How to Find the Best Snow Shovel
The snow shovel you need depends on the depth and type of snow your area typically receives and the size of the area you need to clear. The level of effort you want to put into snow removal is also a factor. There are three main types of snow shovels to consider:
- Scoop shovels function similar to digging shovels.
- Push snow shovels work like snow plows.
- Powered snow shovels are mini snowblowers.
In addition to snow shovels, you can find roof rakes that help you clear snow from your roof.
Shoveling snow can be strenuous. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about physical exercise and exertion.
Scoop Shovels: The Best Snow Shovels for Deep Snowfalls
Scoop shovels are the most common type of snow shovels. The head of the shovel collects snow so you can lift it and toss it out of the way.
- The head of some scoop shovels is similar to that of a digging shovel, with a deep scoop that can hold lots of snow.
- Scoop shovels with flatter heads usually have greater clearing widths and are suited for larger areas. The flatter, wider head cuts easily into the snow so you can push it to clear a path, though you might still need to lift and throw the snow to clear it fully. You might consider these combination snow shovels since you can both lift and push the snow.
Scoop shovels are the best snow shovels for deep snow, but they’re easiest to use on dry, light snow. Heavy, wet snow might require a few passes for lifting and tossing to be manageable. If your area regularly gets wet snow, look for a scoop shovel with a flatter head so you can focus more on pushing than lifting, or choose a push snow shovel.
Push Snow Shovels: The Best Snow Shovels for Light Snowfalls
A push snow shovel moves snow with little or no lifting.
- Some push snow shovels have an upright blade that functions like a snow plow, allowing you to roll up and push snow out of your path.
- Larger push snow shovels have a deep scoop head with handlebars for pushing rather than lifting. Some have wheels to make moving the snow easier and to make heavy, wet snow more manageable.
In an area that periodically gets just a couple of inches or less of snow, push snow shovels are often the best option. They’re typically suitable for flat surfaces only, but they clear a large area quickly without the stooping and lifting of a traditional scoop shovel.
Powered Snow Shovels
Whether you call them powered snow shovels or single-stage snow blowers, these motor-driven devices make it simple to remove snow from decks, patios and small driveways.
- Powered snow shovels have paddles that move the snow as you push the machine along.
- Depending on the model, a power snow shovel can clear a depth up to 6 inches and throw the snow as far as 20 feet.
A battery-powered electric snow shovel is an option if moderate snowfalls are regular occurrences and you’re willing to invest in the device. Most models work best on paved surfaces, though some are suitable for decks. While they can make removal easy, they don't have the clearing width of most shovels.
Wear the appropriate safety gear when using a powered snow shovel, including insulated work gloves, eye protection and, if necessary, hearing protection.
Snow Shovel Materials
To find a good snow shovel material for your snow-clearing tasks, balance the weight, strength and durability of the material. You might also want to think about how the material transmits vibration and impact.
Wood Handles
Wood handles are the traditional choices. With proper care, a wood snow shovel handle lasts a long time and has the strength to manage heavy snow. Wood absorbs some vibration and shock. However, a wood handle adds more weight to a snow shovel than a plastic or fiberglass handle.
Fiberglass Handles
Fiberglass snow shovel handles are lighter than wood and very durable. Fiberglass is weather resistant and absorbs much of the impact and vibration a snow shovel creates during use. A fiberglass handle is strong and with reasonable care, lasts a long time.
Plastic Snow Shovels
Poly snow shovel handles and plastic or poly heads are lightweight and weather resistant. Prolonged exposure to sub-freezing temperatures makes some plastics brittle, so proper storage is key to maintenance. Plastic isn’t as strong as other materials, so pay attention to the amount of snow you move. While a plastic shovel head doesn’t scratch pavement, regular use on paved surfaces wears the edge. A metal wear strip protects the head, but may scratch or gouge some surfaces.
Steel Snow Shovels
Steel snow shovel handles and steel heads are highly durable if you protect them from moisture and rust. A steel handle or head creates a very strong snow shovel, but it adds more weight than most other materials and won’t dampen impact and vibration. Slide a steel blade under the snow carefully on driveways, sidewalks, patios and decks. The edge may scratch or gouge the surface.
Aluminum Snow Shovels
Aluminum is another metal manufacturers use to make snow shovel handles and heads. It’s strong and long-lasting like steel, but not susceptible to moisture and rust like steel can be. Aluminum also creates a lighter snow shovel than steel. As with a steel blade, be careful using an aluminum shovel on surfaces that the metal might scratch or gouge.
Snow Shovel Features
As straightforward as a snow shovel is, there are some handle features that make the work easier and more efficient.
- A D-handle gives you a comfortable place to apply more leverage, making both lifting and pushing snow easier.
- A cushioned grip makes the shovel easier to handle, especially for long periods of time.
- An ergonomic, curved handle doesn’t require as much bending as a straight handle, but doesn’t give you as much leverage for lifting.
- A collapsible handle makes a snow shovel easier to keep in a car or truck so you can dig the wheels out if your vehicle gets stuck in snow.
- A secondary handle gives you better leverage and a spring-assisted secondary handle can reduce some of the effort of shoveling.