During winter, electric snow shovel vs snow blower is a common argument. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electric snow shovels and snow blowers.
We will further examine the best electric snow shovels and the best snow blowers you can find on the market and fits your needs.
It’s not a secret, winter is one of the hardest periods of the year. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, it is even worse than usual. Nobody looks forward to waking in the morning to clear the snow-covered driveway. Snow shovels and snow blowers can make your job a lot easier.
Let us start with a review of the best snow shovels available.
Electric Snow Shovels
Electric snow shovels are a great tool to remove snow from your driveways, pathways, decks, and patios. They offer an easy way of removing snow without the pain of actual shoveling.
Before buying a snow shovel, you need to realize that while they are great for light snowfall and powder, they are not as effective for heavy snow. They simply lack the necessary power to shovel dense snow and ice packs.
Furthermore, since these shovels simply throw snow some distance ahead of you, shoveling in windy areas can simply throw the snow back in your face.
In addition, they lack width. Therefore, you will need to go over portions repeatedly to thoroughly disperse the snow.
With buying considerations out of the way, let us now consider what the best electric snow shovel available is. To determine this, we will review some of the highest rated snow shovels and determine which of them rules supreme.
1. Snow Joe ION13SS-HYB
Reported by many professionals and users as by far the best snow shovel, the Snow Joe ION13SS-HYB is also our pick for the best electric snow shovel.
If you do not want to be bothered about picking up a new snow shovel in the next couple of years, this is the one for you.
One reason why people love this snow shovel is the hybrid technology it features. It can be used with the inbuilt rechargeable battery or can be plugged to a power source. Whatever the option you use, the Snow Joe ION13SS-HYB delivers the same amount of power. Whichever mode works for you is fine.
When it runs on batteries, it runs for a little over 50 minutes (52 minutes). This ought to give you enough time to get the snow off your driveway, pathways, and patios. With the heavy-duty blades, it helps you clear wide paths without the need to bend down and shovel. Furthermore, it can move up to 300lbs. of snow every minute.
PROS
- It is a hybrid snow shovel that can work from a direct power source or on batteries
- It is capable of throwing snow effectively
- It is lightweight, and it is easy to assemble.
CONS
- The snow thrower cannot be directed
- While shoveling heavy snow, the handle tends to shift
- The 52-minutes battery runtime is too short for many users.
2. Greenworks 26022 Snow Shovel
This corded snow shovel features technology that allows it to handle relatively large amounts of snow. It is a heavy duty snow shovel that just falls short of the top spot in this review. If you are after raw power, you cannot go wrong with this snow shovel.
Unlike the Snow Joe that clears 300lbs. of snow per minute, the Greenworks 26022 does better by clearing 600lbs. per minute. It might not seem much, but this power saves you the considerable time spent shoveling snow using other electric snow shovels. It shovels snow an impressive 25 feet away, so except you have a really big driveway, work is done without a repetition.
Despite the size and power, it delivers quiet and efficient performance. The 16″ clearing width is great too.
Furthermore, despite the great performance, it comes at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a great performance at a cheap price, you can’t ignore this snow shovel
PROS
- The price is cheap
- It is great for the environment: no carbon emissions and delivers quiet performance
- It has a 4-year warranty that shows the confidence of the manufacturer
- The handle is comfortable and easy to grip
CONS
- The direction the snow blows cannot be adjusted
- The height cannot be adjusted
- The price is reflected in the frail design, and it has to be used carefully.
3. Snow Joe 323E
The second Snow Joe snow shovel to make this list, this snow shovel is corded unlike its other brother on this list. Aside from that, it has its own features that make it great and unique.
Despite its appearance, this snow shovel is a powerhouse. It might not have the sheer power of the Greenwood 26022, but it can also hold its own. Capable of shoveling up to 400lbs. of snow per minute, this snow shovel delivers strong performance.
It can shovel snow up to 20 feet away. Hence, clearing snow off your driveway or pathway can be done in little time. The 2 blade paddle auger contributes to the fast and efficient performance of this snow shovel.
PROS
- Coming in at 13.8 pounds, it is lighter than most of the snow shovels in this review
- It is corded and can last for as long as there’s a power source
- It is powerful and can shovel 400lbs. of snow every minute
- Starts instantly with a dedicated safety switch
CONS
- It struggles with heavy snow and dense ice packs.
4. Greenworks 2600802
With a clearing depth of 4″ and a clearing width of 12″, the Greenworks 2600802 is great for shoveling snow. The 8 amp power delivers just enough punch to clear light snow but will struggle with heavy snow.
It features a 300 lbs. per minute snow throwing ability and a throwing distance of up to 20 feet.
It has a quick start button that ensures you do not have to pull any cords to get the machine running. Coming in a 14 pounds, it is not the lightest electric snow shovel, but it does come close.
Furthermore, the mid-range price makes it an attractive machine. It is a worthy investment that will serve you for years.
PROS
- 6″ of snow clearing depth
- Easy to use and features an Instant start button
- Lightweight snow shovel
- Does not require assembling because it is assembled straight out of the box
- Effectively throws snow up to 20 feet away
CONS
- The blade speed is hard to regulate
- It struggles with heavy snow, and the plastic components wear down quickly if used on ice packs or concrete
- The cord length is a bit short.
5. Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel
Although it appears small, this snow shovel is quite powerful. With a powerful 12 Amp motor, it moves up to 430 lbs. of snow a minute and throws snow a distance of 30 feet. This is very impressive.
It has a clearing width of 14 inches, which effectively and quickly removes snow from the desired location.
Unlike other snow shovels on this list, the snow blowing direction can be adjusted.
PROS
- Snow throwing direction can be adjusted
- Throws snow up to 30 feet away
- 12 amp motor shovels 430 lbs. of snow per minute
- Easy to start
CONS
- The blades are made of low-quality material and experience damage after short use.
