A snow shovel and some elbow grease won’t cut it at certain times when faced with a driveway blanketed with thick snow. Shoveling is nearly difficult when the snow is less of a fine mist and more of a dense mush. Enter the greatest snow blowers, intended to clear any snow from any surface efficiently. This brilliant equipment, like our favorite leaf blowers, work tirelessly over time to ensure that your yard is beautiful, functional, and, most importantly, visible. According to our study, the Toro Power Max 824 OE, a bestselling two-stage model that can make quick work of snow-covered pavement and asphalt, is one of the absolute finest snow blowers for most people. We’ve highlighted numerous other excellent models below, each with its advantages.
Whether dealing with a foot or just a few inches of snow, having a snow blower means you’ll never… [+] I will need a shovel again.
Do you need to decide whether you should get a snow blower? “If you’re on the fence about purchasing a snow blower, there are two main factors you need to consider: how often it snows and how much area you need to clear,” says Rupa Mehta, an Angi home expert. “You probably don’t need a snow blower if you only see snow a few times a year, but if you live in an area where it snows frequently and heavily, a snow blower may be one of the most helpful tools you ever buy.”
While many powerful snow blowers cost more than $1,000, plenty of models suit any budget. And some more affordable models pay for themselves quickly in terms of the money saved on rock salt, sweat, and sore muscles.
Of course, searching through all of the current models available can quickly become daunting. To make things easier, we’ve done all the legwork for you, so saving your back and some money is as simple as choosing the finest snow blower for your lifestyle in the list below. And remember to bring your winter boots.
- Best Snow Blower Overall: Toro Power Max 824 OE
- Best Budget Snow Blower: Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower
- Best Two-Stage Snow Blower: Ariens Classic Two-Stage Snow Blower
- Best Blower For Heavy Snow: Ariens Deluxe Two-Stage Snow Blower
- Best Blower For Light Snow: Toro Power Clear 721 Snow Blower
- Best Battery-Powered Snow Blower: Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower
- Best Snow Blower On Amazon: Snow Joe Electric Snow Blower
- Best Easy-To-Use Snow Blower: PowerSmart 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with LED Light
- Best Snow Blower For Walkways And Small Driveways: Briggs & Stratton Dual-Stage Snow Blower
- Best Snow Blower For Small Jobs: Ryobi Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
MOST POPULAR
Type: Two-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: No
If you’re looking for a top-rated snow blower with a wide range of capabilities, the Toro Power Max 824 OE is a great choice. Its two-stage design allows it to easily clear light and shallow snow while also having the power to carve through much harsher accumulations (including heavy and wet as well as compacted and icy conditions.) It’s a great multi-surface machine, able to tackle snowfall on everything from paved driveways to gravelly garden paths.
While plenty of competitors provide comparable versatility and power, the Power Max 824 OE stands out with its quality construction. It includes six self-propelled forward speeds and is controlled by single-handed power steering—a useful combination for steep inclines, even while driving through a foot of powder. Add to it the Power Max’s outstanding 24-inch clearing width, electric start, automated steering, and adjustable chute, and the dreaded cold weather duty becomes a pleasure. In addition, if the machine’s auger comes into contact with any hard material, the engine will halt to avoid potential damage.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Good for all types of surfaces
Cons:
- Doesn’t have headlights
2. Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower
$194
Type: Single-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: Yes
Many snow blowers necessitate a large cost outlay. However, the Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower is virtually free. The Greenworks, capable of clearing 20-inch routes buried beneath 10 inches of snow, can tackle sidewalks, walkways, and even tiny driveways. Best of all, it performs all this without requiring yearly maintenance or complicated bells and whistles. There’s no need for gas, oil, or rechargeable batteries—plug in an outdoor extension cable, and you’re ready to go with a 13-amp motor.
Of course, its usefulness does not come at the expense of overall power and user-friendly features. Its electric start and 180-degree directional chute, which is simply adjustable from below the handle, provide it with some of the advantages of more expensive models. However, don’t expect to toss heavy snow far; the lightweight plastic structure may not withstand rigorous treatment for many winter seasons.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- 180-degree chute
Cons:
- Not ideal for bigger jobs
- May not last as long as more expensive models
3. Ariens Classic Two-Stage Snow Blower
$1149
Type: Two-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: Yes
Single-stage snow blowers can handle light to moderate snowfall on hard, flat surfaces. However, if you live in a volatile region like New England, where a blizzard on Monday can follow a 50-degree Sunday, you’ll want to pack more power. Ariens’ Classic Two-Stage includes many of the same features as a great single-stage machine, such as electric start and remote chute rotation. Still, it dramatically ups the ante with certain essential enhancements to help with larger projects. It handles nearly two-foot depths, carves a 24-inch wide channel, and tosses snow 40 feet. And its two-stage design allows for numerous self-propelled speeds—a boon for clearing uphill paths—and the ability to chew up the chunkier stuff, such as the obstinate heaps of compacted snow and ice left behind by city plows.
