Yes, battery-powered snowblowers are absolutely worth it if you value convenience, low maintenance, and quiet operation. They eliminate gas mixing, spark plugs, and pull cords, allowing you to start clearing snow instantly with the push of a button.
On a single charge, battery-operated snow blowers typically run for 30 to 60 minutes. Over their total lifespan, the machine itself lasts 15 to 25 years, while the lithium-ion batteries generally need replacing every 5 to 8 years.
If you live in a place with light snowfall (2-6 inches), electric or battery-powered models are easy to use and don't need much care. Heavy snowfall (over 8 inches) means you need a gas-powered snow blower. These machines have more power and can handle deep, wet snow. The type of snow matters too.
The best cordless snow throwers deliver gas-like power without the fumes, noise, or maintenance. For large driveways and heavy, wet snow, the EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch 2-Stage is the top overall choice. For sidewalks and smaller spaces, the EGO Power+ SNT2114 21-Inch Single-Stage is the premier option.
The 80V system provides more "gas-like" performance, though it is typically more expensive. The 40V system offers a balance of power and cost and is a good choice for many typical residential lawns.
Battery snow blowers are generally best if you don't have a lot of snow to clear because they aren't as powerful as three-stage gas snow blowers. Most of the cordless snowblowers in our ratings are single-stage models, though we do test several two-stage models, which we find are generally more effective.
Doctors and heart experts recommend that men consider stopping manual snow shoveling around age 45. The sudden strain of heavy lifting in cold temperatures acts like a treadmill stress test, significantly increasing the risk of cardiac events, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles or preexisting heart risks.
High-quality, American-made snow blowers are predominantly manufactured by legacy brands like Ariens (assembled in Wisconsin) and Toro (built in Minnesota). Honda, Troy-Bilt, and Spartan Equipment also manufacture specific models in the US. They are split into heavy-duty gas models and battery-powered electric units.
The best battery blower for most homeowners is the EGO Power+ 765 CFM (often sold as kit LB7654). It competes closely with gas power and frequently tops head-to-head performance reviews due to its massive air volume, comfortable controls, and impressive 90-minute run time on lower speeds.
For occasional use, snow blowers, with around 5 horsepower and one or two speeds, are generally adequate. However, if you intend to clear large amounts of snow, want to work on slopes or if the snow is quite wet, a three-stage device with 10 hp or more is recommended.
The best snow blowers for the current season include top-rated models across battery-powered and gas categories. The EGO Power+ SNT2405 and Ariens Deluxe 28 lead the pack for heavy, deep snow. For smaller driveways, the Toro Power Clear 821 QZE and Husqvarna ST224 offer outstanding clearing power and maneuverability.
Clear snow without a shovel by using household alternatives like a sturdy push broom for light snow, a leaf blower for powder, or a piece of plywood to push large piles. For ice and packed snow, rely on chemical de-icers like calcium chloride or a DIY mix of hot water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol.
For example, prices can run from less than $100 for small cordless blowers to several hundred dollars for larger corded machines capable of moving heavier snow.
Ideally, you should charge your phone when its battery level drops to around 20-30% and unplug it once it reaches 80-90%. There's no specific number of times you should charge your phone in a day; it depends on your usage. Just avoid letting the battery drain completely and frequently charging it to 100%.
The best snow blower brands are Ariens, Toro, and Ego Power+. Ariens leads for heavy-duty gas machines, Toro offers premium features and anti-clogging technology, and Ego is the top choice for high-performance cordless battery power.
This Old House recommends spraying the exit chute with a silicone (like WD-40® Specialist® Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant) to keep snow from sticking. When you are finished clearing snow, let the snowblower run for a few minutes to dry out to prevent parts from being damaged by freezing.
A "good" snow blower generally costs between $𝟕𝟎𝟎 and $𝟏,𝟔𝟎𝟎, depending on your property's needs. Smaller, single-stage blowers run $𝟓𝟎𝟎 to $𝟗𝟎𝟎, while robust two-stage models—built for heavy snowfalls and large, unpaved driveways—cost $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 to $𝟏,𝟖𝟎𝟎.
Neither is strictly "better" overall, but they excel in different conditions. A 2-stage snow blower is the ideal choice for most homeowners due to its reliability and maneuverability, while a 3-stage is superior for massive properties, extremely deep drifts, and heavy plow piles.
Experts advise that adults over 45, and especially those over 65 or with heart disease risk factors, should avoid shoveling snow. The combination of cold air, static exertion, and arm work puts significant strain on the cardiovascular system.
You'll just be wasting salt if you put it on snow. The most effective way to clear your sidewalks is to shovel the snow then put down a little bit of salt (ideally pet-friendly).
⚠️WINTER WEATHER SAFETY⚠️ Given the impending change in seasons, it's important to remember that: 74.2% of all winter weather related accidents occur with 2” or less of snow. So, while it may not seem dangerous to drive in a small amount of snow, in fact, lesser amounts of snow result in more accidents.
The best cordless snow throwers deliver gas-like power without the fumes, noise, or maintenance. For large driveways and heavy, wet snow, the EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch 2-Stage is the top overall choice. For sidewalks and smaller spaces, the EGO Power+ SNT2114 21-Inch Single-Stage is the premier option.
In our experience, an electric snow shovel is not designed to clear heavy or deep snow (more than 6 inches deep). To tackle heavier snowfall, we recommend opting for a snow blower instead.