We are going to go against the grain here and confess that we don’t just use our snow shovels for snow. Honestly, it doesn’t matter the time of year – you will find us shoveling leaves, soil gravel (and of course snow!) with our snow shovels. Why? Because these shovels are just designed better than the rest! Bigger, more ergonomically designed and perfect for shoveling – it doesn’t matter what you are knee deep in, a snow shovel will get you out!
Obviously, the main thing we have considered is how our best snow shovels are designed for removing snow and the features they have to offer, but we have looked at so much more than just that!
Best Pick – Neilsen Tools Aluminium Metal Snow Scoop
- An ideal Shovel Scoop made from aluminum with a fibreglass handle, it is light enough to carry & can be used for a multiple of uses, with its square mouth the shovel is easy to slide along the tarmac to remove snow & other materials etc.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If you are sitting reading this whilst staring out at inches of snow that are stopping you from getting anywhere, then you need this part of the article….and quick! We have included some of the best snow shovels that you can buy and what you need to look for when you are choosing between them. Let’s hope you can make a selection before another inch of snow makes its home on your driveway!
Material
Arguably the first thing that you need to think about is the material that your shovel is made from. The two main materials that you are going to find are metal and plastic (or a combination of the two).
- Plastic is going to be a great option if you are wanting a cheap and easy snow shovel to use on a small pathway. The benefit of plastic is that it is a super light material so you don’t need to worry about the snow shovel being too heavy for you to work with. Not only this but plastic will usually be less likely to scratch the surfaces that you are clearing (depending on the material obviously). However, it is not a long-lasting and durable material choice, as plastic will be prone to cracking and breaking under too much pressure. So if you are wanting your snow shovel to deal with larger areas, or amounts of snow then plastic may not be the way to go.
- Metal snow shovels are going to be a heavier option, which tends to make them more durable and able to carry larger amounts of snow without cracking. However obviously this weight can cause problems if you struggle with back problems or just don’t want to become overly fatigued when you are working. We found that metal snow shovels are much more likely to last for a lengthier period of time.
You also need to consider the material that the handle and neck are made from, as this can be different from the shovel head itself. Whilst plastic and metal are still good options, we also found some that were made from fibreglass or wood. Wood is going to be relatively light and will last for a long time but they are going to need maintenance to stay this way, so it is whether this seems worth it to you. Fibreglass is going to arguably be your most durable choice as it won’t rust or break however it is one of the heavier options so you need to know you have the strength to lift it!
Weight and Size
One of the key things you need to think about is the size and weight of the shovel that you are looking at buying – which we went into briefly above. This really comes down to personal preference as a bigger shovel isn’t necessarily going to be better. Larger shovels, theoretically, are going to be able to remove more snow, but if you are struggling to work with the shovel you could actually find you are working slower and less effectively! It is important to remember that each shovel full of snow can weigh up to around 5kgs, so add this onto the weight of your shovel and that is what you are going to need to be throwing around!
Depending on the style of snow shovel that you go for we found the heads tend to range between 40cm up to around 70cm – which is quite a difference in the amount of snow it will hold and the area you can cover in one scoop.
The size of the handle should complement the size of the person that is going to be using it the most regularly but they are usually around a metre.
TOP TIP: Some snow shovels come with adjustable necks which allow you to change the size of the snow shovel to suit whoever is using it! These don’t tend to be QUITE as strong but are great if you are struggling to find one that is exactly the right size for you.
Shovel Head and Blade
There are two types of head that you will find on a snow shovel, which really depends on how you are planning on wading through the snow (and the amount of snow that you are working with).
Round shovel heads have almost a “scoop” design which is great for if you are not used to shovelling snow or if you are planning on almost pushing your snow along to move it out of the way! They have rounded sides which help to snow the snow from falling off the sides of the shovel and adding to the work that you have to do if you are planning on throwing your snow to the side or pushing it in a different direction! But you will find that this means you can’t “cut” into snow the same and have the same impact.
This is where the flat shovel comes in to help….a flat shovel is going to be more similar to a traditional spade which means the edges are sharper and come to a point instead of being rounded. This makes it much easier to exert some force into deep piles of snow and remove this. You will also find that the sharpness makes it easier to use these shovels with ice as well as snow.
Grip and Handle
The grip on your snow shovel is so important, this is not only going to affect how easy it is for you to get the job done but also the strain that your hands come under when you are working. If you don’t want to end up with calloused and blistered palms when you have finished then make sure the grip on your snow shovel is right!
There are a range of different options for materials on grips, from really soft foam materials that are going to be super gentle on your hands (but not as hard wearing) to plastic grips (which will be much more hard wearing but not as gentle). The trick is to find a middle ground between comfort and practicality! We love rubber based grips for this – they offer some flexibility of movement, which allows the grip to almost mould to your hand, but also enough structure to stay strong whatever they are put up against.
It is worth mentioning that you also need to look at the shape, size and design of the grip and handle of the shovel. We particularly liked models that have bent handles, these will conform better with your body when you are shovelling to help reduce fatigue or back strain when you are shovelling snow. Some snow shovels even have double handles to allow you to get a better grip and more force in particularly thick snow!
TOP TIP: We love grips that have an ergonomic design allowing for not just improved grip but also improved comfort when working.
Best Budget – AA Car Essentials Emergency Snow Shovel
- Shift some snow – clear your path, your driveway, your car wheels, use to spread salt or build a snowman
- Easy does it - this snow shovel is lightweight and tough, with a solid steel blade and an easy grip handle; the blade can be fixed at various angles to suit the task
- Space-saver – it folds for compact storage in its dedicated pouch, taking up no room in the boot of your vehicle or at home
- In use - folded it is only 24 cm long and unfolded 59 cm, when in use simply screw down the collar on the shaft
- Not just for winter - as we all know, snow doesn’t only appear in the winter
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional Snow Shovel Features
If you are desperately avoiding being left out in the cold – or stuck inside away from it – then here are some additional snow shovel features that we found that are well worth looking for!
