Key Takeaways
- Best overall → DeWalt 20V MAX, at $197 tool only or $349 for the kit with battery and charger
- Most powerful at Polar → DeWalt FlexVolt 60V, 900 W maximum motor, at $349 tool only
- Complete Makita kit → Makita 18V LXT DUX18RTX15, at $779 with a 5.0 Ah battery and charger
- Who it is for → Canada homeowners who clear a balcony, steps, a deck or a small driveway
An electric snow shovel, also called a cordless, battery-powered or power snow shovel, clears a balcony, steps or a small driveway without the noise of a gas engine. It replaces manual shoveling for light snowfalls.
This selection compares seven battery-powered models, three of which are sold at Equipement Polar. The specifications come from the manufacturers' data sheets and from our product pages.
The prices shown are Equipement Polar prices. The other models are ordered from their manufacturers or retailers, and their price varies by seller.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Electric Snow Shovels
1. DeWalt 20V MAX DXSVXA2016-002 Cordless Snow Shovel, the Most Versatile
The DeWalt 20V MAX snow shovel uses the same batteries as DeWalt 20V MAX tools. If you already own some, the $197 tool-only version saves you from buying a second battery.
The $349 kit adds a 5 Ah battery and a 20V charger. It is the ready-to-use option for anyone starting in the DeWalt system. With the tool-only version, add a DeWalt 20V 5 Ah battery and a DeWalt fast charger.
Pros
- Batteries compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools
- Brushless motor
- Snow deflector adjustable up to 60°
- Handle adjustable to 4 positions
- Two options, tool only or kit
Points to Consider
- 25.4 cm width, narrower than the 30 cm models
- The tool-only version needs a DeWalt 20V battery and charger
- Estimated runtime of 20 minutes with a 4 Ah battery
Tool only $197 | Complete kit $349
View the tool only View the complete kit2. DeWalt FlexVolt 60V DXSVXA6016-001B, the Most Powerful at Polar
The DeWalt FlexVolt runs on the 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform. Its brushless motor reaches 900 W of maximum power.
It clears 30 cm wide by 15 cm deep and throws snow up to 7.6 m. A directional deflector and a two-speed selector adapt the work to the snow.
Pros
- Brushless motor, 900 W maximum
- 30 cm width and 15 cm depth
- Throw distance up to 7.6 m
- Adjustable shaft and auxiliary handle
Points to Consider
- Requires a 60V MAX FLEXVOLT battery and a compatible charger, sold separately
Tool only $349
View the DeWalt FlexVolt3. Makita 18V LXT DUX18RTX15, the Complete Kit
The Makita DUX18RTX15 kit combines the DUX18Z split-shaft power head, the SN400MP shovel, the DC18RC charger and a 5.0 Ah battery. The brushless motor runs on the 18V LXT platform.
The fins pivot 30 degrees left or right, and throw reaches 7 meters at top speed. An electric brake stops the tool 3 to 5 seconds after the trigger is released.
Pros
- Complete kit with 5.0 Ah battery and charger
- Light, 5 kg
- Fins adjustable 30° on each side
- Electric brake and automatic shut-off on a sudden speed drop
Points to Consider
- $779, the highest price of the three models sold at Polar
- The power head belongs to Makita's 18V LXT platform
Complete kit $779
View the Makita kit4. Garant 62V, a Small Snow Blower's Turbine
The Garant 62V 12 in. shovel comes from a Canada brand. Its brushless motor throws snow up to 7.5 m, and a turbo mode is offered.
The chute pivots 180 degrees and its outlet adjusts in height, which lets you aim in tight spaces. The manufacturer does not publish a runtime.
Pros
- 180° rotating chute with height-adjustable outlet
- Throw distance up to 7.5 m
- Turbo mode
- Brushless motor
Points to Consider
- 13 kg weight, more than double the DeWalt and Makita models
- Runtime not published by the manufacturer
- 62V platform specific to Garant
5. EGO Power+ MSS1203, the Modular 56V System
The EGO MSS1203 kit pairs a shovel head with the EGO 56V multi-tool power head. It is sold with a 4.0 Ah ARC Lithium battery and a charger.
