We Cleared More Than 4 Feet of Snow Last Winter with These Trusty Electric Snow Shovels 

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Electric snow shovels look similar to manual snow shovels yet have one key difference: They are designed with electric augers that can throw snow 20 feet or more, which means they help remove winter weather from walkways, decks, and driveways faster and with less effort. 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 the effort you need to complete cold-weather chores this season, we tested nine electric snow shovels and reached out to a snow-removal expert for their insights. Based on their advice and our test results, we chose the Greenworks 80V 12″ Cordless Battery Snow Shovel as the best option for most buyers. This tool is robust enough to throw snow up to 20 feet and offers an impressive 45-minute runtime for extended snow-removal sessions. Read on to learn about the key features of the best electric snow shovels and what makes the seven models that made our list stand out from the crowd.

1. BEST OVERALL: Greenworks 80V 12″ Cordless Battery Snow Shovel
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe 24V-SS13 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Bundle
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3. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Earthwise Power Tools 12″ 20V 4Ah Snow Thrower
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4. BEST CORDED: Earthwise Power Tools 16″ 12-Amp Corded Snow Thrower
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5. QUIETEST OPERATION: Snow Joe 24V-SS11 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
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6. BEST WITH WHEELS: Earthwise Power Tools 16″ 40V 4Ah Lithium Snow Thrower
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7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Ego Power+ Multi-Head Snow Shovel Kit With 4Ah Battery
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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.

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" Cordless Battery Snow Shovel

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What We Like

• Powerful battery and quick recharge time
• 45-minute runtime great for heavy snowfalls or large areas
• Throws snow 20 feet from the clearing path 

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than many other models

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 6 inches
• Clearing width: 12 inches
• Power: 80V battery

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.

The cordless snow shovel can discharge snow 20 feet away, making it suitable for walks, decks, and smaller driveways. During testing, this model performed quite well, 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. 

At 19.2 pounds with the battery installed, this shovel does feel slightly heavier than some models. Still, it also feels incredibly sturdy and might be a bit more durable in the long run. After we found the right 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.

What our tester says: “Overall, this is a fantastic, well-built electric snow shovel. There are a couple of cheaper models that perform nearly as well, but anyone who wants top-notch power and battery life might want to pay just a little more for the Greenworks 80V.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Greenworks cordless electric snow shovel at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, or Greenworks.

Best Bang for the Buck

Snow Joe 24V-SS13 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Bundle

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What We Like

• Lightweight and easy to handle 
• Tosses snow up to 20 feet away
• Dual handle reduces physical strain and fatigue

What We Don’t Like

• Takes about 5 hours to recharge 
• Not ideal for ice and compact snow

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 6 inches
• Clearing width: 13 inches
• Power: 24V battery

Shoppers don’t have to spend a lot of money to own a reliable electric shovel. The Snow Joe SS13 cordless shovel has a 24V battery, can clear a 13-inch-wide path in up to 6 inches of snow, and throws snow 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—in fact, we think it’s likely the best value out there. It feels light and balances well in the hand, and its dual-handle design reduces strain during use. Its 13-inch clearing path is wider than most, and the shovel’s overall performance and extended battery life of up to 70 minutes are impressive. 

The only thing we didn’t love about this electric snow shovel was its initial setup, as it’s a little awkward connecting the shafts and inserting the bolts. We don’t consider this a deal breaker, but be aware that it will likely take a few minutes to get everything snug.

Get the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 electric snow shovel at Amazon, Lowe’s, Northern Tool + Equipment, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.

Best Lightweight

Earthwise Power Tools 12" 20V 4Ah Snow Thrower

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What We Like

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Ergonomic handle is comfortable to use 
• Runs long enough to clear paths and decks

What We Don’t Like

• Low clearing depth not suitable for deep snow
• Not ideal for compact or icy snow

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 3.5 inches 
• Clearing width: 12 inches
• Power: 20V motor, 4 amp hour (Ah) battery 

Though shoveling snow, even with an electric snow shovel, isn’t exactly easy, choosing a lightweight tool can help. At just 11.5 pounds, this cordless snow shovel from Earthwise Power Tools is the lightest model on our list. Though small, it’s still powerful enough to throw 300 pounds of snow per minute.

We have to admit we were surprised at how well this lighter model held up against the competition. It did great with powdery snow, throwing it about 15 feet. While that’s not the 25 feel the company claims, we were still impressed—so long as the snow was lightweight. When we tried testing it with compact and icy snow, it struggled. 

