6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (2024)

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (1)

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Clearing snow from your driveway, sidewalk and other areas outside your home using a shovel can be back-breaking work. To make the task a lot easier and far less time consuming, consider purchasing an electric snow blower.

“The same shift to battery power that we’re seeing with other outdoor power equipment, like leaf blowers and lawn mowers, is happening with snow blowers,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “If you live deep in snow country, gas is still the way to go. But an electric snow blower can now do the job for homeowners in many parts of the country.”

Besides their ample snow-clearing power, electric snow blowers are emissions-free, plus they're quieter than gas blowers and require less maintenance (not to mention gas). That's what our review of more than a dozen electric snow blowers over the last two years found. As part of our testing process, we got snow blowers out to professionals in the field for their expert take. We also checked in with our partners at Popular Mechanics, who use dump-truck-size loads of wet sawdust to simulate heavy snowfall, allowing them to run snow blower tests throughout the year.

Here are the six electric snow blowers that earned the highest marks.

Our top picks:

Below the top picks, you’ll learn how we chose the best electric snow blowers, what to look for when surveying your options and the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you still prefer a gas-powered machine, check out our round-up of the best snow blowers overall. And make sure to grab a weatherproof winter coat and a pair of warm gloves before you step outside to face the elements.

1

Best Overall Electric Snow Blower

EGO Peak Power Cordless Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (9)

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (10)Can handle heavy snow
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (11)Handlebar control makes it easy to change chute direction
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (12)Solid construction
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (13)Pricey

“EGO is a battery-only brand that’s been an innovative leader for more than three decades,” says DiClerico. “Its battery platform is known for big power and solid run times.” Exhibit A is this two-stage snow blower. Powered by two 56-volt 7.5 Ah batteries and featuring a 24-inch-wide intake, it can clear an 8-inch-layer of snow from an 18-car driveway on a single charge, according to the brand.

This self-propelled machine’s user-friendly operation is another selling point. The handle-mounted controls allow you to easily adjust the speed while in forward or reverse, change the auger speed and change the chute direction. This model features four bright LED headlights, so you can go out and take care of business at night.

As for reliability, EGO uses mostly steel construction with this machine, so you can expect it to last for many a winter. Plus, it comes with a five-year warranty. The only downside: This model is more expensive than many other electric snow blowers, but our experts say it’s worth the splurge if it's in the budget.

Blower typeTwo-stage
Motor driveSelf-propelled
Clearing width24 inches
Throwing distance50 feet
Claimed battery runtime25 minutes

2

Best Value Electric Snow Blower

Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Brushless Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (14)

Now 65% Off

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (15)Excellent value
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (16)Lightweight design
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (17)Folds down for easy storage
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (18)Not powerful enough for wet snow
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (19)Limited throwing distance

Talk about a steal. If you don’t want to spend more than $500, this 20-inch-wide single-stage snow blower from Greenworks delivers strong performance overall. With a 40-volt rechargeable battery and a brushless motor, it can carve an 8-inch-deep path in under 30 minutes, according to the brand.

It comes equipped with two bright LED headlights, useful in the event your snow removal efforts keep you out past sundown. It also features an easy-fold design for compact storage — perfect if your garage or shed is tight on space. The tool is backed by a four-year warranty.

The downsides: This machine’s throwing distance is only 20 feet, significantly shorter than many competitors, and it's not powerful enough to handle wet snow.

Blower typeSingle-stage
Motor driveManual
Clearing width20 inches
Throwing distance20 feet
Claimed battery runtime30 minutes

3

Best Single-Stage Electric Blower

EGO Power+ Cordless Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (20)

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (21)Long throwing distance
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (22)Heavy-duty steel and composite construction
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (23)Variable-speed auger
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (24)Maxes out at about 8 inches of snow
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (25)A bit pricey for a single-stage electric model

“Single-stage snow blowers are generally made for lighter work, but the Ego Power+ SNT2112 brings a little more oomph to handle larger jobs,” say our partners at Popular Mechanics. Indeed, this machine has the power to scoop up a path that’s 21 inches wide, then chuck it up to 40 feet away. It comes with two large 56-volt 5.0 Ah batteries, which Ego claims gives it enough runtime to unearth a 12-car driveway covered in 8 inches of snow (deeper snow will be too much for its single-stage operation). While pricey for a single-stage blower, it features a high-efficiency brushless motor, a variable-speed auger that allows you to adjust the throwing distance, two LED headlights for increased visibility during nighttime snow removal and a quick-fold handle for easy storage. Ego provides this machine with a long five-year warranty.

