Modern problems require modern solutions, as the not-so-old saying goes. The Kettle Gryp attempts to solve a couple of problems by being a viable solution for kettlebell users who travel, as well as a budget option for home gym owners who don’t want to take up space for dumbbells and kettlebells. The Kettle Gryp can turn almost any dumbbell into a kettlebell for swings and squats.
But how does it compare to your standard kettlebell? In my Kettle Gryp review, I was able to test this piece of equipment through several workouts and exercises: Swings, deadlifts, Turkish get-ups, and goblet squats. I’ll go through the highs and lows of this budget-friendly alternative to traditional kettlebells to see if it’s worth taking up real estate in your home gym or suitcase.
We Have a Good “Gryp” on Kettlebells
Our team of testers have looked at and tested virtually every adjustable kettlebell on the market, including the Kettle Gryp, so we know what to look for in a good alternative to a set of kettlebells. For this review, I’ve been able to work out and train with the Kettle Gryp over the course of a few weeks, and was able to see how it stacked up with traditional kettlebells.
At Garage Gym Reviews, our expert team consists of certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, CrossFit trainers, athletes, and former gym owners. We’ve spent a lot of time in the gym with kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, and other pieces of equipment so that we can help you make an informed decision on your home gym purchases. Using our kettlebell testing methodology, we rate each bell from 1 to 5 in categories like:
- Durability: For adjustable kettlebells, we prefer more metal constructions, but this depends on the kettlebell’s design. A 3-out-of-5 score means that the kettlebell is built well, although it may show signs of wear over time.
- Weight Range: How much or how little can an adjustable kettlebell weigh? We give a 3 out of 5 to adjustable bells that support a moderate weight range of 8 to 16 kilograms (roughly 17 to 35 pounds). Higher scores go to broader ranges.
- Shape: Does the adjustable kettlebell feel like a normal profile, or is it clunky during some movements? We rate a kettlebell at 3 out of 5 if it’s functional, albeit awkward in some exercises.
- Value: Looking beyond the price, we hope to also account for the quality of a product. A 3-out-of-5 score is given to kettlebells that are priced fairly, but top scores go to quality bells that are priced competitively and come with some special features.
A Quick Look at the Kettle Gryp
The Kettle Gryp gained a good amount of publicity from its appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” a reality show where entrepreneurs pitch a product or business to five investors, and said investors or “sharks” decide if they’d like to invest or not. The San Diego-based company was able to land a deal with Lori Greiner on their episode for $300,000 for 15% equity.
The Kettle Gryp is the original grip accessory for dumbbells; it’s a hard plastic handle that latches onto a dumbbell handle. According to the company, the Kettle Gryp addresses three issues:
- Practicality: The Kettle Gryp can be a great piece of equipment for travel, as it’s lightweight, packable and compact.
- Versatility: The Kettle Gryp was made to hold a variety of dumbbells and weights.
- Budget: When compared to buying a set of multiple kettlebell weights, or even budget-friendly adjustable kettlebells, the Kettle Gryp saves a lot of money (if you have dumbbells handy).
Originally, the Kettle Gryp only came in a bright orange. However, it’s now available in black—the standard colorway for most home gym essentials. It’s made entirely in the United States from a tough ABS plastic with urethane foam inserts to wrap around the dumbbell.
Before You Buy
- If you are buying this for your home gym, you’d better have some traditional dumbbells already. Adjustable dumbbells will work fine, too, although the length of them might make some movements feel more awkward.
- The dumbbell fits inside a groove with two urethane foam pads. The Kettle Gryp is only compatible with dumbbells that have a handle longer than 4.5 inches. Also, the dumbbell handle diameter can’t exceed 1.5 inches. (The dumbbells I used were right at 1.5 inches thick, and while it was a tight fit, they worked just fine.)
- While this is an ultra-budget alternative to kettlebells, just know that the dumbbell will distribute weight differently than a normal kettlebell. Kettlebell swings and goblet squats will feel mostly fine, but I had a lot of trouble trying to do any sort of kettlebell snatch or clean comfortably.
Kettle Gryp Video Review
Is the Kettle Gryp Worth It?
