The 5 Best Ice Scrapers, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

The Moyidea 36-Inch Extendable Ice Scraper is a game-changer for your winter routine. This three-piece tool set includes a handle, a snow brush, and an ice scraper. The brush and scraper can be conveniently swapped on either end, ensuring easy storage when not in use during off-seasons.

During our tests, we found the brush easily attached, though securing the scraper required a bit more effort. The brush is wider and thicker compared to earlier models we've used, and it spins a full 360 degrees for added flexibility. The handle is just the right length—not too long, not too short—and it extends from 27 to 36 inches. Additionally, it is cushioned with soft foam for a comfortable grip.

The polypropylene plastic stood up well against thick ice, needing only one pass to clear the surface. The brush bristles were also well-designed, efficiently clearing thinner layers. After three months of dealing with heavy snow and ice, the scraper still looks as good as new. Overall, we have no complaints—if you need a compact, cost-effective, and efficient ice scraper, this one is a top pick.

Length: 27 to 36 inches | Weight: 1.19 pounds | Features: Pivoting head, snow brush, extendable, cushioned grip

Built to Last

The best ice scrapers are designed to tackle tough ice without damaging the surface, breaking, or leaving marks. That's exactly why we favor the Snow Joe 2-in-1 18-Inch Foam Head Telescoping Snow Broom and Ice Scraper. Though it’s a simple model, it stands out for its exceptional quality.

We found the scraper to be remarkably tough, with the foam squeegee equally durable. You can use the sharp scraper to chip away at stubborn ice and then use the foam side to wipe it away—just note that the brush doesn’t feature traditional bristles.

Even with its impressive reach, extending up to 52 inches, the scraper remains solid and seems resistant to breakage. We also liked the padded handle, which made for a more comfortable grip. After three months of use, it’s still in excellent shape. With its durable build, this scraper is built to last through multiple seasons.

Length: 33 to 52 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Features: Extendable, snow broom

Top Choice for Large Sizes

If you own a larger vehicle, such as a truck or van, a compact ice scraper might not be sufficient. That's where the Birdrock Home Snow Moover 55-Inch Extendable Foam Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper shines. This scraper extends from 31 to 55 inches, making it easy to clear almost every window without needing to step out of the car. We managed to clear every surface in just 10 minutes.

This scraper not only has the traditional ice-scraping side, but it also features a brush that rotates 270 degrees, making it perfect for accessing every corner. Although the 55-inch length might seem a bit overwhelming, the attachments are simple to remove and attach, making the tool more compact than it appears. However, it is still on the larger side, which could be uncomfortable for those with smaller hands.

Length: 31 to 55 inches | Weight: 1.98 pounds | Features: Snow brush, extendable, detachable ice scraper, foam handle

Top Pick for Compact Size

While extendable ice scrapers provide excellent reach, smaller models are more convenient for travel and easy to store in your car. Thanks to its lightweight, no-frills design, the Hopkins Subzero 16621 Ice Crusher is great for quick jobs.

This compact yet powerful scraper features two sides: a tough ice crusher and a flat scraping blade. The crusher is designed to break through thick ice, while the flat scraper efficiently clears surfaces. During testing, both sides performed well, with the flat side standing out. The foam handle also offered a comfortable grip, giving more control compared to some of the bulkier models on the market.

Due to its compact size, this scraper may require a bit more effort to reach the top and middle of the windshield, especially on larger vehicles. However, it’s budget-friendly, efficient, and built to last—even after three months of use, there’s no noticeable wear. Additionally, its small size allows it to fit easily in the side pocket of your car door.

Length: 11 inches | Weight: 0.25 pounds | Features: Ice crusher, ice scraper, foam handle

Top Pick for Squeegee Design

After using it for three months, we can confidently say this two-in-one scraper is one of the finest we've tested. One side is a classic ice scraper with chippers, while the other features a pivoting brush and squeegee. This combination offers the best of both worlds: bristles to tackle tight spots and a squeegee to clear away moisture.

In our tests, this ice scraper worked quickly and effectively to break down ice, while the brush easily swept away fresh snow and residue. The scraper felt sturdy, and even after extensive use on thick ice, the blade showed no signs of wear. The 60-inch pole made it simple to reach the roof of our vehicle, and we never had concerns about its sturdiness. After months of daily use, it’s still performing exceptionally well.

Length: 60 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Features: Ice crusher, pivoting broom and squeegee, extendable foam handle

Final Thoughts

Our top choice is the Moyidea 36-Inch Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush, which effortlessly cleared ice and snow in one stroke. Along with its durable and high-quality build, it features a pivoting head, an extendable handle, and a padded grip for added comfort. For those in need of a scraper capable of handling larger surfaces, we suggest the Birdrock Home Snow Moover Snow Brush and Ice Scraper. Its impressive 55-inch extendable handle is perfect for tackling large windows and windshields.

