This article looks at 10 popular, top-rated kettlebells that come in a range of weights. All are high in quality and have excellent buyer feedback.
Some of the models we cover will suit people just beginning their kettlebell journey. Others will suit intermediate and advanced level exercisers. Some have a cement construction; others cast iron or solid steel.
Top-rated kettlebells covered in this article will include the Cap Barbell Vinyl Coated Cement Kettlebell and the Tone Fitness Cement Filled Kettlebell. As their names indicate, these both have a cement composition.
Cast iron kettlebells we will review include the SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Kettlebell, the Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell, the CAP Barbell Enamel Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell and the CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell.
Other top-rated kettlebells discussed will be the Rep Fitness Kettlebell for CrossFit, and the CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell, both of which are cast iron.
We will also look at two competition-grade steel kettlebells, the CFF Pro Competition Russian Kettlebell Girya and the RKS Russian Kettlebell Dragon Door.
Table of Contents
Why You Should do Kettlebell Workouts
Kettlebell workouts are excellent for improving muscle tone without adding bulk. They improve cardiovascular function, strength, and endurance and boost the metabolism, promoting weight loss.
Regular kettlebell workouts also increase bone density and endurance.
For more information on the advantage of kettlebell workouts, read What Are Kettlebells and What Are Their Benefits?
Click this link for a beginner’s kettlebell workout.
Top-Rated Kettlebells Worth Considering
10) CAP Barbell Vinyl Coated Cement Kettlebell
The CAP Barbell Vinyl Coated Cement Kettlebell is a very economical option for people beginning kettlebell training who don’t yet know if they will like it.
Made of cement, the bells’ shiny black vinyl coating helps to reduce wear and tear and protects your floor from surface damage. Their handle is wide and easy to grip.
A disadvantage of this kettlebell is that its cement composition makes it vulnerable to breaking if dropped. It is also larger than other types of kettlebells, making it awkward to do some exercises.
The vinyl coating can become slippery from perspiration during intense workouts.
Another negative is that its handle has a thin raised seam on the underside that could irritate anyone with sensitive skin.
Wearing gloves during workouts will prevent the last two potential issues.
Available in weights of 5 lb to 20 lb rising in 5-pound increments, this model will enable you to test the waters with kettlebells without outlaying a lot of money.
9) Tone Fitness Cement Filled Kettlebell
The Tone Fitness Cement Filled Kettlebell will suit beginners on a tight budget.
Flat-bottomed, the bells have a vinyl coating that will protect your floors from damage.
Coming in a range of beautiful colors, these include some that are especially appealing to women.
Other kettlebells in the range are gray with a color-coded handle and center, suitable for either sex.
The available weights are 5lb, 7 1/2 lb, 10 lb, and 15 lb. There is also the option of buying a set containing 5 lb, 10 lb, and 15 lb weights and a workout DVD.
The bell’s handles are large and comfortable to hold; however, if your hands perspire, they can become slippery.
Being cement-filled, these kettlebells are bulky, and care needs to be taken not to drop them as they can crack.
Another downside of this model is its limited weight range. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend and don’t want to work with more than 15 pounds of weight, it is still worth considering.
NB: These kettlebells contain phthalates which are linked to congenital disabilities and reproductive problems. This makes them unsuitable for anyone who is pregnant or planning to have a baby.
8) SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Kettlebell
The SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Kettlebell has proven to be a big hit with purchasers.
The bells come in various colors that designate their weight. This is a great time-saver as it enables you to identify the weight size at a glance.
Coming in 13 different weights, these range from 5 lb through to 50 lb.
Made of cast iron with a vinyl coating, they are gentle on the user’s hands and floor. Their handles are a standard size.
Most people find them just right; however, a couple of reviewers said the handle is too small for them.
For this reason, if your hands are large, this might not be the right model for you.
Vinyl-coated kettlebells can have a distinctive smell that may bother some people.
A few reviewers said that the kettlebells feel rough against their hands. A small percentage also complained that their kettlebell arrived scratched.
Overall, this is a great kettlebell that most people find the perfect combination of quality and value.
7) Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell
The YES4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell will suit exercisers of all levels on a budget. While basic in appearance, they get the job done.
Made of cast iron, there are no seams or welds that could cause weak spots. A black powder-coated finish protects the bells from rust and helps to prevent chipping.
The Yes4All Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell comes in 14 different weights ranging from 5 lb to 80 lb, increasing in 5-pound increments. Their wide handle is textured for enhanced grip, providing slip-free workouts.
Their flat bottom expands the range of exercises you can do and enables upright storage.
A few purchasers received damaged kettlebells, and a few weren’t happy with the quality. The vast majority, however, love this model. Put it on your shortlist if money is tight!
6) CAP Barbell Enamel Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell
The Cap Barbell Enamel Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell is one of the most purchased kettlebells of its type.
High in quality and reasonably priced, these cast iron kettlebells have a thick black machined enamel coating that is soft against the hands, and it will protect your floors from damage.
The kettlebells have flat bottoms, and each is of a uniform size, measuring 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ x 12 4/10″. This uniformity means there is less of an adjustment period when progressing to a heavier weight.
The bells’ thick, wide steel-reinforced handles are incredibly durable. Cast in one piece, there are no joins and therefore no weak spots.
Coming in 12 different weights, these range from 10 lb to 50 lb, increasing in 5-pound increments, and 60 lb to 80 lb, rising in 10-pound increments.
Some purchasers have stated that the bell’s surface easily chips. While this does not affect their performance, it could result in a kettlebell that looks worn.
