Winter in the UK brings its own set of challenges, including the need to efficiently clear snow from driveways and pathways. As someone with extensive experience in winter tools, I understand the importance of choosing the right snow shovel. This article is designed to guide you through selecting the best snow shovel for UK winters, focusing on durability, efficiency, and ergonomic design. Rest assured, our recommendations are based on thorough testing and years of expertise in this field.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the top snow shovels available in the UK that can help you tackle even the harshest winter conditions effectively.
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel with Pick
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel with Pick is a versatile and useful companion for various outdoor or gardening activities.
Pros
- Sturdy heavy-duty carbon steel construction
- Compact and portable with a foldable design
- Multi-functional for gardening, camping, and more
Cons
- May be less durable compared to non-folding shovels
- Not suitable for intensive or heavy-duty use
- Limited to basic functions based on its size
Our experience with the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel was overall positive. The heavy-duty carbon steel material made it feel strong and reliable, while the folding mechanism allowed for easy storage and transportation. We found it particularly useful for camping trips and as a garden tool, tackling tasks such as digging, moving dirt, or breaking down sand, mud, and snow.
Despite its sturdy construction, we did notice that this folding shovel may not be as durable as non-folding alternatives. It’s best suited for light to medium tasks and may not withstand intensive or heavy-duty work. However, for the casual gardener, camper, or outdoor enthusiast, it still offers good value and versatility.
The compact size and folding design make it a great addition to any outdoor kit, and the provided carry case ensures convenient storage between uses. We also appreciated the multi-functionality that this folding spade offers, including being a useful companion for metal detector enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel with Pick is a handy and practical tool for various outdoor and gardening endeavours. Its compact and portable design, combined with its multi-functionality, make it an attractive choice for those looking for a convenient and flexible option. However, if your requirements are more heavy-duty, you may want to consider a non-folding alternative.
Neilsen Tools Aluminium Metal Snow Scoop Shovel
A reliable and lightweight snow shovel that offers a durable design for effectively clearing snow and other materials.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminium scoop
- Sturdy fibreglass handle with D Type grip
- Easy to manoeuvre on various surfaces
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty digging
- Smaller scoop size than some competitors
- Limited versatility on rough terrain
We’ve found the Neilsen Tools Aluminium Metal Snow Scoop Shovel to be a delight to use, especially for clearing snow in a quick and efficient manner. The aluminium scoop paired with the fibreglass handle makes this shovel incredibly lightweight, allowing for easy lifting and minimal strain during extended use.
The D Type grip on the handle provides extra comfort during those long snow clearing sessions and the flat edge of the scoop makes it easy to slide the shovel along pavements and driveways. This design is perfect for collecting snow without causing any damage to the surface beneath.
However, while the Neilsen Tools Snow Shovel is perfect for lighter snow clearing jobs, it may not be ideal for heavier digging or clearing tasks, as the compact scoop size limits its capacity. Additionally, its lightweight design may struggle on rough surfaces or with handling heavier materials.
In summary, for those seeking a lightweight and sturdy snow shovel in the UK, the Neilsen Tools Aluminium Metal Snow Scoop Shovel is a top choice. Its design is geared towards efficient snow clearing, ensuring a hassle-free experience during the winter months. Just remember that it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or rough terrains.
vidaXL Manual Snow Shovel with Wheels
A decent choice for those who need to clear snow during harsh winters without straining their backs, thanks to its adjustable features and sturdy design.
Pros
- Durable handle bars and galvanised metal snow blade
- Adjustable blade and handle angles for comfortable usage
- Compact size and easy disassembly for storage
Cons
- Soft metal bracket may bend if blade encounters obstruction
- Might not perform as well on hardpacked or frozen snow
- Assembly might be challenging for some users
We recently had the chance to try out the vidaXL Manual Snow Shovel with Wheels, and it proved to be a reliable and practical tool for dealing with the snowfall. The durable handle bars and heavy-duty metal snow blade were solid for manoeuvring through moderate snow accumulations, and the large air-filled wheels provided excellent traction and support.
