The Best Snow Shovel with Second Handle

Shoveling snow is more physically demanding than most winter chores.

A snow shovel with a second handle changes the mechanics, giving you a place to keep one hand higher and letting you use your legs and upper body together instead of bending from the waist.

That small design change can make a surprising difference on long driveways, sidewalks, and paths around the house. Even homeowners with a snow plow often keep a two-handle shovel nearby for steps and porches.

Snow Removal Wiki reviews winter equipment through research, not product trials. We compare specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback to identify models that earn our highest ratings.

This guide covers the best snow shovel with second handle for most homes and explains what separates a well-designed two-handle shovel from one that just adds weight.

Keep reading to see our top picks and the criteria we used to judge them.

Best Snow Shovel With Second Handle Buying Guide

A two-handle snow shovel is not one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on the surfaces you clear, how much snow you typically get, and how you prefer to lift and push. These are the factors we weigh when reviewing a snow shovel with second handle.

Blade Width and Intended Surface

Blade width sets how much snow each pass can capture. A wider blade clears a path faster, but it also gathers more weight and can be harder to control on packed snow.

Narrow blades are easier to manage on steps, porches, and narrow walkways, while wider blades suit open concrete and asphalt. Think about your largest clearing area before choosing.

Some designs, like the 36-inch Snowplow Original Snow Pusher in our list, are built primarily for pushing and moving snow rather than scooping a full load. That distinction matters because pushing with a second handle reduces lifting strain.

If you already rely on a gas snow thrower for the main driveway, a wide pusher can still cover the edges where that machine cannot reach.

Handle Height and Ergonomic Reach

The whole point of a second handle is to reduce awkward bending. A handle that sits too low forces you to hunch, while one that sits too high makes it hard to apply downward pressure.

Look for a model whose upper handle reaches about waist height so you can keep your back naturally straight while pushing.

Grip material also affects comfort. Cushioned grips reduce hot spots, and a textured surface stays secure even when your hands are damp from snow.

Compare the spacing between the primary and auxiliary handles, because a small change in hand position can change the force angle significantly. Heated hand grips are common on power equipment, but for a shovel you want a durable grip that fits your hand well.

Frame and Grip Durability

Snow shovels take a beating. The frame needs to handle cold-weather impact, and the blade has to slide over rough concrete without cracking. Aluminum and reinforced plastic are common choices; aluminum is lighter, while plastic can flex more before breaking.

Look at the rivets or welds where the handle meets the blade, because that joint often fails first.

A well-made two-handle shovel should feel stable when you push against packed snow. We prioritize models with solid construction and a clean blade edge, because a bent edge makes scraping less effective.

Pairing a durable shovel with a proven ice melt brand also reduces the force you need, since early melting stops snow from bonding to the pavement.

Weight and Lifting Mechanics

Weight matters more on a two-handle shovel than on a standard one because you are already carrying a larger frame. The most useful designs keep the blade and handles balanced.

If the tool feels nose-heavy when you first pick it up, it will feel worse after a heavy snowfall.

Consider how much lifting you plan to do. A second handle helps push, but when you must lift snow over a wall or a high bank, leverage matters.

The Snow Dominator half of the Winter Warrior combo is designed for scooping, giving you a dedicated lifting tool while the pusher handles flat surfaces.

If your storms usually bring dense, wet snow, a wet snow blower may be the better machine for the main area.

For lighter days or odd corners, a lightweight snow blower can take over, and the two-handle shovel still covers steps and places machines cannot fit.

Storage and Year-Round Care

A two-handle shovel takes up more space than a straight shovel, and the shape can make hanging it awkward. Check your garage wall clearance before buying a wide pusher.

Some models have a flat back that rests against a wall easily, while others need a hook or bracket.

Cleaning the blade after each use prevents rust and keeps the edge smooth. When snow is mixed with sand or salt, wipe the shovel down and store it in a dry spot.

A dedicated salt scoop keeps rock salt out of your main shovel blade, while a walk-behind salt spreader covers larger areas before the storm arrives.

If your community uses sand on icy roads, a salt spreader for sand will keep that abrasive mix off your shovel as well.

Why You Should Trust Us

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent review site. We do not sell snow equipment, and we do not accept payment from manufacturers for placement.

Every product in this article was selected by evaluating published specifications, expert review consensus, and feedback from verified buyers.

We rate each snow shovel on a 0 to 10 SRW Score, with the score reflecting how well the product fits its stated purpose and how consistently owners report satisfaction.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. This keeps our recommendations stable and transparent.

When a product reaches our top list, it has cleared the same criteria every other competitor had to meet, and we revisit those criteria as new models appear.

Affiliate disclosure: Snow Removal Wiki may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. That does not affect our scoring or the order of products. We remain independent, and each SRW Score is based on the research process described above.

Final Thoughts

Two-handle shovels are not built alike, and the best choice depends on your property. For most people, the winner is the model that combines a wide blade with a comfortable frame and a consistent owner record.

• Best Overall: The Snowplow the Original Snow Pusher 36″ Wide Model. It pairs a wide pushing blade with a sturdy two-handle frame and earned the highest SRW Score in our comparison for its blend of capacity and control.
• Best Two-Tool Winter Kit: Winter Warrior Combo: THE SNOWPLOW® 28″ Original Snow Pusher + Snow Dominator Scoop Shovel. This combo gives you both a dedicated pusher and a scooping tool, so you can clear flat driveways and then lift piled snow without switching to a weaker shovel.

If you decide that a powered option is a better fit for your driveway, a cordless snow blower can handle the open areas while the best snow shovel with second handle covers the places a machine cannot reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a second handle on a snow shovel work?

A second handle gives you a higher hand position, usually around waist or chest height. Instead of bending over a single long handle, you keep your torso more upright and push through your legs and shoulders.

The design is best for sliding snow rather than lifting it, and it works especially well on driveways and walkways where snow can be moved out of the way in a continuous push.

Is a snow shovel with a second handle easier on your back?

For most users, yes, because it reduces forward bending during the push phase. It does not eliminate lifting, so a heavy scoop of wet snow can still strain your back.

That is why we suggest matching the blade width to your strength and calling in a powerful snow blower for heavy snow when the pile gets deep.

What width snow shovel should I choose?

A 28-inch to 36-inch blade covers a typical single-car driveway path efficiently. Narrower shovels are easier to control on steps and uneven surfaces, while wider blades move more snow per pass but require more strength.

If you clear mostly wide concrete, a 36-inch pusher saves time; if you work around stairs and railings, a 28-inch or smaller design is safer.

Can I use a two-handle snow shovel on ice?

Yes, but only for light ice or loose frost. A wide pusher is not a scraper, so thick ice may need chemical de-icers or a separate scraper.

Treating the surface with a brine sprayer for driveways before a storm can stop ice from bonding, and keeping ice melt at Costco on hand makes early treatment more convenient.

Do I still need a snow blower if I buy a two-handle shovel?

That depends on your driveway size and snowfall. A shovel is fine for sidewalks and short driveways, but a large driveway snow blower clears the same path in a fraction of the time.

If you already own a machine, check snow blowers at Sam’s Club before the season starts; the two-handle shovel still earns its place for edges, steps, and after-storm cleanup.

How long should a snow shovel with a second handle last?

With proper care, a quality model should last through many winters. Avoid scraping against exposed concrete edges, wash off salt and sand after use, and store it indoors where the plastic has less chance of becoming brittle.

Replacement blades are rarely sold separately for these designs, so protecting the original blade is important.

About the author