Best Electric Snow Shovels

It’s that time of the year again, when you have to deal with one of the most troubling weather elements of all: preparing for winter.

Shoveling snow from driveways, porches, and patios can be a real back-breaker. And while there are single-stage snow blowers and two-stage snow blowers that can do the work clearing snow quite easily, they can get pretty expensive, and very heavy for some people.

That’s why today we have a selection of the best electric snow shovels that you can buy. These are affordable units that can help you get the job done much faster than you could with a manual snow shovel. So, please put on your snowshoes, and let’s go.

TL;DR- In case you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to go through the entire list, then we recommend going with the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 iON+ model. It has everything you need to take care of your snow shoveling worries.

Top Five Electric Snow Shovels

1. Snow Joe 24V-SS13 iON+ (Best Overall Pick)

Overall Score: 4.7 out of 5

We believe in bringing the best to you first; that’s why the top spot on the list is occupied by the 24V-SS13 iON+ model from Snow Joe. An ideal combination of versatility and power, it’s well suited for picking up snow efficiently and effectively.

Product Highlights

• Snow throwing distance of up to 20 feet
• 400W Motor
• Clears up to 1620 pounds of snow on a single charge

Why Did We Like It?

If you’re looking for a tool that allows fast and efficient snow-shoveling, then you can’t do any better than this one. The smooth, cord-free operation helps clear snow from driveways, decks, and patios with equal ease.

As a 400W motor powers the device, it can easily remove up to 1620 pounds of snow per charge. Along with that, the dual-bladed, high-impact auger helps to throw snow up to a distance of 20 feet and cuts out a 13×6 inch path.

We also like the 24V rechargeable battery, which provides more than twenty minutes of runtime. Add to that a whisper-quiet operation and two years warranty, which helps you rest at ease about the product’s quality.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Despite there not being any operational disadvantages, we were a bit miffed to notice that the recharging time is rather long. Long wait times might not be feasible if you’re in a hurry and need to clear snow fast.

Pros:

• Lightweight yet powerful motor
• Impressive battery life
• High-impact, low-temperature auger
• Can throw snow up to 20 feet

Cons:

• It takes a lot of time to charge

2. Earthwise SN70016 (Best Value For Money)

Overall Score: 4.3 out of 5

If the previous item was a bit too expensive for your tastes, then the SN70016 from Earthwise can be a better option. More affordable and with a powerful motor, this shovel can give any snow-thrower a run for its money.

Product Highlights

• Snow throwing distance of up to 30 feet
• Powerful 12A electric motor
• Clears up to 430 pounds of snow per minute

Why Did We Like It?

Powerful motor aside, we were particularly impressed with the massive snow clearing capacity of the unit. With up to 430 pounds of snow cleared in under a minute, this is one of the fastest electric shovels we’ve tested.

The snow clearing width and depth of 16×8 inches ensures it clears a wide enough path for your needs. It can also throw the snow up to a distance of 30 feet, which is impressive by the standards of snow shovels.

We also like how the model is equipped with 6-inch rear wheels for easy transportation. Along with that, the auxiliary handle and dual-curved auger blade with thermal protection ensure impeccable operation.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Unlike the previous model on the list, this one is a corded unit, which means you’ll have to make use of an extension cord. This limits portability to a certain extent, though the drawback is offset by the nifty cord-retention hook it comes with.

Pros:

• Portable and powerful
• Comes with cord retention hook
• Dual-curved auger blade
• Considerable snow throwing distance of 30 feet

Cons:

• Not a cordless model

3. Snow Joe 323E (Most Affordable)

Overall Score: 4.2 out of 5

Searching for a still more affordable option? Well then, here’s the 323E, another quality product from the house of Snow Joe. The unit is ergonomically designed and helps to reduce strain on the user.

Product Highlights

• Snow throwing distance of up to 20 feet
• Powerful 10A motor
• Clears up to 400 pounds of snow per minute

Why Did We Like It?

One of the first reasons for keeping this unit on the list is the ergonomic build. Snow shoveling can be a tedious task, and the adjustable design and convenient handle make the job easier on your back.

