During the snow season, one of the best investments you can make is in a high-quality snow shovel, one that allows you to clear any pathway with minimal effort. Both the size and shape of the blade make a huge difference, as some forms are designed to pick snow while others are pushers and perfect for clearing driveways. From ergonomic designs to compact options, we’ve reviewed the best snow shovels of 2024 in this guide. The True Temper SnoBoss is our top choice for its versatile design that functions as both a shovel and a pusher. Keep reading to find the right option for you.
Our Top Picks For Snow Shovels
The Best Snow Shovels
Best Overall
If you constantly have to shovel snow from your driveway, deck, or other areas, then look no further than this True Temper Snow Shovel. The 26” deep blade is extremely useful so you won’t have to make as many passes when shoveling or pushing. The ergonomic features of this snow shovel make it unique as well, as there are multiple grips that allow for more comfortable hand placement and maximum control and leverage. Temper also recommends the footstep for digging out the snow that has compacted, and the shovel is also reversible to help clear off stairs and small steps with ease.
Pros
- Has a versatile design so you can use it either as a shovel or a pusher
- Ergonomic wide handle provides superb control
- Lightweight construction, weighs only 5.6lbs
Cons
- Has rounded metal edges that can reduce the shoveling effectiveness of this tool
Key Features
Anyone who has owned a snow shovel before and purchased this True Temper model says it’s the most versatile product they’ve ever had. The design is so unique you have to use it to actually appreciate all it offers. Whether you have to push or scrape small or large amounts of snow, you can expect this snow shovel to turn an hour-long job into a job that is completed in a matter of minutes. The main idea of this ergonomic snow shovel is to allow you to move snow with ease and not have to worry about hurting your back. As with every snow shovel, you have to remember it’s not indestructible, so handle it with care and you should be able to enjoy it for many years.
Compact Design
This Lifeline Snow Shovel has an innovative portable design to help you out in clearing snow anytime, anywhere. It’s made with durable aluminum material that collapses easily into three pieces for easy storage in your car, snowmobile, or RV. Lifeline says it weighs less than 2 pounds and is size adjustable between 26” and 32” in length.
Pros
- Exceptionally portable and easy to store
- Phenomenally lightweight yet made with durable aluminum material, weighs only 1.3lbs
- Comes in a variety of colors to suit your style
Cons
- Does not have the most comfortable handle
Key Features
It’s extremely easy to put together and take apart, is compact enough to fit virtually anywhere, and is inexpensive enough so you can have two or three of them for easy access. This shovel works perfectly for what it’s designed to do, which is to clear out the snow from your car or other small areas. However, it’s not designed for heavy use, although it is strong enough to clear out your driveway too.
Electric Pick
The ease of use is a prominent feature of the Snow Joe Snow Shovel. However, it may have a hard time with wet and packed snow, and it’s not designed to clear off large driveways due to its size. But if you’re looking for a quick and effective solution for clearing off a few inches of snow without breaking your back using a traditional snow shovel, Snow Joe says this is well worth the investment.
The 10-Amp motor on this powerful snow shovel can send snow flying 20 feet away, effectively clearing your path. Each pass can clear snow that is 13” wide and 6” deep. Starting this electric snow shovel is a breeze, and the adjustable handle minimizes strain on your back during use.
Pros
- Powerful motor can clear up to 400lbs of snow per minute
- Instant push-button start switch with safety to prevent accidental ignition
- Adjustable ergonomic handle to prevent hand strain
Cons
- Button placement is for right-handed users, left-handed users might find this machine a bit counterintuitive to operate
Snow Shovels: A Buyer's Guide
What to Look For When Evaluating Snow Shovels
One of the first things to look for in a snow shovel is the width of the blade. A blade size around 26” is considered to be large, while a small blade size is considered to be about 13” or so. The size you need correlates to the area size you must clear. Most people would actually benefit from having both large and small shovel sizes, as the large one might be more suitable for clearing out the driveway and acting as a snow pusher, while the smaller one can be used for snow removal around your car. If you can find one that is adjustable enough to perform most snow clearing jobs with ease, then that sounds like a good investment to make.
The blade of the snow shovel may also be made out of heavy-duty plastic or metal. The best option comes down mostly to personal preference, as each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. A plastic blade will be lighter, so it’s easier to work with, but it is also more prone to damage. It is best suited for removing lightweight, powder snow. Traditional snow shovels are made out of metal. A metal blade won’t damage as easily, but it might feel a bit too heavy especially when you have a lot of wet snow to clear. However, a metal blade is ideal for a snow pusher, since you won’t need to scoop up the snow and throw it to the side. For this purpose, an aluminum snow shovel is common. Additionally, a metal shovel will be best for clearing your driveway after any ice storms.
A Shopping Guide for High-Quality Snow Shovels
Shoveling snow is not the easiest task, but it must be done; especially if you live in an area prone to snow buildup after a winter storm. Depending on the size of your patio, walkway, or driveway, pushing snow can be a major inconvenience and potentially dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment and use the proper snow-shoveling techniques.
Manufacturers have made extra effort to design ergonomic snow shovels so you can have a more comfortable snow removal experience. Now you have snow shovels that provide a comfortable handgrip, adjustable length, and lightweight yet durable build quality that combine to make for a very comfortable snow shovel.
The length of the shovel itself is important when it comes to the ergonomics of a snow pusher. Bending over repeatedly while shoveling can cause pain to the back and shoulders, so finding the proper shovel length for your height is crucial in alleviating and preventing some of the pain. Also, some snow shovels are designed to push snow, and others are designed to scoop it up. Be sure to select the proper type based on the action you want to take. For example, snow pushers are more suitable for clearing driveways.
What Are the Benefits of a Snow Shovel?
If you live in an area where you receive snow frequently throughout the winter, then one snow shovel may not do the trick. Different snow shovels serve different purposes, and they are all useful. You may have a primary snow pusher for removing a couple of inches of snow from your driveway every morning. You may also have an electric snow shovel for those mornings when you have a foot or more of snow and need something more powerful and fast. Having the right one at the right time will make your job much easier.
From a convenience standpoint, a portable snow shovel can also prevent you from being stranded somewhere in case there is too much snow on your vehicle. You can place a collapsible snow shovel in your car, RV, or snowmobile so you have one readily available at all times. This will prepare you well for clearing snow anytime, anywhere. If you live in an area prone to pop-up winter storms, a car shovel is an absolute must-have.
The main takeaway here is that there are many types of snow shovels available, each one designed to meet specific needs. Shoveling snow is never fun, but that doesn’t mean it also has to be hard. The best shovel for your situation is available, you just have to understand your requirements and get one that best meets your needs.
How Do You Shovel Snow?
Even if you own the world’s best snow shovel, you may experience some pack pain after pushing a lot of snow. We know you can’t control the weather, but you can control your shoveling technique. For more information on the right way and pain-free way to shovel snow next time a winter storm comes through, check out this video by L Kanavaros.
People Also Asked
What are the different types of snow shovels?
There are many types of snow shovels. Some have a portable collapsible structure, while others have a reversible structure that makes them perfect for both pushing and scooping snow. There are also electric options that allow you to clear snow very easily and quickly.
Should I opt for a metal or plastic shovel?
You can opt for a plastic shovel if you are looking for a lightweight option, while a metal one might be more durable but heavier and, hence, a bit tougher to use.
What is the best length for a snow shovel?
While the recommended length is 26-inches, many shovels come with adjustable lengths to suit your needs.
