Electric Snow Blower Why You Should or Should Not Get One
An electric snow blower gives several advantages, but can also have certain limitations. If you are thinking of buying an electric-based snow blower, don’t just go right ahead and buy it.
Though convenient and modern, an electric snow machine is made for very specific purposes and is not considered an upgrade of a gas engine snowblower, but an option.
The best way to find out whether en electric snow blower is what you need is to weigh the features you will like about it and the limitations you have to consider.
Features to Like
There is no doubt about it: the number one advantage of an electric snow blower is its convenience. Electric snowblowers are, without a doubt, way easier to use and to handle than the gas-based ones. From the size alone, the electric models are lighter and are easier to store. You don’t have to worry about the bulky machine, nor do you have to push it around with much effort.
Aside from that, electric models don’t make much noise unlike the gas-powered ones. Usage is also a breeze; the electric motor can start with a push of a button, and you won’t have to mix oil and gas anymore. Using an electric snow machine really takes a big chunk off your snow clearing workload.
Limitations to Consider
On the other hand, these snow blowers can be quite restricted. For one thing, you can only use them for shorter and smaller driveways. They also come with electric cords, which can get in the way when you work. And with such a task, the cord itself can compromise safety during usage. Most importantly, you get a huge decrease in the power of the machine, which is a major consideration for a lot of people.
The best electric snowblower is probably the Toro 1800 Power Curve. It’s a staple in top lists, and always gets great reviews. With a fully electric construction and absolutely no need to lubricate any parts, it is a breeze to use. It comes with a simple trigger starter so you can get to work immediately with its 12 amp electric motor that can throw snow up to 30 feet away.
This, however, is only suitable for smaller driveways, as it only has an 18-inch clearing width and a 10-inch intake height. But what it does, though limited, it does admirably well, thanks to the special Power Curve System, which uses a special curved rotor supported by wide rubber paddles and a funnel housing that allows the machine to scrape ice right from the ground. This patented system also prevents clogging and can throw 700 pounds of snow per minute.
When searching for electric snow blowers, don’t be surprised to find the Electric Snow Fox on top of the charts as well. This 12.5” snow blower is a user-friendly but perfectly capable snow machine that can clear snow with its 8.5-amp electric motor. This is best used for sidewalks and walkways. It is also light so you can even use it on steps.
After clearing snow, you can throw it with the Snow Fox’s 3-position adjustable discharge chute so you can throw snow to the right direction. And for safety concerns, the machine even comes with a Cordminder cord retention device. So it’s not just about power and convenience; the Snow Fox also banks on safety.
Snow Joe Ultra Electric
A bit larger than the Snow Fox and a bit more powerful than the Toro Power Curve, the Snow Joe Ultra Electric is another great electric snow blower to check out. This is one of the higher models since it has taken one step forward to greater power, despite its being an electric snow blower. This 19-incher is a bit larger than the other electric snowblower models, and it can cut up to 11 inches deep of snow with a single pass using its heavy duty rotor with 4 steel blades. Then you can throw the snow to a distance of up to 20 feet at a rate of 800 pounds per minute.
Though it is still not as powerful as gas-based snowblowers, the capabilities of the Snow Joe are quite advanced among electric snowblowers. To operate, it comes with a user-friendly instant push button and a chute deflector that can be adjusted 180 degrees. It also comes with special pivot wheels so you can easily maneuver it.
When it comes to electric snowblowers, make sure to check out these three best models so you can make the best decision.
