Should I Get an Electric Snow Blower? Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
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If you are tired of shoveling snow but do not want to deal with gas, oil, spark plugs, pull cords, and engine maintenance, an electric snowblower can be a smart choice. Electric snow blowers are usually easier to start, easier to store, quieter, and lighter than gas models.
But electric snow blowers are not perfect for everyone. They work best for smaller paved driveways, sidewalks, decks, patios, and light to moderate snow. If you get heavy wet snow, deep storms, or big plow piles at the end of your driveway, you may need a stronger gas or two-stage snow blower instead.
If you are still figuring out what size machine you need, start with our guide on what size snowblower you need. If you are shopping mostly by price, also read our guide to the best snow blowers on a budget.
Quick Answer: Should You Get an Electric Snow Blower?
| Your Situation | Should You Buy Electric? | Best Type |
|---|---|---|
| Small paved driveway | Yes | Corded or cordless electric |
| Sidewalks, decks, and patios | Yes | Electric snow shovel or compact electric snow blower |
| Light to moderate snow | Yes | Electric or battery snow blower |
| Heavy wet snow | Maybe, but be careful | Strong cordless or two-stage gas |
| Gravel or dirt driveway | Usually no | Two-stage gas snow blower |
| Long rural driveway | Usually no | Gas two-stage snow blower |
Best Electric Snow Blower Options to Check
| Best For | Type | Good Option to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest cost | Corded electric | Snow Joe corded electric snow blower |
| Small paved driveway | Battery powered | Greenworks 40V snow blower |
| Cordless convenience | Battery powered | WORX 40V snow blower |
| Stronger battery option | Battery powered | EGO Power+ snow blower |
| Small walkways | Electric snow shovel | Snow Joe or Greenworks electric snow shovel |
What Is an Electric Snow Blower?
An electric snow blower is a snow-clearing machine powered by electricity instead of gasoline. Some plug into an outdoor extension cord. Others use rechargeable batteries.
Electric snow blowers are popular because they are simple. You usually press a button or pull a lever, and the machine starts. There is no gas to store, no oil to change, and no carburetor to clean.
For many homeowners with small paved driveways, an electric snow blower is much easier than shoveling. But the key is matching the machine to your snow conditions.
Corded Electric vs Battery Snow Blowers
Corded Electric Snow Blowers
A corded electric snow blower plugs into an outdoor extension cord. These are usually the cheapest electric snow blowers and can be a good fit for small areas close to the house.
Pros
- Usually cheaper than battery models
- No battery charging
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Good for small paved areas
Cons
- You have to manage the cord
- Limited by cord length
- Not ideal for large driveways
- Usually not strong enough for heavy wet snow
Best for: Small sidewalks, short paved driveways, patios, and decks.
Check Corded Electric Snow Blowers on Amazon
Battery Powered Snow Blowers
A battery powered snow blower gives you the convenience of electric power without dragging a cord around. These are better for driveways where a cord would be annoying or unsafe.
Battery models cost more than corded models, especially if the battery and charger are included. Runtime also matters. Heavy snow drains batteries faster than light powder.
Pros
- No cord to manage
- Easy push-button starting
- Quiet compared with gas
- No gas or oil maintenance
- Good for small to medium paved driveways
Cons
- Batteries add cost
- Runtime depends on snow depth and battery size
- Less powerful than most gas two-stage machines
- May struggle with heavy wet snow and plow piles
Best for: Homeowners who want easy cordless snow clearing for a small or medium paved driveway.
Check Battery Powered Snow Blowers on Amazon
Are Electric Snow Blowers Any Good?
Yes, electric snow blowers can be very good when used in the right situation. They are best for people who want something easier than shoveling but do not need a large gas snow blower.
An electric snow blower is usually a good choice if you have a paved driveway, do not get huge storms, and want a machine that starts easily. It is not usually the best choice for long rural driveways, loose gravel, or frequent heavy wet snow.
If your biggest issue is dense, slushy snow, read our guide to the best snow blowers for heavy wet snow.
When an Electric Snow Blower Makes Sense
- You have a small or medium paved driveway.
- You mostly get light to moderate snow.
- You want something easier than shoveling.
- You do not want to maintain a gas engine.
- You want quiet operation.
- You have limited storage space.
- You want push-button starting.
When You Should Not Get an Electric Snow Blower
An electric snow blower is not the right choice for every driveway. In some cases, gas is still the better option.
- You have a long rural driveway.
- You have a gravel or dirt driveway.
- You often get heavy wet snow.
- You get large plow piles at the end of your driveway.
- You need to clear snow far away from an outlet and do not want battery limits.
- You want maximum throwing power.
For dirt or gravel surfaces, see our guide to the best snow blowers for dirt driveways. For bigger gas machines, read our guide on two-stage vs three-stage snow blowers.
Electric Snowblower Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to start | Less powerful than gas for big storms |
| No gas or oil | Corded models need extension cords |
| Quieter than gas | Battery models have limited runtime |
| Usually lighter and easier to store | Not ideal for gravel driveways |
| Good for small paved areas | Can struggle with heavy wet snow |
Electric Snowblower vs Gas Snowblower
The biggest difference between electric and gas snow blowers is power and convenience.
