The AAA 4005 Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel is our best snow shovel and this one has an adjustable handle from 25 inches up to 32 inches. With its size, it can be fit onto any vehicle such as an SUV or car due to its disassembly features. Despite this shovel’s compact ability, it has a total length of 40 inches across so it is very useful. It can be used on snow and other things as a utility shovel. Moreover, it is super lightweight at only 1.3 pounds of weight so you can take it anywhere. In fact, storage is very convenient as it can be broken down into 3 pieces for travel and transport purposes.
Our step-up pick is the Suncast SC2700 20-Inch Snow Shovel Pusher and this snow shovel has a total length of 51 inches so it is significantly longer than our top pick. It is overall a great tool for pushing snow and shoveling large heaps of snow out of the way. Conveniently, the handle has a diameter of 1.25 inches while the blade measures 20 inches by 13 inches. The snow shovel also has a wear strip for protection against the elements. The wear strip is made from galvanized steel so it is both durable and lightweight at the same time. Also, the D-grip handle adds ease to the user of the snow shovel and adds convenience in driving out snow.
The budget pick is the True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Snow Shovel and it is truly a great shovel for large driveways. When it comes to durability, the wear strip is made from high density steel to keep it sturdy for long years of use. In fact, this snow shovel is made from high quality poly material that is very lightweight and durable at the same time. The shovel spans at a width of 18 inches for the shovel blade. Adding to that, the comfortable D-handle gives you an excellent grip due to its wide design.
A Little Background
Snow can be quite dangerous when not maintained in your backyard or front yard, especially in your driveway. Snow looks great in pictures and when it falls down but when it messes around your driveway, it can be a bit of a hassle to clean up. Snow can take its toll on the parts of your car and corrode its mechanical bits, which is similar to driving a car onto a flooded area. When there is excess snow in the neighborhood, it can pose a problem to you and your family as well as your well-expected guests.
This is why you need the help from a snow shovel. A shovel like this is not just a regular shovel for digging ground – this particular shovel is usually wide in its structure and it is like those bulldozers that you often see but on a smaller scale. The shovel for snow scraping and pushing is designed for driving away snow and carving a path for your pathway, walkway, driveway or any other way to your house. Keeping snow away is a great exercise and is a great safety precaution so that you and your family members and your guests will not have a hard time walking in the snow all the time, let alone drive a car to your garage.
Unlike regular shovels, snow shovels are usually large and heavy duty and can be used by anyone depending on its size to scrape out snow. Snow shovels come in big and small sizes but most of them will be very heavy duty compared to the ones that get rusty all of a sudden because they are only meant to dig soil, sand, gravel and the like. Snow shovels are mostly made from hard plastic ends and act like dust pans. Most of them also have fiberglass or aluminum handles so that they do not corrode. The lightweight materials also add to the snow shovel’s usability and comfort, since snow itself is heavier than leaves from a tree in autumn or a bunch of pebbles from your garden. Snow is literally water but frozen in deposits.
Snow shovels vary in usage. For instance, the bigger snow shovels are better for driveway maintenance and to keep out heaping snow away from your lawn or yard. These shovels usually range from 40 to 50 feet in length and usually have a lot of power and capacity and they are for heavy duty usage. These are very large but can be stored in your garage and some of them are also retractable and collapsible so you can take them virtually anywhere where there is heavy snowfall.
Smaller snow shovels are for lighter use and application, such as cleaning up your car from snow deposits. These small snow shovels usually have handy collapsible mechanisms that allow it to be fitted into your car’s back seat or trunk without much hassle. Some of them are also very convenient in other applications where there are snow deposits.
Snow shovels are built to last and are usually anti-corrosion due to the fact that they will have to scrape out snow and get in contact with water elements. The snow shovel is very versatile in every operation and this is why you should definitely invest in a snow shovel if you area is very prone to heavy snow fall and thus you should definitely get to work by shoveling out the snow from your backyard, lawn, driveway, walkway or pathway or even your patio in the winter.
How We Picked
When choosing the best snow shovel, things can get tough. We kept in mind the following in our choice to give you the best snow shovel for any occasion.
The snow shovel should be extra sturdy and tough for winter weather. Durability is unmatched for a snow shovel because it should be able to withstand the heavy snow and snow weather. This is why the snow shovel should be very stable in its build and also very tough to break.
The size and capacity of the snow shovel should be taken into consideration. A snow shovel can vary from small to medium to wide scale snow shovel sizes. One should always take into practice that they should use the right size of snow shovel for the right job to avoid getting damaged easily.
