The Best Snow Shovels

With my expertise in lawn care, I recognize the utmost importance of choosing the perfect snow shovel to conquer winter’s challenges with ease. In this exclusive article, I will share invaluable insights and expert recommendations on the finest snow shovels currently offered in the market. These indispensable tools play a vital role in effortlessly clearing snow from driveways, walkways, and various outdoor spaces. By selecting the right snow shovel tailored to your specific needs, you can ensure efficient snow removal while minimizing the physical strain and discomfort often associated with this seasonal task. Get ready to revolutionize your winter snow clearing experience by making an informed choice and embracing the power of the ideal snow shovel.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Snow Shovel

When selecting a snow shovel, it’s crucial to consider several factors to find the perfect fit for your needs. Ergonomics, blade material, weight, and durability are all key elements that influence the performance and usability of a snow shovel.

Top Features to Look for in a Snow Shovel

Among the array of snow shovels available, certain features elevate some models above the rest. Adjustable handle length, comfortable grip, blade shape, and additional features like wheels or leverage assistance can greatly enhance the snow shoveling experience.

The Best Snow Shovels

To help you make an informed decision, I have curated a list of the top eight snow shovels currently on the market. In this section, I will provide detailed reviews of each shovel, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, and guiding you towards the ideal choice for your winter needs.

Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

• Dimensions: 50 x 18 x 3.9 inches
• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• Warranty: 2 years

Upon first glance, the Snow Joe Shovelution stands out as a remarkable departure from conventional snow shovels. This exceptional snow-clearing tool features a dual-handle design that revolutionizes the snow removal process. By utilizing the upper handle for scooping and lifting snow, and employing the lower handle as a lever to propel the snow out of the shovel, this innovative system greatly reduces strain, effort, and the need to hunch over.

Both handles of the Shovelution are ergonomically designed as D-rings, ensuring a comfortable grip with all five fingers. As you push and scoop snow with your upper hand, the lower hand remains above the main shaft, reducing the amount of bending required compared to a regular shovel. Additionally, the lower handle provides leverage for flinging snow at a greater distance, and its spring-loaded mechanism ensures it effortlessly returns to its original position upon release.

The 18-inch blade of the Shovelution is crafted from lightweight polypropylene, subtly curved to accommodate significant snow loads. Its cleverly designed slight trenches prevent snow from adhering to the blade, making it easier to swiftly and effectively toss away heavy snow. Furthermore, an aluminum wear strip safeguards the shovel from abrasion when coming into contact with surfaces such as asphalt or gravel, preventing scuffing and cracking.

Pros:

• Dual handles alleviate strain on the back and make it easy to throw snow
• Second handle is spring-loaded to snap quickly back in place
• Ergonomic D-ring handles
• Durable 18-inch polypropylene blade
• Aluminum wear strip protects the blade from damage

Cons:

• Dual handle system can take some getting used to
• Aluminum wear strip can fall off

Snowcaster 30SNC Snow Pusher Shovel

• Dimensions: 48 x 16 x 3 inches
• Weight: 11 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

When faced with the daunting task of clearing expansive areas like driveways, patios, or decks, a snow pusher emerges as an invaluable ally. These shovels boast long, slender blades capable of swiftly carving wide paths through snow with a single pass. With extended handles, they allow for effortless pushing across the desired area, eliminating the need for frequent lifting. The Snowcaster 30SNC exemplifies a timeless snow pusher design adorned with innovative features.

This robust snow pusher incorporates durable plastic wheels, ensuring stability and facilitating smooth gliding at an optimal pace. Its 36-inch blade offers an ample clearing path, and its bi-directional design allows you to select the desired side for snow discharge. To change direction, simply lift the shovel and flip the blade to the opposite side.

Crafted with resilience in mind, this snow pusher is built to endure the elements. Its tough plastic blade, frame, and wheels can withstand impacts and conquer various surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, and gravel. The metal handle remains resistant to rusting or bending when encountering obstacles. However, it’s important to note that this shovel is not intended for heavy snowfall or densely packed snow.

Pros:

• Wheels increase speed and stability
• Large blade can clear wide paths
• Bi-directional blade allows you to push snow out of the shovel on either side
• Heavy-duty, durable materials

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy snowfall

 Garant 24-inch Sleigh Snow Shovel

• Dimensions: 186.7 x 58.4 x 36.8 inches
• Weight: 10.5 lbs

Sled shovels offer remarkable snow-handling capabilities, making them a valuable asset in regions prone to heavy snowfall. These shovels, also known as sleigh shovels, effortlessly glide along the ground, swiftly clearing paths and accumulating snow. Rather than lifting the shovel to toss the snow, it is simply pushed out of the shovel into a designated area. If you’re in search of a sled-style snow shovel, look no further than the Garant 24-inch Sleigh Snow Shovel.