Blower typeSingle-stage
Motor driveManual
Clearing width21 inches
Throwing distance40 feet
Claimed battery runtimeNot listed

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4

Best Two-Stage Electric Snow Blower

Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series Cordless Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (26)

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (27)Easy assembly and set-up
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (28)Self-propelled
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (29)Generous five-year warranty
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (30)Battery runtime is shorter than some

This 22-inch two-stage snow blower from Ryobi runs on two rechargeable 40-volt 8Ah batteries, which the manufacturer claims can keep it going for up to 30 minutes on a single charge. Performance testing of the brand new 2023 model are ongoing, but Ryobi says the self-propelled machine can clear a 20-car driveway and throw snow up to 45 feet — a claim that’s probably true with light, dry snow, but the machine may struggle a bit with heavier wet snow.

This machine is part of Ryobi's Whisper Series of products, which our tests have found deliver quieter operation than comparable equipment. We also like this snow blower’s array of user-friendly features, such as the variable speed self-propelled system, LED lights (helpful for nighttime snow clearing) and 180-degree chute for directional snow throwing. It has a generous five-year warranty too.

The battery runtime was on the low side in comparison to other models. Assembly was fairly straightforward, taking about 45 minutes (though our team noted that Ryobi’s online video installation guide moved a bit too quickly to follow easily). We’ll follow up with additional test findings after putting it through more extensive hands-on trials.

Blower typeTwo-stage
Motor driveSelf-propelled
Clearing width22 inches
Throwing distance45 feet
Claimed battery runtime30 minutes

5

Best Self-Propelled Electric Snow Blower

Toro Power Max 60V Electric Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (31)

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (32)Easy assembly
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (33)Lightweight design
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (34)Ultra-bright LED headlights
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (35)Expensive

“Through decades of gas snow blower testing at the Institute, Toro has earned a reputation for performance and reliability with our experts,” DiClerico says. “We’re seeing those same qualities as the brand pushes deeper into the battery-powered blower market.”

We sent the Toro 60V to one of our outside experts, a professional landscaper based in the Northeast, for review. He likes the ample 24-inch clearing deck and two-stage operation that can throw snow up to 45 feet. While it has an expensive price tag, preliminary results have been impressive though our performance testing is ongoing. “Assembly and set-up were simple enough, something most homeowners will be able to handle,” he said. “Once I charged the batteries, it was incredibly easy to operate, and the self-propelled operation was extremely user-friendly. Also, for a big machine it's not incredibly heavy, so I would think most people would have no problem operating it.

Our outside expert also likes the shoot mechanism, which allows snow to be directed in virtually any direction. “The headlight is also awesome, one of the brightest I’ve seen,” he added. We’ll report back with additional test findings after uses in heavy snow.

Blower typeTwo-stage
Motor driveSelf-propelled
Clearing width24 inches
Throwing distance45 feet
Claimed battery runtime70 minutes

6

Best Corded Electric Snow Blower

Toro Power Curve Snow Blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (36)

Pros
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (37)Lightweight and easy to push
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (38)Budget-friendly
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (39)Adjustable chute
Cons
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (40)Corded operation limits the range
  • 6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (41)Modest clearing path and throwing distance

Though they’ve become less common due to their inconvenience and less powerful engines, some manufacturers still make corded electric snow blowers, which plug into a standard electrical outlet. We don’t love corded models, since they limit your range to the length of the cord, but considering that this Toro model weighs only 26 pounds, it’s a decent pick if you only need to clear snow from walkways and decks close to your house or a small driveway. This Toro is equipped with an adjustable chute that you can control from the co*ckpit, allowing you to throw the snow where you want it. However, its 18-inch clearing size is a bit small, and its throwing distance of 30 feet is limited. Another drawback: It only comes with a two-year warranty.

Blower typeSingle-stage
Motor driveManual
Clearing width18 inches
Throwing distance30 feet
Claimed battery run timeN/A (corded operation)

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How we choose the best electric snow blowers

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (42)

Over the last five years or so, our product experts have seen significant growth in the electric snow blower category. “It’s gone from a fairly niche category to one that most major brands now play in,” says DiClerico. He and other product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute keep tabs on new electric snow blowers that come to market. Our team also attends industry trade shows like Equip Expo to get a sneak peak at new models before they roll off the production line.

