A shovel is a great tool to have on hand in any household. This outdoor must-have is great for gardening, landscaping, and more, making digging and burying easy. Whether you're looking to remove dirt to plant a garden or clear snow, I've dug up a list of the best options.
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution strain-reducing snow shovel
Heavy snow mounds don't stand a chance
This shovel is great for use in the snow; with two handles, it makes easy work of fluffy precipitation.
Pros:
- Made of durable materials
- Impact-resistant blade
- Ergonomic design
- 18-inch blade
Cons:
- Metal band can detach with use
- Handle may be too short for people 6-feet tall
This ergonomic shovel is designed to move snow effortlessly. It's made from strong materials, this shovel won't bend or break easily. The shovel withstands the heavy white stuff, supporting heavy slush with the weight-distributing dual-handle design. The wide, 18-inch blade also has an impact-resistant metal blade that can be used to break ice while shoveling driveways or pathways.
SOG Specialty Knives folding survival shovel
Rugged and outdoorsy
This shovel features a saw edge that is great for chopping wood.
Pros:
- Three-way folding design
- 18.25-inches long
- Great for outdoor adventures
- Blade has a saw edge
- Made from high-carbon steel
Cons:
- Folding joint can become loose with use
- Shovel can bend with use
If you're looking for the perfect shovel for camping or other outdoor adventures, this one is a terrific option. It is compact, evidenced by a three-way folding design. When opened, this shovel measures a substantial 18.25-inches long for convenient use on the go. The shovel is made from high-carbon steel and features a saw edge that can be used to chop firewood while camping.
Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer shovel
Unearth with the best of them
This shovel is specifically designed for digging in flowerbeds and more
Pros:
- Great for gardening
- Made from carbon steel
- Sharp teeth for cutting roots
- Circular handle to prevent fatigue
- V-shaped blade
Cons:
- Handle is made from plastic
- Shovel can be quite heavy
Designed specifically for gardening, this shovel features a v-shaped blade. The blade's edges are serrated with teeth that are strong enough to cut through tough soil and roots. This shovel is made from strong carbon steel to withstand heavy usage. Its circular handle is also easy to hold and prevents fatigue.
REDCAMP military folding camping shovel
Easily packs away into a backpack or duffle
This shovel folds as small as 9.4 inches and comes with a carrying pouch.
Pros:
- Carrying pouch included
- Measures 9.4-inches when folded
- 22.8-inches long when open
- Made from high-carbon steel
- Can be used to dig, saw, cut, hammer, and shovel
Cons:
- Can be hard to unfold
- Screw to lock shovel in place can become loose with use
This portable shovel measures 9.4-inches when folded, so it's super easy to transport. It even comes with a carry pouch for portability. When open, the high-carbon steel tool measures 22.8-inches long. The best part is that it's multi-use; it saws, cuts, hammers, digs, and more.
Bully Tools 82515 14-gauge round point shovel
Standard design
This commercial-grade shovel is great for many tasks around your garden.
Pros:
- 60-inches long
- Commercial-grade
- 14-gauge steel blade
- Welded construction
Cons:
- Handle grip can slide off with use
- Blade can bend in hard ground
Measuring 60-inches long and 9-inches wide, this shovel is great for the garden. Its commercial-grade design has a 14-gauge steel head and a welded one-piece construction to withstand basic landscaping. This spade is a convenient tool to have on hand in your shed.
The bottom line
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The best shovel allows you to dig, landscape, and more with ease. The Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution strain-reducing snow shovel is a great choice for anyone who lives in a cool climate. Built with a metal strip across its wide blade, this durable shovel can break ice while clearing driveways.
The SOG Specialty Knives folding survival shovel is the Swiss army knife of shovels. It can be folded into a compact size, making transport easy. When in use, this shovel locks into place and features a saw edge that can be used to cut wood.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