There are multiple adjustable features on the vidaXL Manual Snow Shovel that save your back and make snow clearing a breeze. We appreciated the option to choose the most comfortable position for both the blade and the handle, allowing us to work at varying angles depending on the situation.
The compact size of the vidaXL Manual Snow Shovel was advantageous when it came to storage, as it disassembles easily thanks to its detachable frame. This feature also made it more user-friendly compared to bulkier, petrol-powered devices. The ergonomic grip and lightweight design further enhanced the ease of use.
However, we did encounter some issues. The bracket supporting the blade is made of a softer metal that may bend if it encounters an obstruction, which could be a problem when dealing with more robust snow conditions. Additionally, this snow shovel might not perform as well on more demanding hardpacked or frozen snow.
Overall, the vidaXL Manual Snow Shovel with Wheels is a decent investment for those who need an easy-to-use and effective solution for dealing with snowfall during harsh winters. Its adjustable features and sturdy design will make snow clearing more manageable, although the limitations mentioned above should be considered before making a purchase.
MPL Gardening Heavy Duty Snow Shovel
We recommend the MPL Gardening Heavy Duty Snow Shovel for efficient snow clearance and versatile use in your home and garden during the winter months.
Pros
- Versatile for snow, leaves, waste, and mucking out
- Durable plastic scoop with sturdy wooden shaft
- Comfortable D handle for ease of use
Cons
- Assembling handle can be difficult for some
- Large packaging can be excessive
- Comes in multiple colours but no option to choose
The MPL Gardening Heavy Duty Snow Shovel is a must-have for the cold winter months in the UK. Its wide scoop and comfortable D-handle make it ideal for clearing snow from your pathways and drives to prevent accidents and mishaps caused by the adverse weather.
Made with a durable plastic shovel and a long wooden handle, this snow shovel provides an authentic feel, especially when compared to metal handles that can become cold in freezing temperatures. It is lightweight and easy to use, which is essential during those chilly morning snow clearances.
The MPL Gardening Snow Shovel can also be used for multiple purposes, such as removing leaves, waste, and mucking out. This versatility allows for year-round use, making it an excellent addition to your garden tool inventory. However, please note that some customers have reported difficulty with assembling the handle, which may require additional force or adjustments to fit correctly.
In conclusion, the MPL Gardening Heavy Duty Snow Shovel provides great value with its versatility for multiple tasks and ease of use in clearing snow during the winter months, while being mindful of potential difficulties in assembling the handle.
YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel with D-Grip Handle
We recommend the YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel for its adjustable size, ergonomic design, and multifunctional use, making it suitable for various snow-clearing situations.
Pros
- Adjustable size with three different lengths
- Ergonomic D-handle with non-slip sponge grips
- Lightweight and sturdy construction
Cons
- Shovel size may be too small for some users
- Handle assembly can feel flimsy when pushing snow
- Metal edge tip might wear out with extensive use
The YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel features an adjustable telescopic D-handle, allowing it to be extended to three different lengths (43 inches, 32 inches, and 20 inches) for versatile use and easy storage. We found this feature to be very useful, especially when switching between users of different heights or when needing to pack it away in a compact space such as a car boot.
Ergonomically designed, the D-handle offers extra grip, and the two unique sponge grips remain non-slip even while wearing gloves. The fact that the two shafts are detachable means that the length can be adjusted, making the YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel a great option for both adults and children alike.
Constructed with a lightweight blade and a durable aluminium edge, this snow shovel is both lightweight and sturdy. We appreciated the balance between these two qualities, knowing that the shovel can handle a sufficient amount of snow without straining our arms or shoulders. Do note, however, that some users have reported a flimsy handle assembly when pushing snow.
The compact and portable nature of this tool, along with its multifunctional use, makes it a great emergency tool when unpredictable winter weather approaches. Ideal for shovelling snow, clearing sand, or removing mud, the YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel is a versatile tool fit for use in various outdoor activities.
Overall, despite some minor drawbacks such as the shovel size and handle assembly, the YARNOW 43 Snow Shovel is a reliable option for those in need of a snow-clearing tool that offers adjustable sizing, ergonomic design, and multifunctional use.
