Comparison: Best Snow Shovels For Heavy Snow (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter wonderlands are magical until you’re stuck with a driveway buried under two feet of snow. The right shovel isn’t just a tool; it’s your back’s best friend. Whether you’re tackling light flurries or heavy, wet snow that feels like concrete, we’ve tested the toughest options out there. Forget the back-breaking struggle—let’s find the perfect snow shovel to make clearing your driveway faster, easier, and maybe even a little less dreaded this season.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for spring-assisted lift: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle
- Best for shovelution ergonomic: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle
- Best for dual-handle support: Snow Shovel for Driveway
- Best for wide wheeled pusher: Best Choice Products 36in Galvanized Blade Heavy-Duty 2-Wheel Snow Pusher Hand Plow for Snow Removal w/Wheels
- Best for curved back-saver: YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn
- Best for original heavy-duty pusher: The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)
- Best for adjustable length handle: Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal with D-Grip Handle Aluminum Strip 55 inch Long Large Capacity Shovel for Garden Car Camping Outdoor
- Best for metal scoop durability: WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel for Driveway
- Best for wide blade efficiency: KYX 18.5″ Wide Snow Shovel with Stainless Steel Wear Strip & D-Shape Handle
Product Comparison: Best Snow Shovels For Heavy Snow
Spring-Assisted Lift
Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle, 3.5 Lbs – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, Shovelution SJ-SHLV01
Snow Joe
The Snow Joe Snow Shovel with an 18-inch blade and assist handle is a heavy-duty yet lightweight tool weighing just 3.5 lbs. Its impact-resistant blade ensures durability against tough snow conditions, while the ergonomic D-Ring handle grip improves posture and reduces bending. The spring-assisted design acts as a fulcrum, enhancing lifting power and minimizing strain on your back and arms. Perfect for heavy snow, this shovel combines efficiency with comfort, making winter cleanup easier. Its innovative mechanics allow you to lift heavier loads with less effort, ensuring a safer and more effective shoveling experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight at 3.5 lbs
- Ergonomic D-Ring handle
- Spring-assisted lifting
- Impact-resistant blade
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Blade may scratch surfaces
- Limited color options
Shovelution Ergonomic
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle, Heavy-Duty Shovel for Fast Snow Removal, 20 Inches, Blue
Snow Joe
The Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel is designed for fast and efficient snow removal with its heavy-duty build and spring-assist handle. The impact-resistant blade withstands tough jobs, while the ergonomic D-Ring handle grip ensures comfort and better posture. Its innovative spring mechanism reduces back and arm strain by acting as a fulcrum, providing added leverage for lifting heavier loads. This shovel is built for durability and ease of use, making it ideal for tackling heavy snow during winter. With its efficient design, it simplifies challenging tasks, ensuring a safer and more effective snow removal experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spring-assisted lifting
- Heavy-duty construction
- Ergonomic D-Ring handle
- Enhanced lifting power
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavier than basic models
- Assembly required
Dual-Handle Support
Snow Shovel for Driveway, Winter Snow Removal with Plastic Double Handle, Ergonomic Lightweight Snow Shovel for Home Sidewalk Garden Car Garage Outdoor
SFTPO
The SFTPO Snow Shovel is designed for efficient winter snow removal, featuring a 16-inch wide blade and 48-inch height. Its ergonomic dual-handle design reduces muscle strain and back injury, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The aluminum wear strips effortlessly tackle hard snow and ice, while the lightweight yet sturdy construction ensures durability. This shovel is perfect for driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor areas, offering large capacity to minimize stoops. With easy assembly and a D-grip handle, it’s an essential tool for quick and effective snow clearing during heavy winter months.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reduces back strain
- Wide blade capacity
- Lightweight and durable
- Efficient ice removal
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic may crack
- Assembly required
Wide Wheeled Pusher
Best Choice Products 36in Galvanized Blade Heavy-Duty 2-Wheel Snow Pusher Hand Plow for Snow Removal w/Wheels, Adjustable Handle, Blade Angle – Black
Best Choice Products
The Best Choice Products Snow Pusher features a 36-inch galvanized steel blade, perfect for heavy-duty snow removal. Its two-wheel design allows for smooth rolling, reducing physical effort while clearing driveways and sidewalks. The adjustable blade angle lets you tackle varying snow depths with ease, while height-adaptive handles ensure comfort for users of all sizes. Reflective tape enhances visibility in low-light conditions, adding safety. This sturdy plow is built to last through harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for managing large snowfalls efficiently and effectively.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide blade coverage
- Easy rolling design
- Adjustable blade angle
- Highly visible safety tape
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky storage size
- Heavier than shovels
Curved Back-Saver
YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn
yeitsnow
The YEITSNOW Snow Shovel is designed for efficiency and comfort during heavy snow removal. Its ergonomic Z-shaped handle reduces back strain, allowing users to shovel in a more upright posture. The 17-inch wide scoop is made from lightweight yet durable poly material, reinforced with an aluminum wear stripe for enhanced performance. With a load capacity of up to 124 lbs, this shovel is 40% stronger than previous models. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability and comes with a simple three-step assembly process. Perfect for seniors and anyone seeking a sturdy, back-saving snow shovel.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic back-saving design