The snow shovel should have an ergonomic grip, which usually a D-handle style. The handle must be very comfortable and this is what makes the shovel very convenient to use.
The shovel itself should also be lightweight. Adding to the comfort features, the snow shovel should be very easy to carry around because of the fact that it will scoop up very large heaps of snow. The snow is very heavy and this is why it is very important that you get a snow shovel that will stand up to the challenge.
The shovel should indicate where it is best used for – on driveways or on top of cars. The snow shovel should also not damage your cars or your surface and this is why it should be super safe and not too sharp but just right when it comes to shoveling out snow away from the surface of your driveway or pathway.
The storage ability of a snow shovel should also be considered, especially if the handle is telescoping in its design. In some cases, the snow shovel may also be divided into various parts so you can keep it in your car trunk for emergency purposes. For instance, you want to go to some place like a friend’s house or a relative’s house but your car will be full of snow afterwards. This is why you may want to have an emergency snow shovel for that purpose so that you can get rid of snow anywhere and anytime.
Our Pick
AAA 4005 Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
Available in vibrant colors of blue, red and gold, the best snow shovel for our top pick is the AAA 4005 Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel and this is a totally awesome utility snow shovel. When it comes to its size, it has an adjustable handle from 25 inches up to 32 inches. When it comes to durability and overall quality, the sturdy aluminum construction design adds durability but keeps it very light to handle.
As for the build of the snow shovel, it is very cool that it can be broken down into 3 pieces for travel and transport purposes. The AAA Sport Utility Shovel is super lightweight at only 1.3 pounds of weight. In addition to that, it can be used on snow and other things as a utility shovel so it is very helpful for any shoveling activity. As a matter of fact, it can be fit onto any vehicle such as an SUV or car due to its disassembly features.
This particular snow shovel by AAA works great on snow, ice and mud so it is very versatile and not just for snow scraping. When it comes to the overall size, the snow shovel has a total length of 40 inches across. Moreover, the durability is superb because of the fact that the steel blade is very strong and durable. In addition to that, the AAA Shovel can fit even the smallest car trunks such as the Mini Cooper. Overall, this snow shovel is a great snow shovel for driving snow away from your car.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Not every item in the world and in most tools has a completely perfect build. For instance, the AAA 4005 Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel has some minor flaws such as the fact that it might not be as good and effective as big shovels due to being small so it might not work as a shovel for bigger areas such as a driveway, but nonetheless, it is meant for scraping snow from the top of your vehicle and other smaller and handy places.
Step-up Pick
Suncast SC2700 20-Inch Snow Shovel Pusher
As for our step-up pick,w e chose the Suncast SC2700 20-Inch Snow Shovel Pusher as our best snow shovel and the blade measures 20 inches by 13 inches. When it comes to the size, the snow shovel made by Suncast has a total length of 51 inches. Moreover, when it comes to the quality, this design makes it a shovel and a pusher in just one tool combination. In addition to that, the shovel also has a wear strip for protection against the elements.
When it comes to comfort and convenience, the D-grip handle adds ease to the user of the snow shovel and adds convenience in driving out snow. And moreover, for a quality finish and durable build, the graphite blade has a nonstick surface so it is easy to clean up when needed. In addition to that, the wear strip is made from galvanized steel so it is both durable and lightweight at the same time. To add convenience to the snow shovel, the handle is made from a steel core with an excellent grip that will not get you as tired as much. When it comes to size, the handle has a diameter of 1.25 inches.
Overall, the Suncast Snow Shovel Pusher is a great tool for pushing snow and shoveling large heaps of snow out of the way. And furthermore, the handle spans at a length of 40 inches and it can also be removed for easy storage. All in all, this snow shovel is highly durable and can withstand many seasons.
Budget Pick
True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Snow Shovel
When it comes to the budget pick for this review set, we chose the True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Snow Shovel and this snow shovel is made from high quality poly material that is very lightweight and durable at the same time. For added durability, the wear strip is made from high density steel to keep it sturdy for long years of use. Moreover, the steel handle has been resin coated to keep it durable as well.
On the convenience of the snow shovel, the comfortable D-handle gives you an excellent grip due to its wide design. The size is not a problem because spans at a width of 18 inches for the shovel blade. The shovel also has a total length of 50 inches so it is great for larger areas of snow shoveling so it is very convenient for driveways and large patios. The True Temper Snow Shovel is designed specifically for snow but can also be used in gardening and it is totally a great shovel for large driveways.
