Best Ice Scrapers: Snow and Ice Windshield Removal Solutions

Top snow and ice removers to reclaim your windshield from the cold

byScott Whisler|
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BYScott Whisler/ LAST UPDATED ON October 16, 2023

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.

Best Overall
AstroAI 27-inch Brush/Ice Scraper

AstroAI 27-inch Brush/Ice Scraper

Summary
A brush/ice scraper combo with a 27-inch ABS plastic construction and EVA handle.
Pros
  • 2-in-1 scraper/brush combo
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • One-year warranty
Cons
  • Short length for large vehicles
  • No squeegee feature
Best Value

Mallory 26-inch Brush/Ice Scraper

Summary
A brush/ice scraper combo with a 26-inch plastic construction and foam grip.
Pros
  • Affordable pricing
  • 2-in-1 combo
  • Compact design
Cons
  • Not ideal for large vehicles
  • No squeegee feature
  • One solid piece — cannot break down
Honorable Mention

AstroAI 47-inch 3-in-1 Extendable Ice Scraper

Summary
A brush/ice scraper combo with a triangular aluminum alloy frame and thick foam grip. It extends to 47 inches.
Pros
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Extra-long reach great for large vehicles
  • One-year warranty
Cons
  • Comparatively high price point
  • No squeegee feature

Summary List

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

It’s safe to say that having an ice scraper that only scrapes is an antiquated design. Most people want multi-functional products, which must be why AstroAI designed this brush and scraper. The button separates the individual tools, and it comes with a convenient carrying case to stow it easily in your vehicle. 


Designed to withstand temperatures as low as negative 40-degrees Fahrenheit, this high-strength plastic scraper is sure to last. The reinforced scraper also has jaws on the back to help with breaking thicker ice buildup on your windshield. Available in orange, blue, or red, this 2-in-1 combo stands out from the crowd.

Specs:
  • Model SN1P0Y
  • 27-inch ABS shaft
  • PVC bristles
  • EVA handle

Pros:

  • 2-in-1 scraper/brush combo
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • One-year warranty

Cons:

  • Short length for large vehicles
  • No squeegee feature

If you’re frugal or on a budget, then check out this design by Mallory. It includes a curved handle to keep your hands out of the snow and has a brush and a 4-inch scraper blade. At 26-inches long, it allows you to reach across the windshields of most cars and other vehicles to scrape and brush off snow or ice. 


The grip features a foam lining for easier use even in the worst conditions. Plus, the brush is offset from the scraper, allowing you to comfortably scrape without fighting the bristles. On the backside of the scraper blade is a row of ice chippers — perfect for thick ice buildup from a heavy winter storm. 

Specs:
  • Model 532
  • 26-inch long plastic frame
  • Four-inch wide scraper
  • Foam grip

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • 2-in-1 combo
  • Compact design

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large vehicles
  • No squeegee feature
  • One solid piece that cannot break down

It’s hard not to get excited about gadgets and gizmos, even when it’s just a multi-functioning ice scraper. AstroAI upped the ante with this extendable scraper/brush, which starts at 36.4 inches and then extends up to 47.2 inches with its aluminum alloy frame. What sets this extendable frame apart, however, is the 10 adjustable length settings that enable you to reach each spot of your windshield. 


Holding on while scraping can be a challenge, which is why the grip is made of thick foam for extra control. And with the brush head capable of rotating 360 degrees, you’ll have little problem brushing snow and debris from your car or truck. Stowing it is easy as it breaks down into three parts to fit in the nifty carrying bag that is included. You’ll see clearly once you’ve used the ice chipper on the thick ice and brushed it all away.

Specs:
  • Model 2655
  • 47.2-inch triangular aluminum alloy frame
  • 4.5-inch scraper blade
  • Thick foam grip

Pros:

  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Extra-long reach great for large vehicles
  • One-year warranty

Cons:

  • Comparatively high price point
  • No squeegee feature

They say less is more, and this product from Snow Joe embodies that concept. Sporting a brass blade, this little ice scraper is just that, but that shouldn’t turn you off of it. The brass is strong enough to cut and break through the ice without scratching or chipping your glass, and at only 12.5 inches long, this scraper is great for smaller cars. 


The Snow Joe is available at such a reasonable price, you’ll probably find yourself wondering if you need all those extra features after all. However, it doesn’t feature a brush or a squeegee, which can be somewhat annoying when the snow is light and fluffy. And the reach isn’t as good as some competing brands.

Specs:

  • Model SJEG01
  • Brass blade
  • Plastic handle

Pros:

  • Conveniently fits in most glove boxes
  • Brass blade is strong enough to cut through ice
  • Ergonomic handle for increased grip

Cons:

  • No brush or squeegee features
  • Reach is limited by your arm length

It’s hard enough to brush snow and ice off your vehicle — you shouldn’t have to be cold and wet while you do it. Traderplus has taken this into consideration by adding a mitten to its ice scraper. Neat! Simply designed, the scraper features a 4.3-inch blade with ice chipping jaws on the backside, all made from ABS plastic that is attached to a mitten. 


The scraper can be used on its own by removing the mitten, but why wouldn’t you use the plush mitten to keep your fingers nice and toasty? The 600D oxford fabric is waterproof and lined with fleece to keep your hands warm. Designed with elastic around the cuff, the mitten will fit most hands snuggly and securely. 

Specs:

  • Model HO2847
  • 4.3-inch ABS plastic blade
  • 14-inch waterproof mitten

Pros:

  • Removable waterproof and fleece-lined mitten
  • Small frame is easy to stow

Cons:

  • No brush or squeegee feature
  • Reach of this scraper is limited by your arm length

Seeing clearly behind the wheel is vital to safe driving in winter weather, and sometimes brushing or scraping isn’t enough. That must be why Twing created this 3-in-1 combination ice scraper, snow brush, and squeegee. It has everything you need to enhance your winter visibility.  


Starting out at 28.54 inches, the shaft can expand up to 37.9-inches long, reaching across most windshields with ease. That’s plenty of reach, and it allows you to utilize the 360-degree rotating brush head to its full potential. Once you’ve brushed the snow and scraped the ice off your windshield, you should be able to squeegee your windshield clean and be ready to hit the road.

Specs:

  • Model K07506
  • 37.9-inch extendable shaft
  • Squeegee feature

Pros:

  • 3-in-1 combo featuring a squeegee
  • Extendable shaft
  • Moderate pricing

Cons:

  • Large size makes stowing a challenge
  • No carrying case or breakdown features

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

Q: What are the little teeth on the backside of the ice scraper for? 

The teeth are designed for chipping and cutting through thick ice on windshields and windows.  

Q: Are ice scrapers bad for 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. 

Q: Do I have to brush the snow off my vehicle before driving? 

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. 

Q: What is a squeegee? 

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.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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