What is an Electric Snow Shovel? Are they any good? Where is the best place to buy one?
Snow shovels offer many benefits vs traditional snow blowers. Need help deciding on which snow shovel is the best? Here are our top picks for 2019!
What is an Electric Snow shovel?
Electric snow shovels can be best described as a mix between a shovel and snow blower.
Smaller, Lighter, Easier to Handle
Work smarter…not harder. Compared to a heavy gas-power powered machine. An electric snow shovel is much more maneuverable and easier to handle.
How is this possible?
Well for starters. A snow shovel is electric powered which means there is no gas motor or gas tank. They are also typically much smaller. Less material, equals less weight.
Easy to start, no maintenance and easily stores away when not in use. Perfect for older adults, woman or anyone who values their back.
Top Uses
Since these tools are small and light, they are great for small areas where a heavy gas powered machine would be just too large.
Examples:
- decks & patios
- roofs (be careful with this one)
- small sidewalks and porches
- stairs
Now that you have an idea of “what is a snow shovel” and a few usages, check out our complete list below.
Earthwise SN70016 Electric Cored 12Amp Snow Shovel
Top Features:
• 16″ Clearing Width, 8″ Clearing Depth
• Max Plowing Capacity: 430lbs per minute
• 2 Year Warranty
Snow Joe 323E 13-Inch, 10-amp
With a smaller 10-amp motor this unit would be best suited for lighter snowfalls or quick “clean ups”. On heavier snow accumulations don’t force the auger into the deep snow. But rather shave down high spots or drifts, working from the top down.
To see the Snow Joe shovel in action take a look at this demonstration video below:
Top Features:
• 13″ Clearing Width, 6″ Clearing Depth
• Max Plowing Capacity: 400lbs per minute
• 2-year Warranty
Greenworks 12-inch, 8 Amp Corded Snow Shovel 2600802
No need to lift like a traditional shovel, just push (like a vacuum cleaner). Perfect for city homes and apartments where storage space is limited.
Recommended for sidewalks and walkways. Removes snow up to 6″ deep.
Top Features:
• 12-13″ Clearing Width, Up to 6″ Clearing Depth
• Max Plowing Capacity: 300lbs per minute
• Weights Under 15lbs
Greenworks Pro Cordless (battery powered) Snow Shovel, 2600602
No gas, No hard starts and No extension cords
This is one of the best options when it comes to power and convenience. All the benefits of an electric powered motor without the extension cord slowing you down.
Great for camps and other areas where electricity may be hard to get to…or not available at all. Check out the battery snow shovel in the video below and then Click Here to see pricing.
Top Features:
• 45-minute max runtime *depending on conditions
• Instant power on demand. No gas, no maintenance
• Fully charge the 2AH battery in 30 minutes
Advantages of Electric Motors vs Gas Machines
There are many advantages to electric motors vs gas powered machines. The first being the power source. Gas has a shelf life (typically only 3 months if left untreated). For seasonal tools this is a real problem and brings us to the next issue.
Maintenance
Electric motors require much less maintenance. When talking corded tools there is almost no maintenance required.
**Changing oil on a Gas Powered Snowblower**
For battery powered options be sure to take care of your batteries and they will take care of you. (Never charge Lithium batteries below 30 degrees!)
Startup
This is a big issue that is hard to ignore. Anyone who has used gas powered equipment knows the struggle of an engine that won’t start. You can pull all day and all night, but if anything is out of tune, your just wasting your time.
Granted, most of the time this can be attributed to simply bad gas or poor maintenance. For tips on how to start a gas engine that has been sitting, check out this article: “Old Honda Generator will not start, Troubleshooting”
Not the case with electric. Simply squeeze the trigger and you are ready to rock and roll.
Ease of Use
We already covered not having to deal with the dreaded pull-cord. However, not only are electric tools easier to start they are also generally easier to use.
One of the reasons for this is…Weight
Electric tools tend to weight much less than a comparable gas powered version. This allows older adults, woman and smaller persons the ability to take on their own projects. (for better or worse).
If you think electric snow removal machines are cool. Check out these “Battery Powered Chainsaws”
**BONUS** Outdoor Gear for Winter Work
Winter weather can get nasty. Protect your face from cold blowing snow with this fur lined hat. 100% Polyester Fabric with Real Fur lining, one size fits most.
Click here to see all the available colors.
Ear flaps can be worn up or down depending on your preference. These versatile hats are great for all kinds of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, hunting or even just walking the dog.
Solaris Winter Gloves with 3M Insulation, Waterproof *with free neck warmer
Featuring 3M Thinsulate Insulation
State of the art Thinsultate insulation to keep your hands warm in the coldest of weather. So throw on your gloves, fire up the snow blower (or snow shove) and get after it!
Top Features:
• Built in Snow Wiper
• 40g 3M Thinsulate Insulation
• Waterproof exterior
• Zippered pocket on back of glove for small items
Kamik Women’s Momentum Snow Boots
These boots feature moisture-wicking material to keep your feet dry and the grippy rubber sole provides traction on snow/ice. Also, since the entire bottom of the boot is made of rubber this acts as a great waterproof barrier.
Excellent for all outdoor activities. Hiking, snowmobiling, shoveling snow or as an everyday general purpose boot.
Frostbite and the Importance of Winter Gear
Before heading out into the cold for any winter activity, know the temperature (highs/lows) for the day. While trying not to “over dress”, be sure to choose to appropriate winter gear to protect against frostbite.
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is when skin & tissue become damaged due to prolonged exposure to freezing conditions. To protect against exposure be sure to wear gloves, boots and a hat that covers your ears.
**See our complete list of Top Tools and Products for 2019 here**
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