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Whether you reside in a region with a relatively short winter or one with seemingly endless snowfall, you’ll always want the right tools around the house to deal with what the weather brings. Snow shovels are of paramount importance when it comes to clearing snow from your driveway, sidewalks, steps, and other areas around your home and business. But since they come in so many different model options like electric, traditional, and wheeled, it can be stressful to decide which is best for you.
We love the Snow Joe Shovelution because of its spring-assisted handle for reduced shoveling strain, its aluminum wear-strip, and non-stick surface. Aside from our top product, see what other shovels we ranked on our 10 best list, and for tips and information to keep in mind while shopping, check out our buying guide!
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There's a lot more to think about when picking a shovel than you might imagine! To make things easier on yourself, look at the materials it's made of, the design, and the features that will make sure it lasts for many winters.
When choosing a shovel, it's important to consider the area you'll be shoveling and the type of snow you expect to be dealing with. It's also important to think about your own personal preferences, for example, if you have a bad back.
Snow pushers are a type of shovel designed like a snowplow to push snow smoothly on flat surfaces. They generally have a blade more than two feet wide with a long handle and make it easy for the average person to simply push light, dry snow off their driveway.
Usually, pushers aren't optimized for lifting and scooping as they're so low and flat. However, combinations of scooping and pushing shovels exist, called "pusher combos."
Pusher combos let you both push and scoop snow with relative ease. The ability to push, scoop, and toss snow with one tool offers versatility and you get all the benefits of different shovels in one product, making them a highly recommended product for anyone who wants an all-in-one tool.
A type of shovel that’s less physically taxing and is also good for a bad back is an electric snow shovel, also commonly known as a “power shovel” or “snow thrower.” If you’re someone who typically uses a snowblower, these electric models work as efficient and environmentally-friendly replacements, using electricity and batteries in lieu of fuel.
Just like snowblowers, they throw snow away from where you’re clearing. Many of the options that are currently on the market are cordless, as well, making them even more convenient.
Traditional shovels are the standard kind that most people think of. They’re best for lifting snow out of small and narrow areas. Their blades are mostly flat and around 18 to 24 inches long.
These shovels are usually easy to find and affordable, being one of the most common types. They aren't necessarily the most versatile or comfortable to use, but they're widely available.
The overall width of the shovel's blade and the length of the handle can play an important role in snow shoveling. Different sizes will have different uses and distinct pros and cons. For example, wider blades can clear snow off a driveway faster, but narrow ones will be easier for kids to handle and offer precision scooping.
Using too large of a shovel can add additional strain onto your body when you're scooping snow and lead to various conditions and injuries, such as bad back pain. Be sure to pick a shovel that feels proportionate to your size and that you likely won't be able to overload with heavy snow.
Longer handles will facilitate snow pushing and plowing, giving you more leverage. However, shorter handles will give you more power and control when scooping and tossing.
Some good sizes to aim for would be a blade length of 18 to 20 inches for a traditional shovel, a blade length of 30 inches for a pusher, and a shaft length of 28 to 32 inches for all shovels. A general measurement for shaft length is to stand the shovel on its blade beside you. The handle should reach your lower chest, a bit below the armpit.
The material your shovel is made from is crucial to its efficiency. Different materials have different positive and negative qualities, and some are better for certain surfaces than others! Be sure to pick what's best for your needs.
The material that your shovel is made of plays an integral role in how it will help you in your tasks. Both aluminum and plastic models are lightweight and come in a wide spectrum of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Snow tends to stick to plastic blades less than their aluminum counterparts, but metal blades tend to be better at scraping tough snow. So if you need to clear powder snow, plastic would be a good option; but if you're trying to get rid of packed-in snow, metal would suit you better.
Both versions have drawbacks regarding how they wear over time. Plastic models are more likely to snap and break, especially in extreme cold. Aluminum blades are more likely to bend and warp as time goes on. You can also opt for a model that combines the two: a plastic blade with metal edging. This has the metal material's ability to efficiently dig and scrape and the no-stick aspect of plastic.
If you need a shovel that you can use on delicate surfaces such as a deck without worrying about inadvertent damage, opt for a model made with heavy-duty polypropylene.
