Winter’s arrival brings picturesque scenes, but also the back-breaking chore of clearing snow from driveways, walkways, and steps. Traditional shoveling can be a strain, leading to fatigue and even injury. For those seeking a modern solution, electric snow shovels offer a powerful, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered machines and manual labor.
These compact tools are designed to handle moderate snowfalls with ease, making quick work of your driveway and other paved areas. They are typically lighter, quieter, and require less maintenance than larger snow blowers. This roundup highlights ten of the best electric snow shovels, comparing their power, battery life, and unique features to help you find the perfect model for your winter needs.
The Best Electric Snow Shovels for Your Driveway
- Westinghouse WSnow11S 24V Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
- Shintyool 21v Cordless Snow Blower with Battery Display
- Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
- VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel with Wheels, 48V
- Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel
- WORX Nitro 40V 12” Electric Snow Shovel
- Greenworks 40V 12” Cordless Snow Shovel
- EGO POWER+ 12″ Electric Snow Shovel, Cordless
- Cordless Snow Shovel, 13″ Electric Snow Blower 20V
- Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
Westinghouse WSnow11S 24V Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
The Westinghouse WSnow11S is a versatile and portable option for quick snow removal. Its cordless design provides the freedom to clear driveways, sidewalks, porches, and decks without being tethered to an outlet. The 24V system is compatible with Snow Joe batteries, offering flexibility for those already invested in that ecosystem.
This model is built for efficiency, moving an impressive 75 pounds of snow per minute. It clears an 11-inch wide path and can throw snow up to 20 feet away, helping you keep cleared areas tidy. Being lightweight and easy to maneuver, it significantly reduces the physical effort required for winter cleanup.
Shintyool 21v Cordless Snow Blower with Battery Display
Shintyool’s cordless snow shovel prioritizes user safety and convenience. It features a two-step start process, requiring you to press both a button and a trigger simultaneously to operate, which helps prevent accidental activation. This makes it a reliable and secure choice for household use.
A standout feature is the integrated digital battery capacity display. This allows you to monitor the remaining runtime at a glance, so you’re never caught off guard by a low battery mid-task. With a 12-inch clearing width and a complete kit that includes a battery and charger, it is a practical and thoughtful solution for maintaining your property.
Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
For those needing to clear larger areas, the Earthwise SN74016 offers substantial power with its 40V brushless motor. This type of motor is known for being both quiet and durable, providing reliable performance season after season. The 16-inch clearing width is among the widest in its category, allowing you to cover more ground with each pass.
This model is a snow-moving workhorse, capable of moving 300 pounds of snow per minute and throwing it up to 32 feet. The included 4Ah battery and charger ensure you have everything needed to start clearing snow right out of the box. It’s a robust option for efficiently managing a standard driveway after a moderate snowfall.
VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel with Wheels, 48V
The VOLTASK snow shovel stands out with its innovative wheeled design, which greatly enhances maneuverability and reduces user fatigue. Instead of carrying the full weight, you can guide it effortlessly across your driveway. Its powerful 48V brushless motor, powered by two 24V batteries, delivers strong performance for its compact size.
This model is packed with user-centric features, including an adjustable handle to suit different heights and protect your back. The built-in LED light is perfect for early morning or evening snow clearing, and the 30-degree adjustable discharge plate gives you control over where the snow is directed. It combines high power with exceptional ease of use.
Earthwise SN70016 Electric Corded 12Amp Snow Shovel
If you prefer the consistent power of a corded electric tool, the Earthwise SN70016 is an excellent choice. Its robust 12-amp motor delivers impressive force, moving up to 430 pounds of snow per minute, which rivals some gas-powered models. You never have to worry about battery life running out during a long clearing session.
This shovel shares the same 16-inch wide clearing path as its cordless sibling, making it highly effective for driveways. It can throw snow up to 30 feet, keeping your path clear and tidy. For users with easy access to an outdoor outlet, this model offers maximum power and runtime without the need for recharging.
WORX Nitro 40V 12” Electric Snow Shovel
The WORX Nitro is designed for precision and control. It features a two-speed brushless motor, allowing you to select the right power level for the snow conditions, which can help conserve battery life on lighter jobs. The adjustable front handle improves ergonomics, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
This model offers three adjustable throwing directions, enabling you to precisely direct snow away from your cleared path and minimize the need for repeated passes. It effectively throws snow up to 25 feet, helping to reduce the risk of slippery patches by moving the snow well away from walkways and steps.
Greenworks 40V 12” Cordless Snow Shovel
Part of the extensive Greenworks 40V ecosystem, this snow shovel is a smart choice for anyone who already owns other tools from this line. The battery is interchangeable with over 75 compatible tools, offering great value and convenience. The shovel itself is designed to be both lightweight and powerful.
It efficiently clears a 12-inch wide path, making it well-suited for driveways and sidewalks. The focus is on straightforward, effective snow displacement, throwing snow out of your way to make winter maintenance quick and simple. It’s a reliable and user-friendly tool from a trusted brand in cordless outdoor power equipment.
EGO POWER+ 12″ Electric Snow Shovel, Cordless
EGO POWER+ is renowned for its high-performance cordless tools, and this snow shovel is no exception. Powered by a 56V ARC Lithium battery, it delivers exceptional power for its size. The kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger, and it’s claimed to clear up to a 3-car driveway with 6 inches of snow on a single charge.
