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Removing frost and ice from a windshield or driveway is a straightforward task. Just grab an ice scraper and get to work, right? Well, not all scrapers offer the same results. The flimsy ones may not stand up to the ice or the grip of the hand that’s holding it. Others can leave streaks. Good-quality scrapers can include snow brushes, protective mitts, or even brass blades to remove ice effectively and quickly.
According to Nigel Tunnacliffe, CEO of the nationwide driving school Coastline Academy, decreased visibility due to an icy windshield is one of the main causes of accidents in the wintertime. “Having low visibility decreases reaction time, leaving drivers at a higher risk of collisions and other accidents.” With this in mind, having the correct tools to deal with ice in the winter can help maintain a safer driving environment.
In this guide, we look at features that shoppers will want to consider when selecting a durable, effective ice scraper. We also offer our top picks for the best ice scrapers available.
- BEST OVERALL: AstroAI 27-Inch Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe 2-in-1 Snow Broom and Ice Scraper
- UPGRADE PICK: SubZero Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom
- BEST WITH BRUSH: AstroAI Ice Scraper Extendable Car Snow Brush
- BEST WITH MITT: BirdRock Home Ice Scrapers Mitt for Car Windshield
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Cofit Car Snow Brush
- BEST FOR GLOVE COMPARTMENT: SubZero Ice Crusher Ice Scraper
- BEST FOR TRUCKS AND SUVS: BirdRock Home Extendable Foam Snow Brush
- BEST FOR DRIVEWAYS: Bully Tools All Steel Ice/Sidewalk Scraper
How We Chose the Best Ice Scrapers
Our biggest priority in naming the best ice scrapers was finding tools that remove ice and snow from a vehicle or driveway efficiently without causing damage. This meant looking at the construction and the features of snow brushes, scrapers, ice crushers, handles, and more. We assessed the design, materials, and practicality of dozens of ice scrapers currently available on the market.
We took more advice from Tunnacliffe, whose hands-on experience taught him that “lower-quality ice scrapers are often more abrasive, causing them to scratch the car windshield in the process of removing ice.” As such, we made sure to only include scrapers made from higher-quality materials that are less prone to scratching.
Finding a scraper that made the chore a bit more pleasant was also something we assessed, too. We made sure to include recommendations for ice scrapers with telescoping handles, mitt scrapers, and even one with a squeegee.
Brand reputation in the industry was a factor in the decision-making process. We wanted to include products from brands known for their quality, value, and customer service.
Lastly, we considered storage for each recommendation. Many of our selections are compact and easy to store in a car.
Our Top Picks
Any one of our top ice scrapers on this list will help with this cold-weather chore. Our selections offer a variety of types and sizes, each categorized with carefully considered advantages and disadvantages as ice-scraping needs vary by user.
Best Overall
AstroAI 27-Inch Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper
Product Specs
- Type: Snow brush/ice scraper
- Length: 27 inches
- Weight: 11.6 ounces
Pros
- Brush head and ice scraper can be used separately for excellent versatility
- Layered bristles on the brush catch and remove light and heavy snow
- The ergonomic comfort-grip handle prevents the hands from slipping while in use
- Lightweight and easy to store in a trunk or garage
Cons
- No ergonomic grip on the brush when detached
AstroAl’s 27-inch snow brush head delivers versatility. Instead of a fixed brush on one end and a scraper on the other, this handy two-in-one tool features detachable parts so one person can scrape while the other snow brushes. Users may also take advantage of this feature to eliminate extra weight and bulk when working solo.
Little “knuckles” built into the blade of the 4.5-inch scraper help chip away at ice without damaging the windshield. A comfort-grip ergonomic handle facilitates the work.
Though the brush does not come with the same comfortable grip as the scraper, a built-in handle gives fingers a place to grasp while sweeping away snow. Two layers of temperature-resistant bristles that form the brush stand up to heavy use and help extend the lifespan of this handy tool.
Get the AstroAI 27-inch ice scraper at Amazon, Walmart, or AstroAI.
Best Bang for the Buck
Snow Joe 2-in-1 Snow Broom and Ice Scraper
Product Specs
- Type: Snow broom/ice scraper
- Length: 52 inches at its longest
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Pros
- Extendable snow brushfor longer reach; suitable for larger vehicles
- Oversize foam headto remove snow without damaging the windows or paneling of a vehicle
- Compact storage when collapsed; can be stored in a trunk or garage easily
Cons
- No grip on the handle; may slip while in use
Snow Joe’s two-in-one snow broomand ice scraper make massive snowfalls less overwhelming. An 18-inch head uses a lightweight foam headinstead of bristles to remove snow from the car without scratches or other damage. The ice scraper, integrated into the bottom of the brush, features plastic teeth to break up thick ice.
