Clearing a snowy driveway before work or school shouldn’t take an hour of back-breaking shoveling. The right snow blower turns that chore into a ten-minute job, and the lineup below covers everything from featherlight cordless shovels for steps and stoops to a serious two-stage gas machine for long driveways. I pulled together eight distinct options, including the AMERISUN corded model that anchors this category, plus cordless alternatives from Snow Joe, Greenworks, and Earthwise, a heavy-duty Ariens gas unit, and compact shovels from AlphaWorks and DEKOPRO. Each one fits a different home, snowfall pattern, and storage situation.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower, 15-Amp Corded
AlphaWorks Cordless Snow Shovel, 20V 2Ah DC Electric Snow Thrower
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 20-Volt 12-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Thrower
Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit, 1200W Brushless Motor, 18″ Clearing Path
DEKOPRO 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel, 14 Inch Battery Powered Snow Blower
Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower, 4.0Ah Kit
DEKOPRO 40V 17-Inch Cordless Snow Blower with Adjustable Chute
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
The AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower is the corded workhorse in this roundup, built for homeowners who want steady power without oil changes or gasoline. Its 15-amp motor (electric motors rated by amperage measure draw rather than combustion power) pulls a 21-inch-wide swath through snow up to about 12.5 inches deep and launches the discharge as far as 30 feet from the chute. The 180-degree adjustable chute gives precise control over where the snow lands, which matters when you’re clearing next to a parked car or a landscaped bed.
An integrated LED light extends early-morning and evening sessions into the darker hours, a small but meaningful upgrade for commuters who clear before sunrise. Compared to the cordless picks further down this list, the AMERISUN trades portability for unlimited runtime: as long as a GFCI-protected (ground-fault circuit interrupter, a shock-preventing outlet type) outdoor receptacle is within reach, you can clear a long driveway without worrying about a dying battery. For most residential lots, that trade-off is the right one.
Where It Delivers
- The 21-inch clearing path cuts a typical two-car driveway in roughly six passes, noticeably fewer than the 12-inch Earthwise or 14-inch DEKOPRO cordless shovels.
- 180-degree chute adjustment is operated from the handle, so you redirect snow without stopping the machine.
- 30-foot throw distance keeps cleared piles well away from the path you’re working on.
- No gas, oil, or tune-ups, so storage in a garage or shed stays clean.
- An onboard LED headlight genuinely helps during pre-dawn sessions on dark mornings.
Points To Note
- A heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord is required, and reaching far corners of a long driveway may call for a 100-foot cord.
- Cord management takes some practice to avoid running over the cable mid-pass.
- Wet, heavy slush taxes electric motors harder than dry powder, so deeper storms may require slower pacing.
Key Specs
Made For
Suburban homeowners with a 50-to-150-foot driveway and a conveniently placed exterior outlet who want consistent power without engine maintenance.
Look Elsewhere When
The Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO is a better match for homeowners with long gravel drives and consistently heavy, wet lake-effect snow that a single-stage electric motor strains against.
The AlphaWorks Cordless Snow Shovel is the lightest unit in this lineup at roughly 10 pounds, and that single number reshapes how you think about winter cleanup. Where the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower anchors you to an outlet and a power cord, the AlphaWorks follows you up stairs, around parked cars, and across a front stoop with no cable management at all. The 20V battery drives dual curved auger blades (the spiral scoops that pull snow into the housing) through a 10-by-5-inch path, tossing snow up to 25 feet.
This is a purpose-built shovel, not a scaled-down blower, and it shows. Capacity is rated at 300 pounds per minute, which sounds modest next to the AMERISUN but covers porches, walkways, and the awkward strip between a house and a garage in a few passes. For anyone who dreads hauling a heavy machine out of a shed, the AlphaWorks earns its place.
Positive Points
- At 10 pounds, it carries easily up basement stairs and tucks into a hall closet between storms.
- Curved dual-blade auger cuts through light to moderate snow without clogging.
- Removable battery swaps out in seconds, useful if you own a second pack for longer sessions.
- Adjustable ergonomic handle reduces wrist strain on long porches and step runs.
- Zero cord hassle, which is a meaningful upgrade from the AMERISUN for irregularly shaped spaces.
Trade Offs
- 10-inch width means a typical walkway takes several more passes than the 21-inch AMERISUN.
- Single 20V/2Ah pack limits continuous runtime; deep storms may need a recharge mid-cleanup.
- Less effective in heavy wet snow than wider single-stage machines.
