Snow blowers can be great tools to help you clear your path easily and comfortably. However, shoveling snow is a strenuous activity that has been linked to heart attacks in older adults. Therefore, finding a lightweight snow blower, that’s easy to use, and maneuver is more crucial than ever.
This article looks at the best snow blowers for the elderly to help you reclaim your yard this winter. Our seven best are:
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You may be also interested in other great gardening tools for seniors.
7 Best Snow Blowers for the Elderly: Reviews
1. Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower – Best Snow Blower For Seniors Overall
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Snow Joe is a reputable brand in this industry and this SJ627E model is one of the best for seniors in our view.
It can move up to 840 pounds per minute, clearing a path up to 22-inches wide by 13-inches deep. Excellent for quick clearing and for those who live in regions with higher snowfall. The 180-degree rotating chute can eject snow up to 25 feet away.
This single-stage machine features a durable scraper bar to clear the snow close to the ground to prevent damage to your yard. The SJ627E is an electric machine, so it’s low maintenance, but the cord restricts the distance it can clear.
This snow thrower weighs just 35-pounds, and the base of the unit is incredibly compact, making it easy to store. This is great for seniors who live in small spaces.
For safe nighttime snow removal, it features dual integrated LED headlights to light the way. The SJ627E model is easy to maneuver, surprisingly powerful, and straightforward to use.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver.
- Compact.
- Integrated LED lights.
- Lightweight.
- Excellent clearing range.
- Low-maintenance.
Cons
- Cord restricts distance.
2. Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower – Best Affordable Snow Blower For Seniors
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If you are tight on a budget and want to find one that is cost-effective, then this product would be a sensible choice.
The Snow Joe SJ625E can shift up to 800 pounds of snow per minute with its powerful 15-amp engine. This single-stage electric unit is corded, giving it the advantage of limitless runtime but the hassle of limited coverage. The dual blade steel auger has a 21-inch wide by 12-inch deep plowing capacity.
It’s a lightweight machine that’s great value for money. This unit also features an integrated LED light on the handlebar for night-time snow clearance.
The discharge chute on the Snow Joe rotates 180 degrees allowing you to control the direction of the expelled snow. This unit has easy-glide wheels that make it highly maneuverable even for seniors with relatively weak hands.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Integrated LED light.
- Affordable
- Easy to maintain.
Cons
- Corded power supply.
3. Snow Joe SJ623E Snow Blower – Best Easy To Use Snow Blower For Elderly
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The Snow Joe SJ623E is a lightweight, single-stage electric snow blower that won’t break the bank. The electric motor means no need to refill with gas, no oil required, and low maintenance. However, the power cord can limit your reach and occasionally get in the way.
The durable 4-blade auger is constructed of heavy-grade steel and capable of cutting 18-inches wide by 10-inches deep into the snow. Easy-glide wheels make the Snow Joe extremely easy to steer and maneuver.
The auger scrapes the snow from the ground without damaging the surface. The discharge chute is adjustable by 180 degrees with the ability to throw snow up to 25 feet in the direction you choose. The integrated headlights are an excellent feature, great if you live in an area with short winter days.
Pros
- Easy to store.
- Low maintenance.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
- Integrated headlights.
Cons
- Corded power supply.
4. Greenworks Pro 20 Inch Snow Blower – Most Compact Snow Blower For Older Adults
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The Greenworks Pro is a single-stage battery-powered machine with a 45 minute run time. It comes with a rapid charger that will have you up and running in no time. Clears snow at a 20-inch width by 10-inch depth, with an adjustable chute that can discharge snow up to 20-feet away.
This snow blower is compact and easy to store due to convenient folding handles. The Greenworks Pro is lightweight and easy to maneuver with no cord restrictions. Two integrated LED lights make it easy to plow snow at night.
The unit is easy to assemble, and you’ll be ready to go in no time.
Pros
- Rapid Charger.
- Cordless.
- Integrated lights.
- Easy assembly.
- Compact.
Cons
- Expensive.
5. EGO Power+ SNT2102 Cordless Snow Blower – Easiest to Carry Snow Blower For Seniors
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The EGO Power+ snowblower is a single-stage, cordless battery-powered machine that claims to be as powerful as a gas model. This unit can clear a 21-inch width at an 8-inch depth and throw the snow 35-feet in your chosen direction.
This unit is the lightest on our list; weighing only 25-pounds, it’s effortless to carry. Seniors with limited upper body strength will love it.
However, the base is a little bulky compared to others on our list, but the handle is foldable for easy storage. This kit includes two batteries needed to run the machine combined and a rapid charger, excellent for unexpected snowfall.
The integrated headlights make clearing snow a breeze on those dark days or snowy nights. The EGO Power+ isn’t the most affordable, and although the machine’s features are attractive, the price may put some people off.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Quick charging.
- Integrated headlights.
- Cordless
Cons
- Expensive.
- Bulky.
6. PowerSmart PSSAM24 2-Stage Snow Blower – Most Resistant Snow Blower
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The PowerSmart PSSAM24 is a dual-stage snow-blower, meaning is capable of running on multiple surfaces. It can clear 24-inch wide by a 20-inch deep path in one go. It’s fantastic if you live in a heavy snowfall region.
This snow-blower isn’t the lightest option weighing in at 143-pounds. However, the unit is self-propelling; the drive system provides 6-forward and 2-backward speed variations to help you maneuver it. It’s also surprisingly compact, but taller users have claimed the handlebar is a little low.
