Top 5 Best Briggs and Stratton Snowblowers – Make Snow Clearing Task a Breeze!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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Following a large snowstorm, clearing the snowfall can seem like an impossible task. However, this chore becomes much simpler, and dare we say enjoyable, when you are using an efficient snowblower created by a reliable brand such as Briggs and Stratton.

In our search for the best Briggs and Stratton snowblower, we compared 13 models on the market. Ultimately we narrowed it down to the top 5 models, presenting options for each and every preference and price point. At the top of our list, we have our Editors Choice, the Briggs & Stratton 30" / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering. We spent 62 hours examining not only the product descriptions but also verified customer reviews. Some of the features we took into consideration included torque power as well as displacement of the engine so we could accurately recommend this product to someone who is looking for a powerful machine. The clearing width was also important to touch on as we wanted to give options for every landscape.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Briggs and Stratton Snowblowers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2353 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
Features
  • Type: two-stage
  • Clearing width: 30″
  • Intake height: 20″
  • Throwing distance: 40′
  • Torque power: 14.50 ft.-lbs.
  • Displacement: 306 cc
  • Tank capacity: 3.2 qt.

More features: push-button electric start, dual-trigger steering, heated hand grips, LED headlights, one-handed operation, superior traction

Here, we have our Editor’s Choice, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering, which also happens to be one of the few two-stage snowblower types featured on our list. Due to this, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering is sure to be one of the most efficient snowblower options out there!

With a massive clearing width of 30 inches and a huge intake height of 20 inches, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering is a beast of a machine that is sure to deal with even the toughest of landscapes and snowstorms. Thanks to the excellent throwing distance of 40 feet, this is yet another reason why this Briggs and Stratton machine is a top choice for homeowners with larger areas to clear.

The Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering has 14.50 ft.-lbs of torque power and has a displacement of 306 ccs. This is a huge amount of power that is sure to get the job done as effortlessly and efficiently as possible.

We also loved a push-button electric start, as well as heated hand grips that add to the ease of use as well as the driver’s comfort in the freezing temperatures that follow a snowstorm. Moreover, it can be operated with just one hand. Unfortunately, it will require some maintenance upon delivery since the description says that it may or may not be shipped with oil, and you will need to check it.

    What are its best features?
  • Excellent clearing width
  • Large throwing distance
  • Heated hand grips
  • One-hand operation
    What could be improved?
  • You should check the oil before first start
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7417 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
2
Best Two-Stage

Briggs & Stratton 1696619

Features
  • Type: two-stage
  • Clearing width: 27″
  • Intake height: 20″
  • Throwing distance: 40′
  • Torque power: 11.50 ft.-lbs.
  • Displacement: 250 cc
  • Tank capacity: 3.2 qt.

More features: one-hand operation, manual chute rotation, friction disc drive transmission, LED headlights

This is another two-stage model on our list that has a large clearing width of 27 inches and an intake height of 20 inches. Its huge throwing distance of 40 feet makes it one of the larger Briggs and Stratton snowblower models featured on our list.

With a torque power of 11.50 ft.-lbs. and 250 cc engine, the Briggs & Stratton 27″ / 11.50 TP / Free Hand Control is sure to get the job done in no time! It has a tank capacity of 3.2 quarts, and it is no wonder that so many homeowners love this model for their larger landscapes.

Furthermore, the Briggs & Stratton 27″ / 11.50 TP / Free Hand Control, just as the name suggests, provides one-hand operation. This is ideal for those potential buyers who are looking for a snowblower that is easy and comfortable to use! The manual chute rotation is ideal for any homeowner who has a landscape that is fairly complicated and needs to switch direction somewhat frequently. Unfortunately, some people complained about receiving a unit with damaged parts.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Large clearing width and intake height
  • One-hand operation
  • LED headlights
  • Excellent throwing distance
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Some parts can arrive damaged
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8872 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
Features
  • Type: single-stage
  • Clearing width: 22″
  • Intake height: 12.5″
  • Throwing distance: 30′
  • Torque power: 9.50 ft.-lbs.
  • Displacement: 208 cc
  • Tank capacity: 3.2 qt.

More features: heavy-duty, serrated auger, self-propelled auger drive system, push-button electric start, quick-adjust chute deflector, remote manual chute crank

An excellent medium-sized single-stage snowblower, the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder has the torque power of 9.50ft-lbs and a displacement of 208cc, making it a fairly high powered option.

