We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
The winter months are tough for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the cold; short days and bitter temperatures don’t exactly make for paradise. But for those stuck inside—or worse, outside shoveling—having the right supplies on hand can make these days bearable, or even enjoyable. From conquering the snow and ice to staying warm and cozy, here are the tools to survive winter’s blast.
1. Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel
Shoveling snow is never a fun chore, but it can be a little easier with the Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel. This snow shovel is our top pick tested for our best snow shovel guide, mainly due to its ergonomic design. It’s lightweight with an integrated spring-assisted lifting handle for moving those heavy scoops of snow.
What our tester says: “During testing, we didn’t want to like the Snow Joe. The additional lift-assist handle seemed like a gimmick, but it required much less bending over compared to a traditional shovel and plenty of leverage for scooping.” — Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel at Amazon for $40.09
2. Greenworks 80V 12″ Cordless Battery Snow Shovel
If a snow shovel doesn’t quite cut it for the amount of snow, the Greenworks 80V 12″ Cordless Battery Snow Shovel is the next level up. This electric snow shovel tosses snow 20 feet away from its path with minimal effort. It was our top pick for the best electric snow shovel because of its ample 45-minute run time and quick 30-minute charge time. That gives plenty of time to clear walkways, and if the battery runs out, there’s only a short wait for it to recharge.
What our tester says: “Overall, this is a fantastic, well-built electric snow shovel. There are a couple of cheaper models that perform nearly as well, but anyone who wants top-notch power and battery life might want to pay just a little more for the Greenworks 80V.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Greenworks 80V 12″ Cordless Battery Snow Shovel at Amazon for $249.99
3. Toro Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower
Bring in the big guns with an electric snow blower. The Toro Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower is our top pick tested for our best electric snow blower guide. This is a heavy-duty blower with a durable steel construction that we recommend for all terrains; it’s sturdy enough to perform for many years in very snowy conditions.
What our tester says: “We found this unit’s overall power on par with gas models, and it held up well against a top-tier machine we also own in terms of traction and performance.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Toro Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower at Tractor Supply Co for $1,599.99
4. Best Home Fashion Wide Basic Thermal Blackout Curtain
Thermal blackout curtains are a small investment that can reduce the effects of poorly-insulated windows and make a room feel warmer through the winter. As our top pick for the best thermal curtains, the Best Home Fashion Wide Basic Thermal Blackout Curtain insulates well, and just as important, looks nice too. The curtains block light and are available in several sizes and colors.
Get the Best Home Fashion Wide Basic Thermal Blackout Curtain at Amazon for $34.99
5. Everlasting Comfort Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket
A cozy blanket is a must-have to get through the winter. We tested the Everlasting Comfort Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket for our best blanket guide, and we loved that it offered comfortable warmth without being too heavy. It drapes beautifully, comes in various appealing colors, and is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
What our tester says: “The Everlasting Comfort faux fur throw rose to the top for its softness and the beautiful drape of the fabric. I couldn’t stop running my hand over the fabric because it felt wonderful, and this made me want to use it all the time.” —Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Everlasting Comfort Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket at Amazon for $21.99
6. Beloskida Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit
A car emergency kit is a prudent investment at any time of year, but it comes in particularly handy in winter. Stay safe on the roads with this comprehensive kit, which includes a small shovel, tow rope, and emergency blanket that are extra useful to have in the winter. It also comes with a 500-Amp jumper cable, a hand crank light, a first aid kit, and more, so drivers are ready for any emergency.
Get the Beloskida Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit at Amazon for $48.99
7. JOJOMARK Tire Traction Mat
All drivers should know how to get their car unstuck from the snow. First, dig as much slush and snow out from under the tires as possible, then get back in the car, turn the wheel slightly, and slowly accelerate or reverse. If there’s nothing for the tires to gain traction against, though, drivers are fighting a losing battle. Add traction by wedging these JOJOMARK Tire Traction Mats between the edge of the tires and the slippery substrate to get back on the road quickly and safely.
