Buying a snow blower might be a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of snow. A good snow blower may cost several hundred dollars or more. But it will be well worth the money if it saves you hours of work and quickly moves even the heaviest snowfall. But there are many different kinds of snow blowers to choose from. Consider how much snow falls annually, how heavy it is on average, and how much space you’ll need to clear.
We looked all over the Internet for information about the best snow throwers on the market to help you decide. Then, we sent our top picks to a team of product testers to judge on various factors, such as appearance, function, safety, and cost.
Our Top Picks For The Best Snow Blowers:
- Greenworks Power 13 Amp 20 Inch Corded Snow Blower Thrower – Overall Best Snow Blower, Editor’s Pick
- Acme Tools POWER+ 24″ Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower – Most Recommended & Affordable For The Best Battery Life
- Cub Cadet 1X 21″ LHP Snow Blower – Prime Choice & Most Popular Option For Gravel Driveways
#1. Greenworks Power 13 Amp 20 Inch Corded Snow Blower Thrower – Overall Best Snow Blower, Editor’s Pick
Spending lots of money buying different kinds of snow blowers is a must. But the price of the Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower is so low that it’s hard to believe. Even if there are 10 inches of snow on the ground, the Greenworks can clean routes 20 inches wide. It can also clear sidewalks, walkways, and even small driveways. The best part is that it does all this without making you pay for annual maintenance. It also doesn’t burden you with complicated bells and whistles. You don’t have to worry about gas, oil, or rechargeable batteries. All you must do to use a 13-amp motor is plug in an external extension cable.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the things that make it easy to use don’t take away from its overall power. Nor do they make it less valuable. This option has some of the same benefits as more expensive ones. One example is an electric start and a chute that you can turn 180 degrees and easily adjust from behind the handle. But don’t expect to be able to throw heavy snow very far. Also, the light plastic design may not be able to handle heavy use for many winters to come.
Highlights
Greater Visibility: Because it has two LED lights, it can be seen better at any time of day.
Adjustable Directional Chute: An adjustable chute that can be turned 180 degrees makes it easier to throw snow.
Greater Mobility: Because it has 7-inch wheels and can throw snow up to 20 feet away, it has greater mobility.
Motor: The “13 Amp motor” is a strong and better alternative to a gas-powered snow blower that runs on gas.
Restrictions: This item will only work with 120 volts, a 20-inch clearing path, and a 10-inch clearing depth.
Pros
- Affordable
- 180-degree chute
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not a good fit for larger tasks
- Might not hold up as well as more pricey alternatives.
=> Click here to visit the official website of Greenworks
#2. Acme Tools Ego POWER+ 24″ Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower – Most Recommended & Affordable For The Best Battery Life
Spending a lot of money on a high-end snow blower doesn’t make much sense if it doesn’t snow much where you live. The electric snow blower from Greenworks can clear snow up to 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Since it works with a regular wall current, you can plug it in anywhere and never worry about running out of power. This snow thrower is an excellent choice if you don’t want to spend too much money, and this is because it’s easy to store and easy to start.
This two-stage snow blower is strong enough to clear snow from a gravel driveway, patio, or sidewalk. This battery-powered snow blower has a two-stage mechanism that can scoop and throw snow up to 50 feet. It also has wheels that move independently, making it easy to carry.
The battery in this model can last up to 135 minutes before you’ll need to charge it again. The machine’s weight of 220 pounds is a drawback. However, its 50-foot throwing range and 200-degree adjustable chute may help the person using it avoid muscle strain. The headlights that come with the car add an extra layer of safety.
We like how much quieter and easier the EGO Power+ 24-inch snow thrower to use is than a gas-powered snow blower. We also found that this model’s snow-throwing distance was so far that it was essential to aim carefully. Even though it has a throttle that changes the machine’s total power from “eco” to “turbo,” it can do everything on “eco.” This makes batteries last as long as possible.
Highlights
Durability: The EGO Power+ SNT2102 snow thrower is made to last through the worst winters, and solid construction means that the inside parts are also safe from damage.
Noiseless Operation: It doesn’t make any noise or smoke because it doesn’t use gas. In other words, you can use the batteries with any device that takes Ego Power plus batteries. That means you might save money if you only buy one battery pack for all of your instruments instead of several.
Power Consumption: Even though battery life has improved, the blower is so hard to use that you must often replace the batteries. Snow-blowing uses a lot of power, which can quickly drain a battery. But the blower does its job well and will save you time.