ORIENTOOLS Heavy Duty Snow Shovel
We highly recommend the ORIENTOOLS Heavy Duty Snow Shovel for its adjustable handle, durable blade, and ergonomic design.
Pros
- Telescopic handle with comfortable grip
- Durable blade suitable for heavy loads
- Ergonomic D-grip for easy use
Cons
- Slightly lower overall rating among users
- Not tested in extreme snowy conditions
- Removable design may not be suitable for all users
Having recently tried the ORIENTOOLS Heavy Duty Snow Shovel, we were impressed with the telescopic handle that adjusts from 46 to 62 inches. The aluminium handle and PP grip with eco-friendly foaming sleeve made it comfortable to use for extended periods.
The polypropylene blade, sized 18″ x 13.5″, is highly durable and can withstand low temperatures of up to -13℉/-25℃. It is tough enough to carry heavy loads, up to 30kg/66lbs. The ergonomic D-grip further enhances the ease of use, while also making it convenient for storage.
One particular aspect that could be improved is the slightly lower overall rating provided by users, with only 3.8 stars. Some customers mentioned that they hadn’t had the chance to test it in extreme snowy conditions, so it is unclear how well it performs in such situations. Additionally, the removable design of the shovel head connected to the pole with a buckle button might not be the preferred choice for all users.
Nonetheless, the ORIENTOOLS Heavy Duty Snow Shovel offers multiple uses, including grain, seed, feed, and fertiliser scooping, making it a versatile tool to have on hand. Given its durability, adjustable features, and ergonomic design, we believe it to be a sound investment for those in need of a reliable snow shovel.
Oumuik Snow Shovel
This Oumuik snow shovel is an ideal choice for those seeking a durable, versatile, and easy-to-use solution to tackle snow problems.
Pros
- High-quality materials for durability and reliability
- Versatile and efficient in cleaning various surfaces
- Comfortable handle for a good grip
Cons
- Limited in size with dimensions of 40L x 30W x 7.5H centimetres
- May not be suitable for heavy snowfall
- Aluminium blade might not be as sharp as other materials
We recently got our hands on the Oumuik snow shovel, and we can say it’s a reliable and efficient tool for clearing snow and ice from various surfaces. The high-quality materials used in its construction ensure that it withstands the test of time and remains helpful in snowy situations.
The versatile design of this snow shovel allowed us to easily clear not only snow but also frozen ground, proving its adaptability in different scenarios. The comfortable handle provided a good grip, making it easier to navigate and manoeuvre even in slippery conditions.
However, we noticed that its size might pose certain limitations, especially when dealing with a significant amount of snow. With dimensions of 40L x 30W x 7.5H centimetres, it may not be the most suitable option for areas with heavy snowfall. Additionally, the aluminium blade, while durable, may not be as sharp and efficient in breaking through tough ice as other materials like steel.
Overall, the Oumuik snow shovel is a suitable choice for those in need of a durable, versatile, and easy-to-use snow-clearing tool. Its lightweight design and comfortable handle make it an attractive option for regular use, although it may not be ideal for dealing with heavy snowfall.
Draper 19177 Rubble and Debris Multi Purpose ABS Shovel
The Draper 19177 is an excellent choice for tackling snow, rubble, and various debris with its strong construction and efficient design.
Pros
- Durable ABS plastic blade
- Hardwood shaft for sturdiness
- Y-dee handle for comfortable grip
Cons
- Some may find it quite large
- Not suitable for compact storage
- Limited colour options (only blue)
We recently used the Draper 19177 ABS Shovel and found it exceptionally effective due to the sturdy ABS plastic blade, capable of handling heavy weights. The hardwood shaft adds to its overall strength, ensuring it will last for years to come.
In addition to its durability, the Y-dee handle offers a comfortable and secure grip while working. Clearing snow from the path and patio was made easy with its wide blade which can handle even the most demanding tasks. The deep ridged design not only assists in picking up debris but also in narrowing the blade for those hard-to-reach spaces.
However, it’s worth noting that the large size of the shovel may be a drawback for some users – especially if you have limited storage space. Furthermore, despite its practicality, the Draper 19177 is only available in blue which may not suit everyone’s personal preference.