Get the JOJOMARK Tire Traction Mat at Amazon for $69.99
8. Snow Joe Ice & Snow Melt
It’s no surprise that traditional ice melt is an imperfect solution. Sure, it melts snow and ice on driveways and walkways, but its caustic formula also damages shoes, boots, landscaping—even pets’ paws. Snow Joe’s natural alternative ice melt uses different ingredients that are effective against snow and ice while protecting shoes and Fido’s paws. It’s our budget-friendly pick for the best ice melt since it’s safe but still effective.
What our tester says: “We really loved this ice melt’s shaker container for easy spreading. The larger granules also minimized our need to reapply.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Snow Joe Ice & Snow Melt at Amazon for $25.99
9. Snow Joe 18″ Telescoping Snow Broom & Ice Scraper
Simple but effective, the Snow Joe 18″ Telescoping Snow Broom & Ice Scraper is an ideal car tool for frigid and snowy winters. This two-in-one extendable windshield ice scraper and snow broom has the necessary parts to clear snow and ice from the car. It’s fairly compact, very lightweight, and has a non-abrasive foam head that won’t damage glass or paint.
What our tester says: Zach Lazzari, a Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, reviewed a version of this product. “I’ve used the scraper end daily for several weeks without issue,” he noted. “It’s nothing fancy, but it works reliably and as intended. I was initially skeptical about the foam head, but it’s very rigid, and I love not worrying about scratching the car.”
Get the Snow Joe 18″ Telescoping Snow Broom & Ice Scraper at Amazon for $29.99
10. Scotts Elite Spreader
Quickly spread salt across large surfaces with the Scotts Elite Spreader. This multi-use wheeled push spreader holds enough salt (or fertilizer or grass seed in the warmer seasons) to cover up to 20,000 square feet with a 6-foot spread width. It makes applying salt much less tedious for those with a lot of area to cover, and provides a more even application with less waste than hand-spreading.
What our tester says: “If I could only choose one salt and fertilizer spreader, this would be it. It holds a ton of product, moves easily over uneven terrain, and makes quick work of large areas.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Scotts Elite Spreader at Amazon for $149.99
11. Dreo Solaris H3 Slim Space Heater
Compact, quiet, and very effective, the Dreo Solaris H3 Slim Space Heater came out on top during our testing for the best electric heater. It’s slim and lightweight, so it’s easy to move around and place in any room. Even better, we found it warmed up spaces even larger than its recommended coverage area of 200 square feet.
What our tester says: “This is my favorite electric heater of all the options I tested. I keep it by my desk for chilly mornings, and it warms my toes without taking up much space. Though I love its tall and narrow design, I’m glad it shuts off when it tips over. My dogs seem to have a special ability to run right into it when they come running in to say hi.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dreo Solaris H3 Slim Space Heater at Amazon for $74.99
12. Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
The Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket is weighty and thick. Choose from one of its 12 heat settings and it feels like a big, warm hug on a cold winter’s day. Ideal for layering on a bed, it’s our top pick for the best electric blanket with even heating and a long 12-hour timer to get cold sleepers through the night.
Get the Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon for $78.54
13. Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
The Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater provides ambiance as well as heat. This infrared fireplace looks like a wood stove but is much easier to use: It’s electric, so it doesn’t create any smoke, but it does create lots of heat to warm spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The faux 3D flame effect looks charming and we appreciate that the infrared heating doesn’t dry out the air in the room.
Get the Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater at Amazon for $249.99
14. Levoit Classic Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
For those who feel particularly parched in the winter or suffer from sinus or lung problems due to dry air, a humidifier can be a saving grace. The best room humidifier chosen in our testing is the Levoit Classic Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier. It has great features at a reasonable price, with a 6-liter water tank providing up to 60 hours of run time, four mist levels, and smart controls so users can set schedules and timers.
Get the Levoit Classic Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier at Amazon for $79.99
15. Mr. Heater Portable Heater
Don’t let the cold prevent DIY projects out in the workshop. This portable propane heater from Mr. Heater warms up to 225 square feet on one of two settings using the small propane tanks often used for camping and cookouts (or up to 40-pound tanks with the right hose to connect them). A few hours with this radiant heater will keep the shop toasty enough to complete whatever task couldn’t wait for a warm day.
