The Best Snow Shovel
Pest Strategies
From dry, fluffy snow to wet and heavy spring snow, a good shovel makes all the difference to keep your driveway, sidewalks, and other areas clear. To get the best tool for the job, Pest Strategies researched the best snow shovels on Amazon. Read about our top picks below.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXEQ6UM
Snow Joe Snow Shovel
What We Like: This dual-handled snow shovel helps take the back-breaking labor out of snow removal. Perfect for those living in areas that frequently receive wet and heavy snowfall, the shovel design allows you to efficiently distribute leverage to lift and move heavy loads of snow. The sturdy blade and securely mounted handles support the longevity of this essential winter tool.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H25P4YR
Lifeline Snow Shovel
What We Like: If you own a full-size snow shovel and want a small, auxiliary shovel for your winter travels, this aluminum snow shovel offers functionality and lightweight convenience. Small enough to fit in a backpack but large enough to shovel limited amounts of snow—such as around your car—the three-piece design expands or shrinks to three different lengths that feel secure when they’re locked into place. A high-quality powder coating process ensures that the aluminum is scratch-resistant and colors stay vivid.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KL4W9Y
Garant Snow Pusher Shovel
What We Like: With a high-quality, single-piece steel blade and reinforced beams connecting the blade to the shaft, this snow shovel is constructed with durability and longevity in mind. The D-shaped handle features grooves at the top to help provide a comfortable grip when using gloves. Great for breaking up icy patches or spreading rock salt, it’ll help you keep high-trafficked walkways to your home or business safe and clear of slippery snow.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QBR23QR
Snow Joe Motorized Snow Shovel
What We Like: The ideal midpoint between a standard, manual snow shovel and a full-on snowblower, this battery-powered snow remover helps you effortlessly clear walkways, driveways, patios, decks, and sidewalks. The 400w motor will move up to 1,620 pounds of snow per charge, and the two-blade, high-impact paddle auger promises to throw snow up to 20 feet. For those who don’t want to operate or maintain a gas-powered snowblower but value motorized assistance when removing snow, this is a suitable option.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVC8058
The Snowplow Snow Pusher Shovel
What We Like: Perfect for extra-wide sidewalks or for clearing your driveway in fewer movements, this pusher-style snow shovel helps you remove light or heavy snow. To use the shovel as an ice-chipping tool, simply flip it over. The fiberglass handle and bolt-together construction make this snow pusher durable, designed for long, snowy, and cold winters.
Buying Guide
Some snow shovels are designed for lightweight, niche applications, while others are built for large-scale snow removal. Here are a few factors to keep in mind.
- Weight and size: A lightweight shovel makes it that much easier to maneuver heavy loads of snow. Lightweight snow shovels tend to be smaller, however, so you may find yourself scooping more shovelfuls of snow compared to using a heavier, larger shovel.
- The blade: Responsible for scooping and containing the snow before it’s deposited, snow shovel blades are typically made from aluminum, plastic, or steel. Aluminum and steel are more durable than plastic and are able to handle more snow at one time. Snow blades are also available with an extra metal lip designed to scrape and break up stubborn ice patches, a common issue when shoveling snow.
- Handle design: While some snow shovels simply use an extended shaft as their handle, other snow shovels feature a typical D-shaped handle for improved comfort and grip. Certain snow shovels utilize an ergonomic, back-saving multi-handle design or a flat bar-style handle commonly used in lawnmowers.
- Telescoping shaft: Many snow shovels aren’t adjustable, but some feature a telescoping shaft that shortens or lengthens. Typically, these shovels are relatively small but lightweight, designed to fit in a backpack.
FAQs
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Which is better: a metal or plastic snow shovel?
Snow shovels with a strong metal blade can pick up heavier loads of snow, but the metal edge can easily scratch sensitive surfaces such as a deck, wooden fence, or outdoor fireplace. Snow shovels with a plastic blade are better to use when shoveling around these areas.
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What’s the difference between a snow shovel and a snow pusher?
Both of these tools are designed to move snow, but as the name suggests, snow pushers allow you to push snow from one area to another without having to scoop the snow, lift the shovel, and carry the load of snow. This makes snow pusher-style shovels a great snow removal option for those with lower back issues or limited mobility. However, a regular snow shovel generally allows for more control, depositing the snow in multiple or hard-to-access areas.
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Can I use a regular shovel as a snow shovel?
A regular utility shovel can function as a snow shovel, but its narrow design and smaller surface area make for more work. A purpose-built snow shovel will carry greater amounts of snow at one time. Using a regular garden shovel to move snow may also accelerate any rusting.
Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.