At right around $35, the Kettle Gryp is easily one of the cheapest and most affordable kettlebell options on the market. It scores a 5 out of 5 on value, but I’d argue that the real appeal of the Kettle Gryp absolutely depends on what you’re looking to get out of the product. It is fantastic for a kettlebell enthusiast to travel with, and if budget is an issue, the Kettle Gryp will save you a good amount of money (as long as you already have a few dumbbells to use) in comparison to buying a set of multiple cast iron kettlebells.
However, if you’re looking for a piece of equipment that has the look and feel of a kettlebell, this is probably not it. In my experience, how much the Kettle Gryp feels like a kettlebell largely depends on the size and distribution of the dumbbell attached. Plus, it will feel awkward on movements needing the kettlebell to rotate, like snatches or kettlebell cleans. If you want a truer kettlebell experience at a lower price point, I’d consider an adjustable kettlebell or a set of budget kettlebells.
RELATED: Adjustable Kettlebell Vs Standard Kettlebell
Great for:
- People wanting a kettlebell and who already have dumbbells
- Those needing fitness equipment to travel with
- Home gym owners on a budget
Not recommended for:
- Anyone who prefers the feel of a cast iron kettlebell
- Home gym owners wanting a quicker change between weights
- People looking to do kettlebell snatches or cleans
Kettle Gryp Specs
| Price | $34.95 |
| Dimensions | 8.13”L x 1.15” W x 10.81” H |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | Recommended 55 lbs |
| Material | High-impact ABS plastic with urethane foam inserts |
| Colors | Orange, Black |
Using the Kettle Gryp
After using the Kettle Gryp for a bit, I can definitely see its utility. Adding a dumbbell was easy; just about every dumbbell that I used fit the grooves, and the Kettle Gryp latch was secure while I performed kettlebell exercises. It would be a great kettlebell grip to use on different dumbbells in hotel gyms while you’re traveling and on the move.
With the Kettle Gryp being made of a hard plastic, the handle is textured a bit to mimic the feel of a powder-coated cast iron kettlebell. Building grip strength is such a vital part in kettlebell training, as a 2015 study1 showed improved grip strength among college students over a five-week period of training kettlebells.
In the end, the Kettle Gryp’s handle still felt like plastic. Don’t get me wrong; it was a solid grip, but the plastic handle ended up feeling slick compared to traditional kettlebells, earning a 4 out of 5 for the handle.
RELATED: Rogue Kettlebells Review
The Kettle Gryp worked well for some exercises, and not so well on others due to the shape, which I rated at 3 out of 5. Kettlebell swings, deadlifts, and goblet squats were mostly fine, but using a dumbbell with a kettlebell grip was very awkward when I tried to do movements involving rotation of the kettlebell, like a kettlebell snatch or clean. Furthermore, kettlebell swings felt very awkward with the larger, heavier dumbbells, as the dumbbell heads were much wider than a standard kettlebell. I had to stand with a wider stance to avoid hitting my legs during the swing.
The Kettle Gryp felt fine for strength exercises like an overhead press, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but think that I’d get a similar stimulus from just using the dumbbell for a press, instead. Ultimately, this is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used on the go, but it will also be a little limiting in the exercises you can use in your kettlebell training. Furthermore, your experience will also depend on the size and shape of the dumbbells you have at your disposal.
RELATED: Dumbbells Vs Kettlebells
Weight Range
Most adjustable kettlebells have a minimum and maximum weight they can adjust to, but the Kettle Gryp is limited only by the dumbbells you have at your disposal…and a recommended maximum weight of 55 pounds. GGR founder Coop Mitchell and I both tried the Kettle Gryp with heavier weights (100 pounds), and it held up, although I noticed a little flex occurring from the Kettle Gryp. That doesn’t happen at the recommended weights, so I’d keep the weight at or below 55 pounds.
Even with that limit, the Kettle Gryp reaches a fairly decent load for an adjustable kettlebell, so I rate the weight range at 4.5 out of 5.
Construction
The Kettle Gryp is made of a hard ABS plastic, which is structurally sound. It’s surprisingly sturdy for being a piece of plastic that doesn’t even weigh an entire pound. The build is pretty solid for its cost and for what it is. The handle is 1.15 inches wide, a little thinner than a competition kettlebell, which despite the change was still comfortable during workouts. I don’t usually rate a plastic construction highly, but the Kettle Gryp felt solid. As such, I rate it at 4.5 out of 5.