This model offers excellent control with a 60-degree directional control dial, allowing you to accurately aim the discharged snow. It can throw snow up to 25 feet, ensuring a clean and thorough job. For users who demand top-tier power and runtime from a cordless tool, the EGO is a leading contender.
Cordless Snow Shovel, 13″ Electric Snow Blower 20V
This model is an excellent balance of portability and performance. Weighing only 12 pounds, it is one of the lightest options available, making it incredibly easy to carry up steps and use on patios without causing fatigue. The comfort-grip handle further enhances the user experience during extended clearing sessions.
Despite its light weight, it doesn’t compromise on power, moving 300 pounds of snow per minute and throwing it up to 19 feet. The 20V 4.0Ah battery provides a solid runtime, capable of clearing multiple driveways on a single charge. Its 13-inch width offers a good balance between maneuverability and efficiency.
Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
While technically a snow thrower, the Snow Joe SJ627E is a popular and powerful electric option for driveway clearing that deserves a mention. Its corded design provides unlimited runtime, so you can work for as long as needed without interruption. This is a significant advantage for those with larger driveways or heavier snow.
It offers a wider clearing path than most dedicated snow shovels, making it capable of handling more significant snowfall amounts efficiently. As a well-established product from a trusted brand in snow removal, it represents a reliable and powerful electric solution for homeowners who want the assurance of constant power from a wall outlet.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Snow Shovel for Your Driveway
I know how tough it can be to pick the right tool for clearing snow. An electric snow shovel is a fantastic middle ground between a full-sized snow blower and a manual shovel, but you need to know what to look for. Let me walk you through the key things I consider before buying one.
First, think about power. You have two main options: corded and cordless (battery-powered). A corded model gives you unlimited runtime, which is great if you have a large driveway and a nearby outdoor outlet. The trade-off is you are constantly managing the cord and its length. Cordless models offer total freedom of movement, which is a huge plus. However, you are limited by the battery’s life. Check the voltage (often 40V to 80V); generally, a higher voltage means more power to tackle heavier, wetter snow. Also, look at the amp-hours (Ah) of the battery, as this indicates how long it will last on a single charge.
Next, pay close attention to performance specs. The clearing width tells you how wide a path you will cut with each pass. A wider width means you will finish the job faster. Then there is intake height, which determines how deep a layer of snow the machine can handle. If you get a lot of big dumps, a higher intake height is crucial so you do not have to make multiple passes over the same spot. Also, check the throwing distance. A longer distance means the machine can toss the snow farther away from your path, preventing piles that you will just have to move again.
Finally, consider the design and usability. The machine’s weight is a big deal; a lighter model is much easier to maneuver and lift, especially if you have stairs or a deck to clear. Look at the construction of the auger. Some are single-stage, made of durable plastic, which is fine for most light to moderate snow. Others have metal augers for tougher jobs. Ergonomics are also key. A handle with multiple positions can save your back, and features like LED headlights are a lifesaver for those early morning or late evening clearing sessions. For me, finding the right balance of these factors is the secret to choosing one of the best electric snow shovels for driveways that will make winter chores a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric snow shovels powerful enough for a full driveway?
Yes, absolutely, but with a few caveats. These machines are designed for light to moderate snowfall, typically up to about 8 inches deep. If you regularly get heavy, wet snow or massive drifts, a full-sized two-stage snow blower might be a better fit. For the average suburban driveway that gets cleared after each snow event, a good electric model has more than enough power. The key is to not let the snow accumulate too much. I find that going out once or twice during a long storm is much easier than trying to tackle a two-foot wall of snow at the end.
What is the main difference between a corded and cordless electric snow shovel?
The main difference is convenience versus runtime. A corded model plugs into a standard outlet, so you never have to worry about the battery dying halfway through the job. The downside is you are tethered to your house by the cord, which you have to manage carefully to avoid running it over. A cordless model runs on a rechargeable battery, giving you complete freedom to move around without any cords. The limitation is battery life; you need to ensure the battery charge is sufficient for your entire driveway. For smaller areas or if you have a convenient outlet, corded is great. For larger areas or places without easy outlet access, cordless is the way to go.
How do I maintain my electric snow shovel?
Maintenance is thankfully very simple, which is one of the reasons I prefer them over gas models. After each use, I make sure to wipe down the entire unit to remove any moisture and snowmelt. It is also a good idea to let it run for a minute after you are done to clear any remaining snow from the chute and auger. Never use a metal tool to clear a jam; always use a plastic or wooden stick. For storage, keep it in a dry place. Unlike gas engines, there is no oil, spark plugs, or stale fuel to worry about, making long-term storage a non-issue.
Can an electric snow shovel handle wet, heavy snow?
This is where you need to check the specifications carefully. Many modern electric shovels can handle wet snow, but it will be more challenging for them than light, powdery snow. Look for a model with a higher motor power (amps for corded, volts for cordless) and a metal auger, as these tend to perform better in tough conditions. The technique also helps; I take smaller, slower bites when the snow is heavy and wet to prevent the machine from bogging down or jamming. It might take a bit longer, but it is still far easier than shoveling by hand.
Are these shovels safe to use on paved driveways?
Generally, yes, they are very safe for paved surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Most electric snow shovels use a rubber or plastic auger that scrapes close to the ground but is not designed to make contact with the pavement in a way that causes damage. Many models also have a adjustable skid plate or shoes that you can set to maintain a slight clearance. I have used mine for years on my asphalt driveway without any scratches or gouges. Just be sure you have cleared any large rocks or debris from the path first.