These are the 6 best ice scrapers in 2023.
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The Moyidea 36-inch Extendable Ice scraper Snow Brush is our favorite because of its useful features, durability and overall effectiveness.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
The best ice scavers quickly clear snow and ice from your car, so you don’t have to spend too much time in cold winter conditions. There are so many choices that it can be hard to tell the difference between efficient ice scrapers, and those that only cause more problems.
We tested 21 models of ice scrapers in cold conditions to determine the best. We also spoke to a representative of the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). They also shared tips about how to find an efficient ice scraper and the importance of keeping one in your car.
“Driving a vehicle without clearing the ice first is dangerous—for [you] and other drivers,” says the SIMA representative. “It compromises your vision and you may be unable to see your blind spot, what’s in front of, next to, and behind you.”
The expert says it’s important to look for an ice scraper with a long reach and a brush on the other end—and our top choice, the Moyidea 36″ Extendable Ice Scraper Snow BrushThis fits the bill. It has a wide range of useful features, an impressive scraping performance and a durable, well-made design.
Moyidea 36″ Extended Ice Scraper Snow Brush
Best overall Ice Scraper
Who it’s for: For those who are looking for an efficient, yet simple-to-use snow scraper or snow brush.
Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a small ice scraper.
Moyidea made it easy to remove snow and ice from windshields in cold weather. Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush topped our list. It cleared the testers’ cars in 10 minutes at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Each section was only one-timed through with a thin layer ice and snow.
“I noticed that with my previous scraper and similar conditions, I would need to use two passes, but this scraper seems like a real one-and-done kind of product,” says our tester. “The scraper end seems extra well-made so that it felt super easy to scrape with.”
This ice scraper comes with a number of useful features such as a pivoting tip, dual snow brush end and storage bag. It also has a cushioned grip. And since it’s extendable, this tool adjusts from 27 to 36 inches so you can reach farther if needed. When our tester compared this ice scraper to generic models, they found that it had a “wider and thicker design,” which felt sturdy and high quality. If you are looking for a compact model, this model is ideal. It has an extension and a snow brush attachment.
Price as of the publication: $30
Product Details:
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Length: 27-36 inches
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Weight: 1.19 pounds
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Features: Pivoting head, snow brush; extendable, cushioned grasp
Snow Joe Original 2-in-1 Telescoping Snow Broom/Ice Scraper
The Best Ice Scraper for Budget
Who it’s for: For those who need a multi-functional, yet affordable snow and ice removal tool.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a traditional bristled, snow broom for their ice scraper.
An expensive ice scraper can be a hassle, but this Snow Joe ice scraper can do the job as well. The ice scraper removed a car in less that 10 minutes when temperatures were below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ice scraper was efficient overall. However, we used the defrost settings only two times. The pick does not have traditional ice-scrapers. Instead, it has a scraper and a foam broom to clear snow.
We love that the length of this pole is padded. It makes it easy for both hands to grasp and can be used with gloves or not. “This scraper feels very sturdy and is made well,” says our tester. “The ice scraper was really effective at taking off the ice and I love the brush on the bottom because it helps brush it off. [It’s] very easy to use and does not take up a lot of room.”
Price at the time of publication: $25
Product Details:
Hopkins Subzero 51′ Ice Crusher Snowbroom
Best Ice Scraper with Squeegee
Who it’s for: People who need a multi-purpose tool that can be used to remove melted snow or ice.
Who it isn’t for: For those who need a large ice breaker.
The Hopkins SubZero Ice Scraper features three convenient tools—a snow broom, squeegee, and scraping end—all in one. Our testing showed that we could remove 2 inches of snow from the car in 10 minutes. We used the broom first to brush off any snow and then the ice chipsper to remove the frozen snow. “After I broke up the ice, I simply used the bristles to scrape it away,” says our tester. Overall, it was quite simple and quick to clean the entire vehicle.
The opposite end of the tool has the snow brush and squeegee—the latter of which can be used to remove excess liquid from melted snow and ice. Even though our tester found this ice scraper to do “a phenomenal job at getting your car clean without straining your body,” we wish the ice scraper was larger.
