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Verywell Fit / Amelia Manley
Strength training is an important component of any effective fitness program. And lifting free-weight dumbbells is great, thanks to their versatility, relatively small footprint, and many other benefits. Whether pumping iron at home or at the gym, a helpful piece of equipment to have is a dumbbell rack—and it’s not just for looks.
We chose this sturdy rack as our top pick for its versatility, high weight capacity, and professional look.
Buy at Amazon.com
High weight capacity
Sturdy
Can hold lots of dumbbells
Might be too wide for some spaces
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 51.6 x 25.6 x 37.4 inches | Weight: 50.69 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
We chose the CAP Barbell Rack as our best overall pick, thanks to its sturdy, durable construction and ability to hold many dumbbells of different weights for a home, school, or professional gym. With a maximum capacity of up to a whopping 1,000 pounds, it stands comfortably about hip height for most. Its three staggered, angled shelves help you clearly see the weight of each dumbbell before picking it up, allowing for a safe lifting experience.
We can’t resist the great value found with this attractive and quality rack at a sensible price.
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Quality construction
Small-space friendly
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37.01 x 24.1 x 31.89 inches | Weight: 48 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
A sensibly-priced investment for a reliable piece of gym gear, we recommend Marcy’s 3-Tier Dumbbell Rack as a great pick for the budget-conscious. The DBR-86 is a dependable, welded steel rack that is space-saving and looks nice, too, thanks to a dark gray powder coat finish. A bit smaller than our top pick, it’s better for smaller workout spaces, but with an equal weight capacity, it’s still a sturdy pick.
This compact dumbbell rack uses vertical side storage to hold a lot of weight in a small space.
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Small-space friendly
Short assembly time
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
Key Specs:
Style: Two-tier horizontal with tree weight storage | Dimensions: 27 x 9 x 21 inches | Weight: 14.33 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Minimal assembly required
If you’re tight on space, we recommend the free-standing Marcy Compact Dumbbell Rack. This petite but mighty stand can house weights on two minimalist shelves as well as on either side of its tree-style ends. The simple design of this vertically-loading H-frame conserves room but also allows ample space for larger weights. It safely resists tipping when loaded properly, bottom to top, with the help of an L-shaped base.
If you’re new to lifting weights, we recommend this A-frame rack to get you pumping that starter set.
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Small-space friendly
Available in multiple colors
Highly movable
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
Low weight capacity
Key Specs:
Style: A-frame | Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 26 inches | Weight: 10.5 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Minimal assembly required
For those new to strength training, we recommend this A-frame rack by CAP. Its small footprint is compact for any corner of your space and holds five pairs of essential dumbbells to get you started on your fitness journey. The triangular A-frame design of this stand makes it stable and easy to pick up and move if necessary.
Related: 8 Best Dumbbells for Home Workouts, Tested by Experts in Our Lab
You’ll like this four-tiered rack as much as we do for its ability to maximize vertical storage of a variety of dumbbells.
Buy at Amazon.com
Sturdy
Fits very small and very large weights
Small-space friendly
Tall and narrow design may not fit all spaces
Key Specs:
Style: Four-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 18 x 28 x 38 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 450 pounds| Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
The Ader four-tier makes a great rack for home or gym use or making use of vertical space without sacrificing valuable floor space or storage. For the sake of safety, we usually avoid taller dumbbell racks due to stability concerns, but thanks to its sturdy design, this Ader rack is an exception. Designed to be positioned securely against a wall, it is space-saving and versatile, with four shelves that can hold a variety of dumbbell types and sizes.
We’re confident in this heavy-duty dumbbell rack that can withstand an impressive range of weights up to 1,500 pounds.
Buy at Amazon.com
Fits a complete set of dumbbells
Easy to rack weights
High weight capacity
Too large for small spaces
Rubber feet could be thicker
Key Specs:
Style: Two-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 26.97 x 64.57 x 28.54 inches | Weight: 66 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,500 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
If you routinely lift heavy dumbbells and anticipate needing a rack that holds multiple heavy pairs, we recommend this option. Made from industrial steel, this high-capacity rack can hold a complete set of weights—including dumbbells up to 100 pounds—and an impressive maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Related: The Best Suspension Trainers, According to a Personal Trainer
We love the look and function of this commercial-grade rack with full tray shelves.
