top of page

Electric vs. Gas: Which Snowblower is Best for Me?

We know very well that shoveling by hand can take a lot of energy. When completing snow removal themselves, many people would opt for easy ways to remove snow. As the cold progresses and snowfall gets heavier, removing snow is like signing up for a full body workout. Why not watch the snow from inside and try one of our recipes from our “Cookies, Fudge, & Peppermint Bark... Oh & Hot Cocoa Too!” blog post? 


Snow blowers are one tool people invest in for the winter as they make clearing driveways and sidewalks a lot easier. When choosing between an electric or gas snow blower, they both have their upsides and downsides. Between these too there is not an inherently good or bad option, just the option that best suits you for your personal preference, experience level, and area you are intending to clear. 


For Larger and more Demanding Jobs choose a Gas Snow Blower

A gas snow blower is ideal if you are planning to clear an area where the snow is not pushed right up against your house. Gas snow blowers allow you to walk several yards away from your house to use yours because it is cordless, making it very mobile. Powerful gas engines are also more effective against heavier and deeper snow, according to Snow Blowers Direct. Even though gas snow blowers are usually heavier, they are generally easier to maneuver as they can be self-propelled. Some even have power steering. It’s also important to consider the features and capabilities of different types of snow blowers. Gas-powered snow blowers offer a maximum clearing width of 45 inches and depths of 23.5 inches. In comparison, electric snow blowers have a maximum width of 24 inches and a depth of 12 inches. 


Thus, a gas snow blower can make a larger job go by more quickly in comparison to an electric snow blower. But if your area is small, it might not necessitate gas snow blowers. 


Electric snow blowers have their upsides. They have less maintenance. For example, they do not require oil changes, a filter, a spark plug, or gasoline. You just have to make sure you clean them off periodically with nothing more than a paper towel and a little dish soap. They are lighter in weight and usually are smaller in size, so it makes navigating an electric snow blower easier to move and store. Some people enjoy the simple start button featured on electric models, but some gas ones have this feature too. New gas snow blower models include pull-on starters that are not as hard to pull as less updated models. 


Battery-Power Snow Blows: Are they the future? 

For folks who live in areas with mid-level snowfall, they might seek a new snow blower that has a rechargeable battery. This is in place of models with chords. Consumer Reports stated that their organization never considered cordless snow blowers in the past because they were not referred to any outstanding models. The Consumer Report reviews have changed their mind and semi-recently published an article with references to cordless snow blowers that deserve consideration. While the battery may make the machine a little heavier, it is suited for people who do not have to snow blow often. They also do not require much maintenance, just cleaning as needed.  


Gas or Electric: Which comes out on top? 

If your main concern is maintenance and you want to use your snow blower, store it easily, and forget about it, most people would choose an electric or a battery-powered snow blower. Although, a gas-powered snowblower is for consumers looking to clear a large area of deep snow. Consumers should reflect on their own needs and purchase the type of snow blower that works best for their circumstances. 



~ Nina Petrosino, Snow Scholars Writer


14 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page