The shovel is also one of the indispensable garden tools. Whether you're digging up the bed or the compost, planting new plants or shoveling gravel: you can't do it without a sturdy shovel. But which garden shovel is the right one among all the different types? We will introduce you to suitable garden shovels and tell you what to look out for when buying one.
A good garden shovel makes gardening a lot easier
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Fiskars Shovel, Width 23.5 cm, Length 132 cm, Steel Blade and Handle, Black/Grey, Ergonomic, 1001579
EUR 39.90 To the product| Type | Holstein shovel |
|---|---|
| material | steel, plastic |
| shovel blade | 23.5 cm wide, 49 cm deep |
| stalk | yes, with D handle |
| overall length | 132 centimeters |
| Weight | 2.2 kilograms |
This popular shovel from the brand manufacturer Fiskars is a so-called Holsteiner shovel, which is characterized by a large shovel surface and a straight front edge. The manufacturer attaches great importance to the ergonomics of this model, so that the handle has an optimal lifting angle of 26 degrees and the plastic-coated D-handle has a tilt angle of 17 degrees. This makes it easier for you to shovel earth, gravel, sand and other bulk material. In addition, the shovel with a total length of 132 centimeters is so large that you can stand comfortably upright while working - your back will thank you. The shovel blade is made of high-quality, robust steel, and the handle is included in the delivery
our recommendation
SHW-FIRE Frankfurt shovel, steel, size 5, red, with flared handle, ash wood handle, 130 cm long
EUR 29.90 To the product| Type | Frankfurt shovel |
|---|---|
| material | steel |
| shovel blade | 30cm x 27cm |
| stalk | yes, ash wood |
| stem length | 130 cm |
| Weight | 1.1 kg (blade only) |
This is a so-called Frankfurt model, which is characterized by a heart-shaped, pointed blade. SHW-FIRE Frankfurt shovel is made by the traditional manufacturer SHW Schmiedetechnik from Baiersbronn in the Black Forest - exclusively in Germany and using local ash wood for the robust shovel handle. This long-lasting quality work is well received by quality-conscious customers, as can also be seen in the positive customer ratings on Amazon. The garden shovel is ideal for working on hard soil, but can also be used for many other purposes in the garden. The shovel blade consists of red powder-coated and hardened special steel, which means that no work is too difficult.
our recommendation
FRONTTOOL spade shovel 2in1 American style shovel and spade in one, professional tool for several areas of application in the garden and construction
35.99 EUR To the product| Type | Spade Shovel 2-in-1 |
|---|---|
| material | carbon steel |
| shovel blade | k. A |
| stalk | yes, fiberglass |
| stem length | 120 cm |
| Weight | k. A |
Why buy two garden tools when a practical 2-in-1 tool does the same job just as elegantly? This spade shovel from the manufacturer Fronttool combines two indispensable garden tools into one new one: With the spade shovel you can both dig up the garden and move bulk material. The corrugated tip of the blade, which makes it easier to penetrate even stony ground, and the wide stepping edge are advantageous. In addition, the blade is slightly curved so that earth, sand, gravel and other materials can be shoveled easily. In their reviews on Amazon, customers are very positive about this device and describe it not only as versatile, but also as extremely robust and practically indestructible.
Purchase Criteria
blade type
Holstein shovel: Holsteiner shovels have a flat front edge and are particularly good for moving soil and other loose bulk material.
Frankfurt shovel: In contrast, the Frankfurter shovel has a heart-shaped, pointed shovel blade, which is ideal for loosening hard and stony soil.