The other claim we don’t quite agree with the manufacturer on is runtime. Earthwise estimates about 60 minutes of battery life, but in our tests, 20 to 30 minutes of consistent use was more accurate. Still, the battery performed well and generally delivered ample power. If you’re looking for something easy to lift, handle, and maneuver for light-duty tasks and smaller spaces, we think this model will be just what you need.

Get the Earthwise Power Tools 12-inch electric snow shovel at Amazon or American Lawn Mower Company.

Best Corded

Earthwise Power Tools 16" 12-Amp Corded Snow Thrower

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What We Like

• Adjustable handle and rear wheels increase maneuverability
• Clears a sizeable 16-inch-wide by 8-inch-deep path 
• Ejects snow in the 20- to 30-foot range

What We Don’t Like

• Wet snow can trip the thermal shutoff

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 8 inches 
• Clearing width: 16 inches
• Power: Corded with 12-amp motor

Corded electric snow shovels can be nice since they mean you don’t have to deal with batteries, making them lighter and infinitely operable so long as they’re plugged into power. This corded Earthwise Power Tools shovel features the same design as the company’s comparable electric model, but it also has wheels, making it great for folks who don’t want to lift their shovel. 

This electric snow shovel can clear driveways, walkways, and decks of up to 8 inches of snow. It’s a nice crossover option for regions where snow is infrequent and justifying having a larger snow blower is difficult. 

Though we think this is an excellent corded snow shovel, we would like to see the hardware quality for the wheel plate attachment improved. It would also be nice if this plate came preattached to save on assembly time. Otherwise, it performs great and can fit the needs of many homeowners and renters who want the power of a snow shovel with wheels without the weight and cost of a full snow blower.

Get the Earthwise Power Tools 16-inch corded electric snow shovel at Amazon, Walmart, or American Lawn Mower Company. 

Quietest Operation

Snow Joe 24V-SS11 Ionmax Cordless Snow Shovel Kit

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What We Like

• Relatively quiet operation compared to others
• Narrower clearing width is ideal for small spaces
• Lightweight and easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• Takes longer to clear large areas than wider models
• Battery life is somewhat short

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 7 inches
• Clearing width: 11 inches
• Power: 24V battery

To be fair, most electric snow shovels are reasonably quiet, but this cordless snow shovel from Snow Joe makes snow removal especially easy on the ears. That may be in part because it’s smaller in design than most others, but its size also makes it a good fit for clearing walkways and patio areas. If you tend to get heavy snow or precipitation that turns to ice, the auger on this machine might not be powerful enough to crush and churn through it. But for those who keep up with snow removal and only have a few inches of powder to clear, it works very well. If you do need to work through a larger pile, you’ll simply need to move through it 7 inches at a time, making several passes until you clear all the way to the ground.

In our tests, this shovel performed on par with similar-sized models, though its battery only lasted around 20 minutes before requiring a recharge. For larger spaces, it might be smart to buy a second battery to extend the runtime. Regardless, you can use this model without the neighbors hearing you, making it great for early mornings or late nights. 

Get the Snow Joe 24V-SS11 electric snow shovel at Lowe’s, Walmart, or Snow Joe.

Best with Wheels

Earthwise Power Tools 16" 40V 4Ah Lithium Snow Thrower

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What We Like

• Easy-to-use cordless snow shovel with battery power 
• Wheels reduce effort to operate this large model
• Excellent auger clears up to 8-inch depths

What We Don’t Like

• Assembly is more involved than most brands
• Hardware connecting wheels could be sturdier

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 8 inches
• Clearing width: 16 inches
• Power: 4Ah battery

Even though electric snow shovels make shoveling snow much easier, pushing and lifting them still requires effort. The Earthwise 40V cordless model reduces the effort necessary by adding wheels to a generously sized 16-inch-wide head. Without needing to lift it, users can simply push the shovel forward as the auger spins, propelling it forward. If it had a chute, this would be a light-duty snow blower, but instead, this one throws the snow directly forward. Though the company claims this shovel throws snow up to 32 feet forward, we found it was closer to 20 feet, well within the range of other comparable models. 

At 19.4 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than most models, but the wheels help offset the weight. The only caveat to having wheels is that they’re required to touch the ground to function. When snow is deeper than 8 inches, users will need to lift the shovel and work through the snow in layers. The wheels can still offer support if the snow is somewhat compact, but the process becomes more labor-intensive.

Overall, the design works really well and the auger is plenty powerful. Our only real issues with this model were the involved assembly process and the low-quality hardware that connects the wheel bracket to the auger head. Everything held up fine during testing, but we worry about the long-term durability of the screws.

