Electric Snow Blower: Types, Benefits, and How to Choose the Right One
- What Is an Electric Snow Blower and How Does It Work?
- Types of Electric Snow Blowers
- How to Prepare Your Electric Snow Blower for Winter Use
- Prepare Backup Electricity for Unexpected Winter Outages
- What Features Should You Look for in the Best Electric Snow Blower?
- Electric vs. Gas Snow Blowers: Which Is Better?
- Is an Electric Snow Blower Worth Buying?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Electric snow blowers are an alternative to gas-powered options. They can be used as a corded or battery-operated option, helping to clear your driveway, paths and other areas around your home without having to worry about dealing with fuel.
This guide will cover the different types of electric snow blowers and what to look for. We’ll cover performance, upkeep and how to get ready for winter.
What Is an Electric Snow Blower and How Does It Work?
An electric snow blower uses an electric motor to spin the auger. The auger gathers the snow, and the machine directs it through a discharge chute. The chute can be adjusted to direct snow away from the cleared area.
The main difference between an electric option and a gas one is the power source. An electric snow blower will need to be connected via a cord or a rechargeable battery. Electric snow blowers will vary in their width of clearing, power and capability of the snow depending on whether they are corded or cordless.
Types of Electric Snow Blowers
There are two main types of electric snow blowers: corded or battery-powered. This will affect how convenient they are and their capabilities when clearing snow. The right one for you will depend on your property.
Corded Electric Snow Blowers
Corded electric snow blowers will need to be continually plugged into a socket. These are best for clearing small driveways, patios and walkways near a socket outdoors.
However, there are some downsides:
Limited reach due to cord length.
The cord can be a nuisance.
You’ll need to take care with electricity outside.
Battery-Powered Electric Snow Blowers
Cordless options can be used with rechargeable battery packs. If you’re looking for a cordless option that doesn’t require any maintenance for the gas engine, then these would be great. Runtime will depend on the battery size, depth of snow, conditions and the design of the snow blower itself. Most battery-powered options will last between 30-45 minutes depending on heavy or wet snow.
How to Prepare Your Electric Snow Blower for Winter Use
A little preparation will make your snow day easier.
Ensure your batteries are fully charged before the first snowstorm.
Inspect your snow blower and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
Ensure that your approved charger is easily accessible.
An optional power source could be a portable power station. Most cordless snow blowers will have a removable battery, which will be specific to that brand. Whether a power station can run the charger depends on the charger's input requirements and the power station's specifications. Always ensure you are charging with the approved charger. If you’re unsure how a power station can help in the winter, then take a look at our portable power station guide for snow ploughs.
Keep Your Snow Removal Equipment Ready Between Uses
Imagine a large snowstorm is coming and your snow blower battery is running low. The forecast says there may be power cuts. You’ll want to ensure you have your batteries fully charged.
A portable option could be the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station (2048Wh). This is a great option for providing power to your compatible battery chargers for the snow blower. It has a high capacity of 2,048Wh and a rated AC output of 3,000W. There are multiple ways to recharge the unit, including solar generator setups. Ensure you check the wattage of your charger and that it doesn’t exceed the rated output.
Ensure the unit is stored inside or in a safe, dry area. Never use any connections that will be exposed to snow or rain.
Prepare Backup Electricity for Unexpected Winter Outages
For a larger backup power option, consider the EcoFlow DELTA 3000 Gen4. This has a high capacity of 3,072Wh but still has a compact design weighing just 26kg. This can be used to power compatible household essentials and may be able to power approved snow blower battery chargers. This isn’t a dedicated snow blower power source but a winter backup. Store in a dry, safe area.
What Features Should You Look for in the Best Electric Snow Blower?
When shopping for the best electric snow blower, consider the following key factors:
Clearing Width and Snow Handling Capacity
This will determine how much snow you can move in one go. Single-stage snow blowers often have a snow clearance between 11 and 22 inches, and double-stage snow blowers typically have a clearance of 20 in to 30 in. If you have a small driveway or sidewalk, then a small electric snow blower would be ideal. However, larger machines would be more practical for large areas of snow.
Battery Runtime and Charging Time
Consider the battery life, charging times and whether there is an option to purchase an extra battery. If you are dealing with wet or deep snow, it will increase the workload and reduce the area you are able to clear. If you have a large driveway, having an extra electric battery snow blower or a double-battery snow blower is ideal. Cold can also affect batteries. See our guide here for more info.
Weight, Maneuverability, and Storage
A lighter snow blower will be easier to push and store. Look for an adjustable handlebar and an easy-to-control chute. For homes with little storage space or small paved areas, a smaller electric snow blower would be ideal. Single-stage snow blowers tend to be between 20-60 lbs, and double-stage snow blowers can be much heavier.
Electric vs. Gas Snow Blowers: Which Is Better?
Both gas and electric snow blowers will work well. However, it comes down to your type of snow, property size and maintenance.
Feature | Electric Snow Blower | Gas Snow Blower |
Power source | Electricity or rechargeable batteries | Gasoline |
Maintenance | Generally lower | Generally higher |
Operating noise | Typically quieter | Typically louder |
Runtime | Limited by battery or cord reach | Depends on available fuel |
Best use | Light to heavy residential snow removal | Often suitable for sustained heavy-duty clearing |
Is an Electric Snow Blower Worth Buying?
It will depend on the amount of snow you get, the size of your property, the type of snow you get, cost and maintenance preferences.
If you have a smaller property, then a cable snow blower may be ideal. A cordless snow blower will give you more flexibility across larger areas. However, consider if they will be convenient for you in the long term. Extra batteries can be costly to replace. Consider your local weather during the winter. If you clear snow frequently, buying a snow blower may cost less over time than paying for a snow-clearing service.
Conclusion
Electric snow blowers are easier to maintain and simple to use. Choose a model that is suitable for your driveway size, snow and preferred power source.
If you want more power for charging compatible battery chargers or other winter essentials, then there are portable options. For example, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station (2048Wh) and EcoFlow DELTA 3000 Gen4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric snow blowers powerful enough for heavy snow?
Some are. The high-capacity cordless double-stage snow blowers can cope with demanding residential snow. Single-stage snow blowers are best for light to medium snow. Just compare the actual specifications.
What is the best electric snow blower for a small driveway?
Often the single-stage compact snow blower is a good option. They are lighter and easier to store. Ensure it has a large enough snow clearance for your driveway.
How long does an electric battery snow blower last on one charge?
Runtime depends on the model, battery capacity, temperature, and snow conditions. Heavy or wet snow can shorten the time available on a charge. Check the manufacturer's estimates and consider a compatible spare battery for larger areas.
Are electric snow blowers better than gas models?
It depends. Electric snow blowers tend to be quieter and require less maintenance. Gas snow blowers are often chosen for long periods of heavy-duty use. However, powerful cordless machines now mean there is not much difference.
Can an electric snow blower handle wet snow?
Yes, many can. However, wet snow will increase the workload and reduce battery life. A steel auger will help. Using a non-stick spray in the chute can help prevent blockages.
Do electric snow blowers need maintenance?
Yes, but they generally require less maintenance than gas-powered models. Check the batteries, inspect the auger and chute. Follow the manual. Store in a dry place.
Can a portable power station charge an electric snow blower battery?
Possibly. Most cordless snow blowers use brand-specific batteries that are easily removed. It will depend on what electrical requirements the charger has. Make sure to check the wattage first. Store the power station in a dry place.