Price at the time of publication: $28
Product Details:
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Length: 51 inches
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Weight: 1.1 pounds
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Features: Foam grips, ice broom, snow chipper, squeegee and pivoting head
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Birdrock Home Snow Moover 55” Extendable Foam Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
Best Ice Scraper For Large Vehicles
Who it’s for: For those who need an extended ice scraper to easily clear large vehicles.
Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a small ice scraper.
During our testing period, this extendable ice scraper cleared our car in under 10 minutes—with no defrosting or direct sunlight—three times. “The ice scraper part is sharp so it gets the ice off with barely any extra passes over the ice; it’s a one-and-done [tool],” says our tester. The extendable handle includes a scraper on one end and a foam brush on the other. This allows you to reach difficult-to-reach areas.
“The pole can extend so you can get to higher or farther places without much work,” our tester says, adding that “the handle is ergonomic with padding to help with gripping.”
Although this pick is more suitable for larger vehicles due to its large size, each component can easily be detached for smaller, more convenient storage. It’s also available in a smaller size that extends up to 39 inches in length.
Price as of the publication: $38
Product Details:
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Length: 31-55 inches
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Weight: 1.98 pounds
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Features: Snow brush, extended, detachable snow scraper, foam handle
OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper & Snow Brush
Best small ice scraper
Who it’s for: For those who need a small ice scraper with minimal storage.
Who it isn’t for: Individuals who have to remove ice or snow from large vehicles.
For those who want a compact ice scraper that’s easy to stash in the car, we recommend this compact 17-inch option from OxGord. It took us just five minutes to remove snow and thin ice from our car during two testing periods. Even though we weren’t able to test this pick on thick ice, our tester is confident that the ice scraper will “hold up fine.”
It is simple and has two sides, with a snow brush as well as a scraper. In our testing, it proved to be sturdy and durable. “The ice scraper has [a] great grip pad in the center that makes holding this really easy and comfortable—I felt like I was able to get a very good grip on it,” our tester says.
While this is the smallest selection on our list, our tester “was able to clear the middle of the windshield without any problems.” That said, if you have a large vehicle, truck, or van, we highly recommend a longer ice scraper that will allow you to reach farther.
Price at the time of publication: $12
Product Details:
Hopkins SubZero 14038 38″ Crossover Super Duty Snowbroom
Best Curved ice scraper
Who it’s for: People who desire an ice scraper that has a curved design to increase leverage.
Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a heavyweight ice-scraper with additional features.
The Hopkins SubZero 38” Crossover Super Duty Snowbroom cleared snow and ice in five minutes without any defrosting during our testing. We found that the 38-inch curved handle is quite ergonomic, making “it easy to reach hard-to-get spots on your windshield and top of the car,” according to our tester. It also gives the user more leverage when clearing heavy snow.
We appreciate that the handle is “cushioned and easy to hold” as well as long enough to “reach all sections of the car including the middle of the windshield.” While the scraper made it very easy to clear snow from the car, removing the ice required a bit more effort—but that is to be expected.
Price at the time of publication: $28
Product Details:
Final Verdict
The top choice is the Moyidea 36″ Extendable Ice Scraper Snow BrushIt removed all ice and snow in just one pass during testing. It is durable and well-made. The bonus features include a pivoting head and an extendable handle.
Our Testing Process
We distributed 21 models to testers to evaluate over six weeks in order to compile this list. Although real-world testing depends on the weather, we wanted testers to use the ice scraper at minimum three times.
After receiving the ice-scraper, our testers examined it for quality and noted any features such as snow brushes or ergonomic handles. The testers also noted whether the ice scraper felt heavy or light.
After the first snowfall, our testers tried using the ice scraper without turning on their car’s defroster—if unsuccessful, they used the defroster and tried again. The process was completed from beginning to end, with each window cleared of snow and ice. The ice scraper’s efficiency was assessed by our testers as they cleared their windows. This included whether the scraper could cut through thicker snow and whether it was easy to hold. The scraper may have additional features that our testers tested to see if they made the product more efficient.
Our testers then recorded the approximate thickness of ice, amount in sunlight, outside temperature, defrost settings, and the number of windows cleared. They repeated the testing process at least two more times (weather permitting) before seeing the product price—the median price of the ice scrapers we tested was $17. Our testers then scored their ice scraper for its performance, durability, features, ease of use, and value, which is based on the product’s performance in conjunction with its retail price.
