Best Cordless Electric Snow Blower – Big Jobs
Best Cordless Electric Snow Blower – Big JobsBattery-powered snow blowers can be extremely convenient and effective snow-clearing machines. Snow blowers can be real lifesavers when the snow hits, but dealing with gas cans, oil, carburetors, pull-starts, and all can be a pain in the neck. A cordless electric snow blower can make life much easier, and some of these models are quite powerful! We’ve found that the best cordless electric snow blower is the SnowJoe iON8024-XR. This snow blower can move up to 1,000 lbs of snow per minute and is a two-stage beast.
It requires two batteries to run, and you’ll likely want to purchase spare batteries if you’ve got a large driveway or are to clear. For a full review of the iON8024-XR, see the Product Reviews section below.
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Cordless Electric Snow Thrower – Small Jobs
The best battery powered snow blower for small jobs is the Earthwise SN74016 snow thrower. This unit is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to use, and delivers on its promises. It can be used on wet or dry snow, covers a reasonable area in one chart. It’s extremely portable and actually doubles as a snow shovel!
While the power is on the lower end, it’s simple, sturdy, and super functional for small jobs. For all of these reasons, it outshines the competition, which tends to be pricier and a bit more difficult to use.
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the SN74016, see our Product Reviews area below.
Runner-Up: Battery Powered Snow Blower – Medium Jobs
If you’re looking for a medium-sized snow blower that can be picked up, but can still do some serious work, consider the Greenworks PRO 2600402 Snowblower. It is a powerful single-stage snowblower that hits a nice spot between the smaller power shovels and the larger two-stage units.
This 80-volt snowblower gets the job done in wet or heavy snow, provides a reasonably long battery life, and throws snow far away from its original resting places. All in all, not a bad investment during the winter.
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a full review of the 2600402, see the Product Reviews section below.
Battery Powered Snow Blower Buyer’s Tips
You’ve already decided that you want to go cord-free, and gas-free, for your snow blower. Battery power is a beautiful thing and can make clearing your outdoor spaces much easier and safer than gas and corded-electric models. There’s no chance gas will be spilled, and there’s no chance the cord will be chewed up or cut while plowing.
However, there are several aspects to consider when shopping for battery-powered snow blowers, and we’ll look at these features here.
Power Output
Perhaps the most important aspect of any snow blower is the amount of power it has. Of course, if you need the absolute maximum amount of power, a gas-powered, two-stage snow blower is what you need. If you live in an area with lots of frequent heavy, wet snow, you probably want to go gas.
But if your snow isn’t quite so frequent, or it’s not very wet, then electric will likely work fine for your needs.
Number of Stages
Most of the battery-powered snow blowers on the market are single stage snow blowers. This means they have one auger that sucks up the snow and blows it out the chute. Two-stage units have two augers, providing significantly more power to send the snow away, however, these units require twice the battery power of a single-stage machine. They do a lot more work, though.
One of the units on our list, the Snow Joe8024-XR, is a two-stage machine, while all the others are single stage snow throwers.
Snow Blower Width and Depth
You always want to consider the width of the plow, and the advertised depth of the snow blower. This will tell you approximately how big the snow blower is, and what the capacity is. A 24″ model will make a path twice as big as a 12″ model.
In terms of depth, most of the snow blower companies advertise depth as something like in ideal circumstances. If a snowblower says it will work in 10″ of depth, that is a theoretical maximum depth, and real-world conditions are likely about half of that, especially if the snow is wet.
Also, consider that you may want to do “half-width” passes if you have wet snow, so as to not push the snow blower too much.
Battery Charge Length
One of the big concerns with a battery-powered snow blower is the length of the battery charge. How long will each battery (or set of batteries) last? This depends on a variety of factors, including the amperage of the unit, the overall power, the temperature, the weight of the snow, etc.
The battery charge estimates given are all pretty variable, depending on the individual circumstances, but should help for comparison between models.
