The Scotts Snap System Spreader is our best salt spreader and this one uses EdgeGuard technology so that the item will not be spread onto non-lawn areas and areas that you do not need to spread to. You can easily snap and lock and you are good to go. And what’s more, the HandyLock technology keeps it easy to maneuver due to the locking mechanism. The unit eliminates guesswork when it comes to taking care of your lawn. This salt spreader is so great that it spreads anything, from salt to seeds to other things so you can use it all year round.
Our step-up pick is the Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader and this classic drop salt spreader comes fully assembled so you will just have to use it when it arrives due to being pre-calibrated before it arrives at your doorstep. With this salt spreader, you can cover an entire lawn of about 10,000 square feet due to its large capacity. And moreover, the overall stability is upheld due to the durable heavy duty frame. This salt spreader has a spread pattern which measures 22 inches so it covers a lot with the best accuracy possible.
The budget pick is the Home-X Salt and Seed Spreader and it can be filled with salt or sand depending on your usage and can help to de-ice any surface, driveway or walkway. The salt spreader can hold up to 76 ounces of salt. And moreover, the salt spreader can also be used alternatively as a spreader for seeds, just like our top and step-up pick. In addition to that, the handle is ergonomic with a wide design so you can control the pouring of salt evenly. For convenience, the lid can be screwed off like those baby powder containers so you can easily refill the salt spreader or clean it up on the inside.
A Little Background
The winter can be a very unpleasant season for some people who have and maintain a driveway or a lawn. Winter Wonderland is not always around the corner if you look at the safety hazards of having too much snow in your driveway. Winter can produce a lot of snow and this can thicken the snow in your front yard or back yard and even on major roads. This can be a big problem to address if you live in an area that has very thick snow and you have to go to work or do other things other than to scrape or shovel out snow from your front or back yard or from your car. Winter is a good season but sometimes the excess snow gets in the way and this can be a threat to people’s safety.
Excessive ice and snow can be dangerous to the pathway where you walk and stand and drive. Anything that is ice driven or snow filled can be slippery. You know that tendency to slip while skating on thin ice? You know that cliché that ice is very slippery to hold? That is just like when the ground is clad with snow and ice and this can pose a threat to your neighborhood or family when you have a car or automobile or even just when walking around the pathway or walkway. This is why it is important to keep your grounds de-iced or at least shovel out the snow to clear a path for your car or your family members and guests to walk around or run around. It is important that you keep yourself safe while playing in the snow especially with your children and pets as snow can be hazardous if not treated properly.
The problem with the winter chill is that you barely have enough time to scrape the snow away. Some people who are busy at work and have busy schedules do not have enough time even on the weekends to scrape the snow away from their front or back yard. This can take its toll on your house and on your roofing, your car and around your pathways and lawn. If you have or maintain a lawn, this can be potentially dangerous to your lawn and plants because the cold temperatures can wipe out nutrients from your plants and thus, you need to treat them better with special fertilizers during the summer or before the winter season hits the calendar.
While falling leaves during autumn are easier to scrape, snow is very heavy to scrape away and this is the main reason why most people get lazy at doing them. Snow is very bulky in particular whereas leaves can be just tossed away by a leaf blower or raked by a rake. Snow is very hassling to maintain and drive out of the way and it feels like you are moving thick mud or soil out of the way just to get your car or vehicle across through your driveway onto the main road. This can be extremely frustrating if you will be late for work. And what’s more, the vehicle itself, when crossing snow, can also get its parts damaged or get into corrosion and this is why you should not drive a vehicle through tough snow – that is like driving a car through flood.
Some areas tend to have a large heap of snow than other areas and this can be a big hassle for people. Just like how the grass grows, snow can also accumulate in thicker and larger batches and may be harder to maintain when left untreated. The more often you scrape the snow away, the less worry you have to do when the extremely snowy weather hits. Grass can grow thicker when you leave it growing for weeks and unless you do something about it, such as spray some shortening chemical to keep it from growing, it will continue to grow. The same concept is true if you want to keep your yard snow-free for your vehicle and for walking normally in your neighborhood without the worry of slipping.
This is why de-icing has been a norm when it comes to preventing heavy snow from forming on the roads instead of scraping it away. De-icing refers to laying down chemicals onto the pathway before the winter hits so that the ground will be kept from freezing and forming ice. What you will want to do is to keep the ground from being frozen and from accumulating ice. De-icing is very popular and commonly found on most regions of the world with very heavy ice and those with a lot of snow in their area. It is a great preventive way from having to scrape snow all the time which can be a big hassle for people. It will definitely help you be at ease with maintenance during the winter.
