4 Best Cordless Snow Blowers for Winter 2024, According to Experts

Publish date: 2024-07-06
PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

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Stages: Single| Clearing width: 16 in.| Optimal clearing depth: 8 in.| Rated throw: 20 ft.| Chute rotation turning radius: 180°| Self-propelled: No

I loved this small Greenworks snow blower. It threw snow at least the 20-foot distance claimed by the manufacturer. It ran quietly, and the battery still had juice after 45 minutes of heavy use. The snow blower is capable of clearing up to eight inches of snow, and I tested it on over half a foot of snow.

The 40v of power and the narrow clearing path allowed me to plow through the deep and sometimes crusty snow. It worked well on a dirt driveway and deck, too. Even when I hit really tough, icy spots, I could push it through the snow with minimal effort. Its small size allowed for easy maneuverability.

The Greenworks snow blower has no controls at the handle and the chute rotation and angle must be adjusted at the base. However, this was not a deterrent at all. I found it easy to reach the controls due to the small size, and rotating and adjusting the chute felt very sturdy compared to some handle controls.

To find the best cordless snow blowers, the Family Handyman team first consulted with snow experts. This helped determine exactly what to look for when it comes to stage, snow throwing distance, battery voltage, snow conditions, landscape, and usage. After that, we put several to the test, including the Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower, which became our top pick. We also tested the Worx, Greenworks, and Ego snow blowers. From there, we compared other models to our top pick, looking for similarities and improvements upon our gold standard.

Once our research was finished, we finally had it: a list of the best cordless snow blowers available, sorted by their best features.

How We Plowed Our Way Through Snow Blower Testing

We created a standardized testing procedure in which to test the snow blowers against. Testing measured such things as length of time to charge batteries, battery run length, and power of battery when compared to the size of the machine in order to ensure that there is sufficient power for the device.

We also looked at assembly and overall construction. Of course, no snow blower test would be complete without clearing snow. We worked on all kinds of conditions—light,  heavy and icy snow on a variety of surfaces such as dirt, gravel, concrete, pavers and decks. We looked for clearing ability, throwing distance, usability and maneuverability. Lastly, we cleaned up the blowers and stowed them.

What to Consider When Buying a Cordless Snow Blower

Cordless models don’t expend quite as much power as corded electric blowers do, but they’re a good choice if you have a small- or medium-sized yard to clear. Be blizzard-ready with this collection of the top cordless snow blowers to dig your way out of the white stuff.

Before purchasing a cordless snow blower of your very own, here are the main things you should consider, according to Gutierrez:

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve had my hands on over half a dozen of the top snow blowers this year. I’ve tested all of them in all kinds of conditions. As a homeowner of both mountain and plains homes in Colorado, I’ve had my share of snow to remove and snow blowers are a must. I’ve worked in professional snow removal as the owner of a landscaping company and I’m currently doing outdoor power equipment reviews for Family Handyman using standardized testing procedures.

FAQ

Batteries on a cordless snow blower can last anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes per charge. Check the specific model of cordless snow blower you own to determine the size of the battery and average run time.

Are cordless snow blowers loud?

Luckily, you likely won’t wake up the neighbors with a cordless snow blower—these machines tend to run much quieter than gas models.

Cordless snow blowers are generally quieter than their gas-powered counterparts,” says Gutierrez. “This reduced noise level is a key advantage, especially for residential areas where noise pollution can be a concern.”

How do I store a cordless snow blower?

Cordless snow blowers can be stored outside or in a garage or shed. Snow that is left on the machine when you store it may freeze and prevent the blower’s moving parts from running so you’ll want to be sure to remove any snow before storing. Also, batteries should be kept in a temperature controlled area since most batteries require a certain temperature range to both charge and run.

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