Everyone knows that snow removal is a time-consuming task. In Cambridge, snowfall is known to get heavy during the winter season, but that doesn’t stop residents from needing to go to work or school in the morning.
But snow clearing takes a lot out of the day, so how can property owners in Cambridge make snow removal more efficient? In this article, we’ll answer the common question of “what is the fastest way to get rid of snow?”, specifically tailored to those living in Cambridge. We’ll start by quickly ranking each snow removal method from slowest to fastest, explore what factors impact speed, and answer other common questions about how to quickly remove snow and ice.
Every Snow Removal Method Ranked Slowest to Fastest
1 – Snow Shovel (Slowest)
Snow shovels are simple, cheap, and can usually manage in light snow conditions. They’re the typical choice by most homeowners, but by far the slowest method of snow removal.
Why It’s Slow
- Every bit of snow has to be scooped and lifted
- Heavy or wet snow quickly becomes exhausting
- Larger driveways take a long time to clear
Another disadvantage of snow shovelling is that slips, falls, and other injuries are much more common. It takes a lot more physical effort than other methods.
2 – Snow Pusher Shovel (Wider Blade)
One way homeowners can improve their speed when shoveling snow is by using a snow pusher shovel instead. A snow pusher shovel is similar to a normal shovel, but has a wide, curved blade. It allows you to push the snow instead of lifting it, making it much less physically-demanding.
Why It’s Faster Than a Standard Shovel
- Moves a bigger amount of snow per pass
- Doesn’t require constant lifting
- Works well on flat, smooth driveways
Why It’s Slower Than Other Methods
- Still requires a lot more manual work than other methods.
- Slower on uneven surfaces compared to flat surfaces.
- You’ll still need a shovel for tight spots or plow piles.
- Deep or heavy snow is common in Cambridge but much harder and slower to remove with a snow pusher.
3 – Electric Snow Shovel
When it comes to shovelling snow, an electric snow shovel is the most convenient, quick, and least physically-demanding method. This tool is basically a small motorized scoop. It pulls snow up and throws it forward, so you don’t have to do it manually.
Why It’s Faster
- No lifting.
- Removes snow in steady, fast passes.
- Works well on sidewalks, steps, and small driveways.
Why It’s Slower Than Other Methods
- The surface area the shovel covers is still pretty small.
- Deep or heavy snow will slow down the process.
- Some models are corded, which can get annoying and slow things down.
- Doesn’t work as well for large driveways or big storms.
4 – Single-Stage Snowblower
A single-stage snowblower uses one auger to scoop snow and throw it out the chute. It’s a big improvement in speed once you’re clearing full driveways. Snowblowers are faster than shovelling but may not be suitable in certain situations.
Why It’s Faster
- Easy to maneuver.
- Moves snow continually instead of in small loads.
- Much quicker for snow that goes over a couple inches.
Why It’s Slower Than Other Methods
- Not ideal for gravel.
- Slower with heavy, wet snow.
- Can’t easily handle large plow piles.
5 – Two-Stage Snowblower
Two-stage blowers add a second part: an impeller that throws the snow much farther and handles tougher conditions. However, it’s definitely more costly compared to other methods.
Why It’s Fast
- Cuts through deep snow easily.
- Handles sloped, gravel, or uneven terrain.
- Fewer passes needed with a wider clearing path.
- Strong enough for heavy snow and plow piles.
Why It Can Be Slower
- These snowblowers are large and heavy, which can slow things down. Speed varies by handler.
- High-power snow equipment like this needs more maintenance.
6 – Three-Stage Snowblower
A three-stage model adds a third auger that breaks up snow and ice before sending it through the chute. It’s built for heavy snow conditions common in Cambridge.
Why It’s Faster Than Two-Stage
- Moves snow more quickly
- Handles packed, icy, or heavy snow easily
- Clears wide areas with fewer passes
- Great for tough piles at the end of driveways
Why It Can Be Slower
- It may require slower passes to prevent clogging the chute or overworking the engine.
- Tight driveways, fences, and landscaping require careful maneuvering to avoid damage.
- For very long driveways or multiple areas, it still takes time to complete the job.
7 – Snow Removal Company
Hiring a snow removal company is by far the fastest, most efficient method—especially during large storms or for homeowners with bigger driveways.
Our snow removal team uses commercial-grade equipment, works in teams, and are available around-the-clock, including during early mornings or overnight snowfalls. We also utilize preventative pre-storm treatments, which protects your property from slippery ice conditions — even when we aren’t around.
Contact us to learn more about how our Cambridge snow removal services work!
Why It’s the Fastest
- Our professionals use high-power, commercial snowblowers, plows, and skid steers
- Our team can finish in minutes what might take homeowners hours
- We respond quickly during storms or heavy overnight snowfall
- We use preventative pre-storm treatments to prevent slippery ice conditions
- Ideal for large properties, commercial properties, and long driveways
- Zero physical effort required from the homeowner
Final Ranking: Slowest to Fastest Snow Removal Methods
- Slowest: Snow Shovel
- Snow Pusher Shovel
- Electric Snow Shovel
- Single-Stage Snowblower
- Two-Stage Snowblower
- Three-Stage Snowblower
- Fastest: Snow Removal Company
What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Snow in Cambridge?
The fastest way to get rid of snow in Cambridge is by working with a commercial snow removal company, who can use ultra-fast commercial-grade snow equipment like snow plows and skid steers.
The fastest DIY snow removal method would be using a three-stage snowblower. It requires more manual work compared to hiring someone, and can get pretty expensive, but breaks down snow more efficiently than other DIY methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of snow without shovelling?
Some common ways people get rid of snow without a shovel is:
- Using a broom: even slower than shovelling but more accessible and less expensive.
- Using a leafblower: best for light, fluffy snow, but not as effective with heavy, compact snow.
- Using a wet/dry vacuum: can suck up the snow or blow it away (via exhaust mode) similar to a snowblower.
- Using a snowblower: much more expensive than a shovel but also less time-consuming and physically-demanding.
- Hiring a snow removal company: the most convenient option, especially for large properties — but also more expensive.
How to get snow to melt quickly?
To get snow to melt quickly, you’d need a strong de-icer product which contains calcium chloride or sodium chloride. Some people create DIY mixtures, usually made up of hot water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Using just hot water can work pretty nicely but you’ll need a large amount to melt all the snow on your property.
Can I pour hot water on my driveway to melt ice?
Yes, using just hot water to melt ice can work but it will likely refreeze and make a more slippery layer of ice, so it’s not recommended. To prevent this, either:
- Shovel away what’s left after pouring the hot water
- Get a proper de-icer product
- Create a hot water mixture made up of other chemicals designed to properly break down the ice.
Which method of snow removal is used the most?
For residential properties, shovelling is the most common method of snow removal. Larger or commercial properties frequently work with a snow plow service.
How to remove a large amount of snow?
Hiring a snow plow is the best and most efficient way to remove a large amount of snow, especially if you’re worried about your health or injuring yourself. If that’s not an option, a powerful snowblower (three-stage) would be the best way to remove a large amount of snow.