Best Electric Snow Blower: Making Shoveling Snow a Thing of the Past!

Snow is great, except when you have to shovel it.

And the heavier the snowfall, the harder it is to clear your driveways and walkways. Add on the municipality snow plow’s pile on at the end of your driveway, and curling up in bed and weeping might sound like a better option.

Well, drama aside, when you look at how much time and effort it takes to shovel snow, and how easily and quickly it can be done with a snow blower, it makes a lot of sense to consider the investment – especially if you live in an area where heavy snow is common.

An electric snow blower clears out 500 to 800 lbs of snow in a single minute, and a heavy-duty gas snow blower will clear even more than that. Compared to snow blowers, a person shovels only around 150 lbs of snow per minute. (Do you see what we mean about maybe needing a snowblower?).

Although this article is about the best electric snow blowers, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of both electric and gas snow blowers so that you can weigh your options better. The decision to choose either depends on the size of the job, your budget and the kind of terrain you have to work on.

Let’s get into it!

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…

Our Picks for the Best Electric Snow Blowers

1. Snow Joe iON18SB Electric Snow Blower

Snow Joe ION18SB 18-Inch 40 Volt Cordless Single Stage Brushless Snow Blower, 7" x 1.5"
  • Lightweight: lightweight design (Only 32 lbs) to easily clear sidewalks, driveways and decks
  • Cordless: 40V 4. 0 Ah iONMAX rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery provides up to 50 minutes of whisper-quiet runtime
  • Auto-rotate Chute: 180° auto-rotate directional Chute throws snow up to 20 feet
  • Clearing path: cuts up to 18 in. (45. 7 cm) wide and 8 in. (20. 3 cm) deep in one pass.Body Material:Plastic

Last update on 2024-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This reasonably priced cordless snow blower can clear 500 lbs of snow in a minute, and cut a path 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The best part about the Snow Joe iON18SB is that it’s cordless and powered by a powerful 40-volt rechargeable battery. It also comes in a hybrid variant that allows users to switch from battery to corded mode. In the corded mode it delivers slightly higher performance, and of course unlimited running time. That makes the hybrid version an option worth considering. Unlike gas-powered snow blowers, the iON18SB is really quiet and can be operated without disturbing the neighbors too much.

On a full charge, the battery will last about 50 minutes which is enough for most jobs around your house. Designed for use in places that get medium to average snowfall, the Snow Joe iON18SB is a single-stage snow blower featuring a steel auger with rubber blades. It can be used to clear your walkways, driveways, decks or even clear out a path for your pets in the backyard. It has a scraper unit under the auger that clears the ground without damaging decks or pavements.

The iON18SB comes with a 3-watt headlight that lets you clear snow in darkness. It has a chute that can be automatically moved across 180 degrees with a joystick. The iON18SB also comes with a safety key, which when removed, disables the snow blower and prevents it from being switched on. This is very useful if there are small children in the house. Simply remove the key and keep it in a safe place, and then put it back into the snow blower when you’re ready to use it. This snow blower is ready to use right out of the box, after some basic set up.

The battery takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to charge and gives the snow blower consistent and full power for 50 minutes thanks to its no-fade maximum performance EcoSharp technology. Needless to say, this electric snow blower is a great, environment-friendly option, considering the fact that it doesn’t use gas and has no carbon emissions.

What We Like:

  • Cordless operation, meaning no tangling wires or danger from running over wires
  • Battery lasts up to 50 minutes enabling you to complete most snow clearing jobs
  • Automatic joystick-controlled chute rotation that allows you to effortlessly redirect snow
  • EcoSharp technology that gives no fade and consistent high performance
  • A Safety Key that disables the snow blower, which is very useful when there are kids around

What We Don’t Like:

  • Charging the battery can take up to 3 hours
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

2. EGO SNT2100 Electric Snow Blower

Sale
EGO Power+ SNT2103 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower with Peak Power Two 7.5Ah Batteries and Rapid Charger Included, Black
  • Peak Power technology combines the power of 2 EGO 56V 7.5 Ah ARC Lithium batteries
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • 21-inch clearing width
  • Up to 35 feet snow throwing distance
  • Push-button start

Last update on 2024-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


The EGO SNT2100 is one of the most powerful cordless electric snow blowers, and the closest you can get to the snow clearing capacity of gas snow blowers. The first thing you need to know about the EGO SNT2100 is that the 2100, 2102 and the 2103 are exactly the same devices, but with extra or slightly altered batteries. The EGO SNT 2100 is only the snow blower tool (the batteries and rapid charger are not included), the SNT2102 includes two 5 Ah batteries and the rapid charger, and the SNT2103 includes two 7 Ah batteries (for a longer running duration) and the rapid charger.

