The right kettlebell can make or break your workout. Here are some key elements to consider.

1. Weight

Typically, lighter weights are great for beginners or anyone recovering from an injury. You can always ensure that your form is good before adding more weight.

To pick the right weight, it’s important to consider which exercise you’ll be performing with the kettlebell. You might be able to do a swing or squat with a 50-pound kettlebell. It might, however, be more challenging doing curls or upper body workouts with this weight.

For beginners, an 18 or 32-pound kettlebell should be a good start. If you’ve been training for some time, you might want to push to 44 or 52 pounds.

Typically, investing in three different weights might be a good idea. One to warm up, one to proceed with your regular exercises and the last weight for larger muscle groups.

2. Handle

Ensure that you have enough space between the handle and the kettlebell (ideally 2.2 inches). Too small and you’ll hurt your hands, too large and the kettlebell will dig into your arm.

A good handle should allow for a firm grip. Your fingers should be able to fully wrap around the handle. Look for a handle about 1.4 inches thick.

Competition kettlebells are meant for single hand workouts. If you’re looking to grab the kettlebell with two hands, choose a wider handle.

The handle should be smooth and comfortable enough so that you don’t need to wear gloves. Hundreds of repetitions can build calluses.

3. Shape

To the inexperienced eye, all kettlebells have the same shape. On closer inspection, however, you’ll notice that some come in a ball shape. These types of kettlebells are best to be avoided. They’d dig into your forearm as you’re doing an overhead press or a kettlebell snatch.

4. Types

Let’s now explore the different types of kettlebells you’ll find while shopping around.

5. Cast Iron Kettlebells

These are the preferred kettlebells for any non-professionals.

They’re made of a single piece of metal—cast iron or steel—and should last you for a long time. You can easily identify them as they’re the only ones that are black all over.

Rubber, powder coating and e-coating handles are more durable and therefore preferable.

6. Cast Iron Kettlebells With Vinyl Coating

The kettlebell’s body and part of the handle are often found covered with a vinyl coating.

The coating prevents corrosion and reduces noise as you’re dropping them. They tend to, however, cover-up lower quality metal. Metallic pieces can stick out making your workout more painful than it needs to be.

7. Competition Kettlebells

Competition kettlebells’ handles are narrower and are meant to be used with only one hand. They’re characterized by their single size. A 60-pound kettlebell won’t be any bigger than a 20-pound one.

These are the higher-end spectrum of kettlebells and so also are also more costly.

8. Plastic Kettlebells

This type of kettlebell is best to be avoided. They might appear stylish for beginners but are often filled with sand rather than metal.

The handles tend to be very slippery and not fully rounded.

9. Kettlebells Bases

Kettlebells with round bases are convenient to avoid marks and scratches on your floor. It’s best to avoid this type of kettlebell though, as they’d dig into your arms during workouts.