By Glenda Taylor and Tony Carrick | Updated May 24, 2022 4:35 PM
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A soft layer of pristine snow on the ground is beautiful—until you remember you’ll have to shovel the sidewalk and driveway before work. While a traditional snow shovel does the job, it can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
An electric snow shovel can speed up the process and eliminate heavy lifting. To ease your chores this snow season, these handy tools deserve a look. Read on to learn about the key features of the best electric snow shovel options and why these are at the top of their class.
Think of an electric snow shovel as a cross between a manual snow shovel and a larger, more powerful snow blower. The handle of an electric snow shovel resembles the handle of a traditional snow shovel, but that’s where the similarities end. Instead of a scoop blade, an electric snow shovel features a large single or double turning blade that picks up snow and tosses it out of the path as you push it along a paved surface.
An electric snow shovel takes less physical effort to operate than a traditional shovel, but you still have to do some pushing. Unlike snow blowers, electric snow shovels are typically not self-propelled.
Electric snow shovels are designed to remove fresh snow from sidewalks, decks, patios, and steps. Electric snow shovels are the less expensive option and come with a price tag of about $60 to $190. A heavy-duty snow blower could set you back $1,500 or more.
The best electric snow shovel should dependably clear away the average snowfall in your area far more easily than a conventional shovel. Take these key factors into consideration when you compare models.
Electric snow shovels come corded and cordless. Each type has its own benefits and considerations:
How much snow an electric shovel can clear depends on the height and width of the intake chute. The height of the intake chute determines the maximum depth of snow the device can remove (about 4 to 8 inches). You’ll want to select an electric snow shovel with an intake chute at least as deep as the typical snowfall in your area.
Some manufacturers claim their electric snow shovels can go over deep snow with more than one pass. But if the snow is soft, these devices may sink into the snow since they’re designed to sit on a paved surface. This will just push snow over the top of the tool rather than clear it out of your path.
The width of the chute determines the width of the path your electric shovel can clear in a single pass. Chutes range from around 10 to 16 inches wide. A wider chute means fewer passes to clear an area.
Most lithium-ion batteries will run anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes on a single charge. Snow shovels that come with 40-volt batteries will run about twice as long as those that come with 24-volt batteries. You can double the run time by investing in a second battery so that you can switch if the first one runs out before the job is done.
Battery life depends on a variety of factors, including chute size. The more snow the tool handles, the more power is required, and the quicker the battery will drain. A battery loses power with age, too. It won’t hold as much charge after a few years as it did when it was new. That’s when it’s time to replace it.
Whether corded and cordless, the best electric snow shovels are easy to operate. Just turn them on and push them along a paved surface to remove fresh snow. The following features also affect the shovel’s usability:
The following electric snow shovels take into account specific features such as battery use, cleaning area, and more. Consider the best use of each model when choosing one for your clearing area.
Best Overall1 Greenworks 12-Inch 8 Amp Corded Snow Shovel 2600802 Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThe Greenworks 2600802 is a powerful corded snow shovel with a simple push-button start. It can handle snow up to 6 inches deep. It clears a 12-inch-wide swath, so it’s suitable for light snow on sidewalks, porches, and decks. This shovel can toss fresh snow up to 20 feet. The bottom scraper is designed to slide under the snow and make it easier for the spinning auger blade to lift and blow the snow out of the discharge chute. The adjustable second handle can help the user get a firm grip on this 14-pound machine.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 6 inchesClearing Width: 12 inchesPower: 8 ampsProsImpressive 20-foot throw distanceConvenient push-button startBottom scraper makes it easier to useAdjustable handle accommodates the userConsCord limits clearing range
The Greenworks 2600802 is a powerful corded snow shovel with a simple push-button start. It can handle snow up to 6 inches deep. It clears a 12-inch-wide swath, so it’s suitable for light snow on sidewalks, porches, and decks. This shovel can toss fresh snow up to 20 feet.
The bottom scraper is designed to slide under the snow and make it easier for the spinning auger blade to lift and blow the snow out of the discharge chute. The adjustable second handle can help the user get a firm grip on this 14-pound machine.
Best Budget2 Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThe slightly angled shaft and adjustable dual handle on the Snow Joe 323E allow users to adapt the tool to the most comfortable operating position for them. This design can take some of the strain off your back and weighs just under 14 pounds. This corded snow shovel features a 10-amp motor that’s powerful enough to clear away snow up to 6 inches deep in a 13-inch swath. Use it to remove snow from decks, steps, and walkways. The two-blade auger tosses snow up to 20 feet away. The Snow Joe 323E comes with an easy-start squeeze trigger for ease of operation.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 6 inchesWidth: 13 inchesPower: 10-Amp motorProsAffordable toolErgonomic designDeposits snow 20 feet awayEasy-start squeeze triggerConsCord limits clearing range
The slightly angled shaft and adjustable dual handle on the Snow Joe 323E allow users to adapt the tool to the most comfortable operating position for them. This design can take some of the strain off your back and weighs just under 14 pounds.
