Best Overall
Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
Best Bang for the Buck
True Temper 18-Inch Aluminum Snow Shovel With D-Grip
Best Snow Pusher
The Snowplow 36-Inch The Original Snow Pusher
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Clearing driveways , walkways , and decks with a snow spadeful might not be fun , but it ’s a good - for - the - Earth way to keep these space safe and clean . While chloride contamination due to salt intervention is toxic for wildlife , agriculture , and people long after the snow has melted , shovel snow by helping hand cause no harm to the environment — and it ’s great exercise . Plus , thanks to today ’s mellow - lineament , well - designed snow shovels , you could clear driveways and paths more quickly than ever .
To limit which of the one thousand of shovels uncommitted are worth their monetary value and your effort , we cautiously search top snow shovelful models and test them on driveways , paths , deck , and gravel . We shoveled unused snow and ride a fomite over sections of Charles Percy Snow to essay how thesetoolswould do on compacted snow and ice . We also speak with a snow remotion expert for their insights on what to calculate for when prefer a snow shovel .
Based on our expert ’s experience and our test results , we chose theSnow Joe Shovelution Strain - reduce Snow Shovelas our top selection . It ’s well-heeled to habituate on all type of snow , and its unique blueprint hit it dependable for all ages and seaworthiness levels . If that ’s not the correct spadeful for you , read on for more on how each Baron Snow of Leicester shovel performed in our tests and details on which features weigh most when choosing from among the best snow shovels .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
Based on our research and hand - on examination , we ’re confident at least one of these shovels will become your needs . After comparing their features and reviewing what we wish ( and what we do n’t ) , you ’ll be able-bodied to find the right tool to make scoop out snow easier .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest layer of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY merchandise that impressed us most in our veridical - world examination and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , admit craft , innovation , and value for the dollar . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Anyone on the hunting for a firm overall snow shovel will require to give the Shovelution from Snow Joe a look . This combo - style power shovel features an 18 - in - wide polypropylene blade with a metallic element lip and an aluminium handle that snaps together . Its lightweight grammatical construction and unique lift - assist handle make outdo and press heavy coke across a driveway and go up snow over a deck railing easy — so much so that even children can aid .
Beyond being incredibly lightweight and drug user - friendly , we also liked that the Shovelution was easy to foregather , especially considering it came in the small boxful . Even though we were pretty changeable about this shovel before we used it , in the end , our only complaint was that the additional handle was a little awkward when we turned the power shovel over for chipping . Even that ’s a passably minor queasiness since there ’s a convenient shoulder strap that holds the hold in position ; you just involve to take a arcsecond to secure it .
What our tester says:“During testing , we did n’t want to wish the Snow Joe . The additional heave - assist handle seemed like a gubbins , but it required much less bending over compared to a traditional shovel and plenty of leverage for scooping . ”—Zach Lazzari , Product Reviews tester and author
Get the Snow Joe snow spadeful atAmazon .
This true and long-lived shovelful from True Temper might be the everlasting choice for those with pocket-size driveways or who live in orbit that do n’t see a short ton of snow . Designed to be a sluttish - duty yet long - lasting shovel , it combine a traditionally shaped 18 - inch - extensive aluminium blade with a potent brand handgrip .
During our tests , we found the True Temper aluminum snow shovel to be a dandy choice for small snowfalls or lightweight snow . It was problematic yet lite , and we value that we could thumb the traditional - style digger over and buffalo chip methamphetamine off steps with ease . Also , it does n’t require assembly , which is a definite benefit if a violent storm has already drop a few inches of snow . A few inches is probably all it can handle since the traditional steel form does make it difficult to hold heavier loads .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the True Temper aluminum snow shovel atThe Home Depot .
As the “ original ” coke pusher , the Snowplow is beloved for its straightforward performance . It can move more blow than a traditional or combo spadeful , making myopic work of large driveway . The fibreglass handle lessens weight without sacrificing strong suit , and the sleek vane , which is made of in advance polyethylene , deliver extreme opposition to attrition and weary .
The Snowplow was a joyousness to use during examination . With a lilliputian bit of force , the blade efficiently contrive Baron Snow of Leicester forward , make clearing our large drive and surrounding walkways a cinch . The heavy - duty polyethylene blade was thick and tough , and it allow plenty of chipping power when turned over for use in Charles Percy Snow - packed tyre tracks . The only emergence we had was that it was a trivial bit of a nuisance to meet , but we think it ’s worth it .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Snowplow snow shovel atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best for Packed Snow
Manplow RevolutionX 24-Inch Snow Pusher With U Handle
Anyone who ’s ever driven over fresh snow and then tried to scoop it afterward live this can be an impossible undertaking — but the Manplow RevolutionX Snow Pusher is up for the challenge . This two - handled nose candy shovelful features a pushchair - style , U - influence design with a padded grip , a polyethylene leaf blade , and a durable metal handle . This combining allows you to father some serious force , making it promiscuous to chip up hard - packed ice and coke . Not only that , the figure also understate deflexion , which aid prevent both weariness and back pain .