Constructed of interlocking extension poles, this telescoping scraper extends 52 inches. That extra reach makes it a go-to tool to get ice and snow off large or high windows. All this fits into an easy-to-maneuver 1.4-pound tool. One thing users may miss in this lightweight device is an ergonomic handle.
When not in use, the pole breaks down into three pieces and fits into brackets built into the brush head for compact car storage.
Get the Snow Joe ice scraper at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.
Upgrade Pick
SubZero Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom
Product Specs
- Type: Snow broom/ice scraper/squeegee
- Length: 36 to 60 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
Pros
- 3-in-1 operation as a snow broom, ice scraper, and squeegee
- The pivoting brush head and Quick-Lock Extender allow for ample reach and maneuverability
- Dual soft-grip handles allow for 2-handed use and ease of grip
Cons
- Large construction may not be easy to store in some vehicles
Those who want an all-in-one tool for clearing snow and ice can rely on this option from SubZero. Made with a built-in snow broom, a 4.5-inch ice scraper, and a squeegee, this model can take on light and heavy snow, slush, and thick ice. This SubZero model has a 36- to 60-inch reach and a 10-inch pivoting brush head. It’s designed to tackle hard-to-reach places and awkward angles on windows, vehicles, and more.
The SubZero scraper has a built-in Quick-Lock Extender that locks the pole in place wherever the user desires. This extendable snow brush is also equipped with two soft-grip handles for ample control with both hands, and the aluminum pole is built to withstand heavy-duty use and the elements. For added convenience, this model also comes in a 52-inch length to accommodate smaller vehicles.
Get the SubZero Quick Lock ice scraper at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
Best with Brush
AstroAI Ice Scraper Extendable Car Snow Brush
Product Specs
- Type: Snow broom/ice scraper
- Length: 36.6 to 47.2 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Pros
- Expands up to 47.2 inches to reach high spots; suitable for large vans and trucks
- Features snow brush and squeegee to remove both light and heavy snow and slush
- Head pivots to reach awkward angles and hard-to-reach places
- Soft-foam grip for comfort and control while scraping ice
Cons
- Requires assembly each time before use; may become tiresome after a while
All too often, winter storms start with sleet and ice that eventually turns to snow, so drivers have to brush off a layer of the white stuff before they can scrape away the ice. The AstroAI 3 in 1 Ice Scraper handles both jobs efficiently.
It comes with a soft foam grip and a telescoping pole that extends up to 47.2 inches, which is long enough to brush snow from vehicle hoods, trunks, and roofs. The brush features layered bristles and a pivoting head that adjusts at the push of a button to any angle—up to 180 degrees—for brushing away snow from hard-to-reach spots. As a bonus, the AstroAI also comes with a silicone squeegee that quickly clears melted ice from windows without leaving streaks.
Get the AstroAI extendable ice scraper at Amazon or AstroAI.
Best with Mitt
BirdRock Home Ice Scrapers Mitt for Car Windshield
Product Specs
- Type: Ice-scraper mitt
- Length: 15 inches with glove, 9.5 inches without glove
- Weight: 8 ounces
Pros
- The faux-fur interior and textured-foam grip keep the user’s hands warm and comfortable
- The durable high-quality plastic scraper comes with innovative jaws for heavy-duty ice
- Ice scraper is detachable for washing and maintaining the gloves after use
Cons
- No brush for snow removal; may only be ideal for removing ice
- Short reach compared to other options on this list
No gloves? No problem. BirdRock Home’s scraper features a warm and cozy mitt to keep fingers from turning into icicles when removing ice from car windows. Lined with soft faux fur and wrapped in waterproof material, the mitt detaches from the scraper for cleaning. The scraper handle fits snugly inside the mitt so users can grip it with a warm, dry hand.
Made from high-quality plastic, the handheld windshield ice scraper won’t bend or snap, even on thicker ice. Non-scratch jaws help break through ice, and then a flat blade gets underneath the ice to clear it away. A cleverly curved design redirects the ice and snow away from the user so hands stay warm and dry.
Get the BirdRock Home ice scraper mitt at Amazon, The Home Depot, or BirdRock Home (2-pack).
