When winter tightens its grip across the country, having reliable ice melt is essential to any homeowner’s snow removal kit.
The best ice melts work by lowering water’s freezing point, thereby keeping your streets, driveways, and walkways clear for safe passage during the coldest months. Of course, you can’t address every icing issue with the same approach. The type of melt you use will depend on several factors, such as the surface that the ice is covering, location, and the sensitivity of the surrounding environment.
With all of this in mind, our team has researched and evaluated numerous ice melt products. Here are the options we found most effective, durable, and worthy of recommendation.
Top 5 Ice Melts
- Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter: Easiest To See
- Green Gobbler Snow and Ice Pellets: Best Pellets
- Prestone Windshield De-Icer: Best For Cars
- Branch Creek Ice Melt: Best Liquid
- Redmond Ice Melter: Best For Small Surfaces
Compare Top Ice Melts
| Product | Form | Quantity | Packaging Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Snow Joe Blended Ice MelterCheck Price | Granule | 25 pounds | Bag |
Green Gobbler Snow and Ice PelletsCheck Price | Pellet | 15 pounds | Pail |
Prestone Windshield De-IcerCheck Price | Pellet | 15 pounds | Pail |
Branch Creek Ice MeltCheck Price | Liquid | 0.5 gallons | Jug |
Redmond Ice MelterCheck Price | Granule | 10 pounds | Bag |
Easiest To See
Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter
This ice melt uses an anti-corrosion formula packed with calcium magnesium to clear ice quickly and effectively. It doesn’t leave behind a slimy residue, making it safe to use on grass and near trees or other vegetation. It works safely on a variety of surfaces, including concrete.
Pros and Cons of Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter
- Works safely on wood and concrete surfaces
- Can purchase a pack with a spreader to apply it
- Has an anti-corrosion formula
- Doesn’t list the temperature limit
- Can’t spread it directly from the bag
What People Are Saying About The Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter
Many satisfied customers praised this ice melt for being pet-friendly, easy to spread and see, and fast-acting. Customers were able to use this ice melt on various surfaces with no visible signs of corrosion. However, unsatisfied customers complained about the smell of the ice melt. Others said that it wasn’t as effective as advertised.
Best Pellets
Green Gobbler Snow and Ice Pellets
This ice melt comes in the form of round pellets that you can quickly spread across large areas by hand or with a spreader. It’s non-corrosive for safe use on concrete as well as grasses, plants, and trees. It also comes in a variety of pail sizes. It also comes with a detachable lid.
Pros and Cons of Green Gobbler Snow and Ice Pellets
- Has a secure lid on the pail that minimizes the chances of unwanted spills
- Comes in multiple pail sizes
- Creates exothermic heat to penetrate snow
- Can be difficult to remove the lid, especially the first time
- Can track the pellets indoors
What People Are Saying About The Green Gobbler Snow and Ice Pellets
Happy customers found this pail of pellets to quickly and effectively melt ice in a variety of temperatures. Some customers used the pellets in their fertilizer spreader, reporting that it easily spread across the area. Unfortunately, many customers found the lid of the bucket to be difficult to open and reseal. Though satisfied with the effectiveness of the ice melt, many customers also found the product to be overly expensive.
Best For Cars
Prestone Windshield De-Icer
If any ice remains after applying this product or you don’t have enough ice to warrant using it, you can use the bottle’s built-in scraper to help remove the remaining material. The scraper has a polycarbonate blade that’s more powerful than plastic scrapers.
Pros and Cons of Prestone Windshield De-Icer
- Has a built-in polycarbonate blade on the lid that’s stronger than conventional plastic scrapers
- Comes in a two-pack
- Removes ice from windshield wiper blades
- Doesn’t work well on thick, caked-on ice
- Contains pressurized, toxic chemicals
What People Are Saying About The Prestone Windshield De-Icer
Customers had success using this de-icer as a preventative measure as well as a means of scraping their windshield before driving. Quick results and ease of use were common highlights. Alternatively, other users reported that the product was ineffective when it came to thick, heavy ice. Other unsatisfied customers said that the product didn’t spray as intended.
Best Liquid
Branch Creek Ice Melt
This melt’s pH-neutral formula makes it useful for clearing snow and ice from marble, hardwood, granite, tile, and other sensitive materials. It works on temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit and comes in multiple quantities and sizes. It is also safe to use around children and pets.