Our Evaluation Process

To determine the best ice scrapers, we tested 21 different models under icy conditions over the span of three months. Upon their arrival, we assessed the build quality of each scraper, noting the weight and checking for features like ergonomic handles and integrated snow brushes.

Following the first snowfall, we tested each ice scraper without using the car's defroster. If the scraper wasn’t effective, we turned on the defroster and tried again. We timed how long it took to clear all the ice and snow from each car window, evaluating the scraper's effectiveness on both thin and thick ice, as well as how comfortable it was to hold. Additional features were also tested for their contribution to overall performance.

After each test, we recorded data on the ice thickness, sunlight exposure, outside temperature, defrost settings (if applicable), and the number of windows cleared. The testing process was repeated at least two more times, weather permitting, before considering the retail price of each model. The median price of the ice scrapers we tested was $17.

For long-term evaluation, we continued to use the scrapers over a period of three months, tracking their performance and durability over time. Each scraper was then rated based on its effectiveness, durability, features, ease of use, and overall value, which was assessed by comparing its performance to its retail price. All models were rigorously tested throughout the winter to ensure they could withstand daily use.

A Guide to Shopping for Ice Scrapers Like an Expert

Dimensions

When selecting an ice scraper, the size of your vehicle should be your primary factor. For larger vehicles, such as trucks or vans, a bigger, more robust scraper will perform best. In these cases, an extendable handle is particularly helpful, as it allows you to clean a larger portion of your windshield without needing to move around the car. Just ensure there’s enough room in your vehicle’s trunk or backseat for storage.

For those with smaller cars and limited storage options, a compact handheld scraper, like the Hopkins SubZero 16621 Ice Scraper Ice Crusher, is ideal. Though smaller models clear less ice per pass, they are lightweight and less bulky, reducing arm strain as you work.

Features

For the best performance, opt for a versatile ice scraper and snow brush combo, which includes a sharp scraper for tougher ice and a bristled brush for lighter snow. Some models come with added benefits like heating functions, LED lights, squeegee attachments, rotating heads, adjustable lengths, swap-out pieces, glove-friendly designs, and even crusher or chipper add-ons.

Ergonomics

Using an ice scraper should never feel uncomfortable. That’s why it’s crucial to choose one with an ergonomic shape. All the models on our list feature padded foam grips to ensure comfort, and the lighter options will also make long use much easier to handle.

More Ice Scrapers to Consider

Common'h Ice Scraper with Glove: This ice scraper proved to be both sturdy and reliable, while the warm, waterproof glove kept our hand comfortably warm as we worked. However, the shorter handle made it less ideal for clearing larger areas.

SnoShark-STD: Thanks to its metal telescoping handle and nylon paddle, this model performed exceptionally well at removing snow. Unfortunately, it fell short when it came to tackling ice.

OxGord 2-in-1 Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: With a compact 17-inch length, this model allowed us to clear both snow and ice from our vehicle in under five minutes. Keep in mind, though, that due to its size, it might not be the best option for larger vehicles.

Snow Joe SJBLZD Illum-n LED Lighted 4-in-1 Snow Broom Plus Ice Scraper: Equipped with four LED lights, this 4-in-1 snow broom and ice scraper combo is great for nighttime tasks. However, its ice scraper wasn’t powerful enough to handle thick ice, and the metal body felt uncomfortably cold without gloves.

Questions You Might Ask

What features are most important in an ice scraper?

Before making a purchase, think about which features will best suit your needs. For instance, an extendable handle may be crucial for owners of larger vehicles, while LED lights could be indispensable for those who drive during early mornings or late evenings.

We’d also like to mention that heated ice scrapers aren't really worth the investment. In our tests, they took too long to warm up and were no more effective than simply using the car's defroster.

What size ice scraper should I get?

The size of the ice scraper you choose should be tailored to your vehicle. If you have a larger vehicle, an extendable scraper will help you get the job done faster and more efficiently. On the other hand, for a compact scraper that’s easy to store and perfect for quick tasks, go for a smaller model.

When should I use the scraper or the brush side?

Most ice scrapers feature two sides: one for scraping and the other for brushing. The scraper side is typically sharper, making it ideal for breaking down stubborn ice. In addition to the flat blade, some models include rigid chippers to handle thicker ice.

Once you’ve tackled the ice, use the brush side to clear away the debris. Some brushes come with traditional bristles to reach into tight spots, while others have a smoother design for pushing snow. Certain models, such as the Hopkins SubZero 80037 60-Inch Quick Lock Pivoting Head Snowbroom, offer both a bristled brush and a squeegee to wipe off excess moisture.

Trust Us on This

This article was penned by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Mytour. Raised in the suburbs of New York, Jamie remembers scraping ice off her car as one of her least favorite winter chores, which gives her a keen understanding of what to look for when choosing the ideal scraper. To create this guide, we tested 21 different ice scrapers and rated them based on performance, durability, features, user-friendliness, and overall value.