Tools

The Best Electric Snow Blowers to Get the Job Done

By · February 28, 2023

Along with record-setting winter snow dumps comes to the inevitable job of shoveling the driveway, sidewalks, and even the back porch. A back-breaking chore very few people look forward to. What if this year it could be different? Maybe an electric snow blower is the answer…

You’ve thought about making the move and pitching the shovel and getting a snowblower, but those loud gas-powered behemoths are not all appealing and the thought of lugging one of those up on the back porch is out of the question. 

Electric Snow Blower in Driveway

Well, don’t fret!

There is a category of snowblowers that are quieter, lighter, and less expensive. We put together a list of electric and battery-powered snowblowers that we think are worth giving a look at.

Why an Electric Snow Blower?

Depending on the type of snow and the amount of snow you are moving, an electric snowblower might just be a perfect fit. The benefits of electric snowblowers quickly become relevant when you weigh them out and do a bit of comparison. And that's exactly what you will find below.

Categorically, electric snow blowers fall into a light snow mover with capabilities to make your snow-moving job easier. There are features that you can compare to help you make an informed decision, and enough bells and whistles to keep it interesting and dare I say, fun.

Features to Consider when Choosing an Electric Snowblower

 A few of the things to consider are:

  • Power Source: Battery or Corded
  • Clearing Width
  • Snow Cutting Depth
  • Snow Throw Distance
  • Additional Features: Look for features like LED lights.
  • Warranty

One of the main features to consider is whether you would prefer a corded snow blower or a cordless snow thrower. There has been a long-standing idea that battery-powered snow blowers don’t match up in power, but those days are quickly passing. The powerful battery-operated snow blowers are standing toe to toe with electric and some gas snow blowers.

Batteries in Snow Blower

The growing number of battery-operated tool systems has grown to include snowblower options. And when you take into consideration the power of two good size lithium batteries and the voltage they produce, you have a good match for the corded models as well as some rivaling gas-powered machines.

Another feature to consider is clearing width and depth. Electric and battery snow throwers have varying sizes depending on the amount of snow you’re wanting to clean. And when it comes to throwing distance there are electric snow blowers that can throw up to 40 ft.

Snow Blower Throwing Distance

Our Best Electric Snow Blower Picks

1. Best Overall – EGO Power+ Cordless Snow Blower

Key Features –

Model #:EGO Power + SNT2112
Power source:Battery Powered
Weight:50.6 lbs
Clearing width:21 inches
Throwing distance:Up to 40 ft,
Voltage:2 Lithium Batteries 56 Volts
Price:$749

What you need to know –

If there was going to be a prime example of what to look for in a cordless snowblower the EGO Power+ would lead the list. The Power+ fits into our best overall category with more than one outstanding feature.

The EGO Power+ is powered by two huge 56V lithium batteries to cut through snow and ice with plenty of power without all the noise. Using a variable auger control to scoop up and throw snow up to 40 ft through an adjustable chute. The clearing width is 21 inches and plenty of depth clearance to handle 6-12 inches of snow and the gift left by the street snow plows at the end of your driveway.

Don't worry if the day is gray or the job has taken you into the evening, you can turn on the  LED headlights to guide your way. The Power+ is easy to assemble and a quick-fold handle makes for compact storage in the sunny seasons. And “all EGO batteries power all EGO tools.” 

What We Liked:

  • Steel auger2
  • 56 Volt Lithium batteries
  • 40 ft of throwing distance
  • Battery compatibility in other tool applications
  • Larger wheels

What We Didn't Like:

  • On the heavier end

Purchase Here

2. Best Heavy Duty- Toro Power Clear 60-Volt Brushless Snow Blower

Key Features –

Model #:Toro Power Clear
Power source:Battery
Weight:55 lbs
Clearing width:21 Inches
Throwing distance:Up to 40 ft
Voltage:60 Volt
Price:$899

What you need to know –

Toro is known by its reputation and the Power Clear cordless electric snowblower earns its name. Earning our best heavy duty category this snowblower runs on a 60 Volt battery system with one heavy duty lithium battery delivering the power to its steel auger throwing snow up to 40 ft. Weighting at 55 pounds it is the heaviest of all our picks but built to throw up to 1500 lbs of snow per minute.