Who It Suits Best
Apartment dwellers, retirees, and anyone with short porches, steps, or a single-car-length walkway who values portability above all else.
Consider Something Else When
Homeowners with a full driveway should reach for the DEKOPRO 40V 17-Inch Cordless Snow Blower instead, since its wider clearing path and dual-battery layout cover the same jobs in fewer passes.
The Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO is the only gas-powered machine in this roundup, and it earns that distinction by clearing snow on a scale no electric or cordless unit touches. Its 28-inch housing and two-stage design (a two-stage blower uses a slow auger to gather snow and a separate high-speed impeller to throw it, handling deep drifts that stall single-stage machines) push through deep, compacted drifts, while a 14-inch impeller fires the discharge far enough to keep pace with serious accumulations. The 120V electric start removes the cold-morning pull-cord ritual, a small but welcome detail.
Where the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower handles a typical suburban driveway in a few minutes, the Ariens chews through a 200-foot lane or the end-of-driveway pile the snowplow leaves behind. For properties in lake-effect belts or mountain towns where storms drop a foot or more overnight, that headroom is the whole point.
Useful Strengths
- The 28-inch clearing width halves the pass count of any 14-inch cordless shovel.
- Two-stage architecture chews through compacted drifts and plow windrows that stall single-stage electrics.
- Electric start at 120V eliminates the cold-morning pull cord.
- Premium features such as Auto-Turn steering reduce fatigue during long clearing sessions.
- An LED headlight supports the kind of pre-dawn clears that matter in serious snow regions.
Honest Caveats
- Gasoline engine maintenance (oil changes, fuel stabilizer, spark plugs) is a recurring chore that corded and cordless picks avoid.
- Substantial footprint demands real garage or shed storage space.
- Pull-cord backup is still useful to know in case the electric starter ever fails.
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Homeowners in heavy-snow regions with long driveways, gravel lanes, or steep grades who need a machine that runs as hard as the weather does.
Swap It Out When
Suburban homeowners with a standard two-car driveway will find the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower easier to store and maintain at a noticeably lower cost.
The Earthwise 20-Volt 12-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Thrower brings a quiet brushless motor to a footprint small enough to clear a back deck without rearranging the patio furniture first. Its 12-inch clearing width and 3.5-inch depth target the lighter end of winter weather, the kind of snowfall that doesn’t justify dragging out a heavier machine. Output is rated at 300 pounds per minute with a 25-foot throw, enough to keep a path and a back step manageable through a typical morning.
The included 4Ah battery and charger mean there’s no hidden upgrade path to budget for, a thoughtful touch for first-time buyers. Where the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower is sized for driveways, this Earthwise is built for the spaces around the house.
Advantages To Know
- Brushless motor runs quieter and lasts longer than brushed equivalents.
- 4Ah battery and charger included, no add-on purchases required.
- Lightweight frame is approachable for less experienced operators.
- Zero emissions, so it’s comfortable to use right next to an entryway.
- Compact storage footprint fits in a closet or utility room corner.
Some Limits To Know
- 3.5-inch clearing depth makes it less suited to deeper overnight dumps.
- 12-inch width means more passes on longer walkways.
- Single battery limits session length; a backup pack helps on big jobs.
Right Fit For
Homeowners with small decks, walkways, and steps in regions where winter brings light to moderate snow rather than blizzards.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower covers a similar audience but tackles longer driveways and heavier accumulations with a wider 18-inch path and dual-battery runtime.
The Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit arrives with the works: two 4Ah batteries, a charger, a protective cover, a scraper, and an LED headlight. The 1200W brushless motor moves up to 14 tons of snow per charge, an honest figure that reflects how much driveway you can clear before reaching for the outlet. The 18-inch clearing path and 10-inch depth land between the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower and the narrower cordless shovels, slotting into mid-size residential lots.
The dual-battery configuration is the real story. While the single-battery AlphaWorks and Earthwise options trade off runtime against weight, Snow Joe gives you both packs working in parallel, so you finish the job without a recharge gap in the middle. It’s a thoughtful design that closes the gap between cordless convenience and corded endurance.
The Good Stuff
- Two included 4Ah batteries extend runtime well past single-battery rivals.
- Brushless motor delivers strong torque with lower noise and longer service life.
- Kit includes cover and scraper, which most rivals sell separately.
- 18-inch path balances maneuverability against pass count for typical driveways.
- LED headlight supports pre-dawn clears in winter dark.
Possible Compromises
- Heavier than single-battery shovels when both packs are loaded.
- Battery charging between sessions adds an overnight step a corded unit avoids.
