A sprinkle of snow can turn your yard into an enchanting winter wonderland. Unfortunately, although it is pretty, snow becomes a dangerous barrier when left on driveways, sidewalks, and decks. The good news is that snow removal is much easier with the right shovel. So we researched and compiled a list of the best snow shovels down below so you can choose the best shovel for you.
Our top picks
| Best snow shovels |
| Bully Tools 92802 |
| True Temper 1663600 |
| Bully Tools 92816 |
| Bully Tools 92814 |
| Suncast SC2700KDD |
| Garant EPSS24 |
| Best electric snow shovels |
| Earthwise SN70016 |
| Ryobi RY408120VNM |
Top 6 snow shovels – reviews
Bully Tools 92802 – Best standard snow shovel
Our top pick for traditional shovels is the Bully Tools 92802. It is ideal for tight spaces, including:
- Digging out your car
- Light snow on walkways
- Front steps
The 92802 is constructed from high-quality polypropylene that can withstand freezing temperatures. Billy Tools boasts the poly snow shovel is “nearly indestructible” and backs its durability with a lifetime warranty
How does it handle? It is easy to use because it has an ergonomic D-grip handle with plenty of room for gloved hands.
Specifications
- Blade width: 14 in.
- Blade material: polypropylene
- Handle material: polypropylene
- Warranty: lifetime
- Weight: 3.7 lb.
Pros
✓ Lightweight
✓ Durable
✓ Lifetime warranty
✓ Ergonomic handle
✓ Can also use for mulch, feed, and yard waste
✓ High customer satisfaction
Cons
✗ Narrow blade
✗ Expensive for a standard shovel
Buy Now
True Temper 1663600 – Best snow pusher
Our top pick for snow pushers is the True Temper 1663600. Its 36-inch nylon blade can quickly push snow from larger areas, including:
- Driveways
- Decks
- Patios
- Sidewalks
True Temper has been a trusted name in tool manufacturing since 1808. Although the shovel does not come with a manufacturer’s warranty, True Temper is known for its durability, and this shovel gets excellent customer reviews.
How does it handle? It has an ergonomic handle with a Versa Grip that is designed to provide the best leverage.
Specifications
- Blade width: 36 in.
- Blade material: plastic (nylon)
- Handle material: steel
- Warranty: none
- Weight: 5 lb.
Pros
✓ Wide blade
✓ Durable handle
✓ High customer satisfaction
✓ Gentle on decking
✓ Ergonomic design
Cons
✗ No manufacturer’s warranty
✗ Not good for compacted snow or ice
Buy Now
Bully Tools 92816 – Best for ice
Our top pick for removing ice and compacted snow is the Bully Tools 92816. This snow pusher’s 24-inch steel blade quickly pushes ice and snow from driveways and sidewalks.
Both its blade and handle are made from highly durable materials, and Billy Tools backs its durability with a lifetime warranty. Its handle is polyester-coated fiberglass and its steel blade is coated to prevent rust.
How does it handle? Its long straight handle and customizable grip make it easy to remove snow and ice.
Specifications
- Blade width: 24 in.
- Blade material: steel
- Handle material: fiberglass
- Warranty: lifetime
- Weight: 7.5 lb.
Pros
✓ Pushes ice
✓ Pushes compacted snow
✓ Durable
✓ Lifetime warranty
✓ High customer satisfaction
✓ 100% made in USA
✓ Anti-rust coating
Cons
✗ Can scratch decking
Buy Now
Bully Tools 92814 – Best combo shovel
Combination snow shovels are the most versatile, and the Bully Tools 92814 is our top pick for combo shovels. Its high-quality polypropylene 22-inch blade doesn’t bend or break in harsh conditions. Snow and slush easily slide off, making it the ideal shovel for pushing, scooping, and tossing snow from:
- Decks
- Sidewalks
- Steps
Although the blade is strong enough to handle heavy snow, it is also gentle enough for composite decking and other scratch-prone surfaces.
How does it handle? It has a long handle with a comfortable D-shaped grip that provides plenty of leverage and reduces back strain.
Specifications
- Blade width: 22 in.
