Electric Snowblowers - Electric snowblowers are snowblowers that operate with a plug and cord. These snowblowers are best suited to lighter snow accumulations. Additionally, they are best used in smaller areas, when you don't have to stray vary far. Electric snowblowers are cheap and easy to maneuver, but typically aren't great for tougher tasks. Many electric snowblowers are handheld.

Gas Snowblowers - The majority of snowblowers on the market are gas snowblowers. Gas snowblowers come in many different varieties, which we'll get to down below. As opposed to electric snowblowers, they offer much more flexibility and ability overall. They can be used in harsher conditions and they can cover more ground.  The majority of gas snowblowers are stand behind snowblowers, meaning they function with you standing behind them and pushing.

Read a complete comparison between electric and gas snowblowers

Single Stage Snowblowers - Single stage snowblowers operate using an auger that is responsible for collecting and dispersing all of the snow in your path. Single stage snowblowers are generally cheaper than two stage snowblowers, which are more heavy duty. Single stage snowblowers are a great idea for a person that wants to invest in a machine that will make his life easier, while not needing it to deal with intense snow accumulations. Single stage snowblowers work best with lighter snow, and less snow fall. They should not be used on gravel or rocky areas, because they can launch these objects while clearing.

Two Stage Snowblowers - Two stage snowblowers are like single stage snowblowers that are all grown up. Two stage snowblowers use an impeller to gather snow, and the auger to clear it away. This makes the process quicker and more efficient, and allows for handling greater loads. Two stage snowblowers can handle almost any situation you will throw at them. From wet, thick snow to a foot of powdery dust, two stage snowblowers are up to the task. These machines are typically well built and made to last for a long time, and will need less maintenance than single stage snowblowers.

Read a complete comparison between single stage and two stage snowblowers

Riding Snowblowers & Tractor Attachments - There are riding snowblowers, as well as lawn tractor attachments that you can purchase for snowblowing. These are best when you know you a) have a ton of ground to cover and b) you get a ton of snowfall each and every year. They are worth the investment because they can clear snow away extraordinarily quickly, while not tiring you out at all. These are often called commercial grade snowblowers, professional snowblowers or industrial snowblowers.

What makes an Electric Snowblower Different?

To begin with, electric snowblowers and snowthrowers are only single stage snowblowers and not two-stage snowblowers. If you're unsure as to what that means, read up on the differences between single stage and 2-stage snow blowers. So if you get a lot of snow every year or you have a huge expanse of land to deal with, an electric snow blower won't be appropriate for your needs.

Some electric snow blowers are what we call power shovels, which means that you can hold them in your arms or strap them over your back. These electric snowblowers are very light and portable. Therefore they are very easy to use and maneuver, however won't be very helpful with feet of wet, thick snow. However, there are walk-behind electric snowblower models that provide more power and clearing ability.

One downside to using an electric snowblower is that of course you actually have to plug it in and so have to deal with a long power cord while you are out there clearing snow. This could get tricky in tough conditions or with a very long or hilly driveway.

On the other hand, the majority of electric snow throwers, particularly the electric power shovels, are very cheap snowblower models! That makes them very efficient and a smart bet if you don't need to clear snow very often, but won't some help when you do need to clear a bit.

When Using an Electric Snowblower Makes Sense

Electric snowblowers aren't a great fit for every situation or every person. But they do make a lot of sense under the right circumstances. Some factors to consider that would make using an electric snowblower worthwhile:

• You do not receive much snowfall and so don't need a powerful snow thrower.
• You're working with a limited budget and want a cheap snowblower.
• You can't lift or control heavy machinery, making portable electric snowblowers a good match.
• The property you need to clear is relatively small and flat.

Of course, if you don't want the hassle of dealing with a more stubborn gas snowblower that will require maintenance, an electric snowblower has the added benefit of not needing much, if any, work. Additionally, electric snowblowers do not give off the exhaust that gas snowblowers do, so they are actually more environmentally friendly.

Where to Find the Best Electric Snowblowers

Many different manufacturers make electric snowblowers. One of the best electric snowblowers that come to mind is the Toro Power Shovel.

Find a full listing of Toro Power Shovels and other Toro Snowblowers.

Another one of the popular electric snowblower brands is Snow Joe, which makes cheap and portable electric snow throwers.

Find a full listing of Snow Joe Electric Snowblowers.

Of course there are other popular and cheap electric snowblowers available, but those two brands make some of the best electric snowblowers and power shovels that you're going to be able to find. Feel free to browse the rest of our store listings for a more complete selection of the best electric snowblowers available for cheap prices.