You may not need the Ariens Classic’s power and efficiency every time the sky decides to dump flakes on us, but you’ll be pleased it’s in the garage if a nor’easter appears unexpectedly in the 5-day forecast.
Pros:
- Handles up to two feet of snow
- Self-propelled
Cons:
- Overkill for light snow
- Works best on paved surfaces
4. Ariens Deluxe Two-Stage Snow Blower
$1549
Type: Two-stage | Power: Gas | Cord: No
If your driveway is the size of a small parking lot and you live in a region where snow is a regular occurrence, you’ll need a machine that’s more beast than a blower. Fortunately, this Ariens Deluxe Two-Stage offering more than meets the mark. This baby carves through deep, heavy snow without breaking a sweat, thanks to a powerful 4-cycle engine and a huge 28-inch clearing width. While this two-stage behemoth is built like a tank, its auto-steering feature makes it easy to control. The Deluxe high output impeller and 55-foot throwing distance of the Arien balance its size and power with speed and efficiency that smaller machines cannot match.
This one is overkill if you’re only clearing a few inches of powder off your walk-up route a couple of times a year. However, if you need to remove more than a foot of the wettest, heaviest debris from a large driveway—or an entire neighborhood of large driveways—the Arien’s Deluxe will quickly become your new best friend.
Pros:
- Large throwing distance
- Big capacity
Cons:
- Too large for smaller jobs
- Pricey
5. Toro Power Clear 721 Snow Blower
$749
Type: Single-stage | Power: Gas | Cord: No
Do you want to clear your driveway, sidewalk, and front path without wasting an afternoon? You might stand behind the Toro Power Clear, a tiny yet efficient snow blower size ideal for small to mid-sized projects that need to be completed quickly.
This single-stage gas snow blower is smaller than its bigger brothers, but it still has Toro’s exclusive Power Propel and Power Curve technology and a powerful 4-cycle OHV engine. All of this boils down to this blower’s ability to fling snow far and quickly while requiring little effort from the person driving it. Its electric starter and built-in chute lever make duties even easier, allowing you to spend less time tinkering with complicated mechanical features and more time appreciating your freshly cleared driveway.
Pros:
- Compact
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not powerful enough for larger jobs
6. Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower
$297$359Save $62 (17%)
Type: Single-stage | Power: Battery | Cord: No
You want to save your back and get rid of your shovel, but you want to avoid dealing with gas, oil, or electrical wires. The Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower represents the battery-powered future of snow blowers. While battery-powered blowers won’t go as far or as hard as their gas-powered counterparts, they can still pack a considerable punch when it comes to snow flinging. For example, this Snow Joe can clear an 18-inch wide passage in depths of up to 10 inches. It can also manage large and wet loads but at lesser depths. Its adjustable chute features a reasonable 20-foot range, but it can’t throw garbage as far as its gas-powered brethren.
When used simultaneously, its pair of rechargeable batteries allow you to clear a route through the powder for about 30 minutes. Of course, if you want to tackle larger chores and quickly swap batteries to keep plowing, you can invest in a backup set. However, if you need to stop to recharge, the Snow Joe features built-in headlights. So you may start clearing at dawn, recharge in the afternoon, and finish at dusk.
Pros:
- Handles up to 10 inches of snow
- Adjustable chute
Cons:
- Battery life is too short for larger jobs
- Wet snow can clog the chute
7. Snow Joe Electric Snow Blower
$213$249SAVE $36 (14%)
Type: Single-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: Yes
The length of the wire limits the Snow Joe Electric’s range, but it compensates with an enticing combination of efficiency, features (including lamps for after-dark tasks), and a small design. If you connect the Snow Joe to a long, sturdy outdoor electrical extension, you’ll quickly forget about the wire in your path.
The PowerSmart snow blower makes quick work of clearing pathways. With an astonishing 40 feet of throwing distance, it features a revolutionary electric start engine that can start in temperatures as common as -20 degrees. A 180-degree chute rotation gives you control over where all that fluffy material lands.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons:
- Power cord is short (an extension cord may be necessary)
- Assembly can take time
8. PowerSmart 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with LED Light
$999
Type: Two-stage | Power: Gas | Cord: No
Enjoy a steel frame and auger system built to withstand years of use. You’ll also get a drive system with six forward speed variations and two reverse speed adjustments, allowing you to tailor your snow-blowing experience completely. Inflatable tires with deep snow treads help you maintain a firm grip even in slick weather. A pleasant bonus? The heated handle is a one-handed operation.
The Briggs & Stratton snow blower clears a 24-inch route with a 20-inch depth, allowing you to power through your driveway and walkways before it gets too cold. A 208 cc engine generates 9.5-foot pounds of power to toss some snow.
