7 Best Electric Snow Shovels of 2024, Tested

Publish date: 2024-05-20

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Toro Corded Power Shovel Sheri Kaz/Family Handyman

The Toro 38361 Power Shovel has an impressive throw, which is powered by a 7.5 Amp electric motor. As an owner of a Toro cordless snowblower, I was able to test them side-by-side in 5 inches of wet snow on the driveway. To my surprise, they performed equally well. When I got to the end of the driveway, I was shocked that the Toro shovel blew the snow plow rubble 25 feet across the street. Of course, cleaning up after the city plow was much easier and faster with my actual snowblower, but the Toro shovel did a fine job on the section I tackled.

By the time the storms were over, the city plow came through five times, and my mailbox was close to being buried. Toro to the rescue! This machine was light enough to lift to the top of the pile and toss the snow out of the way faster and easier than a conventional shovel. Next, I used the Toro to clear a path on the grass for the dog where the snow had piled up to a foot. I scraped it in layers and sent the snow sailing at least 20 feet out of my way.

Between the two laborious projects, I never worried about running out of power because the machine plugs into an outlet. If you need a 100-foot outdoor extension cord, be sure to pick up one that is 16 gauge. It’ll be easier than using a manual shovel; I guarantee it.

Type: Corded | Weight: 12.5 lbs | Maximum Snow Depth/Clearance Width: 6 in./12 in. | Warranty: 2 year

Pros

Cons

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EGO Power+ Multi-Head Snow Shovel Kit Sheri Kaz/Family Handyman

Honestly, the Ego Power+ Cordless Snow Shovel is a beast in every way. It’s 69 inches tall, a hefty 18 pounds (without the 5-pound battery), and a snow-eating machine. If you’re strong enough to handle the Ego Power+ and you own other Ego products, you’ll love having the snow shovel, too. The modular design of Ego products makes swapping tools and batteries easy. I received the complete kit including the power head shaft, shovel head, 56-volt battery and charger (although I could have easily swapped out my trimmer head with the shovel head on my existing Ego Powerload string trimmer).

The Ego shovel removed the snow to the pavement and consistently threw the snow 25 to 30 feet. It helps that you can adjust the direction of the throw and use the variable speed trigger to give you even more control. Unlike some users, I never had any clogging issues in slushy or wet snow. When I tried clearing a path on the grass for my trash cans, I gave up because the snow was already a foot high on an incline and I didn’t have the strength to lift the machine to slice it down. To be fair, I was already exhausted from 24 hours of straight snowfall.

Don’t be afraid to push the Ego shovel to the limits, because it has built-in overload protection to prevent damage. This machine is built tough with weather-resistant construction and the power to cut through extreme conditions.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 18 lbs. | Maximum Snow Depth/Clearance Width: 6 in./12 in. | Warranty: 5-year tool; 3-year battery

Pros

Cons

What to Look for When Buying an Electric Snow Shovel

It’s important to keep in mind that although electric snow shovels require less physical effort than manual shovels, they are heavier. Compared to a shovel that weighs a couple of pounds, an 11- to 18-pound electric shovel may get uncomfortable for some people to hold after a while.

On the other hand, if you regularly receive heavy snowfalls (more than 8 inches deep), you’ll want to consider investing in a snow blower. You should also think about the overall size of your area when purchasing electric shovels for snow. You may have to do some math, but it’s worth the time to ensure you don’t end up with a corded machine that won’t reach as far as you need.

Another feature worthy of consideration is the ability to change the direction of the snow output so it lands where you want.

Types of Electric Snow Shovels

The two types of electric snow shovels are corded and battery-powered models. Corded electric snow shovels offer unlimited runtime—they simply plug into your home’s power outlet—but are limited by their cord length. If you have a larger driveway or path, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality extension cord.

