Snow Shovel is the perfect tool to remove the accumulated snow on driveways and yards. Latest models are specially designed to make manual snow removing process much easier and safe than ever. These tools are eco-friendly as they don’t need any power or gas to use them. And moreover, they are a great way of exercising. While purchasing a snow shovel, it can be a confusing process. If you want to choose the best, we recommend considering below factors.
Blade Size
The range of shovel’s blade size will be 12 – 30 inches. Smaller blades are suitable for places with less snowfall. While the larger blades will push snow out of the way and used to clear snow in high-traffic areas. Also, a wider blade can carry more snow than a smaller width shovel.
Shovel Length
Consider shovel length and width for effective and painless shoveling. The height of the shovel should match with the user’s height to comfortably clear snow. For instance, a short-handled shovel may result in backaches for a tall person, while a shorter person with a tall handle is unable to get proper leverage to clear the job.
Blade Material
The shovel blades can be made of steel, aluminum, and plastic. Make sure to consider the climatic condition and snow type while looking for blade materials.
Steel blades are an excellent option for wet, & heavy snow or ice Aluminium is a lightweight blade option that works for clearing snow and ice in your paths Plastic blades work well for cleaning light snow and ice but not meant for heavy-duty tasks.
To learn more about snow shovel, we are here with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Go through this guide to know all about snow shovels and pick the best one, as per your requirement. Using the same information, we picked up the best snow shovel after careful analysis and testing.
Best Snow Shovels
7 Best Snow Shovels Reviews
1. Snow Joe Snow Shovel
As you can tell by its name, Snow Joe is a brand that mainly makes products related to snow and offers some of the most popular options, including this snow shovel. The Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 snow shovel is present in the 1st position in this article as it is a great option for users on a budget. Despite having an affordable price tag, you still get a pretty decent shovel width of 18 inches with it that results in a high value for money. You also get a shovel length of 41.3 inches that is much higher than other options in its class. Unlike most other budget offerings, this snow shovel comes from a reputable and popular brand. Due to this, Snow Joe offers a 2-year long warranty with this snow shovel for peace of mind. Although, the build quality is just average, which is expected at the given price tag. A great thing about this snow shovel is that it comes with a spring-assisted handle for ease of use. Best Features:
18-inch shovel width 3-inch shovel length Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
Affordable price tag results in a budget snow shovel Offers a spring-assisted handle Long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Build quality could have been slightly better
2. Lifeline Snow Shovel
Unlike most other options in this article, Lifeline Store’s snow shovel is a sports shovel that is quite compact and has a high user rating because of its features and options. Lifeline Store’s Aluminum Sport Utility snow shovel is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the smallest option in this article that makes it perfect for on the go usage. It can be a great option for snow sports as well as for camping needs. And since it is made out of aluminum, its 8 ⅝ inch blade size is quite lightweight, making it great for portable usage. As for the shovel length, it is rated at up to 32 inches from its original length of 25 inches. A great thing about this snow shovel is that it offers a 3 piece collapsible design that allows you to fold down this snow shovel for easy storage. Even though you get a foldable design, its build quality is quite decent and even offers a 6-month long warranty to the user. Best Features:
8 ⅝ inch shovel width 32-inch shovel length Comes with a 6-month long warranty
Pros:
Compact and portable snow shovel 3 piece collapsible design for ease of use Decent build quality and warranty
Cons:
Not the best option for heavy-duty usage
3. Suncast Snow Shovel
A lot of the product offerings from Suncast are known to be highly durable and reliable and can last for a long time, just like its snow shovel offering mentioned here in this article. This Suncast SC2700 snow shovel is mentioned in the 3rd position in this article as it is the most durable and reliable option present in this article. It offers an excellent build quality to the user that is as good as more premium options out there. Another great thing about it is that you get a 10-year long warranty with it that is much higher than other options here. Talking about the dimensions of this snow shovel, it comes with a 20-inch shovel width. This size offers a great balance between smaller 18 inch and larger 24-inch blade width options. Although, the shovel length of 33 ½ inch is a bit smaller for the given blade width. As for its handle, you get a D-grip handle in this snow shovel, which ensures that you have a proper grip on this snow shovel. Best Features:
20-inch shovel width 33 ½ inch shovel length Comes with a 10-year long warranty
Pros:
Most durable and reliable snow shovel option Offers an excellent build quality Large blade with D-grip handle for proper grip
Cons:
Average snow shovel length rating
4. Subzero Snow Shovel
Hopkins is a comparatively newer brand of snow shovels mentioned in this article that makes snow shovels for emergency usage because of the given features and specifications. The Hopkins 17211 SubZero snow shovel is the only option present in this article that is made for emergencies where you have to quickly remove a lot of snow. And to allow you to do so while on the go, it offers a fairly compact blade size or shovel width rating of 9.5 inches. And even then, it offers a pretty high shovel length of 37 inches for decent range. Since this snow shovel is made for emergency usage, it offers a great build quality to the user. And since you also get a 3-year long warranty with it, you can expect it to last for a long time. Just like various other snow shovels out there, you get an extendable handle in this snow shovel so that you can fold the handle and easily take this snow shovel with you on the go. Best Features:
5-inch shovel width 37-inch shovel length Comes with a 3-year long warranty
Pros:
Great snow shovel for emergency usage Offers an extendable handle for ease of use Comes with a long warranty duration
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy-duty usage
5. Ames Companies Snow Roof Rake
A lot of the product offerings by Ames Companies are made for heavy-duty usage because of the features that they offer just like this snow shovel mentioned here. Ames Companies’ 193055510 snow shovel is the best option in this article if you need one for heavy-duty usage. Just per its name, this snow shovel is a roof rake one that is made for getting rid of snow from the rooftop of your house. It allows you to easily do so using its pretty high shovel length rating of 204 inches that is much higher than all other options present here. You get such a high shovel length thanks to its telescoping arm that can be changed to either short or long as per your wish. The shovel width rating of 24 inches offered by this snow shovel is also quite good and allows you to easily move a lot of snow at once. While the build quality offered by it is quite good, you only get a 90-day long warranty with it. Best Features:
24-inch shovel width 204-inch shovel length Comes with a 90-day long warranty
Pros:
Best snow shovel for heavy-duty usage Telescopic arm for reaching rooftop Aluminum handle with proper grip
Cons:
Comes with just a 90-day long warranty
6. Garant Snow Pusher
Garant can be yet another option for those of you who are looking for snow shovels made for heavy-duty usage to clear a lot of snow at once around your house. This Garant NSP24D snow shovel offers the largest shovel size in terms of the blade width when compared with other options in this article. You get a 24-inch steel blade that also happens to be highly sturdy and strong for easily working with hardened snow if needed. Since you get a 54-inch shovel length, you can easily reach all places using this snow shovel while getting an ergonomic standing position. Apart from having a steel blade, you also get steel reinforcements in this snow shovel. When combined with its varnished hardwood D-handle, you get a great build quality with this snow shovel for longevity and reliability. The only issue with this snow shovel is that it comes with just a 90-day long warranty that is much lower than most other options in its class. Best Features:
24-inch shovel width 54-inch shovel length Comes with a 90-day long warranty
Pros:
Great option for heavy-duty usage Offers a wood handle for shock absorption Comes with a large steel blade for ease of use
Cons:
Warranty duration is quite low compared to other options
7. ErgieShovel Impact Resistant Snow Shovel
The ErgieShovel brand has been providing their high-quality products since early 2015. Their snow shovel has been one of the popular choice of consumers across America. It comes with an extra handle that provides extra leverage for shoveling easily without straining your back and arms. It has 18 inches blade which lets you shovel more quality of snow with every single scoop. For extra control, a large D-drip is provided so your fingers will not experience any fatigue. Compared to other snow shovel, this product help you complete the snow shoveling within less time and effort. It just weighs around 4 lbs so you can easily carry it around without much strain. This snow shovel is made from alloy steel which makes it durable and long lasting. Best Features:
18-inches blade 28-inches shovel length Comes with additional handle
Pros:
Suitable for heavy-duty purposes Great pick for the price Portable and easy to handle
Cons:
Doesn’t come with warranty duration
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Snow Shovel:
The type of snow shovel you require will depend mostly on the amount of snowfall in your area for the particular year. So, one has to take various factors into their account to find out the right model, as per their requirement. Let’s get into these factors.