Best Multipurpose
Cofit Car Snow Brush
Product Specs
- Type: Snow broom/ice scraper/squeegee
- Length: 39 inches at its longest
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Pros
- 3-in-1 versatility; acts as a broom, scraper, and squeegee
- The detachable design allows use of the brush, scraper, and squeegee individually; all fit into a storage bag
- Comes with a push-button pivoting head and foam grip for ease of use
- Suitable for use on vehicles, machinery, home exteriors, and windows
Cons
- Must be assembled every time it is used; may become tiresome after a while
Versatility meets user-friendliness in this extendable snow brush and ice scraper from Cofit. This snow removal tool comes with a snow brush, squeegee, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic ice scraper. It has a detachable design that divides into three parts to fit into the included storage bag, making it easy to keep in a trunk, glove compartment, or garage space.
This model has one or two unique features that make it ideal for vehicles, machinery, windows, and home exteriors, including the push-button pivoting head, telescoping aluminum-alloy pole, and ethylene-vinyl acetatefoam grip.
Get the Cofit ice scraper at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Glove Compartment
SubZero Ice Crusher Ice Scraper
Product Specs
- Type: Ice crusher/scraper
- Length: 11 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- Small enough to store in tight spaces in case of emergencies
- 4.5-inch-wide blade and serrated ice chipper cut through thick and thin ice
- Soft grip for comfort provides ample control while in use
Cons
- A small handle keeps hands near ice and snow when scraping
This basic ice scraper by SubZero fits in a glove box with room to spare for insurance papers, an owner’s manual, snacks, and other car accessories. This 11-inch scraper works hard to clear ice from the windshield. Even with a full-size scraper in the car, it may be worth keeping this small backup in the glove compartment.
At 4.5 inches wide, the thick plastic blade stacks up against blades on larger scrapers. The compact design includes ice-chipper teeth on the opposite end to help smash through tough ice on colder days.
A small oval handle with a soft foam gripmakes it comfortable to hold and maneuver. As this is a basic ice scraper, users swap longer reach for convenient storage, which may be preferred for smaller vehicles.
Get the SubZero Ice Crusher ice scraper at Amazon, Walmart, or O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Best for Trucks and SUVs
BirdRock Home Extendable Foam Snow Brush
Product Specs
- Type: Snow brush/ice scraper
- Length: 31 to 55 inches
- Weight: 1.98 pounds
Pros
- Freeze-resistant foam brush head lasts for long-term use
- Thick plastic jaws for scraping tough ice and heavy snow
- Removable ice scraper for removing thick ice
- Pivoting head for greater control and getting into hard-to-reach areas
Cons
- Foam head takes up a lot of room; may be hard to store in some vehicles
Large trucks and SUVs require an ice scraper with incredible reach. BirdRock Home’s lightweight ice scraper and snow brush helps to remove the signs of winter from tall vehicles with its telescoping 55-inch reach.
A thick plastic ice scraper with built-in jaws, this product by BirdRock Home quickly breaks up large chunks of ice while the soft foam griphandle keeps hands comfortable and securely in place.
Trading bristles for a foam head, the sturdy, oversize brush removes a lot of snow with each pass, but it won’t damage the tops of vehicles. Even better, the freeze-resistant rotating brush head allows users to customize the angle to make clearing the snow easier. Need a hand? Detach the scraper from the brush to split the work between two people.
This handy tool comes apart for storage but still takes a little more space in the car than the average scraper.
Get the BirdRock Home extendable ice scraper at Amazon, The Home Depot, or BirdRock Home.
Best for Driveways
Bully Tools All Steel Ice/Sidewalk Scraper
Product Specs
- Type: Sidewalk/driveway ice scraper
- Length: 46 inches (D-grip); 58 inches (long handle)
- Weight: 4 to 5 pounds, depending on the grip chosen
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel handle allows the user to carve, chop, and scrape easily
- Comes with a powder-coated finish that prevents rust and damage
- The blade can be resharpened after heavy-duty use
Cons
- Starts to feel heavy when clearing a lot of ice at once
As the name suggests, Bully Tools’ snow shovels stand up to snow and ice. Its sidewalk and ice scraper ranks as a go-to tool for removing stubborn ice chunks off any property and eliminating safety hazards and liabilities. The tool makes ice removal fast so users can get back inside where it’s warm.
A wide 11-gauge steel handle ensures that the ice scraper holds up to use. Made in one solid piece, it resists bending or breaking. Routine sharpening of the carbon-steel blade extends its life and makes it more effective at chipping away snow and ice shards. At over 6 pounds, the weight of the scraper helps break up ice, but it will fatigue the user after extended periods of use.
