Snow Blowers

Snow Joe iON18SB snow blower

This battery-powered Snow Joe has an 18-inch clearing width and comes with electric start. It also has a headlight.

About

The Snow Joe iON18SB is part of the Snow Blower test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Snow Blower models like the iON18SB are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Predicted reliability: Predicted brand reliability icons are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased single-stage battery snow blowers, not under service contract, within the first four years of ownership.

Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their single-stage battery snow blower to their friends and family.

Width: The snow blower's clearing width, or swath, in inches.

Results in the following chart are gathered from Consumer Reports’ 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys of 913 single-stage battery snow blowers, owned by members who purchased a new machine between 2013 and 2019.

Our predicted brand reliability ratings are based on a statistical model that estimates problem rates within the first 4 years of ownership, for single-stage battery snow blowers that are not covered by an extended warranty or service contract. We also adjust for the number of hours of use during the winter of 2018/2019. The median in our survey was 5 hours. Higher ratings are indicative of better reliability. Brands receiving a red or orange rating cannot be recommended by CR at this time.

Our owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their single-stage battery snow blower brand to friends and family.

Predicted Reliability

EGO
GreenWorks
Snow Joe

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Owner Satisfaction

EGO
GreenWorks
Snow Joe

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Specs

Engine size Engine size For battery powered snow blowers - voltage of the battery is displayed.
40-volt
Electric start Electric start Most models offer a plug-in starting device that saves you the hassle of pull-starting the engine, but you need to be near an outlet.
Yes
Multiple speeds Multiple speeds For two-stage models, most come with multiple forward speeds and two reverse speeds. The ability to vary ground speed according to snow conditions gets the job done faster. Some of the least expensive two-stage models have only one forward speed.
No
Single hand controls Single hand controls Most two-stage models have individual lever controls on each side of the handlebar: one engaging the wheel traction, and the other for engaging the auger/impeller. This feature lets you hold down both control levers with one hand, leaving the other hand free to adjust the chute controls.
Yes
Freewheel steering Freewheel steering For two-stage models, this feature--which usually consists of triggers under each handlebar--disengages either or both the left and right drive wheels for easy, sharp turning.
No
Single lever chute adjustment Single lever chute adjustment Only on two-stage models, a single lever or "joystick" on the control panel allows for quick changes to the horizontal discharge direction (the alternative is a hand crank) and to the vertical discharge height (the alternative is leaving the operator position and adjusting manually), all with a single lever.
No
Headlight Headlight Eases snow throwing at night or in low-light situations.
Yes
Heated handgrips Heated handgrips While they're inessential and don't replace a good pair of gloves, they're handy for keeping up blood circulation in your hands.
No
Warranty (yrs.) Warranty Manufacturer's stated warranty in years of coverage. In most cases it applies only to consumer use and not commercial use.
2
Engine type Engine type Either a gasoline-powered, four-cycle engine; a gasoline-powered, two-cycle engine (now rare), or an electric motor. All electric motors are 120V AC-powered.
Single-stage electric snow blowers