Pros and Cons of Branch Creek Ice Melt
- Doesn’t spread messy granules or pellets
- Comes in a half-gallon jug that’s equivalent to a 50-pound bag of traditional ice melt
- Has an unlimited shelf life
- Needs to be paired with a spray applicator
- Doesn’t work in sub-zero temperatures
What People Are Saying About The Branch Creek Ice Melt
Happy customers liked that this melt was eco-friendly and didn’t leave salt residue on their surfaces. They also stated that it spread evenly. On the other hand, some users had to use the majority of the container to get the ice to melt. Customers in extremely cold climates also found the product’s zero-degree rating to be insufficient.
Best For Small Surfaces
Redmond Ice Melter
This granule ice melt is dye-, urea-, and polymer-free. It comes in multiple bag sizes with chunks that melt snow 3.5 times faster than traditional rock salt. Furthermore, this ice melt works on temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit and comes in a 10-pound bag with a larger size available.
Pros and Cons of Redmond Ice Melter
- Has a certification from the Organic Materials Review Institute
- Can hear it working with a popping sound
- Come in coarse granules that you’re less likely to slip on
- Only works down to zero degrees Fahrenheit
- Doesn’t come with a scoop or spreader
What People Are Saying About The Redmond Ice Melter
Happy customers enjoyed the attractive packaging, pet safety, and overall effectiveness of this ice melt. Though some wished that the bag was larger, 10 pounds was still enough to cover key areas outside. Unhappy customers experienced damage to their concrete surfaces. They also said that the granules were easy to track inside, staining their carpets.
Ice Melt Buying Guide
Ice melt may sound like a straightforward purchase, but there are many options to choose from when finding the best product to fight off harsh winter weather. Considering the below factors should help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Pet Safety
Ice melts made from sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or rock salt can be dangerous to animals, causing poisoning if ingested or skin irritation if walked on by a pet’s paws. If you have pets, check the product’s ingredients to ensure it’s a pet-safe ice melt.
Liquid vs. Solid
Liquid ice melt is an effective type that stays in place and produces long-lasting results as long as it doesn’t rain. However, it can be pricey.
Solid ice melt, meanwhile, is typically cheaper. It’s ideal for quickly treating large areas, such as roads and parking lots. Its two main downsides are that it scatters easily with foot or vehicle traffic and takes longer to start working.
Surface
Some ice melts work better on certain surfaces. For example, if you’re treating concrete, ensure your ice melt is anti-corrosive. Check a product’s description before purchasing it to determine if it’s safe to use on your intended surface.
Temperature
All ice melts have a temperature at which they’re no longer effective. If you live in a particularly cold climate, it’s particularly important to find ice melt that works in low temperatures. Some ice melts work at -50 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower temperatures, but others stop working when the temperature drops below zero.
Melting Time
If you need your ice melted within minutes, consider the type of ice melt you’re buying. Liquid ice melts typically melt faster than standard granule ones, which can take 30 minutes or so to start working.
Preventative Ice and Snow Measures
A snowy or icy driveway can lead to hours of tedious shoveling, not to mention possible slips and falls. While you can’t control Mother Nature, there are some steps that you can take to limit the damage that snow and ice do to your driveway.
- Invest in a snow blower: Snow blowers may not be necessary if you only experience a few inches of snow a handful of times per year. However, if you live in a cold climate, a snow blower can save you a lot of time and effort.
- Try a physical barrier: A heavy-duty barrier, such as a tarp, is one way to keep your driveway protected without using salt or ice melt. Make sure you weigh the tarp down to keep it in place so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
- Use heat mats: Heat mats are usually permanently installed under a driveway, automatically activating as the temperature drops. However, this is a pricey and labor-intensive option, so it may only be feasible if you’re building a new home or redoing your driveway.
- Try sand or wood chips: As an alternative to ice melt, sand or wood chips can reduce ice buildup. However, make sure to clean up this debris once the storm passes.
Ice Melt FAQs
Should I use ice melt before or after a snowstorm?
Applying ice melt can be beneficial both before and after snowfalls. Adding ice melt in advance stops ice and snow from clinging to surfaces, making removal easier. Using ice melt after the fact helps get rid of it quicker.
How long does ice melt take to work?
How quickly ice melt works depends on how much melt you apply, how much ice you get, and what type of melt you use. Solid ice melt usually takes around 30 minutes to start working, while liquid ice melt starts as soon as it’s applied.
How does ice melt work?
Ice melt absorbs moisture, creating a liquid brine that generates heat to melt ice. The resulting slush is easier to shovel.
Which type of ice melt should I use on concrete surfaces?
If you have a lot of concrete surfaces to cover, look for an ice melt that’s made with calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is understood to be one of the gentlest ice melts. By breaking the bond between the concrete and the ice, it causes less corrosion.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.