Winter is here in Canada, and so is the cumbersome task of shoveling snow. While a few inches of freshly fallen snow is nothing to complain about, clearing heavy, compact snow can be exhausting. Especially when you’re shovelling an entire driveway, along with thick snowbanks that reappear several times (because who has the budget for professional snow removal services nowadays?).
That’s where a snow blower comes in handy. While it won’t do the job for you, it makes it significantly easier to tackle the task of clearing heavy snow. Electric snow blowers make it even easier, eliminating the intimidating nature of gas snow blowers. They’re also more affordable to buy, operate, and maintain over the years.
When choosing an electric snowblower, you’ll have to choose between corded and cordless models. Some people prefer corded blowers for their unlimited runtime, but trust me, nothing beats the freedom of using a cordless snow blower.
Keep reading to learn more about cordless snow blowers. I’ll also highlight some of the best cordless snowblowers you can buy this year.
The 5 Best Cordless Snow Blowers in Canada
Best Overall: EGO Power+ SNT2400 Snow Blower
If you’re looking for a powerful cordless snow blower that’s comparable to a gas blower, the EGO Power+ Snow Blower is for you. It’s a two-stage snowblower, which means it can throw snow much further (up to 50 feet). It’s also super efficient to use, with a clearing width of 24 inches.
What also struck me about the EGO Power+ is how easy it is to use. It has a built-in dashboard that lets you control the snow throwing distance and direction, auger speed, and more. The chute direction can be adjusted up to 200 degrees which gives you more flexibility in your snow-clearing endeavor.
I was also impressed by its battery life, even when handling deep snow. To give you an idea, it can clear a large 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge. To make it easier to maneuver, the blower self-propells at a variable speed. This also makes it easier to access those hard-to-reach areas. If you tend to clear your snow when its dark out, the blower lights your way with LED lights.
One thing that surprised me about this model was its weight. It weighs about 150 lbs, which is significantly heavier than most electric snow blowers. However, its self-propel mechanism makes up for its weight. Not to mention, a similar two-stage gas snow blower can easily weigh over 200 lbs.
Key Specs:
- Volts: 56V
- Clearing Width: 24 inches
- Weight: 150 lbs
Best Value: EGO Power+ SNT2110 Cordless Snow Blower
If the EGO Power SNT2400 is more than you need, the SNT2110 model is less than half the price and offers comparable specs. It has a brushless motor that’s powered by two 5.0 Ah batteries. It doesn’t have a self-propel mechanism like the SNT2400, but it does have a variable speed auger. The auger is made from steel, so it can efficiently cut through ice and snow.
The SNT2110 is surprisingly efficient, with a 21-inch clearing width. It can clear a large 14-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge. As a single-stage snow blower, it can still throw snow as far as 40 feet. The downside is that it doesn’t have a self-propel mechanism, which isn’t ideal clearing slanted driveways.
If you’re looking for simplicity, the SNT2110 is incredibly easy to use. It doesn’t have a fancy control dashboard like the SNT2400, but it lets you easily adjust the chute angle (up to 180 degrees) and throwing distance.
I also appreciate that it weighs just 50 lbs. This makes it easy for myself, my wife, or even my teenage son to use. Not to mention, much easier to carry up the stairs of my back porch. As a night owl, I was happy that LED lights were included on this model.
Key Specs:
- Volts: 56V
- Clearing Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 50.6 lbs
Best For Light Snow: Worx WG471 Cordless Snow Blower
If you’re looking for a simple cordless blower for clearing light snow, the Worx WG471 might be what you need. While its not suitable for deep snow, its quite efficient when it comes to clearing light to moderate snow. It has a clearing width of 20 inches and is powered by two 20V batteries for a total of 40V.
Simplicity is key when it comes to power tools, and I was impressed by how intuitive the WG471 is to use. Simply unlock the machine, pull back the handle, and you’re ready to go. Like the two previous models on this list, the machine has LED lights to help light your way in dark conditions.
Another cool thing about this blower is that its 20V batteries are part of the Worx PowerShare platform. This means its batteries can be used interchageably between other Worx electric power tools, whether its a trimmer, chainsaw, or drill.
Similar to the EGO Power above, the WG471 weighs around 47 lbs so its easy to push and maneuver. Also, its handle collapses completely which makes it convenient to store after winter.
Keep in mind that this blower isn’t the best at clearing snow that’s deeper than 10 inches. The battery tends to drain quicker when dealing with deeper or heavier snow. However, when it comes to light to moderate snow, it gets the job done quite well. Its single-stage auger can throw snow up to 20 feet away and you can easily adjust the angle of the chute by 180 degrees.
Key Specs:
- Volts: 40V
- Clearing Width: 20 inches
- Weight: 47.2 lbs
Best Lightweight: Greenworks PRO Cordless Snow Thrower
The Greenworks PRO Cordless Snow Thrower is another decent budget-friendly snow blower for light duty jobs. It’s also the most lightweight model on this list. It has an efficient clearing width of 20 inches and is powered by a single 2.0-Ah battery (80V). It’s equipped with LED lights to help with visibility at night.
What stands out the most about the Greenworks Pro is that it’s extremely lightweight for a snow blower. Weighing just 30 lbs, the Greenworks PRO can be used by most people, regardless of their physical strength. It can also more easily be moved up stairs or indoors when not in use. I also appreciate that it folds for more compact storage.
