The 6 Best Snow Shovels of 2024
Updated: Jan. 12, 2024
Read on to find out which snow shovel will work best for you this year.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
If it snows, you’re undoubtably going to have to have a snow shovel to clear your driveway, sidewalks or even just the area around your car. If you’re not interested in splurging on a snow blower or don’t have a need for one this year, the right shovel can do the trick. Here are our top picks for snow shovels this winter season.
What to Consider When Buying a Snow Shovel
They say the weight of one foot of fresh snow ranges from three pounds per square foot for light, dry snow to 21 pounds for wet, heavy snow. Not that you want me to do this math for you but, if the average urban house has 40 feet of sidewalk with a four-inch snow fall, plan on moving somewhere from 160 to 1,120 pounds of snow to clear that sidewalk.
That’s a lot of work, and most of us have a driveway to shovel as well! This is enough for most of us to go out and buy a snowblower, but not everyone can afford one, and even that machine alone isn’t going to clear all the snow.
The Best Snow Shovel Options
- The Best Overall Snow Shovel: Ames Back Saver Poly Snow Shovel
- Best Pusher Snow Shovel: Snowplow Original Snow Pusher
- Best Lightweight Snow Shovel: Ames Scooper Shovel
- Best Ergonomic Snow Shovel: Snow Joe Shovelution
- Best Car Snow Shovel: Birdrock Home Emergency Snow Shovel
- Best Electric Shovel: Toro Power Shovel
The Best Overall Snow Shovel
Ames Back Saver Poly Snow Shovel
This 18-inch wide Ames Back Saver snow shovel has a flat front edge for pushing snow and slush. It has a deep back end, ideal for scooping stuff up and out of your way. Plus, its hard-edge nylon blade will scrape tough ice and snow without marring your deck or other soft surfaces.
The longer ergonomic handle on this shovel gives it an overall height of 54 inches., and it weighs just three pounds—all features that make shoveling easier on your back. Even better, the super-wide D-grip is designed to accommodate any monster-size mitts.
Type: Manual | Material: Poly | Blade Width: 18 in. | Weight: 4.75 lbs.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Works on snow and ice
Cons
- Some buyers note the handle coming loose after repeated use
Best Pusher Snow Shovel
The Snowplow Original Snow Pusher
The Original Snow Pusher is a wide-blade shovel with a strong brace support system that works for tough jobs. Its rugged polyethylene blade is rustproof and nonabrasive, so it’s kind to soft surfaces like decks and porches. On harder surfaces, the impact-resistant blade is self-sharpening.
Flip this shovel over, use the back side of the blade and it does a quick job of removing ice- and snow-packed footprints or tire tracks. This pusher shovel is sought after by many snow removal professionals in Minnesota.
Type: Manual | Material: Polyethylene, Fiberglass | Blade Width: 24 in. | Weight: 5.79 lbs.
Pros
- Good for tough jobs
- Durable
- Works on snow and ice
- Self-sharpening blade
Cons
- Some buyers note difficulty with assembly
Best Lightweight Snow Shovel
Ames Scoop Shovel
In the Midwest, this classic scooper shovel is often referred to as a grain scoop. Its reputation is proven on the farm, but it’s also one of the best choices for moving piles of snow.
The 15-inch-wide rustproof aluminum blade is stiff and light, which with a hardwood D-grip handle makes for a lightweight shovel at 3.5 pounds. This shovel feels good in hand and is equally well suited for a variety of lawn and garden uses.
Type: Manual | Material: Aluminum | Blade Width: 15 in. | Weight: 3.52 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Rustproof
- Multipurpose use
Cons
- Not especially suited for ice or tougher snow
Best Ergonomic Snow Shovel
Snow Joe Shovelution
This ergonomic shovel claims to reduce the effort, strain and potential injury of shoveling by up to 30%. It has a second spring-loaded D-handle lower down that captures the expended energy from throwing the snow to return and reset the shovel.
The Snow Joe shovel blade is 18 inches wide with an aluminum wear strip. If you have chronic back issues, this is the shovel for you. It comes in blue and red and has a price you’ll dig.