Pros:
- One-handed steering
- Several speed options, forward and back
Cons:
- Gas tank needs to be regularly filled
- Assembly instructions aren’t the clearest
9. Briggs & Stratton 24″ Dual-Stage Snow Blower
$1099
Type: Dual-stage | Power: Gas | Cord: No
The Briggs & Stratton snow blower clears a 24-inch route with a 20-inch depth, allowing you to power through your driveway and walkways before it gets too cold. A 208 cc engine generates 9.5-foot pounds of power to toss some snow.
Even in subzero temperatures, a push-button electric start aids in getting the action started. To power through deep snow, there is also a friction disc gearbox. As you work your way down your driveway and pathway, steel reversible skid shoes assist you in acquiring a grip. Take advantage of a three-year limited equipment and engine warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Good width and depth
Cons:
- A little heavy to move
- Assembly can take about an hour
10. Ryobi 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
$269
Type: Single-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: No
If you live in a low-snow area, you may only need a snow blower to clear a path outside your front door, clear your deck, and dig out your car. This is where the Ryobi model comes into play. The battery-powered snow shovel can clear a 12-inch path up to six inches deep, making it ideal for light snowfalls. A variable speed trigger allows you to maintain the tempo; the whole thing is light enough for most people. Another good feature is adding different attachments to the base, such as Ryobi blowers, edgers, and pole saws. When the work is finished, the entire thing is approximately the size of a large mop for simple storage.
Pros:
- Easy to handle
- Doesn’t hog garage space
Cons:
- Too small for larger jobs
- Some users say it’s top heavy
How We Chose The Best Snow Blowers
To choose the best snow blowers, we spoke with a home expert about the top features to look for in these crucial devices. We also researched the market to find the most popular models in the field and refined our choices based on factors such as ease of use, capacity, durability, and value. Reviews from actual owners were also taken into account to examine how these machines function under extreme situations.
What To Look For In A Snow Blower
Before purchasing a new snow blower for your home, consider a few things. Consider these features.
Power Options
Both electric and gas-power snow blowers are available. “Electric snow blowers come in corded and cordless varieties, and they tend to be less noisy than their gas counterparts,” Mehta says. “Gas blowers come in more varieties than electric blowers, so if you’re looking for a specific feature, you’re more likely to find it on a gas blower.”
Speed
Many snow blowers have different speeds, and some are faster than others. “Some self-propelled snow blowers have a fixed speed, while others have multiple speeds,” Mehta explains. “I recommend starting slowly and operating your way up until you find the perfect speed,” the author advises.
Clearing Width
This indicates the maximum area your snow blower can tackle at once. “Choosing your snow blower’s clearing width can be difficult, but there are no right or wrong answers.” “It depends on the space size you’re clearing,” explains Mehta. “Sidewalks and walkways necessitate a narrower clearing width, whereas driveways and other large spaces necessitate a wider clearing width.”
Snow Blower Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to snow blowers, you have many questions about how they work. These are some of the most common questions that may arise during your search.
What’s The Difference Between A Single-Stage, Two-Stage And Three-Stage Snow Blower?
- Single-Stage: Single-stage blowers have a single auger that collects and tosses snow. As they tend to be less powerful than other, higher-stage machines, these models are appropriate for people who deal with mild or moderate snowfalls.
- Two-Stage: As the name implies, these machines feature two drills—one to pull in snow and one to push it out. They are often more powerful than single-stage blowers, and they can tackle more snow at greater heights at the same time. They are also a better bet in wet weather. However, they tend to be more expensive than single-stage solutions, so bear that in mind if you’re on a tight budget.
- Three-stage: A three-stage snow blower has one more drill to work through ice and frozen snow for three augers. If you live in an area where regular, heavy snowfall is the norm, this is an excellent choice to explore. Of course, these models can also be costly.
What’s The Difference Between A Snow Blower And Snow Thrower?
While people use the terms interchangeably, a “snow thrower” is another word for a single-stage snow blower. These machines feature a single auger that pulls in snow and pushes it out. A “snow blower,” on the other hand, might refer to a single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machine.
What Is The Most Reliable Snow Blower Brand?
There is more than one reliable snow blower brand (which is a good thing). While we’ve limited the market to a few favorites, you’ll likely find dozens of additional fantastic models. However, several manufacturers, like Cub Cadet and Toro, have earned a reputation for producing strong, lasting outdoor gear that doesn’t disappoint you, so we’ve chosen to feature their products here.
What Is The Best Time To Buy A Snow Blower?
You should buy a snow blower if you need one to save your back (and time). However, you’re more likely to find these machines on sale around particular times of the year, such as Black Friday, and big holiday weekends, such as President’s Day. Snow blower manufacturers frequently produce lawnmowers, and buying during the snow “off-season” means you’ll have the best chance of getting the machine you want at a reasonable price. As a result, consider purchasing a snow blower in the spring or summer so that you are fully prepared by the time winter weather arrives.
