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The Spruce / Jennifer May
An ice scraper that removes ice and snow effectively, without damaging the surfaces of your car, can help you get out of the cold and on the road in no time.
We researched dozens of ice scrapers, including options with brooms, brushes, telescoping handles, and other features designed to handle various vehicle sizes and weather conditions. We then tested 20 options all around the country on our own vehicles during wintery conditions. We evaluated them on their durability, ease of use, effectiveness, features, and value.
The best ice scraper we tested is the SubZero Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom, because it quickly, safely, and effectively removed thick ice during testing, can reach across larger vehicles and windshields, and has a soft, foam grip.
Best Overall
SubZero 60-Inch Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom, Squeegee and Ice Scraper
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Amazon
4.5 inch-wide, durable scraper
Pivoting squeegee and snow broom
Foam grips on both ends
Extends and locks 36-60 inches
Larger to store than other options
Our favorite ice scraper we tested is the SubZero 80037 60" Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom with Integrated Squeegee and Ice Scraper. This all-in-one tool did a great job clearing ice and snow from the windshield, roof, rear window, and side windows during several days of wintery conditions (including temperatures as low as 18 degrees). We think it's a great value and is a great tool for both small and large vehicles.
One end of this tool features a durable, 4.5-inch-wide ice scraper for thick ice, while the other end has a squeegee and snow broom, for getting the bulk of the snow off fast. We appreciated how quickly we were able to clear the car, and noted that this is a great option if you are typically in a time crunch in the mornings. The product also features comfortable foam handles on both ends, which helped make both the ice scraper and the broom/squeegee side easy to grip with two hands. Plus, the broom/squeegee side pivots, so you can maneuver it around the sides of your car easily.
We love that the Subzero extends from 36 to as much as 60 inches, so it works with larger vehicles and should fit in most trunks. It’s not the most compact or budget-friendly option we tested, but we found that it has all of the tools you need during most wintery conditions.
Price at time of publish: $25
Length: 36 to 60 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Features: Ice scraper, squeegee, and snow broom
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The Spruce / Tammy Gardini
Best Budget
OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper & Snow Brush
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Amazon
Comfortable padded grip
Sturdy and durable
Long enough to reach across a windshield
Brush for clearing mirrors and lights
Not long enough for tall roofs
Aside from its affordable price, our favorite thing about the Oxford Ice Scraper and Snow Brush is its padded handle. While testing, we appreciated the "good grippers" on the handle that made it comfortable and easy to use. The tool itself is long and lightweight enough that, thanks to the padded handle, we could reach far across the windshield to remove ice. We also like that the 4-inch ice scraper end is flat on one side, with seven ice picks on the other side for chipping away thick ice.
At 17.5 inches long, this tool is compact enough to fit anywhere in your trunk. And since there is a snow broom on one end, you can also use it to clear off your mirrors and headlights, which we were able to do with ease. It's not ideal for clearing your roof or for tall vehicles, but this is a great budget-friendly, go-to ice scraper, or a space-saving extra to keep around.
Price at time of publish: $12
Length: 17.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Features: Ice scraper, snow brush
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The Spruce / Ashley Craiger
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The Spruce / Ashley Craiger
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The Spruce / Ashley Craiger
Best with Brush
Moyidea 36-Inch Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush
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Amazon
Clears windshield with first pass
Padded handle
Detaches for easy storage
Storage bag included
Scraper didn't seem to lock into place
Testing this scraper had us wishing for more stormy weather, so we could have even more opportunities to use it! The Moyidea 36 Inch Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush features a snow brush and a durable ice scraper with "jaws." Both of these features easily detach—in fact, the ice scraper can be used on its own—and can be stored in the included storage bag when not in use. We found that the brush on this tool was thicker and wider than the other ones we tested. The bristles seemed high-quality and did not scratch the car or fall off during use.
Able to extend up to 36 inches, this tool was long enough to reach across our windshield, and we cleared the ice at the first pass. With a 360-degree pivoting brush head, it was easy to maneuver while clearing the car of snow. Like many of the options on this list, the pole is padded to make it easier to grip. We did note that the ice scraper didn't seem to lock into place on the pole like the other parts, but it still felt sturdy and didn't fall off.