- Blade material: plastic
- Handle material: fiberglass
- Warranty: lifetime
- Weight: 3.6 lb.
Pros
✓ Durable
✓ Lifetime warranty
✓ Lightweight
✓ Handles heavy snow
✓ Gentle on decking
✓ Ergonomic design
✓ Made in USA
✓ Pushes, scoops, and tosses
Cons
✗ No steel wear strip
✗ Some users complain the handle holes don’t align well for assembly
Buy Now
Suncast SC2700KDD – Combo shovel runner up
The Suncast SC2700KDD is durable and versatile. The 20-inch poly blade features a galvanized steel wear strip to prevent blade damage and a ribbed pattern that stops snow from sticking. As a result, the SC2700KDD is excellent for pushing, scooping, and tossing snow off:
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Porches
How does it handle? It has a comfortable D-grip handle and a strong steel handle shaft.
Specifications
- Blade width: 20 in.
- Blade material: poly
- Handle material: steel core
- Warranty: 1 year
- Weight: 4.96 lb.
Pros
✓ Steel wear strip
✓ Affordable
✓ Works on ice
✓ Pushes, scoops, and tosses
✓ Ergonomic design
Cons
✗ Some users don’t like the placement of the handle screw
Buy Now
Garant EPSS24 – Best sleigh shovel
Our top pick for sleigh shovels is the Garant EPSS24. If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, you will appreciate its deep blade and ergonomic design. It quickly removes several inches of snow from driveways and sidewalks.
How does it handle? Although sleigh shovels are heavier than standard snow pushers, you can use your legs to help push them. Its strong steel handle and ergonomic design reduce back pain when shoveling heavy snow.
Specifications
- Blade width: 24 in.
- Blade material: plastic
- Handle material: aluminum
- Warranty: none
- Weight: 11.6 lb.
Pros
✓ Steel wear strip
✓ Handles heavy snowfall
✓ High customer satisfaction
✓ Reduced back pain
✓ Ergonomic handle
Cons
✗ Not good for small spaces
✗ Not good for light snow
✗ No manufacturer’s warranty
Buy Now
Top 2 electric snow shovels – reviews
Earthwise SN70016 – Best corded electric shovel
Our top pick for corded electric snow shovels is the Earthwise SN70016. Its 16-inch steel blade clears 430 lb. of snow and ice in one minute. Although it is much quicker than a manual shovel, the entire area must be within 100 feet of an outlet, or you will have to buy a longer cord.
The SN70016 makes driveway snow removal painless, and it works on the following surfaces:
- Paved
- Gravel
- Flat
- Sloped
If you are tired of manual shovels and scrapers, the SN70016 is an excellent alternative.
How does it handle? It has an ergonomic handle, an easy-access safety switch, and an adjustable support handle.
Specifications
- Clearing width: 16 in.
- Clearing depth: 8 in.
- Max throwing distance: 30 ft.
- Power source: corded electric
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 16 lb.
- Extension cord length: 100 ft.
Pros
✓ Steel auger
✓ Unlimited runtime
✓ Less physical stress than manual shovels
✓ Removes ice
✓ Removes wet snow
✓ No assembly required
Cons
✗ You are on a 100-foot leash
✗ Not as powerful as battery-powered models
Buy Now
Ryobi RY408120VNM – Best battery-powered shovel
The Ryobi RY408120VNM is our top pick for battery-powered snow shovels. It has a 12-inch plastic auger that is gentle on scratch-prone surfaces and a high-efficiency brushless motor.
It quickly clears snow off the following surfaces:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Decks
If you are tired of your back aching from snow shoveling, the RY408120VNM can relieve your pain. Additional features include a variable speed trigger and an easy start button.
How does it handle? It is comfortable to use with an ergonomic handle design.
Specifications
- Clearing width: 12 in.
- Clearing depth: 6 in.
- Max throwing distance: 25 ft.
- Power source: 40-volt 4 Ah lithium ion
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 17 lb.
