I’ve Used Gas Snow Blowers for Decades—This Ryobi Electric One Finally Changed My Mind

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A close shave can happen anywhere. Your SUV almost slides into a snowbank in winter, a new pair of boots lose their grip for a second on a trail. As long as there are no broken fenders or broken bones, right? Of course, there’s also the “good kind” of close shave, starting with your razor in the morning. Recently, I tested out the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Single-Stage Auger-Propelled Snow Blower and it gave the snow in my driveway a close shave as well, even after multiple snowstorms. The biggest surprise? That I’m ready to ditch the massive gas-powered models I know and love.

What It Is

The powerful battery-powered Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower uses two 40-volt batteries and lasts for about 25 parking spaces of use. Some lower-end models from companies like Snow Joe only use 20-volt or 24-volt batteries, so they are not as powerful. It means there’s plenty of kick to the motor, enough that the Ryobi 40V can throw the thick stuff about 35 feet when some models are rated at only a 20-feet throw distance. At 21-inches wide, the Ryobi 40V can’t match the typical width of two-stage models at 24 inches or 30 inches. With a rated snow clearing depth of 11.5 inches, this model is still a beast. Some battery-powered blowers are rated for only 8 inches of snow or even less for the “snow shovel” models.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower Overall Impressions

I will admit to being incredulous at first. Here’s my issue: I’ve used gas-powered snow blowers for years and years, including an Ahrens model that lived long beyond its shelf life. I’ve also tested several corded electric models that were not up to snuff. Some gas-engine models from Honda and Toro are so bulletproof you might get tired of the color red before they finally keel over. I want power, durability, and efficiency—not some fancy battery pack thrower that will ruin my day. That’s why I shoved off into the snow on my first test wondering if the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower wouldn’t even make it to the end of my driveway,

I was shocked when the snow blower easily cleared about 10 inches of hard packed snow. Then, it kept working—clearing snow even after the snow plow had passed by. Each trip down my driveway, I whispered to myself: “OK, this is a beefy machine.” At night, snowblowing at a neighbor's house after another snowstorm, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower turned on a front-mounted light automatically and I kept on plowing. I was sold so far.

Key Features

It took about three or four snowstorms to convince me that the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower really doesn’t force you to compromise. Ryobi told me the blower can compare favorably to a 208cc gas snow blower (which typically run around 200cc to 300cc). A governor on the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower also throttled down the motor to make sure I could keep chugging as I worked to clear a path to my mailbox.

Another key feature has to do with the chute. My Ahrens machine lets you rotate the chute easily enough, but you feel like you can count snowflakes falling while you turn, turn, turn the crank. The Ryobi 40V has a lever you pull or push to rotate the chute left or right—it takes about one second. I also loved how the two 40V batteries charged up in only about an hour or so per battery using the included single-slot charging station. I do prefer how a smaller model like the Snow Joe 48-Volt IonMax Snow Blower can charge two batteries at once, though.

Another perk has to do with the auger. Many gas-powered snow blowers can provide power to the wheels to make snow clearing easier and faster. You don’t have to push as hard. The Ryobi 40V accomplishes the same goal but the auger itself is what helps the unit move forward. While this is a single-stage model (e.g., the auger discharges the snow but there isn’t a “second stage” impeller fan to push snow through the chute), it still worked like a charm. My only gripe is the weight. At 60 pounds, it was a little heavy lifting up into the back of my Subaru.

Pros

• Lasted for two snowstorms and then some
• Self-propelled by using the auger
• Quick church rotation using a handle

Cons

• A little heavy compared to electric snow shovels

Final Verdict

I became a true believer after testing the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Snow Blower. I honestly thought the snow blower would crap out during heavier snowfalls and I would go right back to gas-powered machines. The throw distance is just as good as any two-stage model, and I never had any problems getting stuck or the snow getting impacted. I highly recommend this model because it has more power from the two 40V batteries compared to competing models.

Why You Should Trust Me

I live in Minnesota. Enough said, right? Situated in the frozen winterland up here and amid the harsh temps, I’ve been testing winter gear since 2001—everything from cross-country skis and gloves to snow shovels and winter tents. There’s a whole different level of testing required when it comes to cold weather gear. Winter can bring out the worst in any product. Does the battery-powered gear start every time? Will it last more than one season? Is it made of cheap plastic that will crack? I’ve made it a mission to find out. I’ve also tested 10,000 products over the years including multiple snow blowers (both battery-powered and gas-powered).