One can shovel heavy snow by using an appropriate product that has enough volume to clear decent chunks of snow. One can start with smaller scoops and then progress to more substantial pieces without straining the body.
The Best Snow Shovel 2021 Has To Offer: Complete Buying Guide
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Last Updated: 15 June 2021
Tourists look forward to receiving the first few snowflakes of a year, but it is not the mindset of people who live in the region. Many people find the process of clearing driveways and pathways as a daily chore – without the best snow shovel – that can be quite annoying during winter months. This is especially true of people who live in places where it does not snow much. These people would have to grab a shovel at least once every year to clean up their walkways and driveways. Even though there are numerous choices available in the market, a person looking for the best snow shovel should perform careful research since not all products are the same.
It is essential to pick up a product that lasts for a long time but still comes with all the desired qualities that would suit an individual's requirement. These requirements can differ in the form of size, quantity, price, and more. One can continue further to pick up the best product in the segment to suit their requirements. By the way, you can also read more to find an excellent leaf blower.
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker Guide
TOP 10 Best Snow Shovel: Comparison Chart
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Best Overall: Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel Review
his snow shovel comes with two handles with a smaller spring-assisted alternate available close to the blade. Initially, it may be quite awkward, but it does not take long to adjust. Users can expect a 30% reduction in back strain due to this design. The shovel is useful for pushing tasks, even if the ground is not thoroughly cleaned. It boasts an aluminum wear strip that helps. It is excellent for people on the go since it can be disassembled or assembled without any tools. The product also can outlast competitors due to the polycarbonate blade.
All in all, this lightweight but sturdy product can help do the business in a variety of areas. It has limited downsides and excellent capabilities.
Why We Like It
- Lightweight
- The second handle reduces back strain
- Durable blade
- Ability to lift heavier loads with less effort
Best User-Friendly: The Snowcaster Bi-Directional Wheeled Snow Pusher Review
This is a snowplow shovel that is quite easy to use, and it is mainly applicable in places where less strain and less lifting is applicable. Compared with a traditional shovel, this product is preferred due to its ease of use. It can even be used in commercial scenarios, as it is quite sturdy. There are two wheels just behind the blades, and these help in a smooth movement. Sufficient sharpness has been provided to the blades, which are also wide enough to break away blocked deposits of snow without much effort.
This product will offer a quick and easy way to shift snow, as it is easy to assemble and disassemble. This makes it ideal for portability and usage by people with limited knowledge of these products.
Why We Like It
- Easy to assemble
- Natural movement due to wheels
- Apt for commercial purposes
- Better efficiency than traditional shovels
Best Durability: Manplow Revolution Snow Pusher Review
This plastic snow shovel excels with its ability to rotate blades so that it will last for twice the time compared to a product with a non-rotatable blade. Even on its own, the blade has enough strength to push through deeper snow without suffering damage. Apart from the force, there's enough capacity in these blades to go through the larger quantity of snow with every push. A reason for this superior strength is in the use of polyethylene materials, which also adds to the lightweight nature of the blade. This material also helps in better durability during the scraping process.
The excellent load-carrying capacity of this shovel can help shift substantial volumes of snow. One also can expect this product to last a long time.
Why We Like It
- Rotatable blades for longer life
- U-shaped handle for added comfort
- Polyethylene construction
- Large load capacity
No products found.
Best Ergonomic: Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo Review
This angled snow shovel looks quite weird, but it is functional with its bent shaft. The shovel length is close to 53 inches, but it seems shorter due to the bent shaft. However, this design feature actually helps in ergonomics since less effort is needed in clearing out snow. This is a dual-purpose tool that can be used as a shovel or as a snow pusher. It is recommended to go with smaller quantities of snow, as the product is too brittle to handle large scoops in one go.
The strain on a user is reduced drastically by the S-bend shaft. It has a pusher and shoving capability that makes it suitable for all environments.
Pros
- S-shaped shaft
- Head is wide
- Reduces strain
- Pushing and shoving capabilities
Cons
- Cannot handle large volumes of snow
- Not ideal for tall people
Best Portable: Lifeline Snow Shovel for Car, Camping and Other Outdoor Activities Review
This portable snow shovel offers an efficient and easy way of clearing snow. It is constructed with three separate pieces so that it can be transported everywhere, while it is also light at just 1.3 pounds. The aluminum construction is of high quality, but it still does not add to the overall weight. This combination ensures a long life from the product while still being suitable for different users. At the same time, this snow shovel for truck transportation cannot shovel a large quantity of snow.
High-quality construction is evident in this product. Since it can be adjusted to different sizes, it is very flexible in terms of application.
