What do you get when you cross a large, powerful snowblower with a manual snow shovel? You get a too-amazing-for-words electric snow shovel. They’re not very bulky, yet give you some relief from the manual labor of a normal shovel, saving you from that pesky back pain.
You’ll notice that the handle of most electric snow shovels is very much the same as your traditional shovel, but the other parts are unique. Don’t spend another winter with a sore back, dreading having to shovel when you look out the window. Instead, have a little fun with your handy new outdoor machine.
Let’s take a closer look at what electric shovels are, how to use them, and our top 5 picks!
What Are Electric Snow Shovels?
Rather than a scoop-type blade, you’ll see that electric snow shovels have large, single, or double rotating blades. It easily picks up and throws the snow out of your path while you push it along. Of course, this surface needs to be paved.
Taking less physical effort to use, it’s great for people who have experienced back pain or other pain as a result of traditional shoveling. It does, however, require some pushing to operate. These aren’t self-propelled like snow blowers.
Fresh snow is the best for these electric snow shovels. They can be used on decks, patios, steps, and of course sidewalks.
When it comes to price, you’re looking at spending between $60 to about $190 or so, depending on the model. Compare this with the high price of $1,500 plus for a snowblower.
What Are the Different Types of Electric Snow Shovels?
Well, first we’ll mention that they are either corded or cordless, so choose one type or the other depending on your preferences. They both have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look.
Corded
If you’re more traditional and like to have a reliable machine without the hassle of charging a battery, pick a corded electric shovel. You’ll have immediate power and clear that snow exactly when you plan to, without the surprise need for a fresh charge which can take around 3 hours.
However, your coverage area will be limited to the length of the included cord (50-100 feet), unless you add an extension cord.
Cordless
The cordless models work on lithium-ion batteries, running for about 20-50 minutes on one charge. If you have a huge area to clear far away from any outlet, you may want to opt for this type of electric shovel. You’ll also avoid having to drag a cord around.
One downside of this is that you might have to take a hot-chocolate break in between charges. Well, maybe longer than that, but you could try to plan your day around the 2 or 3-hour charge.
How to Choosing the Best Electric Snow Shovel
You need to clear your snow dependably and more easily than your traditional shovel. Let’s go over the key factors to consider when comparing different models.
How Much Will It Weigh?
They’re all pretty lightweight — averaging around 10 to 16 pounds. You need to look at these numbers because they aren’t self-propelled. You’re probably thinking the lighter the better, but you may be sacrificing other factors if you choose the lightest one, such as coverage area and depth.
Clearing Area Capabilities
Let’s consider the size of the intake chute. Its height and width matters here, because this will determine the amount of snow it’ll be able to clear.
You’ve probably already guessed that the height determines the depth and the width determines the width of the path you can clear. You’d be right, but let’s learn more.
Think about the typical snowfall in your area. You can find this online if you’re not sure. Choose accordingly, as the depth of intake chutes will range from about 4 to 8 inches.
If you buy one that’s too short, it may sink down into the snow and you’ll find that the snow will be pushed over your tool. Too tall and you’ll be pushing more weight than you need to be, which might result in back pain and excess energy exerted. But, you’ll want one at least as tall as the average snowfall.
As far as chute width goes, just consider the width of your narrowest path. The width of electric shovel chutes ranges from about 10-16 inches. You’ll need fewer passes with a wider chute, to clear your paved area.
What About the Blades?
The horizontal auger on your electric snow shover will have either one or two blades. Similar to a snow blower, the auger will quickly rotate, allowing the blades to pick up the snow and throw it out of your exhaust chute. Both work well, but the double-bladed ones will clear the snow faster.
Which Type Is Easier to Use?
Either type—corded or cordless—will be easy to use and operate by simply powering them on and pushing them through the fresh snow to be cleared. On some models, you’ll be able to adjust the handles according to your height, and some even have a second handle to help you get better leverage.
How Long Is the Cord?
You’re looking at a cord length of no longer than about 6 feet, but you must buy and use a separate exterior extension cord (either 12- or 14-gauge according to your manual). This is a requirement for use because you can’t plug the included cord directly into your outdoor power outlet.