What our tester says: “We appreciate how much the wheels helped push through several accumulated inches of heavy snow. They made it very easy to get the job done with minimal lifting.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Earthwise Power Tools lithium electric snow shovel at Amazon, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or American Lawn Mower Company.

Best Heavy-Duty

Ego Power+ Multi-Head Snow Shovel Kit With 4Ah Battery

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What We Like

• Throws snow an impressive 25 feet away
• Can clear 6 inches of snow on a 4-car driveway
• Works with multiple attachments to tackle a variety of jobs 
• Adjustable front handle makes it easy to push 

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than most others so harder to lift and push

Specs 

• Maximum depth: 6 inches
• Clearing width: 12 inches 
• Power: 56V battery 

The Ego Power+ battery-powered shovel easily takes the heavy-duty prize, and we’d say it’s also the most versatile. In terms of versatility, you can swap out the lower shaft with the auger for any compatible Ego Power+ tool. This means that rather than buying multiple tools, you can use the same battery with an array of interchangeable heads, including a weed trimmer, brush cutter, edger, pole saw, and more. 

As for the electric snow shovel head, it’s powered by a 4Ah ARC lithium battery. Though the Ego Power+ batteries seem to take a little longer to charge, they are also more heavy-duty and powerful than other batteries in the same category. During testing, this battery ran for over 30 minutes without issue. The head and auger are especially powerful, and we had no problems pushing through 6 inches of snow depth. If shoveling in icy conditions, the two speeds and heavy-duty auger make this a great choice. It also throws snow farther than other models, making it perfect for bigger pathways and driveways.

At 17.3 pounds (without the battery), this model is a little heavier than others, but it also feels durable and well constructed. It’s also easier to assemble than the others, as it doesn’t require bolting shaft segments through a wire. Instead, this unit attaches to a spindle in mere seconds.

What our tester says: “This electric snow shovel had the most advanced design of all the models we tested. It’s the perfect choice for property owners who need more than just a simple shovel. Grab a few of the other head attachments, and you’ll be able to manage lawns, brush, trees, and snow throughout the year with a single battery and handle.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ego Power+ electric snow shovel at Amazon, Lowe’s, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Ego. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Electric Snow Shovels

While researching electric snow shovels, we scrutinized features and pricing to determine which models stood out as worthy contenders. We then tested nine options throughout several Montana snow storms and loaned them to a property management company for additional feedback.

We used each electric shovel in various conditions: a light dusting, a storm that dropped roughly 6 to 8 inches of snow, and an even larger storm with 1 foot of snow. We analyzed the weight, handling, build quality, throwing distance, rechargeable battery life, and overall power. Based on our tests, we rated them, noted their pros and cons, and assigned the models we like awards that match their best features and use cases. 

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Snow Shovel

Since electric snow shovels are capable of clearing snow far more easily than a conventional plastic snow shovel or metal snow shovel, they can almost be considered a clever hack for shoveling snow. When choosing the model that’s right for you, remember to consider the following key factors.

Corded vs. Cordless

Electric snow shovels come in corded and cordless designs. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks:

• Corded snow shovels offer immediate snow-clearing power: Just plug the cord into an outlet and let it rip. A corded electric model might make more sense for those who don’t want to wait for a battery to charge (which can take a few hours) before they can shovel snow. Of course, since they always need to be plugged into a power source, corded snow shovels limit the coverage area to the length of the extension cord (usually 50 to 100 feet). 
• Cordless snow shovels operate on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for their power supply. They tend to run for approximately 20 to 50 minutes on a single charge. Like cordless snow blowers, a battery-operated snow shovel will have a clear advantage over a corded model if clearing snow in locations far from an outlet. Plus, users don’t have to drag a cord behind them. Still, if there’s a lot of snow to clear, users might need to stop and recharge the battery before they finish the job.

Joe Palumbo, president of Ice Dam Guys, LLC, prefers cordless electric snow shovels for his team. “We’ve found cordless, battery-powered snow shovels to be more effective than corded electric ones. While most outdoor receptacles have GFCIs, we prefer avoiding plugged-in tools near steam and water for added safety.” He also points out that “They’re a great choice if you already use a battery system for your other power tools, like Milwaukee M18, DeWalt, or Skil,” as they allow you to swap in compatible batteries you already own to increase runtime. 

Clearing Area

How much snow an electric shovel can clear depends on the height and width of the intake chute. The height of the intake chute determines the maximum depth of snow the device can remove (about 4 to 8 inches). We recommend selecting an electric snow shovel with an intake chute at least as deep as the typical snowfall in your area. 