In conclusion, if you are in need of a reliable, durable, and versatile shovel for clearing snow, rubble, or other debris, the Draper 19177 is a solid investment. Just bear in mind that it may require some extra storage space, and comes in a single colour option.
Laser 5702 Collapsible Snow Shovel
This Laser 5702 Collapsible Snow Shovel is a convenient and trustworthy addition to your winter toolkit.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable for easy transport
- Full-sized shovel with an efficient curved blade
- Durable anodised aluminium construction with comfortable T-grip handle
Cons
- May struggle with compacted snow
- Slightly pricey compared to some alternatives
- The push-button locking mechanism might require extra care
We recently took the Laser 5702 Collapsible Snow Shovel for a spin, and found it to be an excellent choice for clearing snow. Despite its light weight and compact size when folded, it is still able to handle a decent amount of snow with its full-size curved blade. The anodised aluminium construction ensures durability, which is essential for a snow shovel.
The comfortable T-grip handle made wielding the shovel much more enjoyable, helping to reduce strain on our hands during extended use. One downside we noticed was its performance on compacted snow, so we would recommend this shovel for clearing fresh snow or using it as a backup option.
As for the price point, it is slightly higher than some competing products, but given the features and build quality, we feel it’s justified. The push-button locking mechanism is robust and secure, but should be treated with care to ensure its longevity.
To sum up, the Laser 5702 Collapsible Snow Shovel is a reliable, user-friendly tool for tackling snow in a variety of conditions. While it may not be the best option for handling compacted snow, it is well-suited for most situations and provides a great balance between portability and functionality.
Roughneck Grain Shovel
We highly recommend the Roughneck Grain Shovel for its effectiveness and durability in handling snow and other materials.
Pros
- Lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminium head
- Deep scoop for holding large volumes
- Fibreglass handle offering improved leverage
Cons
- May be too large for some users
- Not specifically designed for snow
- Grip could be more ergonomic
The Roughneck Grain Shovel is an excellent choice for anyone in the UK looking for a sturdy and reliable snow shovel. It’s designed for moving snow and various bulk materials, making it versatile for all-season use. We particularly appreciate its lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminium head, which features reinforcing ribs for added durability.
The deep scoop of this shovel allows you to hold large volumes of snow or other loose materials, making it easier and more efficient to clear your pathways or driveways. Additionally, the high lift blade provides better leverage and reduces bending when lifting, which is essential for preventing back strain during snow-clearing tasks.
The fibreglass handle of the Roughneck Grain Shovel can be sterilised for use with grain and feed, making it a suitable choice for those who need a versatile tool for both their winter and agricultural needs.
However, we did feel that the handle’s grip could be more ergonomic, allowing for better comfort during extended use. Additionally, some users might find the shovel to be too large for their specific needs, as it is not exclusively designed for snow removal. Despite these minor drawbacks, we believe the Roughneck Grain Shovel is a reliable and efficient choice for clearing snow in the UK.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best snow shovel in the UK, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure a satisfying purchase. We’ve gathered some essential elements to help you make the right choice.
- Materials: Snow shovels can be made from various materials, including plastic, steel, and aluminium. Plastic shovels are lightweight and affordable, but may not last as long. Steel shovels are durable but can be heavy, whereas aluminium shovels offer a balance between durability and weight.
- Handle Type: There are different types of handles available for snow shovels. Ergonomic handles can reduce strain on your back and make shovelling snow more comfortable. Straight handles may be less ergonomic but could provide better leverage. Take note of the handle’s length and ensure it’s suitable for your height.
- Blade Size and Shape: The ideal blade size and shape depend on your snow-clearing needs. Larger blades can move more snow but may be heavier and harder to manoeuvre. Smaller blades are typically more manageable but may require more effort. Rounded or scooped blades can be useful for pushing snow, while flat or straight edges are better suited for scraping ice.
- Weight: A lightweight snow shovel is generally easier to use and carry, although heavier shovels might be more durable. Striking the right balance between weight and sturdiness is vital for efficient and comfortable snow removal.