Best Cordless Snow Blower Reviews

Cordless snow blowers are one of the most convenient things to have in the winter if you live somewhere that gets significant snowfall. However, there are a lot of snow blowers on the market, so it’s worth reading some cordless snow blower reviews to help you make the right decision for your needs. In this post, we will discuss some of the key characteristics of corded and the battery powered snow blowers and rate some of the best snow blowers for value.

Hopefully, after reading this article, it may be easier to plan which is the best cordless snow blower for you and learn more about how they work.

Why Use a Snowblower?

Reasons for Snow Blower? Cordless Electric Snow Throwers

A snowblower is a fast and efficient way to relocate accumulated snow.

Leaving snow alone is dangerous and inconvenient.

If it is in your driveway you will have to move it to use your car, and you are required to clear it off your sidewalks so people can walk by. 

Moreover, if you do an incomplete job and leave a layer of snow or wait too long to move it, it has the chance to freeze at the bottom, creating slippery, hard ice that is both more dangerous and harder to remove. 

Shoveling snow is hard work. In fact, every winter several older adults experience heart attacks because it is a heavy cardiovascular effort that they exert in a cold, stressful environment (source). 

Getting a snowblower allows you to cut down on most of the physical labor associated with moving snow. You might need to shovel a little to touch up or finish the job, but a blower can take most of the burden. 

A cordless snow blower is even better because you are not tethered to a power outlet.

Many houses do not have a convenient outlet for moving snow, so you will be forced to go without or use a lot of extension cords if you don’t go cordless.

Battery snowblower reviews are generally positive but need to consider some of the following factors before purchasing.

Ease of Use

There are many different styles of cordless blowers and none of them is truly the best. They are all suited for different purposes.

For example, the kind of blower you want will depend on how large your driveway is and what shape it is, as well as how much it snows near you and how often you will have to use the blower.

Lighter snowblowers are easier to use, but they also don’t displace as much snow, so they are less useful in heavy snowfall.

The positioning of the handle, the size, and material in the wheels, and the width of the snowblower- all of these things affect how it will perform for your needs. 

Batteries, Displacement and Distance

Different snowblower models can have different batteries. They might be lithium-ion, which is the most common type of rechargeable battery, or some other type.

The amount of use you get from one charge, and how long that charge takes, really determines when and how the blower is an efficient use of time.

The concept of a rechargeable snow blower is now very common and these machines can be bought at nearly every homeowner outlet.

Snow Joe interchargable batteries
The Snow Joe iBAT40 iON batteries and charger are good for all cordless ION models with up to 50 minutes of runtime

Lower quality models are especially prone to having batteries that take a long time to charge and don’t provide much power.

It is particularly hard to design a battery that will work well in cold weather, so the manufacturer has to put in the special effort.

The battery and power are related to how much snow the blower can displace. 

The size of the front opening also makes a difference. Many blowers will provide a measure, such as the width of the path you can make or the volume of snow that you can move. 

You can then compare those numbers to the amount of snow that accumulates near you in a regular winter and the size of the area that you have to clear.

The more power the snowblower has, the better it will be at throwing the snow away from its starting point. This reduces the odds that the snow will drift back into the sidewalk and driveway due to wind and avoids creating big walls right on the edge of cleared areas. 

Reading up on individual battery powered snow blower reviews and reading up on how electronics work can help you understand the connection between Volts, Wattage and performance as well.

Maintaining an Electric Snowblower

Traditionally, gas-powered snow blowers dominated the market. Replenishing gas, changing oil, and performing regular tune-ups were all part of the yearly maintenance associated with owning a snowblower.

Electric snow blowers, however, can deliver just as impressive performance when the snow starts to fall, and they require less maintenance. No more replacing spark plugs or worrying about running out of gas.

This is true for both corded electric snowblowers and battery operated snowblowers. The best electric snow blowers can be a much more convenient and economical choice for many homeowners.

The estimated annual cost of maintaining a gas-powered snow blower each year can be around $70, including spark plugs, oil, fuel stabilizers, and skid shoes.

But electric snow blowers eliminate the cost of fuel and maintenance. All that they need is a good, cold weather extension cord and an electrical outlet.

Using a cord of the correct length and gauge is essential to maintaining an electric snow blower.

