- 1. Hopkins Mallory
- 2. Snow Joe Telescoping Broom with Ice Scraper
- 3. AstroAI Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper
- 4. AmazonBasics Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
- 5. Subzero Ice Crusher Ice Scraper
- 6. BirdRock Home Snow Moover Small Car Brush and Ice Scraper
- 7. Snow MOOver Extendable Snow Foam Brush and Ice Scraper
- 8. Mallory USA Ultra MAXX Snowbrush with Integrated Ice Scraper
- 9. Subzero Super Extender Snowbroom with Integrated Ice Scraper
- 10. Desired Tools Premium Ice Scraper Set
- 11. True Temper Scratch-Free Snow Brush
As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, it becomes time to break out an important cold weather car accessory: the ice scraper. If you’re like many people, somehow between the onset of spring and now your ice scraper has mysteriously disappeared like orphan socks in a clothes dryer. Seriously, where do they go?
Not to worry as there are a bunch of perfectly functioning ice scrapers to choose from in stores and online. Offered in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors — and with various snow and ice removal accessories — there’s an ice scraper out there to fit any vehicle and any budget. This handy buying guide outlines some of the best options so that you won’t be caught empty handed, scraping snow and ice off your windshield with just your gloved hand — or worse, a credit card.
The Best Ice Scrapers
Folks don’t really need a complicated snow removal tool just so they can drive their car safely out of their driveway and to their destinations. If you’re such a person, then this Hopkins Mallory snow brush with an integrated ice scraper is all you need to get rid of the snow that has amassed on your windshield overnight.
The built-in ice scraper for cars also comes with an ice chipper to break snow that has turned to ice without causing you to so much as break a sweat. The handle is long enough to let you reach across your entire windshield from one side. The only issue is that there have been some concerns about the bristles not really standing up to the test over the long term. Regardless, this Mallory windshield scraper and snow brush is still one of the best ice scrapers in town — especially if you take note of its price tag.
- 26-inch long ice removal tool
- Sturdy, scratch-free snow brush bristles
- Built-in ice chipper and ice scraper
- Comfortable foam grip
- Brand Mallory USA
- Model 532
- Weight 12 ounces
If you often find yourself having to clear mountains of snow off your car every time you wake up, this snow broom is large enough for such a monumental task. With an amazing 18 by 7-inch non-abrasive, glass-friendly, scratch-free foam head, the Snow Joe is like a handheld bulldozer that will clear snow from your hood, the top of your car, the trunk, and anywhere else.
The handle can extend from as short as 30 inches to as long as 49 inches, giving you the versatility to clean even hard-to-reach surfaces. At the opposite end of the handle is an integrated ice and snow scraper that can also double as a chipper for breaking down ice. It’s one tough snow shovel, to say the least.
- 18-inch wide non-abrasive foam head
- Telescoping handle from 30 inches to 49 inches
- Integrated heavy-duty ice scraper with chipper
- Brand Snow Joe
- Model SJBLZD
- Weight 1.2 pounds
If you’re looking for a durable, yet economical ice scraper, the AstroAI Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper is the perfect solution. This ice scraper is offered at a refreshingly low price point, but is still constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, EVA cotton, and PC bristles that promise to hold up to harsh temperatures and heavy snow for a long time. Capable of functioning reliably, even in temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this scraper will chip away ice without damaging your windshield.
The scraper itself detaches from the snow brush for easier handling, or to allow you to work with a helper in order to make the job go more quickly. The soft-touch, ergonomic handle promises not to crack or break when it gets too cold out. The seven-inch brush head clears snow off your windshield quickly, and the 27-inch handle allows you to reach all the way from one side of the windshield to the other on most vehicles.
- Separates into two pieces for compact storage
- Seven inch brush head
- 27-inch handle
- Brand AstroAl
- Model SN1P0Y
- Weight 11.2 ounces
One doesn’t need to look for an expensive window scraper for cars or even a snow broom for that matter. There are manufacturers that can provide durable and reliable cleaning tools without creating a large gaping hole in your wallet. That’s what the AmazonBasics snow brush and ice scraper combination brings.
It may be a generic kind of tool, but it is so well-constructed that it fares even better than so-called “branded” ones. It’s lightweight and compact and comes with a rather lengthy, scratch-free broom that’s perfect for keeping your windshield and other car surfaces free from both snow and scratches. The cushioned grip feels sturdy and comfy on the hands, while the snow scraper is robust enough to do a good job.
