The Best Snow Shovels for 2021
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Best Snow Shovel
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Growing up in Montana I have seen my fair share of snow so I know the benefit of purchasing a high-quality shovel. It is an investment that you will thank yourself for every year when the cold weather comes around.
UPDATED: August 17, 2021.
Have you ever forgotten to buy a shovel until the first real snow of the season? It’s easy to procrastinate on this purchase and end up with the last flimsy model at the supermarket. To save you time, I have put together a collection of the best snow shovels currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall I recommend the JM Enterprises TV206971 because it features a lightweight fiberglass handle, a durable polyethylene blade, and is made in the USA.
Know Your Snow
No two snowfalls are alike. As one snow safety manual from FEMA states, one square foot of fresh snow can range anywhere from 3 lbs to 21 lbs. Snow is affected by location, weather conditions, altitude, and time of year. Therefore, the type of shovel that works for you may not be ideal for someone in a different part of the country.
Based on whether you typically get a lot of wet heavy snow or a dusting of light dry snow will determine the type of shovel that will serve you best.
Snow Shovel Types
Shovels come in three basic styles: the pusher, the scoop, and the combo.
A scoop shovel is designed to lift and toss snow, while a pusher shovel sweeps snow forward and out of the way like a bulldozer. Both work well, but pusher shovels are generally better for heavy snowfalls.
A combo shovel is designed to both scoop and push, and they work well with all snow types.
What makes for a good snow shovel?
There are a few basic features that are necessary for a well-designed shovel. A good shovel should have an ergonomic design to reduce stress on your shoulders and lower back. It should be lightweight yet durable enough to withstand the repeated impacts of shoveling.
Snow Shovel Materials
Since it will be used in cold and wet conditions a snow shovel should be constructed from rust and corrosion-resistant materials. Common materials include polyethylene and aluminum for the blades. Both of these materials are thin and lightweight to accommodate the repetitive movements of shoveling and tossing snow. If put under extreme stress the polyethylene will crack, while the aluminum will bend.
Handles are usually constructed from wood, fiberglass, steel, or aluminum. Wood has the benefit of being affordable and replaceable but can be subject to splitting if not properly maintained. Fiberglass is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Steel is very strong but is heavy and can rust if unpainted areas become exposed. Aluminum is strong and lightweight but can come at a high cost relative to other materials.
Blade Widths
Each shovel model will typically be offered in a range of widths. The wider the blade the faster it is to remove a section of snow in one motion. A wider design is ideal for pusher shovels to clear more snow quickly. However, for scoop shovels, a wider blade means a heavier load, especially when dealing with wet snow.
The following snow shovels will help to keep at least some of the winter weather under control. Read on to find the best shovel to help you clear snow more efficiently this winter.
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So here is my list of The Best Snow Shovels for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: JM Enterprises TV206971 Snow Shovel
The JM Enterprises shovel features an ergonomic design that is engineered to push the snow instead of lifting it for easier clearing.
Equipped with a UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) blade.
Features a Tuffbrace handle connector.
Equipped with a “D Style” comfort grip.
Features a fiberglass handle for long-lasting durability.
Offers the ability to flip over to provide a cutting edge to remove packed snow and ice.
Available in 18", 24", 30", 36", 48" widths.
Best Multi-Purpose: True Temper #12 Aluminum Scoop Snow Shovel
The True Temper Aluminum Scoop offers the ability to either be used as a snow shovel or a multi-purpose gardening shovel for year-round use.
Features a D-shaped hangle grip for leverage and control.
Equipped with a 26-inch hardwood handle.
Includes a 15-inch wide aluminum blade that is 8-inches deep to pick up large loads.
Best Ergonomic Design: Suncast SC3250 Snow Shovel
The Suncast SC3250 features an ergonomic "S" handle to reduce stress when shoveling.
Includes a galvanized steel edge.
Equipped with an 18 inch wide by 12 inch high blade.
Features a poly-coated blade.
Includes a ribbed steel core R shaft.
Equipped with a D-shaped grip.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the ice melter.
Best for Heavy Snowfall: Garant True-Temper 24" Snow Shovel
The Garant True-Temper snow shovel features a deep blade sleigh design that is designed for quick removal of heavy snowfall.
Equipped with a large polycarbonate blade to quickly remove snow.
Includes a steel wear strip on the front edge of the blade.
Features a 55-inch coated steel handle.
Equipped with an ergonomic handle to reduce back strain.
Best Spring-Loaded Design: Snow Joe SHOVELUTION Snow Shovel
The Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution 18-Inch snow shovel features a strain-reducing design.
Equipped with an ergonomic grip that is spring-loaded.
Features a polycarbonate blade for a lightweight, long-lasting shovel.
Uses the motion and energy from throwing the snow, to reset for the next scoop.
Concentrates the lifting on the larger upper body muscles.
Designed to reduce back strain while shoveling.
Best Budget Option: Garant NPW18KD Nordic Snow Shovel
The Garant NPP21KDU is equipped with a flat polyethylene blade.
Features. ahigh-quality hardwood handle that is mold resistant.
Equipped with a blade that won’t damage or chip a concrete sidewalk or driveway.
Best Premium Option: The Snowcaster 36UPH Snow Shovel
The Snowcaster 36UPH Pusher Shovel features a lightweight and durable design.
Equipped with a blade made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene material for durability and wear resistance.
Features a reinforced bracket and handle to strength and durability.
Includes a surface finish on the blade to help prevent snow from sticking when using.
Features a 36-inch wide blade for clearing large areas quickly.
Best for Light Snow: Garant YP139EAKDU Yukon Snow Shovel
The Garant shovel features an ergonomic design with a polyethylene scoop.
Features a design that is optimal for removing light snow from large surfaces.
Features a lightweight ergonomic aluminum handle facilitates each movement.
Equipped with a large ergonomic grip for comfort and control while scooping.
Best Combination Design: True Temper SnoForce Ergonomic Snow Shovel
The True Temper 20-Inch shovel offers a simple combination design.
Features a versitile design that can be used for either lifting and throwing snow to be used as a pusher.
Features the patented VersaGrip which accommodates multiple gloved hand positions.
Best Value: Suncast SC1350 Snow Shovel
The Suncast SC1350 offers a snow shovel and pusher combo design.
Poly blade measures 18 inches by 12 inches.
Equipped with a galvanized metal wear strip.
Features a handle with a 1-1/8" diameter.
Includes a steel core and ribbed grip handle.
Feature a 51 inch overall length.
I hope this list of the best snow shovels was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
