Adjustable dumbbells for small spaces
A whole rack of dumbbells in the space of two shoeboxes. The length at full weight decides how comfortable they are.
0 great fits and 2 good ones, out of 3 models.
A set of fixed dumbbells from 2 to 24 kg is 15 pairs and a rack a metre and a half long. Adjustable ones fit it into two trays the size of a shoebox.
What differs between them is the length: dial models measure the same at 2 kg as at 24 kg (about 43 cm), twist-handle ones grow with the weight. A 48 cm dumbbell is awkward for curls and presses, because the plates hit your body.
Count the stand too: trays sit on the floor; a stand lifts them to hand height but takes more space (56 × 85 cm for Core Home Fitness).
The ones we recommend for this
Derived from the dataNo model in this guide is a great fit yet; these come closest.
- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
The verdict for each model
Derived from the data| Model | Verdict | Weight rangeper dumbbell | Settings · smallest step | Length at full weight | In uselength × width × height | Machine weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex SelectTech 552 | Good | 2–24 kg | 15 · 1.1 kg | 43 cm | 43 × 21.2 × 22.8 cm | 24 kg | — |
| Core Home Fitness | Good | 2.3–22.7 kg | 10 · 2.3 kg | 36.8 cm | 36.8 × 20.1 × 19.1 cm | 22.7 kg | — |
| NÜOBELL 2–32 kg | Limited | 2–32 kg | 16 · 2 kg | 48.5 cm | 48.5 × 18 × 18.5 cm | 32 kg | — |
- Replaces 15 pairs of fixed dumbbells
- 43 cm long at full weight
- Replaces 10 pairs of fixed dumbbells
- 36.8 cm long at full weight
- Comes with a stand (it adds floor space)
- NÜOBELL 2–32 kgLimited
- Replaces 16 pairs of fixed dumbbells
- 48.5 cm long at full weight: awkward for curls and presses
Frequently asked questions
How much space do adjustable dumbbells take?
Two trays of about 43 × 21 cm each on the floor; with a stand, around half a square metre.
Are long adjustable dumbbells comfortable?
Up to 43–45 cm they work for almost everything. Above that, they get in the way on curls, presses and raises.