The EGO Snow Blower has the muscle power of a gas snow blower but without the noise, fumes and need to burn fuel. The reason for its enhanced power and performance is that it combines two 56 Volt EGO Power+ batteries to deliver a performance that matches a gas snow blower. It has a 21-inch snow clearing width and cuts through 10 inches of snow. It has a robust steel and composite body, and a variable speed auger, which allows you to throw snow at different distances – and up to 35 feet. While most electric snow blowers cannot tackle wet and heavy snow, the EGO SNT2100 can.

It’s a single-stage snow blower, but is able to cut a path through snow up to 13 inches in depth. It will clear out the snow pile created by the city snowplow too, however, you may have to make a second pass to clear it completely. The battery gets fully charged in just 40 minutes which is much faster than that of other snow blowers. The snow chute can be turned 180 degrees with a handle, and it has LED headlights for working in low light or dark conditions.

The EGO SNT2100 is clearly one of the most effective cordless snow blowers out there and can clear wet and heavy snow that other electric snow blowers cannot.

What We Like:

  • The enhanced performance and power allowing it to clear out heavy, wet snow
  • Cordless operation, meaning no tangling wires or danger from running over wires
  • The dual 56-volt battery system that delivers greater snow clearing capacity
  • The auger with a 21-inch snow clearing width
  • Quick battery recharge time of just 40 minutes
  • Ability to handle snow up to 13 inches
  • The variable-speed auger that can throw snow to different distance up to 35 feet
  • 5-year warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • It’s quite expensive
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

3. Greenworks 20-Inch 13 Amp Corded Snow Thrower

Sale
Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Blower, 2600502
  • 13 amp motor delivers powerful results for gas alternative
  • Adjustable 180 degree directional chute makes snow throwing manageable ; Easy electric start for hassle free operation
  • Discharge snow up to 20-feet. 7-inch wheels for greater mobility
  • Only works on 120 volts ; 20-inch clearing path and 10-inch clearing depth

Last update on 2024-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


The Greenworks 20-inch corded snow thrower comes in two options: with headlights (2600202) and without (2600502). Since the price difference is quite steep, you may want to go in for the model with headlights only if you are sure you will be clearing snow in darkness. This snow thrower is powered by a 13 amp motor and cuts a 20-inch wide and 10-inch deep path through moderate snow. It moves up to 700 lbs of snow in a minute and cuts 10 inches deep and 20-inch wide path (which is pretty decent at its price point).

This Greenworks Snow Thrower weighs 33 lbs, which makes it easy to maneuver. Its auger has plastic blades, and it throws snow up to 20 feet away through a chute that can be moved 180 degrees with a convenient handle. It has 7-inch plastic wheels that makes it easy to move around. Since it’s corded, you can use it for as much time as it requires for you to get the job done. It’s best for decks, walkways, driveways, and sidewalks close to your house.

You need to be extra careful while choosing a longer power cord as it needs to have the right specifications which are mentioned in the user manual. The thumb rule is that the longer you go the heavier gauge you need. A 14 gauge cord will work up to 50 feet, but beyond that, up to a 100 feet, you will need a heavier 12 gauge cord.

You will not be able to use it for heavy wet snow unless it’s a thin layer of just a few inches. It works best with dry light snow. Overall this is a popular budget choice because of its low cost and reliable and efficient performance in low to moderate snow conditions.

