An electric snow shovel is a happy medium between breaking your back and breaking the bank. It's not quite as powerful as a snow thrower, but it can help you clear snow with ease while being affordable and easy to store. Let us show you what you can get out of a snow shovel and which models we recommend.

Note that if you regularly have to clear wide driveways and more than half a foot of snow, you should invest in a snow blower.

Backyard Boss Top 5 Electric Snow Shovels for 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

Snow Joe iON13SS Cordless Snow Shovel - $$title$$

Snow Joe iON13SS Cordless Snow Shovel

  • Amperage: 12.5
  • Width: 13 inches
  • Weight: 14.5 lbs

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Snow Joe 324E Corded Snow Shovel - $$title$$

Snow Joe 324E Corded Snow Shovel

  • Amperage: 10
  • Width: 11 inches
  • Weight: 13.6 lbs

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GreenWorks G-MAX Cordless Snow Shovel - $$title$$

GreenWorks G-MAX Cordless Snow Shovel

  • Amperage: 4
  • Width: 12 inches
  • Weight: 15 lbs

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GreenWorks Corded Snow Shovel - $$title$$

GreenWorks Corded Snow Shovel

  • Amperage: 7.5
  • Width: 12 inches
  • Weight: 13 lbs

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Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel - $$title$$

Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel

  • Amperage: 12
  • Width: 16 inches
  • Weight: 16 lbs

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Why You Can Trust Us

The Backyard Boss team knows what it's like to shovel snow. We hail from snow belts on the East Coast, the midwest, and even Canada. We love the snow and we know how to deal with it. We also love power tools and have been through our share of products, which has helped us build the knowledge required to bring you these reviews.

We regularly scan our local hardware stores for the latest snow removal technology, we routinely browse product lists and reviews, and we've been through the painful experience of having to fix or return a broken product. From this experience, we've built confidence in the brands we recommend and we know what to keep in mind before making a purchase. And we're eager to share that information with you.

Best Cordless Electric Snow Shovel Overall

Snow Joe iON13SS

    The Snow Joe iON13SS is the most powerful cordless electric snow shovel on this list, and with a 13-inch clearing width, you'll blow through fresh snow in no time.

      Pros:

    • Cordless
    • No maintenance
    • Works on perimeter of rooflines
    • Works well in heavy, wet snow
      Cons:

    • Limited by battery life
    • Will throw rocks
    • Throws only in one direction

Why We Like It: Cord-free, this 40V lithium-ion-powered snow shovel packs a punch and makes getting into any space you need a breeze. It can run for up to 52 minutes on one charge, which provides plenty of time for the 2-blade paddle auger to clear off your porches, patios, walkways, and steps.

13 inches wide, and capable of handling snow up to six inches deep, this is a handy little tool that only weighs in at 14.5 lbs, making it a lightweight tool capable of moving a lot of snow at any given time. Plus it boasts a simple push start button for easy ignition. It also comes with a dual-port battery charger, one battery, and a storage case for protection and storage through the warmer months.

Who Should Buy It: This is an excellent choice for anyone who does not have easily accessible electrical outlets, and who is looking for a powerful machine capable of tossing up to 300 lbs of snow per minute 25 feet out of the way. The scraper bar on the bottom also keeps you from causing damage to decks or patio surfaces.

Best Budget Electric Snow Shovel

Snow Joe 324E

    The Snow Joe 324E is a powerful snow thrower that's easy to operate and will work great on decks and other even surfaces.

      Pros:

    • Unlimited run time
    • Built-in headlight
    • Throws up to 20 feet on fresh snow
      Cons:

    • Power cord is only a foot long
    • 11 inches clearing width
    • Heavy and needs pushing on uneven surfaces

Why We Like It: The Snow Joe 324E is a great snow clearing aid for flat, even surfaces. You're not limited by battery life, but you might want to get an extension cord to reach the far corners of your property.

With its 10-Amp motor, this Snow Joe can move as much as 300 lbs of snow per minute. When used on fresh snow, it'll discharge snow up to 20 feet away. Since it only throws straight ahead, use a zig-zag line to avoid hitting your neighbor's sidewalk with your discharge.

Who Should Buy It: Like most electric snow shovels, this tool is best for flat and even surfaces. If you can't carry heavy loads and have a tighter budget, go with this lighter corded model.

Best Budget Cordless Electric Snow Shovel

GreenWorks G-MAX

    The GreenWorks G-MAX is a versatile electric snow shovel that works great for narrow sidewalks and tight corners.

