The Best Cordless Snow Blower Options in 2022 - Tested by Bob Vila

2022-07-23 03:12:25 By : baihe yang

By Timothy Dale and Tom Scalisi | Updated May 19, 2022 3:24 PM

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Shoveling snow can be draining and poses a health hazard for people with certain medical conditions. A cordless electric snow blower, on the other hand, can minimize the bending, lifting, and tossing necessary to clear a driveway. Another major benefit of these tools is that they’re better for the environment compared to gas snow blowers and don’t emit unpleasant and harmful fumes.

To help you sift through the myriad of cordless snow blowers, we tested several of the most popular options. We gave the EGO Power+ SNT2112 Peak Power Snow Blower the top spot for its power, maneuverability, and overall efficiency. That said, we also suggest taking a good look at the EGO Power+ 24-in. Two Stage Battery Snow Blower Kit for snow-blowing strength that easily rivals any gas-powered model.

Here are all the best cordless snow blowers we tested; each earned its own award tailored to its specific strengths.

What makes the best cordless snow blower depends on the amount of snow a region typically experiences, the size of the sidewalk or driveway, and how much battery power and runtime the snow blower needs. Some cordless snow blowers are equipped to handle wide swaths of deep snow, while others are not. Consider these factors when perusing the many features of cordless snow blowers on today’s market.

The best cordless snow blowers fall into one of two categories: single-stage or two-stage. There are also three-stage blowers available; however, these are limited to gas-powered tools and commercial applications.

The runtime of a battery-powered snow blower is a key factor to consider when deciding on the best cordless electric snow blower for tackling a driveway, walkway, and patio. While most battery snow blowers have a runtime that ranges from about 30 to 45 minutes, this depends on whether the snow is light and fluffy or heavy and wet.

The heavier the snow is, the more power it takes to remove, which means a cordless snow thrower that usually runs for 45 minutes may run for only 30 minutes before the battery needs to be recharged. However, there are also snow blowers that use more than one battery at a time to increase the power and runtime of the machine. Consider a dual-battery blower if there’s a lot of ground to clear.

A cordless snow blower’s size and weight are other important considerations. While users don’t have to bend to scoop, lift, and throw snow with a shovel, they still must push the snow blower. Size also matters when storing the snow blower in a garage, shed, or any other space.

Cordless snow blowers typically range in weight from 20 to 50 pounds. Though heavier snow blowers might have a self-propelling system to make them easier to move, maneuvering a larger, heavier machine, especially if the area is large or hilly, can be difficult.

When calculating clearing width and depth, think about the driveway, sidewalk, and any other areas around the home that must be cleared of snow. Some cordless snow blowers have small intake ports that can clear 6 inches of snow, and other models have deep 12-inch intake ports. Clearing width correlates to the blower’s number of stages.

Since snow blowers can be heavy and cumbersome to maneuver, many users want a self-propelled model. Unlike gas snow blowers, battery-powered models have a digital drive system and can be self-propelled, but they usually have a variable-speed auger to speed up snow removal.

By increasing the speed at which the snow is scooped and thrown through the chute, the auger makes it easier to move the machine through a light snowfall. However, a variable-speed auger isn’t as effective when clearing heavy, packed snow.

The chute, which is a curved, hollow tube that extends from the back of the intake on a snow blower, provides a route for the snow to be thrown from the machine. On most blowers, a manual crank or lever allows users to change the angle and direction of the snow being displaced.

Premium snow blowers, however, have auto-rotating chutes that users turn by pushing a button near the handle, which doesn’t require the machine to be stopped. The angle on some chutes also can be changed to allow the snow blower to throw snow even farther.

Cordless snow blowers can traverse snow on either wheels or tracks. Wheeled snow blowers feature two large rear wheels that drive the machine forward, while tracked models have tracks similar to those found on a tank. Consider the features of wheeled versus tracked blowers:

When choosing between wheeled or tracked snow blowers, be sure to take terrain type into account. Wheeled snow blowers are best suited for paved surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks, while tracked snow blowers are better suited for unpaved surfaces. Grade also has a significant impact; steep driveways require a snow blower with good traction and enough power to pull it up a snow-covered slope.

