Best Ice Augers: 5 Electric, Gas, and Drill Picks
Safety note: Check ice thickness before you walk out and as you go, and follow your state agency’s guidance. The...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
Safety note: Check ice thickness before you walk out and as you go, and follow your state agency’s guidance. The Minnesota DNR, for example, recommends at least 4 inches of new, clear ice for walking. Auger blades are extremely sharp: keep the blade guard on whenever you are not drilling, keep hands, feet, and loose clothing away from the blades, and never leave an open hole unmarked where someone could step in it. Follow the maker’s instructions for fueling gas augers and handling lithium batteries.
An ice auger cuts the holes you fish through. Electric augers have become the most popular choice because they are quiet, start instantly, and need no fuel. Gas augers still have the most power for very thick ice and many holes. Drill-adaptive bits that attach to a cordless drill are the lightest and cheapest way to drill.
This guide compares five augers and auger bits from Eskimo, ION, Jiffy, and K-Drill. We compared each maker’s published power source, weight, blade, hole size, battery, and warranty. For more ice gear, see our ice fishing gear section and our ice fishing sleds guide.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
Eskimo E40 Electric Ice Auger
|
8.6/10 | Check Price |
| Lightest electric |
ION Alpha Plus Electric Ice Auger (8 in)
|
7.9/10 | Check Price |
| Best gas auger |
Jiffy Model 30 Gas Ice Auger (8 in)
|
7.4/10 | Check Price |
| Best floating drill bit |
K-Drill Ice Auger Bit (7.5 in)
|
7.5/10 | Check Price |
| Best steel drill bit |
Eskimo Redneck Drill Auger Bit (8 in)
|
7.6/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Eskimo E40 Electric Ice Auger
Why it made the list: The E40 combines a steel auger with a 40V lithium powerhead at 17.5 lb. It has a variable-speed trigger for neat holes inside shelters, a reverse switch to flush slush down the hole, an LED light, and multi-edge blades for drilling new holes or re-opening old ones. Eskimo backs the auger and powerhead with a 5-year warranty and the battery with 3 years.
Key specs: 40V motor; 4Ah lithium battery; 2A charger (about 2 hours to recharge); 17.5 lb; steel auger; Turbo multi-edge blades; variable-speed trigger; reverse; LED light; 5-year auger and powerhead warranty, 3-year battery warranty.
Skip it if: you walk long distances and want the lightest auger. The ION Alpha Plus is lighter.
Pros
- Quiet, instant-start electric power
- Durable steel auger
- Long warranty
Cons
- Heavier than composite electric augers
- Battery life drops in extreme cold, like all lithium batteries
ION Alpha Plus Electric Ice Auger (8 in)
Why it made the list: The Alpha Plus weighs under 16 lb thanks to a composite auger. Its 40V Gen 3 battery drills up to 2,000 inches of ice per charge with the 8-inch model, per ION, and the Turbo cutting system handles new holes and re-drilling.
Key specs: 8 in composite auger; 40V Gen 3 lithium; one 4Ah battery included; up to 2,000 in of ice per charge, per ION; under 16 lb; Turbo high-speed cutting system.
Skip it if: you regularly drill through rocks or rough shoreline ice. A steel auger holds up better.
Pros
- Very light for an electric auger
- Long run time per charge
- Quiet and simple
Cons
- Composite auger is less tough than steel
- Warranty not stated on the listing
Jiffy Model 30 Gas Ice Auger (8 in)
Why it made the list: For thick late-season ice and anglers who drill dozens of holes, gas power has no battery to run down. The Jiffy Model 30 has a 52cc engine, an easy-start recoil, a high-torque transmission with a heavy-duty clutch, and Jiffy’s Ripper chipper blade with serrated edges for dirty ice.
Key specs: 52cc gas engine; 8 in steel auger; 29 to 32 lb depending on size; E-Z Start recoil; high-torque transmission; Ripper chipper blade; blade protector included.
Skip it if: you fish from a shelter or want quiet. An electric auger suits that better.