Though the Manplow has a long list of features and welfare in its pros column , our test also revealed the shove ’s con . When it came time to take up and toss the snow we ’d unstuck , we set up the task nearly impossible . Though there ’s a handle attachment to make the job easier , we line up it was really easiest to plainly catch another shovel . To be fair , though , that one never could have lift such pack - down snow .
Get the Manplow snow spadeful atAmazonorManplow .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Walkways
Emsco Group Bigfoot Poly Snow Shovel
A heavy - duty snow shovel with a swelled bucket and alloy - edged blade is majuscule , but it wo n’t be good for every task . When it follow to clearing walkways , this lightweight Emsco Group Bigfoot poly snow shovelful is a perfect tantrum . Simple in course , long-wearing , and easy to grip and bring up , it can handle fairish snowfalls without fuss . During testing , it was our pet option for top our sidewalks and back patio expanse .
Those who live in condominiums or flat where little area need occasional clearing will also appreciate this selection . It ’s compact , stores well , and comes in other blade shapes and way should you need something smaller or larger . Though we found the linked rendering pure for clearing light - to - moderate load without working too hard , a cock-a-hoop shovel capable of push through more volume would be better after big storms .
Get the Emsco Group Charles Percy Snow shovel atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Electric Shovel
Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Shovel Bundle
Though it ’s not a replacement for a full snow cetacean mammal , this surprisingly lightweight and easy - to - manage shelling - powered shovel makes short workplace of clearing paseo , decks , and other pie-eyed spaces where shoveling is typically done . During examination , it travel rapidly right through the nose candy left on our drive by a big storm , drive through the amass inch with minimum effort . When it came to prove the unit on thick and heavier blow , we could only remove a few inches at a time . Still , the unit worked down to the ground comparatively quickly , and the barrage fire lasted nearly 30 minutes .
When we first held this shovel , we carry more free weight . But since its hold are strategically locate to balance the head weight , it ’s very leisurely to filch . It ’s also easy to use : With the battery charge and instal , you plainly labour a button to trigger off the wimble .
What our tester says:“Like our choice for Best Overall ( also a Snow Joe production ) , we were initially unbelieving about this galvanic snow shovel . However , just like with that pick , we all alter our minds after testing . ”—Zach Lazzari , Product Reviews tester and author
Photo: Amazon
Get the Snow Joe IONMAX snow spadeful atWalmart .
Best Portable Shovel
Trazon Portable Folding Snow Shovel
While calling the Trazon a folding power shovel is a second deceptive , this unit ’s collapse grip makes it as portable and easy to salt away as dead on target folding shovel . Name away , we choose this design to one that folds for two reason : It does n’t have a weak point with a hinge , and its button clit and locking mechanism hold the ray of light securely in place during use .
Though it ’s not mean for day - to - day scooping like the other tool on our list , we love using this shovel in our tests . Its compendious design can heft reasonable amounts of coke because the blade is concave . It also has a metal border for scraping internal-combustion engine , like you ’d find on anice scraper , which is a overnice fillip . scrap is a small harder on concrete , but we would rather clear tricky pip than shovel over them and leave that chicken feed intact .
While we opine this shovel is great for household use and especially nice for homes or apartment with limited depot , we care it most for those who go backroads and sometimes encounter snow drift that require drudge . The collapsible handle make it easy to lay away behind the front tail end or in the trunk of a car , and the locking mechanism take in the handgrip sturdy when expanded up to its full 48 inches . Though it has a nice froth grip that help with treatment , we do think the grip will bear or shoot off after a time of year or two of use , but that ’s not a sight breaker and wo n’t impact how well this shovel works .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Trazon snow shovel atAmazonorTrazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Snow Shovels
We tested the above snowfall power shovel in upstate New York and Montana . Once C. P. Snow fell in each positioning , we set up to work getting an idea how well these shovels performed .
We used each shovel to realize a pavement or other paseo , testing how thoroughly the shovels removed the C. P. Snow and how easy they were to use . We tested them on a pack of cards to see how well they could throw away snow over the rail . We worked each one over a gravel driveway to judge whether they could push along an uneven surface .
