EmailBest Reviewed
Snow Blowers
- Electric power shovel Toro Power Shovel *Est. $110
- Single-stage electric snow blower Toro 1800 Power Curve *Est. $330
- Single-stage gas snow blower Toro Power Clear 210R 38587 *Est. $580
- Budget two-stage gas snow blower Craftsman 88957 *Est. $600
- Powerful two-stage gas snow blower Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP 31AH55Q5711 *Est. $1100
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Electric power shovel
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Eco-friendly
- Effective only in light snow
- Power cord can be cumbersome
- Can't direct snow off to the side
If you just need to clear light snow off a sidewalk, porch or deck, reviews suggest the electric Toro Power Shovel. It has no wheels, but you won't have to bend or lift as you would with a traditional manual shovel. The Toro Power Shovel incorporates an electric auger that shoots snow forward. The Power Shovel clears a path 12 inches wide, and can throw the snow up to 20 feet. If you flip it over and change the rotor, it converts into a broom, which can be used to clear leaves, dirt and other debris. If you don't mind dealing with a cord but want more power, wheels and a wider clearing path, reviews say the Toro Power Curve 1800 (*Est. $335) will better meet your needs.
ConsumerReports.org includes the Toro Power Shovel in its latest ratings, which subscribers can access online. We found over 110 owner reviews for the Toro Power Shovel at Amazon.com and about 20 at Epinions.com; they are overwhelmingly positive. It's not clear whether ConsumerGuide.com did any hands-on testing, but its editors give a Budget Buy award to the Toro Power Shovel. SnowBlowersDirect.com reviews the Power Shovel, and offers owner reviews as well.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Toro Power Shovel is one of four electric snow blowers tested by ConsumerReports.org for its latest set of snow blower. Subscribers have full access to this report; otherwise, an overview and a few other general-information pages are free online and worth a look.
Review: Snow Blowers Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Oct. 2009
2. Amazon.com
More than 110 owner reviews at Amazon.com give the Toro Power Shovel a very high average score, with just a handful of negative ratings, most of those complaining that the snow can be directed only one way -- forward.
Review: Toro 38361 Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower, Contributors to Amazon.com
It's unclear whether this review is based on hands-on use, but the Toro Power Shovel gets a Budget Buy award from ConsumerGuide.com with the note that it will be a bargain only if you're dealing with light snow.
Review: Expert Review: Toro Power Shovel Plus 38361, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Oct. 1, 2007
4. Epinions.com
About 20 Epinions user reviews give the Toro Power Shovel a good average score. Even positive reviews say that it's not meant for heavy snow and that the cord gets in the way, although a dissenter notes, "If you can vacuum without running over the cord, you can do this."
Review: Toro Electric Power Shovel, Contributors to Epinions.com
The editors of this online retail site review the Toro Power Shovel and provide a look at a video review done by Better Homes and Gardens. A few owners also offer positive reviews of the Power Shovel.
Review: Toro Power Shovel Electric (12") 7.5-Amp Snow Blower, Editors of and contributors to Snow Blowers Direct
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