What our tester says: “This powerful little heater is dependable and burns clean—I keep one in my mobile shop during cold weather to take the chill off and provide a quick warm-up at a moment’s notice.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Mr. Heater Portable Heater at Amazon for $83.99
16. Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector
Indoor pipes can freeze and burst during cold snaps, and while there’s not always a way to prevent that from happening, acting fast when a pipe does burst can mitigate the amount of damage caused by the water. Place the Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector near the areas most likely to be affected, such as the water heater or a sink located on an exterior wall, and this gadget warns users of dangerously low temperatures that might cause those pipes to freeze via a smartphone app. Users can then take action before disaster strikes by adjusting the heat accordingly, but if it’s too late, the system’s cable will detect and alert users to the presence of water so they can address it before the damage spreads too far.
Get the Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector at Amazon for $109.94
17. Decorealm Heavy-Duty Door Draft Stopper and Blocker
As one of the best door draft stoppers we tested, we like that the Decorealm Heavy-Duty Door Draft Stopper and Blocker can work for just about any home. It’s a freestanding stopper and doesn’t need to be attached to the door, so it’s damage-free and renter-friendly. It’s heavy-duty, filled with ceramic beads that kept it in place better than some other products we tested. The herringbone-pattern fabric is also attractive so this draft stopper isn’t an eyesore.
Get the Decorealm Heavy-Duty Door Draft Stopper and Blocker at Amazon for $46.90
18. FosPower Emergency Weather Radio
It’s never a good time to lose electricity. It’s especially bad in the winter, at least in those parts of the country where temperatures drop below freezing. To be prepared for anything and everything, pick up an emergency radio. The FosPower Emergency Weather Radio tunes in to three bands—AM, FM, and NOAA VHF—and its built-in LED light and phone charger make it a multipurpose, there-when-you-need-it lifesaver for indoors or out.
Get the FosPower Emergency Weather Radio at Amazon for $34.99
19. Garage Insulation
The Reach Barrier 3009 uses reflective aluminum on the front and back, with a laminated bubble layer sandwiched between the layers to create an effective boundary between the garage and the extreme temperature outdoors in both winter and summer. The kit comes with eight precut panels that measure 4 feet long by 2 feet wide—a size suitable for most standard single-car garage doors. When we installed ours, we noticed an immediate decline in the sound transfer through the door, and the temperature measurements on the insulated side were notably different than on the uninsulated side.
What our tester says: Some garage door insulation kits can be a hassle to install, but this one makes installation easy. “All that’s required is to clean the door, attach the adhesive squares, and stick the panels in place. During testing, I found that the Reach Barrier was as easy to install as claimed: I simply placed a few of the adhesive squares along the perimeter of each section and pressed the insulation into place.” —Tom Scalisi, contributing Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Reach Barrier garage door insulation kit at Amazon.
20. 3M Window Insulation
Windows are one of the most common spots for energy loss, but a thin layer of plastic can offer a fair amount of protection. This 3M insulator kit comes with enough film to cover up to five windows measuring 5 feet long by 3 feet wide. This relatively thick film provides enhanced insulation thanks to its thickness of 0.75 mils (a unit of measurement equal to a thousandth of an inch). The film comes in one cut-to-fit sheet that measures 17.5 feet long by 5.16 feet wide. This kit also comes with a 27.7-yard roll of double-sided tape to facilitate installation and ensure it stays in place all season.
What our tester says: “This was my favorite [window insulation] kit to install… It kit allowed me to reposition the plastic a few times before pressing it down and heating it. Also, the kit does cover a lot of square footage, but the ends of the sheet can be tough, so it’s important to take your time. After I finished installing the kit, removing wrinkles was extremely easy. This kit provided the best results alongside the other 3M products that use the same plastic.” —Tom Scalisi, contributing Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the 3M indoor window insulation kit at Amazon.
