Best Snow & Ice Melters of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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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

Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Ice and Snow Melter Cover #TOP 1
Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Ice and Snow Melter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Safe Paw Ice & Snow Melt Cover #TOP 2
Safe Paw Ice & Snow Melt
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Snow Joe Melt 2 Go Calcium Chloride Cover #TOP 3
Snow Joe Melt 2 Go Calcium Chloride
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Snow & Ice Melters

#TOP 1

Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Ice and Snow Melter

AZ-25-EB
Green
25-Pound Bag
Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Ice and Snow Melter Cover
Snow Joe Ice & Snow Melt for Driveway, Concrete & Sidewalk, Melt-2-Go, 25-Pound Bag, Boxed

The Snow Joe Ice Melter is designed to tackle tough winter conditions. Its anti-corrosion formula works effectively down to -10°, making it a safer choice for your plants and surfaces. You’ll appreciate how long it lasts on surfaces, meaning you won’t need to use as much product. Plus, it’s gentle on your skin, so you can handle it without protective gear. With its non-tracking feature, you can walk on treated areas without worrying about leaving a mess inside your home or on your shoes. This product combines safety and efficiency for a hassle-free winter experience.

What We Like
Effective at melting ice
Pet-friendly formula
Easy to apply
Visible color on surfaces
Convenient home delivery
What We Don't Like
Requires multiple applications
May need large quantity
#TOP 2

Safe Paw Ice & Snow Melt

ZW152 35
blue
35 Lbs
Safe Paw Ice & Snow Melt Cover
Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice & Snow Melt, Quick-Action Salt-Free & Chloride-Free De-icer, 35 Lb

Safe Paw Melter is your winter ally, effectively melting ice and snow even in frigid temperatures down to -15°F. Its unique salt-free and chloride-free formula ensures safety for your pets, plants, and the environment, allowing you to worry less about your furry friends. The addition of a traction agent enhances grip on icy surfaces, providing peace of mind for both you and your pets. Plus, this melter lasts three times longer than traditional rock salt, meaning you can achieve excellent results while using less product and reducing the frequency of applications.

What We Like
Pet-friendly
Effective in cold weather
Easy to spread
Lightweight canister
What We Don't Like
High price
Corroded concrete
#TOP 3

Snow Joe Melt 2 Go Calcium Chloride

AZ-50-CC
White
50-Pound Bag
Snow Joe Melt 2 Go Calcium Chloride Cover
Snow Joe Melt 2 Go Crystal Snow and Ice Melt for Sidewalk, 50 Pound Bag, White

Snow Joe Melt 2 Go is your go-to solution for quickly melting snow and ice, even in frigid conditions down to -25°F. Its calcium chloride crystals generate heat instantly on contact, making it efficient and effective for immediate results. This fast-acting formula not only starts melting right away but also continues to work for up to 24 hours, ensuring your surfaces remain safe and ice-free throughout the day. Plus, it’s designed to be non-tracking, so you won’t have to worry about bringing messes indoors on your shoes.

What We Like
Effective on snow and ice
Cost-efficient compared to competitors
Gentle on concrete surfaces
Long-lasting performance
Convenient packaging options
What We Don't Like
Resealable package may be tricky
Plastic zipper hard to close
#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
Easy to use
Pet friendly
Effective on ice
Adorable scoop included
Manageable pail size
What We Don't Like
Variable effectiveness
Opening can be difficult
#TOP 5

Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice Melt

Gaia Enterprises Inc
8 Pounds
Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice Melt Cover
Safe Paw Pet Safe Ice Melt - Pet & Kid Friendly Ice Melt Safe for Concrete, Driveways, and Winter Use - Chloride & Salt-Free Ice Melter Safe with Pets & Sidewalk - Lasts 3X Longer

Safe Paw Ice Melt is designed for worry-free winter use around your home. It ensures safety for both pets and children, as it won’t harm them or your property. You can apply it without concern, knowing it’s completely free of salt and chloride. This ice melt works even at low temperatures, down to -2°F, making it effective in harsh winter conditions. With a veterinarian-recommended formula, you can trust that it’s non-toxic and biodegradable, promoting a safer environment for everyone. Plus, its non-corrosive nature means it won’t damage your machinery or surfaces.

What We Like
Pet-safe formulation
Effective ice melting
Easy to use dispenser
Fast-acting results
Visible application (blue color)
What We Don't Like
Usage can be quick
Less effective in extreme cold
#TOP 6

FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 lbs

FIREKI
ICEMELT-15
white
FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt, 15 lbs Cover
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
Effective in various temperatures
Safe for pets and animals
No salty residue left
Fast working on surfaces
Handy bucket and scoop
What We Don't Like
Packaging difficult to open
Less effective than salt remover
#TOP 7

FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt 25 LBS

FIREKI
ICEMELT-25
white
FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt 25 LBS Cover
Ice Melt, Pet Safe Ice Melt 25 LBS Premium Snow Melter, Pure Magnesium Chloride, Safer for Pets, Concrete, Effective to -35 F, 25 lb

The FIREKI Pet Safe Ice Melt is an ideal solution for keeping your walkways clear during harsh winter weather. This 25-pound bag contains pure magnesium chloride, ensuring it is free from harmful additives and colors. You can confidently use it around your pets, as it is safe for their paws. It effectively melts ice and snow even in temperatures as low as -35°F, making it reliable for extreme conditions. Additionally, this product is non-corrosive, so it won’t damage your concrete surfaces, and it works best when applied at the start of snowfall, providing proactive protection against icy build-up.

What We Like
Eco-friendly
Easy to use
Effective on ice
Safe for pets
Large bucket with scoop
What We Don't Like
Higher price compared to salt
Not effective as a melter
#TOP 8

Elite Tool Center SafeStep 3300 Ice Melter

806653
White
Elite Tool Center SafeStep 3300 Ice Melter Cover
Elite Tool Center SafeStep 3300 Premium Ice & Snow Melter Rock Salt Fast Acting 50lb Bag Sodium Chloride Crystal Halite (806653) with Stickers

The Elite Tool Center Ice Melter offers an effective solution for managing icy surfaces. You can rely on its fast-acting formula to quickly clear away snow and ice, ensuring safer pathways. The optimally sized rock salt crystals enhance melting performance, making it easier for you to keep your driveways and walkways safe. This product works efficiently in cold temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to worry about the weather. Plus, it is safe for pets, people, and the environment, giving you peace of mind while you tackle winter conditions.

What We Like
Effective ice and snow melting
Extra large pebble size
Long-lasting weed prevention
Easy dispersal of granules
Good price value
What We Don't Like
Slow acting on packed snow
#TOP 9

JUST FOR PETS Snow & Ice Melter

White
15 Lb Pail
JUST FOR PETS Snow & Ice Melter Cover
JUST FOR PETS Snow & Ice Melter Safe for Pets & Paws Contains No Toxic Chlorides or Painful to The Paw Rock Salt, Safe for Dogs & Cats. Fast Acting and Works On Contact 15 lb Pail

JUST FOR PETS Ice Melter is a safe and effective solution for clearing snow and ice without harming your pets. This product is free from harmful chlorides and rock salt, ensuring that your furry friends can walk comfortably on treated surfaces. The soft round pellets are gentle on paws, preventing irritation and pain. Additionally, these powerful pellets work immediately upon contact with ice and snow, making it easier for you to manage winter conditions. Plus, it’s safe for children and the environment, so you can use it worry-free around your home.

What We Like
Safe for pets' feet
Effective on light snow
Chloride and dye-free
Good for wood decks
Prevents ice formation
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Not effective on heavy snow
#TOP 10

Snow Joe Calcium Chloride Pellets

AZ-PF-50
Clear
50-Pound Bag
Snow Joe Calcium Chloride Pellets Cover
Snow Joe Pellets of Fire 99% Pure Calcium Chloride Pellets, Ice Melter for Driveways, Sidewalks, & Concrete, 50 Pounds

The Snow Joe Ice Melter is designed to tackle ice and snow quickly, melting on contact even in temperatures as low as -25°F. This fast-acting formula ensures that your driveways and sidewalks remain clear and safe during winter storms. The 50-pound bag is easy to handle, providing plenty of ice melter for both residential and commercial needs. Additionally, the surface-compatible formula works on most concrete surfaces without causing damage, giving you peace of mind while you manage winter conditions. Plus, the blue-tinted pellets make it easy to see where you've applied the product, allowing for precise and efficient use.

What We Like
Fast-acting ice removal
Large, manageable packaging
Safe for concrete surfaces
Easy visibility during application
What We Don't Like
A little pricey
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 129,932 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 $32.27.

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, Safe Paw, HARRIS, FIREKI, Elite Tool Center. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 20,454 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.