Buy at Fitdir.com
Buy at Inflightfitness.com
Excellent, professional quality
Can purchase with weights
Lifetime warranty
Too expensive and advanced for most non-professionals
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 69.5 x 35.5 x 45 inches | Weight: 295 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Some assembly required
Professional gyms or lifters need an elevated level of quality and durability in their setup, and commercial maker Inflight makes a variety of racks to meet such requirements. A much larger investment and rack size than most on our list, this industrial, welded steel rack is made to withstand the kind of frequent wear-and-tear present in environments like fitness establishments.
We really like the flat top tier of this Marcy rack for those who want a versatile option to equip their gym.
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Unique and versatile flat top shelf
Stands freely without a wall
Two year warranty
Cannot hold complete set of dumbbells
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37 x 24 x 32 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
When building a home gym, variety, function, and value are key. We like that Marcy provides all of this and beyond with this rack, which has a unique shelf combination and space-conscious design. The versatile full-tray top shelf sits level to store weights and other fitness equipment like kettlebells, bands, and smaller dumbbells. And the two lower shelves sit sufficiently spaced and open below, slanting toward the lifter for unencumbered access and ideal for heavier weights.
Related: The Best Home Gym Flooring of 2023 to Protect Your Floors From Any Equipment
A3 steel construction and rounded shelf corners on this rack tick our safety wishlists for durability.
Buy at Amazon.com
Sturdy, steel construction
Rounded shelf corners for safety
Anti-scratch coating
May not hold complete set of dumbbells
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37.6 x 24 x 37.44 inches | Weight: 52.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,100 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
A similar design to some of our other top dumbbell rack picks, this Akyen rack is made from extra heavy-duty, thick A3 steel. Bearing up to 1,100 pounds, it can fit most dumbbell sizes, up to 150 pounds. It also has the option of reversing shelf lip directions to customize each level according to weight sizes, and assembly is pretty easy.
We’re impressed with the weight capacity and storage potential of this versatile, commercial-grade rack on wheels.
Buy at Roguefitness.com
Very durable
Holds over a complete dumbbell set and variety of equipment
Optional caster wheels for portability
Very heavy shelves
Too large for most home gyms
Key Specs:
Style: Two- or Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 23.75 x 76.5 x 29.25 (two-tier) or 45.25 (three-tier) inches | Weight: 200 (two-tier) or 250 (three-tier) pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: Holds complete set of hex dumbbells and more | Material: 11 gauge steel | Assembly: Assembly required
One of our favorites on our list, this ultra-versatile Rogue Storage System is a highly-rated rack that can be customized to your liking before shipment. Choose between two or three rack levels and an optional combination of a flat top shelf and two slanted bottom shelves.
Related: The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2023
We love CAP Barbell’s 3 Tier Dumbbell Rack because it can hold an impressive amount of weight and the angled shelves make accessing weights safe and easy. A relatively low-cost investment, this steel stand takes up little room in the home or gym and is easy to assemble without professional help.
For a versatile storage solution that can adjust according to your gym’s needs, we love Rogue’s Universal Storage System 2.0. This customizable dumbbell rack can be built with your choice of two or three shelves. The shelves can then be moved up or down, depending on the needs of your equipment. It is heavy-duty and can store a complete dumbbell set as well as kettlebells, medicine balls, and more.
To choose the best dumbbell racks on the market, we spent hours researching dozens of options from the best-in-class manufacturers of strength training equipment. We only chose picks that ranked highly in key areas, including size, design, construction and durability of materials, weight capacity, ease of assembly, protective and technical features, and value.
We further narrowed down our top picks by consulting experts in the field of fitness and strength training. Those experts included:
Daniel Sullivan, CPT, CNC, a certified personal trainer and IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
—including a certified personal trainer and a professional bodybuilder, both of whom own gyms—to get the best advice for choosing safe, quality dumbbell racks. We also consulted and cited academic journals and scientific findings to support any claims made throughout the article.
We will continue to keep an eye on the market to update our recommendations as safety, technology, and versions of weight-training equipment change over time.
When it comes to selecting a dumbbell rack, how many dumbbells you need to store, as well as the size of your workout space, are both important factors to consider. If you are tight on space, you may need a compact rack, especially if you plan to fit other equipment in the area as well, such as a treadmill or elliptical machine. If you only have a few weights, you can also opt for a smaller dumbbell rack.
On the other hand, if you have a larger or complete dumbbell set, you can find clever space-saving, vertical loading racks or much bigger stands, as long as your area can accommodate them.
