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We all love a winter wonderland with treetops glistening with snow and ice — or at least we enjoy looking at it from a warm fireside with a hot drink. Winter weather, however, can be brutal. Safe winter traveling starts with visibility, and having an ice scraper in your vehicle is just the tool for the job. As de-icing the windows can take some time if you’re relying solely on the defroster, an ice scraper can get you on the road in a safe and timely manner. Take a look at our favorite ice scrapers and what you need to know if you’re looking for a new one.
Summary List
- Best Overall: AstroAI 27-inch Brush/Ice Scraper
- Best Value: Mallory 26-inch Brush/Ice Scraper
- Premium: AstroAI 47-inch 3-in-1 Extendable Ice Scraper
- Minimalist Choice: Snow Joe Ice Scraper
- Honorable Mention: Traderplus Ice Scraper with Waterproof Mitten
How We Selected The Best Ice Scrapers
We carefully selected the ice scrapers on this list based on their performance and price as well as the brand’s history of reliability. We considered the overall length, construction, durability, and ease of use. Combination scrapers had to be easy to use with vehicles of various sizes. We avoided expensive products and focused on those that are affordable for the average car owner. To ensure a quality comparison, we avoided product bundles. We also skipped heated ice scrapers, because heating glass too quickly can cause it to crack or chip.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Best Ice Scrapers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
AstroAI 27-inch Brush/Ice Scraper
Best Value
Mallory 26-inch Brush/Ice Scraper
Premium Pick
AstroAI 47-inch 3-in-1 Extendable Ice Scraper
The Minimalist’s Choice
Snow Joe Ice Scraper
Honorable Mention
Traderplus Ice Scraper with Waterproof Mitten
Squeegee Pick
Twing Extendable Snow Remover
What To Consider When Looking for the Best Ice Scrapers
Selecting the right ice scraper is a task that is unique to each car owner. You want the right combination of form and function to fit your individual and vehicular needs. Below you’ll find some tips and tricks to help you select the right ice scraper.
- Weather: The first thing to consider when selecting an ice scraper is the weather where you live. If you live in St. Petersburg, Florida, the chances are slim that you’ll need one. However, if you live in Minot, North Dakota, you’ll find yourself scraping ice off your car or truck most days during the winter.
- Vehicle Size/Reach: This takes into account the size of your vehicle as well as how far your arms can reach. Large or lifted trucks and SUVs will be difficult to scrape and brush if you use a one-foot scraper. However, if you drive a Prius or Civic, you might be fine with a shorter scraper.
- Brush/Squeegee: These are a couple of great features that you may want to consider. A brush is excellent for getting snow off your car, and the squeegee helps clean the windows when you’re done. While not essential, those cold morning car cleanups can be a lot more tolerable if you have a product with these features.
FAQs
The teeth are designed for chipping and cutting through thick ice on windshields and windows.
When used correctly, ice scrapers aren’t bad for window. Whether you choose a scraper that’s plastic or metal, if you utilize the tool properly, it won’t damage your windows.
Yes. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle with impaired visibility, so don’t leave snow on your car. The wind can also blow powdery snow off the vehicle’s surface, creating a blinding effect for drivers behind you. Also, as your car heats up, the snow touching the surface of your car will melt and allow large chunks to slip off, catching drivers behind you by surprise.
A squeegee is a piece of rubber or leather attached to a handle that is used for pushing or pulling liquids out of the way.