Updated: Jan. 11, 2024
With the Snow Joe iON+ Cordless snow blower, you might actually look forward to clearing the driveway.
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If you’ve never heard of Snow Joe or never used a battery-operatedsnow blower, let us introduce you to the long-lasting, easy-to-handle, whisper quiet and environmentally safeSnow Joe iON+ cordless snow blower. In this Snow Joe review, I go over everything you need to know about investing in this gas-free machine.
The biggest benefit ofelectric snow blowers? No more priming balls or pull cords. Just plug in the charged battery, and removing snow from the driveway on your own is as easy as pushing a button.
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What is the Snow Joe iON+ Cordless Snow Blower?
Basically, it’s asnowblower that runs on batteries instead of gasoline. The package, dropped right at your doorstep, includes the machine, two beefy 24-volt batteries, a charger, a chute clean-out tool and a cover. (There are other versions available, from the basic tool itself to packages with two 4.0 Ah batteries or 5.0 amp-hour (Ah) batteries.) Some assembly is required, and Snow Joe offers terrific walk-through videos on YouTube that make putting it together a snap.
Once assembled, the machine is surprisingly compact and lightweight. According to the website, it can clear a path 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep. . The on/off lever seems a little frail, but the rest of the machine appears sturdy and well-built. The heavy-duty rubber-tipped steel auger and the LED headlight are welcome components, and the batteries plug in and charge rapidly.
Snow Joe iON+ Cordless Snow Blower Product Features
TMB Studio
The Snow Joe Cordless snowblower, with its powerful 1,200-watt brushless motor, easily plunged through fresh snow up to 10 inches deep! The two long-lasting 24-volt batteries allowed me to clear my 20-foot driveway and a couple hundred feet of sidewalk with battery power to spare.
Because of its lightweight design (just 12 pounds), the unit wants to ride an inch or so off the concrete while in use. I had to apply a fair amount of pressure to ensure the snowblower cleared the snow down to the pavement. Additionally, the small, lightweight design of the Snow Joe makes it ideal for older people to handle. And it’s easily transportable upstairs to clear your deck, or in the back of a car to help dig out a friend or family member.
Another wonderful feature of the Snow Joe: It’s really, really quiet. As an early riser, I loved clearing my entire driveway and sidewalk without waking a neighbor!
How We Tested theSnow Joe iON+ Cordless Snow Blower
We tested the SnowJoe in threemid-winter Upper Midwestsnowstorms, ranging in depth from three to 10 inches. We cleared hundreds ofsquarefeet ofsidewalks,driveways,patiosand even elevatedwood decks.
While testing, we also played with feed rate as we pushed thesnowblowerthrough the snow. We noticed ifpushed tooquickly, especially in heavier, wettersnow, the SnowJoe would cut off power.This took a lot to make itdo that and didn’t happen often.To restart, we pulled the machine back,pushed thepower buttonand went right back to work.
We tested this snowblower over manyweeks and in all types of snow. As long as we monitored the feed rate, we never experienceda hiccup or problem.The burly batteries charge quickly and give continuous power,while itsheavy-dutysteel auger andstout brushless motor suggestlong-lastingdurability.
Pros
- All-in-one kit is a great value
- Includes several accessories
- High-power performance
- Long-lasting durability
- Easy to use
- Only weighs 12 pounds
- Compact
Cons
- May not be suited for clearing large areas with continual, deep snowfall
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for something easy to use,mobile,quiet and maintenance free,the SnowJoe iON+ Cordless Snowblower is a terrific additionto your wintertoolcollection.Granted, if you live where you regularly get snowfalls of a foot or more, I don’t know if the Snow Joe can handle ALLyour snowclearing needs. But it definitely can handle most ofthem.
The ease of operation and the lack ofmaintenance(electric snow blowers have nofluids to be changed or smallpartsto be cleaned)make the SnowJoe Cordless snow blower a true user-friendly machine.Just cover it when not in use and store in a dry place.
Why You Should Trust Us
Family Handyman’s senior editor,Ethan O’Donnell, is an expert woodworker and certified machine operator. He tested the Snow Joe iON+ cordless snow blower with our team of product testers in order to deliver a rigorous and honest review. O’Donnell and our testing team used the snow blower in three mid-winter snowstorms, ranging in snow depths of 3 to 10 inches. They cleared hundreds of square feet of outdoor space while testing the snow blower at different speeds and in different snow types. As long as the testing team monitored the feed rate, there was never a hiccup.
Where to Buy the Snow Joe iON+ Cordless Snow Blower
VIA MERCHANT
Snow Joe’s line of winter products are availablefrom lots of retailers, includingLowe’s,WalmartandAmazon. The bundlewe tested isonly availableatsnowjoe.com.
FAQs
How long do Snow Joe snow blowers last?
The duration of the battery in a Snow Joe snow blower depends on usage. Heavy, deep snow makes the machine work harder, wearing out the battery quicker. On average, Snow Joe snow blower batteries last anywhere from 30-45 minutes while clearing light, fluffy snow and a little less for heavy, wet snow.
Snow Joe snow blowers with a 40-volt 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery typically last about an hour when fully charged.
Can Snow Joe handle heavy snow?
The Snow Joe iON+ cordless snow blower can easily handle up to 10 tons of snow on a single charge. Because the 1200-watt brushless motor clears an 18-inch wide by 10-inch deep path in a single pass, it’s perfectly suited for deep snowfall. A scraper bar at the base rips packed snow away from the sidewalk, so moving heavy snow is easier than most electric models.
What is the life expectancy of a snowblower?
Electric snow blowers like those from Snow Joe last anywhere from 5-15 years with proper maintenance. Luckily, investing in an electric snow blower (like the one featured in this Snow Joe review) means never having to worry about servicing small parts or changing oil.
Is a cordless snow blower worth it?
Yes, battery-powered snow blowers are typically powerful enough to clear snow from large areas without any issues, which is what our product testing team found to be the case with the Snow Joe iON+ cordless snow blower. Plus, with an electric snow blower, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of a cord or finding a plug-in for electricity.
