8 Best Electric Snow Shovels of 2021 [Reviews]

Electric snow shovels combine all of the best elements of manual snow shovels and electric snow throwers. They can clear a considerable amount of ground in less time than with non-electric tools, and they’re small enough to clear away snow from even the tightest spaces and corners.

For anyone who’s spent nearly half the year shoveling snow and ice out of their driveway before going to work, an electric snow shovel just may be a dream come true. Still, there are tons of shovels from which to choose, including cordless, lightweight, and heavy-duty models. Choosing the right one can feel like a challenge.

However, this guide can help buyers pick an electric snow shovel that has all of the best qualities, features, and specifications. Feel free to explore!

Quick Glance: Our Top Picks

The 8 Best Electric Snow Shovels – Reviews

1) Greenworks PRO 12-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Shovel

Buyers seeking a cordless option that comes with a battery and charger may want to consider this cordless snow shovel. It’s a complete cordless kit that’s capable of clearing snowfall that’s up to 6 inches deep.

This cordless shovel is one of the most lightweight within the cordless category, though it’s also one of the most expensive. It lasts for a maximum of 45 minutes before needing to be recharged.

• Cordless
• Includes battery and battery charger
• Clears up to 6 inches of snow

Pros

• Battery charges in as little as 30 minutes
• Can run for 45 minutes without needing to be recharged
• Only weighs about 15 pounds

Cons

• Not as affordable as other cordless options
• Cold weather can cause the battery to malfunction

2) Earthwise Snow Thrower Snow Shovel 9 AMP Corded Electric 10″

This unique electric snow shovel may be ideal for women looking to handle their yard or driveway’s snow issues. It’s lightweight at only 11 pounds and comes in a variety of bright, attractive colors. It is a corded option, so an extension cord purchase may also be in order.

This tiny machine is incredibly popular despite its small size. It can clear 300lbs of snow every minute! Still, if it has one major flaw, it would be the snow chute. It’s short and small, which may allow some snow to fly onto the shoveler’s face or chest.

• Only weighs about 11 pounds
• Comes in unique colors
• Clears 300lb of snow per minute

Pros

• Comes in a variety of color options
• Easy to handle
• Doesn’t need to be charged before use

Cons

• The short chute can send snow in an unwanted direction
• Too small to handle moderate snowfall

3) Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel, Brushless Motor, 16-Inch width

The Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless is a beautiful example of cordless electric shoveling. It sports two large wheels for stability, allowing users to deposit their weight on the shovel safely and smartly.

This electric shovel also features a relatively large clearing width of 16 inches. Most standard shovels top-out at 12 inches, so those extra four inches help when handling large projects and tasks.

• Wheeled, ergonomic design
• An affordable cordless option
• Clearing depth of 8 inches

Pros

• One of the best-priced cordless electric shovels
• Large wheels add much-desired stability
• Throws snow up to 30 feet
• Has a clearing width of 16 inches

Cons

• Runtime is between 20 and 40 minutes
• May not be ideal for smaller tasks

4) Snow Joe iON Cordless Snow Shovel Kit

This shovel is one of the sleekest cordless electric snow shovels on the market. It’s reasonably lightweight, easy to start, and can run for almost a full hour before needing a recharge.

However, it’s clearing width, and throwing distance is not incredibly impressive.

• Large snow shield to protect the face
• Runs for nearly a full hour
• Throws snow up to 25 feet

Pros

• Battery and charger included with the snow shovel.
• Start button located in the handle
• Can run for a total of 52 minutes

Cons

• Clearing width is slightly disappointing
• Unimpressive snow-throwing distance

5) Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel, 16″ Width

Earthwise is known for its wide range of landscaping tools and equipment. Their corded electric shovel is a capable and reasonably affordable option for anyone hoping to keep their home snow-free.

While the small rear wheels on this shovel do add a little stability, they also detract from its maneuverability. Sadly, this shovel can be difficult to handle on small stairs or in tight spaces.

• Can throw snow up to 30 feet
• Small rear wheels for easier handling
• Retractable cord for easy storage and use

Pros

• Can move 430lbs of snow per minute
• Small rear wheels for added stability
• Excellent clearing depth and width

Cons

• Requires connection to a power outlet
• Wheels can detract from maneuverability

6) Toro 38361 Power Shovel

Buyers looking for a simple electric shovel may want to consider a Toro shovel. It is a corded option that doesn’t feature many extra frills or features, but that does promise to work hard for at least two years. It’s designed to work on sidewalks and pavement.