Electric snow blowers are easier to use and maintain. Gas snow blowers are usually stronger and better for tough conditions. The best choice depends on your driveway and snow type.
| Feature | Electric Snow Blower | Gas Snow Blower |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | Very easy | Can be harder, though many have electric start |
| Maintenance | Low | Higher |
| Noise | Quieter | Louder |
| Power | Best for light to moderate snow | Better for heavy snow and large driveways |
| Driveway type | Paved driveways | Paved, gravel, dirt, and larger areas |
| Best use | Small to medium jobs | Medium to heavy jobs |
If you are still unsure whether buying any snow blower makes sense, read are snow blowers worth it?
Can an Electric Snow Blower Handle Heavy Snow?
Some electric snow blowers can handle moderate snow, and stronger battery models can handle more than older light-duty machines. But heavy wet snow is where many electric snow blowers struggle.
If the snow is deep, slushy, or packed by a plow, a small electric machine may clog or bog down. For heavy wet snow, a two-stage gas snow blower is usually the safer choice.
That does not mean electric is bad. It just means you should not expect a small electric snow blower to perform like a full-size gas two-stage machine.
Best Uses for Electric Snow Blowers
Small Paved Driveways
This is where electric snow blowers make the most sense. If your driveway is short and paved, an electric model can save time and effort compared with shoveling.
Check Electric Snow Blowers for Driveways on Amazon
Sidewalks and Walkways
Electric snow blowers are great for sidewalks and walkways because they are usually lighter and easier to maneuver than large gas machines.
Check Electric Snow Blowers for Sidewalks on Amazon
Decks and Patios
Small electric snow blowers and electric snow shovels can be useful for decks and patios where a large gas machine would be too heavy or awkward.
Check Electric Snow Shovels on Amazon
What Size Electric Snow Blower Do You Need?
For small sidewalks and decks, a 10-inch to 16-inch electric snow shovel may be enough. For short driveways, look at an 18-inch to 21-inch electric snow blower. For larger driveways or heavier snow, you may need a stronger battery model or a gas snow blower.
| Area to Clear | Suggested Electric Size | Better Option If Snow Is Heavy |
|---|---|---|
| Deck or small walkway | 10 to 16 inches | Electric snow shovel |
| Short paved driveway | 18 to 21 inches | Single-stage gas |
| Medium paved driveway | 20 to 24 inches battery model | Two-stage gas |
| Heavy wet snow | Strong battery model only | Two-stage gas |
Best Electric Snow Blower Types
Best Low-Cost Choice: Corded Electric Snow Blower
A corded electric snow blower is the cheapest way to avoid shoveling if you have a small paved area. Just make sure you have the right outdoor extension cord and enough cord length.
Check Snow Joe Corded Electric Snow Blowers on Amazon
Best Cordless Choice: Battery Snow Blower
A battery snow blower is easier to use because there is no cord. It costs more, but it is usually more convenient for driveways.
Check Greenworks Battery Snow Blowers on Amazon
Best Strong Battery Upgrade: EGO Power+ Snow Blower
EGO battery snow blowers are worth checking if you want more power from a cordless model. They are not the cheapest, but they can be a good fit if you already own EGO batteries or want to build around that tool system.
Check EGO Snow Blowers on Amazon
Who Should Buy an Electric Snow Blower?
You should consider an electric snow blower if you want something easier than shoveling and your snow-clearing job is not too demanding.
- You have a paved driveway.
- You usually get light to moderate snow.
- You want push-button starting.
- You do not want gas engine maintenance.
- You want something quieter than gas.
- You have limited storage space.
Who Should Buy Gas Instead?
You may be better off with a gas snow blower if your snow-clearing job is heavier.
- You have a long driveway.
- You have a gravel or dirt driveway.
- You get frequent heavy wet snow.
- You deal with plow piles.
- You want more throwing distance.
- You need a two-stage machine.
For bigger snow jobs, compare electric models with our guide to the best snow blowers for heavy wet snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric snow blowers worth it?
Electric snow blowers are worth it if you have a small to medium paved area and usually get light to moderate snow. They are easy to start, simple to store, and require less maintenance than gas snow blowers.
Do electric snow blowers work as well as gas?
Electric snow blowers can work very well for small paved areas, but gas snow blowers are usually better for heavy wet snow, long driveways, gravel driveways, and large plow piles.
Can an electric snow blower handle heavy wet snow?
Some stronger battery models can handle moderate wet snow, but small electric snow blowers often struggle with heavy wet snow. For frequent heavy wet snow, a two-stage gas snow blower is usually better.
Is corded or cordless better?
Corded snow blowers are usually cheaper, but the cord can be annoying. Cordless battery snow blowers cost more, but they are easier to move around and better for driveways where a cord would get in the way.
How long do electric snow blowers last?
An electric snow blower can last for years if it is used correctly and stored properly. Battery models may eventually need replacement batteries, while corded models avoid that issue.
Can I use an electric snow blower on gravel?
Usually, electric snow blowers are not the best choice for loose gravel. Many are single-stage designs that sit close to the ground. For gravel or dirt driveways, a two-stage gas snow blower with adjustable skid shoes is usually better.
Final Verdict
You should get an electric snow blower if you have a small or medium paved driveway, do not want gas maintenance, and usually deal with light to moderate snow. Electric models are easy to start, quieter, and much easier to own than gas machines.
You should probably skip electric and buy gas if you have a gravel driveway, long driveway, frequent heavy wet snow, or large plow piles. In those cases, a two-stage gas snow blower is usually the better long-term choice.
For most small paved driveways, an electric snow blower can be a great upgrade from shoveling. Just make sure you buy one that matches your snow, driveway size, and budget.