When a light snowfall blankets your driveway and walkways, the last thing you want is the hassle of a gas-powered machine or the limitation of a cord. Battery-operated snow throwers offer a perfect middle ground: quiet, zero-emission operation with the freedom to move anywhere. They are ideal for quick cleanups after a storm, saving your back from the strain of shoveling.
Choosing the right model depends on your specific needs, from clearing width and battery compatibility to throwing distance and ease of use. This roundup features ten of the best cordless options designed to handle light snow removal efficiently, helping you find the perfect tool to keep your paths clear and safe all winter long.
The Best Battery-Powered Snow Throwers for Your Home
- Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit
- EGO POWER+ 21″ Electric Snow Blower
- 12-Inch Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel for DeWalt
- PowerSmart 80V 24in. Self-Propelled Cordless Snow Blower
- Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
- PowerSmart 80V 21-Inch Brushless Cordless Snow Blower
- Snow Joe 15-Amp Corded Electric Snow Blower
- Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower
- Makita XBU02PT1 36V LXT® Brushless Blower Kit
- Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Thrower
Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit
This Snow Joe model is an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners, powered by a zero-emission IONMAX 24-Volt lithium-ion battery system. It comes as a complete kit with two 4.0 Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, ensuring you have enough power to clear a standard driveway or patio without interruption. The machine is designed for effective light snow removal.
With an 18-inch clearing width and a 10-inch intake depth, it can handle a single pass on walkways. The heavy-duty rubber-tipped steel auger is gentle on paved surfaces while effectively moving snow. You have full control over where the snow goes, thanks to the 180-degree adjustable chute that can throw snow up to 20 feet away, and the built-in LED headlight provides visibility in early morning or evening storms.
EGO POWER+ 21″ Electric Snow Blower
The EGO POWER+ SNT2100 is a powerhouse designed for larger jobs, leveraging the brand’s Peak Power technology. This system combines the power of two 56V ARC Lithium batteries to deliver performance that can rival some gas models. It is built to clear significant snowfall from expansive driveways with impressive force.
This model boasts a substantial 35-foot snow throwing distance, allowing you to pile snow well out of the way. It can clear a 10-car driveway with up to 8 inches of snow on a single charge when used with the recommended batteries. For those already invested in the EGO ecosystem, this tool-only blower is a logical and powerful addition to your outdoor equipment collection.
12-Inch Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel for DeWalt
This cordless snow shovel is a perfect tool for quick cleanups on decks, steps, and narrow walkways. Its major advantage is compatibility with the DeWalt 20V/60V Max battery platform, making it an ideal purchase for anyone who already owns these batteries. It offers ultimate portability and convenience for targeted snow removal.
Despite its compact 12-inch width, it is efficient, moving snow at high speed and throwing it up to 23 feet. The smart control system is a standout feature, automatically adjusting current and speed under heavy loads to prevent stalling. It also includes comprehensive protection against low voltage, overcurrent, and overheating, ensuring the tool’s longevity and safe operation.
PowerSmart 80V 24in. Self-Propelled Cordless Snow Blower
For those needing to clear large areas with minimal effort, the PowerSmart 80V two-stage blower is a top contender. Its self-propelled drive system does the hard work of pushing the machine for you, a feature rarely found in cordless models. This makes it suitable for clearing long driveways and large parking spaces without fatigue.
With a wide 24-inch clearing path and the ability to throw snow an impressive 45 feet, it can handle a significant amount of snow quickly. The package includes a powerful 6.0Ah battery and charger, providing ample run time. Additional conveniences like one-button start and electric chute control add to its user-friendly design.
Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
The Earthwise snow shovel is a great all-in-one solution for light-duty snow removal. It comes with both the battery and charger included, so you can start using it right out of the box. Its brushless motor is not only quiet but also reliable and efficient, requiring less maintenance over time.
This model moves an impressive 300 pounds of snow per minute, making short work of a few inches of powder on patios and sidewalks. With a 16-inch clearing width and the ability to throw snow up to 32 feet, it strikes a good balance between maneuverability and performance, preventing the need for heavy lifting and repetitive shoveling.
PowerSmart 80V 21-Inch Brushless Cordless Snow Blower
This single-stage blower from PowerSmart offers a robust 80V battery system for dependable power. The brushless motor enhances efficiency and extends the tool’s lifespan. Like its larger sibling, this model comes as a complete kit with a battery and charger, providing everything you need for the season.
It features a practical 21-inch clearing width, ideal for standard driveways and sidewalks. It can clear up to 12.5 inches of snow and propel it up to 35 feet. The 180-degree adjustable chute gives you precise control over snow placement, while the LED headlights ensure you can see your work area in low-light conditions.
Snow Joe 15-Amp Corded Electric Snow Blower
For those who prefer consistent, unlimited runtime over battery power, this corded Snow Joe model is a reliable option. Its 15-amp motor provides gas-like performance without the associated noise, fumes, or maintenance. It’s a high-capacity machine built for flat, paved surfaces like large driveways.
It boasts the widest clearing path on this list at 22 inches, allowing you to cover ground quickly. It can move up to 840 pounds of snow per minute, making it highly effective for light to moderate snowfalls. The 180-degree rotating chute lets you direct snow discharge up to 25 feet with ease, and dual LED lights improve visibility.
Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower
The Husqvarna ST224 is a professional-grade, two-stage snow blower designed for the most demanding residential tasks. It features a powerful 212cc engine with electronic fuel injection for easy starting and consistent performance in cold weather. This machine is built to handle heavy, wet snow and large clearing areas with ease.
