Are the colder months right around the corner? Does your driveway tend to fill up with snow way too easily?
Then perhaps you’re in need of a good and reliable snow shovel that can help keep the surroundings of your home clean and snow-free without much hassle.
Sure! You can always opt for a snowblower, but is that additional expense and maintenance problem all that necessary for just removing snow off of your porch?
Well, we would say ‘NO.’ And that is precisely why we have come up with a list of some of the best snow shovels that you will find in the market today.
Each of the models that we have reviewed is ergonomically designed. They are capable of making the most boring of snow shoveling jobs a very fun activity and a very effortless one at that as well. And we are confident that one among them will be able to fit your needs.
Best Snow Shovels
Here is the list of the 7 best snow shovels that you can use to clear your driveway and sidewalk quickly and easily
1. The Snowcaster 36UPH Pusher Shovel – Best for Durability
Not many modern-day snow shovels are known for their durability. Most of the standard models out there today, give service for around a few months before giving away and breaking down.
But the Snowcaster 36UPH Pusher Shovel is one such model that is bound to last you for years.
It’s the most durable shovel we have on our list today, and it’s for very good reasons that we make that claim.
- SNOWCASTER ADVANTAGE – Perfect for snow removal,...
- EASY TO USE – The bracket and handle of this...
Experience
The blade of the Snowcaster 36UPH is made with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene materials which have a relatively higher wear limit.
The plastic is made flexible as well, to resist impact and comes with a surface finish that helps to prevent the snow from sticking onto the shovel.
But just like with the Grant Yukon 24-inch Sleigh Shovel, it’s not at all amateur-friendly. It has a 36-inch blade width and will require considerable forearm muscle strength to get it working appropriately.
- 36-inch blade width will allow you to clear a higher amount of snow per shovel
- The durable body will allow the shovel to last for years to come
- Impact-resistant plastic surface will not all the snow to stick
- Requires a lot of forearm muscles to use correctly
2. True Temper #12 Aluminum Scoop with D-Grip and Hardwood Handle – Best for Gardening & Versatility
If you’re looking for a snow shovel that does much more than just empty your driveway of snow, then True Temper’s #12 Aluminum Scooper might just be able to fit your needs perfectly.
The design and structure of the shovel are ideal for transporting large loads of soil as well as mulch, and can indeed be an integral part of any form of gardening project you may be undertaking.
- Aluminum blade is 15-inches wide and 8-inches deep...
- D-grip helps secure grip and adds leverage while...
Experience
Needless to say, looking at the specs and feature functions, the True Temper #12 Aluminum Scoop Shovel is by far the most versatile shovel that you will find in the market today.
The D-Grip handle allows it to aid in agriculture perfectly well. It will help you to gain extra leverage as you scoop and transport gravel, soil, sand, and mulch to certain parts of your yard.
But when using the shovel, we recommend that you wear gloves or it may hurt your palms. The grip is quite standard; hence, certain precautions are necessary.
- The most versatile shovel model on our list today
- Can help you with a lot of your gardening tasks
- D-Grip handle provides stability and balance for all forms of shoveling
- Gloves are needed when working with this shovel for longer periods
3. Garant LPP 18VD Ukon – Best for Mild Snowfall
If your area sees mild to medium snowfall and hardly creates a considerable snow beed, then there really is no point to invest in those big and expensive snow shovels.
And this is precisely where the Garant LPP 18VD Ukon comes in. This model is just perfect for those homes and driveways that don’t see much snowfall during the colder months.
It’s cheap, affordable, and very easy to use.
- 30-inch blade
- Single piece blade made of high-quality steel
Experience
What makes the Garant LPP 18VD Ukon the best choice for so many urban homes, is its ease of use, affordability, and versatility.
The shovel comes with a versatile polyethylene blade that doubles as both a shoveller and a scrapper. It can allow you to have the best of both worlds, thereby making it the ideal pick for removing light snow.
But, we will not be recommending them if the neighborhood where you live sees a lot of snowfall which forms thick beds overnight.
The blade capacity is not much, and it will take you an eternity to clean out thicker beds.
- Can remove mild snow from the yard very well
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Comes at a very budget-friendly rate
- Not at all suited to deal with thick snow beds
4. True Temper 18-inch Mountain Mover Snow Shovel
This model from True Temper may not be as versatile as the previous one, but when it comes to catering to just snow removal, it’s simply one of the very best.
It can clear the snow out of your driveway in a matter of hours, and make a very comfortable job of it as well.
