The 5 Best Snow Shovels of 2024, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

The True Temper 20 in. Aluminum Combo Blade Snow Shovel is the one to reach for when it’s time to dig out from a snowstorm. Whether it’s the light powdery stuff or a heavy, slushy mess, we found that it’s quick and easy to clear a path (or a driveway) out of your winter wonderland.

Our Testing Process

To find the best snow shovels, we tried out 24 shovels on our snow- and ice-covered sidewalks and driveways at home. We evaluated each on ease of use and performance—we even timed their work to see which ones were the quickest at clearing away the white stuff—as well as durability and overall performance. 

We also took into consideration the types of snow we were shoveling, noting which ones were better at the lighter, powdery stuff and/or more adept at pushing ice and heavier snow.

What to Know About Snow Shovels Before Shopping

Height

The shovels on our list range in size from 50 to 57 inches. Higley says that a traditional-sized snow shovel will be fine for most people. If you are on the shorter side and pick up one of the longer shovels, you can simply adjust your grip. Higley recommends placing your hands higher on the handle, much like you would when holding a baseball bat or a hockey stick and you’ll be just fine.

Material

Snow shovel blades are typically made from aluminum, metal, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. Plastic and fiberglass are lightweight and therefore better for shoveling lighter snow. Aluminum, steel, and metal snow shovels are great for heavier, wetter snow—though the shovels themselves tend to also be heavy—as well as cracking through layers of ice. 

Keep in mind, though, that anything that can crack through ice can also chip away at delicate surfaces like wooden decks and even some pavers. It’s important to choose a snow shovel that’s hefty enough to do the job without doing a job on your sidewalk or driveway.

Type

The best snow shovels are the ones that are appropriate for the type of snowfall. If there is light, powdery snow on the ground, shovels with wider blades are great because they can cover more surface area to get the job done quickly. 

When dealing with a mixture of ice and snow, Higley recommends a scoop-like shovel with a durable blade that can chop through layers of ice without scuffing the surface. She says shovels with more pronounced scoops are also ideal for shoveling wet snow. In this case, a careful technique is imperative.

“Push when possible instead of lifting,” says Higley. “This type of snow will put a lot of pressure on the shovel and is much more difficult to lift, which can overexert the user.”

Other Snow Shovels We Tested 

Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01 18-in Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel w/ Spring Assisted Handle

We loved how the second spring-loaded handle on the Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01 18-in Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel reminds us to bend at the knees while shoveling, but we thought it was placed too low on the shovel to fully avoid back strain. Perhaps it would be better if it were a longer handle.

ErgieShovel ERG-SNSH18 Steel Shaft Impact Resistant Snow Shovel

The ErgieShovel ERG-SNSH18 Steel Shaft Impact Resistant Snow Shovel is great for heavy snow and ice, but not so much for lighter snow, as the shovel’s blade would often snag on concrete. We found the design and placement of the second handle to be better suited for shorter people.  

Your Questions, Answered

What size snow shovel is best?

Higley says the size of a snow shovel doesn’t matter as much because you can always adjust your grip. “What is important is for homeowners to select the best shovel for the snow they’ll be clearing and to understand the dangers of shoveling and not to overdo it,” Higley says.

What material is best for a snow shovel?

Before you choose the best snow shovel, consider the surface you’ll be shoveling and the type of snow. “Traditional surfaces like concrete and asphalt can withstand a heavier scrape but care should be taken, especially if you’re trying to break up ice, which could chip or break the surface,” says Higley. 

Don’t use aluminum or steel on pacers, bricks, stamped concrete, or other surfaces that can be easily scratched or even dislodged, she explains. 

Is a straight or curved snow shovel better?

While this can come down to personal preference for many, we generally recommend a curved shaft for most users, which our overall choice for the best snow shovel, the True Temper Aluminum Combo Blade Snow Shovel, features. During testing, we found that a curved shaft eased the strain on our back, allowing us to place our hand higher on the shaft when moving and scooping so that we didn't have to bend over as much.

Who We Are

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best snow shovels, Barbara analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Cheryl Higley, education and content director at the Snow and Ice Management Association.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.