Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
Snowfall looks pretty, but clearing it is a dangerous endeavor. Here is the best snow removal equipment to tackle any task, whether you're shoveling a front walk or taking care of a long driveway.
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There’s nothing quite like waking up to a fresh snow blanketing everything outside your house. However, the luster quickly fades when you realize that you’ll have to get out there and shovel the driveway—but only if you don’t own the best snow removal equipment.
Many homeowners underestimate the hidden dangers and demanding nature of managing snow and ice removal. While clearing a fresh snowfall might seem like a simple, mundane chore, it can blanket hidden hazards and the potential for injury.
Consider the fact that, on average, snow weighs about 20 pounds per cubic foot or 1.25 pounds per inch of depth. Factor in variations in moisture content and ice buildup, and that blanket of white can tip the scales at around 30 pounds per cubic foot. As a result, the basic task of shoveling snow often leads to muscle strain, general soreness, increased slip-and-fall incidents and overexertion that can trigger a heart attack and strokes in physically compromised individuals. In more severe winter events, exposure to extreme temperatures can result in frostbite and even the onset of hypothermia. Each year, snow shoveling leads to as many as 100 deaths and 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies that require treatment in an ER, according to the Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Equipping your home with the right tools is crucial for efficient and safe snow and ice management. But with numerous options available, choosing the right gear can seem daunting. Fear not! We’re here to guide you with expert advice, address your concerns and highlight top-rated snow removal equipment for effective, efficient and safe snow and ice removal.
VIA MERCHANT
Shovel smart, not hard and save yourself the backache with the best snow removal equipment. Numerous snow shovel types and variations are available to homeowners, from the basic design to the highly unusual. And they also run the gamut in price, from a few bucks to upwards of $40 to $50 per shovel. But price doesn’t necessarily reflect job performance. We like the Snow Joe Shovelution as the homeowner’s snow shovel of choice.
The chief selling point is the shovel’s spring-loaded second handle. It’s engineered to alleviate the back strain associated with shoveling by transferring greater lifting leverage to the lower hand. This allows the user to utilize their more powerful upper-body muscles to lift and throw each shovelful of snow more efficiently and effectively. Manufacturer Snow Joe claims this spring-loaded mechanism reduces user back strain by up to 30%. D-ring handle grips also provide the user with added comfort and improved ease of use.
Altogether, Snow Joe’s Shovelution weighs in at a manageable 3 pounds and has a total length of just under 25 inches. Snow Joe also includes a two-year warranty on the shovel. It’s available in an 18-inch poly-blade model as well. Pop on a self-heating jacket and some rechargeable hand warmers, and you’ll be good to go.
As with anything designed with mechanized components and intended to operate in winter conditions, the shovel’s greatest asset—the spring-assisted handle—could also be its greatest point of vulnerability over time. While the aluminum blade provides an excellent cutting edge, it is vulnerable to wear and tear from the rigors of uneven pavement and hidden obstacles. Lastly, commenters on online forums who were taller (more than 5 feet 10 inches in height) suggested slightly longer handles to mitigate potential fatigue issues.
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VIA MERCHANT
Battery technology has improved exponentially over the last decade, making it an attractive power source for handheld outdoor power equipment. For a long time, though, the school of thought has been that winter’s temperature extremes would limit the “oomph” a battery could deliver to a snow removal tool, like a powered snow shovel/snow thrower. However, recent design upgrades and the advent of lithium-ion technology have made electric snow shovels an attractive option, especially for homeowners who don’t have enough pavement to warrant investment in a more powerful gas-powered snow blower.
At its core, the Snow Joe Cordless Snow Shovel alleviates much of the strain and exertion of clearing snow. And while it’s heavier (just under 12 pounds) than the average snow shovel, the shoveler is no longer lifting and tossing heavy loads of snow. Instead, the “shovel” is doing most of the work. The unit’s two-handle design addresses ease-of-use issues and adds to its overall operational comfort. These features make this tool a well-suited snow removal equipment for clearing snow on decks, walkways, steps, decks and patios and shorter, single-lane driveways. Snow Joe electric snow shovels are some of the best-reviewed snow shovels on Amazon.
