The 5 Best Electric Snow Shovels for Easy Digging This Winter
Updated: Dec. 14, 2022The best electric snow shovel should be easy on your back, simple to use and have you out of the cold in no time.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Let’s be honest—when it comes time to shovel snow off your sidewalk or driveway, there’s probably a long list of things you’d rather spend your time doing. The best electric snow shovel won’t eliminate the task altogether, but it makes it much easier than using a manual snow shovel. Their motorized paddles lift and launch snow out of your path, allowing for less physical effort on your end, and speeding up the process altogether. Considering the health and injury risks that come from manual snow shoveling, an electric version is worth the investment.
These snow removal tools come in different sizes and types—corded or battery-powered—making it easy to select the best option for you and your home. When combined with snow and ice removal hacks, these machines help maintain a clear and safe walkway for you and your family.
Best Overall
Snow Joe Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
The 400-watt motor of the Snow Joe electric snow shovel is powerful enough to launch 2,025 pounds of snow per charge, and thanks to its exclusive lithium ion battery system, it runs longer than similar models. Its 12 pound weight and cordless design make it a portable and convenient option perfect for quick grab-and-go shoveling sessions. It’s not as powerful as the best snow blowers, but its whisper-quiet operation and simple controls are an excellent and efficient alternative.
Pros
- Powerful enough to throw snow 20 feet away
- Fully charges in about 3.5 hours
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Relatively narrow width
Best Value
Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel
Despite the low price, this Greenworks shovel is nearly as effective as higher-priced models, capable of throwing snow up to 20 feet with an impressive 8-inch clearing depth. A handy cord wrangler on the handle prevents accidental unplugging during use, and the adjustable handle ensures it fits a range of user heights. This well-reviewed snow shovel is also convenient to store, thanks to a unique folding design.
Pros
- Impressive clearing depth for the price
- Folds in half
- Push start operation
Cons
- Relatively low power output
Best Budget
Snow Joe Corded Electric Snow Shovel
Despite its affordable price, this Snow Joe pick is packed with attractive features. Unlike the typical 300-pound per minute capacity of most other models, this Snow Joe electric snow shovel tosses a whopping 400-pounds of snow per minute. With its 13-inch width, you’ll finish shoveling in no time.
The 6-inch maximum depth may not be ideal for massive storms, but the unlimited runtime means you can simply make another pass without worrying about running out of time. Just make sure to bundle up if you’ll be outside for a while: These self-heating jackets and heated vests will do the trick!
Pros
- Affordable
- Trusted, high-quality brand
- Impressive tossing capacity
Cons
- Shallow shoveling depth not ideal for heavy snowfalls
Best for Wide Driveways
Earthwise Corded Electric Snow Shovel
Thanks to the 16-inch width of this Earthwise electric snow shovel, it’s perfect for clearing wide driveways quickly. Capable of working through drifts up to 8 inches deep and throwing snow up to 30 feet, it’s also well-suited for areas that experience heavy snowfalls. Its corded power supply means you won’t need to stop to swap out batteries. But beware, depending on the size of your space you may need an additional extension cord.
Pros
- Extra wide intake
- Processes 430 pounds of snow per minute
- Adjustable auxiliary handle
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at 16 pounds
Best Lightweight
Earthwise Cordless Electric Snow Thrower
Weighing just 11 pounds, the Earthwise cordless thrower is ideal for those who don’t have the strength or the desire to lug around a heavy machine. The lightweight design ensures this portable pick is easy to carry up and down stairs to clear off your deck, a porch or pretty much anywhere.
Despite its size, it’s extremely efficient and productive, and capable of moving 300 pounds of snow per minute. It’s also a popular Amazon electric snow shovel for anyone who prefers to shop with a Prime membership (the free shipping on large tools is a perk we can also appreciate!).
Pros
- Lightweight design is comfortable to use and easily portable
- Planet-friendly brushless motor
- Convenient cordless design with a battery and charger included
Cons
- May not be wide enough for large areas
What to Consider 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, for some people, carrying around an 11- to 14-pound electric shovel may get uncomfortable after a while. If you have a small driveway or don’t get much snow, a traditional shovel might be a more practical choice.
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.
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 plug and unplug an extension cord. Electric snow shovel reviews often note that batteries tend to have a short runtime, so cordless electric snow shovels aren’t the most practical for larger projects.
How We Found the Best Electric Snow Shovel
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
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. And by the way: Here’s a helpful DIY and easy way to melt ice fast.
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.
Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.