Type: Spring-assisted | Material: Poly | Blade Width: 18 in. | Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Ergonomic
- Durable, impact-resistant blade
Cons
- Some buyers note inconsistencies in product quality
Best Car Snow Shovel
Birdrock Home Emergency Snow Shovel
This compact snow shovel is great to keep in your car for emergency snow shovel situations. If you’re someone who travels often during the snowy months, it’s wise to keep a reliable snow shovel on hand to dig your car out of compact snow if necessary.
This one is constructed with lightweight aluminum that allows for easy storage and maneuvering. We think this one is a necessity if you’re camping, backpacking or snowmobiling this season. Plus, the shaft of this snow removal tool extends to give you extra leverage while the rubber, textured handle gives you extra grip.
Type: Folding | Material: Aluminum | Blade Width: 9 in. | Weight: 2 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Affordable
- Multipurpose use
Cons
- Not suited for tough ice and snow
Best Electric Shovel
Toro Cordless Power Shovel
Sick of spending hours outside every time it snows more than a few inches? Electric snow shovels are a solid choice for those in extra chilly climates. The cordless Power Shovel from Toro boasts a rechargeable battery, so there are no tangled cords or outlet extensions required.
Easily and quickly use the two-speed auger to toss snow up to 25 feet away. Enjoy a reasonable 12-inch clearing width in drifts up to four inches high without the need to manually throw snow over your shoulders.
Type: Electric | Material: Plastic | Blade Width: 12 in. | Weight: 25 lbs.
Pros
- Cordless
- Up to 45 minutes of runtime on one charge
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Heavier than traditional shovels
Why You Should Trust Us
“Bungalow” Bill Bergmann is an Associate Editor at Family Handyman. He’s been a licensed contractor/builder for more than 20 years. For him, there’s nothing better than taking out a few walls to make people happier in their homes. Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Gary McCoy, a Store Manager at Lowe’s with ample experience researching and recommending snow removal equipment.
How We Found the Best Snow Shovels
To find the best snow shovels, we began by consulting our subject matter expert for advice on what to look for in the best snow shovels. From there, we analyzed top brands, focusing on those with the most consumer trust and widest availability. After that, we combed through specs and real reviews, whittling our list of 15 options down to the six best.
FAQ
Which type of snow shovel is best?
When it comes to finding the best snow shovel, it comes down to the best snow shovel for you. There are a wide variety of different shovel types. We recommend reading up on the different types before clicking “add to cart.”
Pusher shovels have long handles with wider scoops that push snow out of the way, much like a snowplow on a truck. You can scoop up some snow with these, but their forte is pushing it out of the way.
Scooper shovels have a narrower-width blade with a deeper profile and enable you to pick up snow and throw it out of the way into a pile. This is the type of shovel you’ll want when the snowplow leaves that huge berm of snow on your sidewalk or driveway.
Ergonomic shovels are designed for efficiency and comfort. One of the mistakes made in shoveling is overreaching with the shoulders and bending too much from the waist. The typical ergo design is an offset handle that puts the scoop lower to the ground and keeps you from overextending your upper body. If you have back or shoulder issues or are concerned about developing them, this type of shovel is the one to get.
“Electric snow shovels are more compact and easier to maneuver than snow blowers,” says McCoy. “While the shape of an electric snow shovel resembles a manual shovel, an electric snow shovel takes less physical effort to operate. If you have physical difficulty shoveling snow, it may be a good idea to consider an electric show shovel.”
How do I effectively use a snow shovel?
Winter’s tough enough so be safe when it comes time to get out and shovel the driveway. It’s wise to stretch before shoveling. You should also be careful not to lift too much snow with your back. Proper snow lifting means facing the snow and keeping your hips and shoulders square. Bend with your knees and lift with your legs. Be sure to shovel little amounts of snow and don’t let it pile up.
It can also be helpful to work in intervals and take a break every 15 minutes so you don’t overdo it. Taking breaks means you can step inside to warm up, too. Working outside in the cold requires layers, boots and snow clothing to stay warm while doing the job. Plus, you’ll likely sweat through a layer so it’s important to have multiple layers.
What is a car shovel?
One of the better things to have in your car during winter is a warm blanket, but hopefully, you won’t need it if you can dig yourself out of a jam, so have a solid shovel onboard as well. Car snow shovels are compact and have the solid attributes of a larger shovel.
