An electric snow shovel is just the thing you need if you want to shovel snow off steps, sidewalks and patios without the danger of breaking your back. Electric snow shovels feature height adjustability and cord lock systems for extra safety, and are perfect for shoveling light snow. Since winter is just around the corner, it’s time for homeowners who want a cheaper alternative to the gas-powered snow blower to take a look at their options of efficient electric snow shovels.
What’s an Electric Snow Shovel?
Before we dive into the deep end here, let’s take a quick look at what electric-powered snow shovels can really do. For those who do not know, as the name implies, an electric snow shovel will do the same job as a regular shovel when it comes to clearing snow, with the only difference being that the electric powered snow shovel is powered by electricity and does the heavy lifting for you. This means you will be able to complete the task of clearing out snow from the porch, walkway, and stairs much quicker and with less effort as compared to using a traditional snow shovel.
In a way, a snow shovel operates in the same way as a snow blower as in, it uses the auger to lift and blast the snow away, but it is a different machine altogether and is used for a different purpose. For starters, you can’t expect to achieve the same cutting power of a gas-powered snow blower, this is why electric powered snow shovels are only used for light snow and not for heavy snow, which will require a heavy-duty snow blower. An electric snow shovel is also not going to be the ideal choice if you have to clear out a large amount of snow from an area, which will also require a gas-powered snow blower. But, for those who only have to deal with removing less snow from around their home and backyard, the electric snow shovel is going to be up for the task.
While an electric snow shovel is not a complex machine, some are better built and designed than others. One of the major differences between electric powered snow shovels is that some have cords while others are cordless, as in, they are battery powered. While cordless electric snow shovels are more convenient to use, you won’t expect to get a lot of work done since a single charge can only do so much. When it comes to battery powered electric snow shovels, the only downside is the size and capability of the battery which limits the use, and the efficiency of an electric powered snow shovel. This is one of the reasons why we are going to take a look at electric powered snow shovels here.
Best Electric Snow Shovels for Your Money
The following are our picks of the best electric powered snow shovels that are available in the markets today. While you don’t need to necessarily buy these exact models of electric snow shovels, these reviews should give you a good idea of what to look for when scoping for an electric powered snow shovel.
Toro Power Snow Shovel
Features:
- 5 Amp electric snow blower
- 12″ (30.5 cm) Clearing Width
- Cuts up to 12-Inches wide and 6-Inches deep in one pass, cord not included
- Clears 4-Inches of snow off a 50-by-20-Foot driveway in just 20 minutes
- Moves up to 300-Pounds of snow per minute and blows up to 20-Feet
- Lightweight at just 12-1/2-Pounds; durable plastic body; adjustable metal telescoping handle; rust-resistant;
- Number 1 Brand of electric snow thrower in the United States
- Power Curve Technology
- Telescoping Handle & Cord-Lock System
- Up to 20-feet (6.1 m) Throw Distance
- 2-year warranty
Toro 38361 Power Shovel — Overview
The Toro 38361 Power Shovel is the ideal snow shovel for those who do not want to be bothered by the limited extension cord. Toro has gone a step further and eliminated the need for a cord altogether. What’s more, the Toro 38361 Power Shovel can also help you save a heap of cash, thanks to its efficiency.
Power Motor for Extra Efficiency
The Toro 38361 Power Shovel features an efficient motor that drives a curved rotor auger via a ploy v-belt. This makes the Toro 38361 Power Shovel an extremely efficient machine that is able to deliver lots of power.
High Clearing Capabilities
What sets the Toro 38361 Power Shovel apart from other snow shovels is that it can clear a lot of space as compared to other snow shovels of its size. With a 12” clearing width and a cutting depth of 6” the Toro 38361 Power Shovel can work through around 300 lbs. of snow per minute and makes quick work of the task by blasting the snow up to 20 feet away.
Ergonomic Design and Sturdy Build
The Toro 38361 Power Shovel was clearly built with the user in mind. The electric shovel features a nicely designed handle for a better grip while shoveling snow. This tool is also versatile with its height that’s fully adjustable so that you can use it at the height that’s suitable for you. The cord lock offers an extra layer of security just in case.
GreenWorks Pro 80V — 12″ Cordless
Features:
- Throw Distance: 20 feet
- 12″ clearing path and 6″ clearing depth
- Hassle free push button start
- Ergonomic design eliminates back strain
- Safety button prevents accidental start-up
- Digital controlled brushless motor for more torque, longer run-time
- Clearing Width: 12 Inch
- Clearing Depth: 6 Inch
- Up to 45 minutes of runtime under load with fully charged included battery (Includes 2Ah battery)
- Tool Warranty: 4 Year / Battery Warranty: 2 Year
GreenWorks Pro 80V — Overview
The GreenWorks Pro 80V is considered the best snow shovel, and it’s easy to see why. GreenWorks have already established themselves as a reliable name when it comes to high quality garden tools, so it’s safe to say that with the GreenWorks Pro 80V, you get quality and efficiency.
Durable and Heavy-Duty Design
The GreenWorks Pro 80V boasts of a 2AH lithium-ion battery which gives you up to 45 minutes of power after every charge. This is more than enough time to clear the snow off a small to medium sized backyard, and sufficient for clearing out steps, patios and driveways. The GreenWorks Pro 80V has been built using the best quality materials, ensuring a long lasting and durable design.