A popular form of de-icing is to spread salt on the walkway, driveway or surface area. But why salt, you ask? Well, salt absorbs, water, right? That itself is true. In fact, salt can change the freezing point of water and thus it will prevent or help to prevent snow from forming. It will not actually keep snow from falling onto the ground – it will just keep the ground from forming snow so you don’t have a lot of snow to scrape and shovel around.
Before spreading salt, most people also spread seeds and fertilizers on their lawn so that they will stay healthy even during the winter. Seeds and fertilizers during the summer season help to keep the surroundings of your yard or lawn healthy and strong and green and stand out during the winter. Most salt spreaders can also be used in spreading out seeds and fertilizers so that you can do them as a double purpose session in summer and in winter. Thus, salt spreaders can be used in two ways.
In fact, salt spreaders can also be used as seed spreaders and vice versa. Some salt spreaders can also be used to spread two materials at the same time, and this can potentially speed up the de-icing process. Moreover, salt spreaders are very helpful and very efficient depending on their size and amount of salt and amount of spread that they can perform in any yard or driveway.
How We Picked
On choosing the best salt spreader for de-icing roads, walkways and driveways or any part of your lawn, here are some guidelines that we consulted:
Spread – the spread of the salt spreader should be highly adjustable so that you can save time and you can adjust depending on the size of your lawn or your walkway and driveway. This should be easily adjustable so you can save salt or seed or fertilizer during the process and you will only apply the needed amount when needed.
Easy handling – the ergonomic handle must be present in any salt spreader so you can feel at ease and prevent user fatigue when spreading salt in the salt spreader, especially if it is a walk behind salt spreader or a manual handy spreader.
Versatility – if you can find a salt spreader in which you can mix in two materials at the same time then that is a great salt spreader. In fact, some and most salt spreaders can also take de-icers such as ice melt and summer treatments such as fertilizers and seeds.
Capacity – the salt spreader should have a big capacity when it comes down to size so you do not have to keep refilling the salt spreader more often and you can save time with big bags and bigger savings.
Mobility – a salt spreader with wheels is a great way to spread salt around bigger lawns and walkways.
Our Pick
Scotts Snap System Spreader
Our best salt spreader is the Scotts Snap System Spreader and this salt spreader eliminates guesswork when it comes to taking care of your lawn. This particular unit is very versatile such that it spreads anything, from salt to seeds to other things. As for the unique feature, the salt spreader uses EdgeGuard technology so that the item will not be spread onto non-lawn areas and areas that you do not need to spread to. And what’s more, the HandyLock technology keeps it easy to maneuver due to the locking mechanism. With this salt spreader, you can easily snap and lock and you are good to go.
Moreover, with the Scotts Snap Spreader, the handle folds down so you can store the salt spreader much easier. And in addition to that, if you have Snap pac, you can use it for this snap spreader.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The Scotts Snap System Spreader has a few disadvantages but these are very minor and will not ruin the quality of the product. For instance, it might only work with snap and go bags of the manufacturer and can be hard to use with other bags.
Step-up Pick
Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
For our step-up pick, we turned to the Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader which is so wide spreading that can cover an entire lawn of about 10,000 square feet due to its large capacity. When it comes to the size, this salt spreader is very dependable and it has a spread pattern which measures 22 inches so it covers a lot with the best accuracy possible.
When it comes to its durability, you cannot go wrong with this salt spreader as stability is upheld due to the durable heavy duty frame. And moreover, as for the design and convenience, this classic drop salt spreader comes fully assembled so you will just have to use it when it arrives due to being pre-calibrated before it arrives at your doorstep. We are sure that you will love the Scotts Turf Builder as a salt spreader in the long run.
Budget Pick
Home-X Salt and Seed Spreader
When it comes to our budget pick for the best salt spreader, we chose the Home-X Salt and Seed Spreader which is very handy and easy to hold and it can hold up to 76 ounces of salt. And when it comes to its functionality, it can easily be filled with salt or sand depending on your usage and can help to de-ice any surface, driveway or walkway.
Moreover, when it comes to the salt spreader’s versatility, it can also be used alternatively as a spreader for seeds, just like our top and step-up pick. For easy maneuvering, the salt spreader is a winner due to the very fact that the handle is ergonomic with a wide design so you can control the pouring of salt evenly. And for added convenience when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, the lid can be screwed off like those baby powder containers so you can easily refill the salt spreader or clean it up on the inside. This salt spreader by Home-X stands at 10 by 4 inches and it is totally made from durable polyethylene material. Overall, the Home-X Spreader is a truly great way to de-ice your yard before the winter comes and to get you prepared.