Toro Power Clear breaks down like this

  • Works best on pavement
  • Will clear enough space for 12 cars
  • Best on flat ground and slight inclines
  • Starts first time every time

What We Liked:

  • Throws snow 40 ft
  • 1500 lbs per minute
  • Heavy Duty battery system

What We Didn't Like:

  • Heavy and awkward

Purchase Here

3. Best Cordless – Snow Joe 48-Volt iOn+ Cordless Snow Blower

Model #:Snow Joe X2-SB18
Power source:Battery
Weight:39 lbs
Clearing width:18 Inches
Throwing distance:Max 20 ft
Voltage:48 Volt
Price:$297

What you need to know –

Topping our list for the best cordless is the Snow Joe 48 Volt iOn+. Although it has a narrower clearing width and a 20 ft throw this is a little workhorse. It features a rubber-tipped auger that clears 700 lbs per minute and has a run time of around 40 minutes, powered by two 24 Volt lithium-ion batteries.

But still overall, in this class of snowblowers, the Snow Joe 48 Volt iOn+ is affordable, lightweight, and powerful enough to handle a deck or a patio full of snow. If you have the patience you can accomplish big things, but you can't rush a battery charger. So if you have bigger jobs it might be a good idea to go online and get a 5 pack of batteries. 

What We Liked:

  • Price
  • 48 Volts of power
  • Battery system compatible

What We Didn't Like:

  • Throw distance
  • Battery issues

Purchase Here

4. Best Corded – Snow Joe SJ627E Walk-Behind Snow Blower

Model #:Snow Joe SJ627E
Power source:Electric Power Cord
Weight:34.8 lbs
Clearing width:22 inches
Throwing distance:Max 25 ft
Voltage:40 Volt
Price:$153.09

What you need to know –

The best part about an electric snowblower is how easy it is to use. No gas, or oil, or engines that won’t start because it's too cold. Electric snow blowers are the way to go if you want to just hit the on-and-go. And as far as the price goes you can hardly beat the affordability of one like the Snow Joe SJ627E.

It might be seen as a drawback to have to pull a cord around with you, but it will have its advantages. With an all-steel auger and 22 inches of clearing width, you can throw snow up to 25 ft. through a 180-degree adjustable chute.

And since you don’t have to worry about the battery running out on this model you can clear snow until you have to turn on the LED headlights to finish up the job. As with all outdoor electrical tools, make sure you get the right cord for the job.

What We Liked:

  • Price
  • Handles snow up to 13 inches deep
  • No batteries to charge
  • Easy to use

What We Didn't Like:

  • Chute deflector quality

Purchase Here

5. Best Lightweight – Greenworks 13 Amp Snow Thrower 

Model #:Greenworks 2600502
Power source:Electric Power Cord
Weight:30 lbs
Clearing width:20 inches
Throwing distance:Max 20 ft
Voltage:13 Amps
Price:$117.81

What you need to know –

Greenworks 13 Amp snow thrower makes the best of list in our lightweight category. Ready to go to work minus all the hassle of gas and oil. Weighing in at a mere 30 lbs and having a clearing width of 20 inches and a throwing distance of 20 ft. This electric snow thrower can take care of sidewalks, driveways, and walkways. Without breaking your bank.

The auger-assist system can help you cut through snow and ice up to 12 inches and don’t worry about disturbing the neighbors because Greenworks 13 Amp Snow thrower is designed to be quiet.

Just plug in and go. Adjustable 180 degree chute lets you put the snow where you need it to go and electric start makes it easy to operate. If you are ready to upgrade from a shovel this is the next affordable step to take in your snowblower journey.

