Best Snow & Ice Melters of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2026

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Snow and ice melters are essential products for anyone living in colder climates. These products are designed to melt snow and ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces, making them safer to walk and drive on. There are several different types of snow and ice melters available, including salt-based products, which are effective but can be harmful to pets and plants, and more environmentally-friendly options such as calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate. Some products are also designed to work at lower temperatures than others, so it's important to choose the right one for your climate. With the right snow and ice melters, you can keep your outdoor spaces safe and functional all winter long.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Exclusive Snow Joe Melt-2-Go 50-Pound Bag Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Exclusive Snow Joe Melt-2-Go 50-Pound Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -20 lb Bag Cover #TOP 2
Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -20 lb Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Trade Grade Pet-Friendly Ice Melt Cover #TOP 3
Trade Grade Pet-Friendly Ice Melt
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Snow & Ice Melters

#TOP 1

Amazon Exclusive Snow Joe Melt-2-Go 50-Pound Bag

AZ-50-EB
Green
50-Pound Bag
Amazon Exclusive Snow Joe Melt-2-Go 50-Pound Bag Cover
Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melt, Green-Coated Deicer Crystals, 50 lb - Safer Melter for Vegetation, Concrete & Metals w/ Anti-Corrosion Calcium Magnesium Acetate

The Snow Joe Melt-2-Go is an environmentally friendly ice and snow melter that is safer to handle, goes to work immediately upon contact, and provides long-lasting protection. Enhanced with CMA, it effectively melts ice and snow without causing damage to metal surfaces. Pre-treating surfaces can also prevent ice and snow from accumulating.

What We Like
Fast-acting ice melting
Eco-friendly and pet safe
Easy to spread and apply
No damage to metal or concrete
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Large granules slightly hard to walk on
Occasional clumping if damp
#TOP 2

Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -20 lb Bag

8018
Green
20 lb regular
Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -20 lb Bag Cover
Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -20 lb Bag, Snow Salt Ice Melt, Salt for Snow and Ice Removal, Sidewalk Salt, Driveway Salt, Snow Melt is Effective Up to -15

The Maple99 Safer Ice Melt is designed to protect your concrete surfaces while effectively melting ice. Its special formula is gentler on concrete, helping you avoid damage while keeping your sidewalks and driveways safe. You can use it on many outdoor areas like steps, patios, and balconies, even in very cold temperatures down to -15°F. Applying it before snow falls makes shoveling easier, saving you time and effort. Plus, the Safety-Max formula stops ice from refreezing, so your walkways stay clear and safe for everyone during harsh winter weather.

What We Like
Efficient and fast-acting
Long-lasting results
Pet and concrete safe
Easy-to-handle small bags
Effective with small amounts
What We Don't Like
Somewhat expensive
Appearance similar to rock salt
#TOP 3

Trade Grade Pet-Friendly Ice Melt

1009137
White
Trade Grade Pet-Friendly Ice Melt Cover
Trade Grade Pet-Friendly Ice Melt - Fast Acting Magnesium Chloride Formula, Safer for Pets & Surfaces, 15lb Bucket with Scoop

Trade Grade Ice Melt is designed with your pets and home in mind. This ice melter uses pure magnesium chloride, making it safe for your furry friends while protecting your plants and the environment. Its fast-acting formula ensures that ice and snow are quickly dissolved, providing you with safe, slip-free surfaces in no time. Even in extreme cold, down to -15°F, this product remains effective, so you can tackle winter weather with confidence. Plus, it's gentle on various surfaces, including concrete and wood, preventing damage often caused by traditional salt-based de-icers.

What We Like
Fast-acting ice melt
Long-lasting effectiveness
Pet-friendly for dogs
Good value price
Works well with sand
What We Don't Like
Challenging bucket opening
Large salt chunks
#TOP 4

HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter

SAFEMELT-15
White
HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter Cover
Harris Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter, Fast Acting 100% Pure Magnesium Chloride Formula with Scoop Included, 15lb

HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter is a 100% Magnesium Chloride formula that comes in a round pellet form, which won't burn or irritate pets' paws. It works immediately, melting ice on driveways, sidewalks, steps, balconies, patios, walkways, roadways, and more, and it can work effectively at low temperatures down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it is less corrosive to concrete than sodium chloride and calcium chloride, making it kinder to the environment. It is also OMRI Listed for organic use.

What We Like
Fast ice melting
Easy to spread
Pet safe
No residue
Works in extreme cold
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Small quantity
#TOP 5

Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice Melt with Traction Agent, 8lb

SAFEPAW8
Clear
8 Lbs
Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice Melt with Traction Agent, 8lb Cover
Safe Paw, Dog/Child/Plant Pet Safe Ice Melt with Traction Agent, 8lb, 100% Salt-Free/Chloride-Free, Non-Toxic, No Concrete Damage, Fast Acting, Lasts 3X Longer

Safe Paw is a salt-free and chloride-free ice melt that is safe for pets, children, plants, and property. Its veterinarian-recommended formula is non-toxic, biodegradable, and melts at low temperatures (-2°F). It has a long shelf life and an excellent spread rate, making it a great choice for both small and large areas. Additionally, it is non-corrosive and non-conductive, which means no damage to delicate machinery or worry about short circuits.

What We Like
Pet safe
Effective ice melting
Easy to spread
Visible coverage
Convenient packaging
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Possible shipping spillage
#TOP 6

FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 lbs

FIREKI
ICEMELT-15
white
FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 lbs Cover
FIREKI Ice Melt, Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 LBS Premium Snow Melter, Pure Magnesium Chloride, Safer for Pets, Concrete, Effective to -35 F, 15 lb

The FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt is a 15-pound solution designed with your pets in mind. Made from pure magnesium chloride, it contains no harmful additives or corrosive ingredients, ensuring safety for your furry friends. This ice melt is effective even in extreme cold, working efficiently at temperatures down to -35°F. You can confidently use it on sidewalks and concrete, knowing it won't harm these surfaces or your pet's paws. Plus, it acts quickly, providing the best results when applied at the onset of snowfall, making your winter maintenance easier and safer.

What We Like
Pet and environment friendly
Fast ice melting
Easy to spread
Concrete safe
Lightweight container
What We Don't Like
Difficult to open lid
Short-lasting effect
#TOP 7

Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt 25.0 LB

024600046589
white
Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt 25.0 LB Cover
Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt 25.0 LB For Snow And Ice Removal

The Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt 25.0 LB is a snow and ice melter that can clear ice and snow from driveways, walkways, and steps. It can also provide traction for getting out of snow drifts and can be stored in vehicle trunks to provide extra weight and improve driving stability. This rock salt is scientifically proven to melt ice and snow in normal winter temperatures of 5°F and above.

What We Like
Effective in melting ice down to 5°F
Can clear ice and snow from various surfaces
Provides traction for getting out of snow drifts
#TOP 8

Scotwood Industries 50B-RR Road Runner Ice Melter

SCOTWOOD - 50B-RR - 50lb Bag #2
Scotwood Industries 50B-RR Road Runner Ice Melter Cover
Scotwood Industries 50B-RR Road Runner Premium Ice Melter, 50-Pound (Single Pack)

The Scotwood Road Runner Ice Melter comes in a large 50-pound bag, giving you plenty of product to handle icy conditions. It's colorless and odorless, so you won't have to worry about unpleasant smells or stains when you use it around your home. This ice melter is environmentally friendly and safe for plants, making it a smart choice if you want to protect your garden while keeping walkways clear. Plus, it works well even in very cold weather, melting ice down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit and starting to work as soon as it touches the ice, so you can see results quickly and stay safe.

What We Like
Fast ice melting
Effective in heavy snow
Cost-effective pricing
Quick shipping
Pet and delivery-safe
What We Don't Like
Possible pet safety concern
#TOP 9

Maple99 Ice Melt -50 lb Bag

8019
Green
50 lb Bag
Maple99 Ice Melt -50 lb Bag Cover
Maple99 Ice Melt Safer for Concrete -50 lb Bag, Snow Salt Ice Melt, Salt for Snow and Ice Removal, Sidewalk Salt, Driveway Salt, Snow Melt is Effective Up to -15

The Maple99 Ice Melt is designed to make winter cleanup easier and safer for you. It starts melting ice and snow immediately, giving you quick and long-lasting results to keep your sidewalks and driveways clear. The special formula prevents water from refreezing, which helps avoid slippery surfaces and keeps both pedestrians and vehicles safe. You can use it on many outdoor areas like steps, patios, and balconies. Plus, it works well even in very cold temperatures down to -15°F, so you can count on it to perform throughout the winter season.

What We Like
Pet safe formula
Effective snow melting
No residue indoors
Easy application
Works on contact
What We Don't Like
Slow melting action
Large flakes difficult for spreader
#TOP 10

Scotwood Road Runner 50B-RR Ice Melt

Bunzl Distribution Midcentral
50B-RR
Scotwood Road Runner 50B-RR Ice Melt Cover
Scotwood 50B-RR Ice Melt Pellet, 50lb Bag, Road Runner

The Scotwood Road Runner Ice Melt comes in a large 50-pound bag, making it ideal for heavy-duty snow and ice removal. This product is designed to help you quickly and effectively melt ice on driveways, sidewalks, and roads, ensuring safer surfaces during winter. Each bag is sold individually, so you can easily purchase the amount you need without extra hassle. Proudly made in the United States, this ice melt offers reliable quality and performance you can trust to keep your outdoor areas clear and safe throughout the cold season.

What We Like
Effective snow and ice melting
Long-lasting performance
Fast shipping
Good value
What We Don't Like
Tracks mess into house
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What melts snow and ice fast?

Rock salt is commonly used to melt snow and ice quickly. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, causing the snow and ice to melt and preventing re-freezing. Rock salt is a popular and cost-effective method for fast snow and ice removal.

2. What is the fastest way to melt snow on a driveway?

One of the quickest ways to melt snow on a driveway is to use a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Pouring this solution directly onto the snow will help break up the ice and melt it rapidly.

3. What is best for melting ice on driveways?

There are a few options for melting ice on driveways. Salt is commonly used, as it lowers the freezing point of water and forces the ice to melt. Sand can also be used for added friction. Another option is a combination of sand and salt. These materials help with ice removal and provide traction on slippery surfaces.

4. Will vinegar and water melt ice?

A mixture of vinegar and hot water can be used to melt ice. While vinegar alone can work, combining equal parts vinegar and hot water provides better results. This solution can quickly melt solid sheets of ice, making it easier to break up with a shovel.

Editor's Notes

During our snow & ice melter research, we found 24 snow & ice melter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 138,208 customer reviews through our big data system to write the snow & ice melters list. We found that most customers choose snow & ice melters with an average price of $37.32.

The snow & ice melters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of snow & ice melters, including Snow Joe, Maple99, Trade Grade, HARRIS, Safe Paw. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 17,975 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.