Despite it’s small size, the blower can throw the snow up to 25 feet using a single-stage auger system and a chute that can be adjusted up to 180 degrees. Keep in mind that its auger is made of plastic, which is definitely a disadvantage when dealing with icy and compact snow.
The main downside with this model is that the recommended battery is quite weak in sub-zero temperatures, but takes just 30 minutes to recharge. You can also upgrade the battery if you want. If you own other Greenworks power tools, you might even already have a compatible battery on hand.
Key Specs:
- Volts: 80V
- Clearing Width: 20 inches
- Weight: 30 lbs
Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 Cordless Snow Blower
If you’re looking for another budget-friendly cordless snow blower for light duty jobs, the Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 may be what you need. With its quadruple-bladed steel auger and lightweight build, it can efficiently carve an 18-inch path, provided that the snow is not more than 10 inches deep.
The Snow Joe is also quite easy to operate. It doesn’t have a fancy control dashboard like the EGO Power SNT2400 at the top of this list, but if you’ve ever worked a snow blower before, you’ll get the gist of it right away.
In terms of adjustments, the machines chute direction can be adjusted up to 180 degrees. I also appreciate that it has a safety switch to prevent accidental starting and two LED headlights to facilitate visibility during those dark winter hours.
While it’s highly efficient on flat and even surfaces, you may encounter some difficulty when clearing snow off of slopes or uneven surfaces.
Key Specs:
- Volts: 48V
- Clearing Width: 18 inches
- Weight: 50 lbs
How to Choose The Right Cordless Snow Blower?
There are several factors to consider when deciding which cordless snow blower to buy. For example, how deep is the snow you’ll be clearing, how much weight can you handle pushing, and what battery life is suitable for your needs? Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right cordless snow blower:
Snowfall Frequency & Depth
It’s important to consider the typical snowfall patterns in your area. If you often experience heavy snowfalls, you’ll want a cordless snow blower with the right power and capacity to handle deep snow accumulation.
For deep or heavy snow clearing, we recommend a two-stage snow blower with a voltage of at least 80. For light to moderate snow, a cordless model with batteries in the range of 40 to 60 volts should handle the job efficiently. Keep in mind that battery life can be effected by colder temperatures.
Snow Blower Type
There are two main types of cordless snow blowers: single-stage and two-stage. If you regularly experience heavy and compacted snow in your area, opt for a two-stage model. Two-stage models are designed for heavy-duty snow removal and are more effective in these conditions. A single-stage cordless snow blower is all you’ll need for clearing light to moderate snowfall.
Battery Power & Runtime
Look for cordless snow blowers with high-voltage batteries (typically 40V to 80V or more) to ensure sufficient power for efficient snow removal. Try to find the estimated runtime on a full battery charge, normally this will be indicated by how many pounds or tons of snow can be cleared on a single charge. A longer runtime is essential, especially for larger areas or deep snow clearing. For even more runtime, consider models that offer the option of using interchangeable batteries for extended runtimes.
Clearing Width & Depth
Ensure the snow blower has an adequate clearing width and depth to handle the level of snow in your area. A wider clearing width (over 20 inches) allows you to clear a larger area with each pass, while a deeper clearing depth accommodates deep snow accumulation.
Auger Design
The auger is responsible for breaking up and throwing it. Most budget-friendly cordless snow blowers will have a plastic auger. While this is fine for some parts of Canada, individuals living in areas prone to heavy and icy snow could benefit from a more robust auger. Models with serrated or steel augers or high-speed impellers tend to perform better in heavy snow.
Chute Control
Ensure the snow blower has a chute that can be adjusted to direct snow where you want it. Some models offer remote chute rotation and deflection, making it easier to control the discharge direction. Generally speaking, most cordless snow blowers let you adjust the chute from 180 to 200 degrees.
FAQ
Cordless snow blowers are quieter, lighter, produce no emissions, and require less maintenance compared to gas-powered models. However, they may have slightly lower power and runtime, making most models more suitable for smaller to moderate snow clearing tasks.
Some advantages of cordless snow blowers include quiet operation, eco-friendliness, ease of use, and no reliance on cords or gasoline. They are also often more lightweight and require less maintenance than gas-powered alternatives.
Yes, many cordless snow blowers are designed to handle heavy snowfall, especially two-stage models with steel augers and higher voltage batteries. However, the specific model’s power, clearing width, and depth should be considered for efficient heavy snow removal.
Battery life varies by model but typically ranges from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the battery voltage and capacity. Some models offer the option of using interchangeable batteries for extended runtime. Its also worth noting that some batteries will drain quicker in extreme cold temperature or when clearing deep and heavy snow.
Yes, many cordless snow blowers can be adjusted to clear snow on gravel driveways without picking up and ejecting gravel. Adjustable skid shoes and height settings are essential features for gravel driveways. Two-stage cordless snow blowers have elevated augers that are capable of collecting snow without touching the gravel.
Cordless snow blowers can operate in cold weather, but extreme cold may affect battery performance. Some models have heated handles to improve usability in chilly conditions. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for cold-weather use.
A two-stage cordless snow blower is a snow removal machine that operates using an electric motor, with a two-step process for clearing snow. First, it scoops and breaks down the snow with an auger, and then it expels the snow at a greater distance using an impeller. These machines are efficient at handling heavy or deep snow, are relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, and require less maintenance than gas-powered snow blowers. They’re also the most suitable type of snow blower for gravel driveways since their auger is elevated.
