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There are a lot of things to do to get ready for winter. For instance, you need to buy gloves and jackets and decide how to dress your kids in the winter. Before you start preparing for your ski trip, though, you need to make sure you have the best shovel on hand.
If a snowstorm hits, you’re going to need to be able to clear out high-traffic areas around your home. Driveways need to be clear enough for vehicles to get in and out of and walkways need to be safe to navigate. However, not every shovel is equal. That’s why we have created a list of the best snow shovels on the market.
OUR TOP PICK
The Ames Companies, Inc. Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Combo shovel can work as both a traditional shovel and a scraper
- Multiple, ergonomic handles promote a safe and correct stance
- Curved handle helps to avoid overexertion
- Corners of the blade can get into tight spots like the corners of steps of stairs
- The shovel is all one piece so you don’t have to worry about damage to smaller parts
- Aluminum construction is rust-proof, durable, and lightweight
- Durable enough to last you through many winters even with heavy snowfall
- Offers a heavy-weight performance without an actual heavy weight
- 18”, 20”, and emergency car shovels are available as well
Type: Combo shovel and pusher
Size: 26” blade
Weight: 5.6 lbs
Material: Aluminum and steel
EDITORS CHOICE
Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Spring-loaded takes the strain of scooping and lifting the snow off of you
- Ergonomic handle design is easy to hold onto for long periods
- Aluminum shaft and impact-resistant blade make for a durable design
- Position of the two handles promotes good and safe posture
- Polypropylene blade and aluminum shaft won’t damage wooden steps or porches
- Lightweight design is easy to handle and move around
- 2-year full warranty protects you if anything is or goes wrong with your purchase
Type: Standard shovel
Size: 18” blade
Weight: 2 lbs
Material: Aluminum and polypropylene
BEST VALUE
The Ames Companies, Inc. Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Great for keeping in your car in case of an emergency
- Small folding design makes it easy to throw in your car
- Two grips make for comfortable use and offer plenty of leverage
- Lightweight design makes it easy to use
- Bright color makes it helpful for flagging down help or using as a roadside warning
- Meant to get into tough places such as right around tires
- Inexpensive choice for emergency shoveling
Type: Emergency car shovel
Size: 16” when unfolded
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Material: Polypropylene
Suncast SC2700 Lift Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Combination design allows you to use this as both a now shovel and a snow scraper
- Wide, 20” blade makes short work of shoveling a driveway or path
- Galvanized steel strip helps to scrape difficult surfaces like asphalt and concrete
- Long, 51-inch handle is easy to grip without bending over and straining your back
- Ergonomic grip at the top of the shaft prevents cramping
- Durable design makes sure this shovel will last you a long time
- No-stick graphite blade means it snow won’t get caught on it
- Perfect for snow removal
Type: Combo shovel and pusher
Size: 20” blade
Weight: 4 lbs
Material: Graphite and steel
Lifeline 4004 One Size Aluminum Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Aluminum construction is durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant
- Breaks down into three pieces for easy storage
- Easy to keep in a roadside emergency kit
- Adjustable length from 26” to 32” to meet your needs
- 12” blade helps you to easily dig out your tires in a pinch
- Great item to keep on hand in cold climates or for inexperienced or nervous drivers
Type: Emergency shovel
Size: 12” blade, shaft adjustable from 26” to 32”nbsp;
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Material: Â Aluminum
Garant NPP21KDU Nordic Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Snow pusher comes in handy when you’re handling a light or powdery snowfall
- No metal wear strip makes this pusher especially good on wood surfaces
- Long, ergonomic shaft and handle help you easily use the pusher with cramping or straining
- Durable structure will last you a long time
- Extra support ribs on the back of the blade help keep it stiff and strong
- 18” blade helps to clear large areas of snow quickly
- Offered in multiple blade sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your needs
Type: Snow pusher
Size: 18” blade
Weight: 2.6 lbs
 Material: Polyethylene and fiberglass
The Snowplow 50548 Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Polyethylene blade won’t scratch or scrape delicate surfaces
- Snow pusher can be turned over to deal with icy and frozen spots
- Wide, D-ring comfort grip prevents cramping and discomfort
- Long shaft means you won’t have to strain your back to clear out an area
- All parts of the snow pusher are replaceable, so you can fix it if it starts to break down
Type: Snow pusher
Size: 24”, 30”, 36”, or 48” blade
Weight: 4.55lbs, 5.1 lbs,5.8 lbs, or 8.3 lbs, respective to the blade size
Material: Polyethylene and fiberglass
Ivation Heavy Duty Pushing Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Wheeled design reduces the back-breaking strain of bending over while you work
- Gripping wheels can find on traction in icy condition
- Height can be adjusted between 45” and 50”
- Can move up to 5” of snow in one pass
- Padded handle is comfortable to hold onto while you roll it