The 24-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery-powered motor rotates a two-blade paddle auger that can clear an 11-inch patch in 7-inch of snow and toss light snow around 20 feet. Under normal operating conditions, the battery has a run time of around 22 minutes per charge, which Snow Joe equates to around 2,025 pounds of snow. Although the Snow Joe Cordless Snow Shovel includes one battery and a quick charger, it would be nice to have a second battery to use in rotation, extending the operating time. It eats its way through light snow, but one wonders how effective or the impact it may have on the battery charge when tackling heavier icy or slushy snow. However, an added battery would undoubtedly increase its price point.
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VIA MERCHANT
In recent years, the sustainable use of rock salt and deicing materials has become a hot topic in snow and ice management circles. Studies point to years of excessive and misguided rock salt and deicing material use as a potential environmental contaminant, elevating salinity levels in freshwater resources to dangerous proportions.
For homeowners, a sustainable solution is to avoid spreading ice melt products by hand—the common practice of tossing handfuls here and there, which results in excessive over-application of materials. Instead, utilizing snow removal equipment like a mechanical spreader allows the user to put down rock salt or deicer at a more appropriate, even rate, which most manufacturers provide on their packaging. A good rule of thumb for straight rock salt use is around 3 pounds per 100 square feet of pavement.
A handheld spreader device is ideal and the most affordable option for homeowners managing ice buildup on shorter, narrower driveways or mitigating slippery conditions on stairs and walkways. And the Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is among the best for this task.
Intuitive in its use, the hand-powered spreader features a simple hand crank that moves the ice melt through its poly hopper and to a spinning broadcaster that distributes material evenly over the desired area. A dial lets the user adjust the rate and flow to match the task at hand. A bonus feature is the adjustable arm support that provides stability and comfort for the user. The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader weighs just over one pound when empty. According to Scotts, this handheld spreader can cover around 1,500 square feet of pavement. It can also spread fertilizer and grass seed during the warmer months, which increases its usability.
It would be nice if the Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader could be configured with the option for either the right or left arm/hand. At present, it favors right-handed users. Also, the spreader isn’t designed to mash chunks (a common condition with rock salt and granular ice melt) of materials, which must be free-flowing when the hopper is loaded.
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VIA MERCHANT
Like its little, handheld cousin, a walk-behind spreader allows for the judicious distribution of rock salt and ice melt product over a pavement surface. A walk-behind spreader is a more practical piece of snow removal equipment for homeowners with long, extended driveways or expansive pavement areas to manage.
Homeowners investing in a walk-behind spreader may consider the benefits of upgrading to a pro-grade option like the Buyers Products GroundsKeeper Multi-Purpose Walk-Behind Push Spreader. An equipment manufacturer for the professional snow and ice management market, Buyer’s Products has a long-standing reputation for quality and durability. While the GroundsKeeper has a steep price tag, its pro-grade features more than justify the cost. This spreader is engineered to withstand the worst winter can muster.
At its foundation is a fully welded, powder-coated carbon steel frame, which cradles a poly hopper with an impressive 100-pound capacity. Worthy of note is the hopper’s EdgeProtect feature, which allows the operator to direct granular material away from lawns and ornamental beds, reducing material waste and protecting flora from excessive damaging exposure to rock salt and deicing chemicals. In the summer, EdgeProtect ensures fertilizer and grass seed stay in the green spaces and are not wastefully distributed to the adjacent pavement.
Pneumatic tires, not hard plastic, fixed to a solid axle provide the user superior stability, and a fully enclosed gearbox protects components from corrosion. The GroundsKeeper’s bicycle-like handlebar improves user comfort and enhances navigation and maneuverability. At the same time, a hand-based lever located in the dead center allows the user to adjust material flow from fine to high output easily. It includes a hopper screen and nylon cover, which are great for mitigating dust and protecting against particle kickback. Lastly, the GroundsKeeper is true to its name and is ideally suited for warm-weather fertilizing and seeding duties, adding to its value as a multi-season tool.
For all of its highlights, the GroundsKeeper has a few drawbacks. Some assembly is required to get the unit up and running, which might intimidate those who are not mechanically inclined. The multipurpose tires are great for four-season use but not highly advantageous for maneuvering over slick surfaces. An interchangeable or upgraded tire with a more aggressive tread would be a nice add-on. Some more minor, exposed metal parts are prone to rusting, so vigilant, protective maintenance and lubrication are recommended to preserve integrity and prevent failure.
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VIA MERCHANT
Removing snow from a roofline mitigates the risk of ice dams forming, which reduces the chances of meltwater causing damage to roofs, attic space and even further throughout a home. It’s a task best performed regularly with a quality, telescoping roof snow rake.
