We tested and reviewed the Certified 13.5 A electric snow blower 18 in available from Canadian Tire and other stores in Canada.
Considering this was the cheapest snow blower we could find, (except for a slightly cheaper one on Amazon), we were pleased and even surprised with the performance.
Certified 13.5 amp Electric Corded Snow Blower 18 in
CanadianTire.caThe Certified 13.5-Amp Electric Corded Snowblower is a lightweight and efficient snowblower designed to effortlessly clear snow from your yard or driveway. It starts easily, runs smoothly even through heavy snow, and is easy to maintain. This Certified snowblower is perfect for tough winter days and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Here’s what we like about it:
- Ideal for quick snow removal on mid-sized driveways and sidewalks
- 13.5A Electric Snowblower with a powerful motor
- Can move up to 650 lbs (295 kg) of snow per minute
- Electric motor for effortless starting and maintenance
- No need for gas, oil, or tune-ups
- Sturdy steel and rubber auger clears an 18″ (45.7 cm) wide by 10″ (25.4 cm) deep path through snow
- The adjustable directional snow chute can rotate 180 degrees and ejects snow up to 25′ (7.6 m) away
- The compact wheels are designed for easy maneuverability in winter conditions
And what we didn’t like about it:
- handle height seemed too low for a 6 foot tall operator which caused us to tip the machine back which made the machine leave a layer of snow behind
- the machine shakes when trying to chew through packed snow, and that caused the chute control handle to lose a screw. It was easily fixed, but the machine doesn’t do well if you drive on the snow first.
- It has a headlight but the light is too dim and too low – it’s dim light quickly gets covered with snow
Limitations and Features
When it comes to purchasing a snow blower, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important factors is your budget. While corded snow blowers tend to be more affordable than their gas-powered counterparts, you may still be wondering if a budget corded snow blower is worth it.
One of the biggest advantages of an electric snow blower is their affordability. Corded snow blowers tend to be less expensive than gas-powered models, and they’re cheaper than cordless snow blowers because they don’t have any expensive batteries.
Electric snow blowers are generally easier to maintain than gas-powered models, as they don’t require oil changes or spark plug replacements. They’re also quieter and more environmentally friendly.
One of the biggest drawbacks of corded snow blowers is that they require an electrical outlet to operate, which can limit your mobility. Plus you have to watch out for the cord and keep maneuvering it as you clear a large space.
Corded snowblower models may not be as powerful as gas-powered models, which can make them less effective in heavy snowfall.
When it comes to removing snow from your driveway or sidewalk, a corded snow blower can be a great option for those on a budget. Here’s some typical features and limitations of an electric plug-in snowblower.
Technology and Mechanism
Budget corded snow blowers are powered by an electric motor that is connected to a power outlet using a cord. The motor powers an auger, which is responsible for scooping up the snow and throwing it out of the chute. Some models also have an impeller, which helps to throw the snow farther. These are called 2-stage snow blowers. And technically, 1 stage snow blowers are actually called “snow throwers” since they just throw the snow, they don’t blow it with an impeller.
Typical Features and Limitations
Corded snow blowers typically have a clearing width of around 18-20 inches, which is suitable for smaller driveways and sidewalks. They also have a clearing depth of around 8-10 inches, which is sufficient for most snowfalls.
However, they may struggle with wet or heavy snow, or like in the pictures above, the Certified 18 inch snow blower managed, but it was slow going in snow that was 12 inches deep.
Certified 13.5 amp Electric Corded Snow Blower 18 in
CanadianTire.caIf you know that this snow blower machine can't clear deep heavy snow in a single pass, you won't be disappointed. Smaller snowfalls are quick and easy, and 12 inches of snow can be cleared, just be prepared to push harder on the machine and take 2 passes at it.
Is a corded snow blower worth it?
One of the main selling points of budget corded snow blowers is their affordability. Budget corded snow blowers can be found for as little as $200, making them a great option for those on a tight budget.
There are power snow shovels that are even cheaper, but they have no ability to direct where to put the snow – the simply keep pushing it in front.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance and repair costs are important to consider when purchasing any machine, including a snow blower. Corded snow blowers have fewer parts than gas-powered models, which means there are fewer things that can go wrong. Really the only maintenance needed is cleaning the machine and lubricating the auger bearings (depending on the model).
We did find with the Certified 13.5 A electric snowblower that when working on hard pack snow, the machine can shake around and some of the screws holding the chute-direction lever fell out. Luckily we saw it happen and found the screws.
Make sure to tighten, and check and retighten all bolts and screws on the machine regularly to make sure the electric corded snowblower stays in good working order.
Energy Efficiency
Corded snow blowers are more energy-efficient than gas-powered models. They are powered by electricity, which is generally cheaper than gasoline. This means that operating a corded snow blower will cost less in the long run than operating a gas-powered model.
