness Kettlebells. I have read that REP Fitness kettlebells are identical to Kettlebell Kings produced in the same factory. The only difference is the stamped logo. Do you know if this is true? I have found several comparisons online that also state the two kettlebells are identical in look and feel. Kettlebell Kings seem to be the top kettlebell in every comparison review I find, but REP Fitness kettlebells are slightly less expensive.
I’m not sure about that one Dan, I also used to use the CAP kettlebells on Amazon a lot too but haven’t bought any for a while so cannot confirm the quality.
I bought a Wolverson set a year ago as I got into kettlebells at my gym. Female average height and weight. Purchased 10,12,16 and 20kg (for dead lifts). I purchased two 8kg from sports direct for Turkish getup and windmill ( triangle) etc, also just walk round with them in the air! Wonderful for balance and warmup! I mostly use 12kg for alternate arm swing and find I can get to 80% heart rate nicely for a good cardio session with this weight. Loving the look of your workout plans and look forward to doing them. I also run 5k most days and cycle (stationary) 10k each day as a warm up.
Hi Heidi. Interested to hear your comments re Wolverson. You’ve clearly got on with them. Had come across the brand in my searches and am leaning towards them. Do you feel the kettlebell workouts have impacted upon your running? (I also run, and am looking to the kettlebells for strength training etc). Thanks. PS: Like the 5k per day routine!!
Hi Greg
What is your take on the adjustable kettlebell from power block. Do you think the shape and handle would interfere with most of the kettlebell exercises?
Thanks
Yes David, the adjustable kettlebell may OK for Swings but other than that it will be painful on the forearms and wrists when in the racked position.
Hi Greg, thanks for posting all of this helpful information about kettlebells. I’ve been shopping online for CAP cast iron kettlebells and it seems they only come in increments of 5 lbs. (ie., 10, 15, 20, etc. on Amazon in the US). For my first kettlebell (I’m female) what would you recommend, 15 lbs or 20 lbs since I can’t get the 8kg/17 lb. size? I’m not in the habit of using weights but I’m active and athletic – I rock climb and play roller derby. I weigh about 105 lbs. and am 5’2″.
Thanks!
B
Hi B, I’d go for 2 kettlebells, the 15lbs and 25lb. You will be able to use them both for lots of different exercises. The 25lbs will be especially good for single arm deadlifts and two handed swings, once you have mastered the movement.
I have a 20#, 26# and a 35# kettlebell set..and a 13# kettlebell..I CAN use the 20# for slingshots, single deadlifts, and modified (I don’t do down far)..goblet squats..The 20# is just too heavy for now, for me to do halos, or good mornings..and I ordered and got another 13#..I thought my 13# was a 10#, but now I own 2 13# bells. When I get better at this, I want to use the pair of 13# bells for double work. I am taking even these beginner workouts very carefully; I’m doing less instead of more. At 66, I think this is wise??!!
Hi Greg
Discovered your site and YouTube channel while researching purchasing a KB to get started. V keen on buying a Wolverson 12kg as UK based but they’re out of stock until July. Would a 14kg be ok or is there another brand you would recommend?
Hi Richard, I’ve used a lot of kettlebell brands in the USA but only really found the Wolverson ones in the UK to be up to scratch. I’m sure there are others out there but without trying them myself I’d be reluctant to recommend them. Depending on your level the 14kg may work for you but you may find it too heavy for halos and slingshots etc. but I’m sure it will be OK for single arm deadlifts and two handed swings.
If choosing cast iron Kettlebells I don’t think you can beat Dragon Door or Rogue Kettlebells. Great design, finish and build, will last for years. I use both and have no complaints.
Hi Greg,
I have just signed up for your Kettlewell workouts and I am excited to get started straight away. One question though – I brought a couple of kb from tk max but I have noticed they seem a lot lighter than the ones I use in the gym. I brought a 12 and a 10 but they feel more like a 6 and a 8. Is this poss with liquid kb??
Thanks
Ellie
I found the CAP kettleball at TJ Maxx or 12.99.
well done Tara
Hi there. Are you able to tell me the brand of kettlebell you recommend in your video about what to look for when purchasing kettlebells. I can’t see it anywhere on your website. Many thanks, Karen
Well there are lots of great brands out there Karen but the ones that are very reasonable and available online are by CAP. You can see them on Amazon by clicking the links above.
Love your workouts btw -very informative & really clear instructions
Great thanks Karen
Hi ya- just starting out on your beg programme & watching your videos in one you say not to get KB with a vinyl coating-but no explanation to why not?
Was just about to purchase a set of 3 KB (8 12 & 16 kg) which are cast iron with vinyl coating & now I’m having 2nd thoughts! If you could tell me why they are no good would be v.grateful – thanx in advance
Karen, vinyl kettlebells usually have strange proportions, the handles are too big and don’t sit well in the racked position resulting in bruised arms and wrists. Also when you sweat the vinyl can get very slippy. If you just want the kettlebell for swings or holding by the horns and performing squats then I’m sure they are OK. However, without seeing the vinyl kettlebells it’s very hard for me to say, maybe the quality has improved over the last year.
Thanx for getting back to me- they are actually vinyl coated cast iron- but you’ve now put me right off them!!