As winter’s magic transforms our surroundings into a breathtaking wonderland, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive atmosphere. The snow-covered trees, sparkling icicles, and serene landscapes can be truly enchanting. However, beneath this picturesque façade lies a more serious concern: snow and ice can render our urban spaces and homes perilous. Slippery sidewalks, blocked driveways, and treacherous entranceways become potential hazards that demand attention.
While waiting for the snowblower to arrive, consider investing in a Snow and Ice Melter or Deicer to ensure your entranceway, driveways, and sidewalks remain clear of snow and free from icy conditions, minimizing the risk of accidents.
The 7 Best Ice Melters
When it comes to finding the perfect ice melter for your winter woes, there are numerous options on the market. From natural alternatives to chemical-based solutions, each product has its unique features and benefits. Among the many products available, some stand out from the rest in terms of their effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
For instance, Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter is a popular choice for those seeking a pet-friendly option, while Scotwood Industries Road Runner Ice Melter is known for its rapid melting capabilities. On the other end of the spectrum, Snow Joe 10lb Ice Melt Removal and Pellets of Fire CPP50 Snow & Ice Melter offer larger quantities of ice-melting goodness. For those looking for a more environmentally conscious solution, Green Gobbler Snow & Ice Melt Pellets is an excellent option to consider.
And finally, North American Salt 50lb Ice Melter (our top pick) and Natural Alternative 9lb Ice Melter provide reliable solutions that get the job done without compromising on quality.
Our Top Pick for the Best Ice Melter
Our top recommendation for an effective ice melter is the North American Salt 50lb Ice Melter. This product stands out due to its rapid melting properties, courtesy of naturally sourced magnesium chloride flakes. Moreover, it boasts environmental friendliness and can be safely used on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, which may crack under the harsh chemicals found in many ice melters.
What’s more, North American Salt Company offers an impressive range of products, catering specifically to pet owners with specialized ice melters that meet their unique needs. To explore pricing options, simply check out this product on Amazon.
How Does An Ice Melter Work?
Ice melters operate by initially drawing in moisture from the ice’s surface and surrounding air. This process can be facilitated through various means, including exothermic chemical reactions that release heat or energy, or endothermic reactions that absorb heat or light, such as solar power, to dissolve the ice or snow into a liquid slush or brine solution.
The effectiveness of these melters relies on a chemical compound reaction, with different manufacturers employing distinct combinations in their products. However, it’s essential to note that certain chemicals are only suitable for specific temperatures and surfaces. For instance, calcium chloride excels at temperatures below -25°F, while magnesium chloride and sodium acetate work best at -15°F. Calcium magnesium acetate also falls within this temperature range.
Potassium chloride is effective at temperatures as high as -12°F, whereas sodium chloride functions optimally between 20-22°F. Various other blends often operate within the -20 to -22°F temperature range.
How to Choose the Best Ice Melter
When selecting an ice melter, it’s essential to understand the various chemical compounds commonly used in these products. These compounds can be broadly classified into three categories: acidic, alkaline, and non-ionic.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is a widely used substance for de-icing purposes, particularly effective at melting thick ice quickly. While it’s suitable for most residential and commercial properties, its long-term use can cause damage to vegetation and certain concrete areas. Additionally, calcium chloride produces heat as it forms brine, accelerating the melting process.
To effectively distribute these pellets on surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, consider utilizing a salt spreader or walk-behind spreader cart.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate
While offering a more eco-friendly and non-corrosive alternative to traditional chloride-based blends, this specific formula has one notable limitation: its performance can be compromised in extremely cold temperatures.
Magnesium Chloride
Not only is magnesium chloride an eco-friendly option, but it’s also incredibly effective in temperatures ranging from -13 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Its environmental benefits make it a popular choice among those looking to reduce their ecological footprint.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride-based ice melters offer an eco-friendly and pet-safe alternative to other options. While they do have their benefits, it’s essential to note that they may still pose risks for plant life, potentially harming vegetation in the process. Furthermore, individuals with kidney-impaired pets should exercise caution when using this type of ice melter, as it may not be suitable for them.
On a more positive note, potassium chloride-based products tend to exhibit low corrosive properties, making them a good choice for concrete surfaces.
Sodium Chloride/Rock Salt
Rock salt may seem like an affordable solution for tackling icy surfaces, but its effectiveness comes with some drawbacks. On the plus side, it works quickly to melt ice, even in temperatures as low as -20°F. However, this type of salt can be harsh on certain surfaces, including concrete, which may lead to damage or discoloration. Furthermore, rock salt poses a threat to pets if ingested, and in extreme cases, can be fatal.