In addition to the size of your workout environment and the number of dumbbells you have, take into account how much weight you need the rack to hold. A complete set of dumbbells ranging from 2 or 5 pounds up to 50 pounds each will need a sturdy rack with a higher maximum weight capacity.
All of the above factors (workout space, quantity of dumbbells, and weight capacity needed) will dictate which rack design is best. The most common dumbbells rack designs to consider are:
Horizontal rack
Bench-like vertical storage in various widths with two- to three-level open shelves (can be placed anywhere in a room for access to weights from both sides). Space-saving with sometimes angled shelving (for visibility and easy access to weights).
Angled horizontal rack
Bench-like vertical storage in various widths with two- to four- closed shelves (only accessible from one side). Space-saving with sometimes angled shelving. Best positioned against a wall (ideally with wall anchors for safety).
A-frame rack
Small triangular rack designed for a few light weights. Very compact and can be placed anywhere in a room.
Vertical “tree” rack
Vertical storage that is safest with lighter weights. Very compact and can be placed anywhere in a room.
Whatever rack design you choose, go for an option that will keep you safe, stable, and injury-free when reaching for and setting down your dumbbells. Open and angled shelves, for instance, will help you to easily see and select your weights and release them in their spots after a set of exercises. Lachance is an advocate for strong metal racks and angled shelving. “We have a three-tiered system that even has extra space on top for additional storage for more things, and we sure use it!” she says. Above all, follow manufacturer instructions, never overload your rack, and always place heavier weights on the bottom shelf of the rack.
Ensure the material and construction of your dumbbell rack can safely bear the load required. “We recommend looking for a rack that is made out of high-grade steel–the heavier the steel, the sturdier the rack will be,” Sullivan says. High-grade steel, along with welded joints, reinforced corner brackets, and stainless steel rust-resistant bolts and screws, will last longer, hold massive loads, and withstand the force impact of released dumbbells.
You might look for versatile racks made to hold different types of dumbbells, such as fixed rubber, urethane, hex, studio, or adjustable dumbbells. Some are even able to accommodate other kinds of weights, such as medicine balls or kettlebells. If you will need to move your rack on occasion, consider something with caster wheels or one light enough to safely move by yourself or with help from another person. Alternatively, rubberized feet will help keep a rack stable and prevent it from sliding or harming your floor when setting weights back down.
Do you need a dumbbell rack?
Investing in storage for your weights depends on how much equipment you have and your personal preference. “If you only have one pair of dumbbells, then no, you really don’t need a rack,” Sullivan says, “but if you’re looking to grow your collection we can’t recommend a dumbbell rack enough.”
Besides keeping your space tidy and safe, you’re also prolonging the condition of your items. “You’re investing in the longevity of your workout equipment by giving it a safe docking station, protecting your weights from being banged against other objects, and organizing your weights appropriately,” Sullivan says.
“Depending on how many dumbbells you have, you could even make a rack or buy a set of interchangeable dumbbells before having to spend the money on a rack,” Lachance says. “But there are always smaller racks if you only have three to five pairs of dumbbells you need to store,” she adds.
How to build a DIY dumbbell rack
Beginners, the budget-conscious, or those needing custom organization may be tempted to hack a dumbbell rack. But is it possible or more work than it’s worth? Sullivan weighs in. “You are most certainly able to build your own dumbbell rack at home,” he says. “There are many resources online that you can tap into that act as a guide on how to build your own dumbbell rack. With a long list of building supplies to choose from, you can build a rack that best suits your space and spending,” he adds.
Above anything, if you choose to DIY a home for your dumbbells, safety should be a priority. Ensure the materials, design, and construction of your finished rack will meet the load-bearing requirements of the weights you will place on it. Always use protective gear such as gloves and glasses and enlist a friend for any lifting or construction as needed.
Rather than “reinventing the wheel” entirely, consider scrapping the two-by-fours and opt for sturdy, store-bought materials or solutions. Lachance offers this store-bought trick. “One DIY trick I have seen used a lot is buying a metal storage rack from your local hardware store. These are always rated for over 1,000 pounds, which is plenty of weight for most people’s dumbbells, and you have extra space to store more things in it!” Lachance says.
A life-long athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, knows her way around the weight room and regularly researches the latest and best options in fitness gear and strength training equipment. For this guide, she researched and prioritized manufacturers and brands that provide safety, durability, value, and versatility in their dumbbell racks for the overall health of their users. She is careful to recommend products and brands that are reliable, safe, and trustworthy and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers.
Read the original article on Verywell Fitness.