This corded snow shovel features a 10-amp motor that’s powerful enough to clear away snow up to 6 inches deep in a 13-inch swath. Use it to remove snow from decks, steps, and walkways. The two-blade auger tosses snow up to 20 feet away. The Snow Joe 323E comes with an easy-start squeeze trigger for ease of operation.
Best Value3 PowerSmart Snow Blower 21-INCH Electric Snow Blower Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceWhile this model from PowerSmart is technically a snow blower as opposed to snow shovel, it’s compact enough for smaller jobs shoveling snow. With its 15-amp motor, the PowerSmart can clear snow up to 12.5 inches deep with a 21-inch width that makes it suitable for walks as well as smaller driveways. A scraper blade on the front of the unit cuts a close shave to the walk, driveway or deck without damaging the surface, while the small wheels at the rear allow for maneuvering through tight territory. With a chute that rotates 180 degrees and launches snow 30 feet this tool is well-suited for clearing large areas. Note that, as a snow thrower, it’s heavier than an electric shovel at 40 pounds.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 12.5 inchesWidth: 21 inchesPower: 15 ampsProsCompact for a snow throwerCan handle deep snow180-degree adjustable shootLaunches snow 30 feetConsSize, weight, and cord limit maneuverability
While this model from PowerSmart is technically a snow blower as opposed to snow shovel, it’s compact enough for smaller jobs shoveling snow. With its 15-amp motor, the PowerSmart can clear snow up to 12.5 inches deep with a 21-inch width that makes it suitable for walks as well as smaller driveways.
A scraper blade on the front of the unit cuts a close shave to the walk, driveway or deck without damaging the surface, while the small wheels at the rear allow for maneuvering through tight territory. With a chute that rotates 180 degrees and launches snow 30 feet this tool is well-suited for clearing large areas. Note that, as a snow thrower, it’s heavier than an electric shovel at 40 pounds.
Best Battery Life4 Greenworks PRO 80V 12-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceWhen it comes to cordless yard tools, battery life and power is everything. This snow shovel from Greenworks is one of the best at both thanks to a powerful 80-volt battery that gives it 45 minutes of run time. The battery, which recharges in just 30 minutes with its rapid charger, gives it enough juice to handle up to 6 inches of snow with a shoveling width of 12 inches. With its ability to discharge snow 20 feet away, the shovel is suitable for walks, decks, and smaller driveways. While this shovel isn’t one of the lightest models on the market, it’s manageable at a total weight of 15 pounds.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 6 inchesWidth: 12 inchesPower: 80-volt batteryProsCordless design offers more flexibilityImpressive 45-minute run timeQuick-charging batteryDeposits snow 20 feet awayConsShallow max snow depth; ideal for light-duty work
When it comes to cordless yard tools, battery life and power is everything. This snow shovel from Greenworks is one of the best at both thanks to a powerful 80-volt battery that gives it 45 minutes of run time. The battery, which recharges in just 30 minutes with its rapid charger, gives it enough juice to handle up to 6 inches of snow with a shoveling width of 12 inches.
With its ability to discharge snow 20 feet away, the shovel is suitable for walks, decks, and smaller driveways. While this shovel isn’t one of the lightest models on the market, it’s manageable at a total weight of 15 pounds.
Best Light Duty5 Snow Joe 24-Volt SS13 Cordless Snow Shovel Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceYou don’t have to spend a lot of money on an electric snow shovel. The Snow Joe 24-Volt SS13 comes with a 24-volt cordless battery so you can remove snow far from an electrical outlet. This shovel will clear a 13-inch path in up to 6 inches of snow and toss it up to 20 feet away. The dual handle on the Snow Joe helps the user get a good grip for pushing the tool through the snow. This 15-pound electric snow shovel will operate up to 22 minutes on a single battery charge. That should allow enough time to clear light snow from short sidewalks, porches, and decks—all at an affordable price point. You can double the run time by purchasing a second 24-volt battery (sold separately).Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 6 inchesWidth: 13 inchesPower: 24-volt batteryProsCordless design for flexible movementTosses snow up to 20 feet awayDual handle makes it easy to pushConsLimited battery lifeSuitable for light snow only
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on an electric snow shovel. The Snow Joe 24-Volt SS13 comes with a 24-volt cordless battery so you can remove snow far from an electrical outlet. This shovel will clear a 13-inch path in up to 6 inches of snow and toss it up to 20 feet away.
The dual handle on the Snow Joe helps the user get a good grip for pushing the tool through the snow. This 15-pound electric snow shovel will operate up to 22 minutes on a single battery charge. That should allow enough time to clear light snow from short sidewalks, porches, and decks—all at an affordable price point. You can double the run time by purchasing a second 24-volt battery (sold separately).
