Winter can be a challenging time of year, especially for those who live in areas with heavy snowfall. Shoveling snow by hand can be tiresome and time-consuming, which is why many homeowners opt for electric snow blowers to make the task easier.
An electric snow blower is an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to clear your driveway or sidewalk of snow. Unlike gas-powered models, electric snow blowers don’t emit harmful fumes or require messy oil changes. They’re also much quieter than their gas counterparts, making them ideal for use in residential neighborhoods.
When it comes to choosing the best electric snow blower for your needs, there are several factors to consider. The size of your property and the amount of snow you typically receive are among the most important considerations.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top-rated electric snow blowers on the market today. Whether you’re dealing with light flurries or heavy drifts, there’s a model out there that can help you tackle winter weather with ease.
Benefits of using electric snow blowers
Electric snow blowers are becoming increasingly popular as a more environmentally-friendly and convenient alternative to gas-powered models. Here are some of the benefits of investing in an electric snow blower:
1. Easy to use
Electric snow blowers are incredibly easy to use, with no need for pulling cords or mixing fuel. Simply plug them into an outlet and you’re ready to go.
2. Lightweight and compact
Most electric snow blowers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to maneuver around your property. They’re also easier to store than their bulky gas counterparts.
3. Low maintenance
Because they don’t require oil changes or spark plug replacements like gas engines do, electric snow blowers require much less maintenance overall.
4. Quiet operation
If you live in a residential area or have close neighbors, then the quiet operation of an electric snow blower can be a huge benefit over loud gas models that disturb the peace.
5. Eco-friendly
The lack of emissions from electric motors makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
Overall, there are many great reasons why an electric snow blower may be the perfect choice for clearing your driveway this winter season!
Factors to consider when choosing an electric snow blower
When it comes to choosing the best electric snow blower for your needs, there are several factors you should take into consideration. These include:
Snow Blower Type
There are two main types of electric snow blowers: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage models are best for clearing light to moderate amounts of snow on smaller driveways or sidewalks. Two-stage models feature an auger that breaks up heavy snow and a separate impeller that throws the snow out of the chute, making them better suited for larger areas with heavier accumulations.
Snow Clearing Width
The width of a snow blower’s clearing path is important in determining how much time and effort it will take to clear your driveway or sidewalk. Electric models typically have clearing widths ranging from 12 inches to 22 inches, with wider widths allowing you to clear more area at once but also resulting in a heavier machine.
Corded vs Cordless
If you opt for a corded model, make sure you have access to an outdoor electrical outlet within reach of your work area. Cordless models provide greater mobility but may require multiple batteries or frequent recharging if working over longer periods.
Noise Level
If noise level is a concern, look for machines that operate at lower decibel levels (dB). Electric models tend to be quieter than gas-powered options but still can vary in terms of their sound output.
Budget
The cost of electric snow blowers varies widely depending on features such as power, size and additional options like adjustable chutes or heated handgrips. Determine your budget before shopping around so you can find the model that best fits your needs without overpaying.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the best electric snow blower for your specific needs.
Top electric snow blowers for residential use
If you’re looking to buy an electric snow blower for your home, there are plenty of options out there. Here are a few top models worth considering:
1. Greenworks 20-Inch 13 Amp Corded Snow Thrower
This model boasts a powerful motor and can clear up to 10 inches of snow at once. It also has adjustable directional controls and a discharge chute that can be rotated up to 180 degrees.
2. Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Blower
The Toro Power Shovel is a compact, lightweight option that’s ideal for clearing smaller areas such as decks or patios. It has a simple push-button start and can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute.
3. Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E Electric Snow Blower
The Snow Joe Ultra is another powerful option that’s capable of tackling heavy snowfall with ease. It features an LED headlight for improved visibility in low light conditions, as well as convenient joystick controls.
4. EGO POWER+ SNT2100 Cordless Electric Snow Blower
This cordless model offers the convenience of not having to deal with cords or gas, but still provides plenty of power thanks to its lithium-ion battery pack. It has variable speed control and can clear up to 21 inches wide by 10 inches deep in one pass.
5. Ryobi RY40811 Cordless Brushless Electric Snow Blower
The Ryobi RY40811 is another cordless option that’s worth considering if you want the convenience of not having any cords or gas tanks to deal with. It features two bright LED headlights for improved visibility in low light conditions, as well as a powerful brushless motor.