Recharge Time
Once your battery is dead, how long will it take to recharge? This is often an important aspect to consider, as some batteries will charge in as little as 20-30 min, while others can take 2-3 hours to charge. Most likely you’ll want at least one spare battery for your snow blower, and if you’re looking at a two-stage model, you’ll need a whole spare set of batteries.
Snow Throw Distance
Like the other parameters mentioned above, all of the manufacturers quote snow-throw distances in their marketing materials. These are theoretical maximums in perfect condition, and generally, don’t reflect real-world conditions.
Heavy, wet snow, especially, may only go a couple of feet, while powdery snow may go 15′ or more. The most challenging area is always the area around the end of the driveway, where the snow bank from the snow plow builds up with very salty sand.
Brand and Warranty
Picking the right snow blower brand is important, and we’ve put together a guide to many of the most common manufacturers around. See here for the best snow blower brands.
Also important is warranty coverage, as these units are asked to do difficult work, and often have problems. Customer service and support is important and coupled with a good snow blower brand, you want to make sure your warranty is good.
Cordless Electric Snowblower Reviews
Snow blowers are handy tools for individuals who live in cold climates. Once the snow comes pouring down from the heavens, it can be difficult to clear one’s driveway with a basic shovel and elbow grease. That’s where the snow blower comes in. This tool is typically an electric or battery-powered handheld device that uses basic wind force to blast snow away. It can be used on porches, driveways, and sidewalks to clear away wet and dry snow.
In this section we’ll take a close look at five of our favorite cordless models. We’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then go in detail into each individual product. We’ll conclude with our favorites for different circumstances.
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Snow Joe ION8024-XR 24-Inch 80 Volt 2×5 Ah Batteries Cordless Two-Stage Snow Blower
Key Points at a Glance
- Moves 1,000 lbs. of Snow per Minute
- Comes with a Digital Driving System
- 4 Speeds
- Sleek Black and Blue Design
- Battery Powered
- 2-Year Warranty Available
- Includes Reversible Skid Shoes
- Dual Port Charger for 2 Batteries
- Comes with 2 Batteries, which are used simultaneously
- Includes a User Manual
Dimensions and Specs
- Batteries Last 30 Minutes
- Takes 80V Max EcoSharp Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Product Dimensions: 47 x 25.7 x 40 in.
- Weight: 105 lbs.
The Details
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR 24-Inch 80 Volt 2×5 Ah Batteries Cordless Two-Stage Snow Blower (Snow Joe ION8024) is a battery-powered snow blower that is about as close to a gas snow blower as you can get. It’s a two-stage unit, meant for individuals with larger driveways or areas that need to be cleared in the winter.
This model can move a whopping 1,000 lbs. of snow in a single minute, which is enough to empty a standard parking space-sized driveway in less than five minutes.
The Snow Joe ION8024 possesses a sleek, modern design and comes with a pair of batteries upon purchase, and there’s very little assembly. Although it is large, it’s not so big that it’s unwieldy.
And importantly, it doesn’t damage the pavement, asphalt, or deck materials underneath the snow while in use.
Use and Build Quality
The Snow Joe ION8024 can be set at four different speeds and runs on two batteries simultaneously. As this unit is a sizable two-stage unit, it’s one of the most expensive cordless electric options on the market.
An included dual-port charger can recharge both batteries at once, and typically takes about 3 hours to recharge.
Some other beneficial features are reversible skid shoes and a digital driving system. The skid shoes help the user maneuver the snow blower across terrain and stop the blower from sliding on ice or wet snow.
The digital driving system, meanwhile, makes it easier for the owner to use the blower. Since the product weighs over 100 lbs., it can be difficult to steer without the driving system turned on.
Controlling the rotation of the chute is not done with a crank, but rather with a push-button system. This is cool, but unfortunately many find that the buttons are hard to push with gloves on, and tend to freeze up in cold conditions. A crank system would have been easier, and also would leave more battery power to the snow blowing part of the snow blower!
Extra Batteries
If you’ve got a sizable area to clear, you’ll almost certainly want to pick up a spare set of batteries. Do note that this unit requires two batteries to run, so you can’t just swap one out at a time. You’ll need a full spare set.
Snow Joe sells a large capacity battery for this unit, which will run for 45 minutes. You’ll need two of these to get the added run-time.
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Warranty
Buyers can also opt to register for a 2-year warranty in case the machine breaks down or encounters other errors during use. Full material about the warranty is available online, both through the company website and on Amazon.
Snow Joe is one of our favorite brands, and their customer service is outstanding. If someone has a problem with their Snow Blower, Snow Joe really does try to make their circumstances right, whether that means replacing the snow blower, or sending replacement parts.
The Bottom Line
This snow blower is about as good as you can get for a battery-powered two-stage snow blower. But even still, we should discuss some of the downsides. Although it’s an 80-volt machine, many users find that its snow-moving power is closer to a 40 volt since electricity is used to power extras like the driving system and the chute rotation control.
The blower also seems to struggle a bit in heavy, wet snow, especially the kind common in the American northeast. The price can also be a drawback to the average user.
Still, the Snow Jow ION8024 is a reliable machine with lots of additional features beneficial for the older crowd, making it a fan favorite among those in drier climates.
If you’ve got a large area to tackle, this is the best cordless electric snow blower around!
- Self-propelled: rechargeable two-stage snow blower
- Illuminated display: LEDs indicate direction, speed selection, battery...
- 4-Speed: digital drive system (3-speed XPORT for rapid return at the end of...
- Steel auger: moves up to 1000 lbs. of snow per minute; cuts a path 24 in....
- Thumb-control: 180° auto-rotate adjustable Chute throws snow up to 32 ft.
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Key Points at a Glance
- Moves about 300 lbs. of Snow per Minute
- Uses 1 Lithium Ion Battery
- Clearing Depth of 8 in.
- 2-Year Warranty Available
- Brushless Motor
- Charger Included
- 40 Volt Motor
- Sleek Green and Gray Design
- Battery Powered
- Can Be Held with One Hand
- Adjustable Front Grip
- Wheeled for Easier Use
Dimensions
- Weighs 20 lbs.
- Dimensions: 41 x 16 x 38 in.
The Details
The Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel (Earthwise SN74016) is not just a traditional snow thrower, but actually a combination of a blower and shovel for buyers who want something versatile and easy to use. There are two sizes available, a 16″ model and an 18″ model.
Use and Build Quality
The design is primarily silver with green accents. This makes it pretty easy to see even when it is snowing, though there are no lights on this model.
This snow blower-shovel comes with an adjustable front handle and a blowing shaft that measures 16 in. in width. It works on wet or dry snow (sticky or powdery) and is easy to lift and maneuver.
The blower moves about 300 lbs. of snow per minute and has a reasonably long battery life, making it ideal for individuals who have driveways of a regular length. It works on patios and decks, driveways, and sidewalks. It should not damage the materials underneath.
As said, the motor of the Earthwise SN74016 is brushless to prevent chunks of snow from getting stuck in the system. The motor is 40 volt, and comes with a battery charger so buyers don’t need to replace them often. It can clear snow that is a maximum of 8 in. deep.
Battery Power
Unlike larger models on our list, this unit is powered by a single lithium-ion battery to operate, and measures in with dimensions of 41 x 16 x 38 in. It weighs a low 20 lbs, and can be carried in one hand.
Generally the battery power is pretty good here, lasting between 20 and 50 minutes on average. Unforunately, the recharge time can be a little slow, and can take 2-3 hours to get back up to full power. Because of this, many find a spare battery to be helpful.
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warranty
Earthwise covers this snow blower under a 2-year warranty, which is pretty nice.
The Bottom Line
The Earthwise SN74016 snow blower/shovel is the ideal model for individuals who have a small to medium sized clearing area, and want something lightweight, easy to maneuver, and warrantied.
The only complaint users appear to have is that the blower can be difficult to use on uneven snow falls (such as ones with lots of hills or pits) so it’s best to use the device immediately after it snows.
- Battery-operated Earthwise snow thrower with 16" clearing width, 8"...
- Powerful shovel machine with a quiet and reliable 40v brushless motor; 4Ah...
- Efficient snow blower motor that moves 300lbs of snow per minute
- Comfortable and ergonomic snow blower handle; Features 6" rear wheels, and...
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM snow thrower with a convenient 180-degree...
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Greenworks 26272 20-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Thrower
Key Points at a Glance
- Moves up to 450 lbs of snow per minute
- Modern Black and Green Design
- Rotating Clearing Chute
- Purchase with or without battery
- Wheeled
- Lighted Using LEDs
- Cordless
- Covered under a 4-year warranty
- Relatively Quiet
- 40 Volt Motor
- 8-10 in. Clearing Depth
- 20 in. Wide Clearing Path
- Chute Rotates 180 Degrees
Dimensions
- Product Dimensions: 31 x 21.6 x 37 in.
- Weighs 33 lbs.
The Details
The Greenworks 26272 20-Inch 40V Cordless Snow Thrower (Greenworks 40V) snow blower is a mid-range model designed for the average homeowner and has a nice balance between weight, power, and capacity.
The design is a modern green and black, making it easy to see in the snow or poor visibility. The model looks like a lawnmower and can be pushed and wheeled around with ease. It weighs a low 33 lbs. and comes with an adjustable and rotating clearing chute so users can control the direction in which snow blows.
Use and Build Quality
The Greenworks 26272 can move up to 450lbs of snow per minute, and is a single-stage snow blower. It provides pretty good snow-moving capacity, and can throw snow a good 20′ in ideal conditions.
It is cordless and lit with bright LED lights for maximum efficiency. The chute clears an area that is 20 in. wide and up to 10 in. deep, though these measurements vary based on whether the snow is wet or dry. The motor is a standard 40 volt and powered with a single battery, which is included upon purchase.
This model works on pavement, driveways, sidewalks, and porches or decks. It should not damage the surface underneath when there is snow present. This model works best for individuals who need a lightweight option and would like a blower that can be pushed easily.
Battery Power
It is available in two different packages, one with the battery included and one without, which is nice for those who have other Greenworks tools, and already have a few batteries on hand.
There is a charger included so buyers don’t need to keep purchasing a new battery. The average battery life is between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on how much you strain the snow blower.
If you’ve only got one, you’ll probably want to pick up a spare battery, as they typically take about 2 hours to charge back up.
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warranty
The standard Greenworks 40V comes with an impressive four-year warranty, which is the best of all the snow blowers on our list. The warranty is great, though we wish the snow blower performed a little better in real-world conditions.
The Bottom Line
The Greenworks 40V isn’t a bad snow blower, but it’s not great either. It’s a simple design that includes basic features, making it a good option for homeowners who don’t blow snow often and who don’t need to deal with lots of wet snow.
For someone who would need more regular use, this wouldn’t work as well.
Many users struggle to use the snow blower on uneven surfaces, and the single battery design isn’t very effective on wet snow. For these reasons, it did not compare to the Earthwise SN74016 or the Snow Joe iON18SB.
- EFFORTLESS SNOW CLEARING: Powered by G-MAX 40V li-ion technology for a more...
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: Brushless motor delivers increased torque,...
- WIDE CLEARING PATH: 20-Inch clearing path and 8-Inch clearing depth to...
- IMPROVED VISIBILITY: Equipped with LED lights, ensuring better visibility...
- PRECISE SNOW DISCHARGE: 180-degree rotating chute offers superior control...