Best Medium Duty6 Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceWith its compact size and powerful motor, this snow thrower can take on deep snow better than a power shovel while having similar maneuverability. A 13-amp motor gives this tool the ability to handle snow up to 10 inches deep while cutting a swath 20 inches wide. Its 7-inch wheels, 30-pound weight, and narrow profile make it more maneuverable than a full-size snowblower. Those specs coupled with its throw distance of 20 feet make this electric snow thrower a worthy choice for clearing walks, decks and even medium-sized driveways. Other notable features include a 180-degree discharge shoot and collapsible handles for storage.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 10 inchesWidth: 20 inchesPower: 13 ampsProsCompact and maneuverable for a snow throwerLight compared to other snow throwers (30 pounds)180-degree discharge shootHandles collapse for easy storageConsCord limits clearing range
With its compact size and powerful motor, this snow thrower can take on deep snow better than a power shovel while having similar maneuverability. A 13-amp motor gives this tool the ability to handle snow up to 10 inches deep while cutting a swath 20 inches wide. Its 7-inch wheels, 30-pound weight, and narrow profile make it more maneuverable than a full-size snowblower.
Those specs coupled with its throw distance of 20 feet make this electric snow thrower a worthy choice for clearing walks, decks and even medium-sized driveways. Other notable features include a 180-degree discharge shoot and collapsible handles for storage.
Best Heavy Duty7 Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceClearing larger driveways demands a snow thrower with a wider swath and longer throw distance. With a powerful 15-amp motor that gives it the ability to cut a 22-inch wide swath while throwing snow up to 25 feet, this model from Snow Joe fits the bill. Weighing just under 35 pounds, the Snow Joe isn’t light, but it’s not particularly heavy, either. In addition to covering more ground with each pass, this thrower can also handle deeper snowfall, thanks to its 13-inch depth. This snow thrower is sturdier too, featuring a steel auger as opposed to a plastic one. A rotatable shoot that allows the user to direct where the Snow Joe deposits snow and LED headlights for nighttime snow removal round out its features.Product SpecsMaximum Depth: 13 inchesWidth: 22 inchesPower: 15 ampsProsSuitable for heavy snow25-foot throw distanceLED headlights for working at nightMore durable steel auger compared to typical plasticConsBulkier than other snow shovels and throwersCord limits clearing range
Clearing larger driveways demands a snow thrower with a wider swath and longer throw distance. With a powerful 15-amp motor that gives it the ability to cut a 22-inch wide swath while throwing snow up to 25 feet, this model from Snow Joe fits the bill. Weighing just under 35 pounds, the Snow Joe isn’t light, but it’s not particularly heavy, either.
In addition to covering more ground with each pass, this thrower can also handle deeper snowfall, thanks to its 13-inch depth. This snow thrower is sturdier too, featuring a steel auger as opposed to a plastic one. A rotatable shoot that allows the user to direct where the Snow Joe deposits snow and LED headlights for nighttime snow removal round out its features.
With a lightweight design, 12-inch swatch, and 20-foot launch distance, this Greenworks corded snow shovel is a solid choice for most residential walkways and driveways. Those looking for a machine that can handle bigger jobs should consider the PowerSmart snow thrower with its 21-inch width and ability to remove snow up to 12.5 inches deep.
In selecting the best electric snow shovels and snow blowers for our list we considered specific criteria as they pertained to the unit’s intended use. For power shovels designed to handle walkways and small driveways, we favored models that are lightweight with ergonomic handles–making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces–with a snow clearing width of around 12 inches and a depth of around 6 inches. For larger driveways and heavier snowfalls, we chose small single-stage electric snow blowers with the ability to clear a swath of about 20 inches wide at a depth of at least 10-inches.
For cordless models, we considered snow shovels and blowers that would provide enough run time to allow them to clear a walkway, for smaller snow shovels, or small driveway, for snow throwers. With that in mind, we chose snow shovels with at least 25 minutes of run time and snow blowers with at least 45 minutes of run time. We also favored models with rapid chargers that could get the shovel or blower back online in about 30 minutes.
Electric snow shovels are easier to use than a manual snow shovel and less expensive than a full-size snow blower. They expedite snow removal so you have more time for sledding, snowball fights, or staying warm indoors.
If you’re looking to buy an electric snow shovel, naturally you have some questions.
A horizontal auger with one or two blades spins at ground level in order to pick up the snow and toss it out of an exhaust chute.
You manually push the tool along the pavement in order for the spinning auger to pick up the snow.
An electric snow shovel works best on new-fallen snow that is light, fluffy, and has not had a chance to melt and become heavy. An electric snow shovel or blower can move powdery snow more easily and launch it farther than it can wet snow.
Most electric snow shovels come with a two- or three-year warranty, so if something goes wrong during that time, contact the manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on basic maintenance.
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