What is a Battery Snow Blower?
Winter weather comes with multiple challenges, but a snow-filled driveway poses problems. However, if you own the best battery snow blower, you have nothing to worry about! You are probably asking – what is the best battery-powered snow blower?
Excellent question! Many battery snow blowers in the market serve different purposes. Lucky for you, we sifted through the myriad of battery-operated snow blowers to present you with five of the best snow blowers on the market.
Our experienced researchers have been offering homeowners lawn maintenance advice for a while. This experience has exposed them to machines such as the snow blowers, making them better placed to provide excellent suggestions.
Our research concluded that the EGO Power+ SNT2102 is the best overall battery-operated snow blower. We’ll cover it in detail later in this guide.
However, we also appreciate that other snow blowers are suitable for specific scenarios. In this sense, read this unbiased, comprehensive review blow by blow to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dig in!
What do you Use a Battery Snow Blower for?
A battery snow blower is a critical machine during winter. Instead of tiring yourself with the hassles associated with shoveling away snow from your driveways and walkways, a battery-powered snow blower is what you need.
However, different battery snow blower brands work best for different scenarios. As you keep reading, you will discover more about this.
Which Additional Features Come With Some Snow Blowers?
The best battery-operated snow blower has unique features to enhance its performance in snow clearing. Some of the additional features to look out for include:
- Heated handles: Your safety is a critical factor when working outside in freezing temperatures. In this sense, the heated handles generate heat that keeps your fingertips warm in the cold air. Moreover, it makes it effortless to hold and control the snow blower.
- Drift cutters: These help to clear deep drifts of snow. The cutter has a metal housing that gathers and pushes snow to the auger for removal.
- Headlights: These make it easier and safer to work at night or dim lights.
- Automatic safety shutoff: The snow blower automatically shuts off when releasing the handle.
How We Tested the Battery Snow Blowers
The testing process was rigorous. We waited for significant snowfall and subzero wind chills, ideal weather for a test. Therefore, with 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) of snow on the ground, we cleared two driveways 75 feet (22.86 meters) long. We also removed a 12-by-8-foot (3.66-by-2.44-meter) deck and multiple small walkways.
The first step is to put all the snow blowers together (we had to assemble each). After that, we compared the features and components unique to each brand. Here, we identified which models were more heavy duty than others. We also determined which could be more complicated to use.
After that, we started throwing snow! We cleared walkways, driveways, and sidewalks with the models. The things we noted were throwing distance and ease of use. We got an excellent idea of the top cordless snow blowers at the end of the testing process.
An Overview of the Best Battery-Operated Snow Blowers
- EGO Power+ SNT2102 – Best Overall Snow Blower
- Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 – Best for Flat, Even Walkways, and Driveways
- Greenworks Pro 80V – Best Budget Snow Blower
- PowerSmart Snow Blower Cordless – Best for Heavy, Wet Snow
- Snow Joe ION18SB – Best Lightweight Snow Blower
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is the EGO Power+ SNT2102 snow blower because of several desirable features. For instance, it is easy to use, even on uneven surfaces. It also comes with a folding handle with quick-release levers making storage easy. You will also enjoy an extended battery life with this model.
Your Battery Snow Blower Shopping Guide
You ought to consider multiple factors before selecting the best battery-powered snow blower. For example,
- How much snow does your region experience?
- What is the size of your driveway or sidewalk?
- How much power and runtime does the snow blower need?
In this regard, here are some notable factors you must consider:
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage
The top-rated cordless snow blowers are available in two categories:
Single-Stage Blowers
We mainly use these for residential purposes. They have a horizontal auger at the front of the machine that rotates quickly to scoop up snow and throws it up to 25 feet (7.62 meters) through the chute.
The major drawback of the single-stage blowers is they are not suitable for gravel driveways. Additionally, their auger blades are very low and can pick up rocks and throw them.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
These snow blowers use an auger to shovel and throw snow, just like single-stage snow blowers. However, the two-stage battery snow blower also comes with an impeller fan that makes it more effective in handling vast amounts of snow.
Moreover, these snow blowers can throw snow over 35 feet (9.14 meters), and the auger blades are high enough to clear gravel driveways without picking stones.
Battery Power and Runtime
You must consider the runtime of a battery-powered snow blower before buying. Most battery snow batteries have a runtime of around 30 to 45 minutes. The runtime also depends on the snow – is it light and fluffy or heavy and wet?