Battery Technology: The EGO Power+ SNT2102 has cutting-edge battery technology that gives it more power than some gas snow blowers and even sometimes beats them. This blower doesn’t need to be plugged in, so you can take it camping or to the park.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Compact storage
- Self propelled snow blower
- Every 50 feet, it throws snow
- Long battery life
- Powerful yet quiet
Cons
- If you overload it too fast, it may stall
- May have a hard time in wet, heavy snow
=> Click here to visit the official website of Acme Tools
#3. Cub Cadet 1X 21″ LHP Snow Blower – Prime Choice & Most Popular Option For Gravel Driveways
A Cub Cadet 1X single-stage snow blower is the way to go if you may require to clear up to half a foot of snow from flat, smaller areas.
If you know anything about snow blowers, you may have heard of Cub Cadet. Some of the best snow blowers on the market are made by these people in the United States. Because of this, their work is praised by everyone. In this case, a Cub Cadet snow thrower with only one stage.
The Cub Cadet 1X 21″ LHP Snow Blower is an excellent choice because it is inexpensive, works well, and is easy to move. With a clearing width of 18 inches and a clearing height of 12 inches, you’ll be able to move a lot of snow quickly, and at just 25 pounds, it’s easy to pick up and move.
The intake height of 12 inches is imposing because it is usually only possible with two-stage snow blowers. We also found it could handle reasonably wet and heavy snow, though it took a little more work.
On each side of the chute, some handles let you change the direction of the snow without having to get on your knees. The 38381’s big wheels, which are about 6 inches in diameter, are another great feature because they are very stable and easy to move.
This snow thrower is corded and plugs into the wall can be seen as both a plus and a minus. There are pros and cons, and we can see both sides. For us, it’s a big plus that we don’t have to worry about running out of gas or forgetting to plug it in to charge.
Highlights
Overhead Valve Engine: The 208cc four-cycle overhead valve (OHV) engine in the Cub Cadet gives you the power to clean small roads or sidewalks.
Electric-Powered: Even in the worst winter weather, you can use the push-button electric start by connecting an extension cable.
Pitch and Chute Control: These can be reached from the operator’s seat, making it easy to change the direction of the snow flow.
Adjustable Speed: You can set the speed of the high-performance auger-propelled drive system.
Pros
- Starts easily
- Easy to transport
- Great chute control
Cons
- Prone to jamming
- Wheels tend to get clogged up with snow
=> Click here to visit the official website of Cub Cadet
How We Made The List Of The Best Snow Blowers?
For this tutorial, we put some heavy machinery through its paces. To test everything, we waited for a severe snowfall. We used these models to clear almost a foot of heavy, wet snow from the snow piles at the ends of the driveways, many small walkways, and about a quarter mile of sidewalks.
We started by seeing how easily and quickly each model could be turned on. Using the pull cords, we tested the hand-starting difficulty. Lastly, we tested their electric starters by hooking them up to an extension cord. Then, we used these snow blowers on some uneven, rough ground. It was easy to test which models performed best on rough terrain because there were many deep mud ruts due to the current thaw before the storm.
Next, we tested each model by clearing sideways and driveways beside each other. We did this to determine which one worked best and compare how far they could throw. Lastly, we tested the two-stage models on the snowplows left behind. We kept making mental notes about how easy it was to ride, how powerful it was, how well we could control it, and its extra features, such as lights, heated grips, etc.
What We Looked For?
- Functional Simplicity: It’s bad enough when snow piles up on your streets and sidewalks. So, a snow blower that is hard to use is not needed and would only make things worse. With the best blower, it will be easy to blow.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Only in the winter do you need a snow blower. Because of this, it shouldn’t cost you too much. Invest in a snow thrower that won’t break the bank and won’t cost a lot to keep running.
- Grippers with Heaters: The cold weather that comes with winter is its defining feature. Everything you use to fix the problem should be easy to use. A snow blower with heated handles is excellent because you won’t get cold hands while using it.
- Multiple Speeds: Having a snow blower with different speeds makes it easier to deal with varying amounts of snow. Because you can change the fan’s speed, you can use it efficiently and still feel a nice breeze.
Buying Guide: Factors To Keep In Mind Before Buying A Snow Blower
So, you’ve finally decided to do something about the snow. But before you run out and buy a snowblower, you should think about a few things. It would help if you didn’t buy the first snow blower you see. Each model is made for different conditions (snow type, snow depth, etc.).
You should pay the most attention to the following four things:
How Much Snow You’ll Have to Shovel Each Day
Most people who need to clear snow from their driveways to get their cars out will be fine with a single-stage blower. But if your driveway is much longer than 60 feet, you should get a two-stage snow blower.
