The Best Ice Melts for Slip-Free Hardscaping, Tested

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When snow falls and ice forms, banishing the slippery stuff is a priority. Here’s how to find the best ice melt for your surfaces, climate, and budget.

When the weather turns chilly, most people pull out the heavy coats, rugged boots, and, of course, ice melts—the first defense against slick, dangerous conditions on driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces. Without using these products, drip lines and low spots can turn into serious safety hazards.

We researched and tested 10 different ice melt products to see which ones delivered the best results. Nearly every brand improved walking conditions and had a positive impact on overall traction and safety. Some were safer for pets and the environment than others, making them great for home use. Others were more capable of handling the heavy-duty demands of high-traffic residential and commercial areas.

No matter what your specific needs are, there’s likely an ice melt formula that can make a big difference this winter. Read on to learn what features to look for and why the following products are considered among the best ice melts in their respective categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe MELT25EB Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter
3. BEST FOR CONCRETE: Green Gobbler Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt
4. BEST FOR PETS: Green Gobbler Pet-Safe Ice Melt Magnesium Chloride
5. BEST WITH COLOR: Snow Joe MELT20PET Pet-Safer Blend Premium Ice Melt
6. BEST LIQUID: Branch Creek Entry Fast-Acting Liquid Ice Melt
7. BEST SALT-FREE: Safe Paw Pet-Safe Salt-Free Nontoxic Ice Melt
8. BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULA: Redmond Ice Slicer Nature’s Blend Ice Melt
9. BEST FOR ROOFS: Roof Melt RM-65S Ice Melt Tablets
10. ALSO CONSIDER: PlaySafe Ice Blocker

How We Tested the Best Ice Melts 

Determining how effectively each ice melt would perform required a full test of each product. During the tests, we used several different types of ice melts on gravel, pavement, and even grass. We began our testing in the aftermath of a Montana snowstorm that turned bitter cold. We used different ice melt products in temperatures down to -6 degrees Fahrenheit.

The snow then went through several melt/freeze cycles that formed icy spots under our rooflines and in several low spots. We tested the ice melts in freezing temperatures in water drips to the ground and freezes each night, creating a walking hazard by morning. We analyzed the duration of each application, the speed at which it melted, pet friendliness with our dogs, and a number of other hands-on factors. Lastly, we compared pricing, packaging, and ease of application.

Our Top Picks

While they may not be quite as diverse as snowflakes, ice melts do come in a variety of forms, each with its own distinct features. This list of our favorites, all of which we tested ourselves, will help shoppers choose the best ice melts for their particular needs.

Best Overall

Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need

Product Specs

• Form: Granules
• Ingredient(s): calcium magnesium acetate; dolomite; proprietary organic compound (ProtectRX); sodium, magnesium, and potassium chloride
• Compatible surface types: Porches, walkways, driveways

Pros

• Safe to use around pets and children, plants, and vegetation
• Will not corrode metal, wood, and concrete surfaces
• Fast-acting, long-lasting formula; works on contact and keeps melting ice and snow over time

Cons

• May wear off or wash away, requiring reapplication after every snowfall

One of the safest ice melt for pets, plants, and the environment that we were able to find, this pick boasts a proprietary formula designed with safety as a top priority. This Natural Rapport product is less corrosive on metal, wood, and concrete than conventional rock salt, and it is also safer on carpet and other flooring materials, should our furry friends or kids track it into the house.

The crystals are green in color so that users can see where they’ve applied them. This helps to prevent waste. While the brand touts this feature as being unique, a number of the other brands have similar colorings. Nonetheless, the fast-acting, long-lasting formula is time released to help prevent sidewalks and driveways from refreezing, so users won’t need to work hard with an ice scraper. Though it’s hard to say which of the many ice melts on the market is the safest ice melt for people, animals, and the environment, this biodegradable product may lend peace of mind while de-icing.

Many of the environmentally friendly products melt slower because they use mild formulas. But we were pleasantly surprised with the melt times and durations of this product. It was fast acting, and our dogs walked over the ice melt repeatedly with no adverse reactions. The larger granules also minimized our need to reapply the ice melt as well. We really loved the shaker container for easy spreading as well.

Ultimately, this ice melt took the top award because it offers a combination of performance and environmental friendliness. It even has organic compounds to help it break down quickly—in fact, it may even enrich the soil to a small degree thanks to the inclusion of soil-supporting compounds. During testing, we spread some over a patch of grass, so we’re interested to see what happens over time. Currently, the snow has melted and the grass looks unaffected.

Read our full review: Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need

Get the Natural Rapport ice melt at Amazon, Chewy, or Natural Rapport.

