Shoveling snow with a traditional snow shovel can be backbreaking work. The snow is heavy and trying to toss it out of the way can be tough on the arms and lower back.
Snowblowers can move a lot of snow but they are heavy, noisy, cumbersome beasts that can be difficult to maneuver.
In between a snow shovel and a snow blower are powered snow shovels. These electric little powered snow shovels can move a lot of snow for their weight. You can get corded versions (less expensive, longer lasting) or battery-powered (more convenient, no cord to trip on) models.
I’ve found that these little powered snow shovels can move a lot of snow and throw the snow great distances. They are single stage unlike a big snowblower so they can only handle four to six inches at a time. So for deep snow you’d have to work layer by layer.
The heads are also smaller, 12 inches or less so they take longer to move snow than say a 24-inch wide snow blower.
But the trade-off for the volume of snow is made up for with ease of use. Very portable, these smaller snow movers are perfect for decks, stairs, walkways, roofs or making a path for fuel deliverymen. You might not use one to clear a large driveway but they serve a great purpose in the smaller areas of your yard.
No fumes, no fuel to mix, no noise – electric-powered snow shovels should be part of your arsenal of snow removal equipment. Choose a battery one if you don’t have access to an outside outlet and have a smaller area to shovel. Get a corded one for larger areas.
Should you buy a corded electric snow blower or a battery-operated cordless model? Some things to consider. A corded model will be more powerful but needs access to an outside outlet and you have to deal with the cord. Plus if there is a power outage, the corded one won’t work.
A battery-operated electric snow shovel will be more expensive (batteries are expensive), less powerful but more convenient. Keep in mind that cold affects battery life. They will last longer on warmer days than on frigid cold days and they will eventually need to be recharged – so if there is a power outage, you only have one battery charge to get everything done. Battery-operated electric snow shovels will be more convenient and can travel to more places than a corded one. For example out by the mailbox, on the roof, on that upper deck, the walkway far from the house etc.
After a snowstorm, it is all hands on deck. If your kids, wife or a back injury prevents anyone from joining in the battle against the snow, these lightweight, convenient electric snow shovels might just be the trick in getting some help.