Price at time of publish: $14
Length: 27 to 36 inches | Weight: 1.19 pounds | Features: Ice scraper, ice chipper, snow broom
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Splurge
SnoShark STD
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SnoShark
Extra-wide ice scraper
Two locking positions
Compact and lightweight design
Lifetime warranty
Not as long as some other telescoping options
The SnoShark-STD is designed with features to help you get back on the road quickly. The non-abrasive paddle with a built-in ice scraper is extra-wide, so it can handle cleaning snow or ice off larger areas at once. In fact, although we found that the ice scraper did a good job of clearing ice, we think this is a great tool for clearing off a snow-covered car. The blade pivots like a scoop, which we found particularly effective in removing snow. The metal handle is padded, so it is durable, yet comfortable to use.
The telescoping handle has two locking positions—30 inches and 39 inches—that you can choose, depending on the size of your vehicle. At under 2 pounds, the SnoShark is lightweight and easy to store: It collapses to 20 inches, so you can fit it in your trunk or backseat until the next time you need it.
Although this tool does not extend as long as other options we tested, the manufacturer offers a 54-inch version, which may be necessary if you have a large vehicle, but we had no problems clearing snow from the roof of a four-door sedan. The SnoShark is a bit pricey, but if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, and you want to clear it quickly, this is an excellent choice. Plus, it is backed by a lifetime warranty, which may help justify the cost.
Price at time of publish: $50
Length: 20 to 30 or 39 inches | Weight: Under 2 pounds | Features: Ice scraper and snow paddle
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The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
Best with Broom
Snow Joe 2-in-1 Telescoping Snow Broom + Ice Scraper
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Amazon
Extends to 52 inches
Non-abrasive foam head
Easy to store
Two-year warranty
Ice scraper is small
If you are looking for an affordable tool that can clear both ice and snow, the Snow Joe Original Telescoping Snow Broom and Ice Scraper is our top choice. This tool can be adjusted from 33 to 52 inches, so it's a great option for most vehicles. It has an 18-inch-wide foam head that you can use to push or pull snow off the roof of your car—in fact, we found that it gets the job done quickly, especially for clearing snow. And since the broom head is non-abrasive, you shouldn't have to worry about it scratching your paint or windows. (We didn't notice any damage while testing.) We also appreciated the cushioned foam grips, and at less than 2 pounds, this tool is easy to maneuver around.
Although the broom is really the star feature (and the most fun to use!), the ice scraper is made of hard, durable plastic and comes in handy for tackling ice on your windshield. Although it's not the most compact ice scraper we tested, we found this tool easy to store, with a built-in bracket holder, so you can fold and store it neatly in your trunk when adjusted down to 33 inches.
We also tested the Snow Joe SJBLZD—it comes with the same features as well as helpful LED lights, if you don't mind paying more.
Price at time of publish: $15
Length: 33 to 52 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Features: Broom and ice scraper
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The Spruce / Tammy Gardini
Best for Trucks
Birdrock Home Snow Moover 55-Inch Extendable Foam Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
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Amazon
270-degree rotating head
Extends to 55 inches
Removable ice scraper
Foam grip on a large section of the pole
More expensive than some similar options
Similar in features to the Snow Joe Original Snow Broom, the Birdrock Snow MOOver is designed to push or pull heavy, wet snow from every surface of your car. What sets this product apart is its 270-degree pivoting head, which allows you to get the optimal angles for hard-to-reach places. It also extends up to 55 inches (3 more inches than the Snow Joe), giving you extra length for trucks and larger vehicles, and keeping you at a nice distance to avoid getting wet! It also has a removable flat ice scraper with jaws for thick ice, so two people can do the work of clearing your car at the same time.
Both the ice scraper and foam head are designed to not scratch your windshield or other surfaces of your car. However, the ice scraper is very effective (and feels a little sharp!) and removed the ice at first pass while we were testing. Despite its size and durability, it's surprisingly lightweight and easy to hold, even without gloves, thanks to the foam grip covering a large section of the pole. When you need to store it, just push the button to decrease the length to 31 inches, and detach the ice scraper. This tool is more expensive than other options on this list, but if you have a large vehicle, we think this tool's durability and ability to pivot around your car, makes it worth the price.