Pros
- 3-piece construction
- Size can be adjusted between 25 inches and 32 inches
- Easy storage
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Ideal only for lightweight use
Best Adjustable: ORIENTOOLS Folding Snow Shovel with D-Grip Handle Review
This is a quick and easy-to-use snow shovel that can help find a way out of complete situations. It is small enough to act as a roof snow shovel, as it can be easily folded and carried away. It is possible to switch between vertical, horizontal, and folding modes depending on the task at hand. Even though it is not one of the heated snow shovels, it can work brilliantly in a variety of situations. The whole product weighs only 1.68 lbs., but it is still sturdy and durable. An ergonomic handle has been provided to reduce stress on the hand.
The handle on this product can be adjusted in multiple ways. It is also excellent for the occasional slow clearing purposes due to its good grip and versatility.
Pros
- The handle is adjustable in three different ways
- Lightweight
- D-grip for usage with gloves
- Expandable and foldable using twisting lock
Cons
- Not ideal for frequent snow clearing
Best Compact: Hopkins Auto Emergency Snow Shovel with Extendable Handle Review
This snow shovel is an excellent pick for use on travels, as it fits very well into a car. It has an extendable handle that can be used to offer a 37-inch reach. If it is kept in a compact state, it will fit easily into the trunk of any car. The blade width is at 9.5 inches, and it makes it convenient and easy to scoop decent volumes of snow. Since the product is quite compact, it can also be used even in emergency situations. The product also does not weigh a lot.
A perfect companion for travel, this product can help precise small quantities of snow from driveways. It is compact and lightweight to suit different purposes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reputable brand
- Highly portable
- Decent snow clearing volume
Cons
- Not ideal for medium or large spaces
No products found.
Best Powered: Snow Joe 13-Inch Electric Snow Shovel Review
This power snow shovel comes with blades that are 13 inches in width. Even though it is 13 lbs. in weight, maneuvering across substantial patches of snow is quite easy. There is a decent clearance of 6 inches to help it wade through a lot of snow. Any person can handle this electric snow shovel since it comes with an adjustable handle to eliminate issues about height. It is also quite durable, even if it is electric. The wheels help transportation to different areas, and it has a clearance rate of 400 lbs. of snow each minute.
This electrical product can be useful for people who cannot expend the energy in trying to clear snow. This makes it extremely convenient to use but with the only catch of requiring a power outlet.
Pros
- Impressive snow clearing capabilities
- Good value
- Adjustable handle
- Very easy-to-use
Cons
- Requires power for the 10-amp motor
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Snow Shovel
How To Use Snow Shovel?
One should use specific techniques so that they can prevent excess strain or any damage even when using the best snow shovel 2021 has to offer. It is possible to injure joints, muscles, or even the back when performing this task. Some of the common issues one can encounter are a pulled muscle, severe cramp, or nerve pinch.
The process of using the best snow shovel for the driveway depends on the texture and thickness of the snow. It is advisable to get a larger shovel for handling larger snowfalls. If the problem happens to be ice or sleet, it is advisable to use a snow pusher, which can scrape and act as a broom to clear away the ice and snow. One should hold the shovel with an overhead grip and push from one side to the other. The common belief of tossing the snow scoop is not the right way to do.
When Is The Best Time To Shovel Snow?
It is always recommended to start shoveling in the morning. If this were not possible, the second-best time would be in the afternoon. However, there is a significant chance of the surface becoming slippery as a result of snow melting on the driveway and other areas.
How Much Does Snow Weigh Per Cubic Foot?
Snow scoop approximately has a weight of around 20 pounds for each cubic foot. It also translates into a weight of 1.25 inches for each inch in depth. The weight also changes as per moisture content. It is possible to see a slight increase in weight to the tune of 1 pound for every cubic foot.
How to Choose the Best Snow Shovel
Size
The dimensions of the blade are critical, as it will determine the quantity of snow that can be moved with one action. If snow has to be cleared on small pathways and tight spots, it is recommended to go with narrow blades. For usage in large spaces, a wider blade is necessary since it is apt for handling a large volume of snow. A back saver snow shovel is also recommended for handling large volumes, as it reduces strain on the back.
Weight
If a snow shovel is too heavy, it can become quite tricky to operate for extended hours. At the same time, a very lightweight snow shovel cannot be used for handling heavy-duty work. The weight of a product should depend on its application. For clearing smaller tasks and being portable, it is ideal for picking up a lightweight and small snow shovel. Even though a gas-powered snow shovel will be quite heavy, it can be easy to work on large volumes of snow with little to no effort.