Corded snow blowers are also quieter and don’t have any exhaust fumes to worry about.
Performance Evaluation
Performance ratings for snow blowers has to consider the clearing capacity and power, durability and build quality, and ease of use.
Clearing Capacity and Power
The Certified 13.5 amp snowblower is rated to clear 10 inch deep snow. That’s how tall the intake chute is on the front of the machine. We have 12 inches of snow, so we were definitely pushing the limits. Even still, we were able to push the machine through the deep snow.
It seemed to work best to allow the snow blower to ride up on the snow a little bit and then take a second pass over the remaining snow.
One of the most important aspects of a snow blower is its ability to clear snow effectively. Budget corded snow blowers typically have lower clearing capacities and power than their more expensive counterparts. However, this does not mean that they are not effective at clearing snow. In fact, many budget corded snow blowers are capable of clearing moderate amounts of snow with ease.
When considering the clearing capacity and power of a budget corded snow blower, it is important to take into account the size of the area you need to clear. If you have a small driveway or walkway, a smaller, cheaper, corded snow blower may be sufficient.
If you have a large area to clear or live in an area with heavy snowfall, you may want to consider a more powerful (and more expensive) snow blower.
Durability and Build Quality
While a budget machine may not be as durable or well-built as more expensive models, many are still capable of lasting for several years with proper maintenance.
Look for features such as sturdy construction, high-quality materials, and a solid warranty. We like that the Certified 13.5 amp snowblower comes from Canadian Tire which makes it easy if we need to take it back for a warranty claim.
Ease of Use
Budget snow blowers are typically designed to be easy to use and operate, with simple controls and intuitive designs. Actually, the cheap snowblowers really only have an on and off switch.
Consider features such as adjustable handles, easy-to-use controls, and lightweight construction. That’s one of the main complaints we have about the Certified snow blowing machine is that the handle is quite low.
Compare to Cordless Snow Blowers and Gas-Powered Options
Compared to cordless and gas-powered options, a cheaper corded snow blower may have limitations in terms of mobility and convenience.
Cordless snow blowers offer the convenience of not having to deal with cords and the freedom to move around without being tethered to an outlet.
Gas-powered snow blowers offer even more mobility and can handle heavy snowfalls with ease without worrying about draining the battery.
What will you be using the snow blower for?
Residential vs. Commercial Use
Will the snow blower be used for residential or commercial purposes? If you have a small driveway or walkway, a budget corded snow blower is more than sufficient for residential use. However, if you have a larger area to clear or need to use the snow blower frequently for commercial purposes, a more powerful gas-powered snow blower may be a better investment.
Frequency and Volume of Snowfall
Another important consideration is the frequency and volume of snowfall in your area. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, an electric snow blower may not be powerful enough to handle the job. In this case, a more powerful snow blower may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using a corded electric snow blower?
Corded electric snow blowers are an excellent option for those who want an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to gas-powered models. They are easy to use, require little maintenance, and are often quieter than gas-powered snow blowers. Additionally, corded electric snow blowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for clearing small to medium-sized areas with moderate snowfall.
How does a budget corded snow blower perform compared to more expensive models?
Budget corded snow blowers can perform just as well as their more expensive counterparts, depending on the specific model. While more expensive models may have additional features or more powerful motors, budget corded snow blowers can still effectively clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas. It’s important to consider your specific needs and the amount of snowfall in your area when choosing a corded snow blower, as this will help you determine whether a budget model will suffice.
What should consumers look for when choosing the best corded snow blower for their needs?
When choosing a corded snow blower, consumers should consider factors such as the size of the area to be cleared, the amount of snowfall in their area, and the specific features they require. Some important features to look for include adjustable height and direction of the snow chute, a clearing width that matches the size of the area to be cleared, and a powerful motor that can handle the amount of snowfall in your area.
Can a corded electric snow blower handle heavy snowfall effectively?
Corded electric snow blowers can handle moderate to heavy snowfall, but their effectiveness will depend on the specific model and the amount of snowfall in your area. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you may want to consider a more powerful corded snow blower or a gas-powered model.
What are the maintenance requirements for a corded snow blower?
Corded snow blowers require little maintenance beyond regular cleaning and occasional blade sharpening. It’s important to store your snow blower in a dry place when not in use to prevent rust and other damage. Additionally, you should inspect your snow blower before each use to ensure that all parts are in good working order.
How do corded snow blowers compare to their gas-powered counterparts in terms of environmental impact?
Corded snow blowers are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than gas-powered models, as they do not produce harmful emissions or require the use of gasoline or oil. However, it’s important to note that corded snow blowers still require electricity to operate, which may come from non-renewable sources such as coal or natural gas. Additionally, the manufacturing and disposal of corded snow blowers can also have environmental impacts.