Comparison: Best Snow Shovel Consumer Reports (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter is coming, and there’s nothing worse than waking up to a driveway buried in snow without the right tools. That’s where we come in—we’ve sifted through Consumer Reports’ top picks and real-world reviews to bring you the ultimate showdown of the best snow shovels. From ergonomic designs to heavy-duty performance, we’ll help you find the perfect shovel to tackle winter with ease. Say goodbye to back-breaking work and hello to snow days made simpler. Let’s dig in!
- Best for battery-powered ease: 2026 New 13″ Cordless Electric Snow Shovel Battery Powered
- Best for spring-assist shovel: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle
- Best for durable uhmw pusher: The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher 28″ Wide Model
- Best for ergonomic spring shovel: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle
- Best for lightweight electric thrower: Tolsprint 12-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel – 16ft Throwing Distance
- Best for deck-safe protector: Deck Saver™ Crack Jumper Snow Shovel – Heavy Duty 24″ Snow Removal Tool for Driveways
- Best for wide professional pusher: The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)
- Best for back-saving design: 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 stable ergonomic choice: Ergonomic Large Snow Shovel for Driveway: 48-Inch Dual-Lock Knob Anti-Wobble Handle
Product Comparison: Best Snow Shovel Consumer Reports
2026 New 13″ Cordless Electric Snow Shovel Battery Powered, 48V 4.0 AH Battery Cordless Snow Blower with Battery and Charger, Electric Shovel for Snow Removal Cordless (Dual Battery)
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight design
- Long battery life
- Easy to maneuver
- Adjustable snow chute
- Quiet operation
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited clearing width
- Not ideal for deep snow
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
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Spring-assisted lift
- Lightweight design
- Reduces back strain
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires manual effort
- Not battery-powered
The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher 28″ Wide Model
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable UHMW Polyethylene blade
- Ergonomic and sturdy handle
- Quick and easy assembly
- Made in the USA
- Versatile for multiple tasks
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavier than plastic shovels
- Higher price point
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle, Heavy-Duty Shovel for Fast Snow Removal, 20 Inches, Blue
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spring-assisted lifting design
- Reduces back strain
- Comfortable D-ring grip
- Durable impact-resistant blade
- Efficient for heavy loads
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited blade width
- May feel bulky
Tolsprint 12-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel – 16ft Throwing Distance, Battery Snow Blower for Driveway, Sidewalk, Walkway, Deck & Patio (20V 4Ah Battery & Quick Charger Included)
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Quality build
- Good features
- Reliable performance
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Price may vary
- Limited availability
Deck Saver™ Crack Jumper Snow Shovel – Heavy Duty 24″ Snow Removal Tool for Driveways, Sidewalks & Decks – Ideal for Trex® and TimberTech®-Style Composite Surfaces
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Quality build
- Good features
- Reliable performance
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Price may vary
- Limited availability
The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable UHMW blade material
- Non-stick surface design
- Self-sharpening blade edge
- Sturdy TUFFBRACE system
- Made in the USA
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Expensive price point
- Heavy to maneuver
- Requires assembly time
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
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic curved handle design
- Lightweight and durable
- Reinforced steel handle
- Aluminum wear stripe
- Easy three-step assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited 17-inch scoop width
- May not handle deep snow
Ergonomic Large Snow Shovel for Driveway: 48-Inch Dual-Lock Knob Anti-Wobble Handle, 16″ Plastic Blade w/Metal Edge, Ultra-Light 1.9 lb, Portable Aluminum Shaft, Car, Camping & Emergency, Black
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Anti-wobble dual-lock
- Ergonomic D-grip handle
- Durable metal edge
- Easy to assemble
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic blade limits heavy use
- Not ideal for wet snow
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 features should I prioritize in a snow shovel?
Look for a shovel with a lightweight yet durable blade, such as those made from aluminum or high-quality plastic. An ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip can reduce strain on your back and wrists. Additionally, consider the size of the blade—larger blades move more snow but may be heavier to lift.
How do traditional shovels compare to pusher shovels?
Traditional shovels are designed for lifting and throwing snow, making them ideal for deep or wet snow. Pusher shovels, with their wider, curved blades, are better for clearing light, fluffy snow by pushing it aside. Choose based on the typical snowfall and your physical preference.
Are ergonomic snow shovels worth the extra cost?
Ergonomic shovels often feature bent handles or adjustable lengths, which can significantly reduce back and joint strain. While they may cost more upfront, they can prevent injuries and save you effort over time. They’re especially valuable for frequent or heavy snow removal.
What materials are best for durability?
Aluminum blades are durable and resistant to rust, though they can bend under heavy loads. Polyethylene or plastic blades are lightweight and won’t stick to snow, but they may crack in extreme cold. For mixed conditions, a reinforced composite blade offers a balance of strength and flexibility.
How do I choose the right size shovel for my needs?
A smaller blade (18-22 inches) is easier to maneuver and lift, perfect for tight spaces or heavy snow. Larger blades (24+ inches) are efficient for open areas with light, powdery snow. Consider your physical strength and the typical snow conditions in your area.
Are there any additional features that add value?
Some shovels come with wear strips or metal edges to extend blade life and improve scraping on icy surfaces. Telescoping handles allow for customizable height, making them suitable for multiple users. Integrated wheels or sled-like designs can also ease pushing heavy loads.
How do electric snow shovels compare to manual ones?
Electric snow shovels are battery or cord-powered and can clear snow quickly with minimal effort, ideal for light to moderate snowfalls. Manual shovels are more affordable, require no power source, and are better for deep or packed snow. Choose based on your budget, physical ability, and typical snowfall.
What’s the best way to maintain a snow shovel?
Clean the blade after each use to prevent snow and ice buildup, which can cause damage over time. Store the shovel in a dry place to avoid rusting, especially for metal parts. Periodically check for cracks or bends, particularly in plastic or aluminum blades, and replace if worn.