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Don’t be that cranky neighbor who grumbles at the thought of bringing out their snow shovel. Freshly fallen snow is a beautiful sight, and your snow days should be enjoyed. And a fresh snow shovel is an equally beautiful sight, one that will allow you to get outside and enjoy the wintry landscape—or kick back inside by the fire, your choice—knowing you’ve gotten the job done right. While most of us don’t look forward to clearing out freshly fallen snow, the right shovel can make snow shoveling much easier so you can get back to the winter activities you enjoy. Here, we’ve collected the best tools for shoveling snow, with arms that are long enough to prevent hunching, ergonomic designs to reduce back strain, and durable materials that can cut through any snowbank. An electric shovel can speed up the job, or you can just work with well-designed manual shovels. Either way, we’ve researched some of the best snow shovels currently on the market, so now you won’t dread those impending winter storms.

How we chose the best snow shovels

Shoveling your driveway is just one aspect of winter safety and preparedness. Thorough testing is especially important here—we don’t want to recommend a subpar model that leads to a broken spirit, sore back, and increased potential of senior neighbors getting hurt. To find the best snow shovels, we looked at reviews and recommendations, conducted user testing, and performed heavy research to clear out the skimpy, sad scoopers from the heavy-duty haulers.

The best snow shovels: Reviews & Recommendations

Between light dustings to heavy avalanches, these driveway clearing, sidewalk sweeping snow shovels can handle it all (and cost far less than the best snow blowers). Don’t forget to throw on your snow boots, heated clothing, and a winter hat to fight off the icy temperatures as you shovel. Here’s what we found:

Best overall: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

Blue Snow Joe Shovelution shovel leaning against a house

Billy Cadden

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 50 x 18 x 3.9 inches
  • Material: Plastic, metal
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs.
  • Blade size: 18 inches

Pros

  • Assist handle
  • Highly rated
  • Different sizes available

Cons

  • Best at clearing fluffy, light snow

Not all shovels are made the same. As expected, most budget ones are usually made with lower-quality materials and use cost-cutting solutions for construction. Depending upon the frequency of use, these less expensive shovels will probably not last as long as a pricier model. However, if you live in an area that only sees occasional snow, a budget snow shovel might just be good enough for you. We found a highly-rated cheap shovel with a new take on shovel design—offering a second lower handle and short arm to act as a fulcrum and offset the energy required to throw the snow off the shovel blade. If stored properly and not used on the heaviest of icy snow, the Snow Joe shovel may work for you quite well.

Best ergonomic: Suncast SC3250 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

This green Suncast snow shovel is the best ergonomic snow shovel

Billy Cadden

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 18 x 51 x 2.42 inches
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Blade size: 18 inches

Pros

  • Won’t damage wooden porches or deck
  • Ergonomic bent arm and handle
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Reviews note handles prone to breaking

A great choice to save space and time, this combination snow shovel is designed with a durable steel handle and a coated plastic resin blade. The shovel blade has an angled ribbed pattern, which helps prevent snow from sticking to the shovel. An ergonomic bent arm and S-shaped handle help ensure proper posture and reduce back strain. If you have a bad back, this shovel is a good choice for you.

Best snow pusher: The Snowplow “the Original Snow Pusher”

The Snowplow “the Original Snow Pusher”

Snowplow

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 47 x 6 x 9 inches
  • Material: Polyethylene, fiberglass
  • Weight: 5.84 lbs.
  • Blade size: 36 inches

Pros

  • Large blade size
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Cutting angle for ice

Cons

  • Bolts on shovel prone to coming loose

This snow plow shovel is available in multiple sizes and is constructed with polyethylene, which makes it safe for use on decks, pavers, and roofs. When you flip this shovel over, a cutting angle can be used to chip away at stubborn ice. It’s like having your own acoustic option to plow snow.

Best electric: Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Shovel

Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Shovel

Greenworks

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 63.5 x 14.3 x 10.3 inches
  • Material: Polyethylene, metal, rubber
  • Weight: 14 lbs.
  • Blade size: 12 inches

Pros

  • Large throw distance and clearance rate
  • Adjustable auxiliary handle for comfort
  • Cordless

Cons

  • Only works on snowfall less than 6 inches

The Greenworks electric shovel is a great solution when you need to get rid of snow fast but don’t have a lot of space to store your snow equipment. Our pick for best cordless, this rechargeable electric snow shovel works best to clear lighter snow up to 6 inches in height. Again, ensure the battery is stored somewhere at room temperature for best performance.

