The best adjustable dumbbells in NZ overall are the TSB Living 40kg dial set, because each handle climbs from 5kg to 40kg across 17 settings without swapping a single loose plate. Adjustable dumbbells replace a whole rack of fixed weights, which is why they suit cramped Kiwi homes, garages and apartments so well. This 2026 guide ranks six adjustable dumbbell sets sold in New Zealand, from quick dial models to budget cement sets, and pairs each with a clear best-for angle so you can match one to your training and your space. If you are kitting out a whole room, it also sits alongside our guide to the best home gym equipment.
How we chose: picks were selected on weight ceiling, adjustment mechanism, build quality and NZ availability, then written up from each live product page plus owner and category feedback on other New Zealand sites.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Max weight | Mechanism | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSB Living 40kg | Best overall | 40kg / hand | Dial selector | Pair |
| TSB Living 24kg | Beginners | 24kg / hand | Dial selector | Pair |
| Centra 10kg | Light toning | 5kg / hand | Block selector | Pair |
| TSB Living 3-in-1 20kg | Versatility | 20kg total | Spinlock | Set + barbell |
| TSB Living DS BS 30kg | 6-in-1 home gym | 30kg total | Screw collar | Set + barbell |
| Lee Warehouse 50kg | Budget | 50kg total | Spinlock | Set + barbell |
1. TSB Living Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40kg – Best Overall
Best for serious home lifters who want a real 40kg-per-hand ceiling in a space-saving dial format. Sold as a pair, each unit measures about 45cm long by 24cm wide by 25cm high and drops into its own moulded holder, so the two dumbbells tuck into a corner instead of filling a rack.
The outer shell is black injection-molded plastic wrapped over metal plates, with a turn-dial on each end and the Official AFC branding on the body. TSB says the moulded layer helps cut noise and protect floors from scratches. Weight changes are a quick turn of the dial through 17 settings, and a Kogan owner described the selection as smooth and the pair as solid and reliable after a few weeks of use.
At 40kg per hand there is enough load for almost every compound movement, from presses to heavy rows, which is where a 24kg set runs out of room. The handle is a rounded square section rather than a true round bar, so it feels slightly different in the palm until you adjust.
Pros
- True 40kg-per-hand ceiling, enough for heavy compound lifts
- Fast 17-step dial changes with a secure locking mechanism
- Comes as a pair with two storage holders included
Cons
- Wide plate diameter at the top settings can make it hard to bring the weights in close to the body
- Plastic dial components can crack, so it must never be dropped
Key specs: model PR6236, 17 weight settings from 5kg to 40kg per dumbbell, injection-molded plastic and metal construction, sold as a pair with two holders and a manual.
2. TSB Living Adjustable Dumbbell Set 24kg – Best for Beginners
For beginners and general conditioning, the TSB Living 24kg black-and-red dial set is the easiest way in, adjusting from 2.5kg to 24kg per hand across 15 settings with a simple twist. Each dumbbell is a compact 42cm long and about 23cm tall and sits in a matching storage tray, so a full set of weights lives in the footprint of two shoeboxes. Pairing it with one of the best fitness trackers makes it easy to log those first strength sessions.
The build follows the same recipe as the 40kg model, with metal plates inside an injection-molded plastic casing and a secure locking system that holds the selected plates in place. One TSB owner wrote that it is fairly compact considering it goes up to 24kg and that they were really digging being able to exchange weights just by turning the dials, and the set carries a rating of around 4.6 across 14 reviews. The 15 settings cover the range most beginners and intermediates need for curls, presses and rows.
The trade-off is the ceiling: 24kg per hand tops out sooner than the 40kg set for heavier lower-body or pressing work. TSB also does not document the handle knurling, so grip texture is one thing you cannot confirm before buying.
Pros
- Compact black-and-red pair with fast dial changes
- Sensible 2.5kg to 24kg range for beginners to intermediates
- Storage trays keep both dumbbells tidy
Cons
- 24kg-per-hand ceiling limits heavier compound lifting
- Handle knurling is not specified, and like all dial units it should not be dropped
Key specs: model PR6235, 15 weight settings from 2.5kg to 24kg per dumbbell, injection-molded plastic and metal, sold as a pair with two holders and a manual.
3. Centra Adjustable Dumbbells – Best Compact Pair for Light Toning
Best for light toning, rehab and genuinely small spaces. The Centra pair ranges from 2.8kg to 10kg across the two dumbbells, which works out at 1.4kg to 5kg per hand, and it changes weight in about a second by sliding metal blocks on and off a central bar. Each dumbbell is a tiny 31.6cm by 8.6cm by 8.6cm, small enough to keep in a desk drawer or a wardrobe.
