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
- EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower: Best Overall
- Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower: Best Value
- Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Blower Bundle: Best Bundle
- WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow Blaster: Best on a Budget
- Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow Blower: Best Corded
Compare Top Snow Removal Equipment
| Model | Powe Source | Clearing Width | Trowing Distance | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow BlowerCheck Price | 56V Battery | 21 inches | 35 feet | 51 lbs |
Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow BlowerCheck Price | 40V Battery | 20 inches | 20 feet | 47 lbs |
Snow Joe 24V IONMAXCheck Price | 24V Battery | 18 inches | 20 feet | 38 lbs |
WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow BlasterCheck Price | Corded Electric | 20 inches | 29 feet | 36 lbs |
Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow BlowerCheck Price | Corded Electric | 20 inches | 25 feet | 35 lbs |
Best Overall
EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
This heavy-duty cordless snow blower combines the power of two ARC Lithium batteries for top-notch performance that’s perfect for clearing large areas. It also features a high-efficiency brushless motor and robust steel construction, making it durable enough to tackle deep snow.
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 and Cons of EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
- Powerful performance equivalent to gas models
- 35-foot throwing distance
- Variable auger speed control system to adjust throwing distance
- Heated handles
- Higher price point
- Heavier than most competitors
What People Are Saying About The EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
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
The Worx 40V cordless snow blower comes with two batteries and a charger, making it a great overall value for the money. Despite its compact size, it still offers a great balance of power and maneuverability for small and medium-sized properties. Better yet, it features a foldable design, making it easy to store during the off-season.
Pros and Cons of Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Bright LED headlights
- 180-degree rotating chute
- Includes batteries and charger
- Assembly instructions are unclear
- Battery life isn’t as long as other models
What People Are Saying About The Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower
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
While many competitors sell batteries and accessories separately, this bundle deal includes everything you need to get started right out of the box. This Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX bundle includes two batteries, a charger, a multi-functional snow and ice scraper, and a cover to safely store your snow blower when it’s not in use.
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 and Cons of Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Blower Bundle
- Durable 4-blade rubber-tipped steel auger
- Integrated scraper bar
- Comes with snow removal attachments
- Zero emissions
- Smaller clearing width than competitors
- Limited battery life under heavy use
What People Are Saying About The Snow Joe 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Snow Blower Bundle
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
For those seeking reliable performance on a budget, it doesn’t get much better than this corded electric snow blaster from WEN. It costs less than half of what many leading brands are charging, and it outperforms many comparable models on the market. It also comes with a limited two-year warranty, which is a great perk considering how affordable it is. Better yet, it can handle snow up to 10 inches and it’s light enough to pick up and move to another location without any issues
Pros and Cons of WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow Blaster
- Consistent power output
- No battery limitations
- Low price point
- Limited cord length
- Mostly plastic construction
What People Are Saying About The WEN 15-Amp 20-Inch Electric Snow Blaster
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
This powerful corded model offers impressive snow-moving capability with its ability to clear up to 25 tons of snow per hour. Because it’s corded, it delivers consistent power without the fear of running out of battery life. Also, the 22-inch clearing width is the largest on our list, making quick work of driveways and walkways.
Pros and Cons of Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow Blower
- High snow-moving capacity
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Safety switch to prevent accidental startup
- Corded operation limits its range
- Build quality isn’t as durable as top competitors
What People Are Saying About The Snow Joe 15A Electric Snow Blower
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
How long do snow blower batteries typically last?
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.
What size snow blower do I need?
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.
Are electric snow blowers as powerful as gas models?
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.
How do I store my snow removal equipment in the off-season?
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.
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.