Battery-powered machines provide maximum portability, making them convenient for quickly carrying to different areas—like a detached garage, upstairs to a deck or a neighbor’s sidewalk—without having to manage an extension cord. Electric snow shovel reviews often note that batteries tend to have a short runtime and long charge time, so cordless electric snow shovels aren’t the most practical for larger projects. Many users get two batteries, so they can swap them out when one gets depleted.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a shopping editor and product tester, I love reporting my discoveries in hopes that they make your life easier. I’ve lived through more than a few snow-filled winters so I know how difficult clearing your driveway and walkways can be. I’ve tested lots of different products for Family Handyman readers so I know what specific features to call out that other users appreciate or might question when purchasing a new tool.

For this piece, we consulted the Senior Merchant of Outdoor Power Equipment for Home Depot, Nicole Durden. She worked for Home Depot for many years and is very familiar with different types of outdoor equipment, including electric snow shovels.

How We Found the Best Electric Snow Shovel

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. In this case, we tested each product to ensure we’re only recommending the best. We sought out reliable brands of electric snow shovels with a high customer satisfaction rating and then we tested them in real-world conditions to determine performance, value, ease of use, strengths and weaknesses.

How We Tested the Best Electric Snow Shovels

I tested all of these shovels over four very different snow events. The first snow hit the warm pavement, resulting in a slushy mess with an inch and a half of wet rain/snow mix. It was the soupy kind of snow that would freeze into an ice rink overnight. The second snow had chunky slush under a few inches of lighter snow on top. The next snow was 5 inches of heavy wet snow, followed by 8 more inches in the same 24 hours. (Whew!)

I normally use a 21-inch cordless Toro snowblower, but it’s not ideal for my uneven surfaces or tight areas. And I certainly can’t use it on my front porch or to dig out my mailbox, so I was hopeful that an electric snow shovel would save my back. Mission accomplished.

To test each shovel, I used them on the driveway, including clearing the huge piles the snow plow left behind at the end of the drive (multiple times). I also tried them on my uneven and crumbling patio pavers, as well as in the grass to make a path for my tiny dog.

When determining scores for each, I rated them for ease of set-up and assembly, price, durability and construction, noting the type of snow they could handle (like slushy, powdery, compact, heavy and wet). Next, I tested them on a variety of surfaces from smooth concrete to wooden decks to uneven surfaces. Features such as adjustable output angles and variable speeds are noted as well as overall maneuverability and the weight of each shovel. 

Finally, I measured and tested the clearing depth, width and throwing distance, which varied by snow type. Additionally, I let some of the neighbor ladies try them out as I watched them struggle with conventional shovels. Like me, they were convinced an electric shovel was the only way to go.

FAQ

Are electric snow shovels worth it?

If you want to avoid the pain of using a conventional shovel but don’t want to splurge for a snowblower, an electric shovel is the way to go. These wonderful inventions are compact, taking up about the same space in a closet as a manual shovel and they’re fairly lightweight. They come in a variety of styles, cutting depths and widths, and you can get a decent shovel for under $200. They don’t require gas or emit fumes, and they are oh-so easy to use. The best part is that it takes less time and energy to clear your sidewalk, patio or driveway with an electric snow shovel. Is an electric snow shovel worth it? Absolutely!

What is the most efficient snow shoveling?

If you’re looking to make snow removal fast and painless, a machine that blows the snow is the best option. Luckily, you no longer need a full-blown snowblower to accomplish the job. An electric snow shovel is the best way to clear small areas and tight spaces quickly and efficiently. 

When is the best time to shovel snow?

The best time to shovel snow is while it’s still falling. If you periodically clear your driveway or sidewalk, you won’t have to tackle deep drifts later on. The snow will also be lighter, meaning, you won’t have to exert yourself (or the machine) quite as much. If the snow has already fallen overnight, the best time to shovel snow is in the late morning. The sunlight helps melt the snow, and unlike the early morning or at night, there should be less ice to potentially slip on.

How do you keep snow from sticking to the shovel?

Wet, sticky snow can stick to the paddles of electric snow shovels, reducing efficiency and placing unnecessary strain on the motor. A coating of cooking spray prevents snow from sticking, allowing it to slide right off. If you don’t have cooking oil, a silicone spray is also an effective substitute. Find the best electric snow shovel to dig yourself out this winter, whether you have a huge driveway or a small sidewalk.

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