Winter’s arrival brings picturesque snowscapes, but also the daunting task of clearing it. For many, the traditional snow blower is overkill, while a manual shovel is back-breaking work. Enter the electric snow shovel: a lightweight, eco-friendly middle ground designed for quick cleanups on decks, patios, and sidewalks. But how do these nimble tools stack up against their more powerful snow blower cousins for your driveway? This roundup compares eight top electric clearing tools for 2025, from compact shovels to robust blowers, helping you find the perfect match for your winter workload.
The Best Electric Snow Shovels and Snow Blowers for 2025
- Snow Joe 24V Cordless Electric Shovel Kit
- SuperHandy Cordless Snow Shovel, 20V Electric Snow Thrower
- BILT HARD 20 Inch 15 Amp Corded Electric Snowblower
- Snow Joe 15-Amp Corded Electric Snow Blower, 22″ Clearing Path
- Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Power Clear Self Propel Snow Blower
- Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
- TORO Power Shovel 60-Volt Max Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
- EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
Snow Joe 24V Cordless Electric Shovel Kit
For those seeking a cordless solution for quick snow removal, the Snow Joe 24V shovel is a strong candidate. Its 400W motor and two-blade auger are built to clear a 13-inch path, moving up to 300 pounds of snow per minute and throwing it up to 20 feet away. This makes it ideal for clearing decks, patios, and sidewalks after a light to moderate snowfall without the hassle of a cord.
The included 5Ah battery provides substantial runtime, and the tool’s lightweight, portable design is a major advantage over bulkier equipment. You get gas-like clearing power without the noise, fumes, or maintenance, making it a convenient choice for residential use.
SuperHandy Cordless Snow Shovel, 20V Electric Snow Thrower
The SuperHandy cordless snow shovel is designed for efficiency and ease of use. Its 20V motor powers through snow, clearing a 10-inch by 5-inch path and moving an impressive 300 pounds per minute with a throwing distance of 25 feet. This performance is well-suited for residential areas like driveways and walkways.
This model emphasizes a maintenance-free, eco-friendly operation. You won’t need gas or oil, and it operates quietly compared to traditional gas-powered machines. For those who value a simple, straightforward tool for light commercial or heavy residential tasks, this shovel offers a balanced set of features.
BILT HARD 20 Inch 15 Amp Corded Electric Snowblower
Stepping up in power and capacity, the BILT HARD corded snow blower is built for larger areas. The robust 15 Amp motor drives a 20-inch wide clearing path that can handle depths up to 10 inches, throwing snow as far as 30 feet. This makes it a capable machine for mid-sized driveways and walkways after heavier snowfalls.
Practical features like the 180-degree rotating chute offer precise snow placement, while the dual LED headlights are a significant benefit for clearing snow in early morning or evening hours. As a corded model, it provides consistent power without battery concerns, ideal for users with access to an outdoor outlet.
Snow Joe 15-Amp Corded Electric Snow Blower, 22″ Clearing Path
For large, flat paved surfaces, the Snow Joe SJ627E is a high-capacity workhorse. Its 15-amp motor moves a remarkable 840 pounds of snow per minute across a wide 22-inch path. This level of performance rivals many gas models but operates with much less noise and no emissions.
The 180-degree adjustable chute allows you to direct snow discharge up to 25 feet with precision, a key feature for managing where the snow ends up. Designed for light to moderate snowfalls on driveways and walkways, this blower offers gas-like power in a more user-friendly electric package.
Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Power Clear Self Propel Snow Blower
The Toro 60V MAX represents the high end of cordless snow blower technology. It is engineered to tackle challenging conditions, including heavy, wet snow and crusty drifts, throwing it up to 30 feet. The self-propel feature with Power Propel technology makes moving through dense snow much less physically demanding.
A standout innovation is Toro’s Power Curve technology, which uses curved paddles and a funneled housing to shred snow and significantly reduce clogging. This tool-only blower is for users already invested in the Toro 60V ecosystem or those seeking top-tier cordless performance for a demanding winter climate.
Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
This Snow Joe model is a reliable electric snow thrower designed for efficient winter maintenance. It uses a powerful motor to clear wide paths of snow from driveways and sidewalks, providing a strong alternative to manual shoveling. Its single-stage design simplifies operation while still delivering effective clearing power for typical residential needs.
As a corded electric model, it ensures you have consistent power for as long as you need, without worrying about battery life. It’s a practical choice for those with larger clearing areas who prefer the simplicity and lower maintenance of an electric machine over a gas-powered one.
