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Whether you opt for gassy, high-intensity workouts or chalked-up, strongman-style training, our list of the best kettlebells cuts through the noise

Looking for the best kettlebells? Welcome to the ultimate buyer's guide.

Not just for CrossFit WODs or for try-hard Instagram posts with unbelievably complicated exercises, the humble kettlebell is arguably one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment you could invest in. Just like the best barbells and the best dumbbells, the kettlebell is the ideal low-kit solution to any home gym, and can easily hold its own in both bodybuilding sessions and gassy cardio workouts.

Perfect for home workouts, leg day, upper-body movements, bodybuilding and CrossFit, kettlebells have been a mainstay in training spaces around the world for a good reason: they work. And they work well. Available in two-kilo increments from 4kg all the way to 40kg and beyond, there's a kettlebell for every body and every strength level; so keep reading for our buyer's guide.

Best kettlebell overall: Bulldog Gear Box Kettlebell, £60

Best kettlebell for home workouts: Mirafit kettlebell, £29.99

Best competition kettlebell: Bulldog Gear competition kettlebell, from £29.99

Best adjustable kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech kettlebell, £179

Best kettlebell for beginners: Amazon Basics Cast Iron kettlebell, £34.69

Typically, the best kettlebell exercises are full-body movements that pack a lot of volume into a relatively short workout. Not only will the odd-object nature of the kettlebell force your stabilising muscles to be more engaged through the lift, you'll also be able to scorch through calories while working at a higher intensity. Don't believe us? During a 2010 study, study participants performed a 20-minute kettlebell snatch workout and were found to have burned 13.6 calories a minute. That's equivalent to "running a 6-minute mile pace". With that in mind, try these best kettlebell exercises on for size:

Stand with feet set wider than shoulder-width and bend your knees to grab the kettlebell with both hands. Drive your hips, keep your back flat swing the weight up to shoulder height. Return to the start position and repeat without losing momentum.

Hold two kettlebells by their handles so the weight is resting on the back of your shoulders. Slightly bend your knees and squat down, keeping your legs in line with your shoulders. Drive through your legs and straighten them, extending your arms as you do to raise the kettlebells above your head. Squat down and repeat.

Stand with your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, clasping a kettlebell in each hand in front of your chest with palms facing each other. Bend your knees and lower yourself into a squat, keeping the kettlebells in the same position and ensuring you don't round your back by tensing your glutes throughout. Drive back up and repeat.

Choosing the best kettlebell for your training is all about knowing what you need. Below, Men's Health fitness editor Andrew Tracey shares his top three tips for choosing your weapon of mass construction.

"The most important point would be picking your weight," explains Tracey, who specialises in low-kit training. "If you're not buying an entire set, you want to pick a weight that doesn't limit you on the exercises you can do. You want something light enough to perform smaller, single-joint movements but heavy enough to provide a stronger stimulus on exercises like swings, squats, and deadlifts." Tracey's top tip? Pick a weight you can push press for five to ten reps, then work up to increase your rep range.

"Competition kettlebells are the same size, regardless of weight," says Tracey. "If you're going for a lighter kettlebell, below 16kg, I would suggest a competition kettlebell as you'll be able to get the benefits of odd-object training with a centre of mass located away from your hand."

As you'll see below, there are a few different coatings available for kettlebells. Neoprene, cast-iron, and matte finishes all feature here, so it pays to know which one is suitable for your training. "Ballistic movements like cleans and snatches, when you're learning the movements, will beat up your wrists and your collarbone as you're moving the kettlebell down." To avoid these bruises, Tracey suggests, consider buying a kettlebell with a softer outer shell. The same applies for your training environment, too. "A rubber coating will stop your floor getting scratched and, if you train outside, a coated kettlebell won't get as damaged."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bulldog Gear's Box Kettlebell range wins our best kettlebell accolade — not only does it look absolutely mean, it comes from weights starting at 4kg, going all the way up to 40kg. The kettlebell's tacky grip helps you stay in control during sweaty workouts.

With an easy grip handle and a non-wobble base, Mirafit's Cast Iron Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for home workouts. It'll stow away nicely — or be used as a door stop — when not in use, and the matte black finish helps you grip it with ease. Available in 4kg to 32kg increments.

You don't need to be a competitive athlete to make the most of Bulldog Gear's Competition Kettlebell — this writer, for example, regularly uses one from the range — as it comes with a wider base compared to standard kettlebells. This means you can perform press-ups, L-sits, gorilla rows and planks without the kettlebell toppling over. Available from 8kg to 40kg.

Now we're getting futuristic. While kettlebells have a storied past with touring strength performers and old-school strongmen, Bowflex has bought the equipment into the future with their SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. With a twist of the dial, you can climb through the increments, ranging from 3.5, 5.5, 9, 11, 16 and 18 kg.

If you regularly push the needle during your home workouts, you may shy away from having a steel kettlebell at home. The fix: a neoprene kettlebell, coated with anti-abrasion material. Ranging from 6kg to 24kg, JLL's neoprene kettlebell covering protects your floor while you're training.

While we can't espouse the benefits of having a Spartan etched into your kettlebell, one thing does remain clear — this Spartan kettlebell is badass. Ranging from 12kg to 24kg, Gravity Fitness' 'Spartanbell' is crafted with solid cast iron and comes with a lifetime warranty, which is certainly handy.

TRX has designed these kettlebells to be extra durable, as they're made with a gravity cast mould. A comfortable grip keeps you in control while things get sweaty and the kettlebell ranges in weight from 4kg to 24kg, helping you get up to RX (prescribed) weight with no issue.

Sometimes in fitness, things are often best left simple. In this case, Amazon Basics' cast-iron kettlebell is all you need to start kettlebell training at home. Available in different sizes starting at 4kg, we recommend the 16kg kettlebell — light enough for cardio but heavy enough for muscle-building.

No-one does it better than Eleiko; and this kettlebell training set is the ideal starting point if you're looking to load up your home gym with a set of solid kettlebells. At 8kg, 12kg and 16kg, you'll have enough weight for gassy cardio workouts and heavier muscle-builders too.

ICYMI: soft kettlebells are a thing, and KASMET's option is worth a shot if you're looking at investing in a low-risk 'bell. Made with premium-quality leather, the material has a smooth finish and an ergonomic handle to keep you in control.