As ski hills begin to open, the holidays approach, and summer hikers start the slow transition to snowshoes, the growing seasonal excitement is palpable from coast to coast. Of course, winter isn’t all fun and games. As temperatures drop and the white stuff starts to pile up, residents of the most wintry locales are preparing for the added seasonal challenges of heating their homes and keeping their driveways and walkways clear of snow.
While snowblowers can help clear large zones, owning a high-quality snow shovel is essential. There’s an impressive number of snow shovels on the market, from heavy-duty scoop shovels to lightweight options for powder snow.
We’ve tested shovels through multiple seasons of full-time living in some of America’s snowiest mountain towns. During a historical precipitation winter in 2022-2023, we spent hundreds of hours shoveling driveways and sidewalks in Crested Butte, Colo., Lander, Wyo., and Bishop, Calif. Shoveling snow can be a brutal chore, but we’ve realized that a good shovel can significantly ease the pain. After more than our fair share of labor-intensive “field research,” we’ve identified the best snow shovels available today.
Take a look at our top picks for the best snow shovels to help find the perfect snow-removal tool this winter, or hop on down to our comprehensive buyer’s guide, comparison chart, or FAQ for more help in choosing.
Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on December 12, 2023, adding the Bully Tools Poly Shovel, additional details about our testing practices, and more information in the FAQ section. We also made sure our product list is up-to-date with current models.
The Best Snow Shovels of 2023-2024
Best Overall Snow Shovel
-
Blade width
18″ -
Blade material
Poly with aluminum edge -
Weight
3.7 lbs. -
Best for
General use, seriously snowy winters
-
Ergonomically designed for safe snow removal -
Easy lifting and tossing -
Affordable
-
Small shovel blade doesn’t hold a ton of snow -
Slight learning curve to use properly
Best Snow-Pusher
-
Blade width
24″ -
Blade material
Alloy steel -
Weight
6.6 lbs. -
Best for
Pushing wet, heavy snow
-
Durable steel blade -
Long hardwood handle is great for shock and leverage -
Good option for harder snowpacks
-
Heavy shovel for some -
Edges of steel blade can curl if not careful
Best Sleigh-Style Snow Shovel
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Blade width
36.8″ -
Blade material
Poly with steel wear strip along the edge -
Weight
11.5 lbs. -
Best for
Clearing heavy snowfall from large areas
-
Huge blade for maximum snow collection -
Ergonomically designed handle reduces back strain -
Best shovel for large areas or massive snowfalls
-
Large shovel that can be hard to handle for some -
Takes a little practice to perfect -
More expensive than alternatives
Best Aluminum Snow Shovel
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Blade width
11.25″ -
Blade material
Aluminum -
Weight
3.5 lbs -
Best for
Residential users with occasional snowfall
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Lightweight design -
Rustproof aluminum blade -
Strong and durable hardwood handle
-
Not the right choice for major snowfalls or heavy moving -
Short handle not ideal for tall people
Best Snow Shovel to Keep in Your Vehicle
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Blade width
16″ -
Blade material
Aluminum -
Weight
4.4 lbs. -
Best for
In-car storage in case of sudden need or emergency
-
Packs down small -
Aircraft-grade aluminum blade is ultra-strong -
Full-length, adjustable handle
Best Electric Snow Shovel
-
Blade width
10″ -
Blade material
Plastic -
Weight
12.8 lbs. -
Best for
Large driveways, frequent snowfall, users with limited strength and/or mobility
-
No need for cords, fuel, or mechanical tune-ups -
Runs quiet -
Suitable for light snow and small areas
-
Expensive -
Can only cover small areas for short periods -
Most efficient with light, fluffy snow
Snow Shovels Comparison Table
How We Tested Snow Shovels
Testing snow shovels is pretty straightforward. We gathered the best snow shovels we could find and set our testers loose in all the different snow conditions.