Durability
A snow shovel has to last for a long time, as users do not buy the best snow shovel for car expecting an upgrade within a few years. The durability is also vital for handling inclement weather conditions, and it is when these products are needed the most. It is not a good idea to pick up a product that would fail when the snowfall is at its highest. This would leave a user with little time to pick up a replacement. For this purpose, it is better to invest in an ergonomic snow shovel that has higher durability.
Handle
Handle Material
Snow shovels are made up of different materials, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. One can come across handles made out of wood, plastic, metal, and fiberglass. Their need depends on the workload on offer. For example, a lighter workload can be handled by an aluminum snow shovel with a plastic handle. If a user wants handles to last a long time, they can choose fiberglass – although this adds to the overall weight. Wooden handles provide a great balance between weight and durability, while they also do not cost a lot.
Handle Length
This is a parameter that can be decided only based on the user’s height. Even though the overall length is crucial, the comfort and safety provided to a user will be determined by the individual’s height. There are collapsible snow shovels that come with adjustable handle lines, but a common feature in the market would be the presence of fixed length shovels.
Blade
Blade Material
Many traditional shovels are being rivaled by plastic alternatives, which can remove snow without any damage to the surface. Depending on the material of construction, shovels can differ in terms of weight. The heavy-duty snow shovel tends to be quite heavy even without any load on the blades, and this requires a lot of muscle power. If the product is meant to be used for more extended periods, shovels that are made out of aluminum are a better pick since they are lightweight. Even though metal is long-lasting and strong, a steel snow shovel is not preferred due to the damage that they cause on driveways and other surfaces.
Blade Size
It is vital to factor blade size since it may affect user-friendliness depending on the application. The blade size will also dictate a product’s ability to move a certain quantity of snow. If the wheeled snow shovel is set for use on small pathways, it is better to go with narrow blades. Likewise, wider blades are preferred if the product needs to be applied to a larger area. The best snow shovel has a bigger blade – around 18 inches or more – can quickly clear away snow from a prominent area while 14-inch blades are suited for smaller areas.
Price
The best electric snow blower can be an option for a buyer at the higher end of the price range. These costly products can clear large volumes of snow without any effort from the user. However, a more basic option would be to go with metal shovels that are equally good at the job, but it may require a lot of effort depending on the area. These primary products can be combined with the best work boots for better efficiency.
Best Snow Shovel Types
Traditional Snow Shovel
This is a classic design that people tend to associate when searching for snow shovels. It is basically a long stick, which is used for holding the tool, and a blade, which is meant for lifting and tossing the snow. The large snow shovel could have handles of different sizes, while certain products tend to have an adjustable handle to provide greater flexibility. If handles are curved, it is a better ergonomic position for the user who can have a straight back. Standard shovels are better for dealing with small levels of snow scoop.
Push Snow Shovel
These shovels are meant to push through snow, and they are designed to perform this function through a wide handle and blade. It is also possible for this variety of shovels to come with wheels so that it is easier to push the snow. The push snow shovel is preferred among individuals who are dealing with snow on the driveways and other open spaces.
Combo Snow Shovel
Several buyers tend to prefer these shovels, as they are capable of snow clearance through two means – pushing and shoveling. This enhances the versatility of the wide snow shovel, which makes it ideal for a casual user who may encounter different varieties of snow problems.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
In order to find the best snow shovel, homemakerguide has had to go through a lot of products. Each product is excellent in their own right, but it is the Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel that manages to hit a sweet spot and become the best snow shovel 2021 has to offer.
This snow shovel comes with two handles with a smaller spring-assisted alternate available close to the blade. Initially, it may be quite awkward, but it does not take long to adjust. Users can expect a 30% reduction in back strain due to this design.
We were impressed with the value that is offered, while still being able to be very good when it comes to clearing decent volumes of snow. Thank you for reading!
Contents
- 1 TOP 10 Best Snow Shovel: Comparison Chart
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Snow Shovel
- 3 Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
Topics:
lawn care
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is recommended to shovel snow only when it is calm and less windy. The conditions are ideal for shoveling snow even during snowfall, provided it is not windy.
The shovels can be sprayed with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly. There are other options like paraffin wax or vegetable oil.
No, it is not recommended to shovel before freezing rain. Once the rain stops, it will be easier to clear the snow with a top layer of a rain crust.
PRODUCTS TESTED BY HomeMakerGuide
How We Tested
To find the best snow shovel, we do not just rely on the product’s reputation. Each product has been tested using different means, but we focused on the best overall—the Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel. One of the first testing processes adopted was to use sawdust and understand the strength of this product. It becomes easier to manage sawdust since it does not melt like snow. We used it to shovel sawdust to conclude. The output o helped us calculate the attributes, strengths, and weaknesses. We took into account weight, size, price, materials, and durability.
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