Best for seniors: ORIENTOOLS Heavy Duty Rolling Snow Shovel

Orientools Heavy Duty Rolling Shovel on a white background

ORIENTOOLS

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Material: Steel, plastic
  • Weight: 4.61 lbs.
  • Blade size: 25 inches

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Padded, adjustable handle
  • Scratch and rust-resistant

Cons

  • Requires adequate storage

This reasonably priced, heavy-duty steel snow pusher is scratch- and rust-resistant to last you many winters. The handle has an adjustable height of between 45 and 50 inches, which helps ensure better posture (one of the things that are best for seniors and juniors), and with the ability to clear 5 inches of snow in one pass, it’s a great choice for pushing snow off larger areas like decks and driveways. However, this shovel is larger than some others so that adequate storage would be required. Find more snow shovels for seniors here.

Best for cars: BIRDROCK HOME 34″ Folding Emergency Snow Shovel for Car

A red 34-inch folding emergency snow shovel for cars on a blue and white background

BIRDROCK HOME

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 34 x 9 x 2.4 inches
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 2 lbs.
  • Blade size: 9 inches

Pros

  • Lightweight but heavy-duty
  • Compact
  • Shovel shaft extends for more leverage

Cons

  • Not good for driveways

From umbrellas to bandages, it’s funny how you forget the thing you need in an emergency. Free your car from its snowy shackles while on the road with this compact shovel, which collapses to fit in your car. It’s even a great option when the snow melts and your nephews beg you to bury them in the sand. It might be too small for your driveway, but it is just the right size to escape from the parking space you got trapped in.

Best battery-operated: Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel

A green Earthwise battery-operated shovel on a blue and white background

Earthwise

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 41 x 16 x 38 inches
  • Material: Metal, plastic
  • Weight: 19 lbs.
  • Blade size: 16 inches

Pros

  • Clears snow quickly
  • Cordless
  • Ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Don’t be tethered to a cord when the snow falls with this battery-operated snow shovel. The cordless snow shovel demolishes through snow 300 lbs of snow per minute. Its 16-inch clearing width gets through more snow with each pass, and it has a quiet brushless motor for earth-friendly power. The ergonomic handle, six-inch rear wheels, and dual-blade auger of our pick for best splurge mean more time spent cozied on the couch and less struggle when clearing the driveway.

Best budget: True Temper Ergonomic Snow Shovel

True Temper Ergonomic Shovel on a white background

True Temper

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 7.25 x 17.75 x 52 inches
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight: 5 lbs.
  • Blade size: 18 inches

Pros

  • Ergonomic
  • Combination pusher and shovel
  • D-grip handle

Cons

  • Slippery steel might make snow fall off shovel

This ergonomic snow shovel is a great choice to help make you more comfortable while shoveling, as the durable steel body and curved neck make it easy to handle. The blade allows it to act as both a pusher or lifter and the extra-large D-Grip handle keeps hands comfortable and secure.

What to consider when buying the best snow shovels

Before deciding on the best snow shovel to buy this winter, consider the best design for you, the quality of materials, and the types of jobs your shovel is built to handle. If you don’t typically get a lot of snow, you may be able to handle the job with a simple combination or ergonomic shovel. For bigger jobs, you may want to purchase an electric shovel or a larger snow pusher with wheels. If conditions are right and you don’t need to opt for a snow blower, keep reading for our selections.

Ergonomics

Nobody could call shoveling easy, because it’s not. One of the precautions you can take to help make the difficult task of snow removal easier is to protect your back. Back strain and pulled muscles are very common due to the heavy, repetitive actions involved in the process.

Because of these common injuries, manufacturers have conducted research and designed ergonomic shovels with your comfort in mind. Shovels are considered ergonomic when they help you stand up straight, have comfortable handles, and are lighter in weight. Features that you will find to facilitate this back comfort are lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic, a longer, slightly bent arm, and larger D-Grip handles. So, while the job still won’t be easy, an ergonomically designed shovel will help protect your back and make the job more comfortable.

Snow pushers vs. shovels

When you live in a climate that sees its fair share of snowstorms, you should consider adding a snow pusher to your snow removal arsenal. Pushers are increasingly popular choices because they are lightweight and help you remove snow without excessive lifting. With the right conditions, you can cover a large amount of ground very quickly with this tool.

The best snow pushers can help prevent back injuries because the act of pushing is inherently easier than lifting. Snow pushers are essentially smaller, hand-powered versions of the industrial plow. They are best used for pushing up to 4 inches of lighter snow off of flat surfaces. This makes them a smart choice for sidewalks and driveways. Materials found in snowplows include steel, aluminum, plastics, and fiberglass, as well as UHMW polyethylene. Plastic blades tend to be a better choice for shoveling more delicate surfaces like pavers. Keep in mind that snow pushers aren’t the best choice for excessive, heavy icy snow.

