| |

The 7 Best Snow Shovels, Tested and Reviewed

Shoveling snow can be an arduous chore—but it doesn’t have to be, provided you have the right equipment. Investing in a quality snow shovel could make all the difference when winter weather hits. 

“What is important is for homeowners to select the best shovel for the snow they’ll be clearing and to understand the dangers of shoveling and not to overdo it,” says Cheryl Higley, director of education and content at the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). “SIMA recommends stretching before beginning to shovel; pushing instead of lifting whenever possible to avoid back, shoulder, and wrist injuries; taking frequent breaks; and shoveling in increments.”

To come up with this list, we tested 24 snow shovels in our yards and evaluated them based on ease of use, performance, durability, and value. In addition to Higley, we consulted David Holmes, service training manager at The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company.

What Stands Out

  • This well-balanced snow shovel is suitable for clearing snow and ice from walkways, decks, and other surfaces.

What Could Be Improved

  • Its tall height may be difficult for short people to maneuver.

This mid-priced, combination shovel is an all-around great option for clearing walkways, decks, patios, and even driveways. Using this snow shovel, we were able to shovel a two-car driveway and a set of concrete steps in just 20 minutes. The heavy-duty, 18-inch plastic blade features a metal wear strip that’s ideal for scaping and breaking up ice. During our testing, this durable strip helped us clear areas that were iced over, and we expect that it will keep the shovel in adequate condition even with frequent use.

The snow shovel also has a cushioned D-grip handle that is easy to grasp and tilts at a slight angle for a more comfortable hold. Should you need to hold it a bit closer to the blade, this shovel comes with a cushioned foam grip further down the shaft, too. Although, at 55 inches long, it may still be too long for some people. 

The curved design of the combination blade makes it useful for both pushing and lifting snow, unlike traditional snow shovels that have a flatter blade for scooping only. In terms of durability, we think that this blade will hold up well to many heavy snowfalls without causing unnecessary strain on the body. 

Type: Combination | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Blade Width: 18 inches | Overall Length: 55 inches | Material: Plastic blade, steel shaft

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *