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Electric snow shovels are a relatively new product, and they are a serious game changer for anyone who needs help manually lifting and throwing snow. They use an auger that is a smaller version of those found on full-size snow blowers. The auger churns through snow, and the shovel design throws the snow forward as the operator pushes. This tool can quickly clear walkways and patios and makes small and moderate shoveling jobs easier.
I tested nine different electric snow shovels through a series of storms in Montana. These shovels were tested on smooth pavement and uneven surfaces in snow ranging from a few inches to a foot deep. I was surprised to find the auger actually propelling the unit forward as it worked through snow. Every model I tested worked well, but the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel stood out with its easy-to-use design, excellent battery, and durable build.
While the Greenworks 80V model earned the highest ratings, numerous other models were close behind. Snow Joe and Ego Power+ have some excellent options in different sizes. Earthwise also performed well with its wheeled designs. Those in the market for one of these helpful tools may want to read our full guide to find the right electric shovel for their specific needs, while folks already interested in the Greenworks model can find out how it fared in my review here.
Greenworks 80V Electric Snow Shovel: At a Glance
Rating: 9/10
SPECS
- Maximum clearing depth: 6 inches
- Clearing width: 12 inches
- Power: 80-volt battery
PROS
- Powerful auger cuts through light and hard-packed snow with relative ease
- Battery life provides 45 minutes of continuous runtime in moderate snow conditions
- Durable rod, handles, and overall design features should last for years with little to no maintenance
CONS
- Weighing in at 15 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some competitive models; may be challenging for some users to wield
- This blower is not suited for gravel or surfaces with loose material; can only use on paved surfaces
Get the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel at:
- Amazon for $349.99
- Best Buy for $349.99
- Lowe’s for $368 (same day pick-up may be available!)
- Walmart for $237
What is the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel?
Electric snow shovels are changing the way homeowners and property managers clear snow. The Greenworks 80V model has a 12-inch-wide blade topped by an auger that churns snow and throws it forward. Unlike traditional snow blowers, this Greenworks model doesn’t have a chute system, so the snow is always being pushed forward.
The auger head is connected to a long shaft with an independent handle and another handle on the battery attachment. After the unit is assembled and the battery is charged, the battery can be inserted and folks can start shoveling with a trigger-style handle that activates the auger. Overall, the design is fairly simple with a battery that connects to an auger head using a long cord that runs the length of the shaft. Most of the units tested had a very similar fundamental design.
The standard battery is a 2 amp-hour (Ah) model, but Greenworks offers batteries up to 5 amp hours. More amp hours equates to longer runtimes. Users can also add an LED light if needed for shoveling snow in dim conditions.
Assembling the Greenworks 80V Electric Snow Shovel
Across all the electric snow shovels tested, assembly was a big differentiator. Several models I tested performed well yet proved difficult to assemble—plus the hardware quality was questionable. I found the Greenworks 80V model to be among the easiest to put together, and it was ready for use within a few minutes. The only one that was easier to assemble was the Ego Power+ model, and that’s because it doesn’t have a cable running the length of the shaft interior.
Putting together the Greenworks 80V model is so intuitive, many users might have no trouble doing so without instructions, but directions are of course provided. I simply connected the two shaft segments and used the bolt hardware to secure them in place. Next, I clamped the handle to the shaft and tightened it using the included hardware. With the unit assembled, the last step was to charge the battery and insert it into the port for use. It really doesn’t get much easier than that!
Using the Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel
For most electric snow shovels, operating the device is pretty straightforward. I found the Greenworks 80V model to be no different. All users need to do is insert the battery in the port to get started, then grip the lower handle with one hand and the battery handle with the other. Then, all that’s needed is to push the release button and pull the trigger at the same time to activate the auger.
The shovel has a blade that sits right on the ground. For deep snow, users might need to work through the pile in layers, removing 6- to 8-inch segments at a time before reaching ground level. It may take a few minutes to get comfortable using the shovel, however. It weighs 15 pounds, and it felt a bit heavy until I found the right balance point. With the blade on the ground and the shaft at roughly a 45-degree angle, the Greenworks electric snow shovel cut through snow with no lifting and only light pushing. The auger actually grabs snow and pulls itself forward a bit, making for easy operation.
With a little practice, users will quickly begin to cut pathways while the snow projects up to 20 feet outward. Using an electric snow shovel is much faster and easier than scooping and lifting heavy snow with a standard shovel.
Assessing This Electric Snow Shovel’s Power
Power is an important point of consideration for electric shovels. Lower-power designs can’t spin the auger with enough force to manage wet, dense snow. They also throw the snow at shorter distances. The combination of power and design really sets the Greenworks 80V electric shovel ahead of the competition. With its 80 volts of power, it provides a supercharged auger that works hard and throws snow farther than many models.
In testing, that extra kick was helpful when I was shoveling longer walkways or driveways because the snow wasn’t piling up 10 feet in front of me. The Greenworks disperses up to 20 feet out, which allowed me to cover more ground without hitting the same snow I’d already shoveled. Plus, the auger had no issues processing icy snow. Yet like all the other models, this electric snow shovel is not made for gravel and loose debris, so users will want to make sure they stick to clearing pavement and asphalt.
It’s worth noting that even the best electric shovel isn’t a replacement for a full-size snow blower. Those who get heavy snow loads and have large areas to clear might want to consider a single-stage or two-stage electric or gas snow blower model. An electric shovel may still be useful, though, as a lighter-weight supplement to banish snow from walkways and decks.
Is the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel worth the money?
The retail price for this model is roughly $300. Overall, it’s a competitive price point and a good value. I will say that shoppers can find competitive brands for a little less. For instance, the Snow Joe 13-inch electric shovel is quite a bit cheaper on average. But for the Greenworks 80V model, I think the hefty battery alone helps justify the extra expense.
Personally, I think the Greenworks electric snow shovel is well worth the money. It will save users time and possibly help prevent injury that can come from lifting and throwing snow. Those on a tight budget may want to consider the aforementioned Snow Joe, which is a great option that performs equally well and was a close contender in my overall test. In general, I think an electric snow shovel is an asset for anyone who doesn’t enjoy hefting piles of snow. Using this tool as opposed to a manual snow shovel is just easier on the body and allows many users to clear a pathway with less effort.
Is the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel right for you?
Before buying an electric snow shovel, think about your specific needs. Do you live in an area where snow is common? Do you already have a snow blower? Do you have a backyard with a deck or walkway? For areas with very infrequent or little snow, where shoveling isn’t terribly taxing, buying an electric shovel might be overkill.
For those who receive reasonable amounts of snow, however, an electric shovel is a major asset. It’s not a replacement for a snow blower, but the portability makes it a great tool to have around. It can hit the back deck and pathways where a snow blower can’t reach. It’s also perfect for smaller properties. Plus, it’s pretty compact, so folks with limited storage space can keep it in a closet or small garage area.
Frankly, I was skeptical about buying an electric shovel before I got the opportunity to test these tools, and now I’m converted to their value. The Greenworks 80V in particular is a tool that I will continue using every winter. It’s saving my back during big storms, and as a bonus, I can even help the neighbors shovel without wearing myself out.
Where to Buy the Greenworks 80V Electric Snow Shovel
Get the Greenworks 80V electric snow shovel at:
- Amazon for $349.99
- Best Buy for $349.99
- Lowe’s for $368 (same day pick-up may be available!)
- Walmart for $237
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, Lazzari also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.