Importantly, using the wrong cord can cause the motor to burn out and ruin an electric snowblower that would have had several more seasons of use otherwise.

Also, remember to store the electric snow blower in a clean, dry space when it is not in use.

Type of Blowers 

Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower ION18SB
The Snow Joe ION18SB Cordless Snow Blower in action

Single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers are either gas or electric snowblowers designed for different consumer needs.

Traditionally, these are the three main types of snow blowers.

Single-stage snow blowers are typically more lightweight, easy to use, and the preferred model for many homeowners. A single stage blower has a spinning augur, which is similar to a large drill, that breaks up the snow and ice and moves it away. 

Two-stage snow blowers are more suited to heavier snowfalls and moderately wet and heavy snow. The 2 stage blower adds an impeller, a device that tosses snow farther away. Read more about two stage snow blowers here.

Three-stage snow blowers are the most powerful and are designed to be used in larger areas. The 3 stage version has a device for collecting snow and ice, another one for crushing it, and a third for tossing it, making it the most powerful option.

A cordless snowblower is on par with a single-stage gas blower. That means they can usually handle snow up to a foot in depth without much trouble but might start to struggle above that level, or if the snow is particularly wet and heavy. 

Of course, a cordless blower doesn’t need gas, so that reduces the cost of running it. 

They are also lighter and don’t need a starting mechanism.

Other Features to Look for When Buying a Battery Snow Thrower

There are other things that you might want in a blower and read more in detail in cordless snow blower reviews.

For example, some have an easy way to change the direction of the snow-tossing mechanism. Others have heated handles to protect your hands.

Many features like these are comfort or luxury in places with milder winters but a necessity in extreme winters, so much depends on where you live.

Working mechanics, type, size, and capacity may have different priorities depending on what is the best cordless snow blower for your particular needs.

Depth of Clearance

Depending on how much snow is expected in a season, you may want to consider having a snow blower that can clear up without much effort. For this, you need to check the depth of clearance on certain models.

As a rule of thumb, electric shovels can clear up only a couple of inches of snow, while the more advanced two-stage electric snow blowers can deal with even 20 inches or more.

Clearance Width

Large yards and gardens take time to clear from snow, but choosing the right snow blower with the ideal clearance width can help finish the job sooner.

Choosing a way too wide snow blower with a big clearance might be beneficial for large amounts of snow but they also tend to be heavy and difficult to maneuver.

Should I Buy an Electric Snow Blower or Not?

An exception to the electric snow blower’s ability to outperform gas-powered blowers’, of course, would be the absence of electricity.

In a major storm that results in power outages, the electric snow blower would not be very helpful unless a backup generator provided its power, or it had been previously charged.

Consider the advantages of using an electric or cordless snow blower depending on the area.

Typically, they work well in moderate to heavy snowfalls that do not result in power outages.

There are many affordable models ranging in size and horsepower.

The absence of annual maintenance costs also makes electric snow blowers both a convenient and affordable option for many consumers.

Best Cordless Snow Blower Reviews

Snow Joe iON18SB Ion Cordless Single Stage Brushless Snow Blower

18

Clearing Width (inches)

495

Plowing Capacity (lbs/min)

32

Weight (lbs)

As the name indicates, the Snow Joe iON18SB uses a lithium-ion battery that can deliver a little under an hour of use. Cost-wise it is in the middle of the market for cordless blowers but provides great value for the price.

The specialty of this model is the fast, efficient removal of snow under 6 inches, but it can handle nearly two feet if you can make multiple passes.

It has a chute that automatically rotates for consistent snow disposal.

There is an included headlight for night use. It also comes with a scraper bar that will prevent the blades from cutting up deck surfaces or gravel, but it is still better to avoid those surfaces if possible.

If you expect a lot of snow, you can buy an extra battery and keep it charged so that you can have more continuous use when things get bad.

It is light enough for one person to carry and lift without trouble. 

The Snow Joe iON18SB comes with a full 2-year warranty. Highly rated and a best seller, this compact but powerful thrower could just be the best cordless snow blower of the season.

Read our Full Review on the Snow Joe iON18SB snowblower.