- Has to be assembled
- The customer service and support are sub-par.
Snow Blower
As the winter months approach and depending on your geographical location, an electric snow blower becomes vital. Although there are many types of snow blowers on the market, finding the right one can be a challenge.
Snow blowers have great advantages. They are much easier on your back than actual shoveling and do a faster and better job.
There are different types of snow blowers on the market. These are Electric Single-stage Snow Blowers and Electric Two-stage Snow Blowers
Let’s briefly consider these two types of snow blowers.
The electric single-stage snow blower is ideal for removing snow from level areas over a short distance. If your driveway or pathway is covered with snow less than 6″ in depth, a single-stage snow blower is good for you.
It is referred to as “single-stage” because the blower sucks in the snow and throws it out of its tube in a single step.
The single-stage snow blower is usually quieter and lighter than the Two-stage snow blower.
Now, if you are faced with heavier snowfall, even up to 16 inches depth, the Two-stage Snow Blower is the perfect option.
The snow, in this case, is pulled into the blower and discarded in 2 stages. An auger picks up the snow to throw it while an impeller helps to throw the snow away while driving the engine-driven wheels.
They can clear up to 30″ width of snow and can be used on uneven and steep surfaces.
Compared to single-stage snow blowers, they are heavier and noisier. They are also more difficult to operate.
After seeing these important facts about snow blowers, let’s now consider the best electric snow blowers on the market.
1. Troy-Bilt Squall XP 208cc Snow Thrower
This is one of the best snow blowers you can buy right now. A single-stage snow blower, it is the answer to heavy snowfall.
This snow blower can clear up to 21″ width and a depth of 13″ in a single sweep. Furthermore, it features 8 x 2 ” wheels that provide comfortable movement over different types of terrains.
Although it is an electric powered snow blower, it has a gas powered option that provides power.
The raw power of this snow blower is a wonder to behold.
PROS
- Very powerful and durable snow blower that will last for many years
- Easy to use and start
- Maintenance is a breeze
- Gas power is an attractive option.
CONS
- Despite the power, it can be difficult to use in intense snow.
2. Worx WG650
The Worx WG650 might not offer the sheer power of the other snowblowers on this list, but its great performance at a reasonable price makes it an attractive option.
It comes with a 13 amp motor which does the basic work of clearing your walkways and driveways. It is one of the easiest to use because it has different height adjustments. Furthermore, the chute rotates about 180 degrees, and the handles are big to hold and feature non-slip grips.
PROS
- Height adjustments mean it can be used by different folks
- The price is terribly attractive
- Foldable handle means it can be easily stored when not in use
CONS
- The exterior parts rust easily and will require regular cleaning and maintenance.
3. Toro 38381
If you are searching for a powerful and efficient snow blower, this is one of the best available.
This single-stage electric snow blower is capable of blowing an amazing 700 lbs. of snow per minute, can clear a width of 18 inches and a depth of up to 12 inches.
Therefore, if your location receives heavy snowfall, this machine will have your driveway, pathway, and yard cleaned in no time.
You can choose the direction of the snow blown as the chute is adjustable up to 160 degrees.
The ergonomic design of this snow blower makes it easy to use for all types of people. Try this snow blower today, and you’ll understand why so many people love using it.
PROS
- Good ergonomic design
- Can clear 700 lbs. per minute
- Adjustable Chute
- Clearing width of 18 inches
CONS
- There is no clearing tool to remove clogs safely.
4. Ariens 921046 Deluxe
If you are on the lookout for a snow blower that can handle a lot of work effectively while you expend little to zero effort, look no further than the Ariens 921046 Deluxe.
It is a self-propelled, Two-stage snow blower that has tremendous power and unique features make it one of the best you can buy.
This snow blower comes with different speeds (6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds) that makes it easy to manage. It can clear a 21 x 28 ” wide area with ease. It can throw snow up to a distance of 50 feet. The chute can be adjusted up to 206 degrees.
An interesting feature of this snow blower is the halogen lights that accompany it. Thus, you do not need daylight to clear the snow.
PROS
- Wide clearing width of 21 x 28”
- Halogen lights are a great innovation
- Throws snow up to 50 feet away
CONS
- Some users have reported engine malfunction. However, these are rare reports.
5. Snow Joe Ultra SJ625E
This a cheap snow blower that offers excellent value for money. Despite the price, it is a tough machine that can withstand harsh weather.
It can clear up to 800 pounds of snow in a minute. As an electric snow blower, it does not need refueling or tuning up.
It is a great fit for residential areas. It features headlights that help you work longer, especially in fading daylight.
It can clear snow up to 10″ depth and a width of 18″. Coming in at 34 pounds, it is one of the heavier snow blowers on this list.
PROS
- Easy to start
- LED lights are great
- Clears 800lbs. of snow per minute
- Affordable price point
CONS
- Relatively heavy.
6. Snow Joe iON8024
With a 2500 Watt motor, this snowblower is one of the best snow blowers you can buy. It is the only Two-stage cordless snow blower on the market right now.
The self-propelling, quiet, and powerful performance makes it the top pick of cordless snow blowers.
It comes with 2 40v 5 amp-hour batteries. Alternatively, it might come with 2 40V 6 amp-hour batteries.
In real life, this will last you for about 30-40 minutes. It blows 1000 lbs. per minute, which is the highest on this list.
It also has a clearing width of 24″.
PROS
- Powerful performance
- Self-propelled and quiet
CONS
- Slow speed
- Battery life is not great.
Conclusion
So there you have it: the best electric snow shovel vs snow blower you can buy. Remember that while a snow shovel is cheaper and easier to use, it cannot handle heavy snow like a snow blower.
Use this article to choose which one is right for you.