1. Type of Snow Shovel:
Usually, the snow shovels are divided into three main types – traditional, combination, and push.
Traditional Snow Shovel:
A traditional snow shovel comes with a rectangular blade of flat 18-inch to 24-inch. It is suitable to use in smaller areas to move snow, especially where a pusher is hard/unable to reach. The longer the shovel is, the more leverage it offers. This type of shovel comes with a plastic blade and wood shaft. A few heavy-duty options are made with steel, aluminum, or other metal alloys. One can easily find the traditional snow shovels in almost all lengths.
Push Snow Shovel:
Pushers come with a larger curve-shaped blade than traditional shovels. With its large size, it can quickly and efficiently plow large amounts of snow. This type of snow shovel is an excellent option for driveways, as it quickly clears the snow with less effort. This is the best option to remove light snow, even in large quantities. Yet it would be a hassle to remove the snow, where its precipitation is heavy and wet. Snow sledges are newly added to this type.
Combination Snow Shovel:
As the name implies, it is suitable to use for pushing, lifting, and tossing the snow. The blade on this snow shovel is a bit wider and more curved compared to the traditional shovel blade. This makes it perfect for both lifting snow and pushing away the snow. It would be rare to perfectly cater to a particular type of shovel in a winter storm. Yet, most people prefer to choose this combo shovel due to its versatility. One has to push, lift, loss and chip the following snowfall to clear their way/homes. So, a combination snow shovel is a right option for those looking for one shovel to perform all these tasks.
2. Blade Size:
We notice snow shovels with blades that range from 12 – 30 inches. One has to choose the right blade size of a shovel to depend on the amount of snowfall and your requirement.
A snow shovel with smaller blades is perfect for scooping up snow, whereas a shovel with larger blades is good to push out the snow from your way. If you want to clear high-traffic areas like sidewalks or driveways, then a shovel with a larger blade will be your best option. If you are living in an area where you won’t receive much snow, then a small blade shovel works best to remove the snow.
Also, the width of a shovel blade is essential to consider. A wider blade will allow you to carry more snow and they are heavier compared to a shovel blade with a smaller width.
3. Shovel Length:
Don’t want to strain your back after a few snow shoveling sessions? Then prefer to choose a shovel that perfectly matches your height. For instance, a short handle shovel may lead to backaches for a taller person. The same is the case with a shorter person using a shovel with a tall handle. Here the user won’t get the proper leverage to do the job.
4. Blade Design:
We generally notice some snow shovels look like an ice-cream scoop, while others resemble miniature plow versions to clear the street. However, these two different designs have overlying talents. Have to clear snow on a large flat area of pavement, then a plow-type shovel will be the better option. As snow piles up in front of the blade and gets pushed along. While the scoop-type snow shovel is considered the best shovel type for clearing snow in tight areas, stairs, and undulating pavement. These are versatile that let you deal with clearing any kind of snow in your area. While taking away the wet and heavy snow by using plow type shovels, then it becomes like a workout, as it is unable to lift the snow. However, it won’t be a correct option when moving the snow up onto a pile to clear it out of the way. If you want to purchase a plow-style shovel, then you require a traditional scoop and throw shovel for removing snow efficiently.