We noted the durability of each shovel and how the shovel handled in different snow conditions. We also paid particular attention to how we felt using the shovel. Did the ergonomic design actually help? How did the length feel, and was the grip usable when wearing bulky gloves? Then, we considered the best use of the shovel. Not all shovels serve the same purpose. Some work better for lighter snow, some for heavy wet snow, and some for smaller areas versus large driveways.
Our testers love to play outside. That means living in some of the snowiest places in the US. When you like winter activities, snow shoveling is part of the game. Solid shovels are critical whether used for shoveling out houses, cars, or testing avy conditions.
Contributor Constance Mahoney lives in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and is not a stranger to epic snowfalls. A self-proclaimed “snow farmer” in the winter, Constance knows the value of a dependable snow shovel; her winter snow removal job depends on it. Whether she is up on a roof or digging out sidewalks, she is an expert on shovels.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Snow Shovel
Variables such as climate, type and amount of snowfall, and the area you have to keep clear should be considered when choosing the best snow shovel for you. There’s no universal answer for everybody. Many folks build an arsenal of shovels to tackle everything Mother Nature throws at them throughout the winter season. Below are just a few things to consider.
Your Location and Snow Type
The type of snow you get makes a big difference in the type of shovel that works best. For colder climates, with lighter, drier snow, a snow pusher is a great option. Basically, anything with a blade over 24 inches isn’t meant for lifting, it’s instead designed for simply pushing snow away.
If you live in a location that gets large amounts of wet snow (hello, Colorado), then you’ll want a true shovel. You’ll need something that you can lift to move heavy snow out of the way. Also, consider if you regularly shovel off a deck or other structure that may need to fit in a smaller space or offer improved maneuverability.
Shovel Style
When choosing between shovels, perhaps the most apparent distinction is the overall style. Here, we’ve subdivided shovel styles into three categories — traditional shovel, pusher, and combination — and each serves its purpose.
Traditional Shovel
Traditionally shaped snow shovels have been around for a long time and have maintained their popularity for decades. These tools generally have a simple design that allows users to scoop and toss snow easily.
Generally speaking, traditional shovels have a wood shaft and plastic blade — though some heavier-duty options are made of aluminum, steel, or another metal alloy. The AMES Aluminum Scoop is an example of a traditional snow shovel. You can find traditional snow shovels in all lengths, and the longer the shovel, the more leverage it has.
Pusher
In recent years, people have gravitated more toward shovels designed for pushing snow, referred to as “pushers.” For some, it’s easier to push piles of snow than to lift and toss, especially because pushing is easier on the back. The Garant Nordic 24-Inch is our top choice for a pusher snow shovel.
This shovel style is designed to place under a pile of snow and slide forward, clearing a path in its wake. Pushers work great for light snow — even in large quantities — but can be a real hassle when the precipitation is wet and heavy. Snow sleighs like the Garant True Temper 24-Inch are the newest addition to this category.
Combination
Combination snow shovels are precisely what they sound like: suitable for both pushing snow and lifting and tossing. The Bully Tools Combo is our top pick. While it may not do either as well as a shovel dedicated to a specific job, combo shovels are an excellent middle ground.
Many people welcome the versatility of combo shovels, as it’s rare for a winter storm to cater perfectly to a specific type of shovel. People find themselves pushing, lifting, tossing, and even chipping following a snowfall in most cases. If you only plan on having one shovel in your quiver, a combo shovel or the Snow Joe Shovelution may be the right move for you.
Straight vs. Curved Shaft
If you’ve spent any time shopping for shovels, you’ve likely noticed a stark difference in shaft design — notably straight and curved options. Each design is meant to create a mechanical advantage in different situations, and the correct shovel shaft design for you depends on how you plan to use it.
Straight-Handle Shovels
Shovels with straight handles are optimized for chopping, lifting, and tossing snow. A straight handle allows users to achieve the best hand position to lift, carry, and throw snow. In addition, shovels with this design better lend themselves to chopping blocks or clearing particularly stubborn areas of hardpack snow.