This plastic won’t do as much harm to the surface you’re shoveling, but one tradeoff is that these models aren’t as good for dealing with hard-packed snow or breaking up ice.
Some snow shovels are telescopic, which means you can adjust the length of your handle at any time. This way, you can tailor the length depending on the height of the user, what kind of posture you use while shoveling, and how compact or portable you need your shovel to be. Some folks find it life-saving to keep a small, telescoping snow shovel in their car's trunk.
Ergonomic models are designed to prevent users from developing or exacerbating pain in their back and waist areas. Thanks to their bent handles, you can lift snow while remaining upright, minimizing your risk of injury and pain.
Certain shovel models are wheeled, making for a less taxing snow removal experience. These are a great choice if you have back pain or find lifting heavy snow difficult.
Many shovels also come equipped with metal wear strips on the edges of their blades. This gives your blade extra protection and increases the overall durability and longevity of your shovel. It also combines plastic's non-stick capabilities with metal's ability to scrape hard snow and ice.
One critical aspect of your snow shovel will be the comfort and efficiency of its handle. Many models sport what’s known as “D-grip” handles: plastic pieces on the very end shaped like the letter “D.” This feature allows for better grip and force as you shovel.
Certain brands, such as True Temper, even make purposely oversized D-grip handles so that bulky winter gloves can be worn while shoveling. In addition, brands like Garant have comfort options such as hardwood-based handles for shock absorption.
Another useful feature is a "fore-grip" or "mid-grip", which is a handle part-way down the shovel's shaft. This gives you better leverage when lifting and scooping and reduces strain on your back and wrists.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Snow Joe Shovelution|SJ-SHLV20 | $29.99 Low Mid | Best Dual Grip Snow Shovel for Reduced Strain | ||
2 | Garant Yukon Snow Pusher|YSP30D | $27.99 Low Mid | Best Steel Snow Pusher for Heavy Snow | ||
3 | True Temper Steel Snow Shovel|1613400 | $37.99 Mid | Best Aluminum Shovel for Lifting and Pushing Snow | ||
4 | Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel|2600702 | $136.95 High | Best Electric Snow Shovel | ||
5 | The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher| | $59.98 Mid | Best Snow Pusher for Chipping Ice and Snow | ||
6 | Garant Poly Snow Shovel|YP139EAKD | $56.29 Mid | Best Precision Snow Shovel With a Curved Ergonomic Handle | ||
7 | Bully Tools PathMaster 3000|92814 | $36.99 Mid | Best Combo Snow Shovel for Delicate Surfaces | ||
8 | Snowcaster Wheeled Snow Pusher | $125.00 High | Best Snow Pusher With Wheels | ||
9 | Birdrock Home | $39.96 Mid | Best Portable, Telescoping Shovel for Your Car | ||
10 | Emsco Group Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo | $9.99 Low | Best Small Snow Shovel for Kids |
Pros:
Cons:
The Snow Joe Shovelution features a spring-assisted second handle to reduce strain, making it ideal for those with a bad back or the elderly. It has an aluminum wear strip to help protect the non-stick polypropylene blade and dig at tough, hard snow.
A few buyers complained that the hollow, segmented handle felt weak to them. Though overall, reviewers say the lightweight design and second handle make shoveling much easier when you have a bad back. Reviewers say it can easily handle dry, powdery snow and wet, heavy snow.
Pros:
Cons:
This heavy-duty snow pusher features a steel blade with reinforced blade braces, making it ideal for wet, heavy snow. Its 24-inch blade is more narrow than a typical pusher, giving it more maneuverability. The D-grip handle gives you further power when pushing.
A few reviewers say the shovel is too heavy for them. But buyers love the more narrow shape, saying it's easier to push than a standard 30-inch model. The welded supports and rivets give it durability, and reviewers say they expect it to last through many seasons.
Pros:
Cons:
The shovel's blade is crafted out of aluminum with a steel wear strip, and the shape is dual-purpose. The top forces snow to roll down during pushing, and crimped sides make it stay put while you lift and throw. Its handle is ergonomically curved and features a wide D-grip for use with winter gloves.