The urethane foam inserts do an amazing job at securing the dumbbell in place, too. The foam keeps the handle tight enough to keep a thinner dumbbell handle secure, but also has enough give to squeeze in the larger dumbbell handles, although anything thicker than 1.5 inches just simply won’t work. The 4.5-inch minimum length of the dumbbell length should be a non-issue, as well, except for very small dumbbells.
The latch that opens and closes the Kettle Gryp is placed at the bottom of the handle and away from the dumbbell, which I feel gives the grip a stronger latch away from where most of the stress would be. Some competitors place the latch around the dumbbell weight, which always leads me to worry about the grip snapping open during a swing.
Durability
The Kettle Gryp has a recommended maximum weight of 55 pounds. In my testing, I was able to load a 120-pound dumbbell onto the Kettle Gryp and try some Russian kettlebell swings. It worked pretty well, although that was when it really started to feel like plastic; I could feel a little bit of flexing in the handle. When Garage Gym Reviews founder Coop tested the Kettle Gryp, he was able to load it with 150 pounds and didn’t have any trouble.
All said, for a piece of plastic, the Kettle Gryp seems pretty durable. I rate the durability at 4.5 out of 5, but I would not recommend going over the recommended maximum weight. At 55 pounds, the Kettle Gryp was solid and sturdy, and I took it through lots of reps. It is plastic and accidents can happen, but so long as you take care of this piece of equipment, it should last for years to come.
Portability
One of the strengths of the Kettle Gryp is how easy it is to take on the go. I live a half an hour from the gym I coach and train at, so I don’t typically bring gym equipment with me. With the Kettle Gryp, however, I was able to toss it in my gym bag easily before I went to work out. Being less than a pound, it would be nothing to pack in a suitcase or carry-on luggage while flying, as well.
From your garage gym for a home workout, all the way to a commercial gym while traveling, the Kettle Gryp can easily go with you.
Adjustment Speed
Adding a dumbbell and switching dumbbells out with the Kettle Gryp is pretty simple. Just open the latch and place the dumbbell in, then close it. Still, I wouldn’t say it’s fast at all, rating the adjustment speed at 2 out of 5. If you’re looking for a quicker weight change for high-intensity workouts, the Kettle Gryp wouldn’t be my first choice. However, if you’re not worried about quick changes in a fast-paced workout, the Kettle Gryp should work well enough.
Kettle Gryp vs Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
The Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell is a solid entry-level choice for those new to kettlebell training. It’s easy to use, space-saving, and gets the job done — just know it tops out at 40 pounds.
It’s challenging to compare the Kettle Gryp to any kettlebell, since it’s not quite a kettlebell. Rather, it is a compact solution or alternative to kettlebells. Regardless, we’ll compare it to the Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell—our choice as one of the best budget adjustable kettlebells on the market.
These are both great options for a budget-friendly kettlebell. The Titan kettlebell has more of the look and feel of a traditional kettlebell, as it is made of cast iron and not plastic. Nevertheless, it costs $149.99, which is about four times the price of the Kettle Gryp.
Additionally, the Titan has a max weight of 40 pounds, whereas the Kettle Gryp has the potential for a greater working total, with a recommended maximum of 55 pounds. Adjusting the Titan kettlebell can be awkward, but using the Kettle Gryp on some movements can be awkward, as well.
Ultimately, which item is best for you will depend on what you want out of these two products. The Kettle Gryp is a great product to use on the move, while the Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell can bring you a more traditional feel of a kettlebell without breaking the bank.
| Kettle Gryp | Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell | |
| Price | $34.95 | $149.99 |
| Dimensions | 11.38” H x 8.23” W | 11” H x 7” W |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs | Adjustable |
| Minimum Weight | Whatever the smallest dumbbell you have is | 10 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | Recommended 55 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Material | High impact ABS plastic, urethane foam inserts | Cast Iron |
| Colors | Orange, black | Black |
Customer Experience
Kettle Gryp offers a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, so long as the Kettle Gryp has not been (obviously) misused. To obtain a replacement or repair, the customer has to show a proof of purchase.
The brand also offers a robust 60-day return policy if you order through the website. Any item in its original packaging in like-new condition can be returned for a full refund. Again, the customer has to show proof of purchase. These are pretty generous policies, so we rate the customer experience at 5 out of 5.
