The Best Snow Shovels Available Now

Martha Stewart Living
·4 min read
person shoveling snow in winter clothes
person shoveling snow in winter clothes

Merpics / getty images

Snow, while beautiful, holds the ability to wreak havoc on our homes, cars, and even add an element of danger to walkways. If you have a sprawling driveway or even a small sidewalk, clearing a path from snow and ice for easy walking is key to winter safety. With the cold weather still in full force, selecting a proper snow shovel that is both useful and affordable is pivotal. Contrary to popular belief, all shovels are not the same. Whether you are looking for one that is easy on the hands or one that holds up to extreme weather, rest assured that there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

Related: Here's How to Effectively Shovel Snow

The Best Snow Shovels to Buy Now

Best for the Back

Because of the True Temper's intentional ergonomic design, this long-handled shovel is ideal for reducing back pain, as it protects your posture, allows for a wide grip, and enables the user to shovel more snow in less time. This steel shovel also has a tough poly blade, making it great for even a heavy snowfall. Don't let those impending winter storms buckle your knees—snag this tool from Lowe's, and you'll be all set.

Shop Now: True Temper Poly Snow Shovel with Steel Handle, $49.98, lowes.com.

Best for Small Areas

This little shovel from Suncast is ideal for small jobs and tight areas—with an extendable handle and a no-stick graphite blade, it's a surprisingly effective option. And it's strong: The telescoping handle is poly-coated with a ribbed steel core shaft and resin sleeve, which means your hands will be comfortable regardless of the strength of the job.

Shop Now: Suncast "SCS300" Automotive Snow Shovel, 11'', $25, amazon.com.

Best Heavy Duty

Bully Tools crafted a sturdy, all-American shovel that will last for years to come. With a fiberglass handle that allows for a maximum grip, plan to pull this one out for the heaviest of jobs. Because of the poly scoop that was designed specifically for durability, you can confidently clean up anywhere and know that this shovel will both hold up and not ruin any of your surfaces.

Shop Now: Bully Tools "92814" Combination Snow Shovel with Fiberglass D-Grip Handle, 22'', $34.99, amazon.com.

Best Metal Option

True Temper has another great option if you're in the market for a metal snow shovel with an aluminum blade, which makes it both rust-resistant and excellent for breaking up difficult spots of packed snow or ice. Though hard work can make for rough hands, True Temper equipped this shovel with a D-handle, allowing for comfort and a solid and steady grip even through gloved hands.

Shop Now: True Temper "1641000" Aluminum Snow Shovel with D-Grip Steel Handle, 18'', $43.25, amazon.com.

Best Easy to Use

The Shovelution does the hard work of tossing the snow for you, making this a great choice for someone who values ease. It's constructed with two handles—one for gathering and the other to release the collected snow without the need to physically throw it. The smaller, D-grip handle is spring-loaded, utilizing the kinetic energy stored from using the shovel to get the job done.

Shop Now: Snow Joe "SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution" Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel, 18'', $29.99, amazon.com.

Best Shovel Pusher

This bright green Suncast shovel is ideal for pushing away snow that you do not intend to lift, making it a go-to for folks who want to clear their driveways. The long blade shaft is curved and made of graphite, making it strong, durable, and resistant to snow that sticks.

Shop Now: Suncast Shovel Pusher, $19.99, target.com.

Best for Extreme Situations

This Backcountry shovel is our top choice for anyone who enjoys winter activities. Lightweight and compact, this shovel fits easily in most ski bags and has an oval-shaped handle, making it ideal for tight grips with gloved hands. With durability and the ability to be tied to a sled, this is a great option for emergencies, skiing trips, and rescue missions.

Shop Now: Backcountry Access "B-1 EXT Bomber Avalanche" Shovel, $49.95, rei.com.

Best for the Roof

This extra-long telescoped-handled tool is excellent for clearing heavy snow off of your roof. Bonus: You can use it in the spring or fall to clear water-logged leaves, too. Preventative measures are the key to winter home safety, which is why it's essential to clear debris from your roof as soon as possible. With this option, you can do so without you running the risk of falling off of a ladder trying to reach an unseen snow cluster.

Shop Now: Snow Joe Polycarbonate Rake, 21', $34.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.