Its 24-inch clearing width and two-stage system provide extra-long throwing distance, making quick work of deep drifts. User-friendly features include a push-button electric start, a chute rotator for changing direction, and an easy-to-adjust speed control lever. This model is for homeowners who need maximum power and reliability from their snow removal equipment.
Makita XBU02PT1 36V LXT® Brushless Blower Kit
While technically a blower, this powerful tool from Makita can be highly effective for clearing light, powdery snow from decks, patios, and cars. It operates on Makita’s 18V X2 LXT platform, meaning it uses two of their popular 18V batteries to generate 36V of power, and this kit includes four 5.0Ah batteries for extended runtime.
The brushless motor delivers a high air velocity of 120 MPH and a substantial air volume of 473 CFM to blow snow away quickly. It is also exceptionally quiet, with a sound pressure rating of just 61 dB(A), making it a considerate choice for early morning cleanups without disturbing neighbors.
Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Thrower
Greenworks is a trusted name in cordless outdoor power tools, and their 40V snow thrower is a solid option for efficient light snow removal. Part of a broader ecosystem, this tool can share batteries with other Greenworks 40V products, which is a significant advantage for homeowners who have invested in the system.
With a 20-inch clearing path, it is well-suited for clearing typical residential driveways and walkways without being too cumbersome. It offers the convenience of cordless operation with the reliable performance of the Greenworks 40V platform, providing a balanced solution for keeping your property clear after a winter storm.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery Operated Snow Thrower for Light Snow Removal
When I started looking for a way to handle my driveway without the fuss of gas and cords, I realized not all battery operated snow throwers are created equal. For light snow removal, you need a machine that’s efficient, easy to handle, and fits your specific property. Here’s what I learned to focus on during my search.
First, think about clearing width and intake height. The clearing width determines how wide a path you can make in a single pass. For a standard residential driveway and walkways, a width between 20 to 22 inches is usually perfect. It’s a great balance between maneuverability and getting the job done quickly. The intake height is the depth of snow the machine can handle in one bite. For the light, fluffy snow these machines are built for, an intake height of 8 to 12 inches is typically sufficient. If you get the occasional heavier, wet snow, look for a model that mentions handling wet conditions well.
Battery power is the heart of the system. You’ll see two key terms: voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Voltage is like the engine’s power; generally, a higher voltage (like 40V, 56V, or 80V) means more torque for tougher jobs. Amp-hours are the fuel tank; a higher Ah rating means longer run time on a single charge. For my two-car driveway, I found that a system with at least 5Ah of capacity was necessary to finish without needing a recharge. Many brands offer compatible batteries, so if you already own other tools from that line, you can often swap batteries, which is a huge cost saver.
Don’t overlook physical design and features. The auger, the spiral piece that pulls in snow, is often made of durable plastic or rubber on these lighter models. This is fine for paved surfaces as it’s less likely to damage concrete or pavers. An adjustable chute that you can control without taking your gloves off is a game-changer for directing snow where you want it. Also, consider the machine’s weight and whether it has powered wheels. A self-propelled model makes pushing through snow much less work, especially on inclines.
Finally, think about the ecosystem. If you’re already invested in a particular brand’s battery platform for your lawn mower, string trimmer, or other tools, it makes a lot of sense to stick with that brand. It simplifies your charging setup and can be more economical. The best battery operated snow throwers for light snow removal blend sufficient power, smart runtime, and user-friendly features to make clearing snow a quick and almost effortless task.
FAQ
How long does the battery typically last on a single charge?
Battery life varies a lot based on the snow conditions and the model you choose. In general, with a standard 5Ah battery in light, powdery snow, you can expect around 30 to 45 minutes of continuous runtime. If the snow is wet and heavy, that time will be shorter because the motor has to work harder. Many people find this is enough for clearing a typical two-car driveway and some walkways. If you have a larger area, look for models that can accept a higher capacity battery (like 7.5Ah or 10Ah) or consider buying a second compatible battery to swap in.
Can a battery powered snow thrower handle wet, heavy snow?
This is where you need to manage expectations. These machines are specifically designed for light to moderate snowfalls. They can handle a few inches of wet snow, but it will be a workout for the machine and will drain the battery much faster. If you regularly get heavy, slushy snowfalls, a more powerful two-stage gas model might be a better fit. For the occasional wet snow, take smaller bites by going slower and ensure your machine is from a higher-voltage platform (56V or 80V) for that extra torque.
Are they difficult to assemble or maintain?
One of the biggest perks I’ve found is how simple they are. Assembly is usually very minimal—often just attaching the handle and the chute controller, which might take 15-20 minutes with basic tools. Maintenance is where they really shine compared to gas models. There’s no engine oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no stale fuel to deal with. Your main tasks are keeping the machine clean and dry after use, checking for any debris stuck in the auger, and properly storing the battery indoors.
What is the average clearing path width for these models?
For the category of machines suited for light snow removal, the average clearing width tends to be in the 20-inch to 22-inch range. This width is a sweet spot. It’s narrow enough to be maneuverable around cars and patio furniture but wide enough that you don’t feel like you’re making endless passes on a driveway. You’ll find some more compact models at 18 inches for just walkways, and some larger ones approaching 24 inches, but 21 inches is a very common and effective size.
Is it worth buying an extra battery?
For most people with a standard-sized driveway, the included battery is enough. However, I think an extra battery is a fantastic investment for a couple of reasons. First, it’s your insurance policy. If a surprise storm drops more snow than expected, or if the battery drains faster because the snow is wet, you have a backup ready to go without any delay. Second, if you have other tools that use the same battery platform, the extra battery becomes part of your whole yard work system, ensuring you’re never waiting for a charge.