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If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, having reliable snow removal equipment is essential for getting in and out of your driveway. Whether you prefer a snow blower, snow plow, snow shovel, or snow pusher, there’s no shortage of ways to clear snow off your property. However, with all the options available, it can be difficult to know which snow removal tools are best for handling heavy snow.
That’s why the This Old House Team did some digging (and shoveling) to narrow down the best snow removal equipment on the market. Keep reading to see our top picks and find the best snow equipment for your winter landscaping needs.
Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Picks for Snow Removal
- Best Overall: EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
- Best Value: Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower
- Best Bundle: Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Blower Bundle
- Best on a Budget: WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow Blaster
- Best Corded: Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow Blower
Compare Top Snow Removal Equipment
| Model | Power Source | Clearing Width | Throwing Distance | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ SNT2102 | 56V Battery | 21 inches | 35 feet | 51 lbs |
| Worx 40V | 40V Battery | 20 inches | 20 feet | 47 lbs |
| Snow Joe IONMAX | 24V Battery | 18 inches | 20 feet | 38 lbs |
| WEN 15-Amp | Corded Electric | 20 inches | 29 feet | 36 lbs |
| Snow Joe 15A | Corded Electric | 20 inches | 25 feet | 35 lbs |
Best Overall
EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
- $299
- $471.45
- 37% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Even though it uses a lot of battery power, it can still clear a 10-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge. For most homeowners and hobbyists, this is as close as you’ll get to a professional snow blowing machine.
Pros:
- Powerful performance equivalent to gas models
- 35-foot throwing distance
- Variable auger speed control system to adjust throwing distance
- Heated handles
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Heavier than most competitors
What Customers Are Saying
Customers typically praise the EGO Power for its impressive throwing power and overall performance. Many customers reported that the blower could handle up to a foot of snow with no problems. Similarly, they like that the dual-battery system provides plenty of power for larger jobs. However, the batteries take a few hours to fully recharge, so it’s a good idea to purchase a backup set if you plan on clearing larger properties.
Best Value
Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower
- $319.99
- $439.99
- 27% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Bright LED headlights
- 180-degree rotating chute
- Includes batteries and charger
Cons:
- Assembly instructions are unclear
- Battery life isn’t as long as other models
What Customers Are Saying
Most buyers agree that the Worx 40V snow blower is an excellent value for the price. Many customers are impressed with how compact it is, while others compliment its performance with light snow. Some customers have concerns about how it handles heavy, wet snow, but overall, most users are satisfied with the value and performance of their purchase.
Best Bundle
Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Blower Bundle
- $399
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The blower also has a 2-watt LED headlight that enhances your visibility during evening snow storms. It’s a battery-powered single-stage snow blower, which makes it better for small jobs than many two-stage snow blowers on the market. However, it still has plenty of power for most residential uses.
Pros:
- Durable 4-blade rubber-tipped steel auger
- Integrated scraper bar
- Comes with snow removal attachments
- Zero emissions
Cons:
- Smaller clearing width than competitors
- Limited battery life under heavy use
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers praise the Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX’s easy assembly and simple operation. They also like that it can clear most driveways with ease. However, some express concern with the battery life, saying that it may run out of power before the job is done. Still, most users are happy with their purchase and are especially impressed with how lightweight and easy to use this snowblower is.
Best on a Budget
WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow Blaster
- $127.71
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- Consistent power output
- No battery limitations
- Low price point
Cons:
- Limited cord length
- Mostly plastic construction
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers are thrilled with the price, claiming that it’s a great value for the money. Many are also impressed with how easily it handles small jobs. However, some buyers have concerns about the build quality since it’s mostly plastic. Others think that it doesn’t have enough power or durability for largers properties or deeper snow. Still, most are satisfied with their purchase and view it to be a great deal.
Best Corded
Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow Blower
- $179
- $249
- 28% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros:
- High snow-moving capacity
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Safety switch to prevent accidental startup
Cons:
- Corded operation limits its range
- Build quality isn’t as durable as top competitors
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers are impressed with how lightweight the snow blower is (35 pounds) and how easy it is to maneuver. Others are disappointed that it costs an additional $80 to $100 for a heavy-guage, high-quality power cord that’s rated for cold weather, so it adds onto the price of the unit. Still, most buyers are happy with their purchase and praise the Snow Joe’s ability to handle most types of snowfall.
Types of Snow Removal Equipment
Electric Snow Blowers
Electric snow blowers offer several advantages over traditional gas-powered models, including lower maintenance requirements and quieter operation. They come in both corded and cordless varieties, each with their own benefits:
- Corded models provide unlimited runtime but a limited range
- Cordless models offer greater mobility but require battery management
- Both types produce zero direct emissions
Considerations for Corded Snow Blowers
If you’re using a corded snow blower, you’ll likely have to use an extension cord. However, you can’t just use any length and gauge of cord. Most manufacturers recommend using a 12-gauge cord less than 100 feet long. Make sure to read the instruction manual and manufacturer guidelines for your specific snow blower before plugging it into any existing extension cords.
Battery-Powered Equipment
Battery-powered snow removal equipment has seen significant advancement in recent years. Modern lithium-ion batteries provide:
- Improved cold-weather performance
- Longer runtime between charges
- More consistent power output
- Reduced environmental impact
Keep in mind that your battery performance depends on the quality of the battery (not all brands are equal), the ampere-hours (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh) of your battery, and the size of the snow blower you’re using.
Clearing Width Considerations
The clearing width is the size of the path your snow blower will clear. Smaller clearing widths are usually better for sidewalks and walkways, while larger ones are better for driveways and parking lots.
When in doubt, use the measurements below as a guide for your purchase:
- 18–20 inches: Suitable for small to medium properties
- 21–22 inches: Ideal for medium to large driveways
- 24+ inches: Best for large properties or commercial use
Maintenance Tips
To get the most life out of your snow removal equipment, we recommend the following:
- Clean equipment thoroughly after each use
- Check and tighten all bolts and fasteners regularly
- Keep batteries charged and stored properly
- Inspect power cords for damage
- Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer
Maintenance is never a fun chore, but with the right care, your snow removal equipment could last a decade or more.
Safety Considerations
Whenever you’re working with power tools, it’s important to keep safety as your top priority. If you’re operating snow removal equipment, be sure to:
- Wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear
- Use eye and ear protection when necessary
- Keep hands and feet away from moving parts
- Be aware of the power cord location if using corded equipment
- Clear areas of obstacles before beginning snow removal
Using a snow blower may not seem dangerous, but it’s always best to use proper safety precautions.
Snow Removal FAQs
Q: How long do snow blower batteries typically last?
A: Most modern lithium-ion batteries in snow blowers last 45–60 minutes per charge under normal conditions. Battery life can vary significantly based on snow conditions and temperature.
Q: What size snow blower do I need?
A: For most residential driveways, a clearing width of 20–22 inches is more than enough. However, if you plan on clearing larger properties, we recommend a snow blower with a 24+ inch clearing width.
Q: Are electric snow blowers as powerful as gas models?
A: Modern electric snow blowers, especially higher-voltage models like the EGO Power+, can match or exceed the performance of many gas snow blowers, like a Toro, while offering quieter, cleaner operation.
Q: How do I store my snow removal equipment in the off-season?
A: Both on-season and off, we recommend storing your snow removal equipment in a dry, covered area. After use, remove batteries and store them inside at room temperature. Once winter is over, clean all equipment thoroughly before putting it in storage to prevent rust.
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 garbage disposals 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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