      Pros:

    • Cordless
    • Comes with battery and charger included
    • Battery compatible with other GreenWorks products
    • Throws snow really far
      Cons:

    • Runs for only half an hour
    • Not as powerful as other models
    • Snow throws only straight ahead

Why We Like It: The GreenWorks G-MAX packs a 40V lithium-ion battery, which means you won't have to deal with a power cord while operating the machine. The battery and charger are included and they're cross-compatible with other GreenWorks power tools.

Who Should Buy It: This cordless electric snow shovel is great for smaller properties with narrow walkways, tight corners, and less than a foot of snow to clear. Since it comes with the battery and charger included, it's a great starter package.

The Lightest Electric Snow Shovel

GreenWorks 2600802

    This GreenWorks snow shovel will hold its own if used with care. Best for smaller properties and under one foot of snow.

      Pros:

    • Easy to lift while working if needed
    • Very lightweight
    • Simple to assemble
    • More powerful than expected
      Cons:

    • One directional chute
    • Snow is propelled slightly high

Why We Like It: For a smaller electric shovel this product is considered a powerful, and durable choice that has a 12-inch cutting width, and 6-inch cutting depth. The two paddle auger helps drive this lightweight, 14 lbs, contraption forward, making your snow clearing job simple and stress-free.

Perfect for smaller areas, it glides well over uneven decking surfaces and patios, across stairs, and through walkways. Although limited by your choice of cord length and outlet accessibility, the easy start button makes it a convenient choice to begin work whenever you are ready without having to pull any cords.

Who Should Buy It: Like most electric shovels, snow is thrown in the direction you have your unit pointed; between 10 and 15 feet, depending on the heaviness of the snow. It is also capable of quickly clearing your smaller spaces, and is a great choice for any one of varying height statutes as the handle is fully adjustable. The lightweight design, combined with a dual handle makes it easy to maneuver and get into the areas you need snow removed from.

Best Electric Snow Shovel for Wide Driveways

Earthwise SN70016

    With a 16-inch clearing with and a 12-Amp engine, this electric snow shovel is perfect for quickly clearing wider walkways or driveways.

      Pros:

    • Various models available
    • Durable brushless motor
    • Easy to assemble
      Cons:

    • Slightly heavier

Why We Like It: This slightly larger corded snow shovel has a wide, 16-inch clearing width and an 8-inch cutting depth, making it one of the biggest electric snow shovels available. At 16 pounds in weight, it can throw up to 430 pounds of snow per minute up to 30 feet away. Unlike many other models, the chute of this snow shovel can be angled into three different directions to allow you to take advantage of all areas in which you use it.

The 6-inch transport wheels also allow you to tip the snow shovel back in order to move over larger objects in its way or even move over graveled areas. With a 12-Amp engine, it is more than powerful enough to get through the majority of what you put in front of it within reason. The model is also available in a cordless version.

Who Should Buy It: If you receive regular, higher amounts of snowfall, aren't looking for a full-blown snow blower sized product, and want to take the stress away from shoveling your yard, then this might be the perfect model for you. Choose between a corded or cordless version, depending on the size of your property or the availability of power outlets.

What Is an Electric Snow Shovel?

Snow Joe 323E Electric Snow Shovel

An electric snow shovel is a machine that is powered either by a cord or battery pack to provide power to a turning auger that helps push and throw smaller amounts of snow out of your way. These are popular tools to use on decks, patios, stairs, sidewalks, and small driveways due to their lightweight and smaller width.

Unlike a regular snow shovel, an electric snow shovel does not require you to lift or throw the weight of the snow you are moving and can clear snow much more quickly, and with a lot less stress.

Larger snow blowers require room to store and maneuver, they're much heavier, and need regular maintenance. An electric snow blower is compact, lightweight, and fairly powerful, plus it can get into areas a snowblower cannot.

How Does an Electric Snow Shovel Work?

How does snow shovel work

An electric snow shovel works in a similar manner to its larger, more powerful, snowblower counterparts. The power you run to your machine turns an auger which sucks up and throws snow to the side, or forward, and out of your way.

Typically they are around 12 inches wide and can cut snow 6 to 8 inches deep, making them compact enough to store easily indoors or out and be kept on hand to get the job done quickly.

They receive electrical current either from a power cord you can run to your closest outdoor outlet or through a rechargeable battery pack. Corded versions usually run much more powerfully, but are limited by their cord length. Cordless, battery-powered versions can go anywhere you need it to, but may not have the same strength as a corded version.

Why Choose an Electric Snow Shovel?

If you have decking, steps, walkways, or patios that need to be cleared of snow, you know how difficult it can be to maneuver a snowblower into place, or the impossibility of it altogether- leaving you with no other option than to pick up a shovel to clear the area.

