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The 7 Best Snow Shovels To Handle Any Winter Storm

Shoveling snow can be a pain. These tools will make it easier.

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the best snow shovels
Staff

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Snow shovels come in three primary designs, based on what you need them. There are shovels built to lift snow, shovels to push snow, and those capable of lifting and pushing loads. Each type is useful to have, but if you’re looking for an all-around workhouse, it’s hard to beat the versatility of a combination shovel. Most combination shovels are made with a heavy duty plastic (technically polypropylene) blade that won’t damage sensitive surfaces like wooden decks, and these are our favorites.

1
Best Overall

Garant Heavy Duty Poly Snow Pusher

Garant Heavy Duty Poly Snow Pusher
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Shoveling snow can be a tedious, physical task that takes a toll on your back. An ergonomic snow shovel, like the 14-inch Garant option, will make shoveling tons of snow easier and require less muscle power. Its aluminum handle has a comfortable D-grip construction and a curved, ergonomic design that works well on both uneven sidewalks and smooth driveways. If you're looking for a shovel with the same design, but a little bigger, it also comes in an 18-inch version.

Spring into action with a strain-reducing snow shovel that won't totally break your back. This one from Snow Joe features an extra spring-loaded handle that captures the energy from tossing snow aside to reset the shovel and prepare it for your next load. Its ergonomic shape is designed to reduce back strain by up to 30%, and a metal strip at the bottom of the scoop is ideal for chipping away at ice.

3
Best Push Shovel

Garant Yukon 24-Inch Heavy Duty Poly Snow Pusher

Garant Yukon 24-Inch Heavy Duty Poly Snow Pusher

Spend less time shoveling with this push shovel from Garant’s Yukon series. We especially liked the nice long handle. None of the shovels were very capable of pushing our grippy wet sawdust, but when we reset our test area so it was just 3 inches deep instead of 5.5, the Garant moved the most “snow” with each pass. Similar to combination shovels, the poly blade has edges on the sides, which might tempt you to lift snow with this behemoth, too. Resist the urge.

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4
Best Car Shovel

Lifeline Collapsible Aluminum Utility Shovel

Amazon’s Choice
Lifeline Collapsible Aluminum Utility Shovel

Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, the Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel separates into three pieces for easy storage in your trunk or truck bed, but it’s small enough that we didn’t have any trouble leaving it assembled. The telescoping handle easily adjusts between two heights, but we liked the longer 32¼-inch setting. With the small blade, it took us awhile to move our snow, but it’s an ideal size for emergencies on the road. The Sport Utility comes in several colors, but don’t count on the paint to stick around. Even in our limited use, we noticed it scuffs easily.

5
Best Motorized Shovel

Snow Joe 11-Inch Electric Snow Shovel

On Sale
Snow Joe 11-Inch Electric Snow Shovel

If you love the function of a high-powered snow blower, but prefer the portability of a traditional handheld shovel, this electric snow shovel combines both needs in one efficient device. Its mighty 10-amp motor can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute, and two razor-sharp blades can dig up to 11 inches wide and 6 inches deep with each pass, for impressively speedy cleanup.

6
Best Shovel on Wheels

The Snowcaster 36-Inch Wheeled Snow Shovel

Amazon’s Choice
The Snowcaster 36-Inch Wheeled Snow Shovel

Wheel away your winter blues with a snow shovel that seriously streamlines the cleanup process. Not only is this shovel extra-wide with a massive 36-inch width, but it also moves on wheels to help you avoid heavy lifting. Unlike traditional scoop-and-throw shovels, it's better suited for pushing snow aside and wind-rowing with a bi-directional blade.

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7

Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel With Curved Handle

Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel With Curved Handle

If shoveling snow is your least favorite winter activity, this efficient model from Suncast might just make you have a change of heart. Its curved, ergonomic design is easy on your body and comfortable to use, and it works equally well on both uneven sidewalks and smooth driveways. Plus, a galvanized steel strip tackles ice with ease without scraping surfaces.

Headshot of Adrienne Donica
Adrienne Donica
Editor

Adrienne Donica tested hiking, camping, and other adventure gear as Popular Mechanics' outdoors editor, before going on to edit gear reviews for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling as Expert Reviews editor. Find her on the trail, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Headshot of Zarah A. Kavarana

Zarah Kavarana is the contributing editor at BestProducts.com, where she spends her days hunting for shareworthy home, tech, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle finds, and resisting the urge to add them all to her cart. A Boston University journalism grad with a penchant for red wine, her hidden talents include poaching an egg and applying winged eyeliner on the subway.

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