This is the our third electric thrower, the least expensive, and by far the best. For around $100, give or take, it is tough to beat for value. In southeast Michigan, we typically get about 3-6 decent sized snow blasts per year. Since purchased in 2017, it is probably on about its 12th or more tour of snow duty and does the job as well as it did the first day. It feels like it might be flimsy and cheap, but in real snow clearing scenarios, this thing has been a champ - no loose clips, bolts, or other parts - no broken blades or cracked plastic. With proper care, seems suitably durable. Best for light snows topping at about 3"-4", but can handle heavier snows up to maybe 6"-7". Snow depth can be managed with more frequent passes - clear the snow before it gets too deep. For deeper snows, take shorter bites - not the entire width of the auger mechanism, but 1/4 to 1/2 the width to allow snow to collapse into the auger mechanism. Overall very pleased with this model. I don't hand out five star reviews very often, but dollars to productivity/usefulness, this has been an excellent purchase and has saved a lot of work.
Pros
- Relatively powerful
- Surprisingly durable - probably won't take a lot of abuse, but with proper care has held up well since late 2017; looks/works like new
- Cuts a reasonably wide swath for an inexpensive electric blower
- Cuts fairly deep for an inexpensive electric blower
- Depending on snow type, can throw up to 20', as advertised
- Very lightweight and highly maneuverable
- Good thoughtful, design - even a nice touch with a tension relief hook for the power cord (which probably cost all of 10 cents to add to the model, but helps tremendously); handle on top of the motor for lifting and moving; crank/chute works well - easier to adjust chute trajectory than models with turn screws to tighten (feels a bit flimsy, but does hold up okay, though)
- VERY low maintenance - no gas to purchase and store; no oil required; no spark plugs; no exhaust smell in clothes when the job is done; quieter than gas models
Cons
- Chute is a bit flimsy, but is actually easier to angle than chutes with turn screws
- Requires additional care/caution for sticks, stones, and sidewalk cracks as compared with most gas powered or larger electric models
- Cord management can be a challenge, but usually easily managed with a sturdy power cable and a little practice.
- Proper extension cords are required. Thick, all-weather/winter cables, rated at 15 amp or better are highly recommended, so figure this into your final cost. Do not use with low amperage cords.
- Will not handle heavier snows at increased depths. Best to manage how much you need to clear and when, using multiple passes as necessary; not recommended for ice or re-frozen snow at all - this is an invitation to damaging the blower
Other Notes
- Ignore one star reviews that are based on damage during delivery, which is something Amazon and Wen have very little ability to resolve. Check out reviews about actual operation.
- Has a safety-start mechanism, press the button and pull the thin, lower handle up to start. Very easy.
- Bright orange color may be a plus for visibility
- Noise is comparable to loud vacuum cleaner
- Not difficult to assemble, but about average difficulty for this type of thing
- If you live in an area with extended cold spells, remember to dust snow off after a job is complete; this prevents refreezing and potentially impairing the chute's ability to turn when used the next time
- Worth considering a water-tight cord lock for where the extension connects to the blower or where additional extension cords are connected together.
https://smile.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-CC-2-Connect-Water-Tight/dp/B002MHFXS8/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=winter+power+cord&qid=1613489583&sr=8-9
WEN 20V Max 12-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel with 5Ah Battery and Charger (20720)
4.3
| 1,606 ratingsPrice: 116.57
Last update: 12-13-2024
About this item
Perfect for clearing decks, patios, sidewalks, and steps with minimal effort
Adjustable onboard vanes let you direct snow wherever you like, up to 20 feet away
Dual-handle cordless design eliminates fatigue and maximizes portability
5.0 amp-hour lithium-ion battery with onboard LED charge gauge delivers consistent power at any charge level, and is compatible with the entire WEN 20V Max Cordless Power Tool series
Includes an auxiliary handle, a scraper bar, a 5.0Ah battery, a charger, and a two-year warranty
Adjustable onboard vanes let you direct snow wherever you like, up to 20 feet away
Dual-handle cordless design eliminates fatigue and maximizes portability
5.0 amp-hour lithium-ion battery with onboard LED charge gauge delivers consistent power at any charge level, and is compatible with the entire WEN 20V Max Cordless Power Tool series
Includes an auxiliary handle, a scraper bar, a 5.0Ah battery, a charger, and a two-year warranty
Product information
Brand | WEN |
---|---|
Power Source | Battery Powered |
Color | Black |
Maximum Throw Distance | 20 Feet |
Voltage | 2E+1 Volts |
UPC | 044459207207 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00044459207207 |
Product Dimensions | 39 x 12.9 x 40.6 inches |
Item Weight | 14.62 pounds |
Manufacturer | WEN |
ASIN | B0CMR6W8XC |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | 20720 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
1,600 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #22,413 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #3 in Snow Shovels |