The Best Electric Snow Shovels to Make Winter Cleanup Easier Based on Our Extensive Tests
Designed with electric augers that can throw snow 20 feet or more, electric snow shovels can help you breeze through walkways, decks, and driveways. For light dustings, the traditional snow shovel design is great, but when more than a few inches have fallen, lifting and tossing heavy snow can be hard on the back and body.
To help ease cold-weather chores this snow season, we tested a number of electric snow shovels. Read on to learn about the key features of the best electric snow shovels and what makes the models we selected stand out from the crowd.
- BEST OVERALL: Greenworks 80V 12-Inch Cordless Battery Snow Shovel
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe 24V-SS13 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Bundle
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Earthwise Power Tools 12-Inch 20V Snow Thrower
- BEST CORDED: Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel
- QUIETEST OPERATION: Snow Joe 24V-SS11 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
- BEST WITH WHEELS: Earthwise Power Tools 16-Inch Lithium Snow Thrower
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Greenworks 8-Amp 12-Inch Corded Snow Shovel
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Ego Power+ Multi-Head Snow Shovel Kit
- ALSO CONSIDER: Earthwise Power Tools 16-Inch Corded Snow Thrower
Before You Buy an Electric Snow Shovel
Think of an electric snow shovel as a cross between a manual snow shovel and a larger, more powerful snow blower. The handle of an electric snow shovel resembles the handle of a traditional snow shovel, but that’s where the similarities end. Instead of a scoop blade, an electric snow shovel features a large turning blade that scoops up snow and tosses it off the path as it is pushed.
An electric snow shovel takes less physical effort to operate than a traditional shovel, but it still requires some pushing. Unlike snow blowers, electric snow shovels are typically not self-propelled. The auger does assist while it churns snow, but users will still need to push it along. And unlike blowers, electric snow shovels don’t have chutes to eject snow at different angles and trajectories; they simply eject the snow forward.
We tested nine different models in several Montana snow storms to see how they performed. We used them on various surfaces ranging from paved sidewalks and driveways to compact gravel. We found that electric snow shovels aren’t suitable for unpaved areas, such as gravel driveways, but on paved surfaces, they work impressively.
Electric snow shovels are much more affordable than snow blowers. They’re typically offered somewhere between $60 to $190, while a heavy-duty snow blower could set buyers back $1,500 or more. Electric snow shovels can help many people clear moderate snow loads from small spaces without breaking the bank.
How We Tested the Best Electric Snow Shovels
While researching electric snow shovels, we scrutinized features and pricing to determine which models seemed to stand out from the rest on the market. We then acquired nine of our favorite models and tested them in several Montana snow storms. A property management company also used them to provide us with additional feedback.
Each electric shovel was used in various snow intensities: a light dusting, a storm that dropped roughly 6 to 8 inches of snow, and a larger storm with 1 foot of snow. We analyzed the weight, handling, build quality, throwing distance, battery life, and overall power. Electric snow shovels have many overlapping features, including the general layout with an auger head, handle, and battery on one end. Nonetheless, there were some noticeable performance differences, each of which we’ve noted in our reviews of the top choices below.
Our Top Picks
The following electric snow shovels are ranked by category to help shoppers find the best option for their purposes. Consider the best use of each model when choosing one for your needs.
Best Overall
Greenworks 80V 12-Inch Cordless Battery Snow Shovel
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Maximum depth: 6 inches
- Clearing width: 12 inches
- Power: 80V battery
What We Like
- Powerful battery and quick recharge make it suitable for large or long driveways
- Impressive 45-minute runtime offers extended use after heavy snowfalls or for large areas
- Can throw snow 20 feet away; keeps snow far from the user’s clearing path
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than many other models; might be difficult for some users to maneuver
When it comes to cordless yard tools, battery life and power are key. This snow shovel from Greenworks excels at both thanks to a powerful 80-volt (V) battery that gives it 45 minutes of runtime. The battery recharges in just 30 minutes thanks to its nifty rapid charger.
With its ability to discharge snow 20 feet away, the cordless snow shovel is suitable for walks, decks, and smaller driveways. During testing, this model performed excellently, but the battery and power were the real difference makers. The Greenworks 80V just kept on going, and the auger speed felt more powerful than competing models.
Weighing 19.2 pounds with the battery installed, this shovel does feel slightly heavier than some models. That said, it also feels sturdy and might be a bit more durable in the long run. After we found that nice balance point with the blade grounded and the shaft tilted to roughly 45 degrees, it churned through icy snow very well and with little effort. The quick-charge battery is also a major bonus when users need to add more power without a long wait time.
Overall, this is a fantastic, well-built electric snow shovel. Cheaper models that perform nearly as well can be found, but anyone who wants top-notch power and battery life might want to give the Greenworks 80V a try.
Read our full review: Greenworks 80V 12-Inch Cordless Battery Snow Shovel
Get the Greenworks cordless electric snow shovel at Amazon, Best Buy, or Greenworks.
Best Bang for the Buck
Snow Joe 24V-SS13 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Bundle
Product Specs
- Maximum depth: 6 inches
- Clearing width: 13 inches
- Power: 24V battery
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to pick up and handle
- Tosses snow up to 20 feet away, which is quite far
- Dual handle helps make it easy to push, reducing risk of physical strain and fatigue
What We Don’t Like
- It takes about 5 hours to recharge the battery
- Not ideal for ice and compact snow
Shoppers don’t have to spend a lot of money to own a reliable electric snow shovel. The Snow Joe SS13 snow shovel has a 24V cordless battery, so users can remove snow with no attached cords. This shovel will clear a 13-inch path in up to 6 inches of snow and toss it up to 20 feet away. The kit includes a battery, charger, snow scraper blade, and snow shovel cover.
