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A person shoveling snow with an ergonomic snow shovel. Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Best Ergonomic Snow Shovels of 2024

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A person shoveling snow with an ergonomic snow shovel. Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

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Editor's Choice Product image of Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution

Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution

Check Price at Amazon

The two-handle design of the Shovelution makes shoveling heavy snow easier on your back. It also breaks down for easy storage. Read More

Pros

  • Stows away easily in small spaces
  • Dual handle design minimizes back pain
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons

  • Unusual design takes some getting used to
  • Not for all types of snow
Editor's Choice Product image of Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

Check Price at Walmart

A comfortable, ergonomic shovel versatile enough to plow, scoop, and scrape. Read More

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle
  • Plowing is easy and smooth
  • Able to maneuver around and under objects

Cons

  • Handle limits throwing directions
  • Small scoop
Product image of Ergie Systems ERG-SNSH18

Ergie Systems ERG-SNSH18

Check Price at Amazon

The Ergie Shovel is a lightweight shovel for medium to light snow that can also be used for pushing snow and slush. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic grips
  • Steel shaft

Cons

  • Requires assembly
  • Plastic can be too flexible
Editor's Choice Product image of Ames True Temper 1613400 Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel

Ames True Temper 1613400 Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel

Check Price at Home Depot

For an aluminum shovel, this tool is quite heavy. It is sturdy and scoops quite a bit of snow, though. And you'll have a tough time beating the price. Read More

Pros

  • Big scoop size
  • Sturdy metal wear strip
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Shovel could corrode over time
Editor's Choice Product image of True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Mountain Mover

True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Mountain Mover

Check Price at Amazon

An affordable, basic snow shovel perfect for clearing compact, obstacle-heavy spaces. Read More

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Backaches can occur after long sessions
  • Not great for plowing or scraping
  • Best Overall: Snow Joe Shovelution
  • Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution
  • Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo
  • Ergie Systems ERG-SNSH18
  • Ames True Temper 1613400 Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel
  • True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Mountain Mover
  • True Temper SnoBoss 1625300 26-inch Shovel
  • What You Should Know About Ergonomic Snow Shovels

Across the country, timing the next winter storm warning can be unpredictable. In one winter, we may see rain, freezing rain, ice, and/or several variations of snow. Snow can be light and fluffy one storm and wet and heavy the next. In the northeast, most of my neighbors have several different style shovels in addition to snow blowers, since using the wrong shovel can cause frustration or, even worse, a lower back injury or over-exertion. Having a mobility issue only adds to this challenge.

Fortunately, manufacturers have designed and created snow shovels to accommodate a wide variety of weather conditions. For light and fluffy snow, a large plastic grain shovel makes quick work of a walkway. For the 1-2 inch wet variety, a curved snow pusher eliminates the need to lift and throw.

For the toughest nor'easter you’ll need to lift and throw that heavy snow—safely—with an ergonomic shovel designed to take stress off the lower back. Ergonomic shovels use curved handles, multiple grip points, and lightweight materials to keep posture correct and the load close to the body to avoid back strain. Here are the best ergonomic snow shovels on the market, including our pick for Best Overall, the Snow Joe Shovelution (available at Amazon for $23.79) .

Editor's Note:

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Best Overall: Snow Joe Shovelution

Product image of Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution

The Snow Joe Shovelution has been a customer favorite for many years and has more than 23,000 glowing reviews on Amazon. Ergonomically designed primarily for light to medium-weight snow, the Shovelution offers an innovative second grip handle located on the shaft to reduce back strain and efficiently throw the snow aside.

This isn't the best shovel for wet snow or hard-packed snow and ice, but it is perfect for flinging lighter snow aside without the dead lift many traditional shovels require. The Shovelution allows the operator to quickly move through a snow pile with the use of two hands in a more upright, safe position.

I tested the Snow Joe on a falling of 3-inch snow that was too wet for a snowblower to move. Assembly was a breeze. The three main parts of the shovel connected quickly and easily. The shovel is well-built and sturdy, yet surprisingly lightweight. The plastic is durable, and the metal strip allows a more complete cleaning of the surface.

The 18-inch width allows just enough snow to be moved without causing undue back strain, and the second handle changes the mechanics of throwing the snow. I found my natural tendency to lean on a traditional snow shovel and throw forward had been eliminated. Instead, I was able to scoop and throw the heavy load in one motion while standing almost upright. The shovel allows for better use of the legs and arms and reduces strain on the lower back.

Backed by a two-year warranty and durable construction, the Shovelution is one shovel to keep close by when winter hits. It is the perfect shovel for the worst kind of weather, tackling the heavy, wet snow with ease.