TORO Power Shovel 60-Volt Max Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Part of Toro’s reputable 60V platform, this cordless power shovel is built for quick, powerful cleanups. It leverages a high-voltage battery system to deliver strong performance for its compact size, making it excellent for stairs, decks, and pathways where a larger blower is impractical.
The expected benefits include the convenience of cordless operation combined with Toro’s engineering for durability and snow-moving efficiency. It’s an ideal tool for supplementing a larger snow blower or for being the primary snow removal tool for smaller properties.
EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
The EGO Power+ SNT2112 is a premium cordless two-stage snow blower, a category that handles heavy snow and deep drifts with ease. Its 56V ARC Lithium battery platform is known for high power and long runtime, enabling this blower to compete directly with mid-range gas models in performance.
The two-stage system—an auger to gather snow and an impeller to throw it—provides superior clearing capability for wet, packed snow. For homeowners who want to eliminate gas completely but refuse to compromise on power for a large driveway, this blower is a leading solution in the cordless market.
How to Choose the Best Electric Snow Shovel in 2025
I’ve been using electric snow tools for years, and picking the right one really comes down to matching it to your specific situation. If you’re looking at the 8 best electric snow shovels and how they compare to snow blowers in 2025, the first step is understanding what an electric shovel is good for. These are single-stage machines designed for light to moderate snow removal on smaller areas like walkways, decks, and steps. They’re not meant for a foot of heavy, wet snow or clearing a long driveway.
My first check is always power and battery life. For cordless models, look at the voltage (18V to 80V) and Amp-hour (Ah) rating. Higher numbers generally mean more muscle and longer run time. For a typical two-car driveway apron, I’d want at least a 40V, 4.0Ah battery. Corded models offer unlimited runtime but limit your range to about 100 feet from an outlet. Next, consider clearing width and intake height. A wider scoop clears faster, but can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Intake height tells you how deep a snowfall it can handle in one pass—anything under 6 inches is perfect for these tools.
Then, look at build quality and features. I always check if the auger is metal or durable rubber; metal lasts longer but can mark up surfaces. An adjustable discharge chute is a huge plus for directing snow where you want it. Also, pay attention to weight. A lighter model is easier on your back and arms, which is the whole point of getting one! Finally, think about your storage space. These are much smaller than two-stage blowers, but you still need a spot for the tool and its battery/charger.
FAQ
Can an electric snow shovel handle heavy, wet snow?
This is the most common question I get. The short answer is: not really well. Electric shovels are best for light, fluffy snow up to about 6-8 inches deep. Heavy, wet “heart attack” snow will bog down the motor, drain the battery incredibly fast, and probably jam the chute. For that kind of snow, you’re better off with a more powerful single-stage gas or corded electric snow blower, or just using a traditional shovel.
How does an electric snow shovel compare to a snow blower for a large driveway?
For a large driveway, a snow blower is almost always the better choice. An electric snow shovel is a clearing tool, not a throwing tool. It will take you much longer, and you’ll likely need multiple battery swaps. A dedicated single or two-stage snow blower is designed for that larger area and can move snow farther and faster. Comparing the 8 best electric snow shovels and how they compare to snow blowers in 2025, the shovels win on convenience for small jobs, but blowers win on pure power for big ones.
Are cordless electric snow shovels powerful enough?
Modern cordless models are surprisingly capable! Battery tech has improved a lot. A high-quality 40V or 80V system from a reputable brand has plenty of power for the tasks these tools are meant for. The trade-off is runtime. You might get 20-30 minutes of continuous use on a charge, which is fine for clearing a walkway and a few steps, but you’ll want a spare battery for anything more.
What maintenance does an electric snow shovel need?
This is one of their biggest advantages over gas blowers. Maintenance is minimal. After each use, I let it dry off completely to prevent rust. Check for any debris stuck in the auger or chute. For cordless models, store the battery in a cool, dry place. There’s no oil, gas, spark plugs, or pull cords to worry about. It’s basically just keep it clean and charged.
Is it worth buying one if I already have a snow blower?
It can be! I know people who have both. They use their big two-stage blower for the main driveway after a storm, but then grab the lightweight electric shovel for the back deck, the dog run, the front steps, or to quickly clear a dusting off the walkway without firing up the big machine. It’s a fantastic complementary tool for quick clean-ups.