Make snowy and icy winter mornings less miserable with the best ice scraper. We tested these in Minnesota!
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6 Best Ice Scrapers and Snow Brushes of 2024
How many of you have found yourself stuck in the first frost or snowfall of the year without the best ice scraper? You might think an always-prepared Family Handyman staffer like me would never be in that situation. But sure enough, there I was clearing my windshield with an old CD case and without the best snow removal tools.
The CD case worked okay in those first few frosts. But when the first heavy snow fell and winter got real, it was time to shop for proper snow removal tools. You can find ice scrapers just about everywhere and I was flummoxed with all the options. Which one is best?
To find out, I chose 10 ice scrapers and snow brushes and turned my co-workers loose with them in our Minnesota winter. We made some snow removal mistakes along the way, but found these ice scraper options to be the best.
Best Overall Snow Brush and Ice Scraper Combo
Subzero 26 Snow Brush
Pros:
- Brush and scraper combination for ice and snow removal
- Foam grip
- Affordable
Cons:
- May not be suitable for removing toughest ice
This is probably the most popular design for best ice scraper out there with over 15,000 five-star Amazon reviews. The question is, why? We figured it was mostly due to its perfect 26-inch length. It’s long enough to use two hands for leverage on tougher ice. It reaches most parts of your car easily enough and it’s a reasonable size for stowing away in the back seat or trunk.
The scraper end is four inches wide with ice scoring teeth on the back side. The brush is stiff enough to move heavier snow and the padded grip makes it easy to grab. If there was a government-issued scraper here in Minnesota, this might be it, and I doubt anyone would complain. Here are some snow removal hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Psst! You’ll love these other best car snow removal tools, too.
Best Compact Ice Scraper
The Better Stuff Scraper
Pros:
- Handheld size is easy to grab and store
- Ergonomic
- Easy to store
- Good for chipping ice
Cons:
- Won't reach across windshields
This ergonomic scraper design works well without taking up space. It allows you to chip and clear ice in one back-and-forth motion. The stiff leading brass edge won’t scratch glass, and the trestle grip design lets it conform to windows or windshields for a clean pass every time.
It’s small and compact so it fits easily in your glovebox, but plan on maxing out your reach to clear your entire windshield. We all wished this thing was on a long stick, but agreed it’s a worthy companion in an ice storm.
Best Heavy-Duty Ice Scraper
Hopkins Subzero Ice Crusher
Pros:
- Good for removing thick ice
- Double end scraper
- Foam grip
- Affordable
Cons:
- Won't reach across windshields
The Ice Crusher feels great in hand. It’s stiff and stout, and the scoring teeth on the handle’s tail end dug into ice well. But I found the scraper blade itself didn’t conform to the windshield contour as well as the brass-edge scrapers we tested. Still, the separated chippers were good for breaking up thick ice without concerns about snapping the handle.
The 11-inch handle provides a better reach, and the wider blade does make for quicker work.
Best Budget Ice Scraper
Snow Joe Brass Blade Ice Scraper
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Brass blade conforms to windshields
- High-impact plastic
- Easily stored
Cons:
- Brass blade requires caution with use
Of all the straight-up ice scrapers we tested, this one was most impressive on a budget. The design is basic: high impact plastic, a longer handle for better reach and a five-inch brass blade. You would think a metal scraper would scar a windshield for life, but brass is soft and won’t scratch glass.
The blade nicely conforms to the radius of your windshield and leaves a clean path every time. The only downside with a soft brass blade: You have to be careful not to accidentally kink or gouge the blade. Stow it in a safe place and it won’t let you down.
Would you rather not scrape your car windows at all? Here are windshield covers to consider.
Best Extendable Snow Brush
Cofit Car Snow Brush
Pros:
- Reaches across most windshields
- Swivel head
- Breaks down for storage
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
This telescoping brush has a lot of features. The 11-inch broom has a squeegee on the back side which is for light frost or snow, and for that final pass once you clear heavier snow off the windshield. The brush head swivels to control which side of the brush moves the snow.
There’s a nice foam grip, and the broom and scraper detach if you want to divide up the work with somebody. I used this for a few weeks and found that when extended from 31 inches to 39 inches, it’s a perfect choice for a mid-size SUV or mini-van
Best Broom Ice Scraper
Snow Joe Telescoping Broom
Pros:
- Non-abrasive
- LED lights for nighttime clearing
- Breaks down for storage
Cons:
- Some buyers note issues latching the extension
If you’re concerned about scratching your vehicle’s finish, this new-school foam broom from Snow Joe is the way to go. Its 14-in. x 7-in. foam head is stiff and non-abrasive. The built-in LED lights illuminate nighttime snow removal and include a blinker function for roadside emergencies.
The scraper on the opposite end does its job, especially when you lean in on it with the 33-inch handle. The handle telescopes to 55 inches, giving you plenty of reach for larger vehicles. Unscrew the handle and clip it into the head for easy storage. All the truck owners in the office loved this one.
What to Consider When Buying an Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
Which kind of ice scraper is best for your regional climate needs?
Consider the winter weather conditions you tend to encounter when deciding which kind of ice scraper to buy. If you often only see a dusting of snow with little to no ice during the winter, then a broom or bristle brush will likely do the job. If you live in a state where winters are long and snow and ice frequent, you should buy a scraper that can chip through thick ice.
Length
If you drive a large vehicle, buy an ice scraper that reaches across the entire windshield. Extendable ice scrapers are a good idea for those who want a short scraper for ice removal but also want to be able to push snow off their vehicle. Extendable ice scrapers are easily stored between uses.
How much should you expect to spend on an ice scraper?
Basic, short-handled ice scrapers can cost as little as $5, while premium tools and kits with multiple accessories tend to cost around $40-$50. Having to replace a broken ice scraper every year is no fun and costs more money in the long run, so go for something that’s durable and meant to last.