This rugged marvel features a 24-inch blade, enabling the creation of wide clearing paths while accommodating up to 55 liters of snow, slush, or ice. The blade is fortified with a metal strip along its front edge, safeguarding it against wear and tear. Crafted from polyethylene, the blade exhibits exceptional durability, with a slight flex to prevent cracking under pressure or in freezing temperatures.

The ergonomic steel handle stretches 55 inches, providing a comfortable length for most individuals to effortlessly push the shovel without excessive bending or exertion. This design minimizes back and arm fatigue. For lighter snowfalls, simply push the shovel along, while heavier, wetter snow can be tackled by placing your foot on top of the blade for added leverage. Apply a quick, forceful push, and the snow will effortlessly slide out of the grooved well section of the blade.

Pros:

• Can handle large quantities of snow
• Clears paths 24 inches wide
• No lifting required
• Blade is reinforced with a galvanized steel wear strip
• Ergonomic handle reduces back and arm fatigue

Cons:

• Not suitable for smaller areas like steps and narrow paths

Greenworks 12-inch Electric Snow Shovel

• Dimensions: 63.5 x 14.3 x 10.3 inches
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Warranty: 4 years

Backed by a 4-year warranty, shoveling snow becomes effortless with an electric snow shovel, especially for those facing strength or mobility challenges. The Greenworks 12-inch Electric

Snow Shovel exemplifies this solution by effortlessly handling the heavy lifting in a fraction of the time required by traditional shovels. This compact, eco-friendly powerhouse plows through 300 pounds of snow per minute, leaving a clear 12-inch path in its wake.

Powered by an 8 Amp motor, this corded electric snow shovel springs to life with a simple push of a button. Its compact size allows for easy maneuverability and access to tight spaces that larger manual shovels or snow blowers may struggle with. As you effortlessly clear paths through snow up to four inches deep, the shovel swiftly discharges the snow up to 20 feet away.

Designed with comfort in mind, every aspect of this motorized snow shovel promotes ease of use. Startup is a breeze as you simply plug in the shovel and press the ‘on’ button. The shovel features a large D-handle at the top of the shaft for a secure grip, while an adjustable auxiliary handle allows for personalized height adjustment. Additionally, its lightweight design facilitates effortless carrying, pushing, and storage.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Can clear paths 12 inches wide and 4 inches deep
• Can clear 300 lbs of snow per minute
• Adjustable handle for comfort

Cons:

• Cord can be a pain to drag around

Snow Joe iON13SS 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel

• Dimensions: 11 x 15 x 63.5 inches
• Weight: 14.5 lbs
• Warranty: 2 years

With a 2-year warranty, the Snow Joe iON13SS offers the ultimate convenience of an electric snow shovel without the limitations of cords. Powered by batteries, it grants the freedom to use it anywhere without the hassle of staying near a power source or untangling extension cords. The robust motor effortlessly plows through 300 pounds of snow per minute, creating a 13-inch wide and six-inch deep path, while propelling snow up to 25 feet.

To commence snow clearing, simply press the instant-start button on the handle, and the 40-volt rechargeable battery will breathe life into the motor. Grasp the ergonomically shaped shaft with one hand and the adjustable handle with the other for optimal control. As you push the shovel, the two-blade paddle auger efficiently collects and propels the snow out of the front of the machine. With a single battery charge, you can plow for up to an hour and a half.

The Snow Joe iON13SS features a 500W brushless motor, delivering numerous advantages. Its brushless design enhances efficiency, resulting in shorter snow-clearing durations. Additionally, it minimizes noise and vibration, ensuring you won’t disturb the entire neighborhood while shoveling. Moreover, the brushless motor reduces strain on your arms and back. Furthermore, it contributes to the motor’s longevity by minimizing wear and tear.

Pros:

• Cordless
• Lightweight and compact
• Can clear paths 13 inches wide and 6 inches deep
• Can clear 300 pounds of snow per minute
• Brushless motor cuts back on noise, vibration, and wear and tear

Cons:

• No way to adjust direction of deflected snow
• Pricey

DMOS Stealth Snow Shovel

• Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 2.25 inches
• Weight: 3.3 lbs
• Warranty: Lifetime

The DMOS Stealth Shovel proves indispensable in emergencies. Whether confronted with heavy snow, ice, sand, dirt, or mud, this shovel empowers you to dig your way out effortlessly. When folded, it forms a compact package, fitting snugly in your car trunk, beneath a seat, or on a roof rack. Unfolded, the handle extends to 57 inches, allowing you to tackle obstacles without straining your back.

The DMOS Stealth showcases aircraft-grade aluminum construction, striking the perfect balance between strength and lightweight design. Its powder-coated finish wards off rusting, ensuring long-lasting durability. The unique blade features serrated teeth on one edge, facilitating ice-breaking and snow clearing around tires. With its low profile, the blade easily slips under cars or into tight spaces, while the scoop shape enables efficient load pickup.

