Winter Essentials

For walkways, decks and single-car driveways with light to moderate snow, an 18-inch cordless 24V snow blower such as the Snow Joe IONMAX is usually enough. For two-car driveways or heavier snowfall, choose a 22-inch or 24-inch model, such as the 24-inch 96V self-propelled cordless blower. For steps and small patches, a corded electric snow shovel with an 11-inch clearing path is the lightest option.

Choose an ice melt labelled pet-friendly or salt- and chloride-free. In this collection, Safe Paw is salt- and chloride-free with a built-in traction agent, Safe Thaw is a salt-free traction ice melter, and Snow Joe's pet-safer and Enviro Blend melts are labelled safe for concrete, sidewalks and plants. Always follow the application rate on the bag.

Only when the model is rated for indoor use and used exactly as the manufacturer directs. The Sengoku HeatMate and KeroHeat heaters here are sold as indoor/outdoor portable heaters, and Ashley Hearth direct-vent propane wall heaters vent to the outside. Keep the room ventilated, keep flammable items well clear, and use a carbon monoxide detector with any fuel-burning heater. For small closed rooms, an electric space heater is the simpler choice.

A heated waterer has a built-in, low-wattage heating element, typically 60 to 120 watts, that keeps the water from freezing in cold weather. Animals always have drinkable water and you don't have to break ice every morning. Most models plug into a standard outdoor-rated outlet.

It depends on the log. The Duraflame firelogs in this collection come in 2.5 lb and 4.5 lb sizes, rated for roughly 1.5 to 4.5 hours of burn time per log, and work in indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits. Packs of 6, 12 and 18 logs are available, and each product page lists its exact burn time.