Best Electric Snow Shovel
Snow Joe 323E Electric Snow Shovel
If you want a unique electric shovel then you can depend on the Snow Joe 323E Electric Snow Shovel for shoveling your snowy areas. It can be used for shoveling sidewalks, decks, patios and steps quickly and without much hassle and it works as an alternative to regular snow shovels.
The Snow Joe Snow Shovel can move up to 400 pounds of snow per minute using the motor which is powerful at 10 amps of power. Moreover, it is so powerful, versatile and efficient such that each pass gives you a cut of 13 inches in width and 6 inches in depth using the paddle auger which measures 2 blades. In addition to that, this electric snow shovel is also approved by the safety standards of CSA.
Moreover, the design is very ergonomic and the handle is very easy to adjust and this is what makes it an excellent snow shovel for its price. Carrying it around is not a problem due to the fact that the snow shovel is super lightweight at only 13 pounds. In addition to that, it is super efficient that it has a one-pass cut depth of 4 inches. Moreover, the Snow Joe Shovel also has a safety switch button to prevent unintended starting of the unit. The shovel is also backed by a full warranty of 2 years for your convenience in the long run.
Best Survival Kit Snow Shovel
UST U-Dig-It Extreme Shovel
The UST U-Dig-It Extreme Shovel has a large blade design to keep your work faster as much as possible and is our best shovel for digging snow in the wilderness. It is an ideal snow shovel for survival, camping and outdoor adventures and it has been made from only the best quality materials to give you more value for your money. The snow shovel is also easily collapsible for storage purposes.
When it comes to the weight and the convenience of the snow shovel, it is very easy to carry around due to being lightweight. Moreover, the aluminum material makes the shovel light but durable and stable to use for a long time. In addition to that, the handle is also telescoping so it is very easy to store when not in use. The UST Extreme Shovel is built for the toughest snowstorms while on the go and it can fit onto any trunk and car so it is very convenient for traveling. As for the size, the snow shovel measures 11 by 8 inches in total when unclasped. In fact, both the blade and shaft are made of metal so it adds to the durability. The shovel can expand up to 30 inches in length.
Ideal Snow Shovel for Kids
Suncast SK4000 12-Inch Kids Snow Shovel
The Suncast SK4000 12-Inch Kids Snow Shovel is a great snow shovel for kids for moving snow with the family. In addition, the handle is made from resin and measures 34 inches in total. Moreover, the snow shovel blade measures 12 inches and is perfect for a child’s size. Additionally, the D-grip gives you an ergonomic handling experience that is meant for kids as well.
As for the size, the blade has dimensions of 10 by 12 inches. For the features, the angled rib pattern adds overall convenience to the tool for digging out snow. And in addition to that, the handle is made from black PVC for extra durability and light weight. Moreover, the handle has a diameter of 0.875 inch and furthermore, the hard plastic of the snow shovel adds to its stability. The Suncast Kids Snow Shovel can also be used by adults and teenagers to get the snow cleaning job done.
Snow Shovel with One-Piece Construction
True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Snow Shovel
The True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Snow Shovel gives you a lot of leverage due to the fact that the foot step adds convenience to its user. This particular snow shovel can be used for steps, stairs and the like due to the reversible feature and it helps you maintain the best posture and hand placement when you lift the snow shovel because of the mid grips that are ergonomic in its design as well as its end grip.
For the construction, the blade is of high quality and capacity and measures 26 inches in its height. This snow shovel can be used on a double purpose bases as a snow shovel and as a snow pusher all in all. It also has a single one-piece construction so it is very sturdy in its build. Moreover, the aluminum handle is very durable to withstand the elements and the power of shoveling in snow and throughout the winter season. Quality is not a problem because the shovel is confirmed 50 percent lighter than most sleigh shovels out there. The True Temper SnoBoss gives you the best comfort when shoveling snow out of the way as an effortless tool in driving out snow.
Snow Shovel with Wide Design
SnowPlow 50548 48-in Snow Pusher
With the SnowPlow 50548 48-in Snow Pusher, the handle grip has a D-style design to give you comfort and ease while shoveling out the snow. The very durable blade is made from UHMW polyethylene that is extremely stable throughout the weather and elements. Also, the blade is also non-abrasive and has been tested to be resistant to impacts.