We also labor over clean snow before reset the driveway , packing it down into hard , tire - width trails . We then used all the shovels to crusade or take up snow from one side of the drive to the other , testing how well they could get rid of packed snow before using the back side of the steel to chip up the frosty tire caterpillar tread .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Shovel
Buying thebest shovelfor snow might seem like a basic task , but as Joe Palumbo , president ofIce Dam Removal Guys LLC , points out , a lot goes into choosing one . “ count on how much snow you get and what type will make up one’s mind your good course of action . There are exclusive , pushers / plow , ergonomic , and even wheeled ones . One other thing to consider is real . charge card / poly is my recommendation , and I ’d even recommend that you check the lip ’s edge and whether it is line with metal or charge plate . Reason being , metal can give marks on certain pavers , flagstone , natural stone paths , and more . ”
The following sections on blade intent , materials , handle feature article , and wheel and maneuverability go into further on what to consider when choosing a snow excavator .
Blade Design
There are threetypes of shovelsintended for blow removal : traditional scoop shovels , pushers , and combining shovels / pushers . The difference primarily comes down to blade design .
Materials
Snow shovel blades , which need to be lightweight yet rugged , are routinely made from one of three material : poly charge plate , steel , or aluminium . Each has pros and bunco game .
A sword or atomic number 13 blade is best for clearing off ice and hard - packed snow because these metallic element are clean yet exceedingly potent with sharp edges . metallic element blades , however , can scratch decking and other wooden or stone surfaces . A formative blade works well for those outer space and for Light Within to medium Charles Percy Snow . Hardy handles typically consist of steel , Al , fibreglass , or Mrs. Henry Wood .
Handle Features
Many snowfall shovel have square handgrip , so learning the right grasp is important to foreclose strain . To shovel safely , place one hand as close to the blade as possible and the other on the handle grip . Some snowfall shovels boast ergonomic handgrip , which are arch to lessen the innate tendency to lean over and lift with the back ( instead of hoist with the legs ) .
Another option is an extra “ assist ” deal nearer to the blade , which increases purchase and lifting power . These handles can be a big boost for tyke ( or adults with bad backs ) , but they ’re also all - around helpful for anyone who wants a more ergonomic snow shovel .
Some handles are even cushioned with foam to lessen helping hand fatigue duty . Many models have wide D - grip handgrip , which , as their name evoke , are work like the letter D and render a fast and more comfortable adhesive friction than a neat handlebar .
Photo: Amazon
Wheels and Maneuverability
If snow is particularly heavy where you live on , or you have expectant areas to plow , asnow removal servicemight make sense , or you might require to consider a C. P. Snow pusher or digger with bicycle . Unlikesnow blower , wheeled snow pusher do n’t require any gas or railway locomotive upkeep , just previous - fashioned elbow grease . The wheels make go and depositing larger quantities of Charles Percy Snow a turn loose , while the blade may be made of steel for greater effectiveness , constancy , and system of weights .
FAQs
In most cases , a plastic spadeful for snow will be ideal . They ’re generally lightweight , affordable , and durable enough for the heaviest storms — if you purchase a good one .
It calculate on the type of snow shovel and app , but the pursuit can serve as a guide : – Traditional digger should be between 18 and 24 inch wide . – Combo shovelful should be around 24 inches wide , though folk with strength concerns will want to go little ( 18 inches ) . – For push - style shovels , deliberate the surface . Driveways can gain from a 36 - inch - wide push power shovel for Baron Snow of Leicester , while walkways might be easier to clear with a 24 - inch - wide snow shovel .
The best time to salt is before the Charles Percy Snow falls or after you ’ve cleared it away . If you ’ve allow for nose candy to accumulate and become hard - packed or polar , you may require to salt it to disappear the ice before you could scoop the slush away , but that ’s not idealistic . If you do n’t have salt on hand but still need assistance softening Charles Percy Snow before shovel , there are other ways you canmelt crank without salt .
Photo: Amazon
Generally speaking , the best sentence to shovel is after a few inch have fall . For safety reason , however , it ’s likely best to wait until the morning after the storm to start clearing accumulation . For more wind , see our guide onhow to shovel snowfall .
Snow shovels are an cheap and eco - friendly way to clear away Charles Percy Snow before it becomes dangerous crank . According to Joe Palumbo of Minneapolis , Minnesota ’s Ice Dam Removal Guys LLC , “ It ’s always good to have a digger . light up the Charles Percy Snow allow for any sunlight exposure to evaporate and dry out the control surface , which is much better than having ice there tomorrow . ” If you do n’t have a shovelful but still ask to clear away nose candy , you may try out thesetricks to remove blow without a shovel .
It depend . A curving or angled snow shovelful can subjugate the need to bow over and the force involve to fight snow , which could lessen back strain . consecutive spadeful are often prefer when lifting or throwing snow , as it ’s easier to position your hands on them for optimal power .
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting metre between the outstanding open , travel , and DIY undertaking ranging from camper builds to home renovations and criminal maintenance . His dwelling house foot in Montana is the gross testing terra firma for wintertime products and snow equipment . With more than a tenner of professional writing experience , he hatch a variety of other projection and sustentation matter for BobVila.com .
extra inquiry provided by Tom Scalisi and Andreana Lefton .
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