What We Like:

  • Quiet, environment-friendly and efficient
  • Lightweight yet tackles up to 10 inches of snow
  • 4-year warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • The power cord limits the distance you can go
  • Throwing distance is only up to 20 feet
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

4. Snow Joe SJ623E Corded Snow Thrower

Sale
Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Walk-Behind Single Stage Snow Blower, 21-Inch Clearing Width, 15-Amp Motor, Directional Chute Control, LED Light, Blue
  • [LED LIGHT]: 3 W LED light for safe nighttime clearing
  • [VERSATILE]: Ideal for quick snow pickups on mid-sized driveways and walkways
  • [POWERFUL]: 15-amp motor moves up to 800 lbs. Of snow per minute
  • [MAINTENANCE-FREE]: No gas, oil or tune-ups make it effortless to start and maintain

Last update on 2024-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Snow Joe has quite a few snow blowers at the same price range with small differences in specifications, so picking one can get confusing. We looked at all the models in this range by Snow Joe and found that the one that edges over the others in overall performance and value, is the SJ623E.

The Snow Joe SJ623E is powered by a 15 amp motor which is more than the usual 13 amp motors found in similar snow blowers. It has a durable steel auger with four rubber blades that scoop up the snow and throws it through a chute that is made of plastic. It can throw 720 lbs of snow per minute. There is a crank handle to rotate the chute across 180 degrees, and it has a 20-watt halogen headlight. This snow blower cuts a path 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep through the snow. It works very efficiently with light snow but with heavy and wet snow it gets bogged down.

The more powerful motor ensures that you are easily able to clear snow off medium-sized driveways, walkways, decks, patios, and sidewalks. You need to be careful with the cord though, which also limits the distance you can travel.

Being a corded snow blower, you will need to buy a cord separately for it, and you will need to get the right cord with the correct specifications in terms of gauge and amp. Users have mentioned that a 20 amp cord is a better choice over a 15 amp one for this snowblower, and while a 14 gauge cord works fine up till 50 feet, beyond it you should opt for a heavier 12 gauge cord.

It has a throwing distance of 25 feet but that comes down to just a few feet when you are clearing wet heavy snow. The Snow Joe SJ623E is best suited for medium snowfall and lighter powdery snow. It can clear wet and heavy snow, but there are chances that it may get clogged. That said, this snow blower comes with a special tool to clear clogged discharge chutes.

What We Like:

  • Powerful 15 amp motor that throws snow up to 25 feet
  • 18-inch snow clearing width
  • A durable steel auger that will not get easily damaged

What We Don’t Like:

  • The power cord will limit your movement
  • The plastic discharge chute is not very strong and may get damaged by stones scooped up by the auger
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Who Should Buy an Electric Snow Blower

Buying a snow blower means spending a considerable amount of your hard-earned money. Ending up with the wrong type, size or model is something that anyone would want to avoid.

The first thing you need to decide is whether to go in for an electric snow blower or a gas snow blower. In a nutshell, gas snow blowers are more powerful, run on gas and require maintenance, while electric snow blowers are either corded or battery-powered, have lower snow clearing capacity, and are almost maintenance-free.

If you stay in a place that gets snowfall a couple of times a year, and the snow is generally not heavy and wet or frozen solid, then you should opt for an electric snow blower. Another factor to consider is the size of the area you plan on clearing. A medium-sized driveway, walkway, sidewalk, deck or patio can be cleared with an electric snow blower, but larger areas and longer driveways may need a gas one.

Another reason to choose electric snow blowers is their price. Typically, electric snow blowers start at much lower prices than gas-powered options do.

Electric Versus Gas Snow Blowers

Deciding between an electric and a gas snow blower is not very difficult. You just need to be aware of the amount of snowfall in your area, the kind of snow that is most common and the size of the area that you will be clearing.

If either type will fulfill your needs, then it’s obviously better to go in for an electric snow blower. They’re cheaper, don’t need gas, are quieter, don’t have any carbon emissions, aren’t affected by extremely low temperatures, are lighter, easier to store and most importantly need almost no maintenance.

Having said that, we must point out that choosing an electric snow blower when you actually need a gas one, will be a disaster.

Here is a convenient chart that will help you to choose between an electric and a gas snow blower:

Prevailing Conditions Electric Snow Blower Gas Snow Blower
Weather
A few days of Moderate to Light Snowfall during winters Better choice No need to go in for the extra power of a gas version
Heavy to Medium snowfall throughout winters Not a good option You may need to go for gas
Light, dry snow up to 8-10 inches Better choice No need for gas option
Light snow above 10-12 inches Not a good option Go for gas
Heavy, wet snow under 4 inches Will do the job Might be a better option
Regular heavy wet snow Not a good option Go for the gas option
Only a few days a year of snowfall above 6 inches Better choice No need for gas
Hard packed snow Not a good option Go for the gas option
Snow that regularly freezes over Not a good option Go for gas
Area and terrain
Short to medium-sized walkways, driveways, decks, patios, sidewalks Better choice No need for extra firepower of gas
Driveways more than 50 feet Not a good choice Go for the gas option
Small decks, patios, and areas Definitely the best choice Not a good choice as they have too big of a clearing width
Larger driveways, walkways, sidewalks Not a good option Gas is a much better option
Snow on a gravel pathway Not a good option as it will hurtle gravel and rocks Go for gas as the auger can be lifted to get clear of the ground
The terrain is sloping and hilly Not a good option as they don’t have propulsion Go for gas with powered propulsion
Usage
Snow clearing will be done by an elderly or less mobile person Definitely the better option as they are lighter and easier to start Not a good option
The snow blower needs to be transported often in a car Better option as they are lighter and have foldable handles Not a good option
Regular maintenance is not possible, especially when it comes to spark plugs, gasoline, oils, etc. Definitely the better option as they require no maintenance Not a good option as they require a lot of maintenance
There is limited storage space Electric is the better option as they require less storage space Not a good option

Snow Blower or Snow Thrower?

When you go looking for a snow blower you will come across both snow blowers and snow throwers. They both mean the same thing except for one small difference: all snow throwers are snow blowers, but not all snow blowers are snow throwers.

Confused? Don’t be. They are actually the same thing.

Snow blowers, which have only an auger with its blades throwing the snow are called single-stage snow blowers. In two-stage snow blowers, there is an additional component called an impeller, which is like a metal fan that is attached above the auger at the mouth of the discharge chute. This further pulls and throws out the snow through the chute. That makes it a two-stage snow blower.

Single-stage snow blowers are interchangeably called snow throwers, but when we move up to the more powerful two-stage snow blowers, they are no longer called snow throwers. That’s because the two-stage snow blowers don’t just throw the snow with the action of the auger, they have another impeller (works like a fan), that breaks down the snow and blows it away. So, all snow throwers are snow blowers, but all snow blowers are not snow throwers!

If you see a product classified as a snow thrower, it means that it’s a single-stage snow blower, and is in the medium to low range of power and snow clearing capacity. Frankly, you don’t really need to worry about this classification, as long as your needs are effectively met by the product you choose.

Corded or Cordless?

This is actually a straight forward decision as the advantages and challenges of corded and cordless snow blowers are pretty clear cut.

With a corded snow blower you will always have a power cord attached to it, which means unlimited running time but restricted movements according to the length of the power cord. You will also need to be careful not to run over the power cord, as that can be dangerous. Also, before you start with clearing the snow, you will have to get the cord, connect it and afterward you’ll have to roll it and store it.

The main advantage of a corded snow blower is that you will never run out of power. You can keep clearing snow as long as there is power supply in your home.

On the other hand, with the cordless snow blower, you just need to press the start button and you’re ready to go – Anywhere. You can carry it with you in your car, move it far from your home, and never have to worry about running over cables or restricting the length of your pass.

The disadvantage is that you can use it only as long as the battery lasts. Usually, this is between 40 to 50 minutes. For most residential snow clearing jobs, though, that’s probably enough.

In terms of cost, a cordless snow blower will be more expensive, but we feel that its sheer convenience makes up for it.

Using and Caring for Your Electric Snow Blower

  • A newspaper half-buried in the snow or a branch in the snow can become a big problem for a snow blower and can result in a complete breakdown. A great tip is to take a quick look around the area where you will be using your snow blower and remove things that can clog or damage it.
  • When encountering the high snow pile left by the snowplow, the best way to tackle it with an electric snow blower is to go very slow and make several passes. You can also try angling it downwards so that it digs into the pile and begins to clear off the snow.
  • If you have a wider area to clear, then you should start from the opposite direction to where you want to pile up the snow. That way with every pass you also clear snow that may have been thrown by the snowblower, and you won’t leave any snow behind when you reach the end.
  • Make sure that there are no pets or kids nearby, as snow blowers can hurtle small pebbles and rocks at great speed.
  • If you are clearing a slippery area, wear shoes that have a good grip, or else you may find it difficult to push the snow blower.
  • It’s important to take some basic care of your electric snow blower’s battery. During summer months, you should charge it once every six months to keep it working well. Also, store it in a cool and dry place.
  • Before stowing your snow blower make sure it’s dry. This will prevent water damage or rusting of the metal parts.