- Easy to assemble and has a durable, lasting design
- Perfect for snow removal
Type: Shovel with wheels
Size: 25” blade, 45” to 50” perpendicular height
Weight: 10.98 lbs
Material: Metal and rubber
Suncast Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Large 22” blade can move large amounts of snow at once
- No-stick graphite blade won’t get clumps of snow caught on it
- One-piece metal and graphite design is incredibly durable
- Steel wear strip helps it break up tough-to-push snow and ice
- Collapses for easy storage
- Extends as far as 60” so it protects your back from having to bend too far over
Type: Combo shovel and pusher
Size: 22” blade, extends to 60”
Weight: 8.95 lbs
Material: Graphite and steel
Snow Joe 323E Electric Snow Shovel
- What Makes This Shovel Stand Out
- Electric shovel takes the strain off of your body to get the job done
- Can move as much as 400 lbs of snow per minute
- Throws snow 20 feet, so it clears it far away from your path
- 100’ cord length gives you plenty of freedom to move
- Two ergonomic handles are comfortable to use and promote good posture
- CSA-certified and covered with a full, 2-year warranty
Type: Electric shovel
Size: Clearing width – 13 in., clearing depth – 6 in., throw distance – 20’
Weight: 13.8 lbs
Material: Metal handle, electric interior
How To Choose The Best Snow Shovel – Buying Guide
Durability
No one wants to buy a product that isn’t going to last them for a long time. If you purchase a flimsy snow shovel, you won’t have a product not worth its cost but you run the risk of it breaking just when you need it the most. Generally, you’re going to want to look at shovel reviews to get an honest idea of the durability of the model you’re considering.
It might mean a little bit of a higher investment to purchase one of the most efficient snow shovels but it’s an investment that will pay itself off in the end if you find a snow shovel that meets your needs.
Lightweight
You might associate a heavy-duty snow shovel with a high weight. However, this isn’t the case with a true, top-rated shovel for snow. The lightest shovel you’re considering might have the same or better characteristics than the heavy model you’re looking at.
Lightweight snow shovels are so important because they reduce the level of exertion it takes to clear your driveways and walkways. Since there are so many health concerns with this activity, this reduced exertion is a highly desirable trait.
Size
The wider the shovel, the more snow it’s going to be able to collect at once. So, if you have a lot of or larger areas to clear out, a wider snow shovel can go a long way.
You should look for a snow shovel that’s 24” if you’re interested in shovel the snow. At 18”, you run a higher risk of straining your back. If the shovel is 30”, you should be able to use a pusher, scraper, and shove.
With this extra size, you’re going to want to make sure the durability and weight of the shovel aren’t compromised.
Handles
The handle design on a snow shovel can go a long way in determining if that shovel is right for you. For instance, an ergonomic snow shovel will make it easier to use the shovel for long periods. It will help to prevent problems such as blisters and even problems as simple as hand cramping.
Ergonomic handles are often added in the form of sheathes on the handle. These will protect your hands well even if you ditch thick winter gloves.
The length of the handle should be taken into account as well. The longer a handle is, the less force it will take on your part to push snow around. Longer handles allow for more freedom of movement, so they don’t depend as much on heavy lifting on your part. Shorter handles also force you to bend down further for the use which can take a toll on your back. This is especially true for long-term jobs.
Type
There are a number of types of snow shovels to choose from. It’s worth taking a look at your different options before making a final purchase.
First, there is the traditional snow shovel. These shovels have a scoop that sits in line with the center shaft. This is a good choice for lifting and moving large amounts of snow. It isn’t going to be the best choice if you want to simply push snow out of the way.
The choice for that job is a pusher. Snow pushers have a flat blade that usually sits at the same length across as a shovel or more. These, as the name suggests, simply push snow out of the way. This is a great option for lighter, smaller snowfalls. These models are particularly popular in Canada.
Combos give you the best of both worlds. They can be used to lift and toss snow or to slide it out of the way. This makes it a valuable choice if you want to be prepared for anything winter might throw at you.
There are also different types of handles or shafts. The three main options are bent, straight, and curved shafts. Curved shafts are considered among the most ergonomic options. They allow you to stand up straighter while you shovel which is great for your back.
Bent handles are popular for their easy, swing motion. This allows the user to throw snow quickly but gathering it can take more force than with a curved handle. These features are similar to a straight handle. These choices are best suited for powdery, light snow.
Another style of shovel you need to know about our emergency car shovels. These are made to help you out in jam such as when your car gets stuck or if your windshield is buried in snow.
Material
The material of top-rated snow shovels matters a lot. Top-rated shovels are made of metal and this is great for durability. Aluminum, in particular, is great because it’s lightweight and rust-proof.
