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A snow shovel is a useful tool that can clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, and other areas of your yard. However, not all snow shovels are the same, and using an ineffective or uncomfortable shovel could lead to major headaches as you attempt to clear off your driveway, walkway, and vehicle. To help you find the snow shovel that’s right for you, the This Old House Team researched the best snow shovels on the market. Here are our top picks.
Top 6 Snow Shovels
- Best Dual-Handle: Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
- Most Compact: LIFELINE Sport Utility Shovel
- Best Manual Snow Pusher: THE SNOWPLOW Original Snow Pusher
- Best Wheeled Snow Pusher: The Snowcaster Wheeled Snow Pusher
- Best Electric Shovel: Earthwise Electric Corded Snow Shovel
- Best for Kids: Superio Kids Snow Shovel
Compare Top Snow Shovels
| Product | Special Features | Primary Material | Handle Design | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel | Dual spring-assisted handles | Aluminum and polypropylene | D-shaped | 3.3 pounds |
| LIFELINE Sport Utility Shovel | Collapsible and size-adjustable | Aluminum | T-shaped | 1.3 pounds |
| THE SNOWPLOW Original Snow Pusher | Wide blade and snow chipper | Fiberglass and polyethylene | D-shaped | 5.9 pounds |
| The Snowcaster Wheeled Snow Pusher | Wheeled, wide blade | Metal and polypropylene | U-shaped | 11 pounds |
| Earthwise Electric Corded Snow Shovel | Electric-assist thrower | Not listed | D-shaped | 16 pounds |
| Superio Kids Snow Shovel | Small size, wooden handle | Wood and plastic | D-shaped | 14.4 ounces |
| Product | Special Features | Primary Material | Handle Design | Weight |
Best Dual-Handle
Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
- $30.19
- $39.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a sharp edge along the bottom of the blade to help with scraping off packed-on snow or ice
✔ The ergonomic two-handle design promotes good posture while removing snow
✔ Is lightweight at just over three pounds
✘ May feel awkward at first compared to using an ordinary snow shovel
✘ The spring-assist function may break or wear down over time
What Customers Are Saying
Positive qualities that users liked about this strain-reducing snow shovel included its light weight, easy maneuverability, built-in metal edge to sheer ice, and overall ease of use. Critically, some users found that the snow shovel’s scoop was too shallow, which made their snow shoveling job more inefficient. Others also thought that the shovel wasn’t sturdy enough.
Most Compact
LIFELINE Sport Utility Shovel
- $31.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Also adjusts to its medium length of 26 inches
✔ Can fit in a backpack to support backcountry winter outings
✔ The shovel’s aluminum blade is sharp enough to penetrate stubborn ice
✘ Is short, causing back strain during medium or heavy-duty shoveling jobs
✘ The surface area of the shovel is too small to efficiently shovel large areas
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of customers who reviewed this compact snow shovel were pleased with how lightweight it is. They added that although the shovel was light, it also felt sturdy and safe to use when locked into its three different positions. Conversely, some users found the shovel’s handle to be small and uncomfortable, especially when wearing winter gloves.
Best Manual Snow Pusher
THE SNOWPLOW Original Snow Pusher
- $79.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ While durable, the shovel is gentle on all surfaces
✔ Is offered in multiple sizes
✔ Resists rust
✘ Is better for snow pushing, but not necessarily better for traditional shoveling
✘ Some customers mentioned that the shovel was difficult to assemble
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who live in area that receive ample amounts of snow thought that this snow pusher did an excellent job moving large amounts of snow to quickly clear walkways, driveways, and other surfaces. However, some users said that the bottom edge frequently caught on cracks or seams in concrete, which was jarring during use.
Best Wheeled Snow Pusher
The Snowcaster Wheeled Snow Pusher
- $143.45
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a 36-inch wide blade for fast snow removal
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Assembles in less than 10 minutes
✘ Expensive
✘ Can’t easily lift the snow pusher to shovel and clear snow the traditional method
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers who used and reviewed this wheeled snow pusher said that it was easier to use than a regular snow shovel, citing its wide-blade design and wheels for effortless movability. Additionally, many customers were able to use their snow pusher for years without any issues. Negatively, some users thought that the pusher was overpriced, and others stated that it didn’t work well in deep snow.
Best Electric Shovel
Earthwise Electric Corded Snow Shovel
- $121.8
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has 16 inches of clearing width
✔ Has six-inch rear wheels for stability and traction
✔ Its corded electric design allows for continuous power
✘ Can only clear snow up to eight inches deep
✘ Must be used near an electrical outlet or with an extension cord
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied users said that this electric-powered snow shovel and thrower was able to clear both dry and wet, heavy snow with ease. They added that the snow shovel was reasonably priced and worth the cost given that the motor did most of the labor. On the other hand, some customers found the handle difficult to grip, and others wished that the unit blew snow out the sides instead of in front of itself.
Best for Kids
Superio Kids Snow Shovel
- $24.99
- $29.99
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a wooden shaft to minimize vibration
✔ The shovel is small enough to store in a vehicle
✔ Is sold in quantities of two and three to get the entire family outside shoveling
✘ At less than a pound, the shovel isn’t intended for heavy-duty use
✘ May struggle to shovel large amounts of wet and heavy snow
What Customers Are Saying
Although many customers who reviewed this kids snow shovel said that it wasn’t great for everyday use, they mentioned that it served their child perfectly, encouraging them to get involved and assist with snow-shoveling duties. Negatively, some customers said that the shovel was flimsy and that the handle was hollow.