What We Liked:

  • Price
  • Affordable
  • Easy start
  • 3 year limited warranty

What We Didn't Like:

  • No headlights

Purchase Here

6. Best Budget – Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel

Model #:Earthwise SN70016
Power source:Electric Power Cord
Weight:16 lbs
Clearing width:16 inches
Throwing distance:30 ft
Voltage:12 Amp
Price:$119

What you need to know –

When you finally decide “enough is enough” with the back-breaking shovel it's time to move up to an electric shovel. This corded snow shovel from Earthwise is just the low-cost ticket item that can change your snow-clearing game. It’s lightweight enough to carry weighing only 16 lbs, but the 12 amp motor makes it a heavyweight cleaner.

This lightweight champ can move up to 430 lbs of snow a minute, with its 16 in-clearing width and 8 inches of clearing depth and a long throw of 30 ft. Gets the snow cleared in a hurry. 6-inch wheels make it easy to roll around while an auxiliary handle gives you better control. Cord retention hook and dual-curved auger blade round out great features.

Earthwise Corded Snow Shovel Handle

What We Liked:

  • Throwing distance
  • Price
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable auxiliary handle
  • Dual-curved auger blade

What We Didn't Like:

  • Possible durability issues

Purchase Here

7. Best Features – Ryobi 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Blower

Model #:Ryobi RY40860
Power source:Battery
Weight:0.69 kilograms
Clearing width:21 inches
Throwing distance:Max 35 ft
Voltage:40-Volt
Price:$749

What you need to know –

Ryobi is a name you might be familiar with for their well-known power tools, well now you can add snowblower to the list of battery power tools made by Ryobi. Since we picked it for the best features category let’s look at what those features are.

Starting off the list is a brushless motor driven by two 5Ah batteries, that delivers instant power to the variable speed auger, engaged by a single push button start. The snow is cleared through a 180 degree adjustable chute for precision throwing up to 35 ft.

It features a 21 inch clearing width, and a 13 inch clearing depth and it works best on flatter terrain. There is an LED light bar for better vision and when it's time to put it into storage, collapsible handles make finding storage space a lot easier.

What We Liked:

  • Easy access chute control
  • Variable speed auger
  • 5 year tool warranty
  • 3 year battery warranty

What We Didn't Like:

  • Locking design on the handles

Purchase Here

In Summary

Electric and battery-operated snow blowers are suited particularly well for snow depths of 6-12 inches with a bit of wiggle room and generally like paved flat surfaces or the mild slope of a concrete driveway. To expect any more from them would push them past their abilities.

They have a degree of durability, and a level of features and shouldn't be pressured to go past their purpose. But, there are a growing number of electric and battery powered snow blowers that are exceeding expectations and making their way onto more and more best-of lists. 

FAQ’s

Is an electric snow blower worth it?

Absolutely worth it. They are great for clearing up to a foot of light snow, easier to use on decks and patios than a big gas snow blower and are quieter and they are definitely priced right. The worth of the electric snow blower can easily turn into a value under the right circumstances.

Do electric snow blowers work well in heavy snow?

Electric snow blowers are best suited for light snow of 6-12 inches. Deeper snow will require smaller passes and a lot more time. The power may vary depending on power outputs of the battery powered or the corded snow blowers.

Which is better, a battery or corded electric snowblower?

The battery-powered snowblowers have made leaps and bounds to bring their game to level ground with the corded electric models. Better would be in the details of preference. If you don’t want to drag out a cord, then the battery models would be better, and if you want something a bit more economical, a corded model might be a better choice.

What type of extension cord should I use on my electric snow blower?

A 12-gauge 15 amp cord will work best for your electric snow blower. You will want to look for a 50-100 ft length to reach down the driveway. Another thing is to make sure the extension cord is rated for the outdoors. You can look for a “W” or a “made for outdoors” on the cord or packaging.

Outdoor-rated cords are also generally a bright color such as orange or yellow and will have an extra thick rubber, vinyl, or plastic coating.

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply

Backyardville.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com