Considering the comparatively low price tag, this unit is hard to beat. It feels light and balances well in the hand. Both grips are positioned for easy lifting, and the shovel’s overall performance is impressive. The battery lasts for up to 1 hour and 10 minutes on a single charge. If more runtime is needed, consider buying a secondary battery.
The only thing we didn’t love about this electric snow shovel was the setup. It’s a little awkward connecting the shafts and inserting the bolts. This is definitely not a deal-breaker, but be aware that it will likely take a few minutes to get everything snug.
If shoppers want a high-performing electric snow shovel at a great price, we believe this is the best value out there. It’s affordable, well built, and it can shovel up to 6 inches of snow with ease. The 13-inch wide head is also slightly larger than most. We enjoyed this model’s performance and ease of handling on walkways and decks.
Get the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 electric snow shovel at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.
Best Lightweight
Earthwise Power Tools 12-Inch 20V Snow Thrower
Product Specs
- Maximum depth: 3.5 inches
- Clearing width: 12 inches
- Power: 20V motor, 4 amp hour (Ah) battery
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver, weighing only 11.5 pounds
- Ergonomic and large handle design makes this light shovel comfortable to use
- Reasonable runtime; long enough to clear paths and decks
What We Don’t Like
- Low 3.5-inch clearing depth is not suitable for deep snow
- Not ideal for compact or icy snow
Shoveling snow is no easy task, even with an electric snow shovel. The lighter the snow shovel, the easier it is to move around, and this cordless snow shovel from Earthwise Power Tools is a stellar lightweight model. It weighs only 11.5 pounds—the lightest on our list. It’s small, but it’s still powerful, throwing 300 pounds of snow per minute.
We were surprised that this lighter model held up against the competition. It does very well with light powder and throws snow well. The company claims it throws snow up to 25 feet, but it was closer to 15 feet during our testing. While it excelled with powder, it did struggle more when pressed against compact snow and anything icy.
The battery performed well and delivered ample power. The company claims the battery lasts for 60 minutes, but we think 20 to 30 minutes of consistent use is more accurate. That being said, it might last longer in very light snow.
This shovel’s greatest strength is its lightweight design, which makes it noticeably easier to lift, handle, and maneuver. If users have light-duty tasks and want something that won’t wear them out, this is a good option.
Get the Earthwise Power Tools 12-inch electric snow shovel at Amazon or American Lawn Mower Company.
Best Corded
Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel
Product Specs
- Maximum depth: 6 inches
- Clearing width: 11 inches
- Power: Corded with 10-amp motor
What We Like
- Endless power supply when cord is connected
- No wait times for recharging since it’s corded
- Capable of clearing snow depths up to 6 inches
What We Don’t Like
- Range is limited by cord length, which can be problematic
- Not ideal for large properties and longer pathways or driveways
Snow Joe has a refined line of winter products, and this corded electric shovel is no exception. It uses the same design as Snow Joe’s other electric snow shovels but comes in a compact package with a cord rather than a battery. The auger is speedy and throws snow up to 20 feet despite having a smaller head than larger electric models.
The cord design is perfect for users who need to clear a set amount of space near an electrical outlet. If buyers have a small deck or patio and don’t need to stray far from a power source, it makes sense to opt for a corded shovel like this one. It also comes with the advantage of having no wait times to recharge. Plus, the lack of a battery makes this unit light and easy to carry around. It still has the two-handle design, making it even easier to lift and push through snow.
We were able to clear a patio area around our camper as well as our neighbors’ shop space with the help of an extension cord. This shovel can cover pretty large areas when paired with any standard extension cord. We also enjoyed the built-in LED light for low-light conditions. If you don’t need to move farther away from power sources and the snow loads you’ll be dealing with are relatively light, this little corded snow shovel is an effective unit.
Get the Snow Joe 324E electric snow shovel at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Snow Joe.
Quietest Operation
Snow Joe 24V-SS11 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
Product Specs
- Maximum depth: 7 inches
- Clearing width: 11 inches
- Power: 24V battery
What We Like
- Relatively quiet operation is nice for early morning and nighttime snow clearing
- Smaller 11-inch clearing width is well suited to moving around and handling smaller areas
- Unit is lightweight and easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- 11-inch clearing width is narrower than some models
- Battery life is somewhat short; not ideal for clearing large areas
When it comes to electric snow shovels, some degree of noise is simply unavoidable, but this cordless snow shovel from Snow Joe can make snow removal a little easier on the ears. The model is essentially the same build as Snow Joe’s 11-inch corded design, but this ditches the cord and relies on a 24V battery instead. Most electric snow shovels are fairly quiet, but this one really whispers along.
Smaller in design than others, it’s a good fit for lighter-duty walkways and patio areas. The auger simply isn’t made to crush and churn through heavy snow and ice, but if there are a few inches of powder to clear, it works very well. If the snow piles higher, users can still work through 7 inches at a time, making several passes until they clear the path all the way to the ground.
In our tests, this shovel performed on par with the company’s corded 11-inch model. The battery on this one lasted for around 20 minutes before requiring a recharge. Buying a second battery will also extend the runtime for larger spaces. Regardless, users can run this model and the neighbors likely won’t even hear it churning and throwing snow. Again, this is best suited for small spaces and quick jobs unless you are willing to wait for the battery t