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​​Snow Removal Equipment: Do You Need an Electric Snow Shovels?

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As temperatures start to drop and snowflakes begin to fall, shoveling snow becomes a critical part of many people’s daily routines. If you live in an area that sees snow in the winter, you’re likely familiar with how difficult and time-consuming shoveling snow can become.

When people think of removing snow from their driveway, sidewalk, and walkways, the two tools that usually come to mind are the noisy and heavy motorized snowblower that you have to maintain or the back-breaking manual shovel that can take hours to use.  Even if you hire a snow removal service, they usually are expensive and you want to have to wait hours for them to get to your block after the first snow.

But there is a newer, popular tool, the Electric Snow Shovel, that combines the advantages of both a shovel and a snowblower, and that will change the way you think about snow removal.  If you are already familiar with electric snow shovels, then see my recommended list below.  Otherwise, keep reading to learn what they are and how they work, along with buying tips and my reviews.

Electric Snow Shovels  – My List

Brand & Model
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Preview
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Rating
-
-
-
-
Price
$92.77
$69.99
$89.52
$189.65
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Preview
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Rating
-
Price
$92.77
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Preview
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Rating
-
Price
$69.99
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
Preview
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
Rating
-
Price
$89.52
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Preview
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Rating
-
Price
$189.65
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime

What are Electric Snow Shovels?

Electric snow shovels are one of the most versatile pieces of winter equipment you can have in your garage.  These machines can be used to remove light dustings to heavy snows, ice, and frozen debris from driveways and walkways.  They are only slightly larger than a typical manual shovel footprint while plugging into a standard electrical outlet.  They require just a fraction of the strength that a manual shovel takes and they will sound practically silent compared to a traditional motorized snowblower.

Environmentally friendly, electric snow shovels are becoming more and more popular, as people look for new ways to manage snow removal without wasting energy or hurting their back and shoulders.  If you are already familiar with electric snow shovels, then here’s my recommended list, otherwise, keep reading for more details.

 How Do Electric Snow Shovels Work?

Think of a traditional shovel crossed with a powerful snowblower, and you have the general idea of how an electric snow shovel works. With a handle much like a traditional shovel, the electric version has a big, single- or double-bladed paddle (or auger) that rotates to pick up snow from the surface you’re shoveling and toss it aside, as you move forward.

 Most electric snow shovels have a width of roughly 10 to 16 inches, making them an excellent tool for clearing snow along sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Electric snow shovels also require less work than their traditional counterparts, but users still need to do some pushing and lifting. (They are not self-propelled, like snow blowers.) Nearly all electric shovels use 36- to 48-volt batteries and/or a 120-volt electrical outlet (both corded and cordless options are available). 

 What You Should Know about Corded and Cordless Electric Snow Shovels

When considering the purchase of an electric snow shovel, you have two main options: A snow shovel with or without a cord. To help make the best decision, here’s what you need to know about both plug-in and cordless options.

  • Corded electric snow shovels are the same as regular shovels with one big difference: They require a continuous electrical power source. The cord that connects the electric snow shovel to a power source is usually long enough for most driveways and sidewalks—generally extending to 20 or 30 feet. For some users, being tethered to a power source can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. Important to note: A corded electric snow shovel will have a longer run time than a battery-powered shovel. 
  • Cordless electric snow shovels have a rechargeable battery pack instead of a power cord. If there are no electrical sources around and near the place you wish to clean, a cordless model is an excellent alternative. They operate for almost an hour on a single battery charge, which is more than enough time if you’re working with a small area or walkway. The biggest advantage to cordless electric snow shovels is that there are no cords to get in the way. (And some models may even have more power than their corded counterparts.) 