Best Bang For The Buck

Snow Joe MELT25EB Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter

Product Specs

• Form: Granules
• Ingredient(s): Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
• Compatible surface types: Concrete, asphalt, gravel, grass

Pros

• Large quantity for a great price
• Melts ice quickly and is easy to identify with green coloration
• Organic compounds minimize impact on soil and environment

Cons

• Green dye can leave some temporary staining
• Does contain sodium chloride, which can cause corrosion

During long winters, it’s nice to have a big bag of ice melt on hand. Snow Joe is a leader in snow removal products, and it has formulated a fantastic ice melt product with the Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter. It’s made for extreme cold and has a chemical composition designed with the environment in mind.

This blend has an anti-corrosion agent that helps it break down more easily. This minimizes damage to concrete, asphalt, and yards. It also results in a formula that’s more pet- and people-friendly than some ice melts. Like the Natural Rapport ice melt featured above, this one also has a green dye that makes it easy to monitor performance and its presence on the ground. When the green coloring fades, it’s time to add more.

We didn’t mind the bag-style packaging as it’s a durable bag that won’t break open. It’s also easy to reach in and scoop a bunch without fussing over difficult bucket lids. Users will want to keep it inside after opening because if the open bag gets wet, the contents will bind together and consolidate into a giant rock. We suggest keeping it in the garage or somewhere similar, and it’ll be fine.

This formulation did an excellent job melting ice and maintaining clear walkways. We had a property management company test it as well, and they were impressed with the performance. With a 50-pound bag costing under $30, the value is excellent with this pick. This will get many users through the entire winter.

Get the Snow Joe MELT25EB ice melt at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Snow Joe.

Best For Concrete

Green Gobbler Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt

Product Specs

• Form: Pellets
• Ingredient(s): 93 percent calcium chloride
• Compatible surface types: Driveways, sidewalks, pathways, patios, parking lots, porches, roofs

Pros

• Noncorrosive formula unlikely to damage surfaces
• Easy-to-spread pellets; works faster than comparable ice melts
• Creates exothermic heat to continue melting ice and snow over time
• Can melt ice in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

• Pricey compared to similar snow and ice melts on the market
• Calcium chloride is soluble in water, so pellets may dissolve quickly when temperatures spike

Those concerned about protecting their concrete from corrosive chemicals may want to give this Green Gobbler ice melt a go. Calcium chloride is less corrosive to concrete than similar chemicals used in competing ice melts. As a result, it can melt ice without creating potholes in driveways, pathways, and porches. It comes in easy-to-spread pellets that, as the company claims, work up to four times faster than traditional rock salt by creating exothermic heat to immediately start melting snow and ice.

We can’t speak to the formulation working four times faster than other products, but it did melt ice a little faster than other products we tested. The really nice thing about this product is that it works in extremely low temperatures. During the storm in which we did our testing, temperatures dropped to -6 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures at -20 or -30 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t uncommon here. Knowing this product will still perform at those extreme lows is nice.

We also like that it doesn’t corrode and beat up concrete the way other ice-melting agents can. One of our testers will be pouring a new slab in the next year and will really be focused on finding products that will help preserve the integrity of the concrete, and this might do it. Overall, this is an excellent option for concrete driveways and sidewalks.

Get the Green Gobbler calcium chloride ice melt at Amazon,  Walmart, or Green Gobbler.

Best For Pets

Green Gobbler Pet-Safe Ice Melt Magnesium Chloride

Product Specs

• Form: Pellets
• Ingredient(s): Magnesium chloride
• Compatible surface types: Sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, patios

Pros

• Easy-to-spread pellets can be applied by hand, with a shovel, or with a household cup
• Works in frigid temperatures, reaching as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit
• Generates exothermic heat to keep melting snow and ice over time
• Safe for pets; less likely to irritate paws or cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested

Cons

• Container lid is sometimes hard to open and close without a pry tool

Anyone seeking a fast and effective ice melt that’s safe to use around pets and plants will want to consider this option from Green Gobbler. Perhaps one of the best ice melt for pets’ paws, this pick gets our vote for the best pet-safe formula for a number of reasons. It’s worth noting that comparable liquid formulas are also great for use around pets—they just don’t cover the same square footage with ease of use as these pellets.

Offered in Green Gobbler’s signature pellet form, its pet-safe ice melt uses magnesium chloride rather than the calcium chloride in the company’s standard formula. The magnesium is still excellent at melting ice, and it’s also much easier on pets and people. Overall, we appreciate the mild ingredients as they are easy on the environment, less corrosive on concrete, and don’t stain.

Personally, we like the pellets because they aren’t abrasive. Normal rock-salt formulas do have jagged edges and can embed in pet paws. This is where the irritation can become problematic. Users who have dogs and cats with paw sensitivity might want to give this product a shot. It has smooth edges and is easy to walk over without poking or sticking to soft paws.