5. Blade Material:
The shovel’s blade material will let you use the snow shovel in any given situation. Usually, the blade material of shovels will range from lightweight plastic to heavy-duty steel, along with some options in between. Make sure to consider the snow type and climatic condition in your area before checking out for blade materials.
Steel Blades – Considered the best option to remove wet, heavy snow or chipping hardpack and ice. Plastic Blades – Works well for clearing light snow and performing large shoveling jobs with its lighter weight. Aluminum Blades – The best lightweight option but can’t perform any challenging task of moving large quantities of wet snow/precipitation.
In general, a shovel with plastic blades is a quite common blade, as it can easily handle various jobs and efficient at performing them. In case, a strong plastic blade will be sufficient while having a single shovel in the garage and it won’t damage any sensitive surfaces (such as wooden decks). But remember that plastic blades are less effective in breaking the ice or scraping hard-packed snow. For this reason, most poly blades feature metal wear strips. Even though they are considered useful but not works as a real replacement for an aluminum or steel blade. Compared with plastic, these metals are heavier and steel may prone to rusting. Yet it would be the best option if you want to have a calf-deep in ice-crusted or heavy snow.
6. Wear Edge Material:
This edge comes in contact with the ground to help you get through the ice. Most experts prefer plastic ones are the best option. These are lightweight, and has a slightly rounded edge, which makes the shovel slide easily over uneven surfaces without jamming up. They add durability and also soft enough to work on stone walkways or decks by not damaging the surface. Compared to plastic, the metal can hold up better but they are sharp, which makes them end up hooking on uneven surfaces. Thus, make the shovel user’s arms and shoulders get aches.
7. Handle Material:
The shovel’s handle can be made of fiberglass, steel, wood, aluminum, or plastic, in which aluminum and steel are strong, durable, and can easily handle a lot of snow weight. Yet more prone to become cold to touch in winters. While plastic and fiberglass are lightweight and unable to hold a heavyweight (or) use to move snow in a large area. Here the fiberglass may crack/break easily if left in the sun, whereas plastic unable to hold much weight as other materials. While wood is considered a better middle ground in terms of strength, but it can splinter, warp, or rot.
8. Shaft Design – Straight Vs Curved:
One can notice a slight difference in the shaft design of the shovel, it can be either straight or curved. Both can create a mechanical advantage in different situations, and choosing your right shovel shaft design depends mainly on how you use it. Let’s know about them in detail.
Straight – Handle Shovels – They are used for lifting, chopping, and tossing snow. It offers the best hand position for the user to lift, carry, and throw snow (perfectly move the snow away). So, the straight handle shovel will lend better to chop blocks and thereby clears hardpack snow in particularly stubborn areas. Curved Shaft Shovels – A perfect designed option for pushing snow. Here this shaft’s curvature hinders can efficiently, easily and safely lift a heavy shovelful of snow and push. Its bent handles will reduce the stress on the lower back whenever you apply a push force to move it forward. This type of shovel won’t allow the user to bend excessively and also overuse the ground while moving snow.
9. Handle Features:a
A few shovel models offer a second handle, which is close to its blade. They provide proper leverage and lifting power to the user. A few handle rods are cushioned with foam to reduce hand fatigue. While some other models offer wide, D-grip handles that shaped like D to give a more comfortable and firmer grip compared to a straight handlebar. One can find a fully adjustable handle in the telescoping handle shovels, which let you find and adjust the perfect length as per your height and personal preference. Thus, it eases the strain caused by shoveling a lot of areas.
10. Comfortable Handle Diameter:
While performing long shoveling jobs, it is quite essential to choose a shovel having an ergonomic handle that boasts its diameter and fits perfectly into your palms. It will definitely reduce the strain on your hands and also avoid the risk of getting blisters. So, it allows you to do your shoveling job easily, without any problem/fear to pick the shovel again.