Some people also may struggle to clear out areas of snow with a shovel due to ability, making it hard to keep walking areas clear, and creating dangerous hazards- unless, of course, you have an electric snow blower. Small driveways, walkways, and other smaller areas all can benefit from an electric snow blower. Using an old-fashioned shovel may be helpful in small areas, but if you feel any sort of stress or strain when using it, an electric version is well worth the affordable investment.

Types of Electric Snow Shovels

No all-electric snow shovels are made the same, despite having similar basic characteristics. Some are more powerful than others, have differing handles, can self-propel, or even light up your pathway.

Power Cord

Power Cord

Shovels with power cords usually provide the most amperage to run the engine since you have a direct line to a power outlet. These machines can work with an extension cord but will be limited by the length of cord you use them with. You also need to take care to keep the line clear of the auger to avoid getting it tangled, or even cut.

Battery Pack

Battery Powered Snow Shovel

Some shovels are cordless and run with a rechargeable battery pack. Obviously, you will not be limited by distance, but you may be limited in power, as well as in how long you can run your unit between charges.

Adjustable Handles

Adjustable Handle

This is always a nice feature to have. If your shovel has an adjustable handle it makes it much more easily used by a wider variety of people due to their height, reach, and personal preferences.

Manual Push Shovels

Manual Push Snow Shovel

Back wheels are pretty standard on electric snow shovels. One version is considered a manual push shovel that requires you to drive it forward with the help of the auger which does provide some pull as the snow feed through it. Although this sounds like it might be difficult, it truly isn’t and is very much the standard design.

Self-Propelled Shovels

Self Propelled

Self-propelled shovels have a rear-wheel-drive system for further maneuverability and combined with the pull of the auger make cutting through snow a simple task. These are great choices for anyone who struggles with any sort of manual labor as the snow removal is pretty much done for you in models that boast this feature.

Headlight

Headlight

Occasionally you may find a model that will light up your way with a single, bright, headlamp. These are especially helpful on those dark, cold winter mornings when cleaning off your walkway is a must in order to get to your garage. They also can illuminate your steps and are a nice, built-in, safety measure.

How to Choose the Best Electric Shovel for Your Yard

When making your final decision, you should take into account the details of an electric snow shovel and its specific capabilities. Your personal preferences, as well as your physical capabilities, should be taken into account as well when choosing a model that would work best for you.

Do you get regular, deep snowfalls?

Snow Level

Electric snow shovels, although able to handle snow approximately 12 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, are not made for regular, heavy, wet snowfall. If you plan on using your shovel for more than just a deck or stairways in this type of climate, you may want to consider something more powerful, like an electric or gas-powered snowblower.

Do you have accessible outdoor outlets?

Electrical outlet

One way or another you do need to supply electricity to your machine. If your snow shovel is corded, then you will need access to an outdoor outlet (or indoor depending on use and proximity of the outlet to a door). If this may present a problem, then a cordless version may be a better choice.

Is clearing off your porch and steps occasionally difficult?

Check Snow Level

If clearing your porch and steps has been a struggle with a traditional shovel, then an electric snow shovel should definitely be a product you should consider. You’ll want to make sure the auger is the complete width of the housing when being used in this capacity to avoid gaps along walls and steps.

Are you limited in storage capacity?

Garage Storage

Many times people feel they could benefit from a more powerful machine to help with daily snow removal, but are unable to find room to store it during the season it is in use, or through the summer. Many electric shovels are small enough to store in a foyer closet, making them a handy tool even when you are limited on space.

Is pushing a shovel a difficult task?

Toro 38381 18-Inch 15 Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Blower 2

If pushing a shovel is normally a difficult task, you may want to consider a rear wheel-powered electric shovel to help with the ease of moving the machine through the snow. Even though all-electric versions are somewhat pulled by the movement of the auger, this extra power makes it run that much smoother.

How We Picked

We picked the most popular electric snow shovels from reputable manufacturers and slimmed down the list based on multiple factors.

First, we made sure the shovels we picked were actually available. Then we relied on our own experience with snow clearance to select the power shovels with the best specs. We made sure to include both cordless battery-powered and lighter, cordless shovels. Clearing width, weight, and price were other criteria we looked at.

Finally, we scanned user reviews for the upsides and downsides of each product, to make sure we only included electric snow shovels that most people would be satisfied with.

Power Up Your Snow Shovel

Although an electric snow shovel isn’t built for incredibly heavy loads of snowfall, it is an awesome choice to help you cut your shoveling time in half with very little physical effort on your part. Whether corded, or battery-powered, they are strong enough to toss whatever snowfall you do have well out of the way to keep your decks, porches, stairs, and walkways clear and safe.

Obviously, your choices will be determined by your own personal preferences, but my favorite is the Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded Snow Shovel due to its overall power and opportunity to choose whether you want a corded, or cordless, version.