Toro Power Shovel 38362 Review

My Honest Take on the Toro Power Shovel 38362 After a Winter of Use

Let me start by saying I was skeptical when I first unboxed the Toro Power Shovel 38362. I’ve spent years wrestling with a full size gas snow blower for my driveway, and the idea of a handheld electric shovel seemed almost like a toy. But after a particularly brutal winter where I needed something quick for the front steps and the walkway, I decided to give it a real shot. I’m an editor here at YardToolLab, and I test this stuff so you don’t have to guess. This is my full, honest review after using the Toro 38362 for several months, through light dustings, slushy messes, and a few surprising tests I put it through.

How I Tested It

I didn’t just clear one dusting and call it a day. I used the Toro Power Shovel 38362 in every situation my typical winter throws at me. My property has a mix of a concrete front walkway about 40 feet long, a set of six wooden steps, a small wooden deck, and a gravel side path. I also have a paved driveway that I normally hit with a gas two stage blower, but for this test, I intentionally used the Toro on the driveway edges and the area right around my car doors.

I tested it in the following conditions:

• Light, fluffy snow: 1 to 3 inches, the kind that blows around easily.
• Wet, heavy slush: The dreaded 4 inch slop that falls right around freezing.
• Packed, icy snow: A 2 inch layer that had been sitting for a day and started to crust over.
• Deep, fresh powder: I purposely tried it on an 8 inch drift that built up against my garage door.

I timed each session, noted how often I had to stop to clear the chute, and paid close attention to how my arms and back felt afterward. I also tested the cord management, because that’s a huge factor with any corded electric tool. I used a 100 foot, 14 gauge extension cord rated for outdoor use, which is what Toro recommends for this unit.

Performance: Where It Shines and Where It Stumbles

Let’s get right to the heart of it. The Toro Power Shovel 38362 is not a snow blower replacement. If you have a long driveway or get more than 6 inches of snow regularly, this tool will frustrate you. But for the jobs it was designed for, it performs surprisingly well.

On light, fluffy snow (1 to 3 inches): This is where the Toro 38362 feels like a magic wand. I cleared my entire 40 foot walkway in about four minutes. The single stage auger chewed through the powder and threw it a good 15 to 20 feet to the side. The one trigger operation is genuinely simple. You pull the trigger, it spins, and you walk. No priming, no choke, no gas smell. For those quick morning clears before work, this thing is a time saver. I didn’t even break a sweat.

On wet, heavy slush (4 inches): This was a tougher test. The Toro handled the first pass okay, but the wet snow started to clog the chute after about 10 feet. I had to stop and clear the plastic chute with a gloved hand. The auger kept spinning, but the discharge slowed to a dribble. It still cleared the path, but it took twice as long and required more effort. The lightweight design helped because I could tilt the shovel slightly to break up the clog, but it was not a smooth experience. For reference, my gas blower would have launched this slush across the street without a hiccup.

On packed, icy snow (2 inch crust): This was a mixed bag. The Toro’s auger is plastic, and it does not scrape aggressively. It did a decent job of skimming the top layer of the crust, but it left a thin, icy film on the concrete. If you need bare pavement, you will still need to use a traditional shovel or ice melt. For a quick pass to make the walkway safe to walk on, it was fine. The lack of a metal scraper bar is a noticeable omission, but it keeps the weight down.

On deep, fresh powder (8 inch drift): I knew this would be a stretch, and I was right. The Toro Power Shovel 38362 simply does not have the power or the intake height for deep snow. It tried to bite into the drift, but the auger bogged down immediately. I had to lift the shovel and take small, shallow scoops. It took me about 15 minutes to clear a 10 foot drift that my gas blower would have cleared in 30 seconds. This tool is not meant for this. Do not buy it expecting to handle a blizzard.

