The Best Snow Shovel
Researched by Johnny Alto · last updated July 27, 2026
Short answer: The best snow shovel is the True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel. The best all-round choice because the ergonomic bent shaft is the single biggest upgrade for your back: it lets you lift and throw snow without stooping over a straight handle, which is where back strain comes from. The main things to weigh are type, blade material, width, and shaft length and grip.
True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel
The best all-round choice because the ergonomic bent shaft is the single biggest upgrade for your back: it lets you lift and throw snow without stooping over a straight handle, which is where back strain comes from. The lightweight poly blade has a wear strip to bite through the packed layer and will not rust, it is comfortable and durable, and it comes from True Temper, the reference brand for snow tools. For clearing a typical driveway and walk, this is the one.
Check price on Amazon Live price on Amazon. Representative image.The right snow shovel depends on your snow and your back. The big decision is type: an ergonomic bent-shaft shovel to lift and toss with far less stooping, a pusher (sleigh) to plow light snow off big flat areas without lifting at all, or an electric snow shovel to let a motor do the work. After that it comes down to blade material and width. Here is the ergonomic pick for most people, plus a pusher and an electric option, and one safety note that genuinely matters.
How do the best options for snow shovel compare?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel | The best all-round choice because the ergonomic bent shaft is the single biggest upgrade for your back: it lets you lift and throw snow without stooping over a straight handle, which is where back strain comes from. |
| Push, don't lift (big driveways) | True Temper Poly Snow Shovel/Pusher | A wide pusher blade that plows light-to-moderate snow off in rows so you never lift a loaded scoop. Far less effort on long, flat driveways and sidewalks, and it doubles as a scoop for smaller jobs. |
| Let the motor do it | Snow Joe 24V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel | A battery-powered shovel that throws the snow for you, ideal for decks, steps, and short driveways when lifting is not an option. Best for lighter, shallower snow and smaller areas; deep, wet snow still wants a snow blower. |
What should you look for in snow shovel?
A few things separate a good snow shovel from a frustrating one: type, blade material, width, and shaft length and grip. Weigh these before you buy.
- Type: ergonomic bent-shaft to lift and toss, a pusher to plow without lifting, or electric to power through with no manual effort.
- Blade material: poly is light and rust-proof; look for a metal wear strip on the edge to break packed snow and ice off pavement.
- Width: wider clears faster but is heavier per scoop, so match it to your strength and the snow's weight.
- Shaft length and grip: sized to your height, with a comfortable D-grip, to keep your posture upright.
Shoveling is harder on your heart than it looks
This is not a throwaway caution: snow shoveling sends tens of thousands of people to the ER each winter and is a well-documented cardiac risk, because cold air plus sudden heavy exertion puts real strain on the heart. Protect yourself. Push snow rather than lifting it whenever you can, and when you must lift, take small loads, bend with your knees (not your back), and never twist to throw. Take frequent breaks, dress warmly, and stay hydrated. Clear early and often during a storm, because a few inches is far easier and safer than a deep, packed, icy load. And if you have any heart condition, high blood pressure, or you are not used to strenuous exercise, do not lift snow by hand at all: use a pusher, an electric shovel, or a snow blower, or ask for help.
What are the best alternatives?
True Temper Poly Snow Shovel/Pusher
A wide pusher blade that plows light-to-moderate snow off in rows so you never lift a loaded scoop. Far less effort on long, flat driveways and sidewalks, and it doubles as a scoop for smaller jobs.
Check price on AmazonSnow Joe 24V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
A battery-powered shovel that throws the snow for you, ideal for decks, steps, and short driveways when lifting is not an option. Best for lighter, shallower snow and smaller areas; deep, wet snow still wants a snow blower.
Check price on AmazonBottom line: the True Temper ergonomic shovel is the back-friendly pick for most; choose the pusher for big flat driveways, or the Snow Joe electric to skip lifting entirely. Please read the safety note below before the next storm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best snow shovel?
True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel. The best all-round choice because the ergonomic bent shaft is the single biggest upgrade for your back: it lets you lift and throw snow without stooping over a straight handle, which is where back strain comes from.
What should you look for in snow shovel?
Focus on type, blade material, width, and shaft length and grip.
What is a good alternative to the True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel?
The True Temper Poly Snow Shovel/Pusher. A wide pusher blade that plows light-to-moderate snow off in rows so you never lift a loaded scoop. Far less effort on long, flat driveways and sidewalks, and it doubles as a scoop for smaller jobs.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review; recommendations reflect community consensus and verified buyer reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change, so always confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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