Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you flick on connection we furnish , we may receive compensation .
Complete any out-of-door project with these functional shovel .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Whether you ’re gardening , farming , camping , or doing construction , a digger is key in starting and complete any out-of-door task . A high - quality shovel is not only durable but can make the job you ’re working on easier , more comfortable , and more effective .
“ When shopping for a shovel , it ’s important to take into account the unlike uses and types since each one is made with specific materials and length for optimal execution and for certain purposes , ” saysLindsey Hyland , gardening expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
What We Researched
To find out the best digger , we researched top - rated mathematical product while considering a mixture of factor includingintended purpose and character , blade material , plow material , and distance . We also confab Hylan for expert insight on what to take care for when frequent for a shovel .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
It has a D - shaped handle that reduces tiredness , and there are two footsteps on the top of the blade .
The handle distance is shorter than most of the shovels on our list .
Our top pick for the best overall digger is theBully Tools 14 - Gauge Steel Round Point Shovel . We appreciate its D - handle blueprint , which offer steady mastery and aid reduce fatigue while you operate . The handle ’s fibreglass structure offers a durable excogitation that help prevent splintering or break during tough problem .
Credit: Amazon
This shovel has step on the left over and right side to help you grind into hard undercoat . The handle length is 35.5 inch , and it weighs 4.65 Lebanese pound so it is n’t too leaden to use while gardening or landscaping . It ’s also corroding repellent and has a limited lifetime warranty .
merchandise Details : case : Round |Blade Material : Steel |Handle Material : Fiberglass |Length:46.75 inch |Weight:4.65 pound
Best Budget
Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel
It has a inflexible blade grammatical construction that ’ll last for years to come .
The straight shape may not be suited for every outside project .
If you like our choice for the good overall excavator but would opt something less expensive , we advocate theFiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel . This power shovel has every feature that our top choice has however , it has a more solid - shaped vane which is great for lifting bugger or cut through hardened ground such as mud .
The shovel is made with gunpowder - coated steel to prevent rust so your shovel can calculate and function in splendid condition . While the straight shape may not be suitable for every type of job , it ’s still a durable and in force option at a budget - well-disposed price .
Product Details : case : Spade |Blade Material : Powder - coat brand |Handle Material : Steel |Length:47 inch |Weight:4.8 pounds
Best Splurge
Corona All-Steel Round Point Shovel
It ’s made out of alloy brand and has an adjustable footpad .
It ’s the heavy excavator on our inclination at 7.98 pounds .
If you ’re uncoerced to fling on a high - quality shovel , theCorona AS90300 All - Steel Round Point Shovelis the best pick . The blade and handle are made out of alloy steel and are weld together , see a undestroyable design .
Credit: Amazon
If you have hard or compact grime , having a padder on a power shovel can help you use your consistency free weight to push the shovel profoundly into the ground . This round shovel features a footpad that can be easily moved from to the left over or right-hand side of the shovelful , depend on your project or personal preference .
With a handle length of 48 inches , it ’s comparable in length to theFiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel . However , because it ’s made of alloy brand , this is the heaviest shovel on our list at just under 8 pounds .
Product point : case : Round |Blade Material : Alloy steel |Handle Material : admixture blade |Length:48 inch |Weight:7.98 pound sign
Credit: Amazon
Best Lightweight
Hooyman Digging Shovel
It weighs only 2.2 pounds , and the handle turns loud when it comes in tangency with water .
It may not be the secure shovel for heavy tariff jobs .
Our option for the undecomposed lightweight shovel is theHooyman Digging Shovel . The shovel weighs just 2.2 pounds , and it ’s made of carbon paper sword , so you’re able to comfortably carry it around without straining your back and arms .
In addition to being ergonomic , the shovel grip turn meretricious when it gets wet to help oneself keep slipping when you ’re digging . The carbon steel brand have serration on either side to assist tease apart compact territory , and there are also stride to help you push it down further .
Since this shovel is lightweight , it may not be the good digger for heavy duty job . However , it ’s a great pick for littler - scale gardening project .
Product Details : eccentric : Round |Blade Material : Carbon blade |Handle Material : Carbon steel |Length:60.25 inches |Weight:2.2 pounds
Best Handheld
Mr. Pen Garden Trowel
It ’s lightweight and has a large headway , so you may move more soil .
It ’s not idealistic for large outside projects .
For small horticulture projects , the best hand-held digger is theMr . Pen Heavy Duty Trowel . We value this pick for its non - slip grip and comfortable ergonomic grip . Plus , it has a larger head that ’ll make it well-off to move more territory .
It ’s made of stainless sword , which make it durable and tough when work with clay or hard , jumpy soil . The ergonomic shape of the handle serve forestall hand tiredness so you could keep shoveling without any uncomfortableness . This handheld shovel is ideal for those who want a compact yet effective tool for low - key gardening undertaking .
Product Details : Type : Round |Blade Material : unsullied steel |Handle Material : Not list |Length:13 inch |Weight:0.59 lb
Best Foldable
Badland Foldable Utility Shovel
It ’s foldable and come with a canvass cup of tea for easy storage and portability .
It ’s plastic , so it may not be as long-lasting as some other option .
We love the Badland Foldable Utility Shovel since itfolds up for well-situated memory board , but the two - position head can also convert from a shovelful to a hoe and has twice - serrated edges for easy digging and cutting .