The shovel clears 12 in. wide and throws snow up to 25 feet (7.6 m). An anti-overload clutch temporarily stops the auger when it jams.
Pros
- Compatible with the EGO 56V range
- Brushless motor
- Anti-overload clutch against jams
- Throw distance up to 7.6 m
Points to Consider
- Weight of about 13.6 kg, which some users find heavy
- 56V platform specific to EGO
- Price varies from one retailer to another
6. Greenworks Pro 80V, the Longest Warranty
The Greenworks Pro 80V 12 in. is offered as a tool-only version or with an 80V 2.0 Ah battery and a charger. The manufacturer states that a charged 2.0 Ah battery clears a four-car driveway.
It weighs 7.25 kg without a battery and 8.7 kg with the battery. The manufacturer's warranty is 4 years.
Pros
- 4-year warranty
- 80V battery shared with other Greenworks 80V tools
- Offered as tool only or as a kit
Points to Consider
- 2.0 Ah battery in the version with a battery
- No runtime published by the manufacturer
- Heavier than the DeWalt and Makita models
7. Snow Joe 24V-SS13, the Widest
The Snow Joe 24V-SS13 clears 33 cm (13 in.) per pass, the widest in the selection. Its 400 W motor moves up to 136 kg of snow per minute.
The model weighs 6.35 kg and is sold with a 24V 4.0 Ah battery and a charger. The manufacturer does not publish a runtime.
Pros
- 33 cm clearing width
- Light, 6.35 kg
- Battery and charger included
Points to Consider
- No runtime published
- 24V platform specific to Snow Joe
- Sold by the manufacturer, not at Polar
Comparison Table
| Model | Platform | Width | Weight | Throw distance | Price at Polar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 20V MAX | 25.4 cm | 6 kg without battery | 6 m | $197 tool only, $349 kit |
| DeWalt FlexVolt | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT | 30 cm | Not specified | 7.6 m | $349 tool only |
| Makita DUX18RTX15 | 18V LXT | 29.8 cm | 5 kg | 7 m | $779 kit |
| Garant 62V | 62V | 30 cm | 13 kg | 7.5 m | Not sold |
| EGO MSS1203 | 56V | 30.5 cm | About 13.6 kg | 7.6 m | Not sold |
| Greenworks Pro 80V | 80V | 30.5 cm | 7.25 kg without battery | 6 m | Not sold |
| Snow Joe 24V-SS13 | 24V | 33 cm | 6.35 kg | 6 m | Not sold |
Buying Guide
Cordless or Corded
A cordless shovel goes anywhere, with no extension cord or cable to watch. A corded shovel has no runtime limit, but it depends on an outdoor outlet.
Greenworks sells, for example, an 8 A corded shovel, which calls for a 14-gauge extension cord up to 15 m (50 ft) or a 12-gauge cord up to 30 m (100 ft). It weighs 8.8 kg, more than most of the cordless models in this selection.
The Battery Platform
The battery makes up a large share of the cost and value of a battery-powered shovel. Choosing a brand means choosing the batteries that will also power your next tools.
If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX tools, the $197 tool-only version reuses your batteries. With no cordless tools, the $349 kit or the $779 Makita kit already includes a battery and a charger.
Width and Throw Distance
A 30 cm width suits sidewalks and driveways. A 25 cm width fits more easily on a balcony or a staircase.
A throw distance of 7 m or more moves the snow away from the cleared area. The 6 m models suit small areas.
Weight
The DeWalt, Makita, Greenworks and Snow Joe models weigh 5 to 7.25 kg without a battery. The Garant and EGO kits approach 13 kg, a weight you feel over long sessions.
Canada Cold
The capacity of a lithium-ion battery drops in cold weather, as Battery University explains. The DeWalt 20V shovel's product sheet gives an operating temperature of -20°C to +40°C.
