An electric snow blower can take the strain out of clearing a driveway, but the right one depends on your outlet, your snowfall and your storage space. Here’s how to choose between corded and cordless, what Canada’s occupational safety centre says about using one safely, and four models to compare.
Quick answer
A corded blower runs as long as it’s plugged in. A cordless one is limited by its battery, and two of the listings we checked show about 25 to 30 minutes of runtime. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) says to use an outdoor cord rated for the machine on GFCI-protected power, and never to clear a clog with your hands.
Where we’d start: the Greenworks 13 Amp corded if an outdoor outlet reaches your driveway, or the Greenworks PRO 80V if you want no cord. Both list a 20-inch width, and Greenworks lists 4- and 3-year warranties, against 1 year on the VOLTASK 48V.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
Prefer to watch? Here’s the short video walkthrough of how to choose an electric snow blower.
Short versions: corded or cordless: the trade-off · cordless snow blowers in the cold · electric snow blower safety.
Four electric snow blowers to compare
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
| Model | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 13 Amp corded (2600502) | A driveway within reach of an outdoor outlet. 20-inch width, runs as long as it’s plugged in, about 13.6 kg, and a 4-year warranty listed. | See price |
| Greenworks PRO 80V cordless (2600402) | Clearing without a cord. 20-inch width, 10-inch clearing depth, brushless motor, 2.0 Ah battery included, and a 3-year warranty listed. | See price |
| VOLTASK 48V cordless (SB-40A-AZ) | A cordless option with built-in LED lights. 20-inch width, two 24V batteries, 30 minutes of runtime listed, and a 1-year warranty. | See price |
| VOLTASK 24V cordless (SS-20B) | Steps, decks and walkways. 13-inch width, about 4 kg, up to 25 minutes of runtime listed. It is sold as a cordless snow shovel. | See price |
Model details come from the Amazon.ca listings as of October 19, 2026. Listings for the same model sometimes disagree with themselves (the Greenworks 13 Amp page gives different clearing depths and throw distances in its title, bullets and specs), so we’ve left those figures out. Check the product page before you order.
Corded or cordless
A corded model gives you unlimited runtime, and Greenworks recommends a 25-foot 14 AWG or a 50-foot 12 AWG extension cord for its 13 Amp unit. The trade-off is managing the cord and having an outdoor outlet within reach.
A cordless model removes the cord, but the battery sets your runtime. Two of the cordless listings we checked state about 25 to 30 minutes, so think about how long your driveway takes before you decide.
Check the width and the depth
Look at the clearing width and the snow depth the maker lists. The 20-inch Greenworks PRO 80V and VOLTASK 48V both list a 10-inch clearing depth, while the 13-inch VOLTASK lists 6.5 inches as its best depth. Weight differs too: about 4 kg for the 13-inch model, and roughly 10 to 15 kg for the 20-inch ones. Narrow and light suits steps and decks, and wide suits a driveway.
Cold weather and batteries
Greenworks says that for its PRO 80V, batteries should be used at room temperature (16 °C to 23 °C), and that if the unit won’t start you should let the battery warm up and try again. It also says the unit may have difficulty operating when stored outside that range. If you’re buying a cordless model for a cold garage, read the manufacturer’s cold-weather guidance first.
Using one safely
CCOHS’s advice on snow throwers includes these points for electric models and for any machine:
- Use an outdoor cord rated for the machine, connected to GFCI protection, and always know where the cord is.
- Wear safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection and protective gloves.
- Avoid loose clothing, scarves and jewellery that could catch in moving parts.
- Do not direct the discharge toward people, and keep children and bystanders away.
- Never use your hands to clear a clog. Use a small shovel, a tool or a stick.
- Before cleaning or inspecting, turn the machine off and unplug it, and let the blades stop.
Source: CCOHS, Landscaping: Snow Throwers.
Related guides
- Power Station or Gas Generator? How to Choose Backup Power for an Outage
- How to Choose a Carbon Monoxide Alarm in Canada
- How to Choose a Safe Space Heater for a Canadian Winter
Get new buying guides by email.
We send new guides only, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
