When winter comes around, every driver knows the importance of having a good snowbrush on hand. Removing snow and ice from your vehicle is vital for safe driving conditions. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which snowbrush is the best? In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the key factors to consider when choosing a snowbrush. We will provide specific product recommendations in various categories to help you select the ideal snowbrush for your needs. Whether you are looking for the most heavy-duty and rugged brush, the most ergonomic and easy to use brush, or the best value brush, this guide has you covered. Keep reading to become a snowbrush expert!
Page Contents
- 1 Key Factors To Consider When Buying a Snowbrush
- 2 Reviews of the Top Snowbrushes
- 2.1 Best Heavy Duty Snowbrush – Mallory USA 532 26″ Fat Max Snow Brush
- 2.2 Most Ergonomic Snowbrush – Snow Joe SJ-BRS Telescoping Snow Broom
- 2.3 Best Budget Snowbrush – Subzero 72283 Extendable Snow Brush
- 2.4 Best Snowbrush for SUVs – Mallory USA 532 Magnum SUV Snowbrush
- 2.5 Best Compact Snowbrush – Mallory USA 999 Super Mini Extendable Snowbrush
- 3 Key Snowbrush Features Comparison
- 4 Conclusion
Key Factors To Consider When Buying a Snowbrush
When evaluating the countless snowbrush options available, here are the main factors to keep in mind:
Brush Type
Snowbrushes come in a variety of brush types, each with their own pros and cons. The main brush types are:
- Foam: Foam brushes are lightweight and easy to use. They conform to the shape of the car. However, they do not remove ice well and can rip or tear in extremely cold temperatures.
- Plastic: Plastic bristles are durable and effective at moving large amounts of snow. However, they can scratch paint if used too aggressively.
- Rubber: Rubber blades flex and conform to the vehicle’s shape. They remove ice effectively. But rubber can crack over time when exposed to ozone and UV rays.
Consider your climate and typical winter weather to determine which brush type is best for your needs. Areas with heavy, wet snow do well with plastic or rubber, while light snowfalls are fine with foam.
Brush Size
Larger brush heads allow you to clear off more snow in fewer swipes. But smaller, compact brushes are more portable and easier to store. Consider the size of your vehicle when choosing a brush size. Larger SUVs and trucks can benefit from a wide 24+ inch brush, while smaller cars can get by with a 12-16 inch brush.
Scrape Type
In addition to the brush, you need an effective scraper for ice and packed snow. Common scraper types include:
- Plastic: Plastic scrapers are lightweight but can scratch paint. Look for ones with protective coatings.
- Foam: Foam scrapers conform to the car but are less durable over time.
- Metal: Metal scrapers are the most rugged but risk scratching if used improperly.
Metal or plastic scrapers tend to be the most heavy-duty. But switch to foam for windows and delicate areas to prevent scratching.
Handle Design
To choose a snowbrush that is comfortable and easy to maneuver, pay attention to the handle design. Seek out handles with the following features:
- Ergonomic grip allows you to hold and push/pull easily.
- Bend or curve in handle helps apply pressure while clearing snow.
- Foam or padded hand grips add comfort and prevent slipping.
- Velcro strap secures brush to hand so you don’t lose grip.
Long handles give leverage for removing heavy snow. Telescoping or extendable handles provide adjustable length when needed.
Weight
In general, sturdier snowbrushes weigh more. While lightweight options are nice for storing in your car, they typically aren’t as durable. Heavier brushes move snow more efficiently but can be tiring to use. Find an option balanced with your strength, brushing needs, and storage space.
Reviews of the Top Snowbrushes
Now that you know how to select the ideal snowbrush, here are reviews of the top options in different categories:
Best Heavy Duty Snowbrush – Mallory USA 532 26″ Fat Max Snow Brush
- Extra wide 26 inch brush head
- Firm plastic bristles for heavy snow
- Foam hand grip for comfort
- Steel ice scraper with protective cover
The Mallory Fat Max is the ultimate heavy duty snowbrush for large vehicles and extreme winter weather. The oversized brush head saves time clearing off SUVs, vans, and trucks. Sturdy plastic bristles move huge piles of snow with ease. Meanwhile, the foam grip prevents hand fatigue. This brush tackles thick ice and packed snow thanks to the steel scraper. Plus the cover prevents scratching. With unmatched strength and efficiency, the Mallory Fat Max is the top choice for heavy snow removal.
