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Anyone who has spent hours manually shoveling snow knows it can be exhausting, backbreaking work. However, if you’re looking for a way to keep your driveway free of snow without using a full-size snow blower, an electric snow shovel could be a great alternative. These compact tools combine the maneuverability of a traditional shovel with the motorized power of a snow blower for a perfect blend of practicality and performance.
That’s why our team has ranked the best electric snow shovels on the market according to factors like clearing width, snow depth capacity, throwing distance, and overall performance. Read on to see our top picks and find the best one for your snow removal needs.
We evaluated a number of electric snow shovels to help you choose the best one. Here are our top picks.
Top 4 Electric Snow Shovels
*Links open to product retail page.
- Best Overall: Toro 38361 Power Shovel
- Best Cordless: Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel
- Best Lightweight: Snow Joe 24V Cordless Snow Shovel
- Best Value: Greenworks 40V Snow Shovel
Compare Top Electric Snow Shovels
| Product | Weight | Clearing Width | Depth Capacity | Throwing Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toro 38361 Power Shovel | 13 lbs | 12 inches | 6 inches | 20 feet |
| Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel | 19 lbs | 16 inches | 8 inches | 32 feet |
| Snow Joe Cordless Snow Shovel | 12 lbs | 11 inches | 7 inches | 20 feet |
| Greenworks 40V Snow Shove | 13 lbs | 12 inches | 6 inches | 20 feet |
Best Overall
Toro 38361 Power Shovel
- $241.7
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Rust-resistant body
- Anti-clog rotor design
- Telescoping handle with 6-inch height adjustment
Cons:
- Corded design limits mobility
- Best suited for light to moderate snowfall
What Customers Are Saying:
Most customers are impressed with the snow shovel’s performance, claiming that it can handle up to 10 inches of snow with ease, despite its 6-inch depth capacity. Others praise the shovel’s light weight and two-year warranty. However, since the Toro Power Shovel is mainly made of plastic, some users are concerned about the build quality. Still, the majority of customers are happy with their purchase and think the shovel lives up to Toro’s reputation.
Best Cordless
Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel
- $259.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Complete cordless freedom of movement
- Ergonomic handle design
- 180-degree rotating chute
- Extremely long throwing distance
Cons:
- Heavier than other models
- Higher price point than corded models
What Customers Are Saying:
Most customers are impressed with the Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel’s performance, especially for light or medium snowfall. Others praise its lightweight design and quick battery charge. However, some critique the shovel’s build quality, claiming that the battery compartment won’t stay closed. Still, this is a small complaint among all its other compliments.
Best Lightweight
Snow Joe 24V IONMAX
- $156.65
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Only 11.8 pounds
- Includes a quick charger and battery
- Moves up to 75 pounds of snow per minute
- Has a dual-handle design for easy movement
Cons:
- The battery only lasts 22 minutes
- Does not have a rotating chute
What Customers Are Saying:
Overall, customers are impressed with the Snow Joe 24V IONMAX’s lightweight design and performance in light snow. However, some customers are disappointed with how it handles heavy snow, and others are upset with the battery life. Still, the majority of users are satisfied with their purchase and think it’s a great value for the money.
Best Value
Greenworks 40V Snow Shovel
- $169.99
- $178.74
- 5% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Part of an entire 40V tool system that can share batteries
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons:
- Basic feature set
- The battery drains quickly
What Customers Are Saying:
Most customers are happy with the Greenworks 40V Snow Shovel’s overall price and performance. Some are impressed with how quickly the shovel can clear driveways and how easily it can handle light and medium snowfall. However, some users were disappointed that you can’t change the direction that the shovel throws the snow. Still, most buyers are satisfied with the shovel and the price they paid for it.
Electric Snow Shovel Buying Guide
Power Source
Electric snow shovels come in both corded and cordless varieties. Corded models offer unlimited runtime, but finding a nearby outlet can be difficult. Cordless models provide greater mobility, but they have a limited battery life.
Clearing Capacity
When buying a snow shovel, consider both the clearing width and depth capacity. Wider clearing width means that you can clear a driveway with fewer passes, while depth capacity determines how many inches of snowfall it can handle. Most residential models offer 12-inch widths and 6-inch depth capacities.
Weight and Maneuverability
Unlike snowblowers, users will have to push and lift their electric snow shovels, so weight is an important factor. Most electric snow shovels weigh between 12 and 16 pounds, so consider your physical capabilities when choosing which shovel to purchase.
Additional Features
Extra features may cost a bit more, but they can also increase the functionality of your snow shovel and make it easier to use. When shopping, keep an eye out for useful features like:
- LED lights: With built-in headlights, you can clear snow off your driveway or sidewalk during the day or night.
- Variable speed controls: This feature lets you adjust the power of your shovel to tackle heavy, wet snow, or light, fluffy snow with the appropriate force.
- Rotating chutes: This feature lets you change the direction of where your snow blower shoots the snow, making it easier to control where your piles of snow end up.
- Battery compatibility with other tools: Batteries are expensive, and it always helps to have a few extras on hand, so if your snow shovel uses batteries that are compatible with your other power tools, that’s definitely an added plus.
Maintenance Tips
As with any power tool, your electric snow shovel will last longer if you maintain it. To maximize the lifespan of your electric snow shovel:
- Clean the unit after each use: Make sure there’s not any lingering ice or snow on your electric snow shovel when you store it. Clean it off after each use to prevent rust.
- Store in a dry location: Instead of storing your electric snow shovel outside, bring it inside or keep it in a covered outdoor structure. Feel free to store it in a shed, basement, garage, porch, or under an awning.
- Check and tighten hardware regularly: Regular use can loosen bolts in your snow shovels and snow blowers, so be sure to tighten any loose hardware after each use.
Keep power cords in good condition: We recommend using a 12-gauge extension cord under 100 feet long that’s rated for cold weather use. Be sure to wrap up the cable and store it inside when you’re not using it. If you see any cuts or exposed wires in the cable, stop using it immediately.
Electric Snow Shovel FAQs
Q: How do electric snow shovels compare to snow blowers?
A: Electric snow shovels are typically lighter, more compact, and less expensive than snow blowers. However, they’re not as powerful, so they won’t be as effective for heavy snowfall.
Q: What type of snow conditions work best for electric snow shovels?
A: Electric snow shovels perform best with light, fluffy snow up to 6 inches deep. If the snow is wet, heavy, or deeper than 6 inches, your snow shovel may struggle.
Q: How long do cordless models typically run?
A: Most cordless electric snow shovels last 20–45 minutes on a single charge. Models with dual batteries or higher amp-hour ratings may last over an hour.
Q: Can electric snow shovels damage deck surfaces?
A: Most modern electric snow shovels feature rubber-tipped or plastic augers that won’t damage wooden decks. However, if you notice any damage to your deck after using your electric snow shovel, stop using it immediately.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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