Snow Shovel Reviews A New Take on Bend and Scoop Snow Shovels
A snow shovel is a tool that is used to remove snow from driveways, walkways, paths, lanes, and any other area where people need to walk.
While more powerful snowblowers are used to clear snow off entire yards, the role of shovels is to create a pathway through the snow.
These special shovels come in different types, some with features to make shoveling snow an easier task, but they all work the same way and are designed similarly. They usually have a long handle attached to a flat blade that can effectively scrape snow off the ground.
Different Types and Features to Look For
Blade material and size. Many shovels come with metal blades; some are large and some are small. Metal is a durable material to use, but when loaded with snow, large metal shovels tend to get too heavy. Thus, you can either get a smaller shovel or one with a plastic blade.
However, since plastic shovels are not that durable, many manufacturers these days also offer aluminum snow shovels, which are more durable than plastic but lighter than metal. They are also less expensive than metal and steel shovels.
Ergonomic design. Shoveling can be a tiring task, and it can put a strain on the arms and on the back. Thus, some shovels feature special ergonomic designs such as an S-shaped handle to make the task lighter on the body. These are more expensive, but they are definitely worth it.
Adjustable durable handle. The handle is an important part of your shovel. Make sure that it is adjustable so it can match the height of the user. Some models also feature foldable handles that make storage easier.
Pusher/push shovel. Pushers or push shovels are designed to push snow instead of lift them up. However, these are not very common anymore because manufacturers have found a way to combine a push shovel and a regular shovel into one.
One of the most popular snow shovels around is the Suncast SF1850 Big Scoop. The name of the shovel describes its design; instead of the flat blade, this shovel comes with a unique curved blade made of non-stick graphite. There are two advantages to this. First, graphite is not as heavy as metal and its non-stick feature makes sure snow does not stick to the surface. Second, the curved blade makes scooping snow easier.
The curved blade, which spans 22 inches, is attached to a collapsible one-piece steel handle. The handle is durable and collapses for easy storage. This model comes with a wear strip and retails for $40. The only complaint is that tall people won’t find it that easy to use due to its lack of height.
The most popular example of a snow pusher and shovel combination is the Suncast SP2725, a 27-inch model with a curved poly coated blade that effectively scoops snow up. But since the curve is shallower, this model can also be used to simply push snow.
Reviews say, however, that it works better as a push shovel than as a bend-and-scoop model. The poly blade is not that durable, but it doesn’t catch on anything like metal blades usually do, thus making the task smoother and easier.
The navy-colored blade is attached to a long D-grip handle with a ribbed steel core. The handle is not ergonomically designed, but it is long enough for average height people to manage easily and comfortably. According to uses, the handle is sturdy and tough. This sells for $40 and is a better alternative for taller people than the Big Scoop model.
Another combo offer is the Suncast SC3250, this time with an ergonomic S-shaped handle. The bent handle takes the pressure off your back. The handle is also durable with its ribbed steel core. As for the blade, it is made of poly coated plastic with galvanized steel wear strips along the edges. The blade is slightly curved to make both scooping snow and pushing snow easy.
Reviews say that the capacity of the shovel is pretty large, so each load may get a little heavy. It’s a good thing the handle is ergonomic. You’ll be glad to know that this ergonomically designed snow pusher and shovel combo retails for only $35.
The Ames True Temper has a very distinct design that sets it apart from other models. The bright yellow and black snow pusher and shovel comes with a poly blade with a slight curve. The blade is 26 inch wide but it is noticeably taller than the usual short and wide blades featured in other models. The blade is equipped with a wear strip so it can be used as a pusher or as a snow shovel.
The tall blade is then attached to a one-piece aluminum handle that’s light to carry. The handle comes with a mid-grip and an end-grip so you can find the best position for your hands and reduce back stress while lifting. Another unique feature is the foot step that helps you get maximum leverage when you lift. Best of all, the SnoBoss is also reversible for use in tight areas such as steps and stairs.