PowerSmart DB2401 Lithium-Ion 40V Cordless 18″ Snow Blower

18

Clearing Width (inches)

N/A

Plowing Capacity (lbs/min)

43

Weight (lbs)

The PowerSmart DB2401 is much like the previous Joe Snow model. It has a lithium-ion battery and a similar size and weight.

There are some differences, though. First of all, the PowerSmart has a chute that you can rotate in a 180 degree arc.

It can also throw snow for up to 30 feet, while the Joe Snow topped out at 20 feet.

While the battery is only rated for 25 minutes of use, it often goes longer, and it will charge noticeably faster than the Snow Joe battery.

In practice, it tends to be more energy efficient despite its heavier, stronger engine. It is also a little better around decks and wood, but it is still recommended to avoid using the blower on those surfaces if possible.

The larger weight does make it a bit harder to maneuver, so take that into account if you are buying for someone else. 

Warranty is the standard 2 years for this PowerSmart snowblower.

GreenWorks Pro 80V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Thrower

20

Clearing Width (inches)

450

Plowing Capacity (lbs/min)

40

Weight (lbs)

This GreenWorks model has a 20-inch width for picking up snow quicker.

The Pro 80V has a better battery comparison to some of the others on this list, and it still comes in at one of the lower weights for engines. That makes it easier to use and steer around the property.

This blower is available with the battery and charger and without, so it will come down to whether you have a G-MAX battery that you can use already.

The combination of a large size with a large battery is appealing, but remember that cordless blowers struggle with heavy snow and ice sometimes, especially with low capacity batteries. 

The GreenWorks Pro 80V comes with a limited 4 year warranty and 2 year for the batteries.

Snow Joe iON21SB-PRO 21-Inch Cordless Single Stage Snow Blower

21

Clearing Width (inches)

660

Plowing Capacity (lbs/min)

36

Weight (lbs)

The iON21SB is the second most powerful battery operated snow blower that Snow Joe makes. It is similar to the rest in terms of weight, but it is the widest blower on this list.

It also has the standard set of Snow Joe features like the LED lights The chute can rotate with a button, saving you the effort of turning it yourself.

The snow will end up approximately 20 feet away when it comes out of the chute.

The battery goes flat in around 45 minutes which gives you plenty of time for heavier tasks as well.

This is the biggest blower in this price range. For many people, bigger is better when it comes to snow blowers.

For others, the large size could make it too big for some tasks, and in that case, you might want to look elsewhere. One thing is sure, you can blast through your yard with this single stage blower much more quicker than its competitors.

The Snow Joe iON21SB PRO is offered with 2 year warranty. 

Best Alternative Snow Blower: Snow Joe iON13SS 40-volt Cordless Snow Shovel 

13

Clearing Width (inches)

300

Plowing Capacity (lbs/min)

14.5

Weight (lbs)

Have you considered a lightweight alternative that is easy to push around and takes up less space storage?

The Snow Joe iON13SS snow shovel might be worth looking at since it provides a pretty good 300 pounds of snow blasting speed per minute, comparable to other, much heavier alternatives in this Best Cordless Snow Blowers for 2022 list. 

With its rechargeable 40-volt 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery system, the iON13SS delivers up to 52 minutes of runtime with the innovative 500W brushless motor.

This Snow Joe unit throws snow up to 25 feet while clearing a path 13 inches wide by 6 inches deep with each pass.

Snow Joe offers a full 2 year warranty for both the snow shovel and the battery.

Which Cordless Snow Blower is Best for the Winter of 2022?

Best Cordless Snow Blower Conclusion

We believe that if you want the biggest and most powerful cordless blower, the Snow Joe iON21SB is your best bet. If you want value instead, the GreenWorks model may be a better choice.

The most compact and best seller snowblower is undoubtedly the 18 inch Snow Joe iON18SB.

Searching for the best battery powered snow blower we also find the Snow Joe iON13SS a remarkable piece of power tool that punches way above its weight. 

Think about your outdoor space and your needs. Read more battery powered snow blower reviews. The best cordless snow blower will do what you need and no more, because that way you are only paying for what is useful.

Winners

Best Cordless Snow Blower

Snow Joe iON18SB

Snow Joe iON18SB Ion Cordless Snowblower

Best Snow Shovel

Snow Joe iON13SS

Snow Joe iON13SS

FAQs about Cordless Snow Blowers

How do I stop my snowblower from clogging?