With a clearing width of 22 inches and an intake height of 12.5 inches, this model has good-sized dimensions, making it an excellent choice for different areas even after a heavy snowfall.

The Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder also has a throwing distance of 30 feet, once again showing that this model is sure to save a lot of time and effort while clearing your sidewalk or driveway.

The machine offers several additional features such as a heavy-duty, serrated auger, which will assist in clearing even after the toughest of snowstorms. Moreover, this auger drive system is self-propelled, which only adds to the ease of use and its user-friendly qualities.

Last but not least, the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder offers a push-button electric start as well as a remote manual chute crank that is quite easy to adjust. The only drawback is that a few customers received damaged units and had to wait a bit more for the replacement.

    What stands out?
  • Optimal throwing distance
  • Self-propelled auger drive system
  • Remote manual chute crank
  • Serrated auger
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • A few customers received damaged units
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5522 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
Features
  • Type: single-stage
  • Clearing width: 22″
  • Intake height: 12.5″
  • Throwing distance: 30′
  • Torque power: 9.50 ft.-lbs.
  • Displacement: 208 cc
  • Tank capacity: 3.2 qt.

More features: auger-assist drive system, quick-adjust chute deflector, chute-mounted rotation handle

As our Best Value pick, we have the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / Recoil Start, which is another excellent single-stage snowblower option. With the same dimensions as the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder, the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / Recoil Start has a clearing width of 22 inches and an intake height of 12.5 inches, which also makes it an excellent medium-sized snowblower.

Once again, with similar stats as that of our Editor’s Choice, the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / Recoil Start also has a large throwing distance of 30 feet, a torque power of 9.50 ft-lb, 208 cc engine and a tank capacity of 3.2 quarts. All of these characteristics further prove that the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / Recoil Start is a highly efficient choice for any homeowner who has a large landscape to clear from snow.

Some of the additional features offered by the Briggs and Stratton here include its auger-assisted driving system. This unit is pretty much the same as the previous model. However, it costs slightly less because it is a little bit simpler. There is also a quick-adjust chute deflector, which only adds to the convenience of this snowblower model. However, the plastic parts of this unit could be a bit sturdier.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Optimal throwing distance
  • Auger-assisted driving system
  • Quick-adjust chute deflector
  • Affordable price tag
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Plastic parts could be sturdier
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3483 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
Features
  • Type: single-stage
  • Clearing width: 22″
  • Intake height: 12.5″
  • Throwing distance: 30′
  • Torque power: 9.00 ft.-lbs.
  • Displacement: 205 cc
  • Tank capacity: 3.2 qt.

More features: auger-assist drive system, quick-adjust chute deflector electric starter, heavy-duty, serrated auger

Next on our list, we have the Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506. Another excellent single-stage option, it is clear to see why this model is featured on our list. This is a fantastic medium-sized pick, and it has a clearing width of 22 inches and an intake height of 12.5 inches. With a throwing distance of 30 feet, the Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506 proves that it is nothing to sneeze at!

With a torque power of 9.00 ft.-lbs. and a displacement of 205 ccs, the Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506 is an excellent average-powered snowblower model, which is best suited for smaller to medium-sized landscapes.

It may also be appealing to many customers that it features a serrated auger assisted-drive system, which adds to the driver’s ease of use. Other convenient things included with the Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506 are its quick-adjust chute deflector and an electric start. However, some owners mentioned that it might require regular maintenance.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Auger-assisted drive system
  • Quick-adjust chute deflector
  • Electric start
  • Serrated auger
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Often requires maintenance


Things to Consider

There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a Briggs and Stratton snowblower. With so many options available, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, in our buying guide, we go through the ins and outs of how to interpret a product description, starting from snowblower types and following with more specific features. As you go through this section and follow our recommended tips, you are sure to find the best Briggs and Stratton snowblower for your needs!