Price at time of publish: $38
Length: 31 to 55 inches | Weight: 1.98 pounds | Features: Broom, ice scraper, ice chipper
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The Spruce / Jennifer May
Best with Glove
Jalaroma Ice Scraper with Glove
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Amazon
Mitten is fleece-lined and waterproof
Affordably priced
Works on left or right hand
Detachable scraper
No foam grip on the handle
Short handle
While testing, the Jalaroma Common'h Ice Scaper with Glove kept us warm and toasty while we cleared our windshield. Although it doesn't have any other features other than an ice scraper, it can save you time searching for your glove(s) when you just want to clear ice and go. The mitt's exterior is made of waterproof fabric, with a fleece liner that kept us dry and cozy. We love that you can use the mitt on your left or right hand, and that it has an elastic band around your wrist to keep snow and ice out. It's also designed to be big enough for most hands.
Made of plastic, this tool features a 4.5-inch flat scraper, as well as a chipper for stubborn ice—both are designed to be effective without scratching your car. Although it's firmly attached, we found that you can easily remove the scraper if you don't want to use the mitt or want to wash it. As with other small scrapers we tested, this one isn't intended for brushing snow or clearing ice far across the windshield or from the roof of your car, but it does make removing ice from your car a little cozier. Plus, it's compact and can be stored in your glove box if you ever need a spare scraper and are lacking a glove.
Price at time of publish: $9
Length: 9.5 inches | Weight: 6.2 ounces | Features: Ice scraper, ice chipper, removable mitten
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The Spruce / Alyssa Kingham
Best Compact
Hopkins Subzero 16621 Ice Crusher Ice Scraper
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Courtesy of Amazon
Compact and lightweight
Extra-wide blade
Tools on either end
Budget-friendly
Can't reach across the windshield
No broom or brush
After testing, we determined that the Subzero Ice Scraper is compact but mighty—the perfect choice if you are looking for an ice scraper to leave in your glove box. And although it's affordable enough to be purchased as a backup scraper, it may be your go-to tool on icy days. The extra-wide 4.5-inch blade can cover more surface space than other options on this list. While it doesn't feature a brush or broom, the other end of the tool is an ice chipper, which comes in handy when you need to tackle thick ice (although we felt the scraper was more than adequate while testing).
Short and lightweight (only 4 ounces), it has a foam grip and an oval spot to put your thumb, so you have better leverage when pushing it against your windshield. This tool is not intended for clearing off snow from your car roof, but if you are just looking for an effective, compact ice scraper, this is an excellent option.
Price at time of publish: $8
Length: 11 inches | Weight: 4 ounces | Features: Ice scraper, ice chipper
Our favorite ice scraper is the SubZero Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom, because it is lightweight and has an extendable handle with foam grips. Plus, it includes an ice scraper, brush, and squeegee, all in one compact tool. We also love the budget-friendly OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper & Snow Brush. It stood out for its affordable price and comfortable handle that was easy to grip while clearing ice and sweeping off snow effectively.
How We Tested the Ice Scrapers
We tested 20 ice scrapers all around the country on our own vehicles when they were covered with ice and snow. To evaluate their effectiveness, we used these tools on our frost-, snow-, and ice-covered cars and noted the weather conditions, as well as how clear the windshield and other areas of the vehicle were at first pass, or whether it took several tries to clear the area. If there was thicker ice, we noted how effective the scraper was in chipping it away. We then tested the durability of each ice scraper, how sturdy it felt against tackling thin or thick ice, and noted whether the scraper had any chips or cracks after use. We also looked to see if the scraper made any scratches to the surfaces of the car or windows. We evaluated the features of each scraper, from brooms and brushes, telescoping or pivoting handles, to the width of the ice scraper and "jaws" of the ice chipper (if present). Ease of use is important in an ice scraper, so we took note of the cushioned handles or thumb grips, and how helpful they were in gripping the scraper while reaching across the windshield, and if the handles were comfortable with or without gloves. Finally we accessed the value of each scraper, and noted whether the performance was worth the price.
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
What to Look For in an Ice Scraper
Ease of Use
Your ice scraper should be easy to hold and maneuver when scraping ice or clearing snow from your car. Consider the weight and grip of the scraper you're buying. It shouldn't feel too heavy as you work, nor should it easily slip from your fingers. Some products, such as our best overall, the SubZero Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom with Integrated Squeegee and Ice Scraper, have cushioned grips with textured finger positions to help you hold and control the ice scraper without a problem.