- Lightweight yet durable build
- High load capacity
- Easy three-step assembly
- Reinforced aluminum wear stripe
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly higher price
- Requires screw assembly
Original Heavy-Duty Pusher
The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)
THE SNOWPLOW
The Snowplow Original Snow Pusher is a heavy-duty tool designed for efficient snow removal on various surfaces. Its 36-inch wide blade is made from virgin UHMW polyethylene, offering superior wear resistance and non-stick properties. The patented TUFFBRACE connector ensures sturdiness, while the fiberglass handle provides extra durability with twice the wall thickness of standard shovels. This pusher is self-sharpening and safe for use on concrete, blacktop, and decks. Made in the USA, it’s a favorite among professionals and property managers for its reliability and quick assembly under five minutes.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide 36-inch blade
- Non-stick UHMW material
- Extra thick fiberglass handle
- Self-sharpening blade
- Made in the USA
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky for storage
- Higher cost than generic shovels
Adjustable Length Handle
Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal with D-Grip Handle Aluminum Strip 55 inch Long Large Capacity Shovel for Garden Car Camping Outdoor
Yocada
The Yocada Snow Shovel is designed for efficient snow removal with its 16-inch wide blade and aluminum wear strip, making it easy to tackle hard snow and ice. Its ergonomic dual-handle design reduces muscle strain and back injury, while the three-section iron handle adjusts from 48 to 55 inches for customizable comfort. The detachable design ensures easy storage, and its sturdy yet lightweight construction promises durability. Perfect for driveways and sidewalks, this shovel simplifies winter cleanup with its large capacity and rapid clearance capabilities.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide blade for fast clearing
- Adjustable handle length
- Ergonomic D-grip reduces strain
- Durable aluminum wear strip
- Detachable for easy storage
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires strength to assemble
- May feel heavy for some
Metal Scoop Durability
WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel for Driveway, 45-Inch Large Capacity Blade, 3.5lbs Lightweight with Fiberglass D-Grip Handle, Heavy Duty Metal Snow Removal Tool for Home and Garden
WIKER
The WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel is a heavy-duty tool built to last, featuring a thick aluminum scoop and sturdy fiberglass handle. Its 45-inch large capacity blade makes it ideal for breaking through crusty snow and clearing packed snow or slough with ease. The turned-up sides keep snow contained, reducing the number of bends needed. Lightweight at 3.5 pounds, it’s perfect for heavy-duty tasks like moving wood chips or barn chores. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this shovel outperforms cheap plastic alternatives and ensures reliable performance for years.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight yet durable
- Breaks through hard snow
- Large capacity blade
- Lifetime warranty included
- Versatile for yard work
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be pricier than plastic
- Heavier than some models
Wide Blade Efficiency
KYX 18.5″ Wide Snow Shovel with Stainless Steel Wear Strip & D-Shape Handle, Heavy Duty Snow Shovel for Driveway, Sidewalk, Garden, Yard Snow Removal
KYX
The KYX 18.5″ Wide Snow Shovel is a reliable, heavy-duty tool designed for efficient snow removal. Its spacious 18.5-inch blade maximizes snow load capacity, reducing clearing time for driveways and sidewalks. The shovel features a stainless steel wear strip for cutting through packed snow and ice, while the high-toughness PP blade resists cracking. The lightweight aluminum handle with a D-shaped grip ensures comfort during extended use. Its rotating connection allows tool-free assembly, and the detachable design saves storage space. Perfect for both light flurries and heavy snowfall, this shovel combines durability, portability, and ease of use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide blade capacity
- Durable stainless steel edge
- Lightweight aluminum handle
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Comfortable D-shaped grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Handle may feel short
- Blade shows wear fast
- Not ideal for ice
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a snow shovel for heavy snow?
Look for a shovel with a sturdy, reinforced blade made of high-impact plastic or metal to handle heavy loads. A wide, curved blade with a scoop design can help you move more snow with less effort. Ergonomic handles with a good grip will reduce strain on your back and wrists during use.
How do traditional shovels compare to ergonomic ones?
Traditional shovels are straightforward and often cheaper, but they can cause more back strain due to their design. Ergonomic shovels feature bent or adjustable handles to promote better posture and reduce fatigue. They’re generally more expensive but worth it for frequent or heavy snow clearing.
What features are most important for heavy snow?
A reinforced blade edge (metal strip) is crucial for cutting through packed snow and ice. Lightweight materials like aluminum or fiberglass can make the shovel easier to maneuver. Telescoping handles allow you to adjust the length for comfort and leverage.
How do I choose between a pusher and a scoop shovel?
Pusher shovels have wide, flat blades ideal for clearing light, fluffy snow quickly without lifting. Scoop shovels are better for heavy, wet snow as they allow you to lift and throw snow efficiently. For heavy snow, a scoop shovel with a strong blade is usually the better choice.
Are metal or plastic blades better for heavy snow?
Metal blades are more durable and can handle ice or packed snow better, but they’re heavier and can damage surfaces. Plastic blades are lighter and safer for delicate surfaces like decks, but they may crack under extreme pressure. For heavy snow, a hybrid with a metal edge on a plastic blade offers a good balance.
How can I ensure I’m getting good value?
Check reviews for durability, especially in cold temperatures, as cheaper shovels may break easily. Look for warranties, as reputable brands often back their products for years. Investing a bit more upfront can save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.