Pros

  • Stows away easily in small spaces

  • Dual handle design minimizes back pain

  • Sturdy and durable

Cons

  • Unusual design takes some getting used to

  • Not for all types of snow

$23.79 from Amazon

$27.72 from Home Depot

$23.99 from Best Buy

$20.89 from Walmart
Product image of Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo
Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

Praised by many who have used it—including our snow shovel testers who named it the best overall—the Suncast ergonomic shovel is the perfect companion for wintertime. Its ergonomic handle is expertly designed to alleviate stress on the back and allows those using it to throw snow with nary a worry.

The Suncast has a durable resin construction and a steel wear strip on the edge to help break through snow piles and ice. The Suncast is a shovel that can be used for a long time without undue fatigue or stress. Considered by many customers to be the one shovel to have in any storm, the Suncast is a fixture in garages across the land.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle

  • Plowing is easy and smooth

  • Able to maneuver around and under objects

Cons

  • Handle limits throwing directions

  • Small scoop

$56.35 from Walmart
Product image of Ergie Systems ERG-SNSH18
Ergie Systems ERG-SNSH18

The Ergie Shovel is a lightweight shovel for medium to light snow. Equipped with a metal blade on its edge, this snow scooper can also be used for pushing snow and slush. The plastic construction keeps its weight low, and the second handle allows for better posture (using legs, not back) when moving the snow. Some customers feel the shovel is a bit of a challenge to assemble and that the lightweight plastic is not rigid enough for dealing with frozen snow.

Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Ergonomic grips

  • Steel shaft

Cons

  • Requires assembly

  • Plastic can be too flexible

Buy now at Amazon

$31.00 from Walmart
Product image of Ames True Temper 1613400 Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel
Ames True Temper 1613400 Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel

The True Temper shovel is designed for snow removal and digging through plowed or icy snow. Its large handle, strong shaft, and heavy-duty aluminum construction allow this shovel to be used more aggressively than a plastic one. It has the ability to chop through ice and break up frozen snow.

Most customers who bought the True Temper shovel praised its durability and strength but had an issue with the assembly screws. While the shaft is ergonomic, some felt its curve was not enough and that the shovel mimicked a straight shaft shovel rather than an ergonomic one.

Pros

  • Big scoop size

  • Sturdy metal wear strip

  • Affordable

Cons

  • Heavy

  • Shovel could corrode over time

$39.61 from Home Depot

$51.64 from Walmart
Product image of True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Mountain Mover
True Temper 1627200 18-Inch Mountain Mover

The True Temper Mountain Mover may not move mountains, but it’s a decent entry-level shovel for occasional storms and snow falls. Lighter than most shovels in its class, the Mountain Mover uses an aluminum shaft, lightweight plastic, and a nylon edge to get the job done.

Like its aluminum-bladed cousin, the Mountain Mover features a slightly curved shaft to reduce strain on the back. Many customers praised its ability to move light and medium weight snow, but its design prevented chopping through ice and frozen snow. It’s a good shovel for the occasional storm but not the one to have in the snow belt.

Pros

  • Affordable price

  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Backaches can occur after long sessions

  • Not great for plowing or scraping

Buy now at Amazon

$26.60 from Walmart
Product image of True Temper SnoBoss 1625300 26-inch Shovel
True Temper SnoBoss 1625300 26-inch Shovel

The True Temper SnoBoss is a combo shovel with good intentions, but it lacks the practicality and versatility of other snow movers. Trying to be everything at once, the SnoBoss doesn't fare especially well in either the shoveling or pushing categories. It has an ergonomic handle and a second grip to help lift the snow, but the shovel area has a wide blade that makes it too large to easily lift and throw.

The large shovel area also makes it harder than curved shovels to push wet snow along. Customers have also noted that the metal strip on the shovel's edge breaks off after several uses, and the poly blade construction is not durable. This is a decent shovel for occasional snow or for use in a condo or smaller home.

Pros

  • Plows well

  • Has a second handle to pick up snow

Cons

  • Too large for some areas

  • Very heavy when full

$54.89 from Home Depot

$67.61 from Walmart

What You Should Know About Ergonomic Snow Shovels

Are ergonomic snow shovels better?

Ergonomic snow shovels aren’t inherently better or worse than standard snow shovels—it’s all about what works best for the individual. If you struggle to maneuver a standard snow shovel, an ergonomic option may help you do the task independently and without risking injury.

How to use an ergonomic snow shovel

Because ergonomic snow shovels come in a variety of designs, it’s best to read any included instructions before attacking a mound of snow. That said, these shovels typically work exactly as one would expect, with the ergonomic aspects built into the design. Some may require you to use two hands, and some may suggest pushing the snow rather than lifting.

However you use the shovel, remember not to overexert yourself and to seek assistance if the snow removal proves difficult on your own.

Meet the tester

Kevin Kavanaugh

Kevin Kavanaugh

Contributor

Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.

See all of Kevin Kavanaugh's reviews

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