Along with that, we were impressed with the 2-blade paddle auger that it comes equipped with. It’s capable of cutting a path 13×6 inch in terms of width and depth in each pass, which is more than enough for a standard layer of snow.

The powerful 10A motor is capable of moving up to 400 pounds of snow per minute, and the product comes with a warranty of two years that provides additional peace of mind. The icing on the cake comes in the form of an adequate snow-throwing distance of 20-feet.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The one drawback of this model is that it’s not a cordless one, which means you’ll need a steady power source to operate it. This might turn out to be a bit problematic unless you have a suitably-lengthy extension cord.

Pros:

• Two-blade paddle auger that cuts deep and wide
• Removes up to 400 pounds of snow per minute
• Designed ergonomically to reduce back strain
• Comes with a two-year warranty

Cons:

• Is not a cordless model

 

4. Earthwise SN74016 (Largest Snow Throwing Distance)

Overall Score: 4.1 out of 5

Just in case you’re not interested in corded models, we have another cordless one for you. The SN74016 from Earthwise has a massive 32 feet snow throwing clearance, along with a powerful, brushless motor that works noiselessly to clear snow.

Product Highlights

• Snow throwing distance of 32 feet
• Powerful 40V brushless motor
• Clears up to 300 pounds of snow per minute

Why Did We Like It?

As far as cordless electric snow shovels go, this is one of the better ones. The considerable snow-throwing distance, together with a clearing width and depth of 16×8 inches, provided us with a smooth operational experience.

Coming to the motor, the 40V brushless motor offers noiseless yet powerful operation that clears up to 300 pounds of snow per minute. And since it comes with a 4Ah battery and charger included, you don’t have to shop for them separately.

Finally, we must mention the 180-degree rotating chute that helps to dispel the snow in any direction you want. Add to that the ergonomic handle, six-inch wheels, and dual blade auger, and we can say with confidence that this one device is enough to fulfill all your snow-shoveling needs.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Decidedly the price, which is rather steep for a snow shovel. Also, the product’s weight is 19 pounds, which makes it a heavy unit to move around. Still, considering it comes with the battery and charger, we can’t complain.

Pros:

• Entirely cordless operation
• Powerful brushless motor
• Ergonomic design
• Large snow throwing distance

Cons:

• Rather pricey product
• Heavy build

 

5. Greenworks 2600802 (Most Ergonomic)

Overall Score: 3.9 out of 5

As we come down to our final recommendation, it’s time to bring the Greenworks 2600802 to your attention. Hassle-free, lightweight, and ergonomic, this affordable product ensures you can clear snow from your driveway without clearing out your pocket.

Product Highlights

• Snow throwing distance of up to 20-feet
• 8A electric motor
• Clears up to 300 pounds of snow per minute

Why Did We Like It?

Our primary reason for including this product on the list is the lightweight and compact build of the product. It is specifically made for operating in tight spaces and corners and helps you clear snow out of those tricky locations.

It delivers a clearing width of 12-inches and is extremely easy to maneuver. Moreover, the adjustable auxiliary handle ensures that you don’t have to physically tax yourself while using it.

Another aspect of the product that we’d like to highlight is the snow clearing capacity of 300 pounds per minute, which puts it among the faster products in the market. Finally, the push-button starting mechanism eliminates any hassle associated with starting the device.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Despite the rather nifty features and affordable price, this snow shovel’s major drawback is that it’s not cordless. This takes away from the otherwise excellent maneuverability of the product.

Pros:

• Adequate snow clearing capacity
• Portable and adjustable
• Easy push-button starting mechanism
• Works well even in tight spaces

Cons:

• Corded operation limits maneuverability

Buyers’ Guide

Buying an electric snow shovel is entirely different from purchasing a standard one. But you don’t need to worry, as we’ve compiled this handy buyers’ guide that details all factors you must keep in mind while making the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Much Snow Can The Typical Electric Snow Shovel Handle?

The amount of snow that can be handled by an electric snow shovel depends upon the motor power to a large extent. As a rule of thumb, if your area gets about 8 to 10 inches of snow (or even less), then these devices can get the job done rather well. For snowfall greater than that, you’ll have to rely on a more powerful snow blower.

