Electric vs Gas Snow Blowers: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

Snow in winter can dress up the community into a beautiful scene, but with it comes the challenge of having to clear driveways, sidewalks, and paths. For homeowners who live in snowy areas, a snow blower isn’t just a helpful tool-it’s a must-have. On the other hand, when one has to choose between an electric and a gas powered snow blower, the question always remains, “Which one is better?” In fact, the question should be, “Which one will suit your needs more?”

This article will compare electric and gas powered snow blowers comprehensively for you to choose the right snow blower based on climate, house size, maintenance needs, and budget.

Understanding the Different Types of Snow Blowers

During the cold season, many places will experience a large amount of snow accumulation, which restricts the travel of pedestrians and vehicles and may also lead to significant safety risks. At this time, the essential tool for winter – the snow blower – begins to play its role. Currently, there are mainly two types of snow blowers on the market: gas and electric. Both are powerful and efficient tools for removing ice and snow. Let’s take a detailed look at the features of the two types of snow blowers.

Gas Powered Snow Blowers

The gas powered snow blower uses a gasoline engine, providing strong torque and power, and can easily overcome even thick and hard snow layers.

How They Work and Power Characteristics

• The gasoline engine simultaneously drives the auger (for collecting snow) and the impeller (for throwing snow).
• Most gasoline-powered snow blowers have higher horsepower than electric ones, so they can clear deeper and wider snow.
• Two-stage and three-stage gasoline-powered snow blowers can easily handle ice and snow, compact accumulated snow or wet snow.

Applicable working conditions

• Large lanes and long sidewalks
• Areas with heavy snow or moisture (12 inches or more)
• In extremely cold weather, the performance of electric snow blowers may decline at this time
• Rural or suburban residences with open areas

Long-term Usage and Maintenance Requirements

• Daily maintenance includes checking engine oil, fuel stabilizer, replacing spark plugs and carburetor maintenance.
• Seasonal storage requires proper fuel discharge or fuel stabilizer treatment to prevent engine failure.
• Higher ongoing costs: gasoline, engine oil, belt replacement and mechanical maintenance.

Electric Snow Blowers

Electric snow blowers include both the corded electric and the battery-powered or cordless style. They work pretty similarly; the difference comes in where they get their power.

How They Work and Power Characteristics

• Electric motors turn the auger to collect and throw snow.
• These provide smooth and steady torque but often lower peak power than gas engines.
• Battery models are lithium-ion-powered and provide 20–60 minutes of runtime depending on conditions like snow depth and temperature.
• Corded models provide continuous power, however limited in movement.

Suitable Working Conditions

• Small to medium-sized driveways
• Light to moderate snowfall, usually less than 10–12 inches
• Urban residential areas where noise and emissions matter
• Homes that have easy access to outside outlets for corded models

Long-term Usage & Maintenance Requirements

• Very low maintenance: no fuel, oil, or spark plugs.
• The battery models need to be charged appropriately, stored, and replaced periodically.
• Lower long-term operating costs apart from battery lifecycle costs.

The Pros and Cons of Electric vs Gas Snow Blowers

Power and Performance

Gasoline snow blowers are good at removing thick, wet or compacted snow. For instance, a two-stage gasoline snow blower can clear 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) of snow at a time, which is crucial for large driveways. Electric snow blowers are very suitable for handling light or medium-thick snow and small areas, but they are not very suitable for heavy snow.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Gasoline snow blowers need regular engine maintenance, such as regularly checking the oil level and spark plugs, and storing fuel during non-usage seasons. The maintenance cost of electric snow blowers is relatively low. The battery-powered model requires regular charging, while the wired model only needs to keep the auger and the discharge trough unobstructed.

Noise and Environmental Impact

Gasoline engines are relatively noisy, usually exceeding 90 decibels, and they also emit exhaust gases. Electric snow blowers operate quietly. Driven by electricity, they reduce emissions and are thus more suitable for residential areas and environmentally conscious users.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Gasoline snow blowers usually have a higher purchase cost, and the subsequent fuel and maintenance expenses are also higher. In contrast, electric snow blowers have a lower purchase price and extremely low operating costs. For areas with smaller house sizes or less snowfall, they offer better value for money.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Snow Blower

When choosing between an electric snow blower and a gas snow blower, the following points should be considered

• Yard size and snow type: Large properties or damp, heavy snow areas usually require gas models, while small driveways and light snow areas are ideal electric models.
• Usage frequency: Frequent disassembly may require the power and durability of the gas blower, while occasional use may not.
• Environmental issues and noise: Electric vehicle models are quieter and more environmentally friendly.
• Budget constraints: Consider purchase price, fuel, maintenance and battery replacement (if applicable).
• Storage and mobility: Electric snow blowers are easier to store and move, while gas models require more space and physical labor.

Practical Scenarios: Is a Gas or Electric Snow Blower Better?

Scene 1: Small urban residences with relatively short driveways
The best choice: Electric snow blower
Reason: Lightweight, low maintenance cost, and sufficient power to handle light snow accumulation.

Scene 2: Suburban residences with medium or long driveways
The best choice: Gas powered snow blower
Reason: It can handle thick snow efficiently without slowing down.

Scene 3: If you often encounter light snowfall multiple times a week
The best choice: Electric snow blower
Reason: Easy to pull out, use and store quickly – very suitable for frequent small-scale snow removal operations.

Scene 4: Extremely cold or blizzard areas
The best choice: Gas powered snow blower
Reason: The peak power and low-temperature performance are unrivaled.

Buy The Best Snow Blower at NOVUS

Choosing an electric or gas powered snow blower is not about judging which one is “better”, but rather about selecting the appropriate one based on the size of your house, snowfall patterns, maintenance needs and budget. By understanding the working principle of each type of snow blower and actually assessing your snow removal needs, you can choose a snow blower that makes winter safer, easier and more manageable.

If you have the need to purchase a snow blower, please feel free to contact us at any time. At NOVUS, we offer powerful gas powered snow blowers and convenient electric snow blowers. You can find the ideal equipment here to keep your lanes and sidewalks unobstructed throughout the winter.

Related Products

24” Two-Stage Gas Powered Snow Blower NV24DSGL

Equipped with a powerful 212cc engine, this snow blower features a 24-inch clearing width and a 19-inch clearing height, designed to handle heavy snow and challenging winter conditions.

18″ Gas Powered Snow Blower NV18SSG

Equipped with a powerful 99cc engine, this snow blower features an 18-inch clearing width and a 10.5-inch intake height for efficient snow removal.

18″ Cordless Snow Blower NV18SSB

Equipped with the included 58V 5Ah lithium battery, this electric snow blower features an 18-inch clearing path and a 10.5-inch clearing depth, effortlessly clearing up to a 12-car driveway.