40kg Adjustable Dumbbells UK: Are They Worth It, and Which Pair Should You Buy?
A pair of 40kg adjustable dumbbells is worth it if you lift regularly and expect to get stronger, because you won't outgrow them. One 40kg pair replaces between 9 and 38 pairs of fixed dumbbells, depending on the model, and stores in two trays on the floor, or on an optional adjustable dumbbell stand. This guide covers who 40kg suits and how to choose between the four 40kg pairs we offer.
Who should buy 40kg rather than 24kg?
Many people start with a 24kg pair of adjustable dumbbells and outgrow it within a year, especially on lower-body and back exercises, where your biggest muscles get strong fastest. Goblet squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts and one-arm rows all go past 24kg quickly. A 40kg pair covers those lifts for years and is hard to outgrow.
It also means you only buy once, rather than paying for a 24kg pair now and a heavier pair a year later. If you're serious about getting stronger at home, 40kg is the size that keeps up with you.
| Advantages of 40kg | Disadvantages of 40kg |
|---|---|
| Heavy enough for legs, back and compound lifts | Costs more than a 24kg pair |
| Buy once: you won't outgrow them | Some models have bigger jumps between weights |
| Two people of different strength can share one pair | Heavier to lift in and out of the trays at the top end |
Choose 40kg if:
- You already use more than 20kg on rows, squats or deadlifts.
- Two people of different strength will share one pair.
- You want one set that lasts years, not months.
Choose 24kg if you mostly do upper-body work (curls, raises, presses), or you're new to training and space is very tight.
Our four 40kg pairs compared
| Model | Range per dumbbell | Settings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells Pair | 5–40kg | 17 | £269.99 |
| 40kg Pair, 4kg increments | 5–40kg | 9 | £329.99 |
| 40kg Pair, 2.5kg increments | 2.5–40kg | 16 | £369.99 |
| 1kg increment pair, 40kg | 3–40kg | 38 | £424.99 |
Prices are correct at the time of writing and are for the dumbbells only, without a bench or stand.
Do you need a dumbbell stand?
A stand holds both dumbbells in their trays at waist height, on top of the stand instead of on the floor. You change the weight and pick them up standing straight, rather than bending down to lift 40kg off the floor. It's easier on your back, quicker between sets, and keeps the trays off a dusty or damp floor.
Each pair has its own matching stand:
- 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells Pair: the Adjustable Dumbbell Stand (24/40kg), £80.99.
- 40kg 4kg increments pair: the Dumbbell Stand for 2kg and 4kg increments, £79.99.
- 40kg 2.5kg increments pair: add the matching stand as an option on the 2.5kg increments pair page.
- 1kg increment pair: the Dumbbell Stand for 1kg increments, £99.99.
You can also add a stand as an option on most of our dumbbell product pages. See all adjustable dumbbell stands.
Which 40kg pair should you choose?
- Best value all-rounder: the 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells Pair, with 17 settings and the lowest price.
- Even jumps: the 2.5kg increments pair. Every step is the same size, like adding a small plate.
- Big lifts, fewest dial turns: the 4kg increments pair, for squats, rows and presses.
- Smallest steps: the 1kg pair, with 38 settings and a twist-in-the-base handle. Read Are 1kg Increment Dumbbells Worth It?
How much space do 40kg adjustable dumbbells need?
A pair sits in two storage trays on the floor. A full rack of fixed dumbbells covering the same range would take up a whole wall of your gym. If you'd rather lift from waist height, add a dumbbell stand. Putting rubber gym flooring underneath protects your floor too.
Are 40kg adjustable dumbbells safe?
Yes, as long as each dumbbell is fully seated in its tray before you change the weight. Three habits keep you safe with heavy adjustables:
- Always put the dumbbell fully back in its tray before changing weight.
- Check the dial has clicked into place before you lift.
- Set them down at the end of a set; don't drop them.
What can you train with a 40kg pair?
Everything a full dumbbell rack covers: chest press, rows, shoulder press, lunges, goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, curls and triceps work. For ideas, see our 25 best adjustable dumbbell exercises. Add a weight bench and you have a full-body home gym. The 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells & Weight Bench Bundle puts both together, from £394.99.
Delivery and warranty
Every 40kg pair ships from our UK warehouse. Order by 1pm for same-day dispatch, with free UK delivery. Most UK mainland orders arrive the next working day. Every pair comes with a 12-month warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Are 40kg adjustable dumbbells too heavy for a beginner?
No. They start at 2.5–5kg depending on the model, so a beginner uses the lighter settings and works up. See what weight dumbbells beginners should start with.
Is 40kg per dumbbell or for the pair?
Per dumbbell. A 40kg pair gives you up to 80kg in total.
Can I use 40kg adjustable dumbbells on a bench?
Yes. Use a flat or incline bench for chest press, flyes and rows.
Do I need a stand for 40kg dumbbells?
Not to train, but it makes heavy dumbbells much easier to lift in and out of the trays, because they sit at waist height instead of on the floor.
Which 40kg pair has the most settings?
The 1kg increment pair, with 38 settings from 3kg to 40kg.
Shop all adjustable dumbbells, or read our Best Adjustable Dumbbells UK guide.