11. Choose Shovel that Matches with your Strength:
One has to pick the shovel that exactly matches with their strength. For instance, choosing an all-metal snow shovel (heavyweight) by a short and slender user will result in strenuous and cumbersome for their back, arms, and shoulders. Whereas, picking a small, lightweight snow shovel is not a good option for a stronger user having a higher forearm strength.
12. Construction Details:
How strong is your shovel? How effectively it can move the snow? does it use small screws & how many? All these depend on the construction details of a particular snow shovel. One has to check out these construction details before purchasing a shovel. The reason is that a single storm will leave you to wind up moving tons of snow (heavy) to clean up the area. Using thin-wall tubing and tiny hardware will limit the longevity and usage of a shovel and its acceptance to the repairs. So, consider a spot where the handle of the shovel connects to the blade, which has to be strong. This will let you pick up heavy snow (shovelful) and move to clear it effectively, instead of flexing or wobbling around while using.
13. Price:
Look for budget-friendly models but avoid choosing cheaper models, as they are more prone to brittle and won’t work effectively. Though, quality snow shovels are a bit costlier, yet provide the best performance and durability that last longer. So, it is always best to go with quality over price while selecting the snow shovel (or any product). Also, a higher-end model offers a lot of warranty.
14. Warranty and Durability:
Make sure to check the reliability and durability offered by a given snow shovel. This will ensure you that the shovel will last for a longer time without any issues. For this, you have to check the build quality offering a sturdy and rigid construction to last the shovel for a long time. A steel snow shovel is strong and reliable than other types. Some options offer a 6-month warranty to 2-year warranty, while a few come with a 10-year long warranty on the product.
Safety Tips for Snow Shoveling:
Here are some safety tips, which you have to follow while using the snow shovel to make it work effectively.
Always wear boots with good traction while moving the snow. Be cautious while walking on the slippery pavements. Make sure to lift as little snow as possible (less quantity more comfort to lift). Continue doing the shovelling process periodically throughout the storm rather than waiting till the last fallen flake. This makes it a heavy task to move the snow. It is a great idea to place a small emergency shovel in your car to ensure that you will lift only a reasonable amount each time you move the snow. Using a heavy plow-type shovel will let you push the snow through the way. Bend your knees every time you lift the shovel off the ground to reduce the back strain, and thereby prevent backaches after shoveling. Always, wear a loose-fitting scarf over the nose and mouth while working to move the snow to warm up the breathing passage. Take frequent breaks while moving the snow and warm up with a hot beverage and take some rest before returning to the snow-clearing job. In case, if you begin to overheat, avoid removing a layer of clothing. Simply, come to your home, remove outerwear. Drink water and rest for some time to cool down before dressing and going back outdoors. If you are suffering from any form of illness, then make sure to stay indoors and hire a professional to clear snow in your way.
Conclusion:
While there are even powered tools for getting rid of snow from your surroundings, a snow shovel is quite an effective tool for doing this. Even though these are manual tools, you can easily and quickly move a lot of snow. Hence, we have already mentioned some of the best snow shovels up above in this article. To help you in choosing the perfect one for you, we have provided their major features and options along with a detailed buying guide. While these should be enough for most of you, you can also consider going with one of the following recommendations if you want to buy the perfect snow shovel:
The Ames Companies snow shovel is the largest option mentioned in this article. It offers the largest shovel width of 24 inch along with a pretty high shovel length of 204 inch that allows you to get rid of snow from the rooftop of your house quite easily. If you want a highly durable and reliable snow shovel, then you can go with the Suncast snow shovel. You get an excellent build quality with this 20 inch shovel that comes along with a 10 year long warranty which is much higher than most other options out there. For those of you who are on a budget, the Snow Joe snow shovel makes a lot of sense. Even though it is one of the cheapest options out there, you get a pretty decent shovel width of 18 inches and a shovel length of 41.3 inches along with a 2-year long warranty.
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