Most Ergonomic Snowbrush – Snow Joe SJ-BRS Telescoping Snow Broom
- Telescoping pole extends from 15 to 27 inches
- 180 degree adjustable head
- Padded handle grip
- Foam head won’t damage paint
Snow Joe designed their snowbroom with ergonomics in mind. The telescoping pole provides perfect length adjustability. You can shrink it down for storage or extend it for optimal leverage. The 180 degree adjustable head allows you to brush snow off windshields, roofs, trunks and more without straining your wrist. It locks in place once positioned. The foam bristles are gentle on paint while effectively moving snow. With the comfort foam handle, you can brush for long periods without hand pain. For the most ergonomic and user-friendly brush, Snow Joe has you covered.
Best Budget Snowbrush – Subzero 72283 Extendable Snow Brush
- Retracts from 30 to 15 inches
- Plastic bristles and ice scraper
- Inexpensive price under $10
On a tight budget? The Subzero 72283 provides solid performance without breaking the bank. The telescoping handle extends to a generous 30 inches for easy reach then compacts for storage. The combo of plastic bristles and ice scraper removes snow and ice from cars of all sizes. Despite the low price, it still boasts a foam comfort grip. Is it the most heavy-duty or rugged design? No. But for occasional use on personal vehicles, the Subzero gets the job done. The price makes it easy to buy multiple units to stash in each car. When funds are limited, this is the top value pick.
Best Snowbrush for SUVs – Mallory USA 532 Magnum SUV Snowbrush
- Extra wide 18 inch brush head
- 36 inch telescoping handle
- Steel ice scraper
Oversized SUVs and trucks call for an oversized snowbrush. The Mallory 532 Magnum is purpose-built to make quick work of large snow-covered vehicles. The extra wide 18 inch brush head cuts cleaning time significantly compared to standard brushes. For reaching up to the roof on tall vehicles, the handle telescopes out to 36 inches. Durable plastic bristles powered through frozen and packed snow. An icing scraping blade on one end busts through stubborn ice. Mallory’s ergonomic grip makes brushing off the mega-sized vehicle less of a chore. With impressive swath size and leverage, the Magnum is the top brush for trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Best Compact Snowbrush – Mallory USA 999 Super Mini Extendable Snowbrush
- Retracts from 25 to 10 inches
- Plastic blend head
- Foam grip
- Fits in glovebox
For small cars, look no further than Mallory’s Super Mini snowbrush. Custom designed for compact cars, the head retracts down to a mere 10 inches. The plastic blend bristles clean snow and light ice from paintwork without scratching. Despite the tiny size, it still manages a foam handle grip. When not in use, it stores in the smallest of spaces like your glove compartment. The Super Mini works on larger vehicles in a pinch too when armed with the extendable handle. Drivers of mini coopers, sedans, coupes and more have met their snowbrush match with the perfectly portable Mallory Super Mini.
Key Snowbrush Features Comparison
To summarize the key differences between popular snowbrush options, here is a features comparison table:
Snowbrush | Brush Type | Brush Width | Scraper | Handle |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mallory Fat Max | Plastic | 26 inches | Steel | Foam grip |
Snow Joe Telescoping | Foam | 15-27 inches | None | Padded comfort |
Subzero Extendable | Plastic | 15-30 inches | Plastic | Foam grip |
Mallory SUV | Plastic | 18 inches | Steel | Ergo grip |
Mallory Super Mini | Plastic | 10-25 inches | None | Foam grip |
Conclusion
While no single snowbrush is right for every driver, assessing your vehicle size, climate, needed features, and budget will lead you to the ideal match. Be sure to look for brushes with comfort-oriented handles, effective brush and scraper materials, and sizes suited to your needs. With one of the top-rated snowbrushes recommended here, you can rest assured you are well equipped to take on winter weather and keep your car clear and safe all season long.