Whether you ’re leveling out the terra firma for your collapsible shelter , digging a flack pit , or need to free your cable car ’s tires from some mud , this is the unspoiled foldaway shovel to take on any tenting trip . As a bonus , it comes with a canvas base for the ultimate portability .
Since this formative foldable excavator is best for episodic tenting , off - roading , or rare emergencies , it may not be as long-lived as full - length shovels . However , the price makes it deserving buy again if call for since it ’s so lightweight and efficient . If you ’re looking for a foldable shovel to take on a couple of encampment trips this twelvemonth , this one is your best bet .
Product Details : case : Round |Blade Material : Steel |Handle Material : Plastic |Length:22.8 in |Weight:2.7 pounds
Best Ergonomic
Fiskars Ergo D-handle Steel Shovel
The D - shaped handle help keep your wrist in a comfortable position .
It ’s longer than some other options , so it may not be comfy to expend look on a soul ’s height .
An ergonomic shovel move over you a dependable hold and help you with a more comfortable stance , which is why we recommendFiskars Ergo D - handle Steel Shovelas one of the best to think . The shovel has several features that make for comfortable use , so you ’ll be able-bodied to work on outdoor projects easy .
It has an angled , D - shaped handle to keep your wrist in a neutral position , boil down strain , and keep a easy grip . Plus , a tear - shape pecker aid with ascendence and stability and there ’s a foot platform to maximize military group when driving through rugged soil .
This is one of the long shovels on our list , so it may not be ideal for all height . However , we think its ergonomic design and overall functionality make it one of the best excavator on the market .
production Details : Type : Round |Blade Material : admixture blade |Handle cloth : Not listed |Length:51.5 inch |Weight:4.1 Syrian pound
The Bottom Line
Overall , theBully Tools 14 - Gauge Steel Round Point Shovelis the upright shovel for its prosperous D - shaped handle , footsteps , and fiberglass construction .
What to Know About Shovels Before Shopping
Intended Purpose and Type
It may seem like all shovel were made for excavation , but their intended purpose bet on divisor such as blade material and shape , shaft duration , and deal . Shovels can be used for cutting ground and lifting sod , as well asshoveling snow , Baroness Dudevant , and gravel , so you ’ll need toassess your needs .
Blade Material
Most shovel blades are made of atomic number 13 , steel , backbreaking plastic , woodwind , or fibreglass . If you ’re digging or cutting into tough soil , gardening , or land , Hylan recommend sword or aluminium steel .
Aluminum or charge plate blades are normally serious for snowfall shoveling . Shovel blades can also come in a diversity of size including round , square , taper , edging , and mini or hand-held .
Handle Material
A well-situated shovel handle can make or break your shovel experience . Hylan says that most shovels couple the blade material to the material and chassis of the grip depending on its destine purpose .
“ You ’ll want an Al blade with [ a ] rubber hold to forestall slipping when shovel blow , ” she read . “ If you ’re looking for a digging spadeful that will be used mainly on grunge or rocky terrain , then you should look for a exemplar made from forged steel with a wooden handgrip and long enough to provide you leveraging while using it . ”
Length
According to Hylan , the duration of a shovelful has the most relevance to its purchase , balance , and comfort when using it . If it ’s too short , you will be bending often , causing strain and enervation .
If a excavator is too prospicient , your upper physical structure wo n’t have enough stability . to boot , longer shovel are heavier , which can cause supernumerary variant .
Your Questions, Answered
How long does a shovel last?
Hylan says that your shovel ’s lifespan mostly depends on the type , how often you use it , and what you ’re using it for .
“ A good quality metal shovel can last for many years if manage for the right way , while a cheaper charge plate or wooden excavator may ask to be replaced after just a few United States , ” she say .
“ If used frequently , a metallic element shovelful should be hold in regularly for wear and bout that may occur with normal use and supersede as needed , " Hylan says . " Proper computer memory is also crucial to offer the lifetime of the pecker . ”
How much does a shovel cost?
A introductory garden shovel can be anywhere between $ 10 and $ 30 , whereas higher - tone shovels may be up to $ 100 or more . Most , however , have an average cost between $ 40 and $ 60 . Hylan says that special feature , designs , or types ( like an ergonomic hold or Baron Snow of Leicester shovel ) can also increase your overall price .
Are round or square shovels better?
The most popular shovel vane condition is round , but square and taper shovels have their benefit . Hylan says that neither is necessarily good , rather it depends on the line of work or project you ’re work on .
“ Round shovel are good for scooping and moving loose materials such as soil , mulch , gravel , or sand . They ’re also great for digging mail service hole , ” she allege . “ Square shovels have a expectant blade and lick well when moving wakeless token like clay or sodomist . They ’re also better suited for level off out areas that need grading or trenching because of their vapid edge . ”
Who We Are
This clause was written byL. Daniela Alvarez , a contributing author for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically drop a line life-style content and product brushup for a variety show of publication . For this article , Daniela spent several hours researching the in effect shovel and translate client review . She also consultedLindsey Hylan , a horticulture expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield .
This clause was updated byBrandi Fuller , who has been an editor for Better Homes & Gardens since 2022 . She has also publish about birdhouses , mouse traps , raised garden beds , greenhouse kit , and more .