- Two hand grip – Some of the best snow shovels also have a second grip positioned half way down the neck of the shovel. This means that it is not just the hand on the handle that has the support, but the hand at the base (that is actually the one doing the most work) as well! Some models have made this moveable too so that it can be adjusted to different heights depending on the weight you are lifting and your arm reach!
- Replaceable shovel head – If you are really wanting to purchase a snow shovel to last then look out for models that have a head which can be unscrewed and replaced over time. This means that as soon as the head cracks, or even just starts to wear and look tired, you will be able to replace it but keep the handle and neck of the shovel, saving you a lot of money in the long run!
- Blade edge – Some of the best snow shovels that we found actually came with a runner over the edge of the blade. This is usually made from metal and is there to help with cutting into the snow but also to soften the impact on the ground underneath. This combination makes it easier for you to remove the snow whilst also reducing the damage to any paving or pathways.
- Fold-away handles – Some snow shovels have a handy feature of a fold away handle for when they are not in use, or maybe if you are needing to put it in your car. These are really handy for storage and portability – just make sure that the connection point is sturdy as some cheaper models can then break under extreme pressure on the weaker joint.
Extra Purchases to Consider
When it comes to snow, it is best to be prepared, so you may need to consider some of these additions when you are purchasing your snow shovel. We actually found that some of the best snow shovels come as part of a set which is going to be much better value for money!
- Snow brush – purposefully designed to help remove the snow when the shovel can’t. For example, when you are getting towards the end of the job and don’t want to damage the paving underneath the snow.
- Salt or grit – It is going to be very difficult for you to remove ALL of the snow and ice (even with the best snow shovel in the world!) so we always think it is worth having a bag of salt or grit ready to sprinkle after you have done most of the work with the shovel. This will also help to prevent the ice from refreezing again after all your efforts!
- Sleigh-style shovel – If you live in an area where you have a considerable amount of snow, or maybe somewhere more open that is prone to snow drifts, then it could be worth looking at a sleigh shovel design. These are going to be wider with a strip handle so you can literally push through big piles of snow and move it to the side. You will struggle to lift the snow to relocate it with one of these though.
- Survival shovel – Preparing for the worst of the weather? A survival shovel is going to help you do much more than just shovel snow!
- Garden spade – Looking for something a little different than a snow shovel? A garden spade could be a better, smaller option.
Best of the Rest
- Adjustable and Portable: When you squeeze two reinforced smart locks, the telescoping T handle extends to 3 different Length for different occasion, or easily contracts for compact portability.
- Premium Materials: This multiple-purpose shovel built in a durable aluminum construction that have superior performance in rust-resistance & anti-deformation.
- Multifunctional: Great multipurpose shovel for snow as well as for soil, gravel or grain, ideal accessory for your car, truck, SUV, recreational vehicle, or snowmobile etc.
- Lightweight & Utility: Our lightweight and sturdy aluminum snow shovel with approximate weight of 1.2 pounds, a load-bearing of 70 pounds.
- Easy to Storage: The snow shovel can easily disassembled into three pieces for easy storage and portability, and it is the perfect size to store in your car, or to tote with you in your backpack.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- 【Sturdy and Durable】Made of 420 high quality alloy steel and surface oxidation treatment, the thickness is 0.18cm, which is high-strength and wear-resistant, effectively prevent rust, suitable for a variety of harsh outdoor environment.Special non-slip design with delicate handle feeling to minimize hand fatigue.
- 【14-in-1 Folding Shovel】It is a multipurpose tool that can be used as a shovel/ pickaxe/hoe/saw/opener/hammer/survival whistle for shoveling,digging,cutting,trenching,sawing,chopping, picking,prying,breaking ice,opening bottles etc.
- 【Extension Bars】You can adjust the length (13.38",18.5" and 24.41") by adding or subtracting extender piece which fit for different conditions.And This folding shovel folds down to 7.48 inches and has a carry case so your gear won’t get dirty. It only weighs 1.65 pounds,easily fits into your pack.
- 【Excellent Lock Adjustment】You can adjust the shovel angle with it's special screw locking device, making it simple to alternate functions and positions. It is possible to adjust the shovel surface to 0-180 degrees by rotating the central axis and easily change the shovel into hoe,planer and pickaxe.
- 【Application】Perfect for camping,hiking,snow,backpacking,fishing,hunting,gardening outdoor activities.Great for anyone to use,gardeners,survivalists,hunters,hikers, campers.This Folding Shovel is also an ideal entrenchment tool for Field Survivalists,Disaster Recovery Staff,Truck Driver.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Carbon steel serrated blade
- Tubular steel handle
- Powder coated to prevent corrosion
- Handle is tightened by integral collet
- No need for additional tools
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove snow from your drive?
The best way to remove snow from your driveway or paths is to use a snow shovel. This will allow you to either push the snow out of the way or actually relocate the snow to a more convenient location (depending on the style of shovel that you purchase). You should then place grit or salt on the ground to remove any last remnants of ice and snow – this will make the path or driveway as safe as possible to use.
What is the difference between a snow shovel and a snow pusher?
A snow shovel is going to be great for lifting the snow and throwing it into a different place to clear your paths, whereas a snow pusher is purely used to push the snow out of the way. It is worth mentioning that some snow shovels can also be used for pushing the snow but they tend to have smaller shovel heads which means you are going to be able to relocate less snow with each trip up the path or driveway!
What size is a snow shovel?
Snow shovels are normally come with a shovel head between around 18-24 inches. The lengths vary but are normally around 3-4ft long.
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