The 5 Best Electric Snow Shovels for Easy Digging This Winter

The 6-inch maximum depth may not be ideal for massive storms, but the unlimited runtime means you can simply make another pass without worrying about running out of time. Just make sure to bundle up if you’ll be outside for a while: These self-heating jackets and heated vests will do the trick!

Despite its affordable price, this Snow Joe pick is packed with attractive features. Unlike the typical 300-pound per minute capacity of most other models, this Snow Joe electric snow shovel tosses a whopping 400-pounds of snow per minute. With its 13-inch width, you’ll finish shoveling in no time.

Thanks to the 16-inch width of this Earthwise electric snow shovel , it’s perfect for clearing wide driveways quickly. Capable of working through drifts up to 8 inches deep and throwing snow up to 30 feet, it’s also well-suited for areas that experience heavy snowfalls. Its corded power supply means you won’t need to stop to swap out batteries. But beware, depending on the size of your space you may need an additional extension cord.

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Best Lightweight

Earthwise Cordless Electric Snow Thrower

Weighing just 11 pounds, the Earthwise cordless thrower is ideal for those who don’t have the strength or the desire to lug around a heavy machine. The lightweight design ensures this portable pick is easy to carry up and down stairs to clear off your deck, a porch or pretty much anywhere.

Despite its size, it’s extremely efficient and productive, and capable of moving 300 pounds of snow per minute. It’s also a popular Amazon electric snow shovel for anyone who prefers to shop with a Prime membership (the free shipping on large tools is a perk we can also appreciate!).

Pros

• Lightweight design is comfortable to use and easily portable
• Planet-friendly brushless motor
• Convenient cordless design with a battery and charger included

Cons

• May not be wide enough for large areas

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What to Consider When Buying an Electric Snow Shovel

It’s important to keep in mind that although electric snow shovels require less physical effort than manual shovels, they are heavier. Compared to a shovel that weighs a couple of pounds, for some people, carrying around an 11- to 14-pound electric shovel may get uncomfortable after a while. If you have a small driveway or don’t get much snow, a traditional shovel might be a more practical choice.

On the other hand, if you regularly receive heavy snowfalls (more than 8 inches deep), you’ll want to consider investing in a snow blower. You should also think about the overall size of your area when purchasing electric shovels for snow. You may have to do some math, but it’s worth the time to ensure you don’t end up with a corded machine that won’t reach as far as you need.

Types of Electric Snow Shovels

The two types of electric snow shovels are corded and battery-powered models. Corded electric snow shovels offer unlimited runtime—they simply plug into your home’s power outlet—but are limited by their cord length. If you have a larger driveway or path, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality extension cord.

Battery-powered machines provide maximum portability, making them convenient for quickly carrying to different areas—like a detached garage, upstairs to a deck or a neighbor’s sidewalk—without having to plug and unplug an extension cord. Electric snow shovel reviews often note that batteries tend to have a short runtime, so cordless electric snow shovels aren’t the most practical for larger projects.

How We Found the Best Electric Snow Shovel

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQs

When is the best time to shovel snow?

The best time to shovel snow is while it’s still falling. If you periodically clear your driveway or sidewalk, you won’t have to tackle deep drifts later on. The snow will also be lighter, meaning, you won’t have to exert yourself (or the machine) quite as much. If the snow has already fallen overnight, the best time to shovel snow is in the late morning. The sunlight helps melt the snow, and unlike the early morning or at night, there should be less ice to potentially slip on. And by the way: Here’s a helpful DIY and easy way to melt ice fast.

How do you keep snow from sticking to the shovel?

Wet, sticky snow can stick to the paddles of electric snow shovels, reducing efficiency and placing unnecessary strain on the motor. A coating of cooking spray prevents snow from sticking, allowing it to slide right off. If you don’t have cooking oil, a silicone spray is also an effective substitute.

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