How Much Snow Usually Falls in Your Area
Usually, a single-stage snow blower can clear snow up to 8 inches deep. Most people won’t need anything stronger, but people who often get 16 inches or more of snow might want to look into a two- or three-stage snow blower.
Type of Snow Your Area Typically Gets
If your area rarely gets more than an inch or two of snow, a single-stage snow blower will do. Some snowblowers, especially those with serrated steel blades, may be able to cut through even deeper and wetter snow. But if you live in a place that gets a lot of snow every year, you should buy a snow blower with two stages. Even though a two-stage snow blower can get rid of heavy, wet snow, a three-stage will do it much faster and better.
Intended Terrain of Use
Before buying a snow blower, consider the terrain you’ll use. If you live in a flat area, you can use a push-propelled snow blower or one with a drill and not have any problems. Flat surfaces are easy to clear of snow with a shovel, but slopes may require an engine-powered snowblower.
Types of Snow Blowers
Now that you’ve evaluated the amount and type of snow you get and your terrain, the next step will be to consider what type of snow blower you’ll want to buy. Snow blowers are classified based on various criteria, most of which are usually based on stages or power sources. Under stages, we have single, two, and three-stage snow blowers. Alternatively, we have gas-powered, electric, or battery-powered under power sources.
Electric Snow Blowers: An electric snow blower’s cable can be stretched out to a maximum length of 100 feet before it loses power.
Battery-Powered Snow Blowers: Most battery-powered snow blowers can work for 30–60 minutes before they need to be charged again. Cordless snow blowers have a big problem with how long the batteries last. If the battery dies, you can do one of two things: If you have an extra battery, put it in now. If not, charge the one you have and wait. Even so, there are some remarkable things about battery solutions. They are safe to use, quiet, and easy to put away. Plus, you can put them almost anywhere in the house. Most cordless snow blowers can run for 30–45 minutes and can clear up to 13 inches of snow.
Gas-Powered Snow Blowers: Most snow blowers are powered by gas and can be filled with standard unleaded fuel from a gas station. Gas-powered snow blowers can move snowdrifts 20 inches or higher for as long as the fuel lasts. Even if you run out of gas, you can always fill up the tank and keep going. The average amount of snow and the size of the area you need to clear should help you decide.
Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Three-Stage Snow Blowers
Snow Blowers With Only One Stage
Single-stage snow blowers have a horizontal drill up front that spins quickly to pick snow up and throw it down the chute. They are sometimes called snow throwers. The drill turns, which makes the force that pushes the snow out of the chute. Even though this layout seems simple, it has several significant problems. A two-stage snow blower is needed to clear a path longer than 15 to 25 feet.
Since its auger blades skim the ground as it works, a single-stage blower can quickly clear flat, smooth pavement. But single-stage blowers can’t clean gravel roads because their low-hanging blades pick up small pebbles and throw them down the chute. A single-stage gas snow blower and electric blowers can clear paths 12 to 18 inches wide. They are both best for light, fluffy snow.
Snow Blowers With Two Stages
Snow blowers with two stages usually rely on gasoline power and have an impeller fan and a drill that scoops up the snow and throws it with a lot of force. A two-stage snow blower can throw more than 35 feet, depending on the type and amount of snow.
Two-stage blowers can clear a path from one to two and a half feet deep and handle wet and light snow (or more). Two-stage snow blowers can be used on gravel roads because their drill blades never touch the ground. This is something single-stage snow blowers can’t do.
Snow Blowers With Three Stages
Everyone knows three-stage snow blowers are the most powerful. They have an auger, an impeller fan, and an accelerator to grind large amounts of ice and throw snow and slush out of the chute with a lot of force. A three-stage snow blower can throw light snow more than 50 feet.
Depending on the model, these powerful tools can clean up spaces to 40 inches wide. People who need a lot of help clearing snow can use a blower with three stages. Keep in mind, though, that the prices for these models are usually relatively high.
What To Look For When Buying A New Snow Blower?
You may also be able to find snow blowers with more than one stage, and there are more things to think about. Before you buy a snow blower, think about how much snow you get, how big your property is, and where you want to store it.
- Electric Starter
If you have trouble getting the snow blower going, get one with an electric starter. The machine will be ready to go with the push of a button instead of having to be started by pulling a cord, which some people may find hard to do. Both machines that run on batteries and ones that run on gas can be started with electricity. If you live in an area where it snows a lot or if you hate how hard it is to use a traditional starter, you should think about getting an electric starter.
