Top 10 Best Ice Choppers (Reviews)
That’s why you need the best equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
An absolute must-have is an ice chopper, which is sometimes also called an ice-scraper. This guide explores everything you need to know about buying the best ice chopper and our top picks for 2020.
Top 10 Ice Choppers
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#1 Best Seller |
Snow Joe SJEG700 Ice Chopper |
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Gymax Ice Chopper |
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Goplus Ice Chopper |
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Bully Tools 11-Gauge Sidewalk Ice Scraper |
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Bigfoot Ice Chopper |
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Superio 383 Heavy-Duty 7-Inch Ice Chopper |
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True Temper Forged Sidewalk Scraper |
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Suncast 8-Inch Snow and Ice Scraper |
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Bully Tools 7-Gauge Scraper with Fiberglass Handle |
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Garant Nordic 7-Inch Sidewalk Scraper |
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Table of Contents
- 1 Snow Joe SJEG700 Ice Chopper – #1 Best Seller
- 2 Gymax Ice Chopper – Best Multifunctional Ice Chopper
- 3 Goplus Ice Chopper – Best Lightweight Ice Chopper
- 4 Bully Tools 11-Gauge Sidewalk Ice Scraper – Best Commercial Grade Chopper
- 5 Bigfoot Ice Chopper – Best for Hard to Reach Places
- 6 Superio 383 Heavy-Duty 7-Inch Ice Chopper – Best Value Ice Chopper
- 7 True Temper Forged Sidewalk Scraper – Best for Chopping Thin Ice
- 8 Suncast 8-Inch Snow and Ice Scraper – Best High-Impact Ice Chopper
- 9 Bully Tools 7-Gauge Scraper with Fiberglass Handle – Best Combination Ice Chopper/Scraper
- 10 Garant Nordic 7-Inch Sidewalk Scraper – Best Tempered Steel Blade
- 11 How to Choose Your Ice Chopper
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
Snow Joe SJEG700 Ice Chopper – #1 Best Seller
The SJEG700 Ice Chopper from Snow Joe is one of the best heavy-duty ice choppers you’ll ever come across. It is designed with a 7-inch blade made from carbon steel that is strong enough to slice, dice, and scrape through layers of tough ice.
The Poly (polypropylene) handle has a non-slip D-ring to provide a safe and secure grasp even while wearing gloves. The reinforced spring-loaded handle acts as an excellent shock absorber to reduce the strain on both the wrist and shoulder.
Most people report strain and fatigue after an hour or so of clearing ice on their driveway or pavement. The lightweight nature and spring-loaded handle of the SJEG700 make it ideal for individuals who are prone to straining their shoulders when working.
PROs
- The heavy-duty blade can slice through tough ice
- Spring-loaded handle reduces wrist and shoulder strain
- It’s sturdy and durable
Cons
- Edge becomes dull after a few years of use
Gymax Ice Chopper – Best Multifunctional Ice Chopper
If your pavement and driveway are covered in ice, the last thing you want to do is to spend hours trying to chip away at it. You need a chopper that’s strong enough to slice through it in a matter of minutes so that you can go on with the rest of your day. The Gymax Ice Chopper is made from high-quality and heavy-duty materials that guarantee to chip at even the toughest ice-blocks. Its solid structure ensures that it doesn’t wobble during use and is made of lightweight material to reduce the effort required to break up the ice.
This reduces fatigue and cuts down on the time it takes to clear it out. It has an ergonomic D-shaped handle that provides a firm and comfortable grip when working with it. The best part about this tool is that it also doubles up as a multifunctional shovel that you can also use to clear snow off the road quite easily. The 47-inch blade is made from carbon steel connected to a 32mm iron pipe. It is built to last.
If you’re big on saving storage space in the trunk of your car, then this tool offers the perfect solution. You can easily disassemble it into three pieces for easy and compact storage. You don’t have to worry about getting trapped in snow and ice during winter, either since it also doubles up as a shovel.
PROs
- Spring-reinforced handle absorbs shock to reduce strain on the shoulder and wrist
- Doubles up as shovel to clear off snow
- Can be disassembled for easy storage and portability
Cons
- Handle may come loose if used to break extremely thick ice
Goplus Ice Chopper – Best Lightweight Ice Chopper
Shoveling snow and chopping ice is back-breaking work, to say the least. If you’ve done it before, then you know that fatigue usually starts to set in after about 30 or so minutes of continuous chopping. One way to reduce the exhaustion that comes from this mundane task involves using the right tools for the job. This might mean using a snow shovel and ice breaker that’s lightweight.
Weighing in at a measly 3.5 lbs, the Goplus Ice Chopper is made from a carbon steel blade (that also doubles up as a shovelhead) and a hollow iron shaft connected to a non-slip ergonomic handle. It is easy to disassemble and reassemble for use, which makes for easy storage and portability. The fact that it is so light means that you won’t need quite as many breaks in between.