Pros
✓ Brushless motor
✓ Attachment capability
✓ Variable speed
✓ Gentle on decks
✓ 5-year warranty
Cons
✗ Only about 18 minutes of runtime
✗ Expensive
✗ Narrow clearing width
Buy Now
Buyer’s guide
If you are looking to buy a snow shovel, please consider the following:
- Show shovel type
- Blade material
- Handle material
- Blade width
- Additional features
- Electric snow shovels
- Cost
Show shovel type
Manual snow shovels come in the following varieties:
- Standard shovels have a traditional rectangular blade that is good for scooping and tossing small amounts of snow. Because they don’t pick up a lot of snow, they are best for small areas, such as a walkway or front step.
- Snow pusher shovels are the most popular type of snow shovel because they clear snow quicker than other models. They have narrow curved blades that are great for clearing extensive areas, such as a driveway. Snow pushers push the snow, but can’t scoop or toss it.
- Sleigh shovels are a special type of snow pusher with a deep blade and wide handle. They can handle larger amounts of snow because you use leg and arm muscles to push it.
- Combo shovels are the best of both worlds. Their blades are longer than a pusher and more curved than a standard shovel. As a result, you can push, scoop, and toss snow.
Blade material
When shopping for a snow shovel, consider its blade material:
- Steel blades used to be the most common but have lost their popularity. Although steel is durable and works great on ice and hard-packed snow, it is also very heavy.
- Aluminum blades also work well on ice and hard-packed snow, but are lighter, less durable, and cheaper than steel.
- Polyethylene plastic blades don’t work well on ice or compact snow but are gentle on decking, wood, and stone. Plastic blades typically have a non-stick coating so the snow easily slides off.
Handle material
Most snow shovel handles are made out of one of the following materials:
- Aluminum handles are lightweight and affordable but are also likely to rust if left out in the snow.
- Steel handles are more durable than aluminum, but also heavier.
- Plastic handles are lightweight and easy to use but may crack if left out in the cold.
- Fiberglass handles are heavy but durable. If you are strong enough to handle them, fiberglass can survive very harsh conditions.
- Wood handles are heavy and durable but lighter and less durable than fiberglass.
Blade width
The wider a snow shovel’s blade, the more snow you can lift at once. However, the wider the blade, the heavier it is to lift (especially filled with snow). So if you are strong enough to lift a wide load, it can help you get the job done quicker.
Additional features
You may want a snow shovel with the following handy features:
- A heavy-duty wear strip protects a snow shovel’s blade and makes it easier to clear compact snow.
- A telescoping handle allows your snow shovel to fold for easy storage
- Anti-rust coating protects metal blades.
Electric snow shovels
Many homeowners prefer electric snow shovels because they require less physical strength than manual models. Electric snow shovels are like a combination between a manual shovel and a snow blower. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than a snow blower but also less powerful.
Electric snow shovels are best for driveways, steps, decks, and patios. Consider a battery-powered snow blower if you have a large area to clear or live in a region with frequent snowstorms.
Cost
Most snow shovels cost between $20 and $115, with prices varying by shovel type, material, and other cost factors.
| Average cost | $60 |
| Typical price range | $20 – $115 |
| Extreme low end cost | $10 |
| Extreme high end cost | $220 |
FAQ about snow shovels
A metal blade is better for removing compact snow and ice but will scratch some surfaces. A plastic blade is best for wood, composite, and stone.
The benefits of a cordless snow shovel include:
● You don’t have to be near an outlet
● You don’t have to mess with extension cords
● Cordless models are typically more powerful than corded snow shovels.
Most snow blowers cost between $285 and $1,600, but corded models can be as cheap as $130, and residential three-stage blowers can cost as much as $3,700.
Most homeowners pay between $25 and $65 an hour for professional snow removal, so snow removal cost varies depending on the depth of the snow and the size of the area that needs removal.
When to call a pro
No matter how ergonomic your shovel is, shoveling snow can still be a pain. Thankfully, you can call a pro to do the heavy lifting for you. A snow removal pro is probably more affordable than you think.
Also, remember to protect your grass by calling a lawn care pro as soon as the snow melts. A professional will quickly diagnose and treat winter illnesses such as snow mold, fungus, and dead patches. Caring for your grass in the early spring will ensure it’s thick and green throughout the warm season.
LawnLove participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnLove may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main Image Credit: Pexels with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
