Imagine digging a massive hole in your backyard. Now imagine doing it with a small hand shovel. It would take forever, right? That’s where electric shovels come in! These powerful tools make tough digging jobs much easier and faster. But with so many different kinds out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want one that’s strong enough for your project, but also easy to handle.
Choosing the wrong electric shovel can lead to frustration, wasted money, and even injuries. You might end up with a tool that’s too heavy, not powerful enough, or breaks down quickly. This post is here to help you avoid those problems! We’ll explore what makes a great electric shovel and what to look for so you can dig with confidence.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what features matter most. We’ll break down the different types and give you tips to find the best electric shovel for your needs, whether you’re tackling a garden project or something bigger. Let’s get digging into the details!
Our Top 5 Electric Shovel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Electric Shovel Detailed Reviews
1. Greenworks 40V (75+ Compatible Tools) 12” Cordless Snow Shovel
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of back-breaking snow shoveling? The Greenworks 40V Cordless Snow Shovel is here to make winter cleanup easy. This powerful yet lightweight tool is designed to help you clear snow quickly and efficiently. It comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, so you’re ready to tackle the snow right away.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making snow removal less of a chore.
- The 12-inch shoveling width helps you clear paths faster.
- It has the power to throw snow out of your way, not just move it.
- It’s perfect for moderate snow depths up to 6 inches.
- It starts up quickly, even in cold weather.
- The battery is compatible with over 75 other Greenworks tools.
What Could Be Improved:
- It works best with lighter snowfalls; heavy or wet snow might be more challenging.
- Remember to keep the battery at room temperature for the best performance, especially on very cold days.
This Greenworks snow shovel is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a simpler way to clear their walkways and driveways after a moderate snowfall. Get yours and make winter a little less work!
2. VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of back-breaking snow shoveling? The VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel is here to make winter chores a breeze. This powerful yet lightweight tool is designed to help you clear snow quickly and easily from your driveways, sidewalks, and patios. It comes with everything you need: a 24-volt battery, a quick charger, and a user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 9.3 pounds. This makes it easy to handle.
- The 24-volt motor is strong enough to throw snow up to 20 feet.
- It’s very simple to put together and use, with just a push of a button.
- The snow guide plates can be moved left or right, so you can direct the snow where you want it.
- The adjustable handle helps protect your back while you work.
- It has a dual safety switch to keep you safe.
- It can clear a 13-inch path, perfect for most walkways.
- It runs quietly, so you won’t bother your neighbors.
- Voltask tests these shovels thoroughly to make sure they are tough and reliable.
- It’s a great gift idea for family and friends during the holidays.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery only lasts for about 25 minutes on a single charge. For larger areas, you might need to recharge.
- The 6.5-inch clearing depth might not be enough for very deep snow.
This Voltask cordless snow shovel offers a convenient and efficient way to tackle snow. It’s a smart choice for making winter cleanup much easier.
3. Rotoshovel – Powered Handheld Shovel with Auger & Safety Shutoff for Gardening
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of back-breaking work in the garden? The Rotoshovel is here to change that! This innovative, powered handheld shovel with an auger makes digging a breeze. Its patented design is the first of its kind, blending power and precision for easy digging in gardens, landscaping projects, and planting beds. Get ready to transform your outdoor chores!
What We Like:
- It’s the first handheld electric shovel with an auger, making digging super easy.
- A powerful brushless motor chews through tough soil, gravel, and clay.
- The 12V battery gives you over 2 hours of digging time, and it’s cordless for digging anywhere.
- It’s lightweight at only 4.35 lbs and designed for comfort, so your hands and back won’t get tired.
- Safety is built-in with an automatic shutoff to prevent kickback for safe digging.
- It makes gardening and landscaping tasks faster and easier, making it a fantastic gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, for extremely hard, rocky ground, it might require some extra effort.
- The battery life is good, but for very large projects, you might need a spare battery.
The Rotoshovel is a game-changer for anyone who loves gardening or landscaping. It simplifies tough jobs, saving you time and energy.
4. Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of back-breaking snow shoveling? The Earthwise SN74016 40-Volt Cordless Electric Snow Shovel is here to help. This powerful tool makes clearing snow much easier. It’s battery-operated and cordless, giving you freedom to move. You can tackle your driveway and sidewalks without being tied down by cords. This snow shovel is designed for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- It has a 16-inch clearing width, so it covers a good area at once.
- The 8-inch clearing depth means it can handle a decent amount of snow.
- It can throw snow up to 32 feet away, keeping you clear of the mess.
- The quiet and reliable 40v brushless motor is powerful but not noisy.
- You get a 4Ah Earthwise battery and charger included, so you can start using it right away.
- It moves an impressive 300 pounds of snow per minute.
- The comfortable and ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold and use.
- It has 6-inch rear wheels to help you push it along.
- The dual blade auger helps break up and move snow efficiently.
- The 180-degree rotating chute lets you direct the snow where you want it to go.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very deep or heavy, wet snow, its clearing depth might be limited.
- The 16-inch clearing width might be too small for very large driveways.
Overall, the Earthwise SN74016 is a great choice for homeowners who want a simpler way to clear snow. It offers good power and convenient features for everyday snow removal.
5. WEN 61635 5-in-1 Pneumatic Multi-Function Tool with Scraper
Rating: 8.8/10
Tackle tough jobs with the WEN 61635 5-in-1 Pneumatic Multi-Function Tool. This powerful tool is a game-changer for anyone who works with their hands. Gardeners, construction workers, landscapers, and remodelers will find this tool incredibly useful. It makes removing old materials like tile, carpet, and even stubborn adhesives a breeze. Plus, it’s great for digging holes and removing rocks and roots in your garden.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile with five different attachments: a flat wide chisel, a flat narrow chisel, a pointed chisel, a shovel, and a scraper.
- This tool packs a punch, delivering 2100 beats per minute. This means it can handle digging, chiseling, and demolishing jobs with ease.
- It’s designed for a wide range of users, from home gardeners to professionals on construction sites.
- Removing tough materials like tile, plaster, old carpets, adhesive, linoleum, grout, and brick becomes much faster and easier.
- The shovel attachment makes digging holes and removing rocks and roots in your yard much simpler.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires an air compressor to operate, which is an additional cost if you don’t already own one.
- While powerful, some users might find the noise level to be a bit high during operation.
The WEN 61635 is a powerful and versatile tool that simplifies many demanding tasks. It’s a smart investment for anyone needing to break down old materials or prepare ground for new projects.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Electric Shovel
Tired of back-breaking work? An electric shovel can be a game-changer for clearing snow, digging small gardens, or moving light debris. This guide helps you pick the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power and Performance
- Motor Power (Watts): More watts mean more digging power. Look for at least 500 watts for basic tasks. For tougher jobs, aim for 700 watts or more.
- Digging Depth: This tells you how deep the shovel can dig. A depth of 6-8 inches is good for most common tasks.
- Digging Width: A wider shovel clears more area at once. 4-6 inches is standard.
- Impact Rate (IPM): This is how many times the shovel hits the ground per minute. A higher IPM means faster digging.
Design and Comfort
- Ergonomic Handle: A comfortable, padded handle reduces strain on your hands and wrists.
- Weight: Lighter shovels are easier to maneuver. Aim for something under 10 pounds if you’ll be using it for extended periods.
- Corded vs. Cordless: Corded models offer unlimited runtime but have a cord to manage. Cordless models provide freedom but need battery charging.
- Adjustable Shaft: Some shovels have handles that can be moved up or down to fit your height.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and performance.
- Shovel Head/Blade: Steel is the strongest and most common material. Look for hardened steel for better wear resistance. Some might have a reinforced plastic head for lighter tasks.
- Handle: Metal handles, especially steel or aluminum, are durable. Plastic handles are lighter but can be less strong.
- Motor Housing: Sturdy plastic or metal housing protects the motor.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Good Electric Shovel?
- Build Quality: A well-built shovel feels solid and has secure connections.
- Durability: High-quality materials and good design mean it will last longer.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and good balance make it pleasant to operate.
- Battery Life (for cordless): A long-lasting battery is crucial for cordless models.
What Can Lower the Quality?
- Flimsy Construction: If parts feel weak or wobbly, it won’t hold up.
- Overheating: Motors that get too hot quickly can signal poor design.
- Short Cord (for corded): A very short power cord limits where you can work.
- Weak Battery (for cordless): A battery that dies quickly is frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who is it for?
Electric shovels are great for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone who needs to move small amounts of material efficiently. They are ideal for those who find traditional shoveling too strenuous.
Common Uses
- Snow Removal: Clearing light snow from walkways and driveways.
- Gardening: Digging small planting holes or turning soil.
- Light Demolition: Breaking up soft ground or removing small patches of sod.
- Moving Mulch or Compost: Transferring light materials around your yard.
Remember to always wear safety glasses and gloves when using an electric shovel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an electric shovel?
A: An electric shovel is a power tool that uses a motor to vibrate or rotate a blade, helping you dig or move material with less effort than a manual shovel.
Q: Are electric shovels good for heavy-duty digging?
A: No, electric shovels are best for light to moderate tasks. They are not designed for breaking concrete or digging in very hard, rocky soil.
Q: Corded or cordless – which is better?
A: Corded shovels offer continuous power but you are limited by the cord’s length. Cordless shovels give you freedom of movement but require charging the battery.
Q: How much power do I need?
A: For light jobs like moving mulch, 500 watts might be enough. For clearing light snow or digging softer soil, look for 700 watts or more.
Q: Can an electric shovel replace a full-sized shovel?
A: No, it’s a supplementary tool for specific tasks. It won’t replace a traditional shovel for large-scale digging or moving heavy soil.
Q: What is the typical weight of an electric shovel?
A: Most electric shovels weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, making them manageable for most users.
Q: How do I maintain an electric shovel?
A: Keep the blade clean and sharp. For cordless models, store batteries properly. Always unplug or remove the battery before cleaning or maintenance.
Q: Are electric shovels noisy?
A: They are generally no louder than other power tools like drills or leaf blowers. You might want to wear ear protection for extended use.
Q: Can I use an electric shovel in wet conditions?
A: It’s best to avoid using them in heavy rain. Light moisture is usually okay, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What kind of safety gear should I wear?
A: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Gloves are also recommended for better grip and to prevent blisters.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!