Some buyers were disappointed that a shovel made of aluminum was relatively heavy. But most say it works well on packed snow, and that the sharp edges can easily break up ice. They also love the ergonomic design that makes shoveling easier on their backs.
Pros:
Cons:
A great solution for anyone looking to reduce the strain and exertion of shoveling, this electric shovel tosses snow like a snowblower. It's lightweight and narrow, making it easy to maneuver. Additionally, the electric motor starts easily and tosses snow up to 20 feet away.
A few buyers were disappointed with the inability to choose the direction or distance of the thrown snow. But others were pleased with how well it works, saying it outdid their old gas snowblowers. They also said it was easy to assemble, quickly clears a lot of snow, and doesn't scratch decks, so it's usable on porches.
Pros:
Cons:
This snow pusher features a cutting edge when the shovel is turned upside down, which is specially designed to chip away at ice and snow. The handle is made of sturdy fiberglass and the blade includes braces, both features that offer extra durability.
Some buyers said the snow falls back over the top of the shovel as they push, but most reviewers loved the product, saying the wide blade cleared their driveways very quickly and saved them a lot of time. Others said it was surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Pros:
Cons:
This long, narrow model from Garant provides precision shoveling with its 14-inch blade, letting you clear smaller areas that wide shovels can't fit. Its curved, ergonomic handle reduces the overall strain of shoveling as it adapts to your body's natural movements.
People love the curve of the handle, saying it makes shoveling with a bad back much easier. However, a few users said the blade wears down if used on rough ground. Overall buyers loved the shovel, saying that snow slid right off the non-stick blade. People even said it could withstand heavy, wet snow!
Pros:
Cons:
This combo shovel combines the good qualities of a traditional shovel with that of a pusher, and is able to scoop, push, and toss. Its blade is made of polypropylene, meaning it's less likely to damage fragile surfaces like wooden porches.
Buyers loved how gentle the blade was on wooden porches and a stone walk path. They also loved how lightweight it is and that snow doesn't stick to it. People were impressed by how well it worked for both scooping and pushing.
Pros:
Cons:
This snow pusher is made of non-stick polypropylene with a dual-grip handle and wheels, which make it easy to operate and give you plenty of leverage. The wide 30-inch blade allows you to quickly clear large areas of snow, and it includes a "flipping" feature to make turning around less tedious.
Due to the swiveling blade, some users found it difficult to lift over obstacles because the blade dips down when lifted. Buyers loved the easy flip function, saying it makes turning around simpler than having to walk around in a circle. Others say it reduces back strain and is quite durable.
Pros:
Cons:
This telescoping shovel is only 23 inches when folded, making it extremely convenient to travel with or store in your car trunk. It has two different sizes to switch between, depending on the user's height and needs. It also features a sturdy D-grip handle.
A few buyers were disappointed with the blade's folding plastic hinge, saying it broke when used in heavy snow. Although, most users were happy with how compact and portable it is, saying it's perfect for emergencies like your car getting stuck in a blizzard. Others said the metal blade was great at chopping hard snow.
Pros:
Cons:
This snow shovel for kids and toddlers is a great practical gift for children, allowing them to help out with chores and play in the snow. It's lightweight and easy for small kids to use, weighing only one pound and being only 34 inches long. It's also bright orange, making it difficult for your child to misplace it in the snow.
Buyers said they were surprised at the durability and quality of the shovel, as many items designed for children are flimsy. They said children had no issue holding and using it, and that it was hard for the kids to lose because of the blaze orange color.
Whether you love the snow or hate it, it's better to be prepared than hide indoors! Get out into the white stuff with these other great products.
Looking for more ideas and inspiration as the snow comes down outside? Take a look at Amazon's best-selling snow shovels and find something to combat the storm!
No. 1: Snow Joe|Shovelution|SJ-SHLV20
No. 2: Garant|Yukon Snow Pusher|YSP30D
No. 3: True Temper|Steel Snow Shovel|1613400
No. 4: Greenworks|Electric Snow Shovel|2600702
No. 5: The Snowplow|The Original Snow Pusher|
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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