Heavier snow requires more power to remove, meaning that a cordless snow blower that generally runs for 45 minutes may run for around 30 minutes. But, you will also find snow blowers that use more than one battery at a time to boost their power and runtime. Therefore, if you have a lot of ground to cover, it would help to go for a dual-battery blower.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a portable snow blower are vital considerations. Whereas you don’t have to bend to scoop and throw snow, you will still have to push the snow blower around.
Size is also important when it comes to storing. It would help get one that can easily fit in your shed, garage, or other storage spaces.
The typical weight for a handheld snow blower ranges from 20 to 50 pounds (9.07 to 22.68 kilograms). You should go for heavier machines if you have a large area. This is because the heavy snow blowers have a self-propelling system, making them effortlessly maneuverable.
Clearing Depth and Width
Consider the driveway, sidewalk, and other areas around your home where you want to clear snow. Some cordless snow blowers come with small intake ports that clear 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) of snow. On the flip side, other models have deep 12-inch (30.48 centimeters) intake ports.
Moreover, the blower’s number of stages determines its clearing width. For example, a single-stage portable snow blower works best for clearing snow in residential areas. They can cover areas that are 11 to 22 inches (27.94 to 55.88 centimeters) wide.
On the other hand, the 2-stage battery snow blower serves best in small commercial locations or massive residential areas. They have a clearing width of around 20 to 30 inches (50.8 to 76.2 centimeters).
Speed Control
Many people prefer a self-propelled model because blowers are sometimes cumbersome to maneuver. Moreover, the battery-powered snow blowers come with a digital drive system and can self-propel. However, they have a variable-speed auger that allows you to speed up snow removal.
When you increase the speed with which you scoop and throw the snow through the chute, the auger makes moving the machine through a light snowfall effortless. But, variable-speed augers are ineffective when the snow is wet and heavy.
Chute Control
The chute is a curved, hollow tube that extends from the back of the intake of the snow blower. It provides the channel through which the blower throws snow. Most blowers come with a manual crank or lever that allows you to adjust the angle and direction you displace the snow.
The best cordless snow blowers come with an auto-rotating chute that you can turn by pushing a button. This means you can do it without stopping the machine.
Wheel, Tracks, and Terrain Type
The best cordless snow blowers can navigate through the snow on either track. Wheeled snow blowers come with two large rear wheels that push the machine forward. On the other hand, tracked models have tracks like those found on a tank.
Here are the features of wheeled and tracked blowers:
- Tracked snow blowers: These snow blowers offer better grip in the snow, making them better placed to climb steep slopes without slipping. Moreover, wheeled snow blowers are mostly two-stage models and operate closer to the ground. As a result, it leaves a thinner snow layer and ice on the driveway.
- Wheeled snow blowers: You can effortlessly run a wheeled snow blower—the wheel sizes of a single-stage snow blower range from 6 to 8 inches (15.24 x 20.32 centimeters). If you are dealing with deeper snow, larger wheels perform better. Additionally, wheeled blowers typically work faster than tracked snow blowers.
Consider the terrain type to decide whether to pick a tracked or wheeled snow blower. If you have paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, go for wheeled snow blowers. On the other hand, tracked blowers work best on unpaved surfaces.
The grade is also a key factor to consider. You need a snow blower with excellent traction and enough power to move up the snow-covered slope if you have steep driveways.
Our Reviews on the Best Battery Snow Blowers
EGO Power+ SNT2102 – Best Overall
About
EGO Power+ SN2102 is undoubtedly the best cordless snow blower. It offers the full power like that of an electric snow blower. The 25-pound (11.34 kilograms) snow blower can throw snow up to 40 feet (12.19 meters). Besides that, it also comes with two 56-volt 5.0 Ah batteries that provide enough power for the brushless motor to clear a 12-car driveway.
Moreover, you can regulate power and battery usage using an adjustable throttle. Overall, it was our best choice because we could effortlessly operate and push it. Furthermore, it worked well on uneven surfaces.
Pros
- It comes with strong steel construction, making it durable
- It can throw snow up to 35 feet (10.67 meters) away
- It offers variable-speed control for ease of use
- It clears a significant area at a go (a 12-car driveway)
Cons
- It does not come with batteries, so you must purchase them separately
- It is relatively heavier than its counterparts
Other Features
- Single-stage or two-stage: Single-stage
- Throwing distance: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
- Capacity: Can clear a 12 car driveway having 8 inches of snow
- Voltage: 56 volts
- Clearing width: 20 inches (50.8 centimeters)
- Weight: 25 pounds (11.34 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 22 inches (1.14 x 0.89 x 0.56 meters)
- Color/s: Black, silver, green
- Battery runtime: The battery charge can last long enough to clear a twelve car driveway covered in eight inches of snow
- Snow clearance per minute: Not specified
- Adjustable snow chute? 180 degrees adjustable snow chute
- Recommended use? Use this best cordless snow blower for heavy and wet snow
- Model: EGO Power+ SN2102
- Battery type: 56-volt ARC lithium batteries
- Height clearance: 12 inches deep (30.48 centimeters)
Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 – Best for Flat, Even Walkways, and Driveways
About
Snow Joe 40-Volt is among the largest cordless electric snow blowers. Despite being budget-friendly, it comes with two rechargeable 24-volt batteries. Each battery can run for 40 minutes and blow up to 14 tons (12.7 tonnes) of snow per charge.