When choosing an electric snow blower, it’s important to consider the size of your driveway or walkway and the amount of snowfall you typically get. Each of these models offers different features and capabilities, so take some time to research and find the one that best fits your needs.
Top electric snow blowers for commercial use
If you’re a business owner or property manager in charge of keeping large areas free of snow and ice, investing in an electric snow blower is a smart choice. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than gas-powered models, but they also require less maintenance and are generally quieter to operate.
When it comes to commercial-grade electric snow blowers, here are some of the best options on the market:
1. Ariens Professional 28″ Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
This powerful model has a clearing width of 28 inches and can handle up to 65 tons per hour. It features an electric start and heated hand grips for added comfort during use. The machine’s auto-turn steering technology allows for quick maneuvering around obstacles.
2. Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2690 XP Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker boasts a clearing width of 26 inches and can tackle heavy-duty jobs with ease thanks to its serrated steel auger design. Its joystick-controlled chute allows you to easily adjust the direction and height of your snow discharge.
3. Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Electric Snow Blower
If you prefer the convenience of cordless power, this Greenworks model is worth considering. It has a clearing width of 20 inches and can handle light-to-medium duty jobs with ease while being much quieter compared to gas-powered counterparts.
4.Husqvarna ST430T Track Drive Two Stage Hydrostatic Transmission
This two-stage Husqvarna model offers track drive capability that provides better traction on uneven surfaces such as gravel or stairs making it one top option for commercial use.
5. Snow Joe iON8024-XRP Cordless Electric Two-Stage Snow Blower
This dual-stage snow blower offers a clearing with of 24 inches and can discharge up to 1000 lbs of snow per minute. It is powered by two interchangeable Ryobi battery packs that last for up to 30 minutes each, allowing you to tackle large areas without worrying about running out of power.
Each of these electric snow blowers has its own unique features and specifications, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that best fits your particular needs.
Comparison of the top electric snow blowers
When it comes to choosing the best electric snow blower, there are several factors that you need to consider. These include power, clearing capacity, ease of use and maintenance, and price. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top electric snow blowers and compared their features.
Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E Electric Snow Blower
- 15-amp motor with a clearing capacity of up to 720 pounds per minute
- 4-blade steel auger cuts through compacted ice and snow up to 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep in one pass
- 180-degree adjustable directional chute throws snow up to 25 feet away
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable operation; foldable design for easy storage
- Priced at around $150-$200 depending on where you purchase it from
Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Snow Thrower
Toro Power Shovel 38361 Electric Snow Blower
- 7.5-amp motor with a clearing capacity of up to 300 pounds per minute
- 12-inch clearing width with a depth of up to 6 inches in one pass
- Adjustable directional chute throws snow up to 20 feet away
- Weighs just over 12 pounds and has an ergonomically-designed handle for easy operation and portability.
- Priced around $100-$150 depending on where you buy it from making it affordable if looking for something budget-friendly.
In conclusion, choosing the best electric snow blower depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for power and performance, then the Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E is a great choice. However, if you want cordless freedom coupled with powerful performance then Greenworks PRO Cordless Snow Thrower would be perfect as long as you don’t mind spending more money upfront. Lastly, if affordability and ease-of-use are your priorities then Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Blower might be an excellent fit for low budgets.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, electric snow blowers are a great investment for those who live in areas that receive heavy snowfall during the winter months. These machines offer convenience, ease of use, and environmental friendliness compared to gas-powered alternatives.
After conducting thorough research and analysis of various electric snow blowers available on the market, we have narrowed down the top choices based on their performance, features, durability, customer reviews and ratings.
The Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E is our top pick for its powerful motor and wide clearing path that can handle heavy snowfalls with ease. The adjustable chute allows you to easily direct where the snow goes while avoiding any damage to your property or surroundings.
The Greenworks 20-Inch 13 Amp Corded Snow Thrower follows closely behind for its high-performance capabilities at an affordable price point. This model is ideal for small to medium-sized properties with moderate amounts of snow.
Other notable mentions include the EGO Power+ SNT2100 cordless two-stage blower which offers impressive run time with its lithium-ion battery technology as well as the Toro Power Shovel 38361 which is ideal for clearing light snow from walkways or driveways quickly.
Ultimately, when selecting an electric snow blower it’s important to consider your specific needs such as size of driveway/walkway area being cleared and frequency/amount of expected precipitation throughout winter season along with budget constraints before making a final decision.
Ben is one of the founders and editor of Structured Living HUB. His interests are automotive and architecture. For over 10 years he worked as a modular house contractor in the United States.