There were numerous well-constructed roof rake designs available to consumers, but the Garant Telescopic Roof Rake is our best overall pick in this snow removal equipment category. It offers compelling design features that increase convenience and usability and elevate this roof rake above the competition.
At its core, the Garant Telescopic Roof Rake provides a robust yet lightweight design with added amenities that include a pair of plastic push-button mechanisms to engage the extension pole to its 16 ½ foot max reach, making it ideal for low, medium and steep sloped roofs. In addition, the push-button mechanism is designed to engage while the user’s gloves are still on, allowing hands to stay warm and dry. When extended to its maximum reach, the pole’s stability is solid with little to no wobble. The real game changer is the abrasive anti-slip coating added to the telescopic handle’s base, a noticeable improvement over uncoated aluminum or foam sleeves.
A triangular bracket stabilizes the hard plastic 24-inch by 5-inch blade, which offers a nice sweep of snow and slush with each pass. The base pole features an end cap reminiscent of the knob on a baseball bat that keeps the hand firmly planted and aids during the pull-back motion, another nice design feature.
This roof rake comes in at a great price and deserves all its accolades, but it does have a reduced reach compared to some competitors’ models. An additional third extension pole would complement its solid design and construction. Lastly, the blade may benefit from adding wheels, which would lift the cutting edge and prevent shingle damage.
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VIA MERCHANT
Snow removal equipment and ice management duties aren’t exclusive to clearing pavement. During a winter event, homeowners need a solid multi-tool to address other areas that require a deft touch, and a snow shovel may just be overkill.
The Snow Joe 2-in-1 Ice Scraper may be the most user-friendly tool in our lineup, offering Swiss Army-like features and potential. From the detailed, multi-lingual packaging to its compact engineering, the multi-purpose ice scraper and snow broom is ideal for light-duty snow-clearing activities around the home. Its telescoping padded handle intuitively twists and locks to extend from 33 to 52 inches. While this limited reach is not as long as some of the other options in this class, it’s lightweight, has limited wobble at full extension and features a 4-inch plastic ice-scrapper at the handle, making it the perfect implement for preventative ice dam maintenance on lower single-story eaves or from sheds and other smaller exterior buildings.
In addition, the non-marring, 7-inch by 18-inch closed-cell foam straight blade can clear snow from other surfaces, such as steps, deck and patio surfaces, windows and skylights, outdoor furniture, hot tube covers and even solar panels. Plus, it is delicate enough to clear your car or truck’s windshield. The ice scraper on the end of the handle is also a nice feature for this task.
The Snow Joe Snow Broom is easy to assemble, and a convenient plastic clip fixes the telescoping handle to the blade for easy storage.
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VIA MERCHANT
The Toro Power Clear Snow Blower is a push-button, electric-start (with a pull-chord option), gas-powered snow blower equipped with a 212cc, four-cycle engine engineered to handle all types of snowpack from light and fluffy to wet, heavy and sticky to a max depth of 12.5 inches. However, the ideal performance depth is between 2 to 9 inches.
Ideal for medium-sized driveways, the self-propelled Toro Power Clear is lightweight (87 pounds), compact, relatively easy and comfortable to maneuver at a maximum height of 42 inches. This single-stage powerhouse clears a 21-inch-wide path and tosses snow in a 210-degree radius upwards to 35 feet.
Some assembly is required out of the box, however, the setup is relatively intuitive for those who are mechanically inclined. And like with many single-stage blowers aimed at the homeowner market, many plastic components are incorporated into the Toro Power Clear’s design, which impacts durability and possibly creates future maintenance and repair issues. The snow chute lacks a more accessible crank and instead forces the user to bend over to adjust. In addition, the unit’s plastic wheels don’t offer much bite, and an upgrade would greatly benefit it.
For other snow removal equipment, check out our list of the best electric snow blowers for single-stage, two-stage and self-propelled options.
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VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANTThe Ariens Deluxe Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower is a winter snow beast! This model is a Cadillac among two-stage snow blowers, and Ariens’ reputation backs it for quality, power and usability along with a three-year warranty. It’s best suited for homeowners who live in aggressive winter environments, have long extended drives or want to make their neighbors green with envy. Sure, there are more expensive and larger two-stage snow blowers available, but the Ariens doesn’t disappoint.
An orange and black powerhouse, the two-stage blower is clad in a lot of steel for maximum durability. It features a 28-inch clearing width and a 14-inch serrated, all-steel auger for chewing up snowpack and tossing it a whopping 55 feet in a 200-degree discharge radius, adjustable from the operator’s position. According to Ariens, its 306cc AX306 gas-powered engine sports a two-hour run time, and a 14-inch super high-output (SHO) three-blade impeller will move 72 tons of snow per hour. An LED headlight illuminates the way for evening or early morning operation.
The snow blower’s Disc-O-Matic drive system features six forward and two reverse speeds to cut through winter conditions. It’s outfitted with deep-tread, 16-inch by 4.8-inch directional, pneumatic tires that improve the operator’s agility and grip. In addition, Ariens’ auto-turn technology senses when the user wants to change direction, making moving and turning the nearly 270-pound unit effortless. And if you’re so inclined, heated handgrips and a protective cab are among the aftermarket options you can add to this snow removal equipment.
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Whenever possible, acquire the best quality snow removal equipment that you can afford, says Tom Canete, a veteran commercial snow and ice management professional who owns Wayne, N.J.-based Canete Landscape and Snow Management. Canete counts MetLife Stadium, where the NFL’s New York Giants play their home games, as one of his many commercial clients. Before games, Canete’s team plays a vital role in clearing snow and ice from everything except the playing field.
For the average homeowner seeking ice management and snow removal equipment, the goal is to find the right tools to get the job done quickly and safely.
“Believe it or not, removing snow from a driveway is no joke,” says Canete. “It may not seem like a big deal, but there is a lot of potential for injury.” Homeowners can sustain sore muscles, strained backs and even a heart attack or stroke while clearing snow and ice. “That’s why you want to seek out those tools that will allow you to manage snow and ice easily,” Canete says.
Canete recommends a high-quality snow shovel and a snow blower for a good basic winter setup. Snow removal equipment like these are essential for tackling most winter scenarios the average homeowner faces.
“I prefer a snow shovel with a wooden handle and a plastic blade because I believe those are more durable than plastic handles and metal blades,” he says. “However, the exact style [of snow shovel] is simply a matter of personal preference, and you need to seek out an option that feels comfortable to use.”
And while he prefers gas-powered snow blowers, Canete says battery-powered technology has made great strides in recent years, making them an attractive option for homeowners. “While I haven’t had the opportunity to use [battery-powered snow equipment] professionally, I would give them serious consideration for at-home use,” he adds.
When investing in a snow blower or other piece of powered snow removal equipment, Canete recommends purchasing from a local outdoor power equipment dealer that generally stocks high-quality equipment.
“What you can purchase through a dealer will be high quality and will go the distance,” he says.
In addition to quality, Canete says a dealer has some freedom to negotiate on pricing, as well as offer attractive financing options and extended warranties. Also, an equipment dealer’s trained technicians will often assemble the equipment beforehand, and they can provide the replacement parts and offer repair and maintenance services to get you up and running in short order.
Canete adds that dealers are excellent sources of product information and have educated insights on equipment options, whether that’s a snow plow, walk-behind spreader, string trimmer, chain saw or push mower. “By purchasing through a local equipment dealer, they’ll know your [model of] equipment, stock the replacement parts you need and you’ll begin to build personal relationships with them, which are important when you find yourself in a pinch.”
And while it may seem counterintuitive, Canete advises homeowners not to wait until the eve of the first winter event to make a purchase. “A dealer doesn’t want to carry the [snow equipment] inventory all year long,” he says. “So, if you’re able to make a purchase at the very end of the winter season, or during the summer months, then you can often get a very attractive deal because they’re eager to make a sale before the next fall [equipment selling] season arrives.”
Canete also recommends keeping an eye on local online resale marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace, for deals on quality ice management and snow removal equipment.
“It’s not unusual to find a [snow] contractor who is either getting out of the business or is upgrading their own equipment who can offer you an attractive deal on quality, pro-grade equipment,” he says. “Pros tend to take really good care of their equipment because they depend on them to make a living, and you can benefit from that.”
Let’s alleviate a common area of confusion and address the differences between a snow “thrower” and a “blower.” In general, homeowners and even some snow and ice management pros will use these terms interchangeably. The reason for this is a snow thrower is a general term for any machine that removes snow by throwing it out of the way, like a snow blower or an electric snow shovel. Therefore, all snow blowers are snow throwers, but not all snow throwers are snow blowers.