Experience
The Temper 18-inch Mountain Mover Snow Shovel is primarily made out of hard plastic and not metal which is the major reason behind it being so lightweight and easy to use.
But, even with the plastic build, do not for one moment think that the shovel is brittle in any way. The plastic is protected by a galvanized steel wear strip at the ends of the blade, and to our surprise, we found the shovel to be holding its own even during the toughest of shoveling jobs.
However, though the presence of the VersaGrip handle makes this shovel let you choose your optimal hand positioning for better convenience, much like the #12 Aluminium scoop you will need gloves when using it.
- Fits different snow removal jobs perfectly well
- Durable and lightweight design
- Galvanized steel strip penetrates the snow easily
- Will need the use of gloves for longer jobs
5. JM Enterprises TV206971 Snowplow Snow Pusher
JM Enterprises always puts the needs and comfort of its customers above everything else.
Their Snowplow Snow Pusher is ergonomically designed to push the snow instead of lifting it and makes it just perfect for those who do not have much experience with snow shoveling, to begin with.
- Wide blade shovel: Snow shovel with a 36-inch wide...
- Comfortable and operational control: Features...
Experience
The feature which we love the most about this snow shovel is the high-wearing, self-sharpening blades which are non-abrasive on surfaces and much like truck plows can roll the snow out.
Flipping over the shovel will reveal a unique cutting angle that can chop away ice and break down packed snow for easier removal. This will significantly improve the overall efficiency of the job and help you to clear areas in half the time as that of the more standard snow pushers.
The shovel is designed to be easy on a lot of delicate surfaces as well. And you will be able to use it on concrete, blacktop, pavers, aggregate as well as on composite decks.
However, the shovel has a very poorly made handle, which tends to wear out rather quickly.
- Self-sharpening blades come with a non-abrasive surface
- Has a unique cutting edge on the other side which is perfect for chopping ice
- Can remove packed snow effectively
- The quality of the handle is disappointing
6. Suncast SC3250 Snow Shovel
Suncast, as a homecare company, has always taken pride in how its products play a vital role in creating a beautiful environment, in both the backyard and even in the driveway.
And much like their SC3950 Double Grip Shovel this model too is just amazing when it comes to making sure that your home remains snow-free during the colder months.
- SNOW SHOVEL WITH 18" BLADE: Features an efficient...
- ANGLED CHANNELS: Angled rib pattern on the...
Experience
Now what sets SC3250 Snow Shovel aside from the rest of the standard models out there in the market today is the unique handle design that it comes with.
This poly snow shovel has an ergonomically bent, S-shaped handle that plays a significant role in reducing the overall shoveling stress from your back and arms.
The poly-coated galvanized steel edges of the blade will help the shovel not just break the snow and ice but help to cut through it effortlessly as well.
However, though the handle of the shovel is ergonomically made, the overall length of it can be rather small for taller users.
- The bent handle makes the shovel very easy to use
- Galvanized steel edges cut through the snow very easily
- Rubber steel core handle for better gripping capabilities
- The handle is rather short for taller users
7. Garant NPP21KDU Nordic 21-Inch Poly Blade Snow Pusher
The Grant NPP21KDU Nordic Snow Shovel is an all-purpose snow pusher that is just perfect for pushing away light to medium snow quantities away from large surfaces like a big driveway.
It’s simply one of the best when it comes to clearing snow from asphalt or paving stone footwalks.
- 21-inch blade
- Polyethylene blade
Experience
If your home sees occasional light snowfall all throughout the year, then this Grant shovel might just be the perfect pick for your driveway.
The shovel is equipped with a flat polyethylene blade which will help it to protect the driveway from damage that may occur from shoveling and scraping.
The handle is surprisingly durable as well. It’s made out of a high-quality hardwood handle and is also mold-resistant at the same time.
However, the shovel doesn’t perform all that well on thicker snow beds, and the smaller blade width doesn’t add much to its efficiency either.