Environmentally conscious individuals should also take note that rock salt can harm some plant species. While it does serve as an effective ice-melting agent for certain temperatures, its overall suitability is limited due to these potential drawbacks.
Urea/Carbonyl Diamide
Perfectly suited for residential areas, this deicer offers a pet-friendly solution that minimizes the risk of harming your furry friends or damaging your pavement. While it’s great for tackling thin layers of ice and frost, its effectiveness may wane when faced with thicker, more stubborn sheets of ice.
Helpful Tips For Using An Ice Melter
When it comes to using ice melters, it’s essential to follow a few key tips to get the best results. First, consider sealing any surfaces where snow and ice are likely to accumulate before winter hits. This will prevent moisture from seeping into pores and cracks. Next, always read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific product, as some may not be suitable for use around pets or plants.
Others might be corrosive on certain surfaces, so it’s crucial to take note of any potential hazards. Before applying the ice melter, remove as much snow as possible to ensure maximum effectiveness. Some products can also be used to clear roofs, but be sure to check the product details first, as deicing agents like rock salt can spread and potentially contaminate waterways.
If you’re using a calcium or magnesium chloride product, take extra precautions by covering your hands or using a salt spreader, as these solutions can get extremely hot. When applying the ice melter, make sure to spread it evenly according to the instructions and keep it out of reach of pets and children. Even with pet-friendly products, it’s still a good idea to clean your pet’s paws after they’ve been outside, as some animals may still react sensitively to certain substances.
Some products also display a visible blue tint to indicate treated and untreated areas, making it easier to monitor the application process. For those looking for natural alternatives, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available, although keep in mind that these may not be effective on extremely cold temperatures or thick ice, and may not provide adequate coverage for large areas.
7 Best Ice Melters – Reviews
Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter
When you’re a pet owner, it’s crucial to consider the impact of your home’s ice melters on your furry friend. Unfortunately, many traditional rock salt-based products can pose serious health risks to both pets and children, not to mention damaging vegetation and concrete surfaces around your home. That’s why the Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter stands out from the crowd.
Its unique design harnesses the power of the sun to melt ice without generating heat, making it a safer choice for homes with pets and young children. The patented compound at its core features a crystalline amide structure infused with special glycols that creates a non-corrosive and non-toxic composition capable of penetrating deep into the ice, destabilizing it, and causing it to melt quickly.
This effective formula can tackle ice and crusted snow on various surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and paving around your home, providing guaranteed anti-slipping traction for up to 3 days with its timed-release formulation. What’s more, the pellets remain effective in low temperatures and leave a distinctive bluish color behind, making it easy to track where you’ve applied them.
While not ideal for tackling extremely thick ice, this eco-friendly option is generally pet- and plant-friendly, non-toxic, and leaves a blue hue as a reminder of its effectiveness. The only drawbacks are its higher price point and the fact that it may not be the best choice for very thick ice. For more information on pricing, check out Amazon.
Scotwood Industries Road Runner Ice Melter
Scotwood Industries’ Road Runner Ice Melter boasts a unique formula that combines three chemicals: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride. This potent blend enables the product to effectively melt snow and ice down to -15°F, making it an ideal solution for various applications. Notably, its versatility extends to most surfaces, including those with varying textures and materials.
However, it is essential to exercise caution when using this deicer on fresh or unsealed concrete, as it may not be the most suitable choice for these surfaces. On the plus side, the Road Runner Ice Melter is budget-friendly, provides excellent coverage, and boasts an environmentally friendly profile. While it may not be perfect for every situation, its pros far outweigh its cons. In fact, one of the few drawbacks is that it may not be ideal for all concrete surfaces.
Despite this limitation, the product remains a popular choice among those seeking effective and eco-friendly solutions for managing snow and ice.
Snow Joe 10lb Ice Melt Removal
Snow Joe’s 10lb Ice Melt Removal solution boasts a unique dual-action formula that not only absorbs moisture to form brine, but also generates heat to accelerate snow and ice melting. This professional-grade strength is attributed to its 94% calcium chloride pellets, which can effectively tackle thick ice on various surfaces such as driveways, steps, pavement, and entranceways down to -25°F for up to 24 hours.
The convenient packaging in a jug allows for easy storage and keeps the pellets safe from moisture until ready for reuse. While this product offers several advantages, including its professional strength ice melter capabilities, ideal usage on most surfaces, and resealable bag, it does come with some limitations.