If comfort is important to you, this tool was engineered with you in mind. It’s so light that you might not notice the amount of time you’ve spent outside chopping ice and shoveling snow.
PROs
- Ideal for winter activities like breaking the surface of a frozen lake to catch some fish
- It’s lightweight to use
- Is compact and portable
Cons
- Shock absorber spring may eventually need to be replacing after several years of use
Bully Tools 11-Gauge Sidewalk Ice Scraper – Best Commercial Grade Chopper
The 11-Gauge Bully Tools Ice Chopper is made from an extra-thick steel blade whose weight is designed to work with gravity to hack away at thick mounds of ice. It has a D-grip ergonomic handle to provide maximum comfort when working with it.
The non-slip extra-wide handle is made from an unbreakable Poly (polypropylene) co-polymer, which makes it durable and can be used effectively even when wearing gloves. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
This chopper is made from pretty sturdy materials and can be repurposed for other tasks when it’s not being used during winter.
PROs
- Multipurpose
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- The handle could use some extra padding
Bigfoot Ice Chopper – Best for Hard to Reach Places
If you’re looking for an ice chopper that will hold up in cold weather and heavy impact, well, you can call off your search now. The Bigfoot Ice Chopper from Emsco Group is made with heavy-duty industrial-rolled steel that not only obliterates hard ice but can also be used for all kinds of lawn jobs once the winter season ends.
The edge of the blade is flat, sharp, and reinforced, making it ideal for slicing through the ice, digging out plant roots in your backyard, removing shingles, and so much more. If there’s frozen water in hard to reach places, the extra-long handle provides great leverage to blast it away with minimal effort.
If you want a tool that’s great for smashing ice in hard-to-reach places, the Bigfoot Chopper will do the job.
PROs
- Can break-up ice in hard-to-reach places
- Made of sturdy, durable material
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Blade gets blunt after a while of using it
Superio 383 Heavy-Duty 7-Inch Ice Chopper – Best Value Ice Chopper
The Superior 383 Heavy Duty Ice Chopper provides the cheapest way to break hard ice without breaking the bank while at it. It has a steel blade attached to a wooden shaft with a D-grip handle that makes it sturdy when crushing ice.
Weighing in at 4 lbs., this ice chopper is heavier than most, but it works perfectly with gravity to enhance its breaking force. It has a strong socket design that adds on to its staying-power. So rest assured that you’ll use it for many years to come. When winter ends, you can use it for other tasks such as removing floorboards or roof shingles, chopping roots, lawn-edging, and even clearing trenches.
PROs
- It’s super-affordable
- Can be used for a host of other activities aside from breaking tough ice
- Blade is heavy which makes it easy to crush ice
Cons
- Steel blade might require frequent sharpening
True Temper Forged Sidewalk Scraper – Best for Chopping Thin Ice
This durable True Temper Forged Sidewalk Scraper features a 7-inch replaceable forged blade that easily chops and scrapes away sheets of ice on your front porch, pavement or driveway. It is attached to a comfortable hardwood handle with a 10-inch cushion-end grip that lets you push the blade along easily. It is a basic inexpensive ice chopper for home use that’s also sturdy enough for professional use. So if you want a standard chopper that’s devoid of all the accompanying bells and whistles that drive up the price, then this is the tool to have.
If you are looking for a basic inexpensive tool that will work seamlessly to clear thin sheets of ice off your driveway or pavement, then the True Temper Sidewalk Scraper will get the job done.
PROs
- Built with sturdy, durable material
- Great for chopping long stretches of thin ice
- Multipurpose tool
Cons
- May not work well to break very thick ice
Suncast 8-Inch Snow and Ice Scraper – Best High-Impact Ice Chopper
The longer the ice-chopper handle is, the more power it will have to break through just about anything. The Suncast Ice Chopper has an 8-inch galvanized steel blade that’s attached to a 56-inch D-grip smooth resin steel core handle. Combine this with the downward force you apply when plunging, and you have one serious ice blaster on your hands.
The tempered galvanized steel blade is bonded to a resin cover to allow it to withstand high impact when smashing through tough ice. It also doubles up as a shovel to scrape it up afterward to prevent slipping. For a combination of chopper and scraper, Suncast is hard to beat.
This tool works like a charm to break and scrape off frozen water on pavements and driveways. The fact that it’s built for high impact means that you won’t be replacing it for years to come.
PROs
- Durable
- Can break up hard ice
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Price is on the higher end of the spectrum
Bully Tools 7-Gauge Scraper with Fiberglass Handle – Best Combination Ice Chopper/Scraper
If you’re looking for the best combination of ice chopper and scraper around, then you’ll love the Bully Tools Scraper. It comes with a thick 7-gauge steel blade that can be easily sharpened with a grinder or file if it gets dull over time. It is attached to a triple wall fiberglass handle, which makes it virtually indestructible while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
The D-grip handle works like that of a shovel allowing you to comfortably grip, chop, and scrape the ice away, making it one of the best combination ice chopper and scraper you’ll ever come across.