Keep the length of the ice scraper in mind. A short ice scraper, like our best compact, the Jalaroma Common'h Ice Scraper with Glove, can be functional for cleaning ice off side mirrors and the car's windows, but you likely need a two-handed ice scraper or an extendable one to remove the ice from the windshield or rear window of the vehicle.
Gentle to Cars
Tearing through ice is a laborious process, especially when you need to remove it from your car, and, unfortunately, ice scrapers are often to blame when the car gets scratched. To help prevent that from happening, we advise purchasing a strong, durable ice scraper made of hard plastic. It's a good idea to start your car and turn on the defrost setting before attempting to clean the car. Give the vehicle some time to heat up and melt the ice, and then use the scraper to remove the ice from the windows quickly and easily. This process separates the ice from the glass, making it much easier to remove without accidentally scraping the car.
If the ice scraper is equipped with a brush end for cleaning snow, the bristles need to be soft enough so they don't scratch the surface of the car. Most products now feature these soft bristles, but it's still a good idea to verify that the bristles are soft by checking the manufacturer's information online or simply touching the bristles of the brush if you are in the store.
Features
Some ice scrapers also come with squeegees or brush accessories to help safely wipe away snow and other debris. If you live in an exceptionally snowy area, scrapers with brooms, including the Snow Joe Original Telescoping Snow Broom and Ice Scraper, help you push or pull several inches of snow quickly from the roof of your car or windshield. Options with extendable handles are necessary for reaching hard-to-reach places, like the roof of a car. Our best for trucks pick, the Birdrock Home Extendable Foam Snow Brush and Ice Scraper, extends as much as 55 inches. The versatility of your ice scraper should depend on how you plan to use this helpful winter tool. It's also a good idea to have more than one scraper to keep as a backup in your glove box or trunk, in case your main one breaks or, better yet, you want to split up the work.
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The Spruce / Alyssa Kingham
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How do you use an ice scraper?
The scraper portion of an ice scraper is typically made of thin, hard plastic and shaped like the bottom of a broom. Grip the handle, and use the front edge of the scraper to push underneath the ice coating the window. The scraper is designed to lift the ice from the window, making it relatively easy to clean the car.
Sometimes, the cohesion between the glass and the ice is too strong, resulting in the scraper repeatedly chipping away at the edge of the ice. If you continue to chip away at the ice, you will eventually be successful. We advise simply using the vehicle's heater and defrost setting to partially melt this connection before removing the ice with the scraper.
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What is the back of an ice scraper for?
The back of an ice scraper typically has ridges that seem to do very little, but if you turn the scraper around and use these ridges on a thick piece of ice, the ridges scrape the ice, creating divots. That weakens the sheet of ice, making it easier to break up and remove with the front of the ice scraper. These ridges are typically referred to as "teeth," "jaws," or "separated chippers." Many ice scrapers on this list feature them.
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How can you avoid scratching your car with an ice scraper?
Many scrapers, brooms, and brushes on this list are made from materials intended to be non-abrasive (including foam) to eliminate or reduce any damage. However, you can prevent accidental damage to your car by simply turning the car on and allowing the engine heat to partially melt the ice before removing it with the ice scraper. That separates the ice from the glass, making it much easier to clean the car and avoid scratches.
If you don't have time to wait, or if your car is notorious for warming up slowly, then you can attempt to prevent damage to the car by scraping from the edges of the window toward its center. Always keep the scraper blade away from the edges, so that even if you slip, the scraper won't scratch the side of the car.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jenica Currie is the associate commerce editor for outdoor, gardening, and home improvement at The Spruce. She has tested products at home and in the Lab, including garden hoses, solar lights, fans, and fire pits. For this article, Currie researched dozens of ice scrapers and used our testing insights to make this list. Currie also used her own experience clearing compact cars and SUVs from heavy, wet, or fluffy snow and thick ice. She's also experienced too many brutal Nor'easters to count!
Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in several topics, ranging from plumbing to construction to product recommendations, contributed additional research to this article.
What is the Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.