Its steel auger is quadruple-bladed and rubber-tipped. It can clear a path 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) wide and 10 (25.4 centimeters) deep. Moreover, it has a 180-degree adjustable snow-chute that throws snow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters).
Other accessories include a pair of LED lights allowing you to use them at night or early in the morning.
We discovered that Snow Joe works best on flat, even driveways, and walkways in our testing. Moreover, it can throw more than 20 feet (6.1 meters)!
Pros
- It is reasonably priced
- Its lightweight makes it easy to use and store
- It is a powerful snow thrower
- Its width clearance is reasonable
- The battery runtime is long enough to clear considerable ground
Cons
- It cannot work safely on uneven surfaces
Other Features
- Single-stage or two-stage: Single-stage
- Throwing distance: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Capacity: Clears up to 14 tons (12.7 tonnes) of snow per charge
- Voltage: 48 Volts
- Clearing width: 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) wide
- Weight: 38.8 pounds (17.6 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 40 x 19 x 40 inches (1.02 x 0.48 x 1.02 meters)
- Color/s: Blue
- Battery runtime: 40 minutes
- Snow clearance per minute: 700 pounds (317.52 kilograms) per minute
- Adjustable snow chute? It has a 180-degree adjustable snow chute
- Recommended use? Use this snow blower on even surfaces for the best results
- Model: Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18
- Battery type: Snow Joe exclusive ion+ 24V lithium-ion
- Height clearance: 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) deep
Greenworks Pro 80V – Best Budget
About
The Greenworks handheld snow blower is a quiet machine that offers a lot of power. If you love working in the pre-dawn, you will love that it comes with dual LED lights and a 13-amp motor.
Its small size might mislead you into thinking it has no capacity. However, it can move up to 850 pounds (385.55 kilograms) of snow per minute. This makes it the most efficient battery-powered snow blower on our list. Moreover, it is only 30 pounds (13.61 kilograms) heavy, so you can easily maneuver it.
Pros
- Moving 850 pounds (385.55 kilograms) of snow in a minute makes it very efficient
- It is lightweight, making maneuverability effortless
- Its price is reasonable
- Its brushless motor technology is quiet and maintenance-free
- The battery time is pretty reasonable
Cons
- It cannot work in more extensive driveways
- Its manufacturers used cheap materials to make it
Other Features
- Single-stage or two-stage: Single-stage
- Throwing distance: 10 feet (3.05 meters)
- Capacity: Can clear snow 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) deep more efficiently
- Voltage: 80 volts
- Clearing width: 20 inches (50.8 centimeters)
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 31 x 21.6 x 37 inches (78.74 x 54.86 x 93.98 centimeters)
- Color/s: Green
- Battery runtime: Up to 45 minutes
- Snow clearance per minute: It clears 850 pounds (385.55 kilograms) of snow every minute
- Adjustable snow chute? 180 degrees rotating chute
- Recommended use? This snow blower is ideal for clearing fresh snow on smaller, paved driveways
- Model: Greenworks Snow Thrower 2600502
- Battery type: 56V rechargeable Lithium-ion
- Height clearance: 10 inches (25.4 centimeters)
PowerSmart Snow Blower Cordless – Best for Heavy, Wet Snow
About
PowerSmart snow blower works best in heavy snow conditions thanks to its all-steel heavy-duty auger with a 2-stage structure. The design also gives anti-clogging properties in heavy snow, making it ideal for wet snow.
When fully charged, it can clean a 10 feet (3.05 meters) driveway by 300 feet (91.44 meters) distance covered in 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) of snow. Additionally, it is easy to use because the assembly is straightforward, and you can perform most controls using a button.
You also don’t have to fret about maintenance, and it comes with a 2-year warranty and free lifetime tech support. Above all, it has a professional customer support system.