- One of the best shovels when it comes to removing light snow
- Lightweight build and flat polyethylene blades which won’t scratch your driveway
- Comes with an incredibly durable handle
- Not suited for removing thicker snow beds
Best Snow Shovel Comparison Table
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Blade Size | Blade Material | Handle Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7″ x 9″ x 47″ | 7lbs | 36” x 10.5” | Polypropylene, Metal | Fiberglass | |
| True Temper #12 | 8.66″ x 5″ x 46.13″ | 0.22lb | 15″ x 8″ | Aluminum | Wood |
| Garant LPP 18VD Ukon | 59.49″ x 30″ x 3.5″ | 8.1lbs | 30″ | Alloy Steel | Wood |
| True Temper 18-inch Snow Shovel | 53″ x 17.7″ x 7″ | 4lbs | 18″ x 14.5″ | Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Plastic | N/A |
| JM Enterprises TV206971 | 47″ x 6″ x 9″ | 5.79lbs | 36″ | UHMW Polyethlene | Fiberglass |
| Suncast SC3250 | 52″ x 18″ | 4lbs | 18″ | Metal | Steel |
| Garant NPP21KDU | 6″ x 20.5″ x 56″ | 2.88lbs | 21″ | Polyethylene | Wood |
Buying Guide For The Best Snow Shovel
Before you decide to invest in a snow shovel that you really fancy, we believe that there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before making the purchase.
Only pick the shovel that can match your strength
We cannot stress the importance of this point enough, really.
The shovel that you choose should actually match your strength. Let’s say you’re short and slender, then picking an all-metal snow shovel will prove to be very strenuous and cumbersome for your arms and back.
On the other hand, a small and lightweight shovel will be wasted on a stronger one with higher forearm strength.
The shovel should match your height as well
If you don’t want your back to give in after every snow shoveling session, then it’s always best to go for a shovel that can perfectly match your height.
For a taller person, a short-handled shovel will only lead to backaches. However, if a shorter person opts for a shovel with a tall handle, then he/she will not get the proper amount of leverage to get the job done.
Comfortable handle diameter
For long shoveling jobs, it’s essential to go for a shovel that has a handle that boasts a diameter that can perfectly fit into your palms.
This can significantly avoid the risks of blisters, and you will not have to think twice before picking up the shovel again.
Quality over price when it comes to shovels
Sure! It’s important to look out for budget-friendly models no matter what you’re purchasing, but when it comes to snow shovels, more often than not, the cheaper models are the most brittle ones.
Quality snow shovels do cost a fair bit of money, but with the performance and durability that they provide, we believe that it’s best to go for quality over price.
The higher-end ones come with a lot of warranty as well.
Picking the right blade size
The blade size of the shovel will primarily depend on the specific job that you are purchasing it for. For thicker snow beds, it’s always best to go for a blade that has a bigger width, and just the contrary for light snow jobs.
However, do keep in mind that a wider blade will carry more snow and is going to be much heavier than the ones with a smaller width.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between a snow shovel and a snow pusher?
A snow shovel is designed for lifting and removing snow, while a snow pusher is designed to push snow along the ground to clear larger areas easily.
What type of snow shovel is best for heavy snow?
For heavy snow, a combination snow shovel with a sturdy scoop and reinforced handle is recommended to handle the weight of the snow without breaking.
What are the advantages of a metal snow shovel over a plastic one?
Metal snow shovels are more durable and can withstand heavier loads of snow.
However, they may be heavier and can potentially damage your pavement or deck.
Can I use a snow shovel for ice as well?
Yes, but you may need a specific ice chopper or scraper attachment.
Many snow shovels feature a metal blade at the front part of the scoop, which can break up ice.
How do I shovel snow properly?
Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting snow. Use your legs to push the snow, and avoid twisting your torso.
Take breaks when needed and avoid overexertion to prevent injuries.
How do I maintain my snow shovel?
Clean the snow off the shovel after each use, and store it in a dry place to prevent rusting.
Inspect the handle and blade regularly for wear and tear, and repair or replace parts as necessary.
Conclusion
Snow shoveling is an essential task during the winter season, and choosing a suitable snow shovel can make the process more manageable and efficient. Durability, versatility, and ease of use are vital factors to take into account when making a decision. With seven fantastic snow shovels reviewed, our experts distilled the top three recommendations based on different factors.
From the above 7 best snow shovels, here are the top three expert recommendations:
For unparalleled durability, the Snowcaster 36UPH Pusher Shovel is an ideal option. Its ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene blade and impact-resistant surface ensure long-lasting performance.
If you’re looking for a versatile snow shovel that can also be used for gardening tasks, the True Temper #12 Aluminum Scoop with D-Grip and Hardwood Handle is a good option. It’s perfect for scooping and transporting gravel, soil, sand, and mulch in addition to clearing snow.
For those who only experience mild snowfall, the Garant LPP 18VD Ukon is the right choice. Designed for easy use, this lightweight and budget-friendly option expertly handles light snow.
Make your winters easier and more convenient with these expert-recommended snow shovels, tailored to fulfill your specific requirements. No matter what snow-clearing challenges you face, one of these top picks is sure to be the perfect tool for you.
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