Curved-Shaft Shovels
When you need to push snow around, reach for a curved-shaft shovel. Whereas the shaft’s curvature hinders one’s ability to safely and efficiently lift a heavy shovelful of snow, it’s perfectly designed for pushing. Bent handles are specially designed to limit lower-back stress when a push force is applied moving forward. Curved-shaft shovels generally prevent users from excessive bending and overuse when moving snow on the ground.
Blade Material
Like shovel style, shovel blade material plays a major role in determining the best snow shovels for any given situation. In general, shovel blades range from heavy-duty steel to lightweight plastic, with a few options in between. Like choosing a shovel for design, consider climate and snow type when looking at blade materials.
Plastic blades, like the Bully Tools One Piece Poly Shovel, work incredibly well for light snow and large shoveling jobs.
Steel blades are an excellent option for wet, heavy snow or chipping hardpack and ice.
Aluminum blades are a perfect lightweight option but won’t hold up to the challenging task of moving large quantities of wet precipitation.
Generally speaking, plastic blades are the most common blade available, and for good reason. They can handle most jobs and are the most efficient at doing so. If you have only one shovel in your garage, a strong plastic-blade option will probably suffice.
FAQ
The best snow shovel is almost entirely specific to the individual and situation. When deciding which snow shovel is best for you, consider the type and quantity of snow you most regularly receive, the area you need to clear, and your personal preference between shoveling and pushing. It’s best to have a few different options available.
Ergonomically designed snow shovels are ideal. Shoveling snow is no easy task, and each winter, countless people hurt themselves by overdoing it when removing snow. Ergonomically designed options are meant to combat this by limiting the amount a person has to bend over, providing a mechanical advantage, and reducing the physical demands of snow removal.
Some shovel styles aren’t ergonomic but may be required for certain tasks. When this is the case, be extra cautious and pay attention to your form and body.
When possible, experts recommend shoveling several times during a storm to prevent the accumulating snowflakes from bonding to each other or the bed surface. By being proactive, you can prevent ice buildup on the snowpack’s basal layers and remove new precipitation when soft and light instead of hard and cohesive. This will save you a lot of work and stress when compared to the challenge of ice removal.
Proper snow-removal technique depends on the tools available and the type and quantity of snow. That said, there are a few universal steps that will help keep you working safely and efficiently throughout the winter season.
Dressing in layers is always a good idea. You don’t want to overheat, so wear clothes that breathe or can be shed when you heat up. Remember to wear gloves; blisters can form quickly! Here is our recommendation for winter gloves or mittens. Also, you may need extra traction on your boots to help from slipping.
Warming up is imperative before any major snow-removal project. Stretch and loosen up your muscles before putting on layers and tackling the job ahead. Whether lifting or pushing, don’t forget to bend at the knees and use your legs, not your back.
When you’re lifting snow, keep the blade close to your body and alternate your grip to target different muscles. Finally, don’t be afraid to take breaks and come back to it later. The biggest mistake people make when shoveling snow is overworking and trying to tackle too much at once.
Electric snow shovels serve their purpose, but they should by no means be considered a full-time replacement for a traditional shovel. Having to rely exclusively on electronic components in the middle of winter is never a good idea, and we highly recommend owning a standard shovel in addition to an electric shovel.
That said, electric shovels can be a good option for clearing your property’s nonessential parts. Many people use them for porches or decks while relying on shovels or snowblowers for driveways and walkways. Our top choice is the Snow Joe 24V SS10.
Electric snow shovels can also be an excellent middle ground for the older folks in your family. These shovels allow elderly family members to continue to help with snow removal without overburdening them with heavy lifting and pushing. The relatively short runtime of electric snow shovels — 20 to 45 minutes — is also fairly self-limiting to the workload.
If you live where it snows or regularly drive off the beaten path, it is highly recommended to keep a shovel in your car. You never know when you might get stuck or come across someone else who needs help getting dug out. The DMOS Collective Stealth Shovel is the best, as it can dig someone out from snow and sand.
This winter, have confidence on the roads in any weather with a solid set of snow tires.
Intense work can tread over sharps, hot surfaces, high voltage, and dangerous objects. Protect your feet with one of our picks for the best work boots!