- 8-inch long durable snow brush
- Integrated 4-inch wide ice scraper
- Ergonomic foam grip
- Brand AmazonBasics
- Model WS130129
- Weight 11.8 ounces
If you think you don’t need a snow brush but definitely need an ice scraper you can depend on, then the SubZero is worth a try. It’s not really just a snow scraper but also an ice chipper, which is perfect for removing ice that has hardened on your windshield. The blade is sturdy enough to never balk under pressure and ensures that the surface it glides on will never have scratch marks on it.
The handle may only be 11 inches long, but it gives you just enough reach to work on the middle section of your windshield. This is great if you’re tall enough to reach your windshield, but it may not be the greatest option for people who drive trucks or taller SUVs or those on the shorter side when it comes to height.
- Heavy-duty 4.5-inch wide ice scraper blade
- Integrated ice chipper
- 11-inch long cushioned grip
- Brand Subzero
- Model 16621
- Weight 1.6 ounces
One very nice thing about the BirdRock snow broom is that its head can be turned up to 270 degrees, so you can orient it in such a way that it becomes more efficient in removing snow from your vehicle’s surface. The thick bristles can make quick work of snow buildup while its integrated ice scraper for car works like a charm.
The best part of it is that you can easily detach the brush head so you will have better control of the windshield scraper. At 20 inches, the BirdRock is compact enough to be conveniently stowed in your trunk. It’s perfect for compact cars. The ergonomic handle allows you to comfortably remove snow and ice without hurting your hands or wrists. It is priced a bit higher, though given the thoughtfulness of its design, it’s more than worth it.
- Thick-bristled snow brush
- 270-degree pivoting, removable brush head
- Integrated ice chipper and scraper
- Comfortable cushioned grip
- Brand BirdRock Home
- Model 10021
- Weight 1.1 pounds
With a 14-inch wide snow brush that bulldozes its way across the hood, top, and windshield of your car, the Snow MOOver is a great snow brush for car that comes fully integrated with an ice scraper. Reaching for any surface isn’t difficult either as the Snow MOOver can be easily extended without causing unnecessary strain on the hands.
Adding to its snow removal prowess is a pivoting head, allowing you to change the orientation of the brush head for optimum cleaning performance and reach. The comfortable cushioned grips feel great on the hands, too. As an added bonus, the Snow MOOver can be broken down into several pieces to be stowed compactly and inconspicuously when not in use.
- Fully extendable 39-inch handle
- Scratch-free, extra-wide foam head
- Cushioned, comfortable grip
- Pivoting contoured brush head
- Detachable ice scraper and chipper
- Brand Snow MOOver
- Weight 2.65 pounds
The 999CT Ultra MAXX is the ideal tool for those who want a longer-reaching tool for harder-to-reach areas in their vehicles, or for people who have taller vehicles that can be difficult to clear snow from. This snow scraper features a good, long, heavy-duty aluminum handle that boasts five rows of durable bristles to remove both snow and slush easily from your windows.
The foam grip allows for comfortable and ergonomic snow and ice removal and promises not to slip out of your hands in the middle of clearing. The one drawback to this long-handled tool is that it doesn’t break down like some other models so that you can stow it in tight spaces, so it will take up more space in your trunk than some other options.
- Five rows of bristles
- Lightweight, durable aluminum handle
- Wide ice scraper with ice chipper
- Contoured foam grip
- Brand Mallory USA
- Model 999CT
- Weight 15.2 ounces
Hopkins delivers quality and durability with the 2610XM, a snow broom with an integrated ice scraper on the opposite end of the handle and a squeegee at the opposite side of the snow brush. It’s longer than many models, with an arm that reaches 52 inches. This should give you the chance to really push that snowy buildup on your car with relative ease.
The brush bristles are designed to be stiff enough to move snow, yet gentle enough never to scratch your window or even painted surfaces. And when it comes to wiping water on your windshield, the squeegee should come in handy. It’s one of the best ice scrapers that come with more than two fundamental functions, giving you great value.
- Heavy-duty 52-inch long snow broom
- Durable extendable handle with soft, cushioned grip
- Extra-wide blade
- Integrated squeegee, ice chipper, and scraper
- Brand Subzero
- Model 2610XM
- Weight 1.07 pounds
Featuring a unique design for a snow brush, the True Temper can easily remove snow that has accumulated on window wells. The extra-wide snow brush made of premium quality EVA foam is perfect for wiping away snow off of your windshield as well as the hood, trunk, and roof of your vehicle.