- Speed Regulation
Most snow blowers can only go at one speed. If you want something with a little more power, look for a type that lets you change the speed. Snow blowers with two or three stages have a speed control feature that lets you speed up your work by moving a lever near the hand grips. Also, ensure the lever that controls the vehicle’s speed is easy to reach and in a place that feels natural to you. If this function is hard to get to, you won’t use it as much, even though it makes things easier.
- Dimensions of the Clearing
Think about how vast the path is that the snow blower will clear each time it goes over it. The standard clearance width is between 20 and 25 inches, but some cheaper models may clear much less (and some more robust models may be able to do up to 30 inches or more). If the path is a narrow driveway or sidewalk, it may take more than one pass to clear it. This means more time out in the cold, and having more space to work with when shoveling snow saves time.
- Type of Motor
Because their engines only have one stage. You can choose between an easy-to-use electric motor or a powerful gas motor that takes time to maintain and costs a lot to run. When looking for a snow blower, ensure you know how much power the engine can handle. Electric motors are measured in amps, while gasoline engines are measured in horsepower.
- Wheels Vs. Tracks
Only the heaviest snow blowers don’t have wheels, which makes them easy to move. Snow blowers that are powered by an engine, like two-stage models, are even easier to use. On the other hand, tracks are better on slopes and uneven ground because they are more stable and have better grip. However, this makes them harder to turn.
- Joystick Chute Control
You may adjust the discharge chute’s orientation in vertical and horizontal planes with a single, manually operated lever. You’ll find this quite helpful when interacting with neighbors (and their automobiles)
- Hand Grips that Warm
With frozen fingers, it’s hard, if not impossible, to blow snow in a cold wind. The heated hand grips really come in handy when you’ve got a lot of territories to cover.
- Headlight
All snow throwers with two or three stages can do this. It’s a must if you need to see the road and work when it’s dark.
- Noise
Using a snow blower powered by gas is problematic because of the noise they produce, and your hearing will suffer from it. That’s why it’s crucial to constantly protect your hearing by using earplugs whenever you use one of these devices. And if it’s early in the morning, your neighbors probably won’t like the noise. An electric or battery-powered snow blower is an attractive option if you don’t have to deal with much wet, heavy snow. You may leave the office without earplugs and with no lingering ringing in your ears.
- Bonus Features
The Snow Cab
If the wind blows, your snow blower will likely leave behind more than just a thin layer of snow. Blowback can be annoying when clearing snow, but a snow cab can protect you from it by acting as a mobile windshield. It could also block the wind and keep you from getting cold air blowing in your direction.
Wheel Chains
If you’re working in slick conditions, which is common after a blizzard, the tires on your snow blower may slip and lose grip. Put tire chains on the tires of your snow blower to avoid this risk and make it easier to move.
Fuel Stabilizer
If your snow thrower runs on gas, you’ll need to store the gas properly or empty it during the warm months. If you put a fuel stabilizer in the tank, the gasoline will stay usable and won’t go bad over time, saving you money. Fill the gas tank all the way up, as instructed by the manufacturer, to keep moisture from building up and causing condensation.
Warranties
When you look for a snow blower, you’ll usually find warranties that cover the machine for two or three years. Snow throwers with one stage usually come with a two-year warranty, while those with two or three stages could get an extra year of coverage.
Most warranties won’t cover the snow thrower if you use it to make money, so keep that in mind. Sometimes, the warranty length may be as short as 90 days. If you only want to use the equipment on your property or to clean the sidewalk in front of your house, you can rest easy because the warranty period you’ll get is long.
- Snow Blowers Maintenance
For your safety, stay away from the blower’s blades if it has any. If you don’t store a snow thrower correctly, you could damage the housing and other parts. Before putting away your blower, ensure nothing in the room could hurt it. Fold everything you can fold to save space when you’re not using it.
After each use, you should clean the blower to eliminate any dirt or dust that could damage the housing or the parts inside. Give the blades a good wipe-down after cleaning to eliminate any residue that could cause corrosion or wear. You should check spark plugs often to ensure they work at their best. If dirt is stuck in the spark plug, it won’t make a spark, and the engine won’t turn over. Try to fix the problem by getting rid of the sediments. If the deposit is too big and tricky to get off, you should switch to new, high-performance spark plugs. Old engine oil doesn’t protect important engine parts from wear and friction as well as new oil does. So, change it at least annually.
You should check shear pins often because they break to save the engine if the auger gets clogged. Before a storm, check the belts for wear and keep the tires under proper pressure. It would be best if you also cleared the area to be blown off anything that could damage the blower.
Gasoline snow throwers need to have the oil level checked often. If you don’t use the machine for a long time, run the tank dry. Otherwise, add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gasoline from breaking down and clogging the fuel lines and carburetor.