- Wide stance demands more turning room than a compact shovel like the AlphaWorks.
Who Should Grab It
Homeowners with a mid-size driveway who want cordless freedom without giving up the runtime to finish the whole job in one go.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower is a smarter choice for anyone already invested in the Greenworks 40V battery platform across other outdoor tools.
The DEKOPRO 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel sits in the comfortable middle of this roundup, with a 14-inch clearing width, an 8-inch depth, and a 21-foot throw distance. The 1000W brushless motor pairs with a 4.0Ah battery rated for 25 to 30 minutes of continuous clearing, enough to cover roughly eight average driveways per charge. The chute adjusts ±30 degrees, so you direct the discharge where it belongs without leaving the operator position.
Compared to the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower, you give up raw width and unlimited runtime in exchange for genuine portability. Compared to the smaller AlphaWorks, you gain a wider path and a longer-running battery. For most patios and sidewalks, that balance is exactly right.
Practical Pluses
- 1000W brushless motor delivers strong torque relative to its compact size.
- 14-inch width strikes a sensible balance between pass count and maneuverability.
- ±30° chute side adjustment supports precise discharge direction.
- Single 4.0Ah battery keeps the unit lighter than dual-pack competitors.
Things To Weigh
- 25 to 30 minutes of runtime may not stretch across a very long driveway in heavy snow.
- Chute side adjustment is more limited than the AMERISUN’s full 180-degree rotation.
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Homeowners with a patio, short driveway, or pair of sidewalks who want a sensible mix of power, runtime, and easy storage.
Skip It When
Properties with very long driveways benefit more from the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower or the Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit.
The Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower earns its slot here by doing something no other pick on this list does: it shares a battery platform with more than 75 compatible Greenworks tools. Anyone already running a 40V lawn mower, string trimmer, or leaf blower can drop the same battery into this snow blower and skip buying a second charging ecosystem. The 20-inch clearing path ranks among the widest cordless options in this roundup, second only to the corded AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower.
The brushless motor, included 4.0Ah battery, and onboard LED make this a confident upgrade for households that want one battery system across the yard. It bridges the gap between cordless convenience and serious clearing width in a way few alternatives manage.
Bright Spots
- 20-inch clearing width outpaces every other cordless pick in this roundup.
- Battery compatibility extends across 75+ Greenworks 40V tools, simplifying charging.
- Brushless motor is durable and quieter than brushed equivalents.
- 4.0Ah battery and charger included, no hidden add-on costs.
- LED headlight supports low-light clearing sessions.
Less-Strong Areas
- Wider stance makes it less nimble on narrow garden paths than the AlphaWorks or Earthwise.
- Optimal value requires commitment to the broader Greenworks platform.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Homeowners already running Greenworks 40V outdoor tools who want a snow blower that shares batteries, chargers, and storage with the rest of their yard kit.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The DEKOPRO 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel is the smarter pick for households that don’t already own other Greenworks tools and just want a simple, single-purpose winter unit.
The DEKOPRO 40V 17-Inch Cordless Snow Blower closes this roundup as the most travel-ready option. Two 20V batteries combine to a 40V power supply, the kind of dual-pack layout that extends runtime without ballooning the frame. The 17-inch clearing width handles snow up to 10 inches deep, enough for serious storms in most temperate regions, while the adjustable chute lets you redirect discharge around parked cars and porch railings.
For porches, stairs, narrow side yards, and apartment patios, the DEKOPRO’s compact frame earns its keep. Compared to the heavier Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit, this unit trims weight and footprint while keeping the dual-battery advantage.
Everyday Perks
- Dual 20V batteries deliver 40V output without a single heavy pack.
- 17-inch clearing width strikes a balance between reach and maneuverability.
- Adjustable chute supports precise discharge around obstacles.
- Compact frame stores in a closet or under a workbench between storms.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Smaller than the AMERISUN or Snow Joe, so longer driveways take more passes.
- Less throw power than larger cordless units in deep, wet snow.
Built With In Mind
Apartment residents, condo owners, and homeowners with narrow stairs and side paths who want a grab-and-go cordless shovel that doesn’t dominate storage space.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The AlphaWorks Cordless Snow Shovel is even lighter for users who prioritize minimum weight above clearing width and dual-battery runtime.
