{"id":1853,"date":"2019-12-20T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T08:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=1853"},"modified":"2019-12-19T12:52:49","modified_gmt":"2019-12-19T12:52:49","slug":"best-snow-shovel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/best-snow-shovel\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose The Best Snow Shovel?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you are scooping snow off your driveway, you want a shovel that\u2019s as light as possible with the widest mouth possible.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t even try to shovel snow with a conventional shovel. Snow is heavy enough without adding the weight of the shovel. The design of most conventional spades is also not ideal for picking large scoopfuls of snow.<\/p>\n

In this buying guide, I review and compare the best snow shovels in the market.<\/p>\n

My top picks are based on weight, design, durability and versatility.<\/p>\n

I also give you tips on how to choose the right snow shovel and how to use it to shovel snow quickly and safely.<\/p>\n

What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Shovel<\/h2>\n

a) Weight<\/h3>\n

A snow shovel needs to be as light as possible. This ensures that most of your effort goes to lifting the weight of the snow rather than the shovel.<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t an official weight requirement for snow shovels but anything around 1kg and under will feel comfortable in your hands.<\/p>\n

Most snow shovels are made with materials such as plastic, aluminium and fiberglass to keep the weight down.<\/p>\n

b) Design<\/h3>\n

Next, check the design of the shovel, particularly the handle and the mouth.<\/p>\n

A D-shaped handle is standard for most shovels. It provides a nice grip, giving you plenty of leverage to thrust the shovel under the snow and lift it up.<\/p>\n

As for the mouth, the part that will do the actual lifting, it should be wide with a narrow front edge. The recommended minimum width is 400mm (40cm).<\/p>\n

The best snow shovels incorporate a metal strip along the front edge, allowing the shovel to slip easily under the ice.<\/p>\n

A wide mouth allows you to scoop up a lot of snow at once, making quick work of the snow build-up on your driveway.<\/p>\n

For the overall height, I recommend a number between 110cm and 140cm. This height works perfectly for most people. It\u2019s not too long that the shovel is clumsy to lift and not too short that you strain your back bending down.<\/p>\n

By the way, a snow shovel is not just for scooping snow. The design that makes it so good for clearing snow also makes it perfect for cleaning the chicken coop and clearing loose dirt from your backyard.<\/p>\n

c) Portability<\/h3>\n

If you need a snow shovel you can carry in your car all the time for emergencies, look for one that\u2019s portable.<\/p>\n

It should have a foldable handle that ensures it fits easily in the boot of your car. Some portable snow shovels have a telescopic handle whose length can be adjusted.<\/p>\n

d) Build Quality<\/h3>\n

A good quality snow shovel should be lightweight but strong. It should last you several seasons. Most snow shovels are made from heavy-duty plastics or lightweight metals like aluminium to ensure durability.<\/p>\n

Before you buy a specific snow shovel, check customer reviews for any reports of the shovel snapping, the mouth bending or the handle coming loose.<\/p>\n

How to Shovel Snow Fast (and Safely)<\/h2>\n

Shovelling snow is hard work and you can injure yourself if you are not careful. Back injuries are common and there\u2019s a risk of slipping and falling not to mention the cold temperatures.<\/p>\n

Safety should be a priority when you shovel snow. You should also be comfortable. Then, use the right shovelling tools and technique to make the work easier.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips for shovelling snow safely and fast.<\/p>\n