If you want the best quality ice chopper and scraper and price isn’t a constraint, then you can’t go wrong with the Bully Tools Scraper. It is made to last a lifetime so you’ll never need to buy another one.
PROs
- 2-in-1 ice chopper and scraper
- The handle is made from unbreakable fiberglass
- Can withstand high impact
Cons
- It is slightly pricey
Garant Nordic 7-Inch Sidewalk Scraper – Best Tempered Steel Blade
The Garant Sidewalk Scraper is built for those looking for high-quality tools at a pocket-friendly price. It is made with a strong 7-inch tempered steel blade that concentrates and delivers a massive amount of force along its edge.
The 54-inch handle is made from smooth hardwood, allowing you to grip wherever it feels comfortable when propelling the blade downwards. The wood also acts as an effective shock-absorber and is the same kind that’s used to manufacture baseball bats. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
This is the best tool to have to chop and scrape hard ice without using too much effort. It is sturdy, durable, and great for clearing long stretches of frozen water encrusted in sidewalks or driveways.
PROs
- Pocket-friendly price
- Chops through ice fast
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Blade gets dull after a while of frequent use. May require sharpening.
How to Choose Your Ice Chopper
Mother Nature can be relentless when she unleashes snow and freezes rain. Having to then clear thick ice from your sidewalk or driveway can be exhausting, especially if you don’t have the right tools for the job. Here are a couple of things you need to consider when buying an ice chopper.
Blade Width
Where is the ice you need to chop and scrape up? Is it on your sidewalk or driveway? Is it in a much smaller space like your apartment balcony? Depending on the area you have to clear, you need to choose a blade width that makes the job easier. A narrow blade is effective for chopping ice in small spaces, while a wider one is ideal for a larger area like a driveway.
The thickness of the ice will also dictate the choice of blade width. For thin sheets of ice measuring approximately 1 inch, a wide blade will break it up quickly and easily. If you have a thick mound of tough ice, you’ll need a narrower blade to concentrate the force of impact in one area to slice through it.
Blade Material
Most choppers come with steel blades. However, these also vary in strength depending on whether it is made from carbon steel or forged to make it even stronger. These are ideal for chopping ice that’s built-up on concrete pavements and sidewalks. However, if you’re slicing and dicing ice on a wooden surface like your patio, then you should opt for a Poly blade since it is less likely to cause damage.
Handle Material
Ice chopper handles come in all sorts of materials. The choice between them all boils down to preference, and the level of importance you place on comfort and durability. Hardwood handles, for instance, are quite sturdy and will last for many winters to come if maintained properly. The fact that they are lightweight also means that you’ll use less effort to chop up ice.
Hollow metal handles are also lightweight but are vulnerable to bending when subjected to high impact when breaking up tough ice. They may also rust if they aren’t dried off properly after use.
Fiberglass handles are indestructible and don’t need any form of maintenance. The cost of this durability, however, is that they are much heavier, which is likely to cause strain after a while of using it.
Price
Basic ice choppers and scrapers are relatively inexpensive. However, models that have additional bells and whistles are likely to drive up the price tremendously. Choppers with fiberglass handles, for instance, cost drastically more than those made with metal handles. Those that have a spring-loaded handle for shock absorption also cost more than those that have a basic straight hardwood handle.
Storage
When choosing an ice chopper, you need to think about storage. Do you intend to store it in the trunk of your car or your backyard shed? If it’s going to be a permanent fixture in your vehicle, you should opt for one that can be disassembled after use so that it doesn’t take up too much space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to ice choppers.
What is the difference between an ice chopper and an ice scraper?
Both an ice chopper and scraper perform the same function – which is to break the ice that builds up on sidewalks, pavements, and other surfaces during winter. The difference between the two has everything to do with their construction.
Ice choppers are usually weighted at the blade housing or by the handle itself. This gives them more impact when breaking through tough surfaces. A scraper, on the other hand, doesn’t typically have any weight behind it and is designed to chop up and scrape off thin sheets of ice.
What is the best ice chopper?
Choosing the right ice chopper depends on the task you have at hand.
The best ice chopper for breaking up tough mounds of ice and compacted snow would be one made with a heavy-duty steel blade and fiberglass handle to avoid the possibility of it bending or breaking due to pressure. Use a chopper that’s made from durable, high-quality material that can withstand high-impact.
Can I use my ice chopper for any other tasks?
Yes. Most ice choppers are designed to be multipurpose tools. So once winter draws to an end and all the frozen water has melted, you can use it to remove floorboards, roof shingles, or even to chop overgrown roots.
When choosing the best ice chopper, always go for a trusted brand to avoid getting disappointed. All the manufacturers listed in this guide are hard to beat when it comes to making functional, durable, and high-quality snow and ice products. Winter is coming. Don’t let the snow catch you off-guard. It’s never too early to start preparing.
Have you ever used an ice chopper? Do you have any tips on getting rid of ice from your driveway or sidewalk during winter? We’d love to hear from you.