With severe winter weather threatening many parts of the United States, it’s important to be prepared. January 2024 has proven to be a stormy month so far with blizzard-like conditions pelting areas of the country with more snow and extreme cold forecasted in the coming days. Winter storm preparation is vital to ensure you and your family are safe. Our team has compiled a list of snow storm essentials that you can buy online and pick up at your local store today. An easy way to do this is to take advantage of convenient curbside delivery or free in-store pickup. Some stores even offer free same-day delivery depending on your location. These are the products our team recommends you have on hand to be prepared for snow storms.
I’ve been through a few rough winters myself, and trust me, having the right gear can make all the difference when you’re stuck shoveling out your driveway or trying to keep your walkways ice-free. According to the National Weather Service, winter storms can dump anywhere from a few inches to over a foot of snow in a single event, and wind chills can drop temperatures to dangerous levels. Preparing ahead means you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Plus, with curbside pickup, you don’t even have to brave the cold to get your supplies. A quick tip: always check your local store’s inventory online before heading out—some of these items sell out fast when a storm’s on the way.
Snow Blowers
EGO Power+ Multi-Head System MSS1203 12 in. 56 V Battery Snow Thrower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $399.99
Toro Power Shovel 60V 12 in. Single stage 60 V Battery Snow Thrower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $299.99
EGO POWER+ 56-volt 21-in Single-stage Push Cordless Electric Snow Blower 5 Ah (Battery and Charger Included) at Lowe’s for $749
Kobalt Gen4 40-volt 21-in Single-stage Push Cordless Electric Snow Blower 4 Ah (Battery and Charger Included) at Lowe’s for $559
Ariens 18S 18-in Single-stage Push with Auger Assistance Gas Snow Blower at Lowe’s for $529
EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 24 in. Two stage 56 V Battery Snow Blower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $1,499
Ariens Deluxe 24 in. 254 cc Two Stage Gas Snow Blower Electric Start at Ace Hardware for $1,449.99
Troy-Bilt Storm 24 in. 208 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start Self Propelled at The Home Depot for $999
Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. 212 cc Single-Stage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower at The Home Depot for $799
Cub Cadet 2X 26 in. 243cc IntelliPower Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering and Steel Chute at The Home Depot for $1,299
Choosing the right snow blower depends on your property size and snowfall intensity. Single-stage models, like the Toro Power Shovel or EGO 21-inch, are great for smaller driveways and lighter snow—think up to 6 inches. Two-stage blowers, like the Cub Cadet or Ariens Deluxe, can handle heavier snowfalls and larger areas, tossing snow farther and chewing through icy drifts. I’ve used a single-stage electric model for my small suburban lot, and it’s a lifesaver for quick cleanups, but my neighbor with a bigger property swears by his gas-powered two-stage for those massive snow dumps. Battery-powered options are quieter and eco-friendly, but gas models often pack more punch for deep snow. A pro tip: check the clearance width (like 12 to 26 inches here) to match your walkway or driveway size. Also, keep an eye on battery life for cordless models—most last 30-45 minutes, which might not cut it for huge jobs.
Snow Shovels
True Temper 16-in Poly Snow Shovel with 36-in Steel Handle at Lowe’s for $12.98
True Temper 18-in Poly Snow Shovel with 38-in Steel Handle at Lowe’s for $24.98
The Snowplow The Original 36 in. W X 56 in. L UHMW Snow Pusher at Ace Hardware for $79.99
The Snowplow The Snow Dominator 18 in. W X 57.5 in. L Poly Snow Shovel at Ace Hardware for $42.99
RYOBI ONE+ 18V 10 in. Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $119
Snow Joe 37 in. Metal Handle Plastic Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $27.97
True Temper 86 in. Aluminum Handle 17 ft. Telescoping Roof Rake at The Home Depot for $64.97
True Temper 38.3 in. Steel Handle Plastic Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $22.98
A good snow shovel is non-negotiable for quick cleanups or tight spots your snow blower can’t reach. I learned the hard way that a cheap shovel snaps under heavy, wet snow, so investing in a sturdy one like the True Temper or Snowplow models is worth it. Poly blades are lightweight and glide over surfaces without scratching, while steel handles add durability. The telescoping roof rake is a game-changer for preventing ice dams—last winter, I used one to clear snow off my roof after a storm, and it saved me from potential water damage. For smaller jobs, the RYOBI cordless shovel is a neat hybrid between a shovel and a mini-blower. Pro tip: spray your shovel blade with cooking spray to keep snow from sticking—it’s a trick I picked up from a neighbor, and it works like a charm.
Ice Melt
Road Runner 40-lb Natural Sodium Chloride Ice Melt Granules at Lowe’s for $13.98
Road Runner 12-lb Natural Fast Acting Sodium Chloride Sprayed with Liquid Magnesium Ice Melt Pellets at Lowe’s for $10.48
Morton 8-lb Natural Safer For Pets Urea Ice Melt Pellets at Lowe’s for $17.98
Ace Magnesium Chloride/MG-104/Sodium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt 40 lb at Ace Hardware for $27.99
Safe Step 3300 Sodium Chloride Crystal Halite/Rock Salt Ice Melt 50 lb at Ace Hardware for $14.99
Safe Step Sure Paws Magnesium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt 20 lb at Ace Hardware for $21.99
40 lbs. Ice Melt Blend Bag at The Home Depot for $13.97
Ice melt is your best friend for keeping walkways safe, especially when temperatures dip below freezing and black ice forms. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is super effective and budget-friendly, but it can damage concrete and plants if overused. Magnesium chloride options, like Safe Step Sure Paws, are gentler on surfaces and safer for pets—my dog loves to lick everything, so I stick with pet-friendly blends. The Morton urea-based melt is another solid choice for pet owners. A study from the University of Wisconsin found that magnesium chloride works faster than rock salt in sub-zero temps, often melting ice in under 15 minutes. Spread it evenly with a hand spreader for best results, and store leftovers in a sealed bucket to avoid clumping. One last tip: apply ice melt before the storm hits to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces—it’s way easier than chipping away at it later.
Prices listed here are accurate as of January 12th, 2024.
Winter storms can be a hassle, but with the right tools, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Whether it’s a snow blower for heavy drifts, a sturdy shovel for quick cleanups, or ice melt to keep your paths safe, these products can be picked up today to keep your home and family secure. Stay warm out there!