Assembling the shovel takes mere seconds—simply pull the handle from the blade’s side slots and insert it vertically through the top hole. Secure it in place using the bottom slot. Then, grasp the nylon T-grip handle to extend and lock the telescoping shaft. Disassembling and folding the shovel back is equally effortless.

 Pros:

•  Folds up for easy storage
• Telescoping shaft extends up to 57 inches
• Aircraft-grade aluminum is strong, lightweight, and durable
• Serrated edge can efficiently chop through ice
• Scoop-shaped blade for lifting loads

 Cons:

• Pricey

What to Consider When Buying a Snow Shovel

Snow shovels come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, so it pays to do some research ahead of time to determine which snow shovel is right for you. These are a few things to consider before buying a snow shovel.

Snow Conditions

Most snow shovels are designed to tackle specific conditions. For example, pushers are good at clearing layers of dry, light snow, but they may not handle deep, heavy snowfall well. Traditional shovels are great at lifting and throwing snow, but you may find that they’re not as efficient at clearing large areas or powdery snow. If you want a snow shovel that can handle a wide variety of snow conditions, a combination shovel with scooping and pushing capabilities is your best bet. 

Ergonomics

Shoveling snow is no easy task. A single square foot of snow can weigh anywhere from 3 to 21 pounds depending on how wet it is. Compound that by the number of times you need to lift loads to clear your driveway or pathways, and you can see how shoveling can put serious strain on your body. To avoid injury and fatigue, look for a snow shovel with ergonomic features like a curved shaft, adjustable handle, or a roomy D-shaped grip. You also want to think about the weight of the shovel and how much you can comfortably handle.

Blade Size

Bigger is not always better when it comes to snow shovel blades. In fact, the ideal blade size really depends on where and what you will be clearing. For example, pushers usually have very large blades that can clear wide paths quickly and efficiently. This makes them great for large open spaces like driveways. However, if you want to clear smaller areas like steps, garden paths, and tracks for tires, a shovel with a smaller blade will be able to get into those tight spots and offer better precision.

Materials

Many snow shovels today have blades that are made of hard plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. These plastics are strong enough to handle heavy loads, won’t crack in cold temperatures, and cause little to no damage to surfaces. However, they can get worn or damaged over time. To prevent this from happening, many manufacturers place metal or plastic wear strips on the front edge of the shovel. Aluminum shovels are another option. They tend to be lightweight and very durable, but they can scratch or damage surfaces like wood, brick, or stone.

Electric Snow Shovels

If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfalls frequently or have issues with strength or mobility, then you may want to consider an electric snow shovel. Electric snow shovels either run on batteries or they must be plugged into a power source. They operate like mini snow blowers by doing the hard work of lifting and throwing snow for you. All you have to do is switch them on and push them across the area you want to clear. 

Not sure if an electric snow shovel can get the job done? If you have a huge amount of snow to clear, a snow blower might be a better option. Find out more about the top-rated snow blowers at The 6 Best Snow Blowers (link to article).

Proper Snow Shoveling Techniques for Safety and Efficiency

Clearing snow with proper technique is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure efficient snow removal. In this section, I will share essential snow shoveling techniques to promote safety and maximize effectiveness.

• Body mechanics and posture: Maintain a proper stance by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and bending your knees. Use your legs and core muscles to lift the snow, rather than relying solely on your back.
• Pushing vs. lifting techniques: Whenever possible, opt for pushing the snow rather than lifting it. Pushing reduces strain on your back and minimizes the risk of injury. However, if lifting is necessary, remember to bend your knees, keep the shovel close to your body, and lift with your legs.
• Avoiding overexertion and injury: Take frequent breaks during prolonged snow shoveling sessions to prevent exhaustion. Pace yourself and listen to your body’s signals. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms, stop shoveling immediately and seek medical assistance if needed.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Snow Shovels

To ensure the longevity and performance of your snow shovel, proper maintenance is essential. In this section, I will provide valuable tips for maintaining and caring for your snow shovel.

• Cleaning and removing snow buildup: After each use, remove any remaining snow or ice from the shovel. Rinse it with water to prevent ice buildup and dry it thoroughly before storing.
• Lubrication and rust prevention: Apply a thin layer of lubricant, such as silicone spray or WD-40, to the metal parts of the shovel to prevent rust. This will also make shoveling easier by reducing snow sticking to the blade.
• Storage guidelines for longevity: Store your snow shovel in a dry place, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Hang it on a wall or keep it in a dedicated storage area to prevent damage and maintain its effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best snow shovel is crucial for efficient and hassle-free snow removal during the winter season. By considering factors such as ergonomics, blade material, and additional features, you can find a snow shovel that meets your needs and preferences. Remember to use proper snow shoveling techniques to ensure safety and prevent injuries. With the right snow shovel and proper technique, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle winter’s snowy challenges with ease and confidence.