Go electric

When you’re looking to really speed up the shoveling process but don’t want to invest in an expensive, heavy snow blower, you may want to consider an electric shovel. Compared to snow blowers, electric shovels for snow are typically lightweight, reasonably priced, and relatively small—making them a good choice for navigating smaller spaces like narrow walkways or steps.

Electric snow blower shovels work similarly to traditional snow blowers. They utilize a rotating blade to remove snow from a surface and then propel it through a chute. These portable machines usually have to be manually pushed along your snow-clearing path. Their smaller size makes them easier to store when not in use, which is a bonus if your storage space is limited. Electric power is generated with a cord or they can be cordless powered via a rechargeable battery. While it may vary between models, most batteries will last between 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge. Recharging will take about 30 minutes, so it might be necessary to purchase a backup battery if you’re clearing a larger area. It is also important to consider that most batteries should be stored inside a space that will not go below freezing.

Fatigue-reducing features

No matter how lightweight and brilliantly designed your shovel is, the act of physically lifting scoop after scoop of snow is tiresome. If you’re looking to reduce fatigue and speed up the process without turning to electric or gas-powered snow removal equipment, you may want to consider a snow shovel with wheels.

Pushing a heavy load with wheels offsets the amount of energy required to complete the task immensely. Ever pushed a handcart full of heavy boxes? Incorporating the simple science of the wheel into a shovel works particularly well with a pusher-style shovel. A snow pusher allows for fast removal of larger surfaces (like driveways, for example). When wheels are added, the task becomes much easier, reducing the force of friction. Wheeled shovels are a great choice for people with back issues or older homeowners. As with manual snow-pusher-style shovels, the wheeled snow pusher will work best on lightweight snow, while heavy ice and snow may need to be broken up before this can be used to clear the space.

Do you have limited space for your snow-clearing equipment?

When you need to clear snow, but don’t have a handy storage shed to fit multiple types of shovels, consider a combination shovel. These shovels act as a two-in-one tool, offering the ability to push as well as lift snow. That means you only need one shovel to clear the snowfall from your deck, driveway, and even the top of your car. The best combination shovels will be durable, ergonomically designed, and lightweight enough to be used comfortably.

FAQs

Q: How much do the best snow shovels cost?

Depending on size, material, and battery power, the best snow shovels can cost between $40 and $300.

Q: How long should a snow shovel be?

It depends on what surface you’re shoveling and the width of that surface. For example, if you’re clearing off a large, wide driveway, a wider shovel between 24-30 inches gets the job done efficiently and fast. However, they’re harder to lift. If you’re clearing a sidewalk, a narrower 18-inch shovel is perfect.

Q: How can you shovel snow fast?

To get your shoveling done fast, following a few rules of thumb is important. First, you want to get outside right when the snow stops. If you wait too long, you might encounter issues like heavier snow, melted slush, and refrozen ice. Another trick is to make sure you have the right equipment—sometimes, you might need a few different kinds of shovels to get the full job done faster. For example, when tackling a large space like your driveway, the fastest method is to start down the center using a plow shovel and then work your way toward the outer edges, finally removing the snow with a traditional snow shovel. You can also consider an electric shovel to shorten the overall time to clear your space.

Q: How do you keep snow from sticking to the shovel?

One of the more frustrating issues that many people face when shoveling is having snow stick to the shovel. This creates extra weight and reduces the speed at which you can clear the snow. A trick you can easily do to help solve this problem is to add a lubricant to the shovel, which will cause the snow to roll off easily. You can use a general wax, inexpensive cooking oil, or even a cooking oil spray.

Q: Which snow shovels are better for your back?

A snow shovel with an ergonomic bent arm and S-shaped handle should be the first on your list if you have a bad back (or just don’t want one down the road). A rolling snow plow with an adjustable handle height can also be a comfortable, conscientious pick.

Q: What’s better: a metal or plastic snow shovel?

It depends on what surface you’re trying to clear: a metal snow shovel is perfect for hard snow and ice on driveways and sidewalks. However, snow tends to stick to them; they’re heavier; and you could potentially bend or warp the shovel. A plastic shovel is good for wood surfaces like decks and is lighter. Plus, snow is less likely to stick to a plastic shovel.

Final thoughts on the best snow shovels

The best snow shovel will help make shoveling quicker and less of a physical strain. It’s worth considering ergonomic features, lightweight materials, and the right shape and size blade for the surfaces you will be clearing. They will help you enjoy the winter season and remain confident, knowing you have the tools to handle whatever storms Mother Nature throws your way.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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