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When the winter comes, snow can be a big problem. If you live on the west coast, you’re probably unfamiliar.
But if you live on the east coast – you intrinsically understand the need for the best snow blower you can get your hands on. There are a ton of models out there, so we aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews, tested the best models – and can confidently tell you which one to go with, when that blizzard inevitably comes.
Our Top Pick
Snow Joe SJ625E
This great model from Snow Joe is affordable, reliable, and durable. We loved it in all our tests, and it has over 470 positive online reviews. Definitely recommended.
Other Great Picks
Greenworks PRO 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower
Greenworks is well known for making innovative home appliances, and this snow blower is no different. Different from many other snow blowers, this machine is cordless, and works well in even a foot of solid snow. With over 575 glowing online reviews, it’s pretty unbeatable. Recommended.
PowerSmart DB72024PA 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This advanced snow blower from PowerSmart does everything you could ant, and it also has a ton of power behind it. If you live in a region with a lot of snow, this may be the best machine for you. Definitely recommended.
Briggs & Stratton 27″ Dual-Stage Snow Blower
This deluxe snow blower from Briggs & Stratton will easily plow through any snow that you come across. While it’s not a budget option, it’s perfect for the most pressing of snow, and will last a lifetime.
Poulan Pro PR300
Do you want 12 pounds of torque? Then this is the snow blower for you. With tons of power, you can easily get through even 4 to 5 feet of wet snow – with no problem. Though not a budget choice, it is still highly recommended.
Ariens 921046 Deluxe
This deluxe snow blower has tons of power, lots of durability, and we loved the electric start. Not for those looking to spend the bare minimum, but if you need a powerful machine, this may be the one for you.
PowerSmart DB7624E
This great snow blower from PowerSmart is a perfect option when you need power, but don’t want to go with the most deluxe models. The 13 inch tires allow you to easily maneuver through even the toughest snow, and the engine comes with a ton of power. Definitely recommended.
Husqvarna ST227P
With 90+ stellar reviews, this powerful gas snow blower can get through even the roughest of conditions. We noticed that even two feet of snow did nothing to slow this thing down, and the starting was easy – just one simple pull. Highly recommended.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2460
This deluxe snow blower cuts through 2+ feet of snow – no problem. It does vibrate quite a bit (as it runs on gas), but it makes up for that small annoyance by rocketing through even the wettest and toughest snow. Definitely recommended.
EGO Power+ 21″ 56-Volt Lithium-ion Dual Port Snow Blower
If you want an electric snow blower – this is the model for you. While not quite as powerful as gas models, it makes up for it with affordability, ease of use, and being better for the environment. That being said – it still cut through snow with no problem, in our testing. Highly recommended.
What To Look For In A Snow Blower
While it may seem like a no-brainer to buy a snow blower – get in and out, choose the lowest priced model – the truth is there’s a lot more to it than that.
You will want to consider your own personal needs – do you live in a cold climate? Or is a snow blower more of a luxury for you? If you live in a cold, wintry place – one of the best investments you can make, is in a top-of-the-line snow blower.
There are a variety of technical considerations, as well. Do you want single stage, or two stage? Perhaps a snow thrower would be better than a snow blower?
Price is another factor, but we highly recommended spending a little bit more, if you live in a place with frequent, heavy snowfall. While you may pay a little bit more upfront, a high-quality machine will end up saving you lots of money down the line (not to mention saving you from multiple repairs and headaches).
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Snow Blower?
It may seem obvious to wait until winter time to buy a snow blower – but this would be a grave mistake. If you look during the spring or summer, you’ll find much better deals.
Not only that, but it will give you plenty of time to comparison shop – so you can take time to do your research on which model is right for you. You’ll want to look at multiple different factors, that will be specific to your needs.
For example, if you have a very long driveway, you’ll need a snow blower that is a little more durable. You’ll want to look for better performance also, as well as the ability to clear a large amount of snow quickly.
Not every snow blower will fit that bill, so shopping in the summer can give you more time to find the best snow blower – at a much lower price.
How Much Should You Spend On A Snow Blower?
Snow blowers vary widely in price. Typically, if you have lower requirements, you can purchase a snow blower for less than $200. This type of model will not be perfect, but it will cover all of the basic requirements.
However, unlike some home appliances, we recommend digging a little deeper in your pockets for a snow blower. There is a world of difference between the amazing performance you’ll get from a top-of-the-line snow blower, and a budget pick. And the last thing you want, is to be stuck with 3 feet of snow in your driveway, unable to clear it away.
What Is A Single Stage Snow Blower?