That being said, completely metal construction isn’t always the best snow pusher for you. Scraping metal will damage your wood surfaces such as porches, decks, or stairs. Completely plastic shovels are most often pretty flimsy. The best choice is to choose a metal snow shovel with a plastic lip
Weight
Finally, there’s the concept of weight. This is an important factor to consider not only for your back but for the way you’ll be using your snow shovel as well.
If you’re traveling with your snow shovel or only have a small amount of snow to move, a lightweight shovel is the best choice. Powdery snow is also best moved with a lightweight shovel.
You will want a heavy-duty snow shovel if you live in a colder climate. This choice can handle shoveling large amounts of snow on a regular basis. These are usually all-metal models with a heavy focus on durability.
FAQs
Q:Â How to use a snow shovel?
It might seem like a simple question but it’s important to know how to properly use a good shovel to get the most out of it. Incorrectly using a shovel can end up in cramps pulled muscles or even pinched nerves in your back. At worst, you could find yourself with a debilitating injury that leaves you lying in wait for help.
The technique you use to shovel depends on a few factors. This includes how much snow there is and the texture of it.
The snow shovels are going to be perfect for large snowfalls and, by that reasoning, poor quality snow shovels would work for smaller snowfalls. If the snowfall is mixed with sleet or iced over, you’re going to want a push shovel. This helps you scrape the ice as you go rather than just pushing the snow around. This is especially important when it comes to shoveling areas such as driveways and sidewalks where it’s easy to slip on ice.
To reduce the strain on your back, it’s good to use the shovel with an overhand grip. With this grip, you can fill your shovel with snow and lift it off.
When you’re filling your shove, don’t depend on your arms or body alone. Instead, try to distribute the pressure evenly. Scoop up the snow and twist your body to dump it to the snow out but remember to still maintain that even distribution of weight.
If you’re using a pusher instead of a traditional shovel, you’ll still want to maintain that balance as well as an overhead grip.
A big concern when it comes to shoveling the snow is protecting your heart. The reason behind this is that the majority of people who end up shoveling snow aren’t ones who work out on a regular basis. When you jump from a low level of regular exercise to a more physically demanding task, it puts a strain on your heart.
To avoid this, treat this activity just like you might treat a trip to the gym. Take the time to warm up, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed. It can also help to shovel lighter loads instead of heavier ones. In addition, don’t try to shovel your whole yard. Instead, just shovel high traffic areas.
If you start to feel lightheaded or your heart rate starts to increase, go inside to warm up and take a while to rest. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for signs of a heart attack. This can include intense, squeezing chest pain, pain in the left shoulder and left arm, a cold sweat, and dizziness. In the case that you start feeling these symptoms, it’s best to contact emergency services just like you would do in any other health emergency.
Finally, don’t overdo it. It’s better to take the extra time to slowly shovel snow rather than overexerting yourself by trying to move as quickly as possible.
Make sure to follow this advice as you use your new shovel. Even a top-rated shovel won’t get the job done very well when misused.
Q:Â Why do I need a snow shovel?
The simplest answer is that if you’re expecting snow this winter, you’re going to want a snow scoop on hand. This doesn’t just mean colder climates either. If there’s a chance for snow, you’re going to want a way to clean off your sidewalk, porch, and driveway.
You might be wondering why someone in a warmer climate would want a sleigh shovel around. Well, especially today, the weather is a pretty fickle and slightly unpredictable force. The last thing you want is to get caught in a surprise snowstorm without a handy shovel for driveways on hand.
A shovel tool specifically is important because snow is a lot heavier than you might think. A foot of snow can range anywhere from 3 pounds to 20 pounds. So, if you’re trying to use makeshift tools for the job, you’re going to have a harder – and likely more dangerous – job to do.
Q:Â How to clean and store a snow shovel?
Since snow is simply frozen water, you’re not going to have a hard time cleaning off your shovel. If there is any dirt on it, you can simply wash it off with water with mild soap if needed at all.
You aren’t going to want to put your shovel away as soon as it’s wiped down, though. It’s crucial to dry off and allow it to sit out to dry for a while before storage. This is a particularly critical step of the process if you have a metal shovel since it helps to avoid rust.
From there, you can store your shovel the same way you might store a rake or standard snow shovels. A common way to do this is to hang them on a wall in a garage or shed. This keeps them neat, out of the way, and safe.
Globo Surf Overview
Shovel the snow is often considered as an exhausting or even dangerous task. To make this task safer and easier, you have to find out which are the most efficient snow shovels to get the job done. With the information we’ve looked at here, you’re going to know exactly what to look for. Not only that, but you’re bound to find a shovel that works for you and will last you years to come on our list.