Ideal Salt Spreader to Walk Behind With
Meyer Hot Shot Professional Walk-Behind Spreader
If you want a convenient walk behind spreader of salt then you can turn to the Meyer Hot Shot Professional Walk-Behind Spreader. As for the design and the mobility of the mechanical salt spreader, it has very convenient and very large wheels for heavy traction. And when it comes to the structure of the wheels, the wheel bearings, axle and bushings give you a smooth ride for spreading salt and carrying load due to its self-lubrication feature.
When it comes to the hopper part which spreads salt, the hopper has a capacity of 1.3 cubic feet. And in addition to that, as for the capacity, the salt spreader has a capacity of 70 pounds of salt. It is truly designed as a walk behind spreader that will be of great convenience for bigger areas that need to be de-iced and filled with salt for the winter. As for the size and capacity, the hopper stands at 14 by 19 inches. Moreover, the unit also has wheels with 13 inches of diameter so it is extra stable.
As for the materials and durability, the hopper is made from poly frame. In fact, mobility is very superb because the wheels are pneumatic type. When it comes to spreading the salt, the spread radius of this salt spreader is up to 12 feet. And in addition to that, it is truly a versatile salt spreader such that you can also use sand, ice melt, fertilizer and limestone other than salt. Adding to its durability, the Meyer Hot Shot Walk-Behind Spreader is backed by a stainless steel frame for durability for the whole year. When it comes to the design, the spreader type is a broadcast type. All in all, the salt spreading unit also comes with a sidewalk deflector as well as a shower cap as bonuses.
Best Ice Melt Salt Spreader
Earthway 2040 PiPlus Snow Ice-Melt Spreader
With the Earthway 2040 PiPlus Snow Ice-Melt Spreader to spread items such as alt and ice melt, the spread pattern is from 6 to 10 feet in length so it is very versatile. And when it comes to its capacity, it is truly helpful because of the fact that the hopper has a size of 1,830 cubic inches. And in fact, the mobility is uncompromised due to the extra large pneumatic tires with 9 inches of diameter each.
When it comes to durability, the gear box is of heavy duty. In addition to that, the salt spreader also has a solid rod linkage for convenience. As a matter of fact, the spreading is of high volume and efficient due to the large aperture drop hole, making it a high output salt spreader. With this salt spreader, you can also adjust how much salt or fertilizer comes out of the holes. All in all, the Earthway Snow Ice-Melt Spreader can hold up to 50 pounds of salt. It is also very lightweight and easy to carry around.
Best Handheld Salt Spreader
Suncast SS027 Hand Held Spreader De-Icer
The Suncast SS027 Hand Held Spreader De-Icer is one of the convenient hand-held salt spreaders which can hold up to 6 pound of salt in one go so it is only ideal for small areas due to its versatility. The salt spreader by Suncast is very helpful and it comes fully assembled so you only need to use it. As a matter of fact, the distribution is even due to the adjustable crank so you do not have to worry about uneven areas. And moreover, the salt spreader can be used with sand, salt or ice melt. As for the assembly and robustness, the resin construction has unparalleled durability.
Best Carbon Steel Salt Spreader
Buyers SaltDogg WB100B Snow Broadcast Spreader
When it comes to the hopper size of the Buyers SaltDogg WB100B Snow Broadcast Spreader, you cannot go wrong with its quality due to the fact that it has a hopper capacity of 1.5 cubic foot. And furthermore, as for the salt capacity, the Snow Broadcast Spreader has a total salt capacity of 100 pounds.
And adding to the mobility of the salt spreader, it comes with pneumatic tires that measure 13 inches in diameter each that keep the salt spreader very stable. And in addition to that, the carbon steel frame adds durability to the product. When it comes to spreading the salt or other material, the spread depth can be adjusted from 3 feet to 30 feet. As a matter of fact, it can be used for salt, ice melt and other items.
The Buyers Snow Broadcast Spreader comes with a rain cover that is made from durable plastic to cover it up when not in use. In fact, any material will not jam due to the fact that the metal hopper has an expanded screen. This particular salt spreader is very great for use near sidewalks, gardens, etc. It also has a poly deflector which has 3 flaps and is highly adjustable. Moreover, the fixed rear deflector also protects the user’s feet.
When it comes to handling the salt spreader, the handle is very ergonomic and keeps the user out of fatigue when spreading salt. Additionally, it also has a solid control linkage to prevent stretched and sticking cables. The salt spreader by SaltDogg also has a large flow regulator on the handle to provide convenience while spreading salt. An additional rain cover is also double stitched for durability. What’s more, stainless steel gears are of heavy duty for better durability as well.