 Things to Consider When Buying Electric Snow Shovels

  • PRICECost is an important factor when considering the purchase of an electric snow shovel. Depending on size, features, and brand, electric snow shovels can be a bit of an investment; you can find models for as little as $200 or as much as $3,000. If you only occasionally need to clear a light dusting of snow, then you probably don’t want to spend too much money on a powered shovel. However, if you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow each winter, you might want to invest in a high-quality, durable electric snow shovel. 
  • PACE The second thing to consider is how quickly the electric shovel you’re interested in buying can remove snow. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you’ll likely want a model that can work quickly and efficiently to clear off your sidewalk and driveway. 
  • SIZE – Like most power tools, electric snow shovels come in various shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consider the space you’ll need to regularly clear of snow—as well as your available storage area—before making a purchase. If you have a large driveway, you’ll want a shovel that’s going to be big enough to accommodate it. But, if your driveway is small and narrow, then maybe a more compact model will be your best bet.
  • POWER – If you live in an area that receives large accumulations of snow each winter, a high-powered electric snow shovel will be essential. Consider durability, efficiency, and how much snow your potential purchase can handle. If you have a sloped driveway, you’ll want to find an electric shovel that has that added power boost, too—to not only tackle snow removal but also be able to maneuver effectively on sloped or steep terrain.
  • MAINTENANCE – Different electric-powered snow shovels require various kinds of care and upkeep. Pick one that can withstand hard work over a long period of time. It’s important to note that electric snow shovels require less maintenance than gas-powered snow blowers. (Gas-powered snow blowers need regular gas refills, oil changes, and much more.) Electric snow shovels need only a good spot to be plugged in or a battery-charging source, which can be far more convenient to some users. 
  • NOISE – As with most powered tools, noise is a factor when shopping for an electric-powered snow shovel. Some models are louder than others. Depending on how close your neighbors are to your property, and when you plan to shovel, you’ll want to make noise output a consideration when weighing your electric snow shovel purchase options.

The Best Electric Snow Shovels to Buy: Our Four Favorites

Greenworks 8 Amp 12-inch Electric Snow Shovel

Greeworks-8-Amp-12-inch-Electric-Snow-Shovel

This Greenworks electric snow shovel is a great option for cleaning snow off sidewalks, decks, stairs, and other areas around the home. It features an 8-amp motor that delivers a clearing rate of 300 to 450 pounds, which is an optimum force for most applications. The 12-inch blade can lift and move snow up to 20 feet away. Made from durable plastic for easier transportation and storage, the Greenworks electric shovel also has a convenient cord lock that helps prevent the power cord from disconnecting during use. 

 This electric snow shovel clears light amounts of snow quickly and easily without having to deal with gas, oil, or tune-ups required by gas-powered models. It does not provide as much force as larger gas models, but it is still more than enough for most purposes. The Greenworks has a narrow 12-inch clearing path, so some users may find that they need to make multiple passes with this shovel if the area being cleared is particularly large. 

 Overall, the Greenworks electric snow shovel is an effective tool for removing light amounts of snow quickly and easily, without being too heavy or unwieldy. Some users may experience problems with the power cord becoming disconnected during use, but this seems to be a rare occurrence and can usually be fixed by pressing down on the cord lock. 

Specifications

  • Brand: Greenworks 
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Item weight: 14 pounds
  • Throw distance: 20 feet
  • Power: 8-amp motor 
  • Clearing width: 12 inches
  • Warranty: 4 years

Pros

  • Lightweight: The Greenworks electric snow shovel is very compact and can easily be handled and carried to different locations.
  • Easy operation: The adjustable auxiliary handle adds comfort and makes the shovel easy to operate.
  • Hassle-free: This shovel has a push-button electric start (making it simple to turn on). 

 Cons

  • The Greenworks electric snow shovel may struggle when managing heavy snowfalls.

Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp

Earthwise-SN70010-Snow-Thrower-10-Inch-9-Amp

The Earthwise Snow Thrower is a low-cost snow shovel designed for light-to-moderate snowfall. It works well within city neighborhoods where the streets are only slushy, and there’s no need for sidewalk clearing.

 In theory, the Earthwise Snow Thrower can clear up to 10 inches of snow, shooting the snow it shovels up to 25 feet away. But, in practice, we recommend clearing an initial path before shoveling, if your driveway has snow that’s deeper than 5 inches. 

 This electric snow shovel model has a plastic auger, making it ill-suited for managing heavier use over a long period of time. The Earthwise shovel should only be considered as a light-duty machine. A plus in favor of this model, however, is that the snow thrower has a throttle trigger—an improvement over other squeeze-handle models.

 The Earthwise SN70010 has good power for this price range. Be sure to store this model indoors throughout the winter—the metal parts will rust, and the plastic parts will crack if left outdoors.

Specifications

  • Brand: Earthwise
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Item weight: 11 pounds
  • Throw distance: 25 feet
  • Power: 9-amp motor 
  • Clearing width: 10 inches
  • Clearing depth: 5 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros

  • Easy to operate: The adjustable auxiliary handle and cord retention hook make the Earthwise electric shovel trouble-free and easy to use.
  • Powerful: It clears large amounts of snow—as much as 300 pounds of snow per minute.
  • Lightweight and portable: It is light enough for transportation and easy storage.

