Kettle Gryp Review: Kettlebell Replacement or Gimmick?

The Kettle Gryp handle is a fascinating product. It claims to be able to take a traditional dumbbell set and make them into kettlebells simply by adding the grip. It is billed as being a great way to get a good workout while traveling and gives you a very large weight range because it works with dumbbells up to 55 lbs.

This low-cost alternative to buying a full kettlebell set or an adjustable kettlebell like the PowerBlock or the Bowflex Kettlebell could save you a lot of money if it’s right for you.

In this review, I’m going to show you the pros and cons of the Kettle Gryp as well as who it’s right for and who may want a more traditional kettlebell set or an adjustable weight kettlebell.

Overview of the Kettle Gryp Handle

If you want to know how to turn a dumbbell into a kettlebell, then the Kettle Gryp might be your answer.

The Kettle Gryp handle converts almost any traditional single weight dumbbell into a kettlebell type device. It has over 600 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.6-star rating at the time of this post.

It also clocks in at less than 1 pound, making it the perfect travel companion for extending travel and hotel workout functionality.

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll discover in this Kettle Gryp Review.

1. First I’ll go over the features that you will find useful.
2. Second I’ll show you a couple of downsides that you should know about before purchasing.
3. Third I’ll tell you a bit about the founders of the Kettle Gryp company.
4. And finally, I’ll provide a sample of actual customer feedback on the Kettle Gryp.

Features and Benefits of the Kettle Gryp

This is an exceptionally good tool for getting a kettlebell workout in while traveling – most hotel gyms have dumbbells, but not always kettlebells and this product allows you to convert a dumbbell into a functional kettlebell.

It is also a very good value for people who already own a traditional single weight dumbbell set and want to try kettlebell exercises for the first time without spending a ton of money.

• The weight of the Kettle Gryp is under 1 pound and is perfect for travel.
• The Kettle Gryp max weight is 55 lbs, giving you a huge amount of flexibility in the weights you use for kettlebell exercises.
• Comfortable handle.
• Interior foam to create a secure grip on nearly any style of fixed weight dumbbell.
• Extremely easy weight switching.
• Portable – it’s fairly flat profile makes it easy to pack in luggage
• Economical – Click here for the current price at Amazon.

Important: To get the most out of the Kettle Gryp it’s a good idea to pair it with a good quality pair of forearm guards.

Special Features and Pros of the Kettle Gryp

Great for Road Warriors
A kettlebell workout is one of the most efficient types of workouts that combines both strength and cardio. But most hotel gyms don’t have kettlebells, and they are too heavy and cumbersome to take on planes. The Kettle Gryp Handle takes the equipment that almost all hotels have – dumbbells – and allows you to get a kettlebell workout in. All while weighing under 1 pound.

Can Handle a Large Range of Weights
This is the feature I personally like the best. Because the Kettle Gryp max weight is a solid 55 pounds and because it can fit nearly any style of dumbbell handle it has an incredible range of weights that it can handle.

If you need to start low at a 5-pound dumbbell, you can do that. If you have built up your strength and can do 55-pound swings, you can do that too. This versatility is very helpful when moving up through a kettlebell workout and lets both beginners and seasoned exercises use the grip effectively.

Solid Feel and Construction
Because of the foam core, the Kettle Gryp has a solid feel while in use. You don’t want your dumbbells slipping around in the handle and that doesn’t happen with this product.

Drawbacks and Cons of the Kettle Gryp

Not a Kettlebell
While the Kettle Gryp is solid in use, it’s not a kettlebell. For some moves, you will have to rotate the handle 90 degrees to a “thumbs up grip.” You may also need forearm guards to protect your arms during workouts because the dumbbells don’t have the same smooth surface as a kettlebell.

Lower Center of Gravity
The Kettle Gryp produces a lower center of gravity than a traditional kettlebell and this can make the weight “feel” heavier. So you might have to move down weights when using this product.

