In this article, we will compare electric vs gas snow blower in more detail, outlining the pros and cons of each type and providing recommendations for specific models that we believe offer the best value for money.
Snow blowers are an essential tool for anyone living in an area that receives heavy snowfall during the winter months. They are designed to make the task of clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor spaces much more manageable.
The two most popular types of snow blowers are electric and gas-powered, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Electric snow blowers are generally more lightweight and easier to maneuver than gas-powered models. They are also quieter and produce no emissions, making them an eco-friendly option (find out our top pick for the best electric snow blower).
However, electric snow blowers are not as powerful as gas models and are better suited for clearing light to moderate snowfall.
Gas-powered snow blowers, on the other hand, are more powerful and can handle heavy snowfall with ease (check out the best cheap gas snowblower).
They are also more durable and can be used in larger areas than electric snow blowers. However, they are heavier and more difficult to maneuver, and they produce emissions that can be harmful to the environment.
When choosing between an electric and gas-powered snow blower, it’s essential to consider the size of the area you need to clear, the amount of snowfall you typically receive, and your personal preferences.
Some other factors to consider include the noise level, maintenance requirements, and cost.
Electric vs Gas Snow Blowers
When it comes to clearing snow from your driveway or walkway, a snow blower can be an essential tool. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which type of snow blower is right for you.
Electric and gas snow blowers each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best electric and gas snow blowers on the market to help you make an informed decision.
1. WEN SB24 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start, Orange 2021 Model
If you’re looking for a powerful gas snow blower, the WEN SB24 is a great option. With its 212cc engine, it can clear over 1800 pounds of snow per minute and throw snow over 30 feet away.
It has a self-propelled drive with 4 forward and 2 reverse speed settings, making it easy to maneuver through heavy snow. It also has a 24-by-21-inch clearing path and an adjustable 190-degree chute.
Pros
- The powerful 212cc engine can clear over 1800 pounds of snow per minute and throw snow over 30 feet away.
- The self-propelled drive with 4 forward and 2 reverse speed settings makes it easy to maneuver through heavy snow.
- The 24-by-21-inch clearing path and adjustable 190-degree chute make it easy to clear a path through snowfall.
Cons
- At 189.2 pounds, it’s heavier than most electric snow blowers and may be difficult to move around.
- It requires gas, which can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly than electric power.
- It can be noisy and emit fumes, which may be unpleasant for some users.
The WEN SB24 is a great option for those who need a powerful gas snow blower to clear heavy snow. With its self-propelled drive and adjustable chute, it’s easy to maneuver through snowfall and clear a path quickly.
However, it is heavier and less environmentally friendly than electric snow blowers, and it can be noisy and emit fumes.
2. PowerSmart 26 Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered, 2-Stage 208cc B&S Engine with Electric Start, Led Light, Hand Warmer, Self Propelled BS26
If you are looking for a powerful and reliable snow blower that can handle heavy snowfall and tough winter conditions, the PowerSmart 26 Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered, 2-stage 208cc B&S Engine with Electric Start, LED light, Hand Warmer, Self Propelled BS26 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Equipped with a robust Briggs & Stratton 208CC 4-cycle engine for powerful snow-clearing action
- Anti-Clogging System that prevents clogs, even in deep snow
- Platinum Operating System with heated handle, easy one-hand 180° chute control, and LED headlight for enhanced visibility
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, may be difficult to maneuver for some users
- Some customers reported missing screws or oil leaks upon delivery
- May emit a strong gasoline odor during use
This snow blower is designed to tackle the heaviest snow and clear driveways accommodating up to 10 cars, with a maximum snow clearing capability of 26 inches in width and 20 inches in height.
Its self-propelled system and all-terrain snow tires allow for confident navigation on various snow-covered surfaces.
The PowerSmart 26-inch Snow Blower Gas Powered also comes with a 2-year warranty, free lifetime tech support, and a dedicated repair service center in the U.S., ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Overall, if you are looking for a powerful and reliable gas-powered snow blower that can handle heavy snowfall and tough winter conditions, the PowerSmart 26 Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered, 2-Stage 208cc B&S Engine with Electric Start, LED light, Hand Warmer, Self Propelled BS26 is a great choice.
