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The 8 Top Ice Scrapers for a Stress-Free Winter Start
2024-12-13
When the cold weather hits and your car is covered in a layer of ice or snow, it can be a real hassle. That's why having the best ice scraper is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a deep dive into the world of ice scrapers and help you find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you have a small car or a large SUV, we've got you covered. Let's get started!

Clear the Ice with Ease - Find the Best Ice Scraper for Your Car

Our Top Picks

The Amazon Star Qualities scraper worked exceptionally well during our tests. It took just one pass to remove ice, even in 20-degree weather and without the need for the car's defroster. The tool is sturdy and durable, with a wide pivoting brush made from PVC bristles. The extendable handle makes it easy to clear off snow from larger cars, and the 4-inch-wide ice scraper detaches for close-up ice removal. The cushioned handle provides a comfortable grip, and it comes with a storage bag for easy storage between blizzards. However, be cautious during assembly as parts can pinch your fingers. Style: Broom with ice scraper | Size: ‎17.17 x 4.88 x 2.64 inches | Features: 360-degree pivoting head with extendable handle.

The People/Dera Burreson budget-friendly option is a basic yet effective ice scraper. It has a classic design with a brush on one side and a 4-inch ice-scraping blade on the other. The whole tool is 26 inches long, which is just big enough to clear the windshield and roof of a minivan. The ice scraper did an impressive job of chipping away thick ice without damaging the car. Although it's an inexpensive model, it has a thick padded grip for comfortable holding, and the plastic construction feels highly durable. However, it sometimes took a few passes to clear off ice and snow, but the car's defroster helped. Style: Brush with ice scraper | Size: 26 x 8 inches | Features: Contoured foam grip.

The People/Jodi Espinosa versatile tool can do it all. In addition to a brush and flat scraper, it has a squeegee for wiping away water. The handle comes in several sections that can be added or removed to adjust the length. It's sturdy and effective, with a lightweight design that makes it easy to clear the roof of a car. The foam handle is comfortable to hold, even without gloves. However, the handle sections are hard to remove once assembled, so be careful. Style: Broom with ice scraper | Size: 21 x 7.05 inches | Features: Extendable handle, pivoting head, built-in squeegee.

The People/Abigail Wetzler snow broom is ideal for larger cars. The long handle makes it easy to reach the roof and clear off snow. The oversized brush tackles more snow with each sweep, and the pivoting head makes it easier to clean around roof racks. It has a slightly curved handle that offers better leverage for pushing off snow and removing ice. The ice scraper on the opposite end is not the most effective, but it gets the job done with some effort. Style: Broom with ice scraper | Size: 40 x 6 x 6 inches | Features: Extendable handle, pivoting head.

The People/Tammy Gardini SubZero ice scraper has all the features you need. One end has a broom/squeegee combo, and the other has a 4.5-inch ice scraper. It has an extendable handle and pivoting head, and it removes ice and snow efficiently with just one pass. The comfortable weight and padded handle make it easy to use, and it can easily clear snow on the top of an SUV or truck when extended to its maximum length of 60 inches. Although it's slightly more expensive, it's a durable and versatile tool that will last for years. Style: Broom with ice scraper | Size: 60 x 10 inches | Features: Extendable handle, pivoting head, squeegee.

The People/Alyssa Kingham ice scraper/mitten combo is compact yet effective. It's just over 17 inches long and can quickly remove ice and snow from vehicles. The thick foam grip makes it comfortable to hold, and it's a budget-friendly option. The exterior of the glove is waterproof with soft fleece inside, and it's attached firmly to the scraper for durability. However, the handle is fairly short and may not be suitable for larger vehicles. Style: Glove with ice scraper | Size: ‎13.82 x 6.38 x 2.8 inches | Features: Attached quilted nylon glove.

Types of Ice Scrapers

Brushes are packed with stiff plastic or nylon bristles and are 10 to 12 inches long. They are ideal for sweeping loose snow off your car. Snow brooms have longer handles and bristles for clearing larger snow accumulations, especially on larger vehicles. Ice scrapers have a flat plastic blade for chipping away ice from windows, but should not be used on the sides of the vehicle to avoid damaging the paint. Some tools also have a built-in squeegee for removing moisture and condensation.

Reach

When choosing an ice scraper, consider the size of your car and yourself. If you're shorter or driving a large vehicle, look for a longer tool like the SubZero Crossover Super Duty Snow Broom or an option with an extendable handle. This will help you reach the middle of the windshield and other hard-to-reach areas.

Features

Upgrades to consider include a retractable handle for easier storage and a pivoting head for easy cleaning around roof racks and accessories. Tools like the SubZero Quick-Lock Pivoting Head Snow Broom have multiple features that make them extra convenient to use, but they come at a higher price.

Price Range

Ice scrapers can cost anywhere from $10 to $50. It's worth spending a little more on a high-quality tool if you live in a snowy area. The OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper and Snow Brush is a budget-friendly option at $11 with a solid build. For a more versatile snow-removal tool, the Joytutus Ice Scraper and Snow Brush costs $30.

Behind the Scenes

The PEOPLE Tested team reviewed 21 different ice scrapers in wintery conditions across the country. Each scraper was tested at least three times, and testers evaluated factors such as effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and features. The top performer was the Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper and Snow Brush, which earned a score of 4.8 out of 5.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE, specializes in home, kitchen, and pet products. As a lifelong New Englander, she understands the importance of a good ice scraper. She relied on the firsthand testing insights from the PEOPLE Tested team and spoke with expert Richard Reina to provide detailed information about each product's performance and best use case.

Our Expert Panel

Richard Reina is a product training director at CARiD.com, a leader in the aftermarket auto parts industry. He shared his tips for buying the best ice scraper and using it properly without damaging your car.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the best products. Our unique methodology tests products in three labs and with home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and more. We regularly re-review categories to ensure the best products are recommended. Companies cannot buy our recommendation; products must earn it through their performance.

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