Few people truly enjoy shoveling snow. An electric snow shovel can make this chore easier, and some might even say a little fun.
Electric snow shovels are much less labor-intensive than
manual snow shovels. Ideal applications include sidewalks and walkways, stairs, decks, and patios. They do a lot of the work for you but are generally not quite as powerful or large as a traditional, full-sized snowblower. Still, they can save your back after a snowstorm and help you cut down the time it takes to clear all that powder.
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The Expert: I’ve been involved with construction, maintenance, and home renovation for more than 30 years. I co-owned a maintenance and construction business for nearly 20 years, and my family and I are hardcore DIYers. I live in a rural mountain region of Pennsylvania, which means I need to be prepared for snow—perhaps lots of it—for at least several months out of the year. Electric snow shovels can make this chore easier, and I’ve used a variety of these and other snow removal tools over the years.
What to Consider in an Electric Snow Shovel
Corded vs. Cordless
Electric snow shovels are available in either corded or cordless models. If you go with a corded model, you will likely have to deal with an extension cord. If you need to clear an area that’s a long distance from your electrical outlet, that might not be convenient.
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Just like other cordless yard tools, a cordless electric snow shovel runs off a rechargeable battery and boasts freedom of movement. However, if you have a lot of distance to cover, a single charge might not last long enough. Cordless models also tend to cost more, so corded varieties will likely be the more affordable.
Clearing Depth and Width
If you live in an area that gets large snow accumulations in a single storm, choose a shovel that can handle the highest possible maximum snow height. The typical clearing heights listed by manufacturers fall between 4 and 6 inches, which should be fine for the average user. Also, consider a model’s width. The wider its clearing capability, the quicker you will be able to clear a certain area. Many electric snow shovels measure between 10 and 13 inches wide, but some span wider at 16 inches. Note that electric snow shovels work best when clearing fresh, soft snow and are not really designed to break through ice or frozen snow.
How We Evaluated Electric Snow Shovels
I live in an area that gets lots of snow and don’t particularly enjoy clearing it. In fact, I dread it—especially when I owned a maintenance business and was responsible for exponential amounts of snow removal. But snowfall and its removal is an inevitable reality, so I’ve looked for every possible solution that can help me save time and energy. I relied on my experiences with many snow tools while evaluating electric snow shovels. After consulting reviews from hundreds of Amazon users and referring to manufacturer information for product specifications, I recommend the models below.