Not recommended for use on fresh concrete, the product may take longer to melt thick ice in colder temperatures.
Furthermore, it is not suitable for pet-friendly areas as the pellets are not safe for pets to ingest. Despite these minor drawbacks, Snow Joe’s 10lb Ice Melt Removal solution remains a reliable and effective solution for melting snow and ice.
Pellets of Fire CPP50 Snow & Ice Melter
The Pellets of Fire CPP50 Snow & Ice Melter is a fast and highly effective product that utilizes calcium chloride, making it ideal for melting snow and ice in temperatures as low as -25°F. Its pellets work exceptionally well on most surfaces, providing excellent coverage and allowing for use on rooftops. A small amount goes a long way, ensuring no overnight refreezing concerns. The 50lb bucket is a convenient storage option that should last throughout the winter season, depending on usage needs.
While it has its advantages, including rapid melting, long-lasting effects, and economical pricing, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, the product can be harmful to pets, may corrode steel surfaces, and is not environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, its ideal use temperature of -25°F makes it a suitable option for colder climates.
Green Gobbler Snow & Ice Melt Pellets
Green Gobbler Snow & Ice Melt Pellets are a powerful and environmentally friendly solution for melting snow and ice. With the ability to melt up to 4X faster than other products, this high-quality formula can dissolve heavy snow and ice at temperatures as low as -40°F. The pellets contain 96% pure calcium and 4% calcium silicate, which generates heat through an exothermic chemical reaction to quickly break down stubborn ice and snow.
This product is versatile, allowing for direct application or dissolution in water, making it suitable for a range of surfaces including driveways, sidewalks, patios, and roofs. Additionally, the pellets provide long-lasting dust control on dirt roads around your home, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication. As an added bonus, this non-toxic formula is safe for pets, gardens, and won’t leave any residue.
Available in a convenient 35lb pail, Green Gobbler Snow & Ice Melt Pellets are a great solution for keeping your outdoor spaces safe and snow-free. Some of the key pros include immediate results, effectiveness in extreme temperatures, environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, and dust control capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the product may not be as effective on thick ice, and at a higher price point than some alternatives. Check the current price on Amazon to learn more.
North American Salt 50lb Ice Melter
The North American Salt Company is a leading provider of high-quality salt and minerals, with their 50lb Ice Melter being a standout product. Specifically, the Safe Step Extreme 8300 ice melter employs naturally sourced magnesium chloride flakes to facilitate rapid ice penetration, effectively melting snow and ice down to -15°F and maintaining slip-free surfaces around your property even in harsh conditions.
This eco-friendly solution is not only safe for the environment but also suitable for use on concrete when used as directed, leaving no residue behind. The North American Salt Company offers a range of similar products, including the Safe Step Sure Paws ice melter, which provides an all-natural alternative that won’t irritate pets’ sensitive paws or skin while still delivering effective ice melting.
In terms of pros, this product excels in being fast-acting, environmentally friendly, and capable of being used on concrete when used correctly. Cons include the possibility for clumping in bags, making it best to store in bottles, as well as its relatively high price point.
Natural Alternative 9lb Ice Melter
A nature-loving alternative to traditional ice melters is the Natural Alternative 9lb Ice Melter, which not only helps to reduce snow buildup and icy surfaces but also ensures that your vegetation remains unharmed. This eco-friendly option boasts anti-corrosion properties, making it suitable for cured concrete, as long as used according to instructions. The convenient shaker jug design makes application a breeze.
This fast-acting ice melter starts working immediately upon contact with moisture, forming a brine that melts the ice and lowers the freezing point of the ground. This process effectively reduces ice buildup, prevents refreezing, and leaves no greasy residue behind.
While it may be one of the more costly deicers on the market, its effectiveness in keeping pathways, driveways, and pavements safe to navigate during winter months provides peace of mind.
The pros of this product include great value for money, good quality, fast-acting properties, and an environmentally friendly approach.
However, it’s worth noting that the primary drawback is the higher price point.
Our Top Pick for the Best Ice Melter
Our top recommendation for an effective ice melter is the North American Salt 50lb Ice Melter. Its magnesium chloride flakes work quickly to eliminate ice and snow, while also being eco-friendly and suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including concrete. Unlike some other ice melters that can harm this surface type, our chosen product poses no such risk.
What’s more, the North American Salt Company offers a range of products that cater specifically to pet owners, making it an excellent choice for those with furry friends. If you’re interested in purchasing this top-rated ice melter, check out the current price on Amazon.