Doesn’t Work on PowerBlock or Bowflex Dumbbells
While the Kettle Gryp fits a HUGE variety of dumbbell handles, it doesn’t work on adjustable dumbbells. The reason I point this out is I see a lot of people doing searches for “Kettle Gryp Bowflex” and “Kettle Gryp Powerblock”. The Kettle Gryp is designed specifically for fixed weight dumbbells, like the kind found on free weight racks at gyms.

Video: Kettle Gryp Handle

Check out this quick 20-second video that shows you how to use the Kettle Gryp and how easy it is to pack.

About the Founders of the Kettle Gryp Company

The Kettle Gryp company in San Diego was founded by two guys named Dan and Andy. Daniel and Andy are president and CEO of the Pangolin Design Group and co-creators of Kettle Gryp. The product is featured on Amazon.com and on Walmart.com.

Independent Reviews and Recommendations for the Kettle Gryp

BarBend Review

Long story short, I think the performance of the Kettle Gryp will completely come down to the setting you’re in, and want you out of it. If you understand that it’s obviously not a true kettlebell and account for that, then I think you could be subtly pleased with the performance.

Jake Boly

Garage Gym Experiment Review

Overall, this is a phenomenal product for the home gym. It will save you money and space over time as you look to expand your home gym. Plus, it weighs next to nothing, so you can take it anywhere. We highly recommend it if you are looking to add versatility to your home gym.

Garage Gym Experiment

What Real-Life Customers Have to Say About the Kettle Gryp

Fits In My Carry-On

Awesome product! Great idea! Thanks so much! I love mine & travel with it super easily as it fits in my carry-on & now I can be even more innovative in my hotel gyms.
Product feels solid while in use. The dumb bell does not slip or move at all within the handle. Thanks so much – this is a great addition, & almost necessity, to fitness toys to own.

Julie Glassman

Versatile

For someone who has taught group classes for many years, I see these as a nice addition to a studio. Someone can transition from a DB exercise and then grab the Kettle Gryp to attach to a DB for another drill. Quick transitions, adds versatility to programming options, has a small footprint, and is cost-effective. Obviously great for travel as well.

Giovannie Roselli

Ability to Increase Weights in Smaller Increments

I would never say you should replace a real bell with this but it a cheap alternative. If you are stuck with hotel gyms this gives you another option. And the ability to increase weight by smaller increments could really help those who are new to kettlebells.

It does what it says it will and doesn’t feel flimsy. (Though I haven’t chucked mine off a building or anything.) Dumbbells are wide so they will force you to have a wide stance or use a thumbs-up grip. The handle moves the weight a good five to six inches away from you compared to a traditional bell, that takes a bit to get used to. Hiking the “bell” may be an issue depending on your grip.

Foxler 13

Bottom Line on the Kettle Gryp

If you understand what the Kettle Gryp does, which is to give you a kettlebell style workout using a grip on dumbbells then these are a great value.

They are good for people who:

• Are just starting out with kettlebells and want smaller weight changes.
• Travel a lot and want a kettlebell workout in a hotel gym.
• Have an existing dumbbell set and want to test the waters with a kettlebell workout for a low cost.

They are not for people who:

• Already own a full kettlebell set or adjustable kettlebells.
• Don’t need the Kettle Gryp for travel.

This is a solid product that does what it says it does, but it isn’t a kettlebell and will perform slightly differently than a kettlebell.

Kettle Gryp Alternatives

There aren’t any other lightweight kettlebell grips on the market that do the same thing as the Kettle Gryp. But there are a lot of kettlebell products. Here are a few of my favorites.

Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell
This my personal favorite because it has a small footprint, is adjustable from 8 to 40 lbs. and is easy to use. See my review of the Bowflex Kettlebell here.

3 Piece HDPE Kettlebell
A perfect set for those who are starting out with a kettlebell workout. Lower weights of 5, 10, and 15 pounds with solid construction.

Amazon Basics Kettlebells
Solid, cast iron kettlebells that come in a range of sizes from 10 lbs to 60 lbs.

PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
Another alternative to the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell. Read my PowerBlock Kettlebell review here.