Pros
- One full charge clears up to 300 feet (91.44 meters) of a driveway covered in snow
- The snow blowers come with an anti-clogging mechanism making them ideal for heavy, wet snow
- It does not have any oil, gas, or emissions hence requires little maintenance
- It also comes with a super-fast charger
- The electric chute control system makes it easy to adjust
Cons
- It is relatively expensive
- It is also heavy, making it cumbersome to move around
Other Features
- Single-stage or two-stage: Two-stage
- Throwing distance: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
- Capacity: It has a maximum clearing width of 24 inches (60.96 centimeters)and a depth of 20 inches (50.8 centimeters)
- Voltage: 80 volts
- Clearing width: 24 inches (60.96 centimeters)
- Weight: 126 pounds (57.15 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 42.3 x 24.8 x 22 inches (1.07 x 0.63 x 0.56 meters)
- Color/s: Yellow
- Battery runtime: 45 minutes
- Snow clearance per minute: It can clear up to 1720 pounds (780.18 kilograms) of snow per minute
- Adjustable snow chute? 180 degrees adjustable chute
- Recommended use? You can use these cordless snow blowers on fluffy, heavy, and wet snow
- Model: PowerSmart DB2805
- Battery type: 80V 6Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
- Height clearance: 10 inches (25.4 centimeters)
Snow Joe ION18SB – Best Lightweight Snow Blower
About
Snow Joe ION18SB works best on fresh powder. Its 32-pound (14.52-kilogram) frame makes it incredibly effortless to maneuver. You won’t have trouble with your neighbors because of the noise as this snow blower runs quietly.
Despite the small size and quiet operation, this handheld snow blower could remove up to eight inches of snow. It also comes with a fully electric engine having an Energy-Star Certification which is part of the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Pros
- It is lightweight; hence maneuverability is effortless
- It removes fresh powder efficiently
- It has an Energy-Star Certification
- The fully-charged battery can run up to 50 minutes
- It has a reasonable clearing capacity
Cons
- It is not powerful enough to handle large driveways
Other Features
- Single-stage or two-stage: Single-stage
- Throwing distance: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Capacity: The snow blower can clear around 2500 square feet (232.26 square meters) of snow in an hour
- Voltage: 40V
- Clearing width: 18 inches (45.7 centimeters)
- Weight: 32 pounds (14.52 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 52 x 20.5 x 28 inches (1.32 x 0.52 x 0.71 meters)
- Color/s: Black/blue
- Battery runtime: 50 minutes
- Snow clearance per minute: 41.67 square feet (3.87 square meters) per minute
- Adjustable snow chute? You can adjust the snow chute up to 180 degrees
- Recommended use? You should use this snow blower on fresh powder
- Model: Snow Joe iON18SB
- Battery type: 40V lithium-ion battery
- Height clearance: 8 inches (20.3 centimeters)
FAQs on Battery Snow Blowers
What is the Difference Between A Snow Thrower and A Snow Blower?
Many people use these two terms interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two. For example, a snow thrower is single-stage, while a snow blower can be single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage.
A snow blower clears a wider swath and heavier snows, while snow throwers are better for clearing lighter snows. A good example is the EGO snow blower and the EGO snow thrower. Machines by the same manufacturer but serve different purposes.
How Heavy Is A Cordless Snow Blower?
Battery-powered snow blowers are typically lightweight—most weigh between 20 to 50 pounds (9.07 to 22.68 kilograms).
How Do You Use and Store A Snow Blower?
Wait until the snow stops falling and get to work right away. This is because snow is easier to move when still light and fluffy. To remove the snow from your driveway, push your snow blower down and back up the sidewalk or driveway. Keep adjusting the discharge chute to pile the snow where you want it.
How Do You Store A Snow Blower?
You can safely store your cordless snow blower in your garage or storage shed. However, if you don’t have sheltered storage, it would help to use a waterproof tarp over and around the machine. On the other hand, you can go for a smaller snow blower.
How Long Do Battery Snow Blowers Last?
If you use, maintain, and store your snow blower cordless machine, it can last for around a decade.
Our Final Verdict on Battery Snow Blowers
All battery snow blowers covered in this guide are top–of–the–range. As you have noticed, each best battery-powered snow blower works best in different scenarios. Therefore, it is straightforward for you to pick the one that fits your situation.
The EGO Power+ SNT2102 ticked all the boxes in our evaluation criteria. It is easy to assemble, clears considerable ground in a short time, and the price is reasonable. Its weight and size also mean that you can use it easily and store it effortlessly.
Special Mention for the DeWalt snow blower and Ryobi battery snow blower are other excellent options you can consider. The fantastic thing is that you know what to look for when looking for a suitable portable snow blower.