Ergonomic and Lightweight Design
The GreenWorks Pro 80V is also surprisingly lightweight making it a treat to operate. At just around 15 lbs., its lightweight design complements the powerful motor under the hood which makes shoveling snow a breeze. The GreenWorks Pro 80V also features an ergonomic design, which means it’s easy to maneuver while you are trying to clear a path. The handle has a solid grip that doesn’t hurt the arms after using it for a while. This electric snow shovel also comes with a 4-year warranty that’s unheard of when it comes to electric powered snow shovels, and is testament to confidence that GreenWorks, the company behind its design, has on the GreenWorks Pro 80V.
Snow Joe iON13SS
Features:
- 40 V 4.0 Ah EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 52 minutes of whisper-quiet run time
- Cuts 13 in. wide x 6 in. deep
- 2-blade paddle auger throws snow up to 25 feet
- 500 W brushless motor moves up to 300 lbs. of snow per minute
- No pull cords, gas, oil, tune-ups, carbon emissions or tangled extension cords
- Weighs 14.5 lbs.
- adjustable back-saving handle
- ETL approved
- Full 2-year warranty
- Energy Star certified
Snow Joe iON13SS – Overview
The Snow Joe iON13SS is your quintessential electric powered snow shovel that’s easy to use and offers the best combination of power and efficiency for its price point. This snow shovel is ideal for medium and small spaces and can easily clear snow off patios, stairs, driveways and decks with relative ease.
Best Value for Money
The Snow Joe iON13SS offers quite a few features that make it the perfect choice for those homeowners who do not have lots of snow to deal with, but still have to clear the driveway after snow fall. The top shelf build quality coupled with its efficiency and ergonomic design makes the Snow Joe iON13SS a good choice and a wise investment.
Powerful EcoSharp Battery
The Snow Joe iON13SS features a powerful EcoSharp Lithum-ion battery and a 500W brushless motor that offers tremendous power for its small size. This is by far, one of the best battery-powered snow shovels you will use in a long time. The work time of the Snow Joe iON13SS has been clocked at 52 minutes which is more than enough to get a medium size driveway or space clear.
Two-Blade Paddle for Extra Efficiency
The Snow Joe iON13SS features a two-blade paddle auger which does a great job at maximizing its reach. That coupled with the power of a 40V electric motor and you have one of the best snow shovels to move up to 300 lbs. of snow per minute and can easily clear a path that’s 13” wide and 6” deep. The Snow Joe iON13SS has a powerful electric motor that can throw the snow up as high as 25 feet, which is more than we’ve seen snow shovels of similar sizes do.
Easy to Use
One of the most important aspects of choosing an electric powered snow shovel is its ease of use. The Snow Joe iON13SS easily receives full marks in that department since it’s extremely easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on with a switch of a button. It weighs just 14.5 lbs., which means it’s easy to move around without having to break your back. The size of the handle of the Snow Joe iON13SS is also adjustable so you can choose the right size that’s perfect for your height while shoveling snow. The cordless design also means you can reach those hard-to-get areas while shoveling snow.
Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel
Features:
- 40 Volt 4 Amp Hour Lithium Battery Power
- Push Button Start
- 16″ Clearing Width
- 8″ Snow Clearing Depth
- Up to 30′ Snow Throwing Distance
- 300 Lbs. per Minute Capacity
- Adjustable Support Handle
- Dual Blade Curved Rotor
- Battery and Charger Included
Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel — Overview
The Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovelis one of the top rated electric powered snow shovels that are available in the market. The snow shovel features a powerful motor, efficient run time and a cordless design, which makes operating the snow shovel easy.
Durable Design
The Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel was designed keeping the user in mind. From the robust design to the efficient and powerful motor and the headlights which makes it easy to shovel snow after sunset – the Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel is one tool you would be proud to have in your garden shed.
Light Weight
The Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel is lightweight weighing in at just around 32lbs or 15 kg. This means that the shovel is easy to maneuver around the yard or driveway while shoveling snow. The lightweight design also means that you don’t have to push around a heavy machine while shoveling snow.
Large Battery Capacity and Clearing Width
The large battery capacity of 4.0 Ah of the Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel coupled with its clearing width of an impressive 18 inches means that you can clear off a large space quickly. In fact, the Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt, 16” Power Snow Shovel, with its 18-inch clearing width, can make a quick task of clearing large areas more efficiently as compared to other electric powered show shovels of its price point. With a long runtime of 50 minutes, you will have more than enough time to get rid of the snow blocking your driveway, the stairs, patio or other areas around your home. This machine also features a 180-degree rotating chute that can lift up and throw the snow up to 30 feet.
Ending Note
When choosing a snow shovel, one thing to keep in mind is that electric powered snow shovels are used to clear off small amounts of snow, so for an area that receives heavy snow fall each year, getting a powerful snow blower should be considered. Also, while choosing an electric powered snow shovel, keep in mind that it’s cheaper and therefore less powerful than the larger snow blowers. Other factors to consider while choosing an electric snow shovel is the clearance width and cutting depth you will need to clear out your home’s driveway or patio. Aside from that, you need to consider the weight of the machine and the dimensions. Larger units will require more effort from you to move it around even if the snow shovel is doing all the hard work. And finally, the price is always going to be a point of concern when choosing an electric snow shovel. The good news is that snow shovels are considered to be a lot cheaper than the larger, more powerful snow blowers. So, keep these factors in mind, the next time you head out to purchase yourself an electric powered snow shovel.