As a lifelong New Englander, shoveling snow is a yearly reality for me. And, even as someone who is active year-round, shoveling marathons during blizzards take a toll on my body. Heavier one-time snowfalls often require multiple rounds of clearing, and having a wider plot of land with more sidewalks and driveway space to remove snow can make it far more taxing.
In my opinion, there is no good way to make manual snow clearing an "easy" task. Short of buying a snowblower or hiring a plow service, you're going to have to put in a lot of work to keep walkways and car parking spaces fully usable. The shovels listed here should make it a bit more bearable.
The best shovels for heavy snow
I've tried a few "ergonomic" shovels, with mixed results. The ones you've probably seen, that
have multiple handles and grip points don't offer the leverage needed to lift heavy snow. They can work well for light powder, but attempting to lift wet, heavy snow with these is a losing proposition, in my experience.
Here are some durable options to consider before we're fully in the throes of winter.
True Temper Poly Snow Shovel
The curved single ergonomic handle on this combines comfort and functionality without sacrificing leverage like multiple grips can. The durable steel handle, metal cutting edge and solid plastic blade combine to make this a great purchase if you're expecting snowfall soon.
Shop this best seller now
Trazon Snow Shovel
Heavy-duty plastic and aluminum materials make this well-suited for medium- to heavy duty snow removal, while the slightly curved handle helps you to keep your back a little straighter while you work.
Shop this durable shovel now
Ergonomic 17" Shovel
This shovel features a steel handle which has been load tested up to 124 pounds which, coupled with a 17-inch wide blade, can help to make short work of all but the heaviest, deepest snow. If you or someone you know tires easily or has had back issues from shoveling in the past, we recommend giving this one a try.
Shop this medium-duty shovel today.
AstroAI Lightweight Aluminum Shovel
A portable shovel is a must in any road trip or general road safety kit. This option from AstroAI folds up nicely for storage under your car seat or in your trunk, and is a must when you're driving in winter. After 30-plus years in New England, I never leave home without one in my vehicle.
This portable shovel is perfect for your car's emergency kit
The best alternatives to traditional shovels
Just because ergonomic shovels with multiple handles aren't what I would recommend for heavier or iced-over snow, doesn't mean they're fully without their uses. If you live in an area with powdery or less frequent snowfall, they're a great option. I've listed one of our favorites, alongside a couple of other alternatives that could make your next snowstorm less labor-intensive.
Snow Joe Shovel
Tackle any light snowfall with this Snow Joe shovel. If you only get a couple of inches of snow at a time, or see mostly powder, this is highly-rated for those uses by Amazon customers.
Shop this easy-to-use shovel today.
Best Choice Products' Snow Pusher
If you have a small to mid-sized driveway to clear and are trying to preserve your back and shoulders, this could be a great option for you. Snow can become difficult to clear if it piles up beyond the height of the 10-inch blade, but this should work well for a wide range of homeowners.
Shop this snow solution now.
Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
This electric option from Voltask can clear lighter to intermediate snowfalls up to 7" and has a throw distance of over 20 feet. While you won't be able to clear snow drifts with this alone, you can make a dent in any lighter accumulations.
Shop this battery-powered solution now.
What to look for in a shovel
Shopping for a shovel is simple, and only requires that you look at a few key areas. While some of this might be easier to test by shopping in-person, we believe that the customer reviews for the above products should offer enough insight about these features to paint an accurate picture. Things you should consider include:
- Blade width: Simply put, this will give you an idea of how much snow you can move with each shovel-full or pass. Most shovels intended for lifting snow max out at 18 inches wide, while "snow pushers" can be up to three feet wide or more.
- Blade material: Polyethylene plastic offers some give, but is largely durable in the coldest temperatures. Basically, it is strong enough to handle heavy workloads, but not rigid enough to be prone to chipping.
- Handle material: Thick aluminum or polyethylene-coated steel are the standards. If you're purchasing a shovel with an aluminum handle, check the product description and reviews for notes regarding durability or bending from heavy use, as this material can wear a bit easier than steel.
- Grip shape and material: A heavy-duty plastic D-shaped grip is standard across most modern shovels. Many of these grips are also textured for grip, which is important for any tool. This is absolutely necessary when snow turns to sleet or freezing rain while you're already outside shoveling and are trying to grip something through your gloves.
How we compile our lists
We scour customer reviews for positive indicators on a range of products. These include product build quality, ease of use, customer service support for warranty claims and more. When reviewing tools like snow shovels, we draw from personal experience to provide you with recommendations that we, ourselves, would buy. I've lived in areas with snowy winters all my life, and I would recommend any of the above snow clearing options to anyone I know.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 7 snow shovels that make clearing heavy, wet snow less miserable
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
