The requirements of ice scrapers are simple: easily remove ice and snow from a car’s glass without leaving damage. An old debit card may be able to lift the ice from a car’s windscreen in a pinch. But try and clear a full windscreen, and it quickly becomes an exhausting task. Very quickly, you’ll realise why one of the best winter products is an ice scraper.
A proper ice scraper will make lifting ice from a car’s windscreen far easier and quicker. We won’t go as far as to say it’s enjoyable, but a good ice scraper should have the task done before your fingers become numb, an invaluable benefit.
Out of a wide array of winter products for your car, ice scrapers are probably the most essential. We recommend carrying a good quality torch in your glovebox, but even those don’t come close.
The best ice scrapers at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Swedish Ice Scraper – Buy from Amazon.
Best budget ice scraper: CarPlan Ice Scraper – Buy from Amazon.
Best branded ice scraper: Audi Ice Scraper with Glove Mitt – Buy from Amazon.
We’ve found the best ice scrapers on the market. Think of them really, as icy versions of glass squeegees – only more durable.
The best ice scrapers
Editor's pick
Everything about the Swedish Ice Scraper is exceptional, the device is plough-shaped with rounded corners to help clear ice efficiently without posing a threat to rubber seals in the corners of windows. A small slot for clearing wiper blades is included, as is a handy neoprene holder to keep your hands comfortable, which makes this the best way to clear your windscreen in the morning. There's also an undeniable charm to the utility-led design that blends both function and style.
Pros
- Outstanding build quality
- Excellent performance on ice
Cons
- It's a larger size
| Dimensions | 15.5cm x 11.5cm x 0.6cm |
| Extras | Wiper blade slot, Neoprene holder |
Best simple ice scraper
Rrp: £5.97
Rrp: £5.97
There's no wiper blade slot or nice soft handle, just a bevelled plastic sheet of plastic that efficiently lifts away ice from a windscreen. If you're after excellent value with top-notch results, the Coral is our choice.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Good value
Cons
- Best used when wearing gloves
| Dimensions | 11.2cm x 20.9cm x 0.3cm |
| Extras | N/A |
Best ice scraper for grip
This option from the AA does at least feature a few little extras to make it a cut above with a foam handle, storage hook and six fins built into the blade for penetrating and gripping really stubborn ice. It's not the most precise piece of engineering, but for the price, it's a solid bet.
Pros
- Good value
- Comes with useful foam grip
Cons
- Not the best build quality
| Dimensions | 11.2cm x 20.9cm x 0.3cm |
| Extras | Foam handle, storage hook |
Best 2-in-1 ice scraper
It's very well made and great value, and if you're looking for bang for your buck, this is it.
Pros
- Good quality construction
- Affordable
Cons
- Slightly bulkier design
| Dimensions | 17cm x 10cm x 15cm |
| Extras | Handle hook, rubber blade |
Best budget ice scraper
Rrp: £3.96
Rrp: £3.96
Because CarPlan's ice scraper is built with value in mind, it is one moulded piece of plastic. You don't get a grip, nor anything to deal with condensation. But it does what it sets out to do and doesn't require further explanation.
Pros
- Incredible value
- Undeniably simple
Cons
- It's only a single piece of plastic
| Dimensions | 17cm x 10cm x 15cm |
| Extras | Handle hook |
Best snow brush and scraper tool
Rrp: £4.09
Rrp: £4.09
Ice scrapers aren't the answer to a snowed-in windscreen - which is where the Vikan snow brush comes in. Use the brush end to break down the top layer of snow, and then once you have a layer of ice left, that's where the ice scraper end will shine. Made from durable bristles with a longer handle, it's an ideal tool for the job. It's a slight shame that the scraper itself isn't one of the best, but it provides ample power of clearing your windscreen.
Pros
- Useful 2-in-1 tool if your car is buried in snow
- Great value
Cons
- Ice scraper end is quite cheap
Best branded ice scraper
Rrp: £15.91
Rrp: £15.91
This is especially nice to have as exposing your hand to the cold air, and frost isn't the nicest of experiences, so you can keep yourself warm while tackling the tiring job. We also love the fact the mitt is in the same style as a sporty, quilted seat cover - usually that found in an Audi RS product.
Pros
- Makes for a great gift to an Audi person
- Glove mitt is useful to have
Cons
- The scraper itself isn't one of the best out there
Best electronic ice scraper
The machine also comes with a microfibre towel, a bottle of glass cleaner, and a protective cap. Some users have reported that upon UK deliveries, they receive 2-pin European plugs for the chargers. So, it may be useful to have an adaptor if you're thinking about buying.
Pros
- Cuts through ice very efficiently
- Comes with useful extra kit
Cons
- You might need an adaptor plug
Frequently asked questions when considering ice scrapers
What about de-icer?
Quicker and less effort to use, de-icer products certainly have their place during the cold. The major downside, however, is that the chemicals used to make it work are incredibly toxic. We say use an ice scraper for the big bits (like the windscreen) and leave the de-icer to tackle smaller, localised areas where a scraper wouldn’t work (like a frozen door lock).
Can I use boiling water on my windscreen?
In actuality, a lot of modern windscreens can withstand boiling water being poured onto them. However, this is not something you should test out. While it’s possible to pour piping-hot water onto a frozen windscreen and have nothing break, the rapid change in temperature does significantly raise the chances of cracking the glass and creating a hefty repair fee. Using an ice scraper or your car’s de-frost on the outside and keeping a car dehumidifier bag on the inside is the most recommended option.
What about snow on my car’s roof?
Drivers in places where snow chains are useful are used to taking such precautions. They ensure that all snow is cleared from the roof of a car prior to setting off. Failing to do so may see a giant sheet of powdery snow flung off at high speed into the car behind you, a safety hazard that may see you charged with driving without due care and attention. If there is settled snow on your car, an ice scraper with a built-in snow brush will make quick work of the snow. Be warned though, the bristles on most snow brushes will scratch paintwork and so aren’t a top purchase recommendation from us. Our advice would be to brace yourself and use your arm, if possible, to sweep the snow off the roof, resorting to a brush if you can’t reach it.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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