Construction is an ABS plastic housing and handle over steel weight blocks, with what Centra calls vibration-resistant secureLock buttons and an automatic locking function. The ABS handle is textured for anti-slip grip, and the whole thing is built around portability rather than heavy loading. For light circuits, shoulder rehab, or a first taste of resistance training, the one-second block swap is the main appeal.
The obvious limit is the 5kg-per-hand ceiling, which anyone building real strength will outgrow quickly. The locking also depends on ABS plastic and push-buttons rather than all-metal engagement, and with only four weight steps there is not much room for fine progression. Owner reviews for the exact model are thin, so treat it as a proven format rather than a proven product.
Pros
- Extremely compact and portable, stores almost anywhere
- One-second block changes with automatic locking buttons
- Anti-slip ABS handle suits light, higher-rep work
Cons
- Only 5kg per hand, quickly outgrown by stronger lifters
- Four weight steps and plastic-based locking limit progression and durability
Key specs: product code 83610, four weight settings, 1.4kg to 5kg per dumbbell, ABS housing with steel weight blocks, sold as a pair.
4. TSB Living 3-in-1 Adjustable Barbell Set 20kg – Best for Versatility
Best for buyers who want the most versatility for the money, because this 20kg set converts from two dumbbells into a 40cm barbell using the included connecting rod, unlocking squats, deadlifts and presses that fixed and selector dumbbells cannot do. The plates are black-and-red rubber-coated, running on 40cm dumbbell bars and a 40cm barbell bar.
The plates are rubber-coated cast cement on rubber-coated steel bars, held with four spinlock collars, and the plate hole is a standard 3cm rather than Olympic 5cm. The kit is fully modular: load exactly the plates you want, run two dumbbells, or join them into a barbell. The plate set is four 1.25kg, four 1.5kg and four 2kg discs, and the handles are finished with a non-slip grip. Changing weight means unscrewing and re-screwing collars, so it is slower than a dial, but the barbell conversion is the payoff.
The compromises are the ones you expect at this level. Cement-filled plates are bulkier than iron and can crack if dropped, the spinlock collars can work loose or rattle mid-set, and the short 40cm bars limit how wide you can grip for barbell work.
Pros
- Converts between two dumbbells and a barbell for compound lifts
- Fully modular plate loading with non-slip handles
- Rubber coating protects floors and reduces chipping
Cons
- Cement plates are bulky and can crack if dropped
- Spinlock collars are slow to change and can loosen; 40cm bars limit grip width
Key specs: 20kg total, rubber-coated cast cement plates, 40cm dumbbell and barbell bars, four spinlock collars, 3cm standard plate hole, plates of 4×1.25kg, 4×1.5kg and 4x2kg.
5. DS BS Multifunctional Weights Set – Best 6-in-1 Home Gym Set
Best for full-body home training from a single boxed kit, because the DS BS set works as dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebells and push-up bars all from the same plates. It adjusts up to 30kg total and uses a 20mm foam-sleeved connecting rod, which gives a noticeably softer grip than bare steel during pressing and rowing.
The plates are steel with rubber and ABS foam, and the kit ships with three connecting rods, a rod foam cover, two push-up bars and four screw-on lock caps. Counterweights come as four 2.5kg, four 2kg, four 1.5kg and four 1.25kg discs, so you can dial in most everyday loads. Every weight change means unscrewing the lock caps, adding or removing plates and re-tightening, which is slower than a dial, but the reward is six training tools sharing one small footprint.
Because it is a screw-collar system, the lock caps can loosen and need re-tightening between sets, and plates can rattle if they are not fully torqued down. It is also a delivery-only item with limited stock, currently low in Auckland and out of stock in Wellington and Christchurch, and no warranty is stated on the product page.
Pros
- Six tools in one: dumbbells, barbell, kettlebells and push-up bars
- 20mm foam-sleeved rod is comfortable to grip
- Wide spread of plate sizes for flexible loading
Cons
- Screw-collar lock caps can loosen and plates can rattle if not fully tightened
- Delivery-only with limited stock, and no warranty stated on the page
Key specs: model PR9715, adjustable up to 30kg total, steel with rubber and ABS foam, three connecting rods, two push-up bars, four lock caps, counterweights of 4×2.5kg, 4x2kg, 4×1.5kg and 4×1.25kg.
DS BS Multifunctional Dumbbells Weights Set -30kg
6. Cement Dumbbells Set – Best Budget Set
Best for the lowest-cost way into a full adjustable set, the Lee Warehouse 50kg cement dumbbell set delivers the most weight for the least outlay, and its 16 cement plates can also join into a short barbell. It arrives as two 25kg boxes of moulded plastic-shell discs, plastic screw collars and straight knurled handles, so assembly is simply loading discs and tightening collars.
The plates are cement poured into a moulded plastic shell rather than solid cast iron, which is the classic budget starter construction: cheap and heavy, if bulkier per kilo than iron. The set includes 16 three-kilo plates, one connector bar and four collars, and Lee Warehouse notes that three bars can be joined into a roughly one-metre squat barbell. Weight changes use the spinlock collars, and the retailer offers free click-and-collect at three Auckland stores.