How Long Will the Battery Last?
Most of the batteries included with your electric snow shovel will last you from about 20 to 50 minutes for each charge. You can find models that include 40-volt batteries. These will last you twice as long as the 24-volt batteries on other models.
What you might want to do is just buy a second battery so you can switch them out when the first one dies. That way you don’t have to wait for another charge. Battery life depends on things like chute size because more snow means more power required.
After a few years, your battery life will become shorter, indicating that it’s time to buy yourself a new one. Or just pop your spare in until you have the time and money.
Our Favorites
Let’s take a peek at our favorite electric snow shovels. We’ll look at factors such as the battery, ease of cleaning, etc. Think about what we covered above when choosing the best one for you.
1. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Shovel
This handy machine has a push-button start, and its 40 volts of battery power is perfect and this model can get rid of snow up to 6 inches in depth. The width of the swath it can clear is 12 inches, so it works great on porches, decks, and sidewalks. We think it’s the best cordless electric snow shovel.
The Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Shovel has a bottom scraper that slides under the snow, making it a lot easier for the auger blade to lift and remove it. This model has the power to toss fresh snow up to 20 feet.
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It comes with a second handle. This helps you keep a good grip on this electric shovel. Adjust the handle as needed.
2. Snow Joe 11-Inch 10 Amp Electric Snow Shovel
For the money, this Snow Joe is a great deal. It’ll clear a whopping 13-inch path and up to 6 inches of snow! This model can also toss it to a max of 20 feet away like the above machine. You can clear your decks, porches, and short sidewalks with this one.
You also get the extra handle with Snow Joe, so you can have that reliable grip, which gives you not only leverage but balance as well. This one is corded, so you don’t have to worry about recharging.
3. Earthwise Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel
The Earthwise Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel gives you a wide swath. The intake chute is large — 16 inches wide and 8 inches high. With fewer passes necessary, you’ll get rid of that snow quickly so you get on with your day.
This one offers you choices as far as where you put your snow. It has an awesome 180-degree rotating chute and sends it soaring up to 30 feet away. This is a unique feature of Earthwise.
This one is also corded so you don’t have to worry about waiting for your second/third charge.
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4. Kobalt 80-Volt 12-in Single-Stage Cordless Snow Shovel
You’ll have your battery included with the Kobalt, saving you a separate purchase. The powerful 80-volt battery will plow right through the snow on sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
It only has a 12-inch clearing path capability, sometimes narrower is better. This machine will toss your snow up to 20 feet away, which is usually plenty of distance to properly remove the snow from the area.
Count on the Kobalt 80-Volt 12-in Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Shovel to eliminate the chances of back pain due to lifting.
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5. Toro 38361 Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower
With Toro 38361, you’re looking at an amazing machine with a curved rotor and an inverted funnel housing. This means you can remove snow without as much clogging.
Although the cord for this isn’t included, you learned above that that was going to be a separate purchase anyway, so no worries. Its 7.5 Amps of pure snow destroying power will rip through your path and clear the area with ease.
Check out what a satisfied buyer thought in this electric snow shovel review.
It removes a HUGE amount of snow per minute—we’re talking 300 pounds. And it still has the ability to toss it up to 20 feet away. All this and it only weighs 12 1/2 pounds! Getting right down to the pavement, it’ll clear four inches of snow off a driveway (50x20ft) in only 20 minutes.
Toro is great for steps, decks, walkways, sidewalks, and more. It also has an adjustable metal handle that has telescoping capabilities. This machine is rust-resistant and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Let the Snow Battle Begin
Now that you’ve learned about the types, workings, and features of electric snow shovels, you’re ready to battle that snow every year now and into the future. Wherever you may live, and however many inches of snow you get, you have plenty of choices when shopping for electric snow shovels.
Say goodbye to that yearly back pain and make the most of your beautiful winters. You’ll have more time and energy for those ski trips, snowball fights, and time with family in front of the fireplace. Ditch that bulky machine, because when choosing between electric shovel vs snowblower, you know who wins.
So make yourself some hot chocolate and find the perfect Amazon electric snow shovel from the comfort of home.