If the mere thought of shoveling snow this winter makes your back ache, now might be the perfect time to invest in one of the best electric snow blowers. Unlike gas models, electric snow blowers are low-maintenance, and today’s top options deliver power comparable to gas counterparts. Our recommendation for most people is the Ego Power+ Peak Power Snow Blower—a battery-powered model featuring powerful steel augers and impressive battery life.
The Ego Power+ Peak Power Snow Blower is designed to clear even the heaviest, wettest snow with ... More ease.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
In addition to being low-maintenance, electric snow blowers offer several other advantages. “Battery-operated machines are quieter, and with a push of a button, they start instantly—unlike the issues you can sometimes encounter with gas-powered units,” says Lou Manfredini, home expert at Ace Hardware. Plus, electric snow blowers can run on rechargeable batteries or via an extension cord, and like gas models, they’re available in both single- and two-stage designs. Here are the best electric snow blowers to make quick work of winter yard maintenance, even in the toughest conditions.
If you’re looking for a powerful snow blower that can handle almost any surface with ease, the Ego Power+ Peak Power Snow Blower is designed to clear even the heaviest, wettest snow. This powerful model cuts a spacious 21-inch path and can handle a 12-car driveway on a single charge, thanks to its two 56-volt lithium-ion batteries. It also throws snow up to 40 feet, allowing you to fully clear your pathways.
Equipped with steel augers, it cuts through ice and packed snow, while bright LED headlights provide visibility for nighttime clearing. The handle-mounted chute control allows for easy direction adjustments, and the handle folds down for compact storage in the off-season.
Power: 60 volts | Clearing width: 21 inches |Cordless: Yes |Weight: 81 pounds | Features: LED headlights, three power modes, folding handle
Pros:
Up to 45 minutes of operation per charge
Folding handle for more compact storage
Eco feature conserves battery life
Cons:
More expensive than other models
The versatility of this Dewalt snow blower is hard to beat, as it can handle various surfaces, including concrete, asphalt and gravel. Being cordless, it allows you to cover large areas without worrying about it unplugging or losing power. Like our top pick, this model’s 7-inch steel auger effortlessly cuts through heavy, wet snow and can clear up to 16 parking spaces on a single charge.
You can choose from three power modes—max, standard and eco—to adjust for different snow conditions. Its boost mode provides an extra surge of power for tough patches, and dual LED headlights keep the area in front well-lit. For easy storage, the handle folds down once you’re finished.
Best Heavy-Duty Electric Snow Blower
Offers Wide Coverage For Tackling Large Snowfalls
The Home Depot
Ryobi Brushless Whisper Series Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower
If you live in an area with frequent heavy snowfall, consider this robust two-stage snow blower from Ryobi. Its 24-inch clearing width allows it to handle up to 21 inches of snowfall in a single pass, reducing the need to repeatedly go over the same area. Plus, as a variable-speed, self-propelled model, it moves forward on its own, sparing you the effort of pushing.
With a 55-foot throwing distance, it can launch snow well beyond the driveway, and a 180-degree chute lets you control exactly where the snow lands. Another standout feature is its heated handle, which helps keep your hands warm, even on the coldest days.
Best Lightweight Electric Snow Blower
An Easy-To-Maneuver Machine For Moderate Snowfalls
If a snow shovel would suffice but you’d prefer something more efficient, the budget-friendly Greenworks Electric Snowthrower is an excellent choice. Powered by a 13-amp motor, it cuts a 20-inch-wide path and handles up to 10 inches of snow, making it ideal for light or occasional snowfalls. Although it doesn’t throw snow as far as some other models, it can still launch powder up to 20 feet, and the adjustable chute lets you control where it goes. Best of all, it folds up for compact storage, so it won’t take up much space in your garage.