Buying Guide for Snow Shovels
The snow shovel you need will largely depend on how much snowfall you see in a given year and what other snow removal equipment you have at your disposal. Before making a purchase, keep in mind factors such as the blade material and size, what area of the country you live in, and the ergonomics of the shovel. Read our buying guide below for more information about the most important factors to consider when buying a snow shovel.
Type of Snow Shovel
Snow shovels can be divided into three categories: traditional, push, and combination.
Traditional
A traditional snow shovel has an almost flat 18- to 24-inch rectangular blade. It’s best for moving snow in smaller areas that a pusher can’t reach.
Push
Compared to traditional shovels, pushers have a much larger blade that’s curved. They’re efficient at plowing large amounts of snow quickly because of their size.
Combination
The blade on a combination shovel is a little wider and more curved than the blade on a traditional shovel, making it good for both scooping snow and pushing it away.
Material
There are two parts to a snow shovel: the blade and the handle. Each part is made of a different material.
Blade
Most snow shovel blades are made of steel, aluminum, or plastic. Steel and aluminum blades are lightweight, but they’re strong and sharp, allowing them to easily scrape packed-on snow or ice. However, they can scratch wooden or stone surfaces. If you’re trying to clear a wooden or stone surface, a more affordable and lightweight shovel with a plastic blade may be a better option.
Handle
The handle can be made of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or plastic. Steel and aluminum are strong and can handle the weight of a lot of snow, but they’re more prone to getting cold to the touch during cold weather.
Fiberglass and plastic are more lightweight, but fiberglass can crack if left out in the sun and plastic can’t hold as much weight as other materials. Wood is a good middle ground in terms of strength, but it can rot, warp, or splinter.
Handle Ergonomics
Holding a snow shovel properly will prevent you from straining your back, so consider looking for one with an ergonomic handle. To use a snow shovel, place one hand as close to the blade as possible and the other hand on the handle at the top. Most handles are straight, but occasionally you’ll find an ergonomic shovel that has a curved handle designed to prevent you from bending and straining your back.
Additionally, some shovels have a second handle closer to the blade to give you more leverage and lifting power. Shovels with a D-shaped handle are comfortable to hold and some shovels have padded handles for more grip.
Blade Size
Most snow shovels will have blades between 12 and 30 inches. Smaller blades are good for scooping up snow and larger blades are best for pushing snow out of the way. If you’re just trying to clear high-traffic areas like driveways and sidewalks, you may want a shovel with a larger blade. However, if your area didn’t receive much snow, a shovel with a smaller blade may be a better option.
Where You Live
Consider how much snow your area usually receives during the winter months. If you don’t get a lot of snow, you may only need a small shovel. However, if you live in an area that regularly experiences snow, consider investing in a large shovel or pusher. You may also want to buy a smaller shovel so that you’re prepared with a variety of snow removal equipment for varying amounts of snowfall.
Tips For Safely Shoveling Snow
You might not think of shoveling snow as a dangerous activity, but there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure your safety. Not only is snow and ice slippery and could cause an injury if you slip and fall, but it is also strenuous and can cause a strain on your body.
To ensure you’re shoveling snow safely, be sure to take the following precautions.
- Wear proper equipment: Before you go outside to shovel, make sure you have the proper clothing on, including thick gloves, a hat, a jacket, earmuffs, and sturdy boots. Without the right clothing on, you could be in danger of developing frostbite or falling on the ice.
- Know where you want to distribute snow: Before you start shoveling, have a plan of where you want to redistribute your snow. Make sure that it is far enough away from your driveway or any walkways, so that when it melts, it does not drain back into that area.
- Take small amounts at once: It might be tempting to fill up your shovel with as much snow as possible each go, but that can be unsafe and add extra strain on your body. Snow is deceptively heavy, so taking smaller loads can help reduce stress. If you feel yourself getting overtired, take a break and come back to it.
- Use ice melt after shoveling: When you’re done shoveling, use a de-icing material such as salt to prevent the area from getting overly slippery.
- Take care of your body after the fact: When you’re done shoveling, make sure you give yourself time to rest and heal before leaving the home or doing another strenuous activity. Stretch thoroughly and catch your breath indoors when you’ve finished. If you’re feeling in pain or overly cold, consider taking a warm Epsom salt bath to relax your muscles.
For more information on how to properly shovel packed snow, check out the video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal or a plastic snow shovel better?
If you want a durable and heavy-duty shovel to handle large amounts of wet and heavy snow, a metal shovel may suit you better. Conversely, a plastic snow shovel may be better if you receive very little snow or want a snow shovel for your kids.
Can I purchase a snow shovel with wheels?
Yes. Some snow shovels have wheels, allowing you to clear a large area of snow after a snowstorm. They’re faster than manually scooping and dumping snow, and they reduce back strain by preventing you from having to lift a shovel repeatedly.
What is an electric snow shovel?
An electric snow shovel works similarly to a manual snow shovel in that you scrape it across the ground to clear the area of snow. It has a motorized paddle that spins in a circle, sucks up snow, and shoots it back out. Similar to snow shovels with wheels, electric snow shovels require less manual labor on the user’s part.
What other equipment can I use to remove snow?
If you’re looking for another snow removal option, consider investing in a snow blower. A snow blower sucks snow in and shoots it back out through a chute, clearing multiple pounds of snow per minute. Snow blowers are available in gas- and electric-powered models and their powerful engines make them a good option for heavy-duty use. You can also use a snow rake to remove snow from your roof.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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