The honest caveats matter here. The plastic and cement shells can chip, crack or split if dropped repeatedly and are not built for heavy or high-drop training, the 3kg increments are coarse with no micro-loading, and NZ’s humid, coastal air can cause hairline cracking if a compromised shell is stored damp. Owner reviews for the exact set are not yet available, so this is a value pick judged on its build and contents.
Pros
- Most weight for the money, a full 50kg to start a home gym
- Bars join into a short barbell for squats and presses
- Free click-and-collect at three Auckland stores
Cons
- Cement and plastic shells can chip or crack and are not for heavy dropping
- Coarse 3kg jumps and spinlock collars that need re-tightening
Key specs: SKU LW-ADC50, 50kg total in sixteen 3kg cement plates, plastic screw collars, includes one connector bar, ships as two 25kg boxes.
How to choose adjustable dumbbells
Start with the adjustment mechanism, because it shapes everything else. Dial and twist-selector dumbbells change fastest and feel most like fixed weights, block-selector sets are compact for light work, and spinlock or screw-collar plate sets are the cheapest and most repairable but slowest to adjust. Only spinlock plate sets really tolerate the occasional bump on the floor.
Next, match the weight ceiling to your training. A pair reaching about 24kg per hand covers most beginners, general lifters tend to want around 32kg, and stronger trainers reach for 40kg or more. Buy a little more headroom than you need today so you are not shopping again in six months. Fuelling that progress with the best protein bars or a good meal replacement shake helps as the loads climb.
Then weigh up footprint, drop safety and versatility. Selector and dial units store in the smallest space but should never be dropped, so train on a mat and lower them under control. Convertible sets that turn into a barbell add squats and presses to your options for very little extra money, at the cost of slower plate swaps. Finally, favour a set stocked by a New Zealand retailer so shipping, returns and any warranty claim stay local.
Verdict
For most Kiwi home gyms the TSB Living 40kg dial set is the best adjustable dumbbell overall, combining a genuinely useful 40kg-per-hand ceiling with fast dial changes. Beginners will be happier with the lighter 24kg version, versatility hunters should look at the 3-in-1 and 6-in-1 TSB sets, and anyone on the tightest budget can start with the Lee Warehouse cement set. Whichever you pick, train on a mat, lower under control, and pair your sessions with recovery tools like the best massage guns to keep progressing.
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FAQs
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
For most home users in NZ, yes. One adjustable pair replaces a whole rack of fixed weights, saving space and money in a spare room or garage. They suit beginners and general strength training, though powerlifters who drop heavy weights are usually better served by fixed dumbbells.
Are adjustable dumbbells as good as fixed dumbbells?
For home training they are close. Adjustable sets win on space and cost, while fixed dumbbells win on durability, grab-and-go speed and drop tolerance. Dial and selector models change weight in seconds, so the main trade-off is that their moving parts should not be dropped the way solid fixed weights can.
What weight adjustable dumbbells should a beginner get?
A common starting point is a pair reaching about 24kg per hand, which covers curls, presses and rows with room to progress. General lifters often want around 32kg, and stronger trainers reach for 40kg or more. Beginners rarely need the very heaviest set on day one.
Which is better: dial, selector or spinlock dumbbells?
Each suits a different buyer. Dial and twist-selector dumbbells change fastest and feel most like fixed weights, block-selector sets are compact for light work, and spinlock plate sets are the cheapest and most repairable but slowest to adjust. Spinlock is also the only type that tolerates the occasional drop.
Can you build muscle with adjustable dumbbells?
Yes. Muscle grows in response to tension and progressive overload, not the type of dumbbell. As long as the load is challenging and increased over time, adjustable dumbbells build strength and size just as well as fixed ones. Their wide range actually makes steady progression easy to manage at home.
Can you drop adjustable dumbbells?
Generally no. Dial, twist and block-selector mechanisms rely on moving parts that can crack or jam if dropped, and drop damage is usually not covered by warranty. Spinlock plate sets are the exception. Training on a mat and lowering weights under control protects any adjustable set.
Are cheap adjustable dumbbells safe?
Used correctly, yes. Tighten spinlock collars fully before each set, seat the dumbbell in its cradle before turning a dial, and avoid dropping plastic-shelled or dial models. Budget cement and ABS sets are fine for light to moderate home training, but inspect them regularly for cracks or loose parts.
Where can you buy adjustable dumbbells in NZ?
Adjustable dumbbells are sold by NZ retailers including TSB Living, BestDeals and Lee Warehouse, plus general stores like Mighty Ape and The Warehouse. Buying from a local stockist means NZ shipping, easier returns and warranty support close to home rather than long waits on overseas orders.