Keep batteries indoors and install them just before clearing snow. After use, let them return to room temperature before recharging.
Shovel or Snow Blower
An electric snow shovel is sometimes called a power shovel or snow blower shovel, because it throws snow like a small snow blower. The DeWalt 20V shovel suits snowfalls of 15 cm (6 in.) or less, according to its product sheet. Beyond that, a snow blower is a better fit.
To compare cordless snow blowers, read our comparison of cordless snow blowers or visit the snow removal collection.
How This Selection Was Made
We selected cordless electric snow shovels of about 12 in. sold in Canada. Three are offered at Equipement Polar and four come from other manufacturers.
The specifications come from manufacturers' data sheets and Equipement Polar product pages. When a manufacturer does not publish a figure, such as runtime, we say so instead of estimating it.
Prices for Polar models are those on the site. Other prices vary by retailer and are not repeated here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the DeWalt 20V cordless snow shovel first? +
Its batteries are shared with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools. It sells for $197 tool only and $349 with a 5 Ah battery and a charger.
Its product sheet lists a 3-year warranty and a brushless motor. See the DeWalt 20V MAX snow shovel.
Does an electric snow shovel work in extreme cold? +
Yes, within the temperature range stated by the manufacturer. The DeWalt 20V sheet gives -20°C to +40°C.
A battery's capacity drops in cold weather. Keep it indoors and install it just before clearing snow.
How long does a battery charge last? +
DeWalt estimates the 20V shovel's runtime at 20 minutes with a 4 Ah battery and 14 minutes with a 2 Ah battery. The FlexVolt reaches up to 20 minutes with a 12 Ah FLEXVOLT battery.
Several manufacturers publish no runtime. A charged spare battery avoids interruptions.
Can you use an electric shovel on a wooden deck? +
Yes, with care. Keep the shovel flat, move slowly and avoid forcing it over widely spaced boards.
Follow the manufacturer's manual for the height adjustment.
What is the difference between the DeWalt tool-only and the kit? +
The tool-only version at $197 includes neither a battery nor a charger. The kit at $349 adds a 5 Ah battery and a 20V charger.
If you already have DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, choose the tool-only version. Otherwise, the kit costs $152 more and gets you ready to clear snow.
Can an electric shovel replace a snow blower? +
For balconies, steps, sidewalks and light snowfalls, yes. The DeWalt 20V sheet mentions snowfalls of 15 cm or less.
For large driveways or heavy snowfalls, a snow blower remains a better fit. See our comparison of cordless snow blowers.
Care and Storage
After Each Use
- Remove snow and ice from the auger with a soft brush or cloth
- Wipe the housing to remove moisture
- Remove the battery and wipe its contacts with a dry cloth
- Let the battery return to room temperature before recharging
Storage
Store the shovel in a dry place, such as a heated garage or a basement. Keep batteries indoors rather than in an unheated shed.
During the Season
Tighten screws regularly and inspect the scraper for wear. Always follow the manufacturer's manual.
Where to Buy in Canada
Equipement Industriel Polar
Three of the shovels in this selection are offered at Equipement Polar. Our team advises you based on your battery platform and the area to clear.
- 8000+ products in stock
- Shipping across Canada, free on orders of $150 or more
- Technical expertise on every product we sell
- Stores in Canada City and Chicoutimi, bilingual service
Ready to Clear Snow Faster?
Choose the DeWalt tool-only or kit, the FlexVolt or the Makita kit.
DeWalt tool only ($197) DeWalt kit ($349)Conclusion
The electric snow shovel suits balconies, steps and light snowfalls. The right model depends on your battery platform, the width you want and the weight you are willing to handle.
The DeWalt 20V MAX remains our first choice, thanks to its compatibility with DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and its $197 tool-only price. The FlexVolt and the Makita kit meet needs for power or a complete kit. To equip the tool-only version, see our DeWalt 20V 5 Ah battery and DeWalt fast charger.
Need advice? Contact our team or visit a store in Canada City or Chicoutimi.