Pros
- No battery limits
- Powerful for thick ice
- Chipper blade handles dirty ice
Cons
- Heaviest auger here
- Noise, fumes, and fuel to manage; do not run inside shelters
K-Drill Ice Auger Bit (7.5 in)
Why it made the list: If you already own a strong cordless drill, the K-Drill turns it into an ice auger. It has tool-steel blades, an aluminum shaft, and composite flighting, so it is light, and it floats if you drop it. The maker rates it for ice up to 36 inches thick and fits drills with a 1/2-inch chuck.
Key specs: 7.5 in hole; tool-steel blades; aluminum shaft; composite flighting; floats; fits 1/2 in chuck drills; ice up to 36 in, per the maker.
Skip it if: you do not own a high-torque drill. A dedicated electric auger is simpler.
Pros
- Very light
- Floats
- Uses a drill you may already own
Cons
- Requires a powerful drill and extra batteries
- Drill must be handled carefully to avoid kickback
Eskimo Redneck Drill Auger Bit (8 in)
Why it made the list: The Redneck bit is a steel drill-adaptive auger with Eskimo’s Turbo multi-edge blades and a centering point that keeps it from walking when you start a hole. A safety plate wider than the hole keeps the bit and drill from falling through. Eskimo lists clear drill requirements so you know what will work.
Key specs: 8 in steel auger; Turbo multi-edge blades; centering point; safety recovery plate; 1-year limited warranty. Drill must have a side stabilizer arm, 1/2 in chuck, 18V 4Ah or larger lithium battery, brushless motor, and at least 725 in-lb of torque.
Skip it if: your drill does not meet the torque and battery requirements. It will struggle.
Pros
- Durable steel
- Safety plate prevents losing the drill
- Clear drill requirements
Cons
- Heavier than composite bits
- One-year warranty
Ice Augers Compared
| Auger | Power | Hole | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eskimo E40 | 40V electric | Varies by option | 17.5 lb | 5 yr auger, 3 yr battery |
| ION Alpha Plus | 40V electric | 8 in | Under 16 lb | Not stated on listing |
| Jiffy Model 30 | 52cc gas | 8 in | 29 to 32 lb | Not stated on listing |
| K-Drill | Your drill | 7.5 in | Light (not stated) | Not stated on listing |
| Eskimo Redneck | Your drill | 8 in | Not stated | 1 year |
How We Picked
We did not drill with these augers for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Power source and run time.
- Weight for carrying on the ice.
- Blade design for new holes and re-drilling.
- Safety and convenience features: reverse, lights, safety plates.
- Warranty and value.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose an Ice Auger
Hole size
Six to 8 inches suits panfish, perch, walleye, and most trout. Larger holes (10 inches) are better for pike, lake trout, and big walleye, and for fitting a camera or transducer.
Electric, gas, or drill bit
Electric augers are quiet and easy to start, and they work inside shelters. Gas augers have the most power and no battery limit. Drill bits are light and cheap if you own a strong drill.
Weight
If you walk far or move often, every pound matters. Composite augers and drill bits are lightest.
Cold-weather batteries
Keep lithium batteries warm in an inside pocket or insulated bag until you need them.
Blade care
Keep the blade guard on, avoid hitting sand and rocks, and replace or sharpen blades when drilling slows.
Related Guides
- Best Ice Fishing Rods
- Best Ice Fishing Shelters
- Best Ice Fishing Sleds
- Best Underwater Fishing Cameras
See more in our Ice Augers section.
FAQ
What size ice auger should I get?
An 8-inch auger is a good all-around choice for most ice anglers.
Are electric ice augers as good as gas?
For most anglers, yes. Gas still has the edge for very thick ice and drilling many holes in a day.
Can I use a regular drill for ice fishing?
Yes, with a drill-adaptive auger bit and a high-torque drill with a side handle. Check the bit maker’s drill requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Eskimo E40 is our top pick for its steel auger, practical features, and long warranty. Choose the ION Alpha Plus if weight matters most, the Jiffy Model 30 for gas power, the K-Drill for a light floating bit, and the Eskimo Redneck bit for a steel drill-adaptive auger with a safety plate.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.