Some of the best cordless snow blowers come with special features designed to make snow clearing an easier and more comfortable task. These extras include an electric start, heated handles, a drift cutter, headlights, and an automatic safety shutoff.

While there are a lot of features to consider, this list of top picks can help narrow the search. We tested and ranked these top options based on quality, price, overall efficiency, and key considerations outlined above. Plus, not only did these snow blowers remove mounds of the white stuff easily, they also handled -7-degree weather during testing with no battery or power output issues. Start here to find the best cordless snow blower for the job.

When it comes to choosing a cordless snow blower that can do almost everything well, EGO’s Power+ SNT2112 Peak Power Snow Blower is worth serious consideration. While this snow blower is just a single-stage model, it throws snow 40 feet. This distance, along with the adjustable chute, makes managing snow piles around driveways easy.

The SNT2112 features a 21-inch capacity, which is a bit larger than most comparable models. It comes with two 56-volt 5.0-Ah batteries that power the brushless motor enough to clear a 12-car driveway. The adjustable throttle also allows the user to regulate the power and battery as needed.

The EGO Power+ SNT2112 Peak Power Snow Blower was our favorite all-around snow blower. During testing, it was easy to operate and push, even over less-than-smooth terrain. Despite being a single-stage model, it threw snow the advertised 40 feet, which was plenty for managing the snowfall. We also enjoyed the folding handle with quick-release levers, as it made storing this model a breeze. On the downside it was a little heavy, but the extended battery life was a fair trade-off.

Get the EGO Power+ SNT2112 Peak Power Snow Blower on Amazon.

The Toro cordless snow blower can clear up to 1,500 pounds of snow per minute. Not only can it move a lot of snow, but it also throws the snow up to 40 feet using a single-stage auger system and a chute that can turn in a 200-degree radius, ensuring that users can throw snow in almost any direction. This 55-pound snow blower has a clearing width of 21 inches and it comes with a 7.5-Ah battery and a charger for up to 45 minutes of runtime.

Every test has its surprises, and the Toro was one of them in this head-to-head comparison. We found that its best attribute was that it really dug into the snow, getting down to the surface below for better clearing. The chute design and metal auger also helped. While we were impressed with how well it cleared snow, we found its uneven weight distribution awkward. It even tipped over a few times, but not during use. This was probably due to the massive battery mounted behind the wheels, but the long battery life was a welcome trade-off.

Get the Toro Power Clear 21 in. Cordless Electric Snow Blower at The Home Depot.

The Snow Joe 48-Volt Cordless Snow Blower is one of the largest cordless electric snow blowers on this list, and with it comes a budget-friendly price tag. Supplied with two rechargeable 24-volt batteries, each capable of 40 minutes of runtime, this blower throws up to 14 tons of snow per charge.

In one pass, the quadruple-bladed rubber-tipped steel auger can carve a path 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep. The 180-degree adjustable snow chute throws snow up to 20 feet. A pair of LED headlights make night or morning snow-clearing safer and more straightforward.

In our testing, we found that the Snow Joe was best for flat, even walkways and driveways as it did get hung up on small obstructions. Beyond that, it truly did perform well. It appeared to throw snow farther than most of the other models, even beyond its stated spec of 20 feet. It was also easy to pick up and had a handy crossbar to grab for the job. With dual batteries, runtime wasn’t an issue either. Especially given the price, it’s a solid option.

Get the Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 48-Volt Cordless Snow Blower on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or at Walmart.

Whether the snow is piled on the sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage snow blower can push through. This is due to the combined power of the auger to scoop and throw snow, as well as the impeller fan that helps the snow blower manage large amounts of snow. However, the snow blower is only effective when it’s equipped with the dual-battery power provided by the two 7.5-Ah batteries.