Although this machine is gasoline-powered, it has an electric start button that makes it easier to start than the pull cord. The tires have a deep tread that keeps you safe on slippery terrain. The anti-rust exterior makes this machine incredibly resistant to the harsh winters some may experience.
Pros
- Self-propelling.
- Suitable for heavy snowfall.
- Electric start button.
- Compact.
- Deep tire tread.
- Rust resistant.
Cons
- High-maintenance.
- Heavy.
- Low handlebar.
7. Snow Joe SB18 Cordless Snow Blower – Best Snow Blower for Elderly Women
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The Snow Joe Snow Blower SB18 is a single-stage, cordless battery-powered snow-blower with a 40 minute run time. However, some consumers have said that this is an overestimate.
The rubber-tipped steel blade auger clears a path 18-inch wide by 10-inch deep, plowing through 700-pounds per minute. Snow can be placed wherever you want it, with the 180-degree adjustable chute.
This unit is lightweight and easy to store. It’s also simple to care for, great for men and women who don’t necessarily want the hassle of maintaining a machine. For safer nighttime snow clearing, this snowblower is equipped with an LED headlight. It also features a scraper bar that helps clear right down to the ground without damaging the surface.
Pros
- Cordless.
- Integrated headlights.
- Lightweight.
- Compact.
- Easy to maintain.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing A Snow-Blower
As we get older, we may need something that’s light, simple to maintain, and easy to maneuver. Saying this, not all seniors are the same, and some might love the challenge of maintaining a gas machine.
Here we will consider cost and whether you need a single-stage or dual-stage machine. We will also look at the power supply as this affects the machine’s size, weight, and maintenance. Finally, we will discuss ease of use.
Cost
The first thing we tend to consider when looking at any product is the price. Although the cost may be important and it’s great to find a bargain, cheap isn’t always the best option. Make sure you make your health and safety a number one priority. Look for a snowblower that will suit you in terms of your mobility and strength.
Single-Stage vs. Dual-Stage
There are two types of snow-blower we’re going to consider; single-stage and dual-stage. The single-stage and dual-stage snow blowers are great for residential purposes. Your decision will depend on the type of yard you have and the type of snowfall you have in your region.
Single-Stage
The single-stage snow blower has an individual auger that scrapes snow from the ground and expels it through the discharge chute. The scraping action of this machine makes it inappropriate for gravel surfaces.
This type of snow blower is suitable for light to moderate snowfall, handling a maximum of approximately 9-inches. A stage-one machine may not be appropriate if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall.
Single-stage snow blowers are the cheapest option, and they’re usually lighter and more compact than two-stage models. However, they can be difficult to push as they’re not self-propelled. While we may think that lightweight is the best option for elderly users, we should consider self-propelled options.
Dual-Stage
A dual-stage or two-stage snow blower lifts the snow from the surface without touching the ground. The absence of the scraping action makes it suitable for gravel and stone paths. The auger that lifts the snow shifts it to an impeller, which throws it out of the chute.
These are designed to tackle deeper snow and are appropriate for regions that suffer from heavy snowfall. A dual-stage machine can be challenging to maintain as they usually run on gasoline. They’re often heavier, which can make it challenging to get in and out of storage. However, once they’re running, they’re self-propelled.
Power Supply
There are three power sources to consider when looking for a suitable snow-blower; electric, gas and battery. When we look at the power supply, there are disadvantages and benefits to all three types. The power supply is a good indication of weight, cost, durability, maintenance, and size.
Electric and battery-powered snow blowers usually only come in single-stage models. They’re excellent at clearing small surfaces such as patios, small driveways, steps, and decks. However, they have a limited reach due to the cord length, and they struggle with wet and heavy snow.
Regardless, electric machines are much cheaper, quieter, and easier to maintain than gas models. Gas models need refilling and changes to oil, spark plugs, and air filters, among other things.
Gas snow blowers such as the PowerSmart PSSAM24 tend to be highly durable but heavy. Electric units like the Snow Joe SJ627E are light and compact, making them suitable for users who struggle to lift.
Battery models like the EGO Power+ SNT2102 are also lightweight, an excellent alternative for those who don’t want the hassle of a cord. However, you have to remember to keep the battery charged, and they can be temperamental in cold weather. Battery-powered units can also cost quite a bit more.
Ease of Use
It would be easy for me to say that seniors would benefit from electric or battery-powered snow-blowers because they’re lightweight. They’re also easy to maneuver and maintain.
However, the fact is, some elderly users are more than capable of using and maintaining a gas machine. You may also need one if you live in a region with heavy snowfall. This is for you to decide. Have a conversation with friends and family who can help you judge your capabilities. They may even lend you a hand when it comes to using your snow blower.
When you find a suitable snow blower, check out this video for some quick, easy tips on efficiently clearing the snow.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Snow Blower and a Snow Thrower?
A snow thrower is an alternative name for a single-stage machine.
What Type of Snow Blower Do I Need?
The type of snow blower you need depends on how much snowfall you tend to get and the kind of pathway you’re clearing.
You’d benefit from a dual-stage snow blower if snowfall in your region is often 10-inches or above or you have a gravel path.
Final Verdict
Our best overall is the Electric units like the Snow Joe SJ627E. This single-stage unit is small and mighty, clearing an incredible 22-inch by 13-inch path, a fantastic achievement for an electric machine. It’s extremely low maintenance, easy to use, and lightweight.
Our runner-up is the EGO Power+ SNT2102. This model is extremely lightweight. It has a folding handle for easy storage, and you’ll have no problem getting it in and out of your shed. The only regular maintenance you’ll need to do on this machine is to charge the batteries.
