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!
We chose the 10 best snow shovels based on the following points:
Be sure to scroll down to our detailed Buying Guide below for even more information on choosing the perfect snow shovel!
Image | ![]() Snow Joe | ![]() Garant | ![]() True Temper | ![]() Greenworks | ![]() The Snowplow | ![]() Garant | ![]() Bully Tools | ![]() Snowcaster | ![]() Birdrock Home | ![]() Emsco Group |
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Name | Shovelution | Nordic Snow Pusher | Aluminum Snow Shovel and Pusher | 12-Inch Electric Snow Shovel | The Original Snow Pusher | Yukon Ergonomic Snow Shovel | Combination Snow Shovel | Wheeled Snow Pusher | Folding Emergency Snow Shovel | Toddler Snow Shovel |
Features | Best Dual Grip Snow Shovel for Reduced Strain | Best Steel Snow Pusher for Heavy Snow | Best Aluminum Shovel for Lifting and Pushing Snow | Best Electric Snow Shovel | Best Snow Pusher for Chipping Ice and Snow | Best Precision Snow Shovel With a Curved Ergonomic Handle | Best Combo Snow Shovel for Delicate Surfaces | Best Snow Pusher With Wheels | Best Portable, Telescoping Shovel for Your Car | Best Small Snow Shovel for Kids |
Price | $29.99 | $27.99 | $37.99 | $136.95 | $59.98 | $56.29 | $36.99 | $125.00 | $39.96 | $9.99 |
Type | Ergonomic | Pusher | Traditional/pusher combo | Electric | Pusher | Ergonomic | Traditional/pusher combo | Pusher, wheeled | Portable | Traditional |
Blade width | 20 in. | 24 in. | 20 in. | 12 in. | 30 in. | 14 in. | 22 in. | 30 in. | 9 in. | 9.25 in. |
Handle length | 41.3 in. | 48 in. | 38 in. | 63.4 in. (including auger blade) | 47 in. | 41 in. | 33.75 in. | 40 in. | 23 - 29 in. | 34 in. (including blade) |
Materials | Polypropylene, steel | Steel, wood | Aluminum, steel, hardwood | Plastic | Polyethylene, fiberglass | Polyethylene, aluminum | Polypropylene, fiberglass | Polypropylene, metal | Aluminum | Plastic |
Features | Aluminum wear strip, spring-assisted handle, two D-grip handles | Steel blade braces, D-grip handle | D-grip handle, steel wear strip | Adjustable auxiliary handle | Blade braces, D-grip handle, cutting angle for chipping ice and hard snow | Curved ergonomic handle, D-grip handle | Fiberglass handle, non-slip D-grip handle | Wheels | Foldable blade, telescoping handle, D-grip handle | D-grip handle, small size for children, ribbed handle for easy gripping |
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Whether you’re shoveling your driveway or your roof, you want to be sure to account for efficient design, personal comfort, and the right fit for your needs. Based on these factors, here's a list of our 10 best snow shovels.
SJ-SHLV20
$29.99
Type | Ergonomic |
---|---|
Blade width | 20 in. |
Handle length | 41.3 in. |
Materials | Polypropylene, steel |
Features | Aluminum wear strip, spring-assisted handle, two D-grip handles |
YSP30D
$27.99
Type | Pusher |
---|---|
Blade width | 24 in. |
Handle length | 48 in. |
Materials | Steel, wood |
Features | Steel blade braces, D-grip handle |
1613400
$37.99
Type | Traditional/pusher combo |
---|---|
Blade width | 20 in. |
Handle length | 38 in. |
Materials | Aluminum, steel, hardwood |
Features | D-grip handle, steel wear strip |
2600702
$136.95
Type | Electric |
---|---|
Blade width | 12 in. |
Handle length | 63.4 in. (including auger blade) |
Materials | Plastic |
Features | Adjustable auxiliary handle |
$59.98
Type | Pusher |
---|---|
Blade width | 30 in. |
Handle length | 47 in. |
Materials | Polyethylene, fiberglass |
Features | Blade braces, D-grip handle, cutting angle for chipping ice and hard snow |
YP139EAKD
$56.29
Type | Ergonomic |
---|---|
Blade width | 14 in. |
Handle length | 41 in. |
Materials | Polyethylene, aluminum |
Features | Curved ergonomic handle, D-grip handle |
92814
$36.99
Type | Traditional/pusher combo |
---|---|
Blade width | 22 in. |
Handle length | 33.75 in. |
Materials | Polypropylene, fiberglass |
Features | Fiberglass handle, non-slip D-grip handle |
$125.00
Type | Pusher, wheeled |
---|---|
Blade width | 30 in. |
Handle length | 40 in. |
Materials | Polypropylene, metal |
Features | Wheels |
$39.96
Type | Portable |
---|---|
Blade width | 9 in. |
Handle length | 23 - 29 in. |
Materials | Aluminum |
Features | Foldable blade, telescoping handle, D-grip handle |
$9.99
Type | Traditional |
---|---|
Blade width | 9.25 in. |
Handle length | 34 in. (including blade) |
Materials | Plastic |
Features | D-grip handle, small size for children, ribbed handle for easy gripping |
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.
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!
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