Snow Joe Plus 322P 12-Inch 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

Comment: Good service. With the snow we have had this year it has been a welcome relief to have the snow thrower. Most of the time where we live a snow thrower is not needed, but for the occasion that you need one, this is a must.

Comment: I moved to Western NC in March 2006. That year and the next two only produced one or two snow storms per winter season. And those were mostly light snow in the 2-6 inch depth range and quickly melted. 2010 has been a shocker for those in the 2500 ft elevation and higher. We've had 5 storms with 4 of them dropping 6-12 inches of snow, followed by up to two weeks of below freezing temps... preventing the snow from melting for weeks.

After the 4th storm I researched electric snow throwers and read many reviews on the various brands. I have a concrete driveway that's 120' long, steeply sloped, and a parking area large enough to hold 6 sedans, and a short walkway. I also have a large deck that wraps around the back and side of my house (15 ft x 100). A lot of the throwers are out of stock online and not stocked in our local stores... not enough demand... normally. I decided to take a chance on the Snow Joe 322P, thinking that my 64 year old back couldn't take another round of shoveling.

I admit that for the price (under $90)I wasn't expecting to be overwhelmed and figured it only a little loss if the unit did not work very well for my property. If it broke in the first use, as some reviews stated for various brands and models, I'd just write it off and continue to look for something better.

The 322P was shipped quickly and arrived a couple of days ahead of schedule. Assembly was easy and fast. The hard part was waiting for the next snow storm. The storm arrived and was "typical"; our area received 6-12 inches of firm powder so I was expecting to put the 322P through its paces. Following a suggestion in reviews I sprayed the inside and blades with WD-40 to prevent the snow, which was slightly wet, from sticking.

As soon as I turned the unit on I was amazed at how far and how high it threw the snow. The first use was while the snow was still falling and was about 4 inches deep. It was easy to control and cleared the snow down to the bare concrete. I found that even though I could cover the entire 125 feet of the driveway in one pass that it made more sense to clear a path down the middle and then go from the center path at an angle off to each side, working my way from the top to the bottom. This technique kept the cord out of the way since it was always trailing behind me.

I found out that direction of travel is important. The snow comes out as a fine powder and can easily blow back into your face or onto an area already cleared if the wind direction is "wrong". I also have to be careful that I don't blow snow in the direction of my house, cars, or anywhere I don't want vertical surfaces coated with sticky snow.

Later that night after the snow stopped I decided to clear some areas that had about 9 inches. To my surprise it tackled this area with ease. I kept the lenght of the pass to 4 or 5 feet and moved forward at a slower pace than the 4 inche passes. At no time did the thrower strain or stall. When snow built up in front of the thrower it would block the opening, and then I'd just back up a few inches and slightly change the attack angle and everything would proceed without effort.

I also found that by overlaping the passes by about 2 inches it cleans up the thin line of snow that overflows at the edges. The curved handle makes two-hand operation effortless but for going straight ahead only one hand is needed to push the unit or pull it back. The 322P was at least 3 or 4 times faster clearing an area than my wide snow shovel, and much less strain on my back, legs, arms, and shoulders.

Tomorrow I'll tackle my deck's 7 inches. After doing my steps on the front porch I expect the deck to be a breeze. Because of the boards I'm hoping the bottem edge will not have trouble sliding at a 90 degree angle. Before next winter I plan to purchase a larger thrower (Snow Joe Ultra 19") for the driveway and parking area. The 322P will be excellent for the 1500 feet of deck and 3 set of stairs. Even though the 322P will clear my drive the larger unit will make the job go even faster... plus I'm a nut for gadgets and power equipment. 8-)

I highly recommend this thrower for the stated walkway, deck, stair, and small area usage. It does beat the shovel for my drivway and is easier on my back. I wonder if wheels would make a difference but the unit slides easily forward and backward on the plastic base. I'm also a little concerned about needing a key for the unit to operate. A key is okay as a safety feature until you misplace them over the summer and can't use the unit until you find them or order replacements. I plan to attach the key to the handle with some string or wire but then that defeats the purpose of keeping anyone else from using it without my knowledge. I'll wait to see how it holds up to repeated use. If we continue to experience winters like this one I plan to buy a spare rotor in advance... just in case.

Comment: Wonderful product. I'd rank it up there with the invention of string trimmers. I live in Western NC mountains; really bad winter here. I have 2 upper 17 x 10 ft decks with no outside access. I just went out on one and cleared 6-10 inches of snow in 15 minutes. With snow this deep, you simply make 2-3 passes working down, about as fast as you can move it. Need to angle to to one side? Just tilt it and move forward. Wow, that snow goes flying off into the air and away from the house!!

Easy to carry through bedroom, plug it in outside, do the job, then reach back in and place it on a folded towel to melt off the snow before carrying to deck on other side.

Ease of use makes it simple to talk yourself into going out and cleaning up, and then keeping up with additional snowfall.

Not good for - Ice. We had a big snow followed by a day of rain and freezing rain, then more snow. So, we wound up with a layered snow with 3/4 - 1 inch sandwiched between. A gas powered snow blower would have problems with this, according to neighbors that have them.

As with virtually any tool, if you understand the limitations and operate it accordingly, you'll be as 'tickled' as I am!!!

Comment: February of 2010 has been a challenge for those of us in the northeast. The Snow Joe Plus isn't a miracle machine, but if you take your time, and control it so you don't take more than a 4" deep bite at a time, it can move some serious snow. The only downside is it only throws it straight ahead, so be careful if you're working towards your house, or any windows. Your arms and shoulders will also have to get used to bearing its weight, which is considerably less than a shovel full of wet snow.
All in all, its fun to operate, helps to save your back, and performs exactly as advertised.

Comment: I loved the snow blower but on about the third use the plastic blade unit broke. I had hit it against a railing so I understood that I had a role in this. I ordered two extra roller units from Snow Joe. They have not shipped after a week. I wrote several emails that only received automated responses. When I called, I was told it should ship later this week (two weeks to ship basic parts.) I asked why and the man said "We are very backed up." This is a neat product but the customer service is very poor.