Based on this extensive market analysis, as well as past testing, we focus on brands and models that promise the best performance and reliability. Our hands-on testing includes a deep review of technical and performance data points, covering factors like clearing width, throwing distance and feature set. Whenever possible, we send test units into the field for prolonged evaluation in real-world conditions. Snow blowers are tested by regular consumers, as well as professional landscapers who clear snow for a living and provide valuable insights based on their vast experience.

Finally, for this report we compared testing notes with our partners at Popular Mechanics, who test snow blowers throughout the year using piles of wet sawdust to simulate heavy snow. In one test, the team sets up an area 8 feet x 6 feet x 5.5 inches deep, which is equivalent to 462 pounds of “snow.” They record how quickly and effectively each snow blower is able to clear the area. Another test measures the machine’s ability to power through a high bank of wet sawdust.

What to look for when shopping for the best electric snow blower

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (43)

Take a close look at these features when you go to compare your options:

✔️ Blower type: Electric snow blowers come in two categories: single-stage and double-stage.

  • Single-stage blowers have one auger, a paddle-like device that picks up snow from the ground and ejects it through the chute; however, having a single auger limits how much snow can be pulled through the machine and how far it can be thrown.
  • Two-stage blowers (also known as dual-stage) have a similar augur design with the addition of an impeller, a fan-like mechanism that helps discharge snow out the chute, enabling you to move at a faster pace and throw snow farther. Many two-stage snow blowers are also self-propelled for easier operation. Note: You won’t find any three-stage snow blowers on this list because they only run on gas.

✔️ Throwing distance: How far electric snow blowers can chuck snow can vary widely, often anywhere from 20 to 50 feet.

✔️ Clearing width: Electric snow blowers offer snow-clearing widths of 18 to 30-plus inches on average.

✔️ Corded vs. cordless: Generally, we recommend cordless electric snow blowers that are powered by batteries, since corded models limit your range to the length of the cord and require access to an outdoor electrical outlet.

✔️ Motor drive: This refers to the operation of the snow blower. It can either be manual, in which cases the user does the pushing, or self-propelled, whereby the blower moves on its own. Some self-propelled snow blowers have a variable-speed motor that allows you to go faster or slower, depending on the conditions.

✔️ Features: Look at for these extras that will help make your job easier.

  • Wheels vs. tracks. Most electric snow blowers have wheels that make for easier maneuvering. Others have tracks, which provide better grip and stability — useful when tackling snow on slopes or over loose surfaces — but they’re more difficult to turn.
  • Discharge shoot control. Some models have joystick controls that let you adjust the direction of the discharge chute with the push of a lever.
  • Headlights. This feature gives you the ability to clear snow in low-light conditions, especially practical when you need to accomplish the task early in the morning, before sunrise or during nighttime.
  • Heated handlebars. Heated hand grips are certainly a nice feature in cold temperatures.

✔️ Warranty. Most electric snow blowers come with a two- to five-year warranty for the tool. Typically there is a separate warranty for the batteries of one to three years.

Are electric snow blowers worth it?

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (44)

Whether you need a snow blower comes down to three key factors: how often it snows where you live, how much snow you typically get and how much space you need to clear. “You probably don’t need a snow blower if you only see snow a few times a year,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi, the home services marketplace. "But if you live in an area where it snows frequently and heavily, a snow blower may be one of the most helpful tools you ever buy.” A long driveway could warrant a snow blower. You may also want to get one if you have limited strength or stamina.

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When is the best time to buy an electric snow blower?

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (45)

Electric snow blowers are often sold at a discount during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and there’s less demand. Some models also go on sale during Black Friday. For example, the highly rated Greenworks 80-volt, 20-inch brushless cordless snow blower sold for 40% off this past Black Friday.

Can an electric snow blower handle heavy snow?

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (46)

Although electric snow blowers typically aren’t as powerful as gas-powered machines, some two-stage electrics deliver enough muscle to clear up to 12 inches of snow, says DiClerico.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (47)

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power equipment to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets.

For this article, Daniel worked closely with Dan DiClerico, director of GH's Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab. Dan has tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including snow blowers, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House. He has personally tested snow blowers from more than a dozen leading brands and he is a regular at trade shows where he stays up to date with the latest innovations.

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (48)

Daniel Bortz

Daniel Bortz (he/him) is a freelance writer in Arlington, Va who has written about home improvement for more a decade, including product reviews across every major category, from appliances to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV.

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (49)

Tested byDan DiClerico

Home Improvement & Outdoor Director

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

6 Best Electric Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested by Experts (2024)
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