How to pick best Briggs and Stratton snowblower

When looking to buy a Briggs and Stratton snowblower, it is important to take several factors into consideration. The stage type and engine characteristics can tell you of the efficiency of the model. The clearing width and throwing distance show how fast it does its job. Some additional features can make your unit more convenient. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

Type

Top 5 Best Briggs and Stratton Snowblowers - Make Snow Clearing Task a Breeze!There are two types of snowblowers that you will see featured by Briggs and Stratton. These are a single-stage type and a two-stage type. The single-stage snowblower types are best suited for those homeowners who have a smaller landscape area or who are less experience operating a snowblower and need an option that is easier to maneuver. The Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder is an excellent example here.

The two-stage snowblowers are larger and best suited for any landscapes that include the inclines or have a large amount of snow. These models have power-assisted wheels, which help these models attack these tougher terrains. Moreover, they are more expensive and have a better throwing distance thanks to the impeller.

Clearing width

Clearing width is another important factor to take into consideration when looking at a variety of snowblower options. Clearing width refers to the width of space that the snowblower can safely deal with. Another important measurement to consider while looking at a snowblower’s clearing width is its intake height. Intake height determines how deep you can allow snow to get before your snowblower is unable to clear it effectively. The Briggs & Stratton 27″ / 11.50 TP / Free Hand Control comes with a clearing width of 27 inches and the intake height of 20 inches to help you get rid of heavy snow effortlessly.

Keeping an eye on the clearing width and intake height is especially important as you will need to find a snowblower that can cater to the size and dimensions of your yard as well as the projected snowfall. As one would assume, the larger the landscape and the heavier the snowfall are, the bigger the clearing width and intake height you will need.

Throwing distance

The throwing distance shows how far the snowblower ejects the snow from the area that is currently being cleared. Generally, the larger the area that you are clearing, the larger of a throwing distance you will want to avoid huge snowbanks nearby. The Briggs and Stratton snowblowers offer models with adjustable chutes and deflectors. An adjustable chute gives the driver the ability to rotate the chute in a different direction while the deflector angle changes throwing distance either farther or closer to the clearing area. For instance, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering boasts dash mounted chute rotation and deflector controls, which make it very convenient to operate.

Top 5 Best Briggs and Stratton Snowblowers - Make Snow Clearing Task a Breeze!

Engine

The engine power is often described using two different parameters. The first one is torque power, which is often measured in feet per pound, and the second is the displacement, which is measured in “cc’s” or cubic centimeters.

As a general rule, the larger the torque and “cc” ratings, the more powerful the snowblower will be.

Briggs and Stratton offer different models with the engines from approximately 200 cc to 300 cc. If you have a small area to clear, the Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506 with 205 cc engine might be ideal for you.

Fuel tank capacity

Often, an overlooked characteristic of a snowblower, a unit’s fuel tank capacity is just as essential to take into consideration as any other features. The biggest reason why it is important to note is that you will want to make sure you have enough fuel to complete the job in a single run! This is less of a concern for those who have a smaller area to clear, but for those who have a large amount of snow, it is wise to look for a snowblower with a large fuel tank capacity.

Starter type

When looking over the types of Briggs and Stratton snowblowers on the market, you will notice that there are several starter types commonly featured in the product descriptions. The two main types you will come across are recoil starter type and the electric ones. With the electric start, all you need to do is plug your snowblower into an outdoor outlet with an extension cord, then push the start button. Once it’s started, you can unplug and go. For a recoil starter type, you will need to pull the cord, much like with a lawnmower, to start. While an electric starter might seem easier and more convenient, you will need to have an outlet nearby to set up and start the unit.  That is what you won’t require with the simpler recoil model. Most modern snowblowers come equipped with both starters, which make them incredibly easy to use.

Drive type

Top 5 Best Briggs and Stratton Snowblowers - Make Snow Clearing Task a Breeze!When looking through the variety of Briggs and Stratton snowblowers, you will see that there are a few drive types that are frequently used. Some of the common drive types are auger-propelled and the friction disk drive. The way that the auger propelled drive type works is exactly how it sounds – the snowblower machine is driven by its auger! As for the friction disk drive, the drive plate comes in contact with the rubber-faced friction wheel, which makes the snowblower to begin to move. While both drive types are effective and fairly inexpensive, the friction disk drive is more prone to wear and tear, causing the need for frequent repairs.

Auger type and material

As is frequently said, the auger is the unsung hero of the snowblower. Without an auger, removing snow would be significantly more difficult! Because of this, you will want to ensure that your auger durable and ready to tackle the snow. There are a few different types of materials that an auger can be made from. The two most common auger materials featured on the Briggs and Stratton models are thermal plastic and aluminum notched steel, both of which are extremely durable. Some snowblowers offer serrated augers while some do not.

