The country is dealing with yet another round of crazy winter weather and customers here at Nate's Garden Supply have been tackling the job with PowerSmart snowblowers. We carry 14 different models of snow blower from PowerSmart in gas powered, cordless electric (battery powered), and corded electric ranging in size from 18 inches wide all the way up to 26" monsters. Let's break 'em down!
Corded Electric Snowblowers
PowerSmart offers 2 models of corded electric snowblower in 18" and 21" wide.
- Pros: These are your cheapest snowblowers with prices currently under $200. They'll also be the lightest and easiest to maneuver in small spaces like walkways and storing in tight garages. Lastly, you won't have to worry about running out of power like you would with a gas or battery-powered snowblower.
- Cons: The "cord" part of a corded snowblower is a big disadvantage for me. You need to make sure you have an extension cord that'll take you from your outlet to the end of your walkway or driveway. You also need to ensure you keep that cord away from the business end of the snowblower's blades or else you'll be stuck untangling wire in the freezing cold. And being the smallest and least-powerful snow blowers could have you outside longer than you want.
- Nate Says: I can see a corded snowblower being a great option for someone that just wants to make a few passes to clear walkways and sidewalks for foot traffic, or only needs to clear a small portion of driveway.
Battery-Powered Cordless Electric Snowblowers
There are 3 models of PowerSmart battery electric snowblowers: 40V and 80V versions at 21" wide and an 80V 24" self-propelled cordless snowblower.
- Pros: More powerful than a corded snowblower yet cheaper than a gas model, a cordless electric snowblower is probably the right investment for the average household.
- Cons: I personally own a cordless snowblower (though not a PowerSmart) and my biggest gripe is with the batteries. You'll want to make sure you have a backup ready to go or else you'll be waiting a few hours for a recharge while your driveway is 75% clear.
- Nate Says: My cordless electric snowblower works great as long as I have my rechargeable batteries ready to go and the snow is less than a foot.
Gas-Powered Snowblowers
PowerSmart offers 9 models of gas snowblower. They range from a budget-friendly 21" snowblower with a 212cc engine all the up to a 26" 250cc self-propelled snowblower with a Briggs & Stratton engine
- Pros: Gas snowblowers will generally be more powerful than electric. More power = more snow blown. You also won't need to worry about lugging around an extension cord or recharging batteries. As long as you have gas you're good to go!
- Cons: Unfortunately, more power = more price: A gas snowblower will be your most expensive option. You'll also want to ensure you keep a filled gas can or 2 ready to go or else you'll have a trip to the gas station during a snowstorm in your future.
- Nate Says: If you live in an area where you get serious snow or you want to be the hero of the cul-de-sac, get yourself a gas snowblower.