Moving faster through the snow causes the auger to move forward with more force and throws it further. This can help prevent the chute from clumps of snow and ice sitting in there and clogging it.

There are tools on the market that feature snake-like attachments to reach in and loosen clumps of snow, ice, dirt, or gravel that can get stuck in the auger housing.

Non-stick spray is also available for purchase from many online and big box retailers. The spray coats the metal so that the snow passes through without clumping or sticking. One coat is good for the whole season – it does not have to be reapplied for each use.

Most importantly, remember NEVER attempt to unclog a snowblower by hand. Reaching in to unclog a snowblower can result in a loss of appendages or other serious injuries. Stick with an attachment or non-stick spray for keeping the auger clear.

Can You Use a Snowblower on Wet Snow?

Yes, but using the correct model will make a big difference. Electric snow blowers typically work best on moderate amounts of dry snow. Wet, heavy snow can clog the chute more quickly.

Heavy-duty gas-powered snow blowers are better suited for heavy, wet snow.

If using an electric snow blower in wet snow, do not attempt to push it into a snowfall that is more than a few inches deep, as it is not designed for such heavy-duty use.

Also, do not use a single-stage electric snowblower for wet, heavy, or deep snow. Two and three-stage electric snow blowers will perform better.

Consider applying a coat of non-stick spray first to prevent clumps of wet snow and ice from getting stuck in the auger or chute.

Is there a difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?

Not really. The terms “snowblower” and “snow thrower” are often used interchangeably. “Snowblower” is the most commonly used term.

Snowblowers can be divided into two main categories: Single stage and two stage. Single stage snow blowers are sometimes called snow throwers because they lift and toss the snow in one single motion, hence the term single-stage.

Since the snow does not pass through a chute in the second stage, they literally throw snow out of the way. They could literally be called “snow throwers”.

These models are smaller and more lightweight, making them easy to use and ideal for smaller areas and shallow snow.

Two-stage snowblowers are not typically referred to as throwers. These snowblowers scrape up snow from the ground and an impeller blows the snow through a chute.

Typically, these snowblowers can cover more area in less time, cut a wider path, and blow much deeper snow than single-stage snow throwers.

When Should I Buy a Snowblower?

Like all seasonal items, there are certain times of the year when it is easier to find a good deal on a snowblower. Learn more about how to time your snow blower purchase here.

Do Electric Snow Blowers Need to be Plugged In?

Corded electric snow blowers need to be plugged in at all times, while cordless or battery operated snow blowers do not.

While electric snow blowers, or snow-throwers, do not need oil changes, spark plug replacements, or gasoline, they do require electricity in order to work.

Typically, electric power shovels and single stage blowers usually must be plugged in while in use.

Cordless snow blowers use electricity to charge their batteries and can operate for up to 60 minutes when fully charged though. This makes cordless snow blowers much more convenient.

Electric Snow Blower Extension Cord

There is a new group of products on the market called ‘HYBRID’ snow blowers, which can operate both ways: corded or cordless. A nice example is the Snow Joe ION13SS Hybrid Electric Snow Shovel.

Hybrid snow blowers feature batteries as well as cords that can be plugged in.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for power cord length and gauge. Factors such as how many Amps the snowblower needs to reach will help determine the correct type of cord.

How Much is a Good Snowblower?

There are several varieties of good snow blowers and electric snow shovels available on the market.

The type of snowblower will determine the price range.

Electric snow shovels can range between $60 and $100. They are great for small areas such as steps, sidewalks, or patios and can shovel an impressive 300 to 600 pounds of snow per minute when used on smooth surfaces.

Single stage snow blowers can range from $100 to $300 on average, depending on the brand and retailer. They work faster and require less manpower than electric snow shovels but may not always work smoothly on heavy, wet snow.

Two and three stage snow blowers may range from $200 up to thousands of dollars, depending on the retailer and brand.

What is the Most Reliable Snowblower Brand?

There are dozens of reliable snowblower brands for that consumers have given high reviews.

Some of the best-rated high-end snowblowers include Ariens and Cub Cadet, which can handle up to two feet of heavy snow.