This shovel is small, easily portable and an excellent option for daily driveway de-snowing.

• Designed to work on sidewalks and pavement
• Includes a 2-year warranty
• Funnel and rotor design helps reduce clogging

Pros

• Includes a 2-year warranty
• Can clear a large-size driveway in less than half an hour
• Surprisingly exceptional clearing depth of six inches

Cons

• May not be ideal for clearing yard areas
• Snow chute could be improved

7) Homegear 12″ 9 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

The lightest jobs call for the lightest tools, and for small dustings of snow, this Homegear electric snow shovel could work wonders. It’s lightweight, corded, and capable of clearing a depth of 6 inches and a width of 12 inches.

Still, this handy little shovel isn’t built to tackle large, thick snowdrifts. Buyers looking for a more capable shovel may want to continue their search.

• Extremely simple
• Best for very small jobs
• Adjustable chute can throw snow 20 feet

Pros

• Easy to handle and use
• Very lightweight
• Ideal for small tasks like clearing stairs, porches, and patios

Cons

• Cannot clear large, deep areas
• Cannot throw snow very far

8) Goplus Electric Corded Snow Thrower

Shoveling snow can be a back-breaking chore, which is why most electric snow shovels are equipped with an ergonomic front handle. The front handle on this shovel is adjustable, ensuring that users of every height feel comfortable. Not many shovels offer this feature.

It’s also one of the most compact and easy-to-store options. However, it leaves much to be desired in terms of capability.

• Affordable
• Weighs only 10 pounds
• Compact and easy to store

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• One of the most lightweight options of the market
• Hangs up and stores out-of-sight easily
• Adjustable front handle for ease-of-use

Cons

• Not particularly powerful
• Handles an average amount of snow

Electric Snow Shovel Buying Guide

When It Comes to Snow Shovels, Size Matters

A professional painter wouldn’t bring a tiny paintbrush to paint a house, and the same logic applies to shoveling snow. When there’s a foot or more of snow on the ground, a shovel might not be the best tool. And when there’s a light covering on a lawn, set of stairs, or driveway, a snowblower is overkill.

When considering which electric snow shovel to purchase, it’s best to first think about its intended use.

Snow Size

As mentioned above, the depth of snowfall can help determine which tool will work best. Most electric shovels can handle light to moderate snowfall, but not heavy snow. For more extreme conditions, a snowblower or snow thrower might be the better option.

Shovel Weight

The larger the shovel, the heavier it’s going to be. This is especially true of battery-powered models. When choosing a new electric shovel, it’s important that buyers be aware of the shovel’s weight and be able to carry that weight for extended periods. For those with weaker muscles, a corded lightweight model may work best.

Cordless or Battery

All-electric snow shovels either have a long cord that attaches to a power outlet, or an internal battery that allows the shovel to work far from any power source. Each type of shovel has its pros and cons, and a shoveler’s preferences and needs should be taken into account when choosing between them.

Corded

Corded electric snow shovels are great for doing light work around the yard. Though they do require a constant connection to a power source, they also don’t run out of power due to a drained battery like the more portable models do. This can make them a better option for large jobs.

Battery

Battery-powered electric snow shovels tend to be slightly heavier than their corded counterparts, but they’re also more portable. Because there’s no cord, shovelers can work at any site, at nearly any time. However, buyers who often forget to charge their electronics may want to consider a corded option!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a snow shovel and a snow blower?

A snow shovel can be manual (powered by hand) or electric, but it mainly functions to scoop small amounts of snow from the ground and deposit it elsewhere. Manual snow shovels offer complete control where this snow ends up, while most electric models “throw” the snow out from the top of the machine.

Snow shovels tend to be lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for tight spaces. This is true of both manual and electric snow shovels. Snowblowers, on the other hand, are far larger and typically feature wheels for easy pushing. These machines look more like lawnmowers than anything else, and they move in about the same way. Snowblowers can help to melt snow, but some just move the snow to a different location.

Still, besides size and weight, their greatest difference is capability. Snow shovels can handle most light snowfalls and some moderate snows, and snow blowers can handle heavy snowfall.

Are electric snow shovels good at removing snow from stairs?

Absolutely! Electric snow shovels can de-snow a set of stairs in just a few minutes. Those that keep a battery-powered snow shovel charged and waiting at all times could potentially lessen this time to less than a minute.

Conclusion

The best electric snow shovel is one that is easy to handle, can stay charged long enough to do the job, and doesn’t break the bank. There’s plenty of options from which to choose.