With winter on its way, odds are you are dreading doing the chore of clearing your driveway or sidewalk of all that heavy snow. Of course, if you get the best single-stage snow blower on the market, you won’t have to worry about breaking your back, since the machine will do all the work for you.
We have scoured the marketplace to find the top eight single-stage snow blowers available. Of all the models that we looked into, the best, by far, has got to be the Snow Joe iON100V-21SB-CT. Even though it is only a single-stage model, it can be used for pretty much any type of snow and is capable of handling anything from a light dusting to 9 total inches with ease. Obviously, however, you might want to check out its competitors on our list, so that you can rest assured that you have the best model for your needs.
Other features: 2800W brushless motor, dual 2.5W LED headlights, auger assisted drive, up to 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge
Since this model runs off of a battery, it is extremely easy to maneuver and very easy to maintain. Even if you need to clear off a windy sidewalk, this machine will be able to do the job. Something else that really helps with the overall mobility of this model is that it has an auger-assisted drive. This drive helps to pull the machine through the snow, which, in turn, makes it much easier for you.
Something that might come as a bit of a surprise with a model like this is just how powerful it is. Even though it runs off of a battery, it is able to go through plenty of snow in a limited amount of time. In fact, it is rated to remove up to 16 tons per charge, which should be more than enough for small or medium-sized areas.
Of course, something that you need to keep in mind with any battery-operated device is the length of the battery’s life. This model uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is very efficient. However, it does not hold a charge for very long, which might limit the versatility when it comes to clearing larger areas. You can always get more batteries so that you can keep running your machine while the others are charging. This route will, of course, cost you a bit more money, but might be worth it if you want a cordless snow blower for a bigger space.
Other features: 3W LED light, steel auger with 2 rubber blades, 180° adjustable directional chute, compact wheels, ETL approved, full 2-year warranty
If you want the power of a gas blower with the easy maintenance and care of a battery-operated model, then the best option for you is a corded electric snow blower. These wonderful machines provide lots of power for clearing large spaces, while also being easy to take care of and operate year after year.
This model is, by far, the most powerful corded model on the market today. It has the ability to clear up to 800 pounds of snow every minute, which adds up to about 24 tons of snow per hour. This capacity, in conjunction with its large auger, will provide you with plenty of power to remove even the deepest and wettest snows of the season.
Another added bonus of using an electric snow blower is just how easy it is to use. This model is simple to start up each and every time. In fact, all you have to do is simply flip a switch, and the unit will start right up. Since this model doesn’t have a heavy combustion engine, it is extremely lightweight. This makes it easy to move from place to place, without hurting its overall durability.
The only thing that you need to worry about with this model is that you will have to also purchase a heavy-duty extension cord in order to use it effectively. While this certainly is not going to cost as much as the unit itself, it is an added cost to take into account. You want to make sure that you get a cord that is long enough for the area that you want to clear. You also want to be sure to get one that can handle being wet without breaking down on you.
Other features: adjustable 180-degree directional chute, easy to maneuver directional crank, dual-LED lights, 7-inch wheels, comes with an 80-volt high-performance Li-ion battery, 45-min battery runtime
Not too long ago, if you wanted to purchase a snow blower, you had to be prepared to spend a ton of money. That is because most of the models in years past were only larger gas-powered models. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. For instance, this model is both effective at moving snow out of the way and quite budget-friendly.
Part of the reason that this model has the ability to be purchased for such a low price is because this is a hybrid model. It can be used with a battery or plugged in. This versatility will provide you with more flexibility in how you clear your area of snow. It will also give you some insurance should the battery run out of power when you still have work to do. All you need to do in that instance is plug the blower in and keep working.
As is the case with most electric snow blowers, this model is very lightweight and maneuverable. This maneuverability makes it an excellent option for anyone that has smaller spaces to clear. Of course, when the machine is plugged in, it is slightly less maneuverable, since you need to avoid the cord.
The chute for this snow blower is easy to adjust. It can be moved up to 180 degrees, which will allow you to move it into the right position to keep the snow moving in the right direction. The only issue with this part of the blower is, however, the chute director bar. This bar is, unfortunately, very flimsy. You need to use it very carefully, or it will probably break and need to be replaced.
Other features: 8×2” tires, 180°adjustable discharge chute, 2-year warranty
This is the ultimate snow blower for anyone looking for the quietest and most efficient way of clearing snow from their pavements and yard. The PowerSmart DB5017 offers unmatched power. It can move up to 750 pounds of snow per minute and can propel snow up to 35ft away.
With the machine, you will have an easy time clearing snow from your deck, pavements and driveway. It is lightweight and compact thus easy to control. Also, its scraper blade clears snow efficiently without causing any damage to your pavement or deck. The lightweight and compact build is not only easy to maneuver but also a breeze to assemble.
Another praiseworthy feature is the 180 degrees adjustable chute that allows you to direct snow wherever you want. The chute especially comes in handy when clearing snow from walkways and driveways.
You will enjoy the maintenance-free design of the machine. Unlike gas blowers, it doesn’t use any oil or gas and doesn’t need any tune-ups. It’s literally zero-maintenance. You would only need to clean it before storing it between winters. Moreover, the blower comes in a safety design that prevents accidental start-up. It is also built to quickly stop the spinning auger and impeller in case you release the auger trigger.
With a 21-inch width and 12.5-inch height clearing range, you will be able to clear your small to medium size deck, pavements and walkways in no time. The only downside to this blower is that it doesn’t perform well on uneven surfaces. It clears snow off smooth even surfaces like decks effortlessly.
Other features: Push Drive System, manual pitch control, durable plastic body, metal handle, 60-degree adjustable chute, safety key lock
One of the biggest reasons that most folks want to get a snow blower is to make their lives easier. Of course, these handy tