When heavy snow blankets your driveway and walkways, having the right tool for the job is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. The wrong shovel can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even injury. Heavy, wet snow demands a shovel built for strength and efficiency, one that can move significant volume without breaking your back or the tool itself.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect snow removal solution for your specific needs. From compact emergency shovels to heavy-duty pushers and powerful electric models, we’ve compiled a list of the top performers to help you conquer even the most formidable winter storms with confidence.
Our Top Picks for Heavy Snow Shovels
- Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
- FOREST HILL Super Tuff Aluminum Scoop Shovel
- Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded Snow Shovel
- Snow Joe Telescoping Snow Broom & Ice Scraper
- Suncast 20″ Combination Snow Shovel/Pusher
- The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher
- Radius Garden PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Shovel
- Throwerblade Snowplow Kit for Snowblowers
- YEITSNOW Snow Shovel Ergonomic Design
- True Temper 18-Inch Ergonomic Snow Pusher
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
This collapsible shovel is the perfect companion for your vehicle or camping gear. Its 3-piece design breaks down for incredibly easy storage in a trunk or backpack, ensuring you are always prepared for unexpected snow drifts or roadside emergencies. Weighing just 1.3 lbs, it is remarkably lightweight yet constructed from durable aluminum, making it a reliable tool without adding significant bulk.
The compact nature of this shovel makes it an ideal emergency tool rather than a primary shovel for large driveways. It provides peace of mind, allowing you to dig out a car tire or clear a small path with minimal effort. Its portability means you can tackle adverse weather conditions wherever you encounter them.
FOREST HILL Super Tuff Aluminum Scoop Shovel
Built for demanding jobs, the FOREST HILL Super Tuff shovel is a heavy-duty workhorse. Constructed with a thick .125-inch aluminum blade, it is designed to handle not just snow, but also mulch, stone, feed, and other heavy materials. The solid ash wood shaft, harvested from reforested woods, is crafted for superior durability and longevity, ensuring this tool will last for seasons to come.
User comfort is a priority with the Poly-D grip handle, which is textured to prevent slipping even in wet conditions. The curved top edge acts as a boot kick for added strength when you need extra leverage. This shovel is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile, professional-grade tool that can stand up to intense use on a farm, in a garden, or during a major snowstorm.
Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded Snow Shovel
For those looking to minimize physical strain, the Earthwise electric snow shovel offers a powerful alternative. Its 12-amp motor can move an impressive 430 pounds of snow per minute, providing performance that rivals some gas-powered snow throwers. This tool is ideal for clearing decks, sidewalks, and smaller driveways quickly and efficiently without the hassle of gas and oil.
This model features a 16-inch clearing width and an 8-inch clearing depth, making it capable of handling significant snowfall. It throws snow up to 30 feet away, helping you keep your cleared areas clean. As a corded electric model, it offers consistent power without the runtime limitations of a battery, making it a reliable and low-maintenance option for efficient snow removal.
Snow Joe Telescoping Snow Broom & Ice Scraper
This 3-in-1 tool is specifically designed for clearing snow and ice from your vehicle. It features an 18-inch foam broom that is non-abrasive and scratch-resistant, ensuring it safely removes snow from paint, glass, and trim without causing damage. A built-in ice scraper handles tougher frozen layers, making it a comprehensive solution for winter car care.
The extendable handle is a key feature, adjusting from 33 to 52 inches to give you the reach needed to clear the entire roof, hood, and windshield of a truck or SUV without straining. Its lightweight design and focused functionality make it an essential accessory for any driver who wants to quickly and safely clear their vehicle after a storm.
Suncast 20″ Combination Snow Shovel/Pusher
The Suncast shovel combines a traditional scoop design with an efficient pusher blade. The 20-inch blade features an angled rib pattern that effectively collects and pushes snow, making it easier to clear large, flat areas like driveways and sidewalks in fewer passes. This design is particularly effective for lighter, fluffier snows where pushing is more efficient than lifting.
Durability is reinforced with a galvanized steel wear strip along the blade’s edge. This strip protects the heavy-duty coated plastic from cracking and chipping over time, especially when scraping against concrete or asphalt. It’s a well-balanced tool that offers a practical and sturdy solution for routine snow removal tasks.
The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher
This is not your average snow pusher. The Snowplow is constructed from virgin UHMW Polyethylene, a material known for its exceptional wear resistance, impact strength, and performance in cold weather. The non-stick blade allows snow to slide off easily, preventing the heavy, wet snow from sticking and building up like it does on generic plastic shovels.
Its patented TUFFBRACE handle connector system provides outstanding sturdiness, and the reinforced metal handle has twice the wall thickness of standard shovels. The blade is self-sharpening with use, ensuring it maintains its effectiveness on concrete, blacktop, and pavers season after season. It’s a premium, heavy-duty option for those who demand the best.
Radius Garden PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Shovel
While designed for digging, this award-winning ergonomic shovel is also highly effective for snow removal, especially for those concerned about back strain. Its standout feature is the patented Natural Radius O-Handle Grip, which provides four times the gripping surface of a traditional D-handle. This design offers superior leverage and significantly reduces stress on the hands and wrists.
The super-strong stainless steel blade is slightly cupped, making it excellent for moving heavy, wet snow. The extra-wide, elevated forward step allows for safer and more powerful foot placement when you need to push the shovel into a dense pile. It’s an intelligent tool designed with user biomechanics in mind.
Throwerblade Snowplow Kit for Snowblowers
This innovative attachment transforms your 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower into a versatile snow plow. The universal design fits snow blowers with widths from 22 to 32 inches, allowing you to push large volumes of snow, slush, and ice effortlessly. It’s the ultimate upgrade for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and parking areas faster and with a cleaner finish.
Installation is straightforward with the quick-connect system and supplied hardware. Once attached, the blade can be manually adjusted to angle left or right and locked in an up or down position, giving you complete control over your snow removal action. This kit maximizes the utility of your existing snow blower, making it a powerful multi-tool for winter.
YEITSNOW Snow Shovel Ergonomic Design
The YEITSNOW shovel is engineered specifically to protect your back during snow removal. Its innovative curved Z-shape handle promotes a more upright shoveling posture, which minimizes bending and significantly reduces back strain and fatigue. This design is particularly beneficial for seniors or anyone with pre-existing back concerns.
Despite its focus on ergonomics, it doesn’t sacrifice strength. The shovel head is made from a high-quality, lightweight poly material, while the handle is reinforced with improved steel, offering a 40% increase in load capacity. Load-tested to 124 lbs, this durable tool efficiently moves snow with a 17-inch wide scoop lined with an aluminum wear strip for longevity.
True Temper 18-Inch Ergonomic Snow Pusher
The True Temper Snow Pusher is designed for efficient clearing of large, flat surfaces. Its 18-inch wide blade is ideal for pushing significant amounts of snow with each pass, reducing the total time and effort required to clear a driveway or sidewalk. The ergonomic design of the handle helps to maintain a more natural and comfortable grip during use.
Built with durability in mind, this pusher features a sturdy construction that can handle the rigors of heavy snow removal. The blade is designed to glide smoothly over surfaces, effectively moving snow without requiring you to lift and throw it. It’s a straightforward, reliable tool focused on making the job of clearing snow after a storm as efficient as possible.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Snow Shovels for Heavy Snow
When I know a big storm is coming, my first thought is about finding the right tool for the job. A standard, flimsy shovel just won’t cut it for deep, wet, or heavy snow. You need a shovel built for power and endurance. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few key features make all the difference between a back-breaking chore and a manageable task.
First, let’s talk about the blade, or the scoop. This is the part that does the heavy lifting. For wet, heavy snow, a smaller blade is actually better. It might seem counterintuitive, but a smaller scoop means you’re lifting less weight with each pass, which saves your back and shoulders. I always look for a blade made of durable, non-stick material like polycarbonate or reinforced plastic. Steel blades are incredibly tough and can break through ice, but they’re also much heavier. A good compromise is an aluminum blade with a steel wear strip on the bottom for added durability.
Next, consider the handle. A bent or ergonomic “S”-shaped handle is a game-changer. It allows you to lift with your legs instead of your back, which is the proper and safest lifting technique. For truly heavy snow, I find that a longer, straight handle can provide more leverage, but you have to be extra careful about your form to avoid injury. The grip is important, too; a D-grip handle gives you more control for tossing snow to the side.
The shaft material matters for both weight and strength. A hollow-core aluminum shaft is my go-to. It’s lightweight, so you won’t get fatigued as quickly, but it’s also strong enough to handle the stress of moving heavy loads. Fiberglass is another solid option, though it can be a bit heavier. I tend to avoid wooden handles for heavy snow; they can splinter and are often the heaviest.
Finally, don’t overlook the lift capacity and overall design. Some shovels are specifically designed as “push” shovels with a wide, curved blade to move large amounts of powder, but for the wet, heavy stuff, you need a model designed for lifting. Look for a blade with reinforced ribs and a sturdy connection point where the shaft meets the blade. This is a common failure point on cheaper models. Investing in one of the best snow shovels for heavy snow means getting a tool that won’t let you down when you need it most, making the entire clearing process faster and much safer on your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of snow shovel is best for heavy, wet snow?
For that back-breaking, wet snow, I recommend a shovel with a smaller, reinforced blade. A large scoop will just be too heavy to lift when it’s full of water-logged snow. Look for a metal blade, like aluminum with a steel edge, or a very tough, thick poly plastic. An ergonomic handle is also crucial because it encourages you to lift with your legs, saving your back from strain. A pusher-style shovel is almost useless in these conditions; you need a classic lifting shovel.
Is an ergonomic snow shovel really worth it?
Absolutely, yes. As someone who has dealt with plenty of sore muscles, the difference an ergonomic shovel makes is significant. The curved shaft design positions your hands so that you don’t have to bend over as far to lift a load. This puts you in a more natural, powerful position to use your leg muscles, which are much stronger than your back. It might cost a little more, but it’s an investment in your physical well-being, especially if you have a large area to clear.
How can I prevent my snow shovel from rusting?
Preventing rust is all about proper care. After each use, I make sure to knock off any excess snow and ice. Then, I bring it inside or into a garage to dry completely. I never leave a metal-bladed shovel sitting in a pile of wet snow. If it’s a steel shovel, you can occasionally wipe the blade down with a light coating of oil or a silicone spray to create a protective barrier. Storing it hanging up, rather than leaning on the blade, also helps it last longer.
Can I use a plastic shovel for heavy snow?
You can, but you have to choose wisely. A cheap, thin plastic shovel will likely crack under the pressure of heavy, icy snow. However, many modern shovels are made from high-impact, reinforced polymers that are specifically engineered for tough conditions. I look for ones that have extra ribbing on the back of the blade for strength. For the most demanding jobs, a metal blade is still the toughest, but a high-quality plastic shovel can be a great, lighter-weight option.
What is the difference between a pusher shovel and a lifter shovel?
This is a key distinction. A pusher shovel, often with a wide, curved blade, is designed for clearing large areas of light, powdery snow. You just push it along the ground. A lifter shovel is what you need for heavy snow; it has a deeper, more square-shaped blade that’s meant for scooping and lifting the snow to toss it aside. When I’m facing a deep fall, I start with a pusher if possible, but I always have my heavy-duty lifter ready for the packed-down and wet stuff at the end of the driveway.
How do I stop snow from sticking to my shovel?
Sticking snow is a common frustration. The best defense is a shovel with a non-stick coating, often a slick polymer or a Teflon-like finish. If your shovel doesn’t have this, you can create your own barrier. Before you start shoveling, I sometimes spray my shovel blade with a light coating of cooking spray or silicone lubricant. This creates a slippery surface that helps the snow slide right off. Just wipe it down and re-apply as needed throughout the job.