The snow brush is designed to be extra-durable yet flexible and soft enough to never leave scratch marks on your car. The ice scraper on the other end of the tool also comes with an ice chipper, so it’s a lot easier to manage icy buildup in your car.
- Scratch-free EVA-foam brush head
- Ergonomic, lengthy handle
- Integrated dual-purpose ice chipper and scraper
- Brand The AMES Companies
- Model ABTT3612
- Weight 1.1 pounds
The Best Ice Scrapers Buying Guide
Things to Consider When Buying Ice Scrapers
Picking an ice scraper for your car should be relatively easy, but with all the different options in length, brush sizes, quality, and price it can be a surprisingly difficult task to decide which scraper suits your needs best. Here are a few key factors which you should consider when buying an ice scraper.
Blade
A good ice scraper should have a blade that is exceptionally sturdy and sharp. Scraping ice requires the application of pressure onto the device. If it is not sturdy, you might be left with a broken blade after only a few uses.
Handle
Do you want a fixed handle or one with a telescoping mechanism? Telescopic handles give you the ability to reach the farthest sections of your car without having to move towards that side. Unfortunately, the longer the handle, the less control you have over the head. Fixed handles can offer you better control, but may not be good when it comes to convenience. It’s also crucial to look for a handle with a cushioned grip.
Head
If your ice scraper comes with a broom head, it should incorporate at least two other tools. A bristled side is essential for sweeping ice shavings and loose snow. A squeegee is also important if you wish to make a tighter seal between the head and windows and body panels. A shovel or plow could also come in handy when it comes to moving large volumes of snow.
Ice Chipper
There will always be instances when you’ll be faced with really hard or thick ice. This is where an integrated ice chipper can help before you start using the ice scraper.
Benefits of Using Ice Scrapers
Ice scrapers are indispensable tools in keeping your windshield clear so you can have a full view of the road. This can easily translate to improved road safety, even when the weather is uncooperative. This is, without a doubt, the number one benefit of using ice scrapers.
Most ice scrapers also come with broom heads that can be used to remove snow from your vehicle. This makes the ice scraper an even more versatile tool and is a great all-in-one option for thoroughly cleaning snow and ice from your entire vehicle.
Depending on the ice scraper, you can also preserve the integrity and beauty of your windshield as well as other car surfaces like paint and chrome. Of course, you can use other tools, but they can’t guarantee that you will not have scratch marks afterward. Ice scrapers are designed specifically for use on cars.
The Best Way to Correctly Remove Ice from Your Windshield with an Ice Scraper
Just because you just bought the perfect ice scraper for your car doesn’t mean you can go straight ahead and start shoveling that thick block of ice on your windshield. You’ll soon realize that this is not the easiest or most efficient way to remove ice from your car’s windshield.
For starters, it is imperative that you de-ice your windshield first. Some folks claim to pour hot or warm water over their windshields. Don’t do that! Hot water on ice-cold glass can lead to thermal shock and cause your windshield glass to break. A better approach is to turn on your engine, and your defroster, and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes while you’re scraping the ice and snow from the exterior of your vehicle.
You can also try to hasten the process by making a water and rubbing alcohol solution, using a ratio of 1:2, and then spray the concoction onto your windshield. Alcohol can help reduce the freezing point of water. Alternatively, you can purchase a commercially-prepared de-icer. Whatever solution you used to hasten the de-icing process, make sure to scrub away the residue.
Don’t expect these solutions to completely melt the ice, though. This is where your ice scraper comes in. Now that the ice has a much looser adhesion to the glass, it should be a lot easier to wield the ice scraper. Use firm, long, broad strokes. That’s why it’s wise to get an ice scraper wide enough to cover large sections of your car at a time.
Our Top Pick
While our list of best ice scrapers has many great contenders, all with different features and selling points, the Hopkins Mallory 26″ Snow Brush gets our coveted title of Top Pick. It’s a well-rounded, smartly designed combination of long and strong. But the lightweight, 2-inch handle, durable, gentle brush bristles, and rugged ice scraper will hold up reliably to some serious and heavy-duty use. Add to that an excellent price point, and the Hopkins Mallory is everything you need to keep your car free and clear of snow and ice this year.
Sources:
- How to Prepare Your Car for Winter – howstuffworks
- How to Clean Frost Off Car Windows Quickly – wikiHow