Dutch shovel: This type of shovel is characterized by its slightly curved leading edge, which is ideal for digging (water) ditches. our recommendation
SHW-FIRE 59033 Dutch shovel steel size 2 with wooden handle ash 130 cm long
EUR 29.90 To the productedge blade: This type is also known as the Hallen edge shovel. The high edge of the blade with the reinforced edge is characteristic, which is why the shovel is primarily used to move loose or even liquid materials. The shovel blade is usually made of light metal. our recommendation
SHW-FIRE 59020 Halle flat edge shovel edge shovel shovel snow shovel size 9 aluminum steel protective edge with handle 130 cm long
EUR 38.90 To the productspade shovel: The spade shovel, a typical 2-in-1 gardening tool, also has a heart-shaped blade and a stable stepping edge. It is particularly suitable for digging in hard and stony ground and for removing or cutting through root systems.
material
The shovel blade should be made of a robust material that does not deform and, depending on the type of shovel, can also penetrate hard and stony ground. (Hardened) steel is very well suited for this purpose, but it should be treated against corrosion, for example with a special coating. There are also blades made of light metals, primarily aluminium, which are generally less stable but are particularly suitable for certain purposes. Shovels made of wood or plastic, on the other hand, are rarely offered.
stalk
Depending on the brand and supplier, you can purchase your new garden shovel either with or without a handle. Typically, a shovel handle is made of wood, metal, or reinforced plastic (such as fiberglass). For a wooden handle, which is easier to replace if it breaks, make sure it's a hardwood such as ash. A slightly curved (instead of straight) handle is also easier on the back because it makes better use of leverage.
size and stem length
How large the blade should be depends primarily on the intended use. For digging, you should prefer smaller shovel blades, as they are easier to handle. For moving bulk goods, however, a garden shovel that is as large as possible is advantageous. With regard to the length of the handle, you should choose a model that is at least 120 centimeters long so that you can work upright in a way that is easy on your back and also achieve better leverage. Shoveling in a bent posture puts a lot of strain on the back and should therefore be avoided.
Weight
In order for the shovel to be easy to handle, it shouldn't be too heavy: After all, you have to add the load to the tool's own weight - and be able to move both together easily. Garden shovels with a steel blade usually weigh between two and four kilograms, while models with light metal or plastic blades are considerably lighter. However, effortless shoveling is not just about weight: With the right technique (see video) you can also move a heavy model well.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a shovel and what do you need it for?
The so-called nose shovel is basically a modified Frankfurt shovel with a pointed, heart-shaped blade. However, this type of shovel also has a bulge on the wide side, which is intended to hold the bulk material in the shovel blade. Such a shovel is particularly suitable for digging up stony soil.
Are all shovel types suitable for digging up the ground?
Not all garden shovels are equally suitable for digging: Both the Holsteiner shovel and the Hallenser Rand shovel are not made for soil work, but instead are designed for moving loose materials - just activities typical of shovels. Frankfurter type shovels with their pointed blades are suitable for digging.
What alternatives are there to the shovel?
Strictly speaking, there is no alternative to the garden shovel - the garden tool is indispensable, especially when it comes to lifting and moving loose materials. On the other hand, if you want to dig a hole, a spade is the right choice. A digging fork is recommended for inserting and lifting plants.
How much does a garden shovel cost?
The prices for a garden shovel vary quite a lot and depend on the model, the materials and the manufacturer. Basically, the range is between approx. EUR 10 and EUR 120, whereby high-quality models made of special steel are usually more expensive than lower-quality ones. Branded products, such as those from Fiskars or SHW Schmiedetechnik, often cost a little more.
Which manufacturers offer high-quality garden shovels?
If you value durable quality goods, you should preferably use shovels from proven brand manufacturers. These include Fiskars, SHW Schmiedetechnik, a company from the Black Forest, or Ideal. Quality is particularly important for shovels, as they have to withstand a lot and, if made from inferior material or poorly processed, can break quickly.
equipment
wheelbarrow
our recommendation
BITUXX wheelbarrow 100L / 250Kg wheelbarrow wheelbarrow construction wheelbarrow galvanized with PU wheel 4.80/4.00-8 with needle bearing axle (green)
EUR 99.90 To the productJust like the garden shovel, a wheelbarrow is indispensable in the garden - after all, many materials to be shoveled must first be brought to the spot with their help, whether it is sand or gravel, fresh potting soil, compost or other materials. If possible, choose a light and manoeuvrable model with solid rubber tires.