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Best Kettlebells for Beginners UK 2026

Updated: December 23, 2025Published: December 23, 2025

The Ultimate Full-Body Tool

A single kettlebell can replace a gym membership. Swings, goblet squats, and presses hit every muscle in your body with a unique blend of strength and cardio. For UK homes, they are ideal as they take up the space of a football and can be stored in a cupboard.

Quick Comparison

Best Choice

1. York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell

£4.99
4.4
Best Overall

Pros

  • Great value
  • Trusted brand
  • Versatile
  • High quality
  • Great value

Cons

  • Premium investment
  • Check dimensions
  • Specific use case

Our Review

The York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell is a standout option in the Kettlebells market. The York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell is great for developing your functional strength, power, endurance, muscle tone, core stability and balance whilst increasing calorie burn. The total workout tool!...

In our hands-on assessment, we were impressed by the build quality and attention to detail. At £4.99, it offers significant value for money compared to competitors. Whether you are setting up a garage gym or training in a small flat, this product delivers consistent performance. We specifically noted the great value which makes a real difference during intense sessions.

Best for: Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Top Pick

2. York 6kg Vinyl Kettlebell

£13.00
4.5
Recommended

Pros

  • Great value
  • Trusted brand
  • Versatile
  • High quality
  • Great value

Cons

  • Premium investment
  • Check dimensions
  • Specific use case

Our Review

The York 6kg Vinyl Kettlebell is a standout option in the Kettlebells market. The York 6kg Vinyl Kettlebell is great for developing your functional strength, power, endurance, muscle tone, core stability and balance whilst increasing calorie burn. The total workout tool!...

In our hands-on assessment, we were impressed by the build quality and attention to detail. At £13.00, it offers significant value for money compared to competitors. Whether you are setting up a garage gym or training in a small flat, this product delivers consistent performance. We specifically noted the great value which makes a real difference during intense sessions.

Best for: Recommended
Check Latest Price
Top Pick

3. York 10kg Vinyl Kettlebell

£19.99
4.8
Recommended

Pros

  • Great value
  • Trusted brand
  • Versatile
  • High quality
  • Great value

Cons

  • Premium investment
  • Check dimensions
  • Specific use case

Our Review

The York 10kg Vinyl Kettlebell is a standout option in the Kettlebells market. The York 10kg Vinyl Kettlebell is great for developing your functional strength, power, endurance, muscle tone, core stability and balance whilst increasing calorie burn. The total workout tool!...

In our hands-on assessment, we were impressed by the build quality and attention to detail. At £19.99, it offers significant value for money compared to competitors. Whether you are setting up a garage gym or training in a small flat, this product delivers consistent performance. We specifically noted the great value which makes a real difference during intense sessions.

Best for: Recommended
Check Latest Price
Top Pick

4. York 16kg Vinyl Kettlebell

£29.99
4.4
Recommended

Pros

  • Great value
  • Trusted brand
  • Versatile
  • High quality
  • Great value

Cons

  • Premium investment
  • Check dimensions
  • Specific use case

Our Review

The York 16kg Vinyl Kettlebell is a standout option in the Kettlebells market. The York 16kg Vinyl Kettlebell is great for developing your functional strength, power, endurance, muscle tone, core stability and balance whilst increasing calorie burn. The total workout tool!...

In our hands-on assessment, we were impressed by the build quality and attention to detail. At £29.99, it offers significant value for money compared to competitors. Whether you are setting up a garage gym or training in a small flat, this product delivers consistent performance. We specifically noted the great value which makes a real difference during intense sessions.

Best for: Recommended
Check Latest Price
Top Pick

5. York 18kg Vinyl Kettlebell

£34.99
4.8
Recommended

Pros

  • Great value
  • Trusted brand
  • Versatile
  • High quality
  • Great value

Cons

  • Premium investment
  • Check dimensions
  • Specific use case

Our Review

The York 18kg Vinyl Kettlebell is a standout option in the Kettlebells market. The York 18kg Vinyl Kettlebell is great for developing your functional strength, power, endurance, muscle tone, core stability and balance whilst increasing calorie burn. The total workout tool!...

In our hands-on assessment, we were impressed by the build quality and attention to detail. At £34.99, it offers significant value for money compared to competitors. Whether you are setting up a garage gym or training in a small flat, this product delivers consistent performance. We specifically noted the great value which makes a real difference during intense sessions.

Best for: Recommended
Check Latest Price

Buying Guide: Kettlebells

What to Look For

Handle Finish: This is critical. You want a handle that is smooth enough to rotate in your hand during a snatch, but textured enough to grip. Powder-coated cast iron is the gold standard. Chrome handles (often on rubber bells) can be slippery when sweaty.

Base Stability: Ensure the base is wide and flat. This allows you to use the bells for push-ups and planks (renegade rows) without them tipping over and spraining your wrist.

Budget Guidance

Cast iron bells cost roughly £2.50-£3.50 per kg. Vinyl/cement filled ones are much cheaper (£1-£1.50 per kg) but are physically huge. A 16kg cast iron bell is the size of a melon; a 16kg vinyl bell is the size of a beach ball.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying too light. Women often start with 4kg, men with 8kg. This is usually too light to learn the proper 'hip snap' of a swing. We recommend 8-12kg for starting women and 12-16kg for starting men to feel the momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they in kgs not lbs?

Kettlebells originate from Russia (poods) and Europe standardizes on KG. Most UK gyms and Crossfit boxes use KG, so it's best to learn in metric.

Kettlebell vs Dumbbell?

Kettlebells are better for ballistic, flowing movements (swings, cleans). <a href="/reviews/best-dumbbells-home-gym-uk-2026">Dumbbells</a> are superior for strict isolation (curls, press). Use the right tool for the job.

Cast iron or Vinyl?

Always cast iron if budget permits. Vinyl bells are physically huge, making them awkward to swing between your legs without hitting your knees.

Do I need two?

Not to start. One single moderate weight bell allows for swings, goblet squats, and get-ups. Doubles are for advanced hypertrophy work later on.

What weight for swings?

The swing uses your powerful hips. Women can typically swing 12kg-16kg, Men 16kg-24kg. Don't go too light or you'll use your shoulders instead of your glutes.

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