EGO, Briggs and Stratton, and Troy offer reliable single and two-stage blowers with high ratings in a wide price range. Some reliable and affordable brands include Greenworks, Toro, and Snow Joe.

Snow Joe Snow Blowers

Snow Joe and Sun Joe (a brand for their spring/summer range) were founded in 2004 and ever since they are designing and developing affordable yet good-quality outdoor tools. Snow Joe’s cordless technology is marked with the name ION, which proved to be an industry game-changer in the snow clearance market.

Ego Snow Blowers

EGO spent 10 years researching and developing their cordless platform: POWER+. It is available for most of their products, being it a snow blower, leaf blower, or chainsaw. Selling worldwide, they are present in 65 countries.

Greenworks Snow Blowers

Founded in 2007, Greenworks quickly became a leader in cordless battery operated outdoor power tools. They offer various product lines for homeowners and professionals alike with battery systems ranging from 24-volt to the professional 82-volt package.

Toro Snow Blowers

Toro is an American manufacturer of outdoor power tools and sports equipment. Being on the market for over 100 years, Toro is a proven brand that showed innovation and a rich legacy in the past and continues to do so in the present.

Consider which type of snowblower is best-suited for your need. Are snowfalls sporadic or are several feet of snow guaranteed to fall each season? How many feet of snowfall each year, on average? How big is your yard? Do you have external weather-proof electrical outlets?

Answering these questions will help determine whether a cordless or electric snow blower is best for you, as well as the type of single or two-stage snowblower that is needed.

After determining what type of snowblower is needed, do some research on the best individual brands.

Also, remember to investigate warranty options offered by different manufacturers that will ensure the maximum use of the snowblower.

No matter how expensive or reliable the brand is, properly storing the blower in a dry place is essential to the life of the snowblower.

For gas-powered snow blowers, regular maintenance such as oil changes, spark plug replacement, and tune-ups are necessary regardless of the brand.

How Do You Use a Choke on a Snowblower?

To operate a snowblower, first set the choke to FULL. This will close off the choke, sealing off the carburetor air, and thereby enriching the fuel that starts the engine. After the engine warms up, set the choke to RUN.

How Long Should a Snow Blower Last?

A good snowblower should provide several seasons of service before dying out, but to ensure the maximum life span, investigate different warranty options.

Most come with a 2 to 4-year warranty included in the purchase price.

Others may offer the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty.

Weigh factors such as price and local climate to determine whether an item will be used enough to need the extra peace of mind that an extended warranty can bring.

To extend the life of a snowblower, be sure to store it in a dry place throughout the year and perform annual maintenance on gas-powered blowers, such as oil changes, fuel stabilizers, and tune ups.

Should I Buy a Snow Blower or Hire Someone to Clear Up the Snow?

Many homeowners prefer having a snow blower on hand to clear driveways and sidewalks after heavy snowfalls, especially if they live in an area that experiences several inches of wintry weather a year.

Owning a good single or two-stage blower can pay for itself in just one season if there are significant snowfalls and homeowners can save a bundle on outsourcing the job regularly.

How Many Inches of Snow Should There Be Before I Use a Snowblower?

Most snowblowers have been tested on a minimum of one inch of snow.

Obviously, there needs to be enough snow to make driving or walking hazardous before it would need to be removed with the use of a snowblower or snow thrower.

Typically, there should be at least two inches of snow accumulated, depending on the surface.

For smaller amounts of snow, electric snow shovels may work better than snowblowers.

Snow accumulation over six inches or snow that is especially wet or heavy may need a single-stage or two-stage snow blower.

Does a Snowblower Work on Gravel?

Most snowblowers are not built to work on gravel driveways.

Single-stage snowblowers need a smooth surface to operate effectively, but some two-stage snowblowers can handle a gravel surface.

Three-stage snow blowers are designed and built to clear uneven and loose surfaces.

Electric shovels can be an option for gravel driveways if the operator is careful to only shovel the snow on top of the gravel and not push the electric snow shovel into the gravel.

This can be difficult since they are heavy and can be hard to maneuver, so using electric shovels on gravel is not recommended.

Even two-stage snowblowers do not always work well on gravel.

Remember, gravel can clog the choke and break rotors. Flying gravel poses other risks, as well, causing less than desirable consequences on nearby windows, cars, or even people!