Best Snow Shovels for Winter

Before you decide which snow shovel you need, learn about the main types and when to use them.

The most common snow shovel, the standard type, is a typical scoop shovel. You push it until it fills with snow, and then you pick it up and toss the gathered snow. The blade is flat, shallow and can be made of various materials. These are the best snow shovels for light snow, because picking up and tossing heavy snow can cause injury. However, the shallow blade makes it helpful for getting under heavy, wet snow as well.

Push snow shovels clear snow by pushing it along, but you don’t pick up and throw the gathered snow. Instead, you push it out of the way and leave it there. The blade of a snow pusher shovel is long and deep, and they are the best snow shovels for large amounts of light snow. Though the snow is light enough to toss, clearing large areas and high volumes of snow would take a lot of time and effort. They can also be used for compact, heavy snow that shouldn’t be picked up. Push shovels include sleigh shovels and snow plow shovels, and can be easier on those who are at risk of back injury.

Combination snow shovels can handle pushing, picking up and tossing snow. The blades are wide and curved, and like the other types, can be made from various materials.

Snow shovels may seem similar to each other, but the blade, the working end of the shovel, can be made from different materials.

Plastic (polyethylene) blades are common because they are strong, lightweight and gentle on surfaces like decks. Also, plastic blades are easy to maintain because they don’t rust. A plastic snow shovel is recommended for areas that don’t get much snow. Plastic blades can also have a metal-tipped steel or aluminum edge to help cut through heavy snow and ice. On the other hand, sharp, metal-tipped edges can get caught on rough surfaces, damaging the surfaces and potentially hurting your arms or shoulders.

Metal shovel blades are heavier than plastic, but they are stronger and better suited for locations that get lots of snow and ice. The two main types are aluminum and steel. An aluminum snow shovel is usually lighter than steel, but it can bend or become damaged with heavy use. A steel snow shovel is strong but heavier, and you have to take care of it to avoid rust. Consider the areas you’ll be shoveling because metal can damage some concrete and wood surfaces.

Living in an area with lots of heavy snowfall can make power shoveling more desirable than manual shoveling. If you don’t want to lift heavy snow, an electric corded or an electric cordless snow shovel may be the best snow shovels for your situation.

Whether electric or manual, each type of snow shovel comes with its own set of benefits and costs.

• Manual snow shovels come in various types that can work on multiple surfaces, while electric shovels work best on smooth surfaces.

• Electric shovels, weighing up to 15 pounds, are a lot heavier than manual shovels.

• Electric shovels throw snow forward, not to the side. This is like a manual push shovel where you shovel in the direction you want the snow to land.

• Manual shovels come in a wide variety of widths, while electric snow shovels are no wider than 30 inches. Consider the size of your shoveling area when choosing the best snow shovels.

Shoveling snow can be dangerous, causing injuries from the technique and heart attacks from the exertion. Here are a few tips to consider, but keep in mind that this list is not complete.

• Consider checking with your doctor to be sure you’re healthy enough to shovel snow.

• Use the best snow shovels to minimize your effort.

• Make sure the shovel has a handle that is long enough for your body. The ideal length will be at your chest so you don't have to bend too much. Stand up the shovel on its blade and make sure the entire length reaches at least your elbow.

• Take lots of breaks.

• Don’t pick up large amounts of heavy snow. Shovel smaller sections instead.

• Shovel using safe techniques. A specially designed ergonomic snow shovel may be ideal.