Best Kettlebells for Beginners UK 2026
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
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £4.99 | Best Overall | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York 6kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £13.00 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York 10kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £19.99 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York 16kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £29.99 | Great Value | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York 18kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £34.99 | Great Value | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
1. York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Cheap entry point
- Warm vinyl coating
- Floor friendly
- Good for rehab
Cons
- Too light for strength gains
- Handle is small
- Slippery when sweaty
Our Review
At 2kg, this vinyl-coated bell is strictly for rehabilitation or learning movement patterns. The plastic shell is warm to the touch and friendly on floors, though the light weight limits it to high-repetition shoulder stability work rather than power building.
2. York 6kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Perfect tech-learning weight
- Quiet if dropped
- Comfortable handle width
- Colour coded
Cons
- Bulky for its weight
- Vinyl seam can be rough
- Not for two-handed swings
Our Review
A bridge between rehab and training, this 6kg option allows beginners to learn the mechanics of the halo and goblet squat. The vinyl coating prevents the loud clanking associated with cast iron, making it less intimidating for living room use.
3. York 10kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Stable base for renegade rows
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable vinyl shell
- Classic design
Cons
- Physically large
- Handle gets slippery
- Concrete filled (can rattle)
Our Review
The broad base of this vinyl kettlebell offers excellent stability for floor-based drills like renegade rows. While bulkier than iron equivalents, the ergonomic handle width accommodates two-handed swings comfortably for those with smaller hands.
4. York 16kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Standard starting weight for men
- Builds real power
- Good handle clearance
- Floor protection
Cons
- Very large diameter
- Hard to rack comfortably
- Grip challenges forearm strength
Our Review
Standard weight for male beginners, this 16kg bell provides enough feedback to teach the hip snap effectively. Its substantial size requires good form to control, serving as a solid introduction to ballistic training without the cost of competition bells.
5. York 18kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Serious strength builder
- Thick handle trains grip
- Solid construction
- Won't rust easily
Cons
- Intimidating size
- Hard on forearms in rack position
- Requires good form
Our Review
Pushing into intermediate territory, this 18kg weight challenges grip strength and posterior chain power. The thick vinyl layer protects against rust in damp garage environments, ensuring longevity even with less-than-perfect storage conditions.
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.
My wrist bruises?
This is common for beginners (the 'kettlebell kiss'). Wear sweatbands with a plastic guard insert, or simply focus on your technique to 'tame the arc' so the bell doesn't crash down.
Space for swings?
You need about 6ft clear space front-to-back. Ensure no TVs or glass cabinets are in the 'line of fire' in case your grip slips!
Preventing rust?
Keep them dry. If stored in a garage, wipe them with a 3-in-1 oil rag once a month. This keeps moisture from pitting the iron.