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How to shop for Ice Scrapers like a professional
Size
It’s important to take stock of how much room you have in your vehicle to decide how big of an ice scraper you can accommodate. If you don’t have the space, ample storage space in the trunk If snow is accumulating on the roof or car bed, a heavier, more powerful ice scraper will be able to remove it and de-ice large windows faster. A compact ice scraper is better for people with smaller vehicles and limited space. We like the OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper & Snow Brush, which is a 17-inch model that’s great for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-store tool.
Features
You can still use a basic ice scraper to get the job done. However, there are many models with extra features that make it easier to clear snow and ice from cars. SIMA recommends that you purchase a snow brush and ice scraper in a single package. “Depending on the weather, a light snow can be removed with the brush,” the representative says. “The brush is also helpful for removing snow from rooftops, front and rear of the vehicle.”
Other features include heating, rotating heads and rotating heads, rotating squeegee attachments with rotating heads, rotating lengths, interchangeable pieces, gloves attachments, crusher or chipper attachments, as well as LED lights. When shopping for an ice-scraper, think about what features may be helpful in clearing out your car’s ever-difficult task. A larger arm might work well for trucks or large cars.
It’s also worth noting heated ice scrapers aren’t worth buying. In our tests, we found that they’re not any more effective than using the defroster on your car. They also took a while to heat up, and every moment counts when you’re outside in the cold.
Easy to Use
When it’s a frigid day and you need to clear off your vehicle, finding an ice scraper that makes quick work of the task is a top priority. Cushioned grips and ergonomic handles make clearing ice much easier. This feature was particularly liked by our testers. Hopkins SubZero modelThe, with its curved design and easy-to-hold handle. We also recommend looking at the weight of your ice scraper—lightweight models might be difficult to maneuver, while heavier options can tire out your arms.
There are more Ice Scrapers to Be Considered
SnoSharkThe scraper has a sturdy metal telescoping handle, and a nylon paddle. It cleared the snow quickly during our testing. Although it is useful for large vehicles covered with snow, it was less efficient at clearing ice.
Joytutus 61.3″ Ice Scraper and Long Handle Snow BrushThis pick has a shovel, snow brush and squeegee. The pick performed well during testing, but it was required to make a few passes in thicker areas of snow.
Questions to Ask
Do ice scrapers damage windshields?
With proper use, an ice scraper won’t cause any damage to your windshield—but there are a few precautions to follow to ensure that no cracks, scratches, or chips occur. Other materials, such as metal, can cause damage. Make sure you use a plastic scraper. You should use light to moderate pressure when clearing ice off your windshield. Tapping, hitting, or excessive pressure can cause glass damage. Defrost the windshield until the frozen ice is less dense to be removed with moderate force.
What makes a good scraper?
The best ice scrapers have a semi-sharp edge which can push up the edge ice buildup on your windshield. We prefer a rigid material that can withstand thick ice, without causing damage to your windshield, based on our testing. You can drag the ice with the teeth on the reverse side of ice-scrapers to create depressions in the ice. This weakens the buildup and makes it easier to scrape.
Our SIMA expert recommended that you choose an ice scraper with more reach to maximize your versatility. “There are some that are detachable so you can use the scraper for smaller spaces (side mirrors, etc.),” they say.
Is there a quicker way to remove ice from a windshield?
Depending on how thick or strong the ice buildup is, you can use a scraper, snow brush, or squeegee to remove it. First remove snow and ice from your car with a brush, or foam snow broom. It will make it easier to use the defrost setting before you start.
“After clearing ice with the scraper, if there are chunks or leftover ice chunks on the windows, remove them so they can’t fly off and possibly hit and damage other cars,” the SIMA representative says. “Beyond the ice, make sure you remove snow from the car to prevent blowing, which can reduce your visibility and the visibility of those behind you if it blows back toward them.”
We are the experts!
This article was written and edited by Quinn GawronskiAssociate commerce editor Real Simple With three years of experience in product reviews and roundups, she has written and edited them for over three decades. We tested 21 ice-scrapers and evaluated their performance, durability, features and ease of use to compile this list. We consulted a representative of the Snow & Ice Management Association.
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