A serrated auger is a new trend, and the manufacturers state that they are very effective, so this auger type is commonly seen on the market.

What else do I need to check?

After looking at all the features that we mentioned above, it is wise to see what else each model of a Briggs and Stratton snowblower includes. Often, these additional features are the reason why buyers choose to buy the particular snowblower model as they add ease of use or user-friendliness to the machine. Some extra features offered by Briggs and Stratton are a one-hand operation, hand warming features as well as LED headlights. All of these can be found with their premium model, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering. A heated hand grip feature is especially beneficial to have on a snowblower as it will add to the ease of use while removing snow in freezing temperatures!

How much do Briggs and Stratton snowblowers cost?

The price is another factor that is very important to consider when purchasing a snowblower. Finding a snowblower that is in your price range may seem like a monumental task, but with a little bit of research, it should be a breeze. The Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506 is fairly affordable running at about $440. On the other side of things, a more expensive Briggs and Stratton snowblower featured on our list is the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering, which currently costs about $1,250. If you are looking for a Briggs and Stratton snowblower that is in the middle of those two options, we have three other excellent options for you to choose from. Once you find a model that is in your price range, be sure to check out its features and make sure that it is a good match for you and your yard.

FAQ

How well do Briggs and Stratton snowblowers perform in extremely low temperatures?

One concern potential buyers have when looking for snowblower models is how well they perform in exceptionally low temperatures. Briggs and Stratton have the best option for you as their snowblower models perform extremely well in low temperatures. They are designed to function in temperatures as low as -20F, and they are sure to start if you store them properly and maintain regularly.

What is a self-propelled snowblower? How does it work?

Some of the Briggs and Stratton snowblowers have an auger-propelled, or self-propelled, drive systems as we have mentioned earlier. The power from the engine spins the auger, which then helps you to move forward in the deepest snow without getting stuck. As soon as the snow gets in, it is ejected through the chute. This system helps you to avoid the need to push your snowblower with force, making your clearing task a breeze.

How reliable are Briggs and Stratton snowblowers?

The Briggs and Stratton snowblowers are extremely reliable. But don’t take our word for it. If you look at the verified customer reviews, you will see that there are thousands of happy customers who have found a reliable and efficient machine that has lasted for years to come following their purchase. If that wasn’t enough, most models offer some sort of warranty spanning everything from 6 months to a lifetime warranty on parts. This is yet another way that Briggs and Stratton ensure that their customers are satisfied and that their snowblowers consistently perform how they should.

Our verdict

At the top of our list, we have our Editors Choice, the Briggs & Stratton 30″ / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering ensures exceptional performance. We loved that it had one of the biggest clearing widths among the products that we reviewed, as well as one of the largest throwing distances. The heated hand grips really were the cherry on top and sealed this model’s place on our list of best Briggs and Stratton snowblowers.

Next, as our Best Two-Stage choice, we have the Briggs & Stratton 1696619. This powerful two-stage model ensures fantastic clearing performance and convenience. It had LED headlights and can be operated with one hand.

Last but not least, the Briggs & Stratton 22″ / 9.50 TP / SnowShredder. We love that it has a large throwing distance of 30 feet, comes with a self-propelled serrated auger drive system as well as with a remote manual chute crank for ease of use and operation.

9,9
Total Score
Briggs & Stratton 30" / 14.50 TP / Dual-Trigger Steering - Editor's Choice
4 comments
avatar
Henry Brown

Which of these would be the best for a small yard with not much snow? Tired of using a shovel.

avatar
Bruce Williams (Site Expert)

Hello, Henry! You may consider Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder 1696506, this snow blower from Briggs & Stratton is best suited for small and medium-sized landscapes.

My single-stage Briggs and Stratton has served me several years already. Now I’m thinking of buying a model with higher capacity. Glad to know there’s plenty to choose from.

avatar
Bruce Williams (Site Expert)

Hello, Isaac! Briggs & Stratton snow blowers are considered one of the best on the market, we’re glad that you’re pleased with your unit! If you want something with higher capacity, take a look at a 2-stage Briggs & Stratton 1696619.

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