For the sake of this discussion about snow blowers, let’s instead consider the key characteristics that differentiate single-stage from two-stage models.
Single-stage snow blowers are typically lightweight machines utilizing an auger to scoop up and throw snow in a single motion. Today’s models are typically electric or battery-driven, but gas-powered models do exist. Overall, they are less powerful than two-stage snow blowers and are best suited for quickly clearing light snowfall on flat paved surfaces. Generally, they clear paths between one to 2 feet in width and deposit snow at distances of around 20 feet. On average, they’re more affordable for price-conscious users and are ideal for homeowners who don’t have to manage aggressive winter events.
In contrast, two-stage machines utilize a separate auger to scoop up the snow and an impeller that then discharges the snow with considerable force through a chute, depositing it at distances of up to 50 feet. Generally, two-stage blowers are gas-powered and have the added power to manage heavy snowpacks quickly over long or large paved surfaces. In addition, they are engineered to clear wider paths—upwards of 3 feet. Their beefier design makes two-stage snow blowers heavier and more expensive than their single-stage brethren, and their added complexity also requires more routine maintenance and service by a trained, often certified, technician.
As a veteran, award-winning journalist and experienced DIYer, I’ve covered various aspects of the professional landscape and snow and ice management industries for the last 20 years. I’m also the editor of Snow Magazine, the professional snow and ice management industry’s leading business management publication. I also serve as curriculum and education director for the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA). In other words, I know about snow.
To help readers make informed decisions about snow and ice management equipment purchases, we looked at various models available to the average homeowner and DIY’er. We narrowed it down to several models we wanted to investigate more thoroughly based on online reviews, industry knowledge, overall experiences with similar products within the respective categories and first-hand use when applicable. We assembled educated conclusions and recommendations based on product descriptions, design and material quality, unique features, durability and ease of assembly and user feedback. We also consulted with Tom Canete, a veteran commercial snow and ice management professional and owner of Canete Landscape and Snow Management.
Snow removal is the act of clearing pavement of snow and ice so that it’s safe to walk and drive over, and it can involve snow shovels, snow throwers and blowers and snowplows.
Snowplowing typically refers to the action of employing a pickup truck or piece of heavy equipment, like a skid steer or tractor, to clear snow and ice from large spans of pavement. For example, various shapes and sizes of snowplows are used to clear streets and highways, retail and commercial parking lots and even residential driveways. A professional like Canete will manage snowplowing duties and apply rock salt and ice melt on a contract basis for property owners to help provide accessibility and mitigate slip-and-fall risk.
Lastly, some property owners may require a professional snow and ice management contractor to remove snow from the premises due to excessive snowfall or space limitations. Snow is often loaded into the back of large trucks for off-site disposal. Some snow and ice management professionals will use large, industrial, propane-powered snow melters. A skid-steer loader equipped with a bucket attachment will load snow into the machine where it’s melted and then discharge it into the local sewer drain.
Absolutely. Numerous equipment manufacturers specializing in lawn-and-garden tractors and zero-turn lawnmowers offer aftermarket snowplow kits that, with some assembly and mechanical know-how, are ideal for winter use, says Canete.
In addition, homeowners who are acreage owners or hobby farmers often employ utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)—geared more for work than recreational ATVs—to assist in managing the property. Those UTVs also have various aftermarket snowplowing and even salt/deicing spreader options.
Canete advises homeowners to consult with their local outdoor power equipment dealer for information on the snowplow options available for a homeowner’s particular brand and model of tractor, mower or UTV.
“There are a lot of good products out there that, with minimal effort, will allow you to convert your mower or tractor for snowplowing duties in the winter,” he says. “It’s a great way to extend the use of those tools you may have thought you could only use during the warm-weather months.”
Using the right tools and following best practices for snow removal are the fastest ways to manage snow quickly and safely, Canete says.
“I’ve seen it time and again, even among professionals, that when you try to cut corners with the wrong tools or try to power through a job at a careless pace, that’s when accidents happen,” Canete says. “If you take your time and use your tools correctly and how they were designed to be used, then you’ll make short work out of whatever is in front of you.”
Utilize one of the best snow removal equipment tools we covered on this list. Or, when in doubt, call in a local snow and ice management contractor to dig you out.
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