3. PowerSmart PS21LED Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower, Electric Start, 21-Inch, 212cc 4-Stroke Engine, LED Light 212cc Engine – 21in
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient snow blower, the PowerSmart PS21LED is a great option for tackling heavy snowfalls.
Pros
- Efficient 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine can throw snow up to 35ft.
- 4-blades rubber auger shreds snow fast, allowing you to tackle even the toughest snow.
- Compact and designed for best performance size, easily stores it for quick use and saves your space.
Cons
- Gas-powered, so it requires more maintenance than electric snow blowers.
- The 180-degree chute can be a bit difficult to adjust.
- The LED light is always on while the motor is running, which can be annoying if you’re using the snow blower during the day.
The PowerSmart PS21LED is a great option for those looking for a powerful gas snow blower that can handle heavy snowfalls.
Its efficient 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine can throw snow up to 35ft., making it a great choice for larger driveways and sidewalks. The 4-blade rubber auger shreds snow fast, allowing you to tackle even the toughest snow.
One downside of the PowerSmart PS21LED is that it’s gas-powered, so it requires more maintenance than electric snow blowers. However, if you’re willing to put in the extra work, the PowerSmart PS21LED can be a reliable and efficient snow blower.
Another downside is that the 180-degree chute can be a bit difficult to adjust, which can be frustrating if you need to change the direction of the snow quickly.
Finally, the LED light is always on while the motor is running, which can be annoying if you’re using the snow blower during the day.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient gas snow blower that can handle heavy snowfalls, the PowerSmart PS21LED is a great option.
Its compact design makes it easy to store, and its efficient engine and 4-blade rubber auger make it a great choice for clearing snow quickly and efficiently.
4. Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Walk-Behind Single-Stage Snow Blower
If you are looking for a snow blower that can handle mid-sized driveways and walkways without the hassle of gas-powered machines, the Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Walk-Behind Single-Stage Snow Blower might be the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- The 13-amp motor moves up to 550 lbs of snow per minute, making it powerful enough to handle heavier snowfall.
- The adjustable discharge chute that rotates a complete 180º provides full control over the direction of the snow stream.
- The scraper blade at the base of the unit scrapes the snow clear to the ground without damaging your deck or pavement.
Cons
- The Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Walk-Behind Single-Stage Snow Blower is not suitable for heavy-duty use.
- The corded electric design limits mobility and range.
- The chute deflector may not be strong enough to handle wet and heavy snow.
This electric snow blower is easy to use and maintain, with no gas, oil, or tune-ups necessary (find out the best cordless snow blowers). The Snow Joe SJ618E is effortless to start and maneuver, thanks to its easy-glide all-terrain wheels.
Its durable, 2-blade cold-and-abrasion-resistant rotor cuts a swath 18 inches wide by 8 inches deep with each pass, making it ideal for quick snow pickups on small to mid-sized driveways and walkways.
The Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Walk-Behind Single-Stage Snow Blower is backed by the Snow Joe + Sun Joe Customer Promise, which warrants new, powered products for two years from the date of purchase.
Contact Snow Joe + Sun Joe customer support at 1-866-766-9563 for further assistance.
In summary, if you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use snow blower for mid-sized driveways and walkways, the Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Walk-Behind Single-Stage Snow Blower might be an excellent choice for you.
Its powerful motor, adjustable discharge chute, and scraper blade make snow removal a breeze, without the need for gas or oil.
Be sure to check out our comparison guide on Snow Joe vs Toro Electric snow blowers.
5. PowerSmart 24-Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered, 212cc 4-Cycle Engine with Electric Start, 2-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower PS24 212cc – 24in
If you’re in need of a powerful and reliable snow blower, the PowerSmart 24-Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The electric start feature makes it easy to start the snow blower, even in cold weather.
- With 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, you can easily adjust the speed of the snow blower to match the amount of snow you need to clear.
- The maximum throw distance of 40 feet means you can clear a large area quickly and efficiently.
Cons
- At 143 pounds, the PowerSmart snow blower is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Some users have reported missing nuts and bolts when assembling the snow blower, which can be frustrating.