Gravel driveways can be tricky to clear due to uneven surfaces, but the PowerSmart cordless snow blower is up for the challenge. With a stainless steel auger, powerful 80-volt battery and an adjustable skid plate (which you can raise to avoid rocks), this machine handles rugged terrain with ease. It can toss snow up to 50 feet, and its battery lasts up to 90 minutes. Clearing a generous 24-inch path with each pass, it’s ideal for heavy snow regions, thanks to its 20-inch intake height.
The machine’s speed control lets you adjust drive speed and direction, including forward and reverse, while the self-propelled feature aids in maneuvering. LED headlights provide visibility for nighttime clearing and help you spot larger rocks, and the included skid shoes improve traction on gravel.
This EGO model is a self-propelled snow blower that takes on the hard work of pushing through snow, making your outdoor chores much easier. It features variable speed control, allowing you to move forward and back at your own pace. With a 24-inch clearing width, it can handle up to 8 inches of snow across an 18-car driveway on a single charge. The machine throws snow up to 50 feet, and its four LED headlights enhance nighttime visibility. Built with heavy-duty steel and composite materials, this durable unit is designed to withstand regular use.
Best Two-Stage Electric Snow Blower
A Powerful Blower With A Wide Reach
Lowe's
Greenworks Pro Two-Stage Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Snow Blower
The Greenworks Pro Two-Stage Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Snow Blower, with its 80-volt power, is one of the most robust electric options available—though it does come with a higher price tag. Its two-stage system features one auger for pulling in snow and another for discharging it, allowing it to throw snow up to 50 feet. This self-propelled machine lets you control the drive speed and clears a 24-inch wide path, with a battery that lasts up to an hour per charge. Zero-turn wheels make it easy to navigate around obstacles, and it can handle up to 18 inches of snow, making it ideal for colder, snow-heavy climates.
Best Single-Stage Electric Snow Blower
An Inexpensive Option To Tackle Moderate Levels Of Snow
Amazon
Snow Joe Electric Single Stage Snow Blower
Power: 15 amps | Cordless: No | Clearing width: 21 inches | Features: LED lights, adjustable chute
Pros:
Less expensive than other models on the market
Integrated lights for better visibility
Built-in safety switch for emergency stops
Cons:
Must work around a power cord
Not ideal for larger snowfalls
The popular Snow Joe single-stage snow blower is a reliable choice for handling light to medium snowfalls. Its corded design features a 15-amp motor that moves up to 800 pounds of snow per minute, tackling up to 12 inches of snow in each pass. With a 20-inch clearing width, its adjustable chute rotates 180 degrees, tossing snow up to 20 feet away.
This blower also includes three built-in LED lights for enhanced visibility and a safety switch on the handle for quick stops if needed. Best of all, it comes at a budget-friendly price, making it a great value—as long as you’re comfortable working with a power cord while clearing snow.
The writers and editors at Forbes Vetted reside all across the country, including in locations that regularly get pummeled with snow, and we know the value in having sturdy and dependable outdoor machines and tools like leaf blowers, snow blowers and snow shovels.
For this article, we also consulted three experts: Ken Boegeman, Jr., president of Swinter Group, one of the largest snow and ice removal companies in North America. We also spoke with Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi, and Lou Manfredini, home expert at Ace Hardware.
We monitor this story regularly to add in the latest electric snow blowers, with the most recent update in November 2024, which added the Snow Joe as a budget-friendly single-stage option.
How We Chose The Best Electric Snow Blowers
To choose the best electric snow blowers, we consulted with experts for details about important features to look for in a machine used for residential purposes.
We also looked for the most popular options on the market, including products from brands we know and trust, such as Ego, Ryobi, DeWalt and Greenworks.
We narrowed down our selections by looking at features like power, path width, battery life and overall value.
Reviews from real customers were also factored in to get a clear view of how these devices perform when they are up against the elements. We only selected models with an average rating of 4 stars or higher.
What To Look For In An Electric Snow Blower
Here are a few key factors to keep in mind as you shop for an electric snow blower this winter.