Ordering the Kettle Gryp
I ordered the Kettle Gryp through Amazon, and I was able to get it delivered the same day through my Prime membership. It came packaged in a bag with no issues and no damage.
There aren’t a lot of customization options—just bright orange or black. I chose the original orange because I really wanted my Kettle Gryp to pop in the gym. Also, my wife thought I wouldn’t get that bright of a color, so I had to prove her wrong. Bright orange all the way!
Assembling the Kettle Gryp
The Kettle Gryp itself comes fully assembled, but to use it, you must add a dumbbell to it. Adding the dumbbell is simple enough: Open the latch, place the dumbbell in the padded groove, and close up the latch.
However, not just every dumbbell will work. For a dumbbell to fit with the Kettle Gryp, the handle must be at least 4.5 inches long, and must be less than 1.5 inches wide at its thickest diameter. Another thing to consider is the size of the dumbbell head in relation to the Kettle Gryp handle. I had a couple of larger dumbbells unable to fit the Kettle Gryp because the dumbbell head would hit the handle, making it unable to close properly.
This can also happen with some larger adjustable dumbbells, like the Bowflex 1090s. Kettle Gryp does state that the Gryp will fit the 1090s with the largest weight plate selected, however.
Customer Reviews
There are tons of reviews in for the Kettle Gryp; Amazon has over 9,000 reviews, averaging out to 4.5 out of 5 stars at the time of this writing. The reviews are mostly positive, with some minor complaints being that the Kettle Gryp moves awkwardly for some exercises that require rotation of the kettlebell, like kettlebell snatches.
Some reviews suggested a redesign of a handle that could rotate 90 degrees. Although I’m sure this design change might increase the price, after trying some kettlebell cleans with it, I think this suggestion could be a great design choice.
Some reviews talked about promptly returning the product after finding out their dumbbells did not fit with the Kettle Gryp. It would be wise to check your dumbbell handles’ widths and lengths before making the purchase (Kettle Gryp advises this, as well).
A couple reviews spoke about the product cracking or breaking after a short use. While I did not experience this, I could see the potential due to its plastic makeup.
Final Verdict of Our Kettle Gryp Review
I may have been a little hard on it at times, but I like the Kettle Gryp. Is it for everyone? No, but it can be a good alternative to investing in heavy, expensive kettlebells for your home gym. If you’re looking for something that feels just like a kettlebell, you should probably just get a kettlebell. That said, if you’re looking for an item that is inexpensive, portable, and adjustable in weight, then the Kettle Gryp can a great solution for such needs.
Here’s a few things to consider before your purchase:
- The recommended maximum weight of 55 pounds is great for most folks, but some stronger lifters may just need to opt for a good ol’ fashioned heavy, cast iron kettlebell.
- Kettle Gryp has generous policies and backs the Kettle Gryp with a lifetime warranty.
- It’s great for travel and to keep costs in your home gym low, but that only works if you already have dumbbells to use.
- Measure your dumbbells before ordering your Kettle Gryp to make sure they’re compatible.
Kettle Gryp
Is the Kettle Gryp the best option for workouts on the go? Our expert tried it out; read more on this budget-friendly item in our Kettle Gryp review.
Product Brand: Kettle Gryp
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 35
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
Kettle Gryp Review: FAQs
Did Kettle Gryp get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, the Kettle Gryp got a deal on Shark Tank from Lori Greiner for $300,000 with 15% equity.
Do kettlebell workouts really work?
Yes, kettlebell workouts are an effective method of training. Through kettlebells, you can burn fat, build muscle, improve your cardio, and do functional fitness workouts. For more perks and positives, be sure to read our guide to kettlebell benefits.
What is the weight limit on Kettle Gryp?
The recommended dumbbell weight limit on the Kettle Gryp is 55 pounds.
Is the Kettle Gryp better than kettlebells?
I wouldn’t say the Kettle Gryp is better than a traditional kettlebell, just different. It’s lightweight and easy to travel with, but the shape of the Gryp with a dumbbell can affect how it feels in use.
References
- Quednow, J., Sedlak, T., Meier, J., Janot, J., & Braun, S. (2015). The effects of high intensity interval-based kettlebells and battle rope training on grip strength and body composition in college-aged adults. International Journal of Exercise Science, 8(2), 3.