- One user reported issues with the drive for the blades breaking after just one season of use, so durability may be a concern for some users.
This gas-powered snow blower is perfect for those who need to clear large areas of snow quickly and efficiently.
The electric start feature makes it easy to get started, and the 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds allow you to adjust the speed to match the amount of snow you need to clear. With a maximum throw distance of 40 feet, you can clear a large area quickly and efficiently.
However, the weight of the snow blower may be a concern for some users, especially if they need to maneuver it in tight spaces. Additionally, some users have reported missing nuts and bolts when assembling the snow blower, which can be frustrating.
Finally, one user reported issues with the drive for the blades breaking after just one season of use, so durability may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable snow blower, the PowerSmart 24-Inch Snow Blower Gas Powered is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing between an electric and gas snow blower, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look at:
Power Source
The first and most obvious difference between electric and gas snow blowers is the power source. Electric snow blowers are powered by electricity, either from a cord or a rechargeable battery.
Gas snow blowers, on the other hand, are powered by gasoline. Electric snow blowers are generally quieter and more environmentally friendly, while gas snow blowers are typically more powerful and can handle larger areas.
Clearing Width
The clearing width is the width of the snow blower’s intake, and it determines how much snow the machine can clear in a single pass.
Electric snow blowers typically have a clearing width of 18-22 inches, while gas snow blowers can have a clearing width of up to 45 inches. Consider the size of your driveway or sidewalks when choosing the clearing width.
Clearing Depth
The clearing depth is the maximum depth of snow that the snow blower can handle. Electric snow blowers are generally better suited for light to moderate snowfalls, while gas snow blowers can handle heavier snowfalls.
Consider the average snowfall in your area when choosing the clearing depth.
Weight
Snow blowers can be heavy, so consider the weight of the machine when making your decision. Electric snow blowers are generally lighter than gas snow blowers, making them easier to maneuver and store.
Price
Electric snow blowers are generally less expensive than gas snow blowers, but they may not have the same level of power or clearing ability. Consider your budget when choosing between the two.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing between an electric and gas snow blower.
You might also be interested in checking out our top pick for the ATV snowblower attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric snow blowers compared to gas models?
Electric snow blowers are generally quieter, easier to start, and require less maintenance than gas models. They also produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option.
However, they typically have less power and may not be suitable for heavy snowfall or large areas.
Gas snow blowers, on the other hand, are more powerful and can handle larger areas and heavy snowfall. However, they require more maintenance and emit harmful pollutants.
How do the costs of maintaining an electric snow blower differ from those of a gas snow blower?
Electric snow blowers are generally cheaper to maintain than gas models because they require less maintenance and have fewer parts that can break or wear out.
They also don’t require oil changes or gas refills, which can save money in the long run. However, the initial cost of an electric snow blower may be higher than a gas model.
Which type of snow blower is more suitable for heavy snowfall, electric or gas?
Gas snow blowers are generally more suitable for heavy snowfall because they have more power and can handle larger areas. Electric snow blowers may struggle with heavy snowfall and may not be suitable for large areas.
What factors should be considered when choosing between a cordless electric snow blower and a gas snow blower?
When choosing between a cordless electric snow blower and a gas snow blower, factors such as the size of the area to be cleared, the amount of snowfall, and the user’s physical ability should be considered.
Cordless electric snow blowers are generally more suitable for smaller areas with light to moderate snowfall, while gas snow blowers are better for larger areas and heavy snowfall.
Are electric snow blowers a reliable alternative for substantial snow removal tasks?
Electric snow blowers can be a reliable alternative for substantial snow removal tasks, but it depends on the specific model and the amount of snowfall.
Some electric snow blowers may struggle with heavy snowfall or large areas, while others may be more powerful and suitable for substantial snow removal tasks.
How does the environmental impact of electric snow blowers compare to that of gas-powered ones?
Electric snow blowers have a much lower environmental impact than gas-powered ones because they produce zero emissions and use electricity from the grid, which is becoming increasingly sourced from renewable energy sources.
Gas-powered snow blowers, on the other hand, emit harmful pollutants and contribute to air and noise pollution.