Since freezing temperatures can shorten the life of batteries, store and charge battery-powered snow blowers indoors.
FAQs Regarding Snow Blowers
- Is there a suggested length of time for a snow blower to last?
Snow blowers can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on the model, how often it’s used, how it is stored, and how well they are taken care of. It will last longer if you take the time to care for your snow thrower during the summer. Guess that means it’s time to change the spark plugs, grease the wheels, drain the gas, and clean it up. Every 20 hours of use, you should give the most important parts a quick visual check.
- Do you have to wear earplugs when you use a snow blower?
Hearing protection isn’t required for snow blowers, but it’s a good idea. Gas-powered snow blowers, for example, can make up to 85 dB of noise, and this decibel level is safe to be around for up to eight hours. However, as the decibel level increases, the amount of time that can go by without harm decreases. At 100 dB, for example, only 15 minutes can go by without harm. Snow melts, but damage to your hearing becomes irreparable. Check out our best concert earplugs if you want to protect your hearing all year round. You could hide them under your hat while using your new snow blower and then take them to a concert with you.
- Can a snow blower get rid of deep snow?
The answer depends on the type of snow thrower you buy. Single-stage and two-stage snow blowers can move up to a foot of snow at once, and a three-stage snow blower can handle even 16 inches of snow. Two- and three-stage snow blowers can clear a larger snow area with each pass than single-stage models. If you live where it snows a lot, you might want to buy a two- or three-stage snow blower to make clearing your driveway faster and easier.
- Where should you store a snow blower?
A snow thrower can easily be stored in a garage or shed during the summer. If you don’t have room inside, you can keep it outside under a tarp.
- How safe is it to use a snow blower?
Of course, if it’s used in the right way! Your hands should never go down the chute. Please turn off the snow thrower and then use the tool to remove the blockage. When using a snow blower, keep kids and pets inside and away from windows and doors, so they don’t get hurt by flying rocks and other objects. Lastly, if you use an electric snow blower, make sure only to use a surge protector that is made for use outside and never run over the cable.
- Do gas-powered or electric snow blowers work better?
A two-stage gas blower is the only one that can do everything well. If you’d rather not deal with gas and oil and don’t need to cover a large area, an electric model might be a good choice.
Corded ones are easy to use because you plug them in and start working, but they have limited range because of the power cable. Even though battery-powered tools are easier to move around, you still have to keep an eye on them because their battery life is often shorter than that of gas-powered tools. Like gas-powered blowers, electric models usually have less power and are better for less demanding jobs.
- When would be the best time to buy a snow blower?
The best time to buy a snow blower is when it’s not snowing. The best time to buy a snow thrower is between late spring and early fall, though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also good times to look.
- Which snow blower is the best you recommend for gravel driveways?
Single-stage blowers can’t be used on gravel roads because they constantly touch the ground. On the other hand, you can use two- and three-stage blowers on gravel because their augers are adjustable and raised.
- How do you clear snow from a gravel driveway?
Using a snow blower on a gravel driveway doesn’t make sense. It’s hard to see how you could move snow without bringing a lot of gravel along with it. If pebbles fall down the chute, they could hurt people or damage property.
However, if you have a suitable snow blower and set it up right, you can safely clear snow off the gravel. Find a snow thrower whose auger housing has plastic skids on the bottom of the drill. By doing this, the blades won’t be able to touch the ground and kick up gravel, which could jam the drill.
The next step is to put the lock in its highest position, also called the “Transport” position, to raise the auger housing at an angle above the gravel. As a bonus, getting a snow blower with tracking wheels is a good idea instead of regular tires. You can keep the snow thrower at a constant upward angle above the gravel.
Gas snow blowers with two or three stages, on the other hand, are the only ones that can effectively clear snow from gravel surfaces. There will still be a little snow on the ground, but it should melt away after being in the sun for a while.
Conclusion: Where Can I Get The Best Snow Blower?
In the right circumstances, owning a snow blower can make a difference and frequently more than pays for itself. If you live in an area that only receives light snow for a day or two each year, there is obviously little point in investing in a snow blower. However, if you are used to seeing a lot of it, there is plenty of time and effort that you can save by simply reaching into your pockets and purchasing one of the best snow blowers listed above.
You can choose from a wide variety of snow blowers that vary in price, horsepower, and how well they work, depending on what you need. Depending on the situation, things like LED lights and remote controls for chutes can be very helpful or completely unnecessary. The best snow blower is the one that can handle the amount of snow and the size of the area you want to clear. For snowy areas, think about gas-powered heaters with two stages; for warmer areas, think about electric heaters with only one stage.
