With the winter cold just around the corner, many homeowners are starting to consider the best way to clear snow from their driveways and sidewalks throughout the season. Especially with the prediction that several areas will see significant snowfall throughout the 2021/2022 winter season.

When it comes to clearing the snow, there are several different snow removal tools to choose from. If you have a larger driveway or live in an area that’s known for snow accumulation, you have likely invested in a snowblower to make your work easier. For everyone else, the great winter debate is snow shovel vs snow pusher.

In this guide, we’re going to look at the difference between snow shovels and snow pushers. Additionally, we will look at which option is best suited for you and your home. Let’s get started!

Snow Shovel

a man shovelling snow with a black and wooden shovel

Image Credit: Nes on Canva

When you mention shoveling snow, the first image that comes to mind for most people is the standard shovel. Characterized with a shovel blade and an angled rib pattern along with the shovel itself, this traditional shovel is highly popular and used by homeowners across the country. It is both due to its versatility as well as the fact that it’s a budget-friendly option.

A standard snow shovel can be made from different materials, including cost-effective plastic or durable aluminum. Regardless of the material, the defining point on a shovel’s ability to remove snow effectively comes down to the snow blade and the capacity of the shovel to hold a large amount of snow at any one given time.

In terms of your comfort level, the biggest defining point to consider is the handle. A standard snow shovel includes a straight handle made from metal, fiberglass, or wood. However, prolonged use with this basic option can cause back pain and other complications. To accommodate the needs of those who have to use their shovel day after day, many companies have brought ergonomic shovels to market. These shovels are designed in a way that they allow you to stand comfortably, lifting from your legs and clearing inches of snow without unnecessary aches and pains.

Best Uses for a Snow Shovel

Snow shovels are popular as they are suited for a wide variety of different situations. However, they are best suited for areas that experience light, fluffy snow. It is due to the snow in these parts of the country isn’t very heavy, making it easier to pick up and toss the snow aside.

In addition to being a great option for light snow, snow shovels are also well suited for delicate surfaces. It is because you have more control over approaching a small area, allowing you to carefully work around landscaping and other items and being careful not to scratch the surface of wood decks and other locations. They are also a great option for uneven surfaces.

Pros and Cons of a Snow Shovel

      Pros:

    • Able to navigate uneven surfaces
    • Lower price point

      Cons:

    • Requires the effort of lifting and tossing the snow aside
    • Narrower blade for smaller spaces

Snowcaster 100ERG Ergonomic Snow Shovel

    Clear walkways and sidewalks with ease using this unique ergonomically designed heavy-duty polypropylene snow shovel.

      Pros:

    • Ergonomic design for fewer aches and pains
    • Foot push to help leverage heavier loads of snow
    • Idea for clearing smaller spaces and uneven terrains

      Cons:

    • Small blade will take longer to clear driveways and larger areas
    • Higher price point

Weighing only 5 lbs, the Snowcaster 100ERG Ergonomic Snow Shovel is a lightweight snow shovel with an ingenious design. By strategically angling the shovel's blade and offering a foot push option, this snow shovel makes it easy to maneuver and clear snow from your wooden deck, front steps, walkway, or other locations with uneven terrain.

The blade and comfortable handle are constructed with a durable single-piece design. The blade measures 29-inches across and is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials built to stand up to snow and ice. The handle is more extended than most standard snow shovels, allowing for comfortable long-term use. The shovel is made and assembled in the United States and created to last for years to come.

Snow Pusher

black snow pusher with orange handle leaning against a blue wall

Image Credit: Aleksandr Potashev on Canva

For those searching for a way to manually remove snow from their driveway or walkway, snow pushers are ideal for larger snow removal tasks. Rather than clearing snow by lifting and throwing it aside, snow pushers work by pushing piles of snow out of the way like a snowplow.

Like a standard shovel, snow pushers can be made from a variety of different materials. You can buy those with plastic blades at a lower price point. However, they may break easier when faced with overly heavy snow or ice. On the other hand, aluminum blades can slice through ice easier, but they come at a higher price point.

Another way snow pushers are similar to snow shovels is through the availability of different types of handles. Snow pushers are available with wooden, metal, or fiberglass handles. Standard handles are generally cheaper to purchase but can cause long-term back pain and discomfort. An ergonomic handle will run at a higher price point, but the design has been created to allow you to clear snow without the aches and pains of a standard snow pusher.

Best Uses for a Snow Pusher

If you live in an area that regularly experiences heavy snowfalls, the idea of clearing your driveway of snow using a traditional snow shovel may sound inviting. Trying to clear this heavier snow by lifting and tossing it aside in that way can lead to back problems for many users. Instead, if you are looking to clear large amounts of snow, it is recommended that you consider using a snow pusher.

Using a curved blade, snow pushers work the same way that a commercial snow plow does, pushing the snow forward and out of the way until it creates a larger pile of snow in an area where it can be left. As they don’t require the lifting motion, they are a great choice for those faced with packed snow, wet snow, or a major snowfall. While the wider blade on most snow pushers will be ideal for clearing a driveway, they may be too wide for a typical sidewalk.

Pros and Cons of a Snow Pusher

      Pros:

    • Allows for snow removal without the need for lifting
    • Designed to address larger snowfalls and heavier, packed snow

      Cons:

    • Higher price point
    • Wider blade may not fit in tight corners or narrow walkways

Snowplow “The Original Snow Pusher” 30” Wide Model

    Recognized as the original snow pusher, this wide blade snow pusher will make it easier than ever to remove snow from your driveway.

      Pros:

    • Wide blade clears large spaces with ease
    • Simple bolt-together design built to last
    • Flip over to use the unique gutting angle to chip away at ice or packed snow

      Cons:

    • Too wide for smaller spaces such as walkways and patios
    • Requires even terrain to work effectively

With a 30-inch wide UHMW polyethylene blade, the Snowplow “The Original Snow Pusher” is a well-known and respected snow removal product. This snow pusher is designed to be gentle on all surfaces, including concrete, blacktop, pavers, decks, and roofs. For this reason, it’s a versatile solution allowing you to tackle multiple tasks on your winter to-do list with a single tool. Available in various sizes, you can choose a narrower blade for smaller spaces or opt for a larger model to clear snow from your driveway in a fraction of the time.

The ergonomic fiberglass handle features a D-style grip and tuff brace support system. The result is a high-quality and durable snow pusher that can be used for an extended time without the aches and pains from more traditional models. Flip it over, and you will find a cutting angle that allows you to chip away at ice or break apart packed snow with ease.

Show Shovel or Snow Pusher? Our Recommendation

The decision between a snow pusher or a traditional shovel will largely depend on the amount of snow your area receives each winter. If you live in an area where light snow may come on occasion, but you aren’t faced with any significant downfall, the savings in purchasing a snow shovel may be worth it. However, if you believe that you will be encountering deep snow or packed snow regularly, save your back! A snow pusher will allow you to move this denser snow out of the way with less effort.

Whatever you choose, remember to be smart when it comes to snow removal. Dress for the weather and take regular breaks to avoid overworking yourself or putting yourself at risk for injury. The longer timeframe may not be ideal; however, your health is the top priority!