Some manufacturers claim their electric snow shovels can go over deep snow with more than one pass. But if the snow is soft, these devices might sink into the snow since they’re designed to sit on a paved surface. This will just push snow over the top of the tool rather than clearing it out of the path, requiring you to use a standard shovel or ice melt.

The chute’s width determines how wide a path an electric shovel can clear in a single pass, with most chutes ranging from about 10 to 16 inches wide. A wider chute means the shovel will require fewer passes to clear an area. Some chutes have LED lights mounted on them to illuminate the work area and make snow shoveling easier at night. 

Battery Life

Battery life depends on various factors, including chute size. The more snow the tool handles, the more power it requires, and the quicker the battery will drain. A battery also loses power with age, meaning it won’t hold as much charge after a few years as it did when it was new.

Generally speaking, a lithium-ion battery will run between 20 and 50 minutes on a single charge. Snow shovels with 40V batteries run about twice as long as those with 24V batteries. Investing in a second rechargeable supply can double the runtime, as users can quickly switch out the first battery if it runs out before the job is done. 

Ease of Use

Whether they’re corded or cordless, the best electric snow shovels are easy to operate: Just turn them on and push them along a paved surface to remove fresh snow. The following features also affect the shovel’s usability: 

• Blades: Electric snow shovels work similarly to more powerful snow blowers. Their horizontal augers feature one or two blades. The auger rotates at a high speed, and the blades scoop up the snow and blow it out of an exhaust chute. Both single- and double-blade shovels will get the job done, but the double-bladed ones might clear the snow more quickly. 
• Scrapers: Some models have a built-in scraper that slides under the snow, which helps the blades lift snow before discharging it out of the chute.
• Handles: Some of these tools have adjustable handles to fit the user’s height. More heavy-duty models often contain a second handle to help operators push the shovel through the snow. 
• Weight: Electric snow shovels are relatively light and typically weigh between 10 and 16 pounds. This matters because an electric snow shovel is not an automatic snow shovel, meaning you must push it along the ground rather than expecting it to propel itself. The right snow shovel will be light enough to push relatively easily but heavy enough to push into the snow rather than skim the top.
• Cord length: The attached cord on a corded electric snow shovel usually isn’t longer than 6 feet. But they don’t plug right into a wall outlet anyway. Most need a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord, which can be purchased separately. 

The Advantages of Owning an Electric Snow Shovel

An electric snow shovel is easier to use than a manual push snow shovel and less expensive than a full-size snow blower. These shovels expedite snow removal, lessening the time spent in coats, snow boots, and winter work gloves while clearing the driveway, leaving more time for sledding, snowball fights, or staying warm indoors. 

• Reduces back, arm, and shoulder pain and fatigue associated with shoveling snow
• Quickly removes fresh snow to an average depth of 6 to 8 inches
• Lightweight and easy to handle (most weigh under 15 pounds)

FAQs

There’s no need to save up to cover the cost of snow removal—an electric snow shovel might make the job economical and easy enough to handle yourself. If you still have questions about buying an electric snow shovel, see the answers to common queries below.

Q. How does an electric snow shovel work?

A horizontal auger with one or two blades spins at ground level to pick up the snow and toss it through an exhaust chute.

Q. When should I use my electric snow shovel? 

An electric snow shovel works best on newly fallen snow that is light and fluffy before it has had a chance to melt and become heavy. An electric snow shovel or snow shovel with blower can move powdery snow more easily and launch it farther than it can wet snow. 

Q. How do you fix an electric snow shovel?

Most electric snow shovels come with a 2- or 3-year warranty, so if something goes wrong during that time, contact the manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on basic maintenance. 

Q. Are electric snow shovels worth it?

Electric snow shovels are relatively inexpensive, compact, and easy to use, making them well worth it for those areas or users where a manual snow shovel isn’t quite enough and a snow blower is too much. 

Q. Do electric shovels work with wet snow?

Electric shovels can work with wet snow if it’s only an inch or two deep or the shovel itself is a heavy-duty option like the Ego Power+ Multi-Head Snow Shovel Kit With 4Ah Battery. Many other electric snow shovels are too small or lightweight to clear heavy snow without multiple passes. 

Q. How much snow can an electric snow shovel handle?

See the product specs above regarding maximum depth and clearing width to see how much snow an electric snow shovel can handle. Generally speaking, maximum depth will be between 3.5 and 6 inches, and maximum width will be between 11 and 16 inches. 

Meet the Tester

Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing grounds for winter products and snow equipment. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for Bobvila.com.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor, Tony Carrick, and Jasmine Harding.

 

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