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Clearing snow can be such a drag, but a power snow shovel makes the job much easier. These nifty electric machines are perfect for smaller snow cleanup jobs around the home. They use electricity, either from a cord or battery, to clear sidewalks, patios, driveways, and more with way less physical effort than a manual shovel. Plus, they always push the snow forward, unlike big snow blowers that can fling it to the side.
According to the experts at Consumer Reports, the top-rated power snow shovels are the Greenworks 2600602, Toro 39909, and Skil PSS1200C-10. While not the absolute cheapest, these models are highly recommended for their impressive performance, speed, throwing distance, ease of use, and noise levels.
Why CR recommends the Greenworks power snow shovel
The top-rated power snow shovel according to Consumer Reports is the Greenworks 2600602. At $299.99 with the 80V battery and charger included, it earns a “CR Recommended” designation thanks to its excellent all-around performance. If you already have a Greenworks 80V tool, you can use the same battery for this snow shovel.
The Greenworks 2600602 gets high marks in areas like removal speed, surface cleaning, handling, and controls. It also rates above average for throwing distance and noise levels. This shovel can clear a 12-inch path and up to 6 inches of snow per pass.
The battery is up top, which some say makes the shovel feel a bit heavy, but the included shoulder strap helps distribute the weight. Being battery-powered means less maintenance than a gas-powered blower. As one happy owner said, “The noise level is very quiet” and “it’s easy to clear any clogs.” Overall, a great investment.
Toro and Skil power snow shovels get good marks from CR
The Skil PSS1200C-10 ($309 with battery and charger) also earned high marks from Consumer Reports for clearing large snow piles, surface cleaning, handling, and controls. However, it scored lower for removal speed, throwing distance, and noise.
One Michigan-based owner says this Skil shovel is great for smaller, trickier areas to complement their main snow blower. The “throwing distance is on point, and the blades cut through tough ice, just not solid blocks.“
Toro’s 39909 ($299 with 60V battery and charger) also gets good reviews from CR. Its strengths are throwing distance, surface cleaning, handling, and controls. But it scored lower for removal speed, deep snow handling, and noise. Still, one user says the Toro is “so easy to use” with “good battery life” and can “power through the snow quite well.” Both the Skil and Toro have a 12-inch clearing width.