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Snow Joe iON18SB Ion Cordless Single Stage Brushless Snow Blower
Key Points at a Glance
- Moves 500 lbs. of Snow per Minute
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery System
- Black and Blue Design
- Works Mainly on Pavement
- Rotating Clearing Chute
- Powered with Single Battery
- Battery and Charger Included
- 40 Volt Motor
- 8 in. Deep Clearing Path
- 18 in. Wide Clearing Path
- Throws Snow 20 ft.
- 2-Year Warranty Available
- Brushless Chute
Dimensions
- Product Dimensions: 43.3 x 20.5 x 37.4 in.
- Weighs 29 lbs.
The Details
The Snow Joe iON18SB Ion Cordless Single Stage Brushless Snow Blower (Snow Joe iON18SB) is a mid-range model outfitted in a sleek black and blue design for easy visibility in poor weather. It’s a pretty solid snowblower for its price range and is a good choice for those with medium-sized jobs to tackle.
This snow thrower can move about 500 lbs of snow per minute, which is pretty good,
Use and Build Quality
The iON18SB includes wheels and is powered with a single battery for a 40-volt motor, making the blower a lightweight option for individuals who have small to medium-length driveways.
Some of the features included in the Snow Joe iON18SB are a rotated clearing chute and a battery charger. The full system weighs a low 29 lbs. and has decent specs.
In dry snow, the machine is capable of clearing a path that is 8 in. deep and 18 in. wide. In wet and heavier snow, the path is a little lower but not by much, though the 8″ depth is significantly reduced in wet snow.
The clearing chute is brushless to prevent clogs and buildup, and it throws snow a maximum of 20 ft. Like all battery-powered snow blowers, the heavier the snow, the shorter distance it will travel
Unlike some other devices covered here, the Snow Joe iON18SB should only be used on pavement or asphalt, so it works best on regular driveways and sidewalks. It is not recommended for gravel or other loose materials. The model is lightweight and can be pushed easily.
Battery Power
The standard iON18SB is powered by a 40v EcoSharp Battery that will last between 20-40 minutes on a single charge. Picking up a spare is wise, as this can take up to 2 hours to recharge.
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For those who like the idea of a hybrid battery power/plugin model, Snow Joe does sell the iON18SB-HYB model, which is pretty cool. When you run out of battery power, instead of waiting to charge back up, you can just grab an extension cord and plug it in to complete your task.
It’s a flexible design that many will find useful.
- Ideal for quick snow pickups on mid-sized driveways and walkways. Type of...
- Hybrid Technology: choose from included 40 V 4.0 Ah EcoSharp rechargeable...
- Powerful 13.5-amp motor moves up to 500 lbs of snow per minute
- Steel auger with 2 rubber blades cuts a path 18 in. wide by 8 in. deep...
- ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty; Includes battery and Energy Star...
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warranty
A 2-year warranty is available from the manufacturer when purchasing this system, and the warranty can cover issues like mechanical or electrical failure during standard use.
As mentioned above, Snow Joe’s customer service is excellent, and they really try to do right by their customers who are having trouble with their snow blowers.
The Bottom Line
The Snow Joe iON18SB is a great model for the average Joe because it is simple, efficient, and capable of handling wet, dry, heavy, and uneven snow.
The clearing chute is easy to rotate and it doesn’t clog, meaning buyers can use the blower without needing to stop and clean it out.
The battery life is reasonable and the charging system means users don’t need to keep buying new batteries.
In terms of price and quality, it is perfectly mid-level with few drawbacks and is a good balance between size and power. It’s a great choice for those with medium requirements.
- Lightweight: lightweight design (Only 32 lbs) to easily clear sidewalks,...
- Cordless: 40V 4. 0 Ah iONMAX rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery provides up...
- Auto-rotate Chute: 180° auto-rotate directional Chute throws snow up to 20...
- Clearing path: cuts up to 18 in. (45. 7 cm) wide and 8 in. (20. 3 cm) deep...