What To Match Against Your Driveway Before Choosing
Snow blowers vary more by use case than by horsepower, so the right machine depends on where you live, what you’re clearing, and how much storage you have. Cordless models like the AlphaWorks and Earthwise work best in regions where winter means light, frequent dustings rather than major dumps. Corded units like the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower offer unlimited runtime for homeowners who don’t mind routing an outdoor extension cord. Battery platforms like the Greenworks 40V reward shoppers already invested in the same ecosystem.
Driveway length and surface
The single biggest factor is how far you’re clearing. Short driveways under 50 feet are well served by anything from the AlphaWorks on up, while longer driveways benefit from a wider path. The AMERISUN’s 21-inch width and the Greenworks’ 20-inch width both cut pass counts in half compared to a 10 or 12-inch shovel. Gravel drives demand a machine that doesn’t throw stones aggressively, and two-stage gas units like the Ariens handle that best. Smooth concrete or asphalt tolerates single-stage electrics well.
Snowfall depth and frequency
Shallow, powdery snow is the easiest case, and nearly every model on this list handles it. Heavy wet snow and compacted drifts are different. The Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO and the Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit both bring serious torque to that job, while smaller shovels may stall. If your region gets more than 8 inches in a single storm, lean toward wider, higher-torque machines.
Storage and weight tolerance
A garage with a square of open floor makes the Ariens realistic. An apartment closet makes the AlphaWorks the only sensible choice. The cordless units in the middle of this roundup all weigh under 35 pounds, manageable for most adults to lift into a trunk or carry down basement stairs. Gas models require fuel storage, oil changes, and a winterization routine that corded and cordless picks avoid entirely.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
The most common mistake is buying by raw horsepower without matching the machine to the job. A powerful gas blower is overkill for a 30-foot walkway, and a featherlight cordless shovel is the wrong tool for a 150-foot gravel drive. The other trap is ignoring runtime: cordless machines that promise impressive specs often deliver short bursts before needing a recharge, so shoppers in heavy-snow regions should weigh battery capacity and dual-pack layouts carefully. Finally, skipping measurement of the storage spot leads to bringing home a machine that won’t fit through the shed door.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Premium-tier machines earn their higher cost through wider clearing paths, brushless motors (motors without carbon brushes that last longer and waste less energy), dual-battery systems, and better chute controls. The Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO adds two-stage architecture and electric start that no single-stage electric matches in deep snow. The Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit and Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower both layer in brushless durability, wider clearing paths, and bundled accessories. For light-duty users those upgrades feel like overkill, but for households that clear serious snow several times each winter, they pay back quickly in saved time and fewer maintenance headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide a path do I really need for a standard driveway?
A typical two-car driveway is about 20 feet wide, and a 21-inch clearing width covers roughly one-twelfth of that per pass, so a 50-foot driveway takes about six passes. The 12-inch Earthwise triples that count, and the 28-inch Ariens cuts it nearly in half. Wider paths save time but cost more and demand more storage room.
Are cordless snow blowers powerful enough for heavy snow?
Modern brushless cordless units, especially dual-battery models like the Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit and the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower, handle deep snow that older brushed units could not. Still, for consistently heavy lake-effect or mountain snow, a two-stage gas machine like the Ariens ST28DLE remains the more dependable choice.
Do I need a special outlet for corded snow blowers?
A standard 15-amp grounded outdoor outlet on a GFCI-protected circuit handles the AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower comfortably. Use a heavy-gauge outdoor-rated extension cord, and avoid chaining multiple cords together, which causes voltage drop (the cord length reduces the power reaching the motor) and motor strain.
How long do batteries last in cordless snow blowers?
Runtime depends on battery capacity, snow density, and how hard the motor is working. The DEKOPRO 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel is rated for about 25 to 30 minutes per charge, while dual-pack machines like the Snow Joe 48V effectively double that. Cold weather also trims battery output, so users in northern climates may see slightly shorter sessions.
Can I leave a snow blower outside between storms?
It’s better to store any snow blower in a shed, garage, or covered area. Cordless batteries in particular lose capacity faster in extreme cold, and gas units are sensitive to moisture in the fuel system. Even corded machines last longer when they’re not sitting through freeze-thaw cycles.
The Takeaway
The right snow blower is the one that matches your driveway, your snowfall, and your storage space. The AMERISUN 21-Inch Electric Snow Thrower anchors this list as the balanced corded choice, while the Ariens ST28DLE covers serious snow and the cordless picks, from the AlphaWorks up through the Snow Joe 48V Cordless Snow Blower Kit and Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Snow Blower, cover everything from stairs to mid-size driveways. Start with the surface you need to clear, then pick the smallest machine that handles it well. That’s the one that’ll actually get used on a cold morning.