The Snowblower Chute Out

We tested the DeWalt and Milwaukee battery-powered snowblower side by side in almost a foot of heavy, wet snow. We'll give you our honest opinion and the result surprised even us!

Quick Comparison: DeWalt vs Milwaukee Snow Blowers

·         Both are 21 inches wide

·         Both are fully battery powered

·         Both use tool‑platform batteries

·         Similar battery runtime (about 45 minutes)

But when you dig deeper, differences in weight, performance, features, and price become impossible to ignore.

Chute Design & Snow Handling Performance

One of the biggest physical differences between these two machines is the chute design.

·         Milwaukee features a wider chute at 9”, which handled wet and heavy snow noticeably better

·         DeWalt’s chute is narrower at 6” and didn’t clear heavy snow as efficiently, unless you kicked it into power+ mode.

During testing, the Milwaukee never plugged up - even in packed or wet snow conditions - while the DeWalt experienced some clogging.

Winner for snow throwing: Milwaukee

Auger System & Propulsion

This is where Milwaukee really separates itself.

The Milwaukee Auger‑Propelled System

·         The rubber auger contacts the ground directly

·         It Helps pull the machine forward naturally

·         It helps it to easily climbs sidewalk seams and packed snow

·         It thus requires less pushing from the operator as it acts as a sort of self-propelled systrem

DeWalt Auger Engagement

·         The Auger does not fully contact the ground

·         It Requires more manual effort to move forward

This auger‑propelled design makes the Milwaukee far easier to use, especially over uneven surfaces and with packed snow

Winner for ease of use: Milwaukee

Weight & Maneuverability

Weight plays a big role - especially if you’re lifting, transporting, or pushing the machine.

·         Milwaukee: ~90 lbs

·         DeWalt: ~59 lbs

·         Difference: ~30 lbs

If you’re loading this in and out of a truck every day, the DeWalt’s lighter weight may matter. However, when actually clearing snow, the Milwaukee’s propulsion helps offset its heavier build.

Winner for portability: DeWalt

Winner for operation: Milwaukee

Power Modes & Battery Runtime

DeWalt Power Modes

·         Eco mode

·         Max power mode (ideal for heavy snow)

Milwaukee Power System

·         Simple on/off

·         No selectable power modes

Both machines were run hard for about 45 minutes, and battery life was nearly identical in real‑world testing.

Milwaukee does offer an advantage: it can run up to four batteries instead of two, effectively doubling runtime.

Winner for flexibility: DeWalt

Winner for overall runtime potential: Milwaukee

Lighting & Visibility

Visibility is critical during early morning or late‑night snow removal.

·         Milwaukee: Headlights mounted higher near the handle, illuminating the entire clearing path

·         DeWalt: Front‑mounted lights that mainly illuminate what’s directly ahead

Winner for visibility: Milwaukee

Price & Value Comparison

·         DeWalt (tool‑only): ~$699

·         DeWalt (kit with batteries & charger): ~$1,120

·         Milwaukee (kit with batteries & charger): ~$1,500

If you already own DeWalt batteries, the DeWalt snow blower becomes a much more budget‑friendly option. However, when comparing performance per dollar, the Milwaukee’s superior snow handling helps justify the higher cost.

Final Verdict: Which Battery Snow Blower Is Better?

Overall Winner: Milwaukee

The Milwaukee stands out thanks to its auger‑propelled system, stronger wet‑snow performance, lack of clogging during testing, and easier operation despite its heavier weight.

Who Should Buy Each Snow Blower?

Choose Milwaukee if you:

·         Deal with heavy or wet snow

·         Want the least physical effort while clearing

·         Already own Milwaukee M18 batteries

Choose DeWalt if you:

·         Want a lighter machine

·         Are on a tighter budget

·         Already use DeWalt cordless tools