Keep in mind that this one doesn’t melt as quickly as the company’s calcium chloride formula. It did work well, however, and we wouldn’t hesitate to use this product in harsh winter environments. The melt rate was comparable to other rock salts used in the tests. Personally, waiting an extra half hour for melting to complete is worth the trade-off of knowing our pets are safer.

Get the Green Gobbler magnesium chloride ice melt at Amazon, Walmart, or Green Gobbler.

Best With Color

Snow Joe MELT20PET Pet-Safer Blend Premium Ice Melt

Product Specs

• Form: Crystals
• Ingredient(s): Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, CMA
• Compatible surface types: Walkways, driveways, parking lots, and steps

Pros

• Can be safely distributed without need for protective clothing
• Made from a combination of organic compounds and sodium chloride for performance and safety
• Works immediately upon contact; time-release formula makes it more effective

Cons

• May require several uses for continued protection against ice and snow
• Green dye can leave temporary staining

Color-coated crystals are this ice melt’s secret weapon for visibility. The coloration makes it easy to see where the product has already been spread, a visual cue that helps reduce wasteful reapplication. As the crystals dissolve with ice, they will slowly lose their color and disintegrate. This really helps the user know when it’s time to add another round.

Several other options on our list also use dyes for this same purpose. This one seemed to stand out a little better against the crowd; perhaps Snow Joe uses a little more dye in this formula. It’s worth noting that it can leave some temporary staining on concrete. Some users mentioned using pressure washers or an alcohol-based cleaning agent to completely remove dyes after winter.

We found that this product worked very well for its intended purpose. It does use sodium chloride, which is the traditional salt compound used in ice melts. The formula also includes the milder magnesium chloride and the organic compound CMA, which is about as corrosive as tap water. This blend ultimately delivers great performance and scores high marks in terms of pet safety and environmental friendliness.

Get the Snow Joe MELT20PET ice melt at Amazon.

Best Liquid

Branch Creek Entry Chloride-Free Liquid Ice Melt

Product Specs

• Form: Liquid
• Ingredient(s): Inhibited potassium formate, proprietary adjuvant formulation
• Compatible surface types: Walkways, driveways, parking lots, and steps

Pros

• Safe to apply with a garden sprayer for easy application
• Works in frigid temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit
• Gentle on any surface it is applied to; will not erode or corrode any concrete
• Safe for use around pets and children as well as vegetation

Cons

• Must be applied before a snowfall for maximum clearing and melting
• Pricey compared to similar liquid ice melts on the market
• Will not penetrate existing ice and snow formations

When a snowstorm is approaching, shoppers may want to reach for this liquid ice melt. Apply it to pathways and driveways with a garden sprayer prior to the weather event and ice and snow won’t build up. It can even be used the night before a storm to deliver ice-free walkways in the morning. Capable of working in temperatures all the way down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, this de-icer works hard even in frigid temperatures.

A chloride-free formula makes this product gentle on surfaces, minimally corrosive, and safe for use around pets and plants. With no expiration date and a resealable package, this liquid ice melt can be used against snow and ice year after year. It also won’t chip away at an

electric snow shovel

or blower the way that hard salt formulas tend to do.

This was our first time using a liquid ice melt, and we were skeptical at first. We also didn’t have a garden sprayer handy and had to run out to buy one. With the sprayer ready, it was fast and easy to apply; the fine mist allowed us to apply the formula quickly and precisely. The 1-gallon bottle lasts a lot longer than we expected and can cover reasonably large areas.

In terms of performance, we think this is a different type of product than many other ice melts. With this one, it’s best to clear all snow and ice first, then apply it to the cleared surface. When done properly, this method does a good job of preventing ice from forming on the applied area. If it is sprayed over existing snow and ice, however, it doesn’t make a big impact. Granular ice melts will penetrate through existing ice in many cases.

The thing we love about this product is the fact that it’s chloride-free. Present in most ice melt products, chlorides are minerals that are quite taxing on the environment. Every chloride-based product is corrosive to some degree; this chloride-free alternative is not. Used on a new concrete driveway, for example, this liquid ice melt can prevent damage to its surface.

Get the Branch Creek ice melt at Amazon, Ace Hardware (2.5 gallons), or Walmart (2.5 gallons).

Best Salt-Free

Safe Paw Pet-Safe Salt-Free Nontoxic Ice Melt

Product Specs

• Form: Granules
• Ingredient(s): Modified carbonyl diamide crystals, special glycols, nonionic surfactants accelerants
• Compatible surface types: Best on hard surfaces such as driveways, walkways, steps

Pros

• Noncorrosive and nonconductive formulation makes it very safe to use
• Pet-, people-, and planet-friendly formula
• Large quantity lasts for a long time
• Easy to spread and cover a large area

Cons

• Doesn’t work well at extremely low temperatures
  Doesn’t melt as rapidly as salt-base