Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Temper 18-Inch Mountain Mover | Best Overall | ~$30-45 | 4.7/5 |
| Garant YPP26KDU Poly Shovel | Best Budget | ~$20-30 | 4.6/5 |
| Suncast SC3250 SnowCaster | Best Premium | ~$70-95 | 4.7/5 |
| Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Telescoping | Best for Cars | ~$25-40 | 4.5/5 |
| Bigfoot Pivot Industrial Shovel | Best Compact | ~$50-70 | 4.6/5 |
I have lived in snow country my entire adult life and have probably owned every style of snow shovel ever sold. After years of trial and error, I have settled on a small collection of shovels that handle every kind of storm without leaving my back wrecked the next morning. Here are the five I would recommend to anyone.
What Matters Most
The most important factors in a snow shovel are blade material, handle design, and weight. A poly blade with a metal wear strip strikes the right balance between durability and weight. Aluminum blades are tough but heavy. The handle should be the right length for your height, and an ergonomic bend dramatically reduces back strain. Finally, the blade shape matters: a pusher clears wide paths fast, while a scoop is better for chunking through deep piles.
My Top Five Picks
My everyday pick is the True Temper Ergonomic Mountain Mover, which has the best bent handle I have used and a tough poly blade. For pushing large driveways, the Suncast 26 Inch Snow Pusher clears more area per pass than any other shovel I own. The Garant Yukon Combo Shovel combines a pusher and scoop in one tool.
For wet, heavy snow, the True Temper 18 Inch Aluminum Snow Shovel has a sturdy blade that handles slush and ice. And for clearing right up to the foundation, the Bigfoot Ergonomic Snow Shovel has a wide blade and a comfortable D-grip handle.
My Setup
For my own driveway I keep three shovels in the garage near the door. A 26-inch pusher handles the bulk of any storm and clears the long sections fastest. The True Temper ergonomic does cleanup work along the garage door and walkways. And a sturdy aluminum scoop lives nearby for the heavy stuff at the end of the driveway where the plow throws everything in a wall. Having the right tool for the moment makes shoveling so much less brutal.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake people make is trying to do everything with one shovel. A small scoop will take you all day on a big driveway, and a giant pusher cannot lift heavy snow. Get the right tools for the conditions. Another mistake is overfilling the blade, especially with wet snow. Take smaller bites and you will save your back and finish faster. And never shovel by twisting your spine, walk the snow over to the pile instead of throwing it sideways.
Final Recommendation
For most homeowners with a typical driveway, the True Temper Ergonomic Mountain Mover plus a Suncast pusher is a perfect two-shovel setup that will handle anything winter throws at you. Add the Garant combo if you only want one tool. Whatever you pick, get it before the first storm hits, because hardware stores sell out fast once the snow starts flying.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a pusher or a scoop-style shovel?+
A pusher is faster for light, fluffy snow on flat surfaces, while a scoop is better for wet, heavy snow or piles you need to lift and toss aside. Most homeowners need both.
Are ergonomic bent-handle shovels worth it?+
Yes, especially for anyone with back issues. The bent handle keeps you more upright and reduces strain on the lower back compared to a straight-shaft shovel.