Late every fall, many people must figure out how to keep their sidewalks, paths, and driveways clear of excess snow. While it might be tempting to hibernate indoors until Spring, most folks will have to leave the house on a regular basis. Even those who work from home and have their groceries delivered should have a snow removal system in place, just in case an emergency arises. The best electric snow shovels out there can help give you peace of mind that, if you need to leave the house, snow can be cleared away in no time. Electric snow shovels, also known as snow throwers, need to be reliable, easily maneuverable, and able to shoot snow far from the path or area being cleared. Safety and energy efficiency are also considerations to keep in mind.
Our Top Picks
We picked the best electric snow shovels based on durability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Photo: amazon.com
A very powerful snow thrower, the WEN 5662 is a corded electric model that can tackle areas of snow that are up to 18 inches wide and nearly 8 inches deep. Its powerful, 13.5-amp motor can throw snow up to 20 feet away—but what’s even more impressive is that it can clear a whopping 490 pounds of snow per minute. With that type of capacity, it’s important that users are able to direct the excess snow easily, and the WEN 5663 addresses that need with its quick-adjust chute that rotates up to 180 degrees. Angle the arc with a single-button, spring-loaded lever. This snow thrower starts up easily with a simple squeeze of the power bar, and an extension cord wrangler eliminates concerns of getting tangled up. Since it has two sturdy 6-inch wheels and weighs just 32 pounds, users won’t have to wrestle this powerful machine into position. Come Spring, it’ll be easy to pack into storage due to its collapsible frame.
Photo: amazon.com
Users who want a combination of power and efficiency may want to consider this cordless snow shovel. The Snow Joe 24V-SS11-XR runs on a rechargeable 5.0 Ah battery (which, along with its charger, is included in the purchase price) that powers a 400-watt motor. The result is a machine that can move over 2,000 pounds of snow on just one charge. Another notable feature is its dual-bladed, low-temperature paddle augur, which can blast through a path that’s 11 by 7 inches, throwing the snow up to 20 feet away in the process. While traditional snow shoveling tends to be backbreaking, the Snow Joe is a true back-saver thanks to its light weight of under 12 pounds, its ergonomic design, and its telescoping handle.
Photo: amazon.com
The Toro 38361 Power Shovel is a top option for folks who live in areas of the country that get only moderate snowfall. Its 7.5-amp motor provides ample power to clear off sidewalks, walkways, decks or patios, steps, and other small areas that are covered by up to 6 inches of snow. This Toro model can handle 300 pounds of snow per minute, throwing it up to 20 feet away. Weighing in at just 12.5 pounds and possessing an adjustable metal telescoping handle, it’s an ergonomic pick. It’s also low-maintenance, with a sturdy plastic body and rust-resistant metal components. Lastly, the cord lock system prevents the snow thrower from being inadvertently unplugged during operation.
