Snow Joe SJ618E Review – Is It Any Good & Worth Buying?
Do you have a long driveway or walkway that needs constant snow clearing?
Don’t throw out your back by shoveling piles of snow. You can make short work of clearing a path with a Snow Joe. The brand has a variety of models to choose from but one of the more popular machines is the Snow Joe SJ618E.
But is this snow thrower any good and is it worth the buy? In this review we’ve provided valuable information on key features of this model.
We’ve also done mini reviews on alternative products. Which one do you need?
Overview of the Snow Joe SJ618E
The Snow Joe SJ618E is a powerful 18-inch corded electric snow thrower so it requires no gas, oil or tune-up.
It features a decent motor and an abrasion resistant auger that clears snow away faster than most machines on the market.
These appliances are ideal for small to mid-sized driveways and walkways.
First Impressions
Snow Joe manufactured the SJ168E with an impressive design.
There is a control stick that allows you to move the chute in the direction you want the snow to exit the machine.
Additionally, the power button in on the side of the handle for easy accessibility. The design is compact so it’s easy to store, even in a small tool shed or garage.
Quick Facts Table
Motor Amperage |
13 |
Gross Weight |
25.9lbs |
Cord extension length |
100ft |
Chute rotation |
180° |
Throw Distance |
20ft |
Auger Diameter |
18 inches |
Depth of snow |
8 inches |
Cord Lock |
Yes |
Key Features
How Does it Perform
Snow Joe’s SJ168E model is designed for light and fluffy snow and can clear away 8 inches of soft icy powder easily. It can handle dense or wet snow but it will most likely perform slower in those conditions.
It features a 13-amp electric motor but will need a 14 gauge wire if you’re using an extension cord, so it doesn’t lose power.
How Much Snow Can It Handle?
You can easily clear away 550 pounds of snow per minute, making an 18-inch wide path in the snow. Additionally, the chute is adjustable and can rotate 180°, dispelling snow 20 feet away.
How Loud is it?
Unfortunately, all snow throwers have a load sound especially electrical corded machines. he Snow Joe SJ168E has a noise level of 98dB which is similar to a farm tractor.
However, this one’s slightly less noisy than the SJ623E model.
How Heavy is the Snow Joe SJ168E?
One of the advantages of the Snow Joe SJ168E is that it’s lightweight and compact. The machine is only 25.9lbs which is lighter than most similar machines.
Fortunately, you don’t have to carry the machine anywhere because it has two wheels to easily push it around.
Is it Easy to Manoeuvre?
A snow thrower must be easy to push and turn, otherwise it will make it difficult for you to clear paths. The Snow Joe SJ168E features two compact wheels that make it effortless to push over bumpy driveways.
You can also turn the machine easily thanks to the ergonomic design of the handle.
How Durable is it?
All of Snow Joe’s machines are highly durable. The SJ168E model is no exception! It’s made with a combination of hardwearing plastic and rust-resistant steel.
To give you peace of mind, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Auger Type
The SJ168E snow thrower feature 2-blade plastic augers that are cold and abrasion resistant. Clearing wet snow may clog the augers. However, these rotor augers can easily clear 8 inches of snow from any pathway.
Snow Joe Sj618E vs SJ615e
Both the Snow Joe SJ618E and SJ615E are electric cord snow throwers. However, the SJ615E has a less powerful motor. Additionally, the SJ615E model moves less snow per minute.
Both machines can throw snow up to 20 feet and they clear away the same depth of snow.
Snow Joe SJ618E vs SJ623E
The Snow Joe SJ623E has a more powerful 15-amp motor and can clear snow with a depth of 10 inches. The auger diameter is 10 inches and clears 18 inches of snow like the SJ618E.
However, the SJ623E model features a 4-steel auger that’s designed to clear away wet and dry snow.
How Long Should It Last Overall?
If you take care of your Snow Joe SJ618E it should last many years. This is because the machine is rust resistant and comes with a decent warranty—very helpful in case some parts break.
Since the auger is plastic it may not be suitable to use on heavy wet snow. Stick to clearing away light dry snow to ensure the longevity of the auger.
Pros and Cons
PROS |
CONS |
Easy to power up |
No headlight |
Lightweight, easy storage |
Not ideal for wet or heavy snow |
Quick snow clearing |
|
Easy maintenance |
|
ETL approved |
|
2 year warranty |
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone who has a small to mid-sized driveway who wants to clear away snow quickly will benefit from the Snow Joe SJ618E.
Score
98/100
3 Other Similar Snowblowers We Like
SuperHandy Electric Snow Thrower
The SuperHandy snow thrower is a corded electric machine featuring a powerful 120 volt AC with a 15 amp motor. It can clear an 18-inch path with snow depths of 10 inches.
The chute rotates to 180° and dispels snow up to 25 feet away. Lastly, it has a 2-blade Polypropylene auger that’s abrasion resistant.
Greenworks Snow Thrower
Greenworks is a compact snow thrower with a 13-amp motor so you don’t have to add gas or oil or worry about a battery dying. This machine can clear a path of 20 inches with snow that’s 10 inches deep.
It also has powerful LED lights so you can clear snow at night or before the sun rises in the mornings. The chute rotates 180° degrees and dispels snow up to 20 feet away.
WEN 5664 Snow Blaster
The WEN5664 Snow Blaster is a bit bigger than the Snow Joe SJ618E but it features a 13.5-amp motor that can move 490 pounds of snow per minute. It clears a path of 18 inches and snow with depths of 7.8 inches.
The chute also rotates 180° and dispels snow 20 feet away.
Overall Conclusion
Snow Joe’s SJ618E model is an excellent snow thrower for light jobs but it can clear more snow compared to some other similar machines.
Since it’s a corded machine it doesn’t require charging or fuel. It’s a low maintenance snow thrower that’s easy to move around thanks to the wheels. Lastly, it’s compact and the handle folds so you can store it effortlessly, even in small spaces.
Use this guide to help you make a decision if the Snow Joe SJ618E is for you or pick one of the alternatives in our mini reviews.