Ideal Salt Spreader for Pathways
Bosmere W105 Salt Shaker for Pathways
If you just want to maintain a pathway, you can depend on the Bosmere W105 Salt Shaker for Pathways which can hold up to 10 pounds of salt or ice melt or equivalent to 14 cups. It is totally ideal for pathways, steps and small walkways and it can be used with ice melt or salt. It is also very convenient to spread around.
What’s more, the handle has been contoured for an easier grip while spreading salt. This unit definitely keeps your paths and steps safe during the winter season. In addition, the spreader size can also be adjusted easily. The Bosmere Salt Shaker for Pathways can also be used on some driveways.
Salt Spreader with Cover for Rain and Snow
Chapin 80088 80-Pound Salt Ice-Melt Spreader
The Chapin 80088 80-Pound Salt Ice-Melt Spreader uses a unique baffle system at 360 degrees for the best control of your spread pattern. The conical auger is made from poly material that helps to spread and move salt smoothly through the hopper. Moreover, the hopper has a capacity of 80 pounds of material such as salt or ice melt.
A steel frame that is powder coated supports the salt spreader. The unit comes with a cover for protection against rain and snow and other elements and it also comes with a salt grate. It is compatible with seeds, fertilizers, ice melt, salt and others with a few adjustments on the gate. The gear system is also enclosed for better protection against rain, wind and snow and the two-piece hopper design is unique to this salt spreader. The bail system is very ergonomic to operate with your own hands and the pneumatic tires work on any terrain due to its excellent traction.
The baffle system has 4 sides and the spreader helps to minimize clumping in the salt auger. The pneumatic tires measure 12 inches in diameter each so they are quite large compared to most salt spreaders. The Chapin Spreader is fully assembled and only need the handle to be flipped and the bolts tightened.
Ideal Salt Spreader for Tailgating
Buyers SaltDogg TGSUVPROA Tailgate Salt Spreader
The Buyers SaltDogg TGSUVPROA Tailgate Salt Spreader has a hopper size capacity of 4.4 cubic feet. It has a salt or ice melt capacity of 331 pounds and it can be used on tailgating due to its hitch mount feature for SUVs. The rugged thermoplastic material makes it durable and the heavy duty motor is fit for any operation in any time of the year.
The variable speed control is integrated and gives you convenience in spreading salt. The salt spreader stands at 40 by 22 inches and also comes with receiver tubes at two inches each. The ball bearing motor is completely sealed for protection against the elements. The flow of material is up to 30 feet in distance when controlled with the in-cab variable speed control.
The unit can be used for trucks and SUVs as the hopper measures 21 by 22 inches. In addition, the cover of this salt spreader is a fitted polymer lid. Mounted on 2-inch Class 4-R mounts, the wire harness goes directly to the battery for better performance. It runs on 12 volts DC power while the motor runs on 1/6 HP. It has a spreading width of 3 to 30 feet while the feed mechanism is gravity feed with integral auger assist. It also has an optional vibrator sold separately and it has a 9-inch spinner included.
The Competition
Spreading salt in the backyard or in the front yard is serious business. We only picked those with the best and most unique quality and usability when it comes to anti-icing or de-icing your yard or driveway or walkway to reduce the amount of snow you have to toss aside to clear a path.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of de-icing roads using salt and ice melt?
A: According to Salt Association UK , it helps in road maintenance. De-icing roads keep accidents away during the winter. It also promotes safety and ease of moving vehicles. De-icing with salt also prevents the hassle of having to scoop ice with a snow blower or snow shovel or snow rake. Salt lowers the water’s freezing point so that the ice will not form in the surface of your driveway, walkway, pathway or common road.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a tailgate salt spreader over a v-box style salt spreader?
A: According to Snow Magazine , tailgate spreaders are very easy to operate so you can use it on your truck or any vehicle. Tailgate spreaders are also cost effective compared to v-box style spreaders that have delicate parts such as gas motors and chain belts. Even if you store a lot of salt in the vehicle, it will not be an issue due to the size of the tailgate salt spreader. A great thing about the tailgate salt spreader is the fact that you can mix all kinds of materials to keep the melting process better.
The advantages of a v-box spreader, however, is the fact that it can hold more salt than tailgate spreaders so you don’t need to reload salt a lot on your hopper. Some people say that v-box spreaders also look sleeker than tailgate spreaders.
Wrapping It Up
As a whole, the Scotts Snap System Spreader is our best salt spreader and this will definitely be of use to prevent too much maintenance on your yard when it comes to keeping it snow-free.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.