Get the Bully Tools ice scraper at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Bully Tools.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Scraper
The best ice scraper depends on a user’s specific needs and the climate where they live. Areas with harsher winter weather require a more robust solution for clearing ice, while in warmer climates, people may get away with using a more basic ice scraper. Below we outline the size, design, and features to look for in the best ice scraper.
Size and Length
Those who drive a compact car with a windshield that’s easy to reach from both sides may find that a basic ice scraper—one that’s up to 12 inches in length—best fits their needs. These handy winter tools are easy to store. Most drivers usually stow a small ice scraper away in a glove compartment or a tote so they always have it around when needed. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or pickup trucks, may call for a longer scraper to reach the windshield.
For the longest reach, shoppers will want to consider a telescoping ice scraper with an adjustable handle that extends anywhere from 30 to 60 inches to manage those hard-to-reach spots.
Blade Design
An ice scraper should feel solidly constructed when it’s held. Those thin plastic scrapers given out by banks and hardware stores during the holidays might help remove a light coating of frost from a windshield, but they won’t make a dent in heavy ice buildup. Serious ice buildup needs serious winter tools to remove it. Shoppers should look for blades made of hefty acrylic or molded plastic (up to 0.375-inch thick).
Most ice scrapers come with a dual-use blade that’s smooth on one side to remove frost and light ice accumulation and toothed on the other (just flip it over) for serious scraping to cut through thick ice. Anyone who lives in an area that regularly receives ice storms will want to choose a scraper with large, pronounced teeth to banish heavy ice buildup effectively.
Ease of Use
To scrape away ice that seems permanently bonded to a car’s windshield, shoppers will want to look for a handle that’s every bit as robust as the blade. Quality ice scrapers often have ergonomic handles designed for an easy grip when applying firm pressure. Many of today’s top models also offer foam padding for a tight, comfortable grip.
The weight of an ice scraper should also figure into the selection process. A heavy ice scraper packs more heft, making it tougher to push the ice off a windshield or driveway. In general, the larger the ice scraper, the heavier it will be.
Handheld ice scrapers usually range between 2 and 8 ounces, while nonextending windshield ice scrapers are typically between 12 ounces and 2 pounds; full-size ice scrapers are somewhere between 3 and 6 pounds. Of course, the weight of an ice scraper depends on its construction and the construction materials.
Additional Features
Clever features can make ice scraping a lot more pleasant. Here are some of our favorites:
- Snow brushes sweep off the snow before scraping ice from the windshield. The best snow brushes for cars have firm bristles (soft bristles bend easily, leaving snow behind) or a thick foam head for efficient snow removal.
- Mitts help protect hands while scraping ice. On some models, the scraper handle comes encased in a lined, waterproof mitten so users can scrape heartily without freezing their fingers or scraping their knuckles on snow and ice shards.
- Hammers or crushers smash through stubborn ice and make it easier to remove. Ice scrapers with this feature usually have a thicker end that resembles a hammer or serrated teeth for crushing ice.
- Extendable shafts reach farther to clear ice and snow more efficiently. The telescoping feature also makes for easier storage inside the vehicle.
FAQs
Despite all the details offered in this guide, many shoppers might still have a few lingering questions about how to choose the best ice scraper for their cars or driveways. Some aren’t sure what type of tool works as an ice scraper, while others worry about an ice scraper or snow brush damaging their vehicles, scratching the paint or glass. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ice scrapers.
Q. What can be used as an ice scraper?
Items made from soft plastic, like a card, spatula, or plastic dustpan, can stand in for an ice scraper. These items may crack, though, if the ice is too thick. If all else fails, a cup of hot water or a hair dryer can also help to remove very tough snow and ice.
Q. Is it safe to scrape ice off windshields?
Scraping ice off windshields is safe if done slowly. There aren’t any real shortcuts or tricks. However, users will always want to consider using gloves or eyewear when chipping away at jagged or tough ice formations.
Q. Does a snow brush scratch a car?
Yes, snow brushescan leave tiny scratches on a vehicle’s paint. If the vehicle is dirty, the brush may push and grind that dirt into the paint. While some options come with soft scrapers, it is advised that any tough ice formations on vehicle paneling should not be removed with jawed or straight ice scrapers.
Q. Can you sharpen an ice scraper?
Yes, this is done using 100-, 150-, or 240-grit sandpaper. It’s not worth sharpening an ice scraper unless the user fully knows what they’re doing. Be advised that plastic scrapers cannot be sharpened perfectly or often, whereas metal sharpeners can be sharpened repeatedly for long-term effectiveness.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.