2. Is It Tough To Use An Electric Snow Shovel?

Not at all! In fact, using an electric snow shovel is much easier than using a regular shovel to move snow. Since the motor gets much of the work done for you, anyone can use these devices without any risk of injury.

3. Can I Leave The Snow Shovel Outdoors?

It’s best that you don’t do so, since leaving the shovel outdoors might damage its internal components, such as the motor and battery (in case of cordless variants). That’s why, we recommend storing the device in your garden shed or garage.

4. What Kind Of Electric Snow Shovel Is Best For Senior Citizens?

Electric snow shovels usually come in self-propelled or manual variants. In manual models, the user has to push it, while self-propelled ones do all the work as you just steer it along. So, it makes sense that for senior citizens, self-propelled shovels would be the best.

Factors To Consider When Selecting An Electric Snow Shovel

1. Corded Or Cordless

Electric snow shovels can be either corded or cordless, depending on the model that you select. Cordless snow shovels draw power from a battery that can be recharged with the help of a charger.

While most cordless shovels come with the battery and charger included (like the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 iON+), many require them to be bought separately. This can push up the overall cost of the product. Also, cordless models have a fixed runtime before the battery runs out.

In comparison, corded models can run from a nearby power supply for as long as you want. The trouble is, since the power needs to be connected to the machine via a line, you’d need an extension cord in most cases. And as good quality extension cords are pretty costly, this can result in a considerable pocket pinch.

Another significant problem that corded snow shovels have to avoid is getting the wires entangled with the auger blades. In case this happens, it can lead to severe electrical hazards.

2. Product Weight

As with any machine you have to maneuver, you’d want your snow shovel to be lightweight and portable. And while most units do fit the bill, some models, such as the Earthwise SN74016, are on the heavier side. So, before making the purchase, be sure to note the product’s weight and understand whether you’d be able to handle it.

3. Starting Mechanism

The starting mechanism is the one point where most electric snow-shovels have a uniform characteristic. Unlike gas-powered units that have to use a rip-cord for starting, electric snow shovels use a push-button starting mechanism that’s easy and hassle-free.

4. Motor Capacity

The motor is, obviously, the heart of any electric snow shovel. As a rule of thumb, the higher the motor’s amperage, the greater is its snow clearing capacity. However, more powerful motors mean larger device sizes and greater weights.

5. Snow Removal Rate

Electric snow shovels usually have a capacity of lifting a few hundred pounds per minute. In general, the more powerful the motor, the greater will be the snow removal rate. The specs sheet for the device will mention the removal rate, so you should take this into careful consideration. A higher capacity means you’ll get the job done faster and easier.

6. Snow Throwing Distance

Since electric shovels don’t just remove the snow but throw it as well, this is another factor that you must keep in mind. Most snow shovels have throwing distances in the range of 20 to 30 feet. Anything lower than that will send the snow drifting into the area you’re clearing.

7. Clearing Width And Depth

The clearing width and depth determine the number of passes that you need to clear a path free of snow. In case you live in an area with light to moderate snowfall, then a clearing depth between 4 to 8 inches will suffice.

8. Shovel Ergonomics

The next factor to look out for is ergonomics, which means you need to make sure that the product you’re getting is lightweight and has adjustable handles. This will reduce the pressure on your back while clearing out snow.

9. Warranty

Finally, always be sure to check the warranty of the model you’ve selected before purchasing. Usually, most electric snow shovels have warranties of at least two years. This means you’ll have ample time to understand whether the product meets your needs.

 

Summing It Up

And that about wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed going through this list, and now have a much better understanding of electric snow shovels. However, before we leave, we’d like to do a quick recap of the best models we discussed.

The overall best pick is the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 iON+, which delivers a powerful performance. But if you find it too expensive, you can always opt for the much more affordable Snow Joe 323E.

In case you’re looking for the right balance of power, portability, and price, nothing beats the Earthwise SN70016. But only if you don’t mind shelling out a bit extra for an extension cord and the hassle that goes with a corded product.

One last point I want to make is that there are alternatives to remove snow from your driveway without shoveling all together so I put together a great resource for you.

That’s all for now. Till next time!