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Greenworks PRO 2600402 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower
Key Points at a Glance
- 80 Volt Battery
- Clearing Depth of 10 in.
- Clearing Chute Rotates 180 Degrees
- Clearing Width of 20 in.
- 45 Minute Battery Life
- Folds for Storage
- Modern Green and Black Design
- Brushless and Rotating Clearing Chute
- 4-year warranty on the snow blower, 2-Year Warranty on battery and charger
- Can be purchased with or without battery
- Lighted with LEDs
Dimensions
- Product Dimensions: 31 x 21.6 x 37 in.
- Weighs 33 lbs.
The Details
The Greenworks PRO 2600402 80V Snow Thrower is a green and black snow blower and one of the only models that can actually be folded for easy storage. It will fit easily in a snow blower storage shed, though it’s best not to store the batteries in an unheated area.
Use and Build Quality
The 2600402 is a pretty sweet, powerful 80volt machine. It is a single stage snow blower, that is powered by a single 80v battery. Unfortunately, Greenworks doesn’t give an exact lb per minute statistic on this unit, so it’s hard to compare the snow moving capabilities in a numeric fashion.
The clearing chute is reasonably long and rotates a maximum of 180 degrees with a hand crank. It is brushless to prevent clogs that could slow down the clearing process, and the whole system uses an 80-volt motor. The chute should clear a path that is 10 in. deep and 20 in. wide in ideal conditions. The entire device works on wet or dry snow but should not be used on exceptionally deep falls.
The product weighs a low 33 lbs. and possesses full dimensions of 31 x 21.6 x 37 in. The whole system is lighted with LED lights for maximum visibility in poor conditions. There are wheels for easy motion, though there is no powered driving feature.
Battery Power
The 2600242 is cordless and is available with or without the battery and charger — great for those who already have other Greenworks products and batteries on hand. If you opt for the unit with the battery, the package includes a single high capacity 80v battery and a charging system.
Typically the battery will last for about 45 minutes maximum, with and will last for a shorter amount of time when used in more difficult conditions.
Some buyers will want to pick up a spare battery for those times when the battery power is running low, though the good news with this charger is that it will charge the battery back up in as little as 30 minutes!
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warranty
The Greenworks warranty is excellent, covering much of the snow blower for a 4-year period. The battery and charging system is covered under a 2-year warranty, which is still quite good.
The Bottom Line
The Greenworks 2600402 is a decent snowblower but does run into some issues when it comes to practicality. Although it’s supposed to work on wet or heavy snow, efficiency is actually lowered to about 75-80%. Uneven surfaces are also this product’s Achilles’ heel.
When compared to the Earthwise SN74016 and the Snow Joe iON18SB, the Greenworks PRO just doesn’t measure up.
However, it is not terribly expensive and works well in regular conditions. Considering its power, lightweight, and price, it is a good budget pick for anyone with the average driveway, and therefore makes our list.
- ULTIMATE EFFICIENCY: Experience superior performance with the 80V Li-ion...
- QUIET BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Enjoy quiet operation and maintenance-free use with...
- EFFORTLESS SNOW CLEARING: Clear driveways, sidewalks, patios, and more...
- CUSTOMIZABLE SNOW DISPLACEMENT: Easily adjust snow direction with the...
- OPTIMAL BATTERY USE: Ensure peak performance by using batteries stored at...
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Battery Operated Snow Blowers
A cordless electric snowblower can make life much easier in the cold months! You can move snow without having to deal with gas, cords, and all of the pain that comes with those other types of snow blowers. Just understand that the battery-powered models aren’t quite as powerful, and performance does suffer a bit.
That said, there are plenty of good models out there worth using, and that should be checked out. For large areas, the Snow Joe iON8024-XR is an excellent choice, but get a spare set of high-capacity batteries. And for medium jobs, check out the Snow Joe iON18SB. For small jobs, the Earthwise SN74016 is an outstanding choice.
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