Cord management and mobility: The cord is the biggest practical issue. The Toro has a built in cord retainer that wraps around the handle, which helps prevent the cord from pulling out. But you are always tethered. I found myself constantly checking behind me to make sure the cord wasn’t dragging through the snow I just cleared or getting caught on bushes. On my walkway, it was manageable. On my deck, it was annoying. The 12 amp motor is decently powerful for its size, but you can feel it struggle if you push too fast or try to take too big a bite. The key is to walk at a steady, moderate pace.

Build Quality and Value

The Toro 38362 feels well built for what it is. The plastic housing is thick and durable, and the handle is comfortable with a soft grip. The trigger mechanism is sturdy and hasn’t shown any signs of wear. The auger is a single piece of molded plastic, which is a concern for longevity if you hit rocks or curbs. I accidentally scraped a concrete edge twice, and it left a small mark but no cracks. I would not recommend using this on gravel or uneven surfaces, because the plastic auger can catch and chip.

Storage is a huge plus. The unit is compact and lightweight at just over 13 pounds. I hang it on a hook in my garage, and it takes up less space than a standard snow shovel. The cord wraps neatly around the handle, and the whole thing is ready to go in seconds. There is no assembly required out of the box, which is rare for power equipment. Just attach the handle, plug it in, and go.

In terms of value, this is a niche tool. It is not cheap for what is essentially a powered shovel, but it is also far less expensive than a gas or even a high end battery powered snow blower. For homeowners who only need to clear a small porch, a few steps, or a short walkway, the price is reasonable. But if you need to clear a two car driveway, you will be disappointed. The value comes from the time saved on small, frequent clearing jobs, not from replacing your primary snow removal machine.

One thing I appreciate is the simplicity. There are no belts, no oil changes, no spark plugs. The motor is brushless, which extends its life and reduces maintenance. If the motor dies, the whole unit is likely a throwaway, but for the price point, that is typical for electric handheld tools. I expect this to last several seasons with normal use, provided I don’t abuse it.

Who Should Buy the Toro Power Shovel 38362?

This tool is for a very specific type of user. Based on my testing, I would recommend it for:

• Apartment dwellers or townhome owners with a small balcony, stoop, or short walkway. It is light enough to carry up stairs and store in a closet.
• Homeowners with a large deck or patio that gets snow but is difficult to reach with a full size blower. The compact size is perfect for clearing around furniture or railings.
• Anyone who hates shoveling and has a small area to clear. If you dread the physical effort of lifting a heavy shovel of wet snow, this tool does the lifting for you. You just guide it.
• People who want a backup tool for light dustings between major storms. It is great for quick cleanups without dragging out the big machine.

I would not recommend it for:

• Anyone with a long driveway (over 50 feet) or a large parking area. The cord will drive you crazy, and the clearing width is narrow.
• People in regions that get heavy, wet snow regularly. It struggles with slush and deep accumulation.
• Anyone looking for a primary snow removal solution for a full property. This is a supplement, not a replacement.

My Verdict

After a full winter of testing, I have a clear opinion on the Toro Power Shovel 38362. It is an honest tool that does exactly what it claims: it makes clearing small amounts of light snow faster and easier than a manual shovel. It is ultra lightweight, compact, and incredibly simple to use. The one trigger operation is genuinely foolproof. For my front steps and deck, it has become my go to tool for quick morning clears. It saves me time and saves my back.

But I cannot ignore the limitations. The cord is a constant annoyance, and the tool is simply not capable of handling heavy or deep snow. If you buy this expecting it to replace a snow blower, you will be frustrated. It is a specialized tool for a specific job. The build quality is good for its class, but the plastic auger and lack of a metal scraper mean it is not built for abuse.

For the right user, the Toro 38362 is a solid investment. For everyone else, it is a compromise. I give it a conditional recommendation. If your snow removal needs are small, frequent, and light, this is one of the best electric snow shovels on the market. If your needs are larger, keep looking. I will keep using mine for the steps and the deck, and I will keep my gas blower for the driveway. That is the honest truth from my testing.