If you are new to the world of snow blowers, you may be slightly confused when you look at product listings. There is a bit of an overflow of different options, including stages. We are here to clear that up for you.
When it comes to the mechanics of a snow blower, there are two parts you should be familiar with. First, is an auger. This is simply the part of the snow blower that picks up the snow, breaks it down, and pushes it out of the dispensing chute.
In a single stage snow blower – this is the only part that matters. Single stage snow blowers only have this one ‘stage’ – and what makes an auger unique in a single stage snow blower, is that it makes direct contact with the ground.
This is good, because you won’t have any snow left over when you are done clearing your driveway and sidewalk. However, because the auger makes direct contact with the ground, this also means single stage snow blowers can’t be used on driveways made with crushed stone or gravel.
An easy example might be a comparison between snow blowers and their stages – compared to a car and their total horsepower. Obviously a Ferrari will provide different performance than a Kia – but it will also come with a different price tag.
The same is true, in the world of snow blowers.
What Is A Two Stage Snow Blower?
Two stage snow blowers add another working part to the auger – this is the impeller. Operating differently than a single stage snow blower, a two stage snow blower does not make direct contact with the ground.
Instead, the auger in a two stage snow blower brings up the snow from the ground, and the impeller does the rest. This means that the impeller breaks down the snow into smaller chunks, and then shoots it out of the dispensing chute.
Single Stage Snow Blower Compared To A Two Stage Snow Blower
As you might have guessed, the more moving parts in a snow blower – the more efficient it will be. Of course, as the complexity of the machine increases, so will the price.
Unlike a single stage snow blower, a two stage snow blower does not make direct contact with the ground. This means it’s perfect for driveways made out of crushed stone or gravel.
We also like two stage snow blowers because they are more efficient, tend to last longer, and provide smoother performance.
However, one of the downsides of a two stage snow blower, is that it wont’ completely clear your driveway. Since this type of snow blower does not make direct contact with the ground, there will be a thin film of snow left over.
Ultimately, it is up to you to determine what is the best model for your home or apartment. One key deciding factor, would be the type of finish on your driveway.
If you have crushed stone or gravel, you’ll want to get a two stage snow blower. But if you do not have one of these two surfaces, it may make more sense to go with a single stage snow blower.
Snow Thrower – What Is It?
A snow thrower is another term that is frequently used to market snow blowers. Somewhat confusingly, a snow thrower is really just a single stage snow blower. This other name is frequently used, because you are ‘throwing’ the snow.
This is really just a reference to the auger without the impeller. This extra terminology seems somewhat unnecessary, and we somewhat agree that it is. However, it is also a bit of a shorthand way of differentiating between two and three stage snow blowers – compared to the single stage snow blower (or ‘snow thrower’).
Power Source
There is a key difference between snow blowers, besides the number of stages a machine might have. And this difference is the type of power source that makes the snow blower operate.
Ultimately, you’ll be choosing between either an electric or gas-powered snow blower. If you have a very small driveway (typically a length of less than 50 feet) – an electric snow blower might be all you need.
However, if you have more snow to clear, a gas-powered snow blower is definitely the best choice.
When it comes to operation, electric snow blowers are much easier, and many even have the ultra-simple ‘start’ button. However, electric snow blowers can only provide about half of the power as gas-powered machines, and can only do about half the amount of work.
Clearing Width
Another factor to consider, is what clearing width you might need. Different snow blowers will have different clearing widths, and larger driveways will require gas-powered snow blowers.
Gas-powered snow blowers have a larger clearing width, and are also more powerful.
Conversely, if you only need to clear a tiny space, an electric snow blower will likely be cheaper, and could still perfectly suit your needs.
Durability And Reliability Of A Snow Blower
Perhaps the two most important factors of all – are the durability and reliability of your chosen snow blower.
You do not want to be buying a new snow blower every year – you want a product that will last for a decade.
In this way, it is important to choose a snow blower that has great durability, reliability, and that is also easy to repair (if need be). We recommend spending a little more now, to save a lot later.
The Best Snow Blower
There you have it – our top picks for the best snow blower.
While it may seem like an easy decision – the truth is, there is quite a lot to know about our favorite winter machine.
You should consider whether you want single stage, two stage, or even three stage. You should look at electric-powered options, as well as gas-powered options.
And lastly – you should consider the durability and reliability of the snow blower – as well as how easy it is to repair.
No matter which snow blower you go with – it is crucial to be prepared, in the event of a historic blizzard.
There are lot more options out there in the home appliances market besides snow blowers though – so be sure and check out our other great home product reviews.