As the weather turns chillier and the snow blankets our yards with white, it’s time we welcome winter with open arms. If there are activities we’re (not) looking forward to during the colder months, it’s clearing up snow. This is why it’s a good idea to have a high-quality snow shovel on hand to scoop up snow and ice buildup on your yard or driveway.
Shoveling is a labor-intensive, tiring physical activity, so investing in an efficient tool that will make the task less backbreaking is a must. Ahead are the best snow shovels for winter, with a short guide on what to look for in a snow shovel.
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True Temper Ergonomic Shovel
With a gently curving handle that takes the strain and pressure off your back while shoveling, the True Temper Ergonomic Shovel is a bestseller precisely because of its ergonomic benefits but also because it still gets the job done. The 18-inch blade easily scoops up and shovels snow, and a nylon grip along the edge of the blade prevents scratching or scraping.
Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel
Whether you’re clearing a few inches that fell overnight or digging yourself out from that massive front that dumped feet of snow on your house, there’s no snowfall too big for the Shovelution. Its standout feature is a two-handle design; in addition to the long handle that you use for pushing and scooping, there’s a smaller, spring-loaded secondary handle that gives you better leverage, allowing you to lift and throw snow with ease. For this reason, this is another great choice for those with bad backs, as it’s said to reduce back strain by 30%. It also has an 18-inch shovel with a sturdy aluminum blade and a comfortable D-ring handle.
Garant Sleigh Shovel
As the name suggests, the design of this shovel more closely resembles a deep-set sleigh than the traditional snow shovel. The slanted steel blade easily channels large amounts of snow back into the bowl of the shovel, and the ergonomic two-pronged handle makes it easier to push and scoop snow out of the way without hurting your back. The shovel itself is 24 inches wide and 61 inches long, so it can deal with even the heaviest of snowfalls.
DMOS Stealth Shovel
Made of sturdy aluminum with a serrated edge to both scoop and grate densely packed snow and ice, the DMOS Stealth Shovel is just as durable as any non-collapsible snow shovel. With an extendable handle that breaks down to fit in the scoop of the blade, this model is particularly ideal for cars, as it can be easily stored in out-of-the-way spots but then broken out and assembled quickly should the car get unexpectedly stuck. Along with snow chains, this shovel is a must to keep in your car during winter.
Yeoman BustR Snow Shovel
If you’re looking for a shovel with an ultra-durable blade that can scoop and shovel through even the most densely packed or iced-up snow, the proof is in the name with the Yeoman BustR. Its 18-inch, heavy-duty poly shovel bulldozes through tough snow drifts with the aid of a smooth blade and a steel handle that lets you put tons of power and energy behind each shove.
Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel
Want to clear snow in a blink of an eye? Be sure to get your hands on Snow Joe’s Plus 324E electric snow shovel, engineered to clear 300 pounds of snow per 60 seconds with its high-octane 10-amp motor and heavy-duty two-blade auger, allowing you to clear snow-covered paths faster than your neighbors.
Unlike your average backbreaking snow shovel, Snow Joe’s ergonomic handle ensures that you can get the job done efficiently without pain and fatigue. Lightweight and compact, you can bring the Snow Joe 324 Electric Snow Shovel anywhere you want — from the patio to the sidewalk. This tool also comes packed with a handy two-watt LED light so you can power through the ice or snow during the day or night.
Ames Aluminum Metal Snow Shovel
Sometimes you just can’t mess with the classics, and to this day, a tried-and-true aluminum snow shovel will always get the job done. This model from Ames is your quintessential snow shovel, with an 18-inch aluminum shovel, rust-proof blade, and D-ring handle attached to a durable handle for simple, straightforward shoveling.
Bully Tools Combination Snow Shovel
Another great option for a high-quality standard snow shovel is the Bully Tools combination. Featuring a fiberglass handle and a 22-inch poly blade that has a deep bowl to better scoop up snow, these hardy materials will last you for many winters. The extra-length handle also helps with leverage while shoveling and throwing, making it easier on your arms and back.
The Snowplow Snow Pusher
Get that snow out of the way quickly and efficiently with one of the biggest snow shovels out there, the Snowplow Snow Pusher. This monster’s 49-inch long, self-sharpening UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) polyethylene blade will clear huge paths in no time, and the highly sturdy material can also easily scrape ice or packed-down snow.
What to Look for in a Snow Shovel
From the style of the blade to how the handle is shaped, there are several different factors to keep in mind when selecting the right snow shovel for you.
Type of Snow Shovel
There are three different types of snow shovel: traditional, pusher, and combination. As you can probably guess, the traditional is the mental image of a snow shovel that pops up in everyone’s head: the traditionally shaped blade of some kind of metal, a long handle, and a D-shaped ring. The pusher features a longer blade that can clear larger tracts and is better for clearing than throwing snow, and the combination blends the two styles and is ideal for both throwing and pushing snow. Which style you need will depend on how much snow you get in your area, how much you want to clear, and the type of snow.
Snow Shovel Blade Material
While traditional snow shovels always had blades made of aluminum, steel, or some other metal, nowadays, you will frequently find blades made of sturdy plastics like poly. While both types can scoop and shove snow well, the big question about whether to go plastic or metal depends on how heavy the shovel will be, especially when weighed down by several pounds of snow. You always want a material that is very durable with a sharp edge for scraping.
Snow Shovel Handle Shape
You can also pick between either a straight or a curved handle. A straight handle is more traditional and generally allows you to put more power and energy behind each push and throw, but a curved handle is much easier on your body and therefore is better for ergonomic and health reasons.
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