Power Output
The power of electric snow blowers is either measured by voltage (cordless models) or amps (corded machines). The higher the voltage and amps, the more powerful the machine.
“Voltage on any battery-operated tools equals power—a 60-volt tool has a lot more power than a 20-volt tool,” explains Lou Manfredini, home expert at Ace Hardware. “Typically, [electric snow blowers] all have larger voltages of 50 and over, but one other factor in battery technology is the amp hour rating. The larger that number, the bigger the physical batter and the longer runtime for the machine.”
Cordless
Electric snow blowers are available in corded or cordless options. While one isn’t necessarily better than the other, there are some elements to consider when choosing the right one for your needs. Corded versions require you to use your snow blower within a set area, and you’ll have to work around an extension cord. Cordless options, on the other hand, allow you to blow snow pretty much anywhere, but have a limited time before the juice runs out and you need a recharge.
Stages
Electric snow blowers typically come in two versions—single- and dual-stage—and the best option for your home will depend on how much power you need.
“A single stage thrower has one auger that grabs the snow at a high rate of speed and then throws it at the same time,” explains Manfredini. “Single stage units are great for snowfalls of about 8 to 12 inches of snow. Single stage units are also lighter and easier to maneuver.”
For areas that get higher snow quantities, a two-stage snow blower may be necessary: “Two stage units have one auger and one fan,” Manfredini says. “The auger churns up the snow at a slower rate and pulls it into the machine and a fan right behind is spinning faster throw the snow. These machines are bigger and a better choice for large properties and areas where heavier snowfalls are common.” However, keep in mind that two-stage snow blowers, such as the Greenworks Pro Two-Stage Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Snow Blower, are typically more expensive and heavier to operate.
Manual vs. Self-Propelled
Snow blowers are often large, heavy machines, so you’ll want to consider the weight of a unit before you buy. If a snow blower is too heavy, you may struggle to push it around your driveway, which is why many heavier models have a self-propelled design.
“Ask yourself if you need or want the machine to be self-propelled,” recommends Manfredini. “Self-propelled units actually drive the wheels, pushing the machine into the snow.” Similar to a self-propelled lawn mower, these snow blowers move forward on their own, taking the strain off your body, and they generally offer variable speed control so you can control how fast they move.
While single-stage snow blowers generally lack self-propelled designs, they don’t necessarily rely 100% on manual force: “Typically, single-stage units use the auger to pull the machine into the snow. While not truly self-propelled, it does help,” says Manfredini.
What Should You Look For In A Good Electric Snow Blower?
Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi recommends considering a few factors. “Electric snow blowers can be either corded or cordless,” she says. “Corded electric snow blowers can throw up to 700 pounds of snow per minute, while cordless ones aren’t as powerful, so it’s important to think about what will best suit your home’s needs.” You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll want a single-stage or two-stage model. If you have the budget (and the desire), Micetich suggests looking for added features like headlights and automatic safety shut-off.
Is An Electric Snow Blower Ideal For You?
If you get a light dusting here and there, a snow blower probably isn’t for you. But if you face heavier snowfalls, it’s at least worth considering. “In general, snow blowers are great at clearing large areas of snow quickly and can save your body some pain compared to snow shovels,” Micetich says. Electric snow blowers are also “easier to store and maintain compared to gas snow blowers,” Micetich says.
How Does An Electric Snow Blower Compare To A Gas Snow Blower?
In general, most electric snow blowers are less powerful than their gas counterparts, but today’s electric snow blowers still pack enough punch to meet the needs of homeowners who want to clear a driveway, sidewalks and walkways. “Gas snow blowers can get rid of larger areas of snow more quickly, but they require more maintenance, such as oil and filter changes,” Micetich says. Electric snow blowers are also “more environmentally conscious since they don’t emit any fumes or gasses into the air, unlike gas snow blowers,” Micetich says.