Cons

  • Assembly – It might be difficult to assemble for some people.

Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch, 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel

snow-Joe-323E-13-Inch-10-Amp-Electric-Snow-Shovel

The Snow Joe 323E is a good electric snow shovel option for people living in heavy snowfall areas. It can handle up to six inches of snow without any difficulty. But sometimes it may struggle with heavy, wet snow or deeper drifts. But, for fresh snow (and a lot of it) the Snow Joe 323E is the perfect pick. The Snow Joe 323E’s lightweight design ensures easy handling, even over snow-covered sidewalks all winter long.

The Snow Joe 323E has an incredible 10-amp motor, which means it’ll move around 400 pounds of snow per minute. So, no matter how deep those drifts may seem, the Snow Joe 323E can handle the job. 

 This electric snow shovel is also a budget-friendly option (a pleasant surprise for this heavy-duty, high-quality shovel). It’s also quite durable and made completely of metal, with no plastic. 

 Specifications

  • Brand: Snow Joe
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Item weight: 13.8 pounds
  • Throw distance: 20 feet
  • Power: 10-amp motor 
  • Clearing width: 13 inches
  • Clearing depth: 6 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros

  • Affordable: The Snow Joe 323E is a budget-friendly electric snow shovel. 
  • Multi-purpose: Ideal for quick snow pickups on decks, steps, patios, and sidewalks. 
  • Comfortable to use: The Snow Joe 323E’s ergonomic design includes an adjustable handle, to minimize user strain.

Cons

  •  Weight: This is a heavier electric snow shovel model, which may exhaust users who aren’t used to working with automated snow shovels or blowers. 

WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower

WEN-5664-Snow-Blaster-13.5-Amp-18-Inch-Electric-Snow-Thrower

The Snow Blaster snow thrower is an excellent way to make your wintertime a little more enjoyable. These are efficient and easy-to-move snow throwers, with a 13.5-amp motor. The Blaster can shoot up to 490 pounds of fluffy goodness per minute, clearing 18 inches wide by nearly 8 inches deep in no time!

The round, wide-mouthed chute eliminates snow buildup and prevents clogging while in use. Well-built and durable, the Snow Blaster operates by scraping snow from the ground with flexible blades attached to a heavy-duty frame. The design helps to maximize the amount of snow the Blaster can clear from driveways, patios, and sidewalks.

 The model allows for quick directional adjustments, so it can switch course easily and turn a full 180 degrees. One of the best features of this electric snow shovel is its two, 6-inch in diameter, never-flat wheels. Both are mounted on the back of the unit, making mobility even easier. 

 Specifications

  • Brand: WEN
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Item weight: 32 pounds
  • Throw distance: 20 feet
  • Power: 13.5-amp motor 
  • Clearing width: 18 inches
  • Clearing depth: 7.8 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

 Pros:

  • High efficiency: This snow shovel can clear 1150 cubic inches of snow in a single auger rotation.
  • Sturdy and reliable: The WEN Snow Blaster is well-built with flexible blade edges. The motor spins quickly at 2000 RPM to throw snow up to 20 feet away.
  • Easy transportation: The onboard carrying handle allows for easy transportation between jobs. 

 Cons:

  • Weight: It is a bit heavy for first-timers.
  • Price: The WEN Snow Blaster is more costly than the other options.

Final Words and My List Again

Electric Snow Shovels are a lifesaver in my book and combine the advantages of both a motorized snowblower and a manual shovel without the common disadvantages.  They are a great option for those who want an easy and convenient way to clear their driveway and sidewalks of snow.  They’re also a smart choice for people with back problems or other health issues that might make traditional snow shoveling difficult or dangerous.

If you’re looking for an easy way to clear the snow from your property, consider our tips and tricks for purchasing an electric snow shovel that’s right for you and your home.

If you are ready to buy, here’s my recommended list again:

Brand & Model
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Preview
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Rating
-
-
-
-
Price
$92.77
$69.99
$89.52
$189.65
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Preview
Greenworks 8 Amp 12 inch Electric Snow Shovel
Rating
-
Price
$92.77
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Preview
Earthwise SN70010 Snow Thrower, 10-Inch, 9-Amp
Rating
-
Price
$69.99
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
Preview
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch 10-Amp Electric Snow Shovel,Blue
Rating
-
Price
$89.52
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime
Brand & Model
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Preview
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower,Black
Rating
-
Price
$189.65
Buy On Amazon
Prime?
Amazon Prime

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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