This product has one of the widest clearing widths for a residential machine at 24 inches, and it can run for up to 135 minutes before the batteries need to be recharged. The drawback to this machine is that it weighs 150 pounds, though if the user takes advantage of the 200-degree adjustable chute and the 50-foot throwing distance, these features can help reduce user fatigue.

This EGO Power+ isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. Not only did this model work as well as almost any gas-powered snow blower we’ve ever used, in some instances, it was better. We liked that we could change the throttle speed on the fly. Also, we found that the reported 50-foot throw distance might actually be an understatement—this thing has power to spare. The main throttle for the drive wheels is a lever-activated switch, which didn’t allow us to bump the throttle like we can with a gas-powered, mechanical throttle. Instead, there’s a delay, but the ability to throw snow 50-plus feet made up for it.

Get the EGO Power+ 24-in. Two Stage Battery Snow Blower Kit at Ace Hardware.

For those with limited storage space, a compact cordless snow blower like this model from Snapper might just fit the bill. The Snapper XD features a single 82-volt 4.0-Ah battery that powers this single-stage blower’s 20-inch clear capacity. It throws light snow 20 feet, and it can manage snow up to 10 inches deep.

This model features a folding handle similar to a push-style lawn mower, which allows the user to pack this blower away during the warmer weather. Also, while it does have a plastic auger, its light weight makes it even easier to move around.

For our test, we were concerned about the plastic auger, but it proved to work very well, even over the rougher terrain and ice. While the reduced clearing path did extend plowing time, the size and weight savings over other models offset the extra plowing time. Having had to maneuver big snow blowers around our garages during the warmer weather, we really appreciated the folding handle and light weight of this model.

Get the Snapper XD Snow Blower on Amazon or at Walmart.

Overall, we found EGO Power+ SNT2112’s easy maneuverability, powerful motor, and compact yet effective design tough to beat. However, for those looking for a low-maintenance snow blower that will rival nearly any gas-powered model in power and capability, the EGO Power+ 24-in Two Stage Battery Snow Blower is worth a look.

We had to wait for a significant snowfall, and when it finally did fall, it brought with it subzero wind chills, which was really the perfect weather for a test. After all, extremely cold weather is typically hard on battery-powered tools. So with 3 to 4 inches of snow on the ground, we cleared two 75-foot-long 4-car driveways, a 12-by-8-foot deck, and several small walkways between them.

First, we put all our snow blowers together, and every one required assembly. Next, we compared features and components, identifying which models were more heavy duty than others and which might be more difficult to use. Finally, we threw some snow.

We got to work clearing some driveways, walkways, and sidewalks with these models. We even put them to the test by chipping away at icy road buildup left from plows from a previous storm. We checked lights, throwing distance, and ease of use. By the end of testing, we had a good idea of which of the best cordless snow blowers belonged on the list.

If this is your first time shopping for a cordless snow blower, you likely have some additional questions about shopping for and operating this type of machinery. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about cordless snow blowers.

The terms “snow blower” and “snow thrower” are used interchangeably, but there are a couple of differences if you want to get technical. While both clear away snow, a snow thrower is a single-stage machine, and a snow blower can be a single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machine. Snow blowers clear a wider swath and are better suited for heavier snows, while snow throwers work well on lighter snows.

Battery-powered cordless snow blowers are relatively lightweight, typically ranging from about 20 pounds to 50 pounds.

To get the driveway as clean as possible with a snow blower, power it up just after the snow has stopped falling. The snow is easier to move when it’s still light and fluffy. Push the snow blower down and back up the sidewalk or driveway, making the necessary adjustments to the discharge chute so that the snow piles up where you want it.

A cordless snow blower should be stored safely in a garage or storage shed when not in use. If you don’t have sheltered storage, consider securing a waterproof tarp over and around the snow blower or investing in a smaller snow thrower. Otherwise, you could end up with a snow blower that doesn’t work.

If properly stored and maintained, the average cordless snow blower lasts about 10 years.

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