This is a bit more expensive than the other models at $50 but most consumers find it worth buying.
The Suncast SC5350 20-inch shovel and pusher is also quite popular. It has a bent ergonomic handle with a Comfort D Grip feature to give you a good hold. The design is effective enough as reviewers say they did not have to bend over as much as when they use a straight shovel.
The handle, which has a poly coated ribbed steel and fiber core, is attached to a non-stick graphite blade with a galvanized steel wear strip, a common feature in Suncast’s shovel and pusher combo offers. The shovel’s ribbing detail has a uniquely angled pattern.
This is a mid-sized shovel with 20 inches of width and 51 inches of length. It currently sells for $35.
Aluminum snow shovels are not that common, but Ames True Temper offers one, the 1640400 Arctic Blast model. The aluminum blade spans 18 inches for a good load with every stroke you make. At the edge, it has a steel wear strip to make it more durable. The shovel comes with a straight handle featuring a Quick-Connect system so you can easily attach it to the blade within seconds. The handle features a wide ribbed poly D-grip to give you comfort when handling the shovel.
Although not ergonomic, this shovel gets pretty good reviews from consumers. However, the wooden handle and the design of the blade makes the product look more like a regular shovel than any of the other shovels on the market.
The Suncast SC2700 is another top-rating shovel designed with basic functionality in mind. This does not have many special features, save for the galvanized steel wear strip along the blade’s edges and the D-Grip comfort grip technology in the handle.
Its other features are pretty standard for a Suncast offer, such as the non-stick graphite blade and the textured resin coated steel core of the handle. In fact, this snow shovel noticeably lacks the ergonomic handle, making do with a regular straight handle.
Still, at $35, it sells pretty well. Most consumers found it nice and easy to hold; it doesn’t slip and provides a good hold as you haul snow out of the way. This is recommended for those who are used to a straight shovel.
One of the cheapest snow shovel models around is the Suncast SC1350, another basic straight shovel with a curved poly blade that spans 18 inches in width and 12 inches in height. The shovel sells for $30 only and can also be used as a snow pusher. The edge of the blade is equipped with a galvanized steel wear strip for added durability.
This is less popular than other models due to its limited size of 18 inches and its non-ergonomic handle. But if you are on a tight budget, this basic but effective shovel and pusher combo is as good as budget shovels can be.
It has a slightly bent ergonomic handle with two grips to give you a higher lifting point and reduce the stress on the blade.
This helps extend the life span of the blade a bit and also makes the task easier on your back. The blade is made of non-stick graphite with a galvanized steel wear strip along the edges for pushing snow. The handle is also equipped with a ribbed steel core handle.
This is another $40 offer from top brand Suncast. The 18-inch snow shovel is ideal for those looking for a smaller shovel that provides more durability than the plastic-made SC3250.
One of the snow shovels that got one of the highest numbers of reviews online is the Snow Wolf SW0310. This model is unlike any other; it is called the wheeled snow shovel simply because it comes with a huge wheel right on the middle of the handle, in between the handgrips and the blade. Since this snow shovel is designed for large amounts of snow in any condition, the wheel’s role is to help bear the weight of the load as you push the shovel forward.
This unique technology, though still mechanical instead of electrical, is known for its ability to clear snow up to 3 times faster and with half the effort needed when using an ordinary shovel. The wheel is also an ergonomic feature; according to research, the design of the Snow Wolf wheeled shovel reduces lower back stress and cardio exertion by up to 3 to 4 times.
Electric Power Shovels
Electric power shovels are those that are powered by electricity; these are designed to do the shoveling automatically. All you have to do is push them in front of you. They are like mini snowblowers that come with a long telescoping handle.
One of the most popular power shovels is the Toro Power Shovel, which sells for $150. This is powered by a 7.5 amp motor and can cut through 6-inch snow coverage, cleaning out 12-inch wide paths with each pass. If you are willing to spend more so you can do less, an electric power shovel is the preferred choice over a regular snow shovel.
