Greenworks 80V 20 Inch Cordless Snow Blower Review: Light Snow, Done Fast

A Snow Shovel With a Motor

For the majority of homeowners who see a few inches of snow at a time, a single-stage battery blower is the right tool: light, quiet, instant to start and free of engine maintenance. The Greenworks 80V 20 inch is one of the best-selling examples. A brushless motor drives a rubber-edged auger across a 20 inch path up to 10 inches deep, the chute rotates 180 degrees, and the kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger.

This review is based on Greenworks’ specifications and on owner feedback rather than on our own research.

Clearing Performance

In light to moderate snow the Greenworks clears walks, patios and short driveways quickly, throwing powder a respectable distance and scraping to the pavement. Owners in snow-belt states use it for the frequent small falls and keep a bigger machine or a service for the big ones. Wet, heavy snow slows it and compacted plow ridges stop it, as they do every single-stage blower. The brushless motor is quiet enough for early mornings.

Battery and Runtime

The 2.0Ah battery is the compromise that keeps the kit affordable. Owners report a two-car driveway and sidewalks in a few inches of light snow on a charge, and considerably less in deep or wet snow. Any Greenworks 80V battery fits, and owners with an 80V mower routinely use its larger pack. Greenworks’ advice about cold is important: a pack stored in a freezing garage may not start the blower until it has warmed indoors for ten minutes.

Handling

The blower is light, easy to steer and simple to lift over a kerb. The chute rotates from the handle and deflection adjusts by hand. Storage is a fraction of a two-stage machine’s footprint.

Ownership

No oil, fuel or spark plugs, and Greenworks’ four-year tool warranty. Owners mention replacing the rubber auger paddles after several seasons as the only routine wear item.

Common Owner Complaints

Runtime on the included battery and cold-start refusals, both battery issues rather than blower faults. Buyers who expected it to handle plow piles are the third group.

Storage and Off-Season Care

With no fuel to drain, end-of-season care is a wipe down, a check of the rubber auger paddles and the scraper bar for wear, and storing the battery indoors at a partial charge. Greenworks advises keeping packs at room temperature, and owners who leave them in an unheated garage are the ones reporting weak performance the following winter. Hanging the blower by its folded handle keeps the paddles off the floor and saves space through the summer.

Alternatives to Consider

Snow Joe’s 48V 18 inch blower is the direct rival with a dual-battery design. The EGO SNT2405 is the two-stage battery machine for heavy snow. A corded Snow Joe SJ627E is cheaper still if an outlet is within reach.

Verdict

For light to moderate snow on walks and short driveways, the Greenworks 80V 20 inch is a quiet, convenient and affordable blower, especially for existing 80V owners. Add a larger battery and keep the packs warm, and it will handle most of a typical winter.