An Important Safety Tip

When using a snow blower, never use your hands to clear a clogged chute. This is the most common cause of injury when using snow blowers. Even when the machine is switched off, keep your hands away, as the blades sometimes rotate even when it’s off. Always use some kind of a stick, broom or another object to remove impacted snow. If you aren’t able to do it yourself, take it to a store where they repair snow blowers. Simply put, always keep your hands and feet away from any fast-moving part of the snow blower.

Best Snow Blower Brands

Snow Joe

The Snow Joe name is synonymous with electric snow blowers and snow shovels. Established in 2004, Snow Joe is a leader in the industry and specializes in designing and developing high-quality, innovative, and affordable products. Their range of snow-related products goes with the tag line ‘When It Comes To Snow – Go With Joe’!

EGO

EGO as a brand has been pushing the boundaries of cordless tools for a very long time. Established in 1993, EGO is one of the world’s largest tool manufacturers, and their products are at the forefront of innovation, especially their cordless battery technology. No wonder their cordless snow blowers are among the best on the market today.

Greenworks

Founded in 2007, Greenworks is a leading brand in snow blowers and outdoor powered tools. Greenworks believes in leveraging best-in-class technology to deliver the power and performance of comparable gas-powered tools, without the fumes, carbon emissions and noise. The Greenworks range of snow clearing tools are well known, sought after, and high quality.

FAQ

Q: What are single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers?

A single-stage snow blower only has one moving part to throw the snow, the auger.

A two-stage snow blower has an auger and an impeller (a kind of powerful fan). This impeller is at the base of the discharge chute, and breaks the snow and pushes it out of the chute.

A three-stage snow blower has an auger, an impeller and an additional rotating auger in front. This second auger further speeds up the rate at which the snow flows into the snow blower.

Q: How loud is an electric snow blower?

Compared to a gas snow blower, an electric snow blower is very quiet. A typical gas snow blower can be as loud as 95 decibels, which according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is loud enough to cause hearing damage if exposed to for several hours at a stretch. An electric snow blower is slightly quieter than an electric lawnmower, so we can make a guesstimate of around 55 to 60 decibels.

Q: How important is the throw distance of a snow blower?

The throw distance is a measure of the power of the snow blower and its capacity to clear snow. The greater the throw distance, the faster the snow blower will be able to clear out the snow. Also, the discharge chute plays a considerable role in where and how far the snow gets thrown. Unless you want to throw the snow really far (perhaps into the neighbor’s yard?), you shouldn’t get too worked up about the throw distance.

Q: What extra features are really useful?

Extras like headlights for working at night, an automatic chute adjuster and safety keys to deactivate the snow blower, are useful features. In more expensive models, you get self-propulsion, power steering and heated handles. These kind of extras are always welcome. You need to balance your needs and wants with your budget and opt for the extras accordingly.

Q: Can an electric snow blower be used on a gravel pathway?

Most electric snow blowers cannot be used on gravel because they are single-stage snow blowers. That means the auger touches the ground when scooping up the snow. Only two and three-stage snow blowers can be used for gravel pathways. The auger in these snow blowers can be lifted clear off the ground. An electric snow blower from our review that you could possibly use on gravel is the two-stage Snow Joe iON24SB-XR snow blower.

Conclusion

Electric snow blowers are excellent for clearing snow as long as the area is not too large, and the snow is not wet and heavy or frozen solid. They are efficient, quiet, affordable, environment-friendly, lighter and easy to power on (just by pressing a button). They may not be as powerful as gas snow blowers, but they can effectively take on most residential snow clearing jobs (low to medium snowfall conditions).

From the best electric snow blowers that we reviewed, our recommendation is the Snow Joe SJ623E. The most powerful snow blower among them is the EGO SNT2100, and the Snow Joe iON18SB is overall a good choice for a cordless snow blower.

We recommend that you carefully consider your requirements first – what kind of snow you get, how big the area you’ll be clearing is, your budget, and how important the extras are. Once you’ve got that settled, the right snow blower will be much easier to find.

We hope this guide has given you the insights and tips that you need to make the right choice, and get the most out of electric snow blowers!