The shovel itself is very easy to handle and easy to carry around and the handle is made from fiberglass that is of heavy duty and has been reinforced for stability. The construction is also rust-resistant so it is very versatile for the harshest snow and winter scenarios. The shovel has a total width of 48 inches and it can be used as a snow shovel and a snow pusher. The SnowPlow Pusher comes with everything needed such as the blade, grip, handle, hardware and tuff brace.
In fact, you can also chop sow with this exquisite snow shovel. It also has UV inhibitors so you can use it all year round. Ideally safe for decks, especially wooden decks, the blade has a thickness of 1/4 inch. Also, there are also replacement blades available should the blade become damaged or dull over time. The shovel can also be used for patios, stairs, steps and sidewalks.
Ideal Snow Shovel for Emergency Purposes
True Temper AutoBoss Emergency Car Shovel
The True Temper AutoBoss Emergency Car Shovel is available in one pack or two packs and it has a blade clearance of 150 square inches. You can easily retract or extend due to its ability, flexibility and unique design as the shovel can be stored in a compact way onto any trunk, back seat, bag or any other storage place. it can be locked onto place when using as well
Great for scraping out snow from your car to keep your vehicle well-maintained during the winter, the poly material blade is also highly adjustable. In fact, you have a ton of options for hand placement so it is very compact, comfortable and sleek in its design. It is an ideal snow shovel for emergency purposes which stands at dimensions of 16 by 10 by 3 inches so it is indeed very compact in its design when folded.
Snow Shovel with Fiberglass Handle
Bully Tools 92814 Combination Snow Shovel
With the Bully Tools 92814 Combination Snow Shovel, the scoop is made from high quality poly material and spans at a width of 22 inches. What’s more, the D-grip handle is designed to keep you comfortable while on the go and shoveling out snow and reducing user fatigue. In addition, the highly durable fiberglass handle measures 33 inches and it is not just durable but also a great insulator for the cold and chilly winter season.
The shovel has a very sleek design and it can be used even with gloved hands. The total height of the snow shovel is 56 inches from end to end. It is a high quality American product that will last for years and it is super lightweight at only 3 pounds. The shovel is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The Competition
When it comes to snow shovels, we only picked those with various functions and great durability and that will be able to thoroughly scoop out snow for a variety of purposes. There are snow shovels for driveways while there are snow shovels for smaller applications such as brushing snow away from the car or a vehicle or from your mailbox.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a snow shovel and what does it do?
A: According to Wikipedia , a snow shovel is a special shovel that is meant for scooping up snow and clearing a path in your driveway, lawn, walkway, pathway, patio and other places nearby. The handle is usually long and sometimes telescoping in a snow shovel while the scoop part is usually curved and can sometimes be used to push snow away. Some snow shovels have straight handles while some have curved ones. Most snow shovels are equipped with a D-style handle so that they get an ergonomic grip while using it against snow. Most snow shovels are a great way to keep the driveway clear and for your vehicle to enter safely. Generally, snow shoveling is also a great form of exercise during the winter.
Q: If shoveling snow out of the way can help you burn calories, what are some of the tips that you can do to get a total workout while snow shoveling?
A: According to Huffington Post , you can do squats while shoveling out snow and we all know that squats helps you strengthen your knees and thighs so it is an effective way to work out while in the cold. Twisting with your shovel also helps you strengthen your core and improve your shoulders and form. You can also perform lunges with the snow shovel so you can not only drive snow away, you can also exercise your knees and improve your endurance in the long run. Also, dead lifts while shoveling also helps you reduce weight and gain more strength. Working out in the snow is essential because of the cold temperature and it is another way of keeping yourself warm without using a heater indoors.
Q: What are some of the tips you should follow before, during and after snow shoveling?
A: According to About Home , make sure you wear proper winter clothing when shoveling snow outside to avoid hypothermia. You should dress up in layers of clothing so that you stay well-protected and warm. Always take breaks when shoveling so that you will not strain your muscles in doing so and make sure you do stretching first so that your muscles will not be totally strained.
You can also add wax to your shovel blade so that snow will not stick to it. Make sure you lift using your legs and bend using your knees and make sure the shovel is close to you so your back will not suffer. Do not carry too much snow in the shovel in one go to avoid straining yourself. Only carry the right amount for your size to reduce the risk for injuries. In fact, you can also change your grip of the shovel to reduce straining on the hands and shoulders. If you have a driveway, make sure you clear snow from that point first.
Wrapping It Up
To wrap it up, the AAA 4005 Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel is our best snow shovel fit for any snow scraping and shoveling occasion during the winter.
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.