For anyone who lives in an area where you will need to be shoveling snow, you know that a good snow shovel can make a world of difference. Snow shovels come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some can carry more snow than others.  When choosing a snow shovel it's good to know what's out there.  You are going to want to buy one that is easy to handle and one that will help you get the job done efficiently by using the least amount of energy.

I've put together my pick for the top ten best snow shovels out on the market.  I hope this helps you choose a snow shovel that fits your budget and gets the job done.

In the chart below, you will find my top 10 rated snow shovels.  For a more in-depth review of each model, please click on the "Read Review" link.

What Is the Best Way to Shovel Snow?

The biggest rule to remember when shoveling snow is actually pretty simple.  Try to move the snow the shortest distance as possible to get the job done.  For example, for a driveway you may want to clear a strip along the edge and onto the grass. Then go to the center and plow the snow from the center to the edge.

Make sure to shovel in a way that protects your back and legs from becoming injured.  One of the top winter injuries are falls and back injuries from shoveling incorrectly.  To prevent injuries, keep your back straight and knees bent.  Try to keep your knees in a natural position for working which is about shoulder length apart.  Lift with your arms and legs not your back. Also, bend from your hips and knees, not your back. The whole trick is to have your back do as little work as possible. It may help to purchase a back support band similar to what weight lifters use to help protect your back.

Remember the old saying from Benjamin Franklin - “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Take care of your back and be careful. While all of this may seem awkward at first, soon proper form while snow shoveling will become second nature to you, and you'll be shoveling without thinking about form.  This is especially true in the snow belts where you may be getting lots of daily practice.

With a snow that is less than 8 inches or so and not too heavy, you can often push the snow from the center to one side.  But with snow that is deeper than 8 inches you are going to need to actually scoop, lift and throw the snow off to one side.

Not all snow shovels are created the same.  There are different types of snow shovels for different jobs.  Here are the main types of snow shovels: 

The Scraper: Scrapes up ice.  This shovel is very valuable but be careful that it doesn't damage payment when chopping.  

The Aluminum Scoop: This type of shovel is rust proof and can handle big drifts.  

Aluminum Scoop

After carefully reviewing the top 10 snow shovels on the market, I've picked the Suncast 18 Inch Snow Shovel as my choice as the best snow shovel on the market. 

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1.  Will this shovel get the job done?  Your snow removal needs won't be the same as all the other people looking to buy shovels.  For example, do you have a gravel driveway, or cement driveway?   Do you just need to clear out a small and narrow walk path to the front door of your apartment or are you going to need to clear out a large double wide driveway?  Think about what your unique snow removal needs are.

2.  Is this shovel going to be comfortable for me to work with?  Think about if the shape, handle and weight is going to work for you. Think of buying a snow shovel as just as important as picking out the correct running shoe or tennis racket.  In essence when you shovel snow, you are working out.  Make sure to get the proper equipment (snow shovel) that works for you the best.

Have you ever tried getting through a couple of big snow fall days without shoveling?  I know I have.  I get busy and just plow through the snow on foot and with my truck.  But then I pay for it later because the snow is compacted and turns icey. The best way to deal with snow in your driveway and on walkways truly is to shovel it out and keep up with the snow removal.  A snow shovel is an great invention!   A great snow shovel that fits your unique snow removal needs is a valuable tool that can make winter life so much more enjoyable and easier.  

I hope that this review of the top 10 snow shovels helped you to pick out the shovel that is going to best meet your needs.  Getting the proper shovel is the first step in having a smooth snow removal winter season.  The proper equipment for a job really makes life so much easier.  Remember to execute proper form when shoveling.  You may have so much fun that you even start shoveling out the neighbor's place.  Good luck and fun with it.  Shoveling snow can even be great exercise when done properly.