The bell’s handles are quite large, which may not suit someone with small hands. Some people also find the handle on the narrow side, making it somewhat challenging to perform moves requiring a double grip.
These negatives aside, this kettlebell has a lot of very positive buyer feedback.
5) CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell
The CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell is one of the most well-rated non-competition kettlebells you can buy.
Made from one piece of solid cast iron, it is exceptionally durable, and there are no weak spots.
The bell’s black painted finish is smooth, providing comfort for the user and reducing the likelihood of irritation or calluses developing.
The finish will also help to protect your floor from becoming scratched or marked.
Reinforced steel handles ensure longevity and a solid grip. These are comfortable to grip, even for people with larger hands.
This model is available in 13 different weights. These range from 10 lb to 50 lb going up in five-pound increments and from 60 lb to 80 lb, increasing in 10-pound increments.
Suitable for everyone from the beginner to the experienced kettlebell user, this is a great mid-priced kettlebell.
4) Rep Fitness Kettlebell for CrossFit
The Rep Fitness Kettlebell for CrossFit is among the best kettlebells you will find.
Conforming to CrossFit prescribed workouts and the Russian weight’s standard, it is marked in both pounds and kilograms.
Color-coded rings on the handles’ base denote each weight, making it easy to select the appropriate one for your training session.
The bell’s matte powder-coated finish feels smooth, and it is chip-resistant.
Its handles have enough texture to provide an excellent grip.
Machined flat bottoms cater to a wider range of exercises.
Cast in a single mold, not welded as some kettlebells are, with no weak spots, they are extremely durable.
Available in 17 weights ranging from 4 lb to 106 lb rising in four and five-pound increments, these kettlebells will accommodate everyone from the new to the most experienced CrossFit fan.
If your hands are very large you may find the handle a little short. However, looking at reviews, very few buyers have anything but praise for the Rep Fitness Kettlebell for CrossFit.
Check it out if you’re seeking a quality kettlebell that looks great and delivers superior performance.
3) CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell
The CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell is made of cast iron that has been powder coated and machine-finished to remove any rough spots.
Cast in one piece, there are no seams that could potentially irritate the hands or create weak spots.
The kettlebells are color-coded for easy selection. Their wide, flat base is very stable, and it allows a full spectrum of exercises.
Catering to a broad range of people’s needs, the CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell comes in 11 different weights ranging from 9 lb to 88 lb.
Their body size increases slightly, along with their weight, as does the size of their handles. This is in contrast to the smaller, uniform handle size of most steel competition kettlebells.
Slightly textured, the handles provide excellent grip. Their large, rounded shape will suit most people.
However, if you have large hands, you may find the handle to be on the narrow side.
Some buyers stated that the handles feel rougher than they had expected, but they’re still comfortable.
Others have chosen to sand the handle to increase their comfort.
The CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell is worth considering if you’re looking for a durable, reasonably priced kettlebell.
2) CFF Pro Competition Russian Kettlebell Girya
There’s nothing not to love about the Pro Competition Russian Kettlebell from Christian Fitness Factory. Suitable for kettlebell competition competitors and anyone who wants a top-quality kettlebell, they are one of the most highly-rated products of their type.
Available in weights from 8kg to 32kg, their regulation competition 33 mm handles are designed to prevent slippage and minimize fatigue.
The bells’ solid one-piece 100% steel construction eliminates the possibility of the kettlebells cracking or chipping.
A flat bottom design increases their usage and makes them perfect for exercises such as Renegade Rows and for Cross Training, and MMA Training. In my opinion, they are also one of the coolest-looking kettlebells you will find.
On the downside, they are a little larger than one might expect. Some buyers complained of loose material moving around inside their bell, and a couple mentioned surface scuffs. Neither issue affects the quality of workouts. This make of kettlebell is also pricier than a lot of others.
Overall, this kettlebell is very durable and extremely popular with purchasers. Check it out if you want to get the most out of your workouts and you don’t mind paying a bit more.
1) RKS Russian Kettlebell Dragon Door
No top-rated kettlebells list would be complete without the inclusion of the RKS Russian Kettlebell Dragon Door.
Made of solid cast iron, it has a smooth, rust and chip-resistant black metallic epoxy finish. It is comfortable to use and exceptionally durable.
The bottoms of the kettlebells are flat. They sit flush with the floor, and they don’t wobble.
This will enable you to do Handstands, Mounted Pistol Squats, Renegade Rows, and the like without worrying about falling off the bell and injuring yourself.
Cast from a single mold, the Dragon Door Kettlebell is seamless, so you won’t have to worry about your hands chaffing.
The bell’s slip-resistant handles are comfortable to grip and well-sized, whether using a single or a double-handed grip.
The RKS Russian Kettlebell Dragon Door comes in 17 different weights ranging from 10 lb to 97 lb.
Their weights are imprinted on the bells in both pounds and kilograms.
With so much going for it, the only negative for some will be its price, which is higher than many others.
A few purchasers also stated that they would have liked the handle to be more rounded.
Dragon Door Kettlebells reputation speaks for itself. It is the kettlebell of choice for many elite athletes and fitness industry professionals, not just in the USA but worldwide.
Top Rated Kettlebells Summary
You can’t go wrong with any of the top-rated kettlebells on this list. Your budget and level of experience will undoubtedly influence the one you choose.
For most people, I’d recommend buying a cast iron kettlebell. If money is very tight, go with cement. Just keep in mind that its composition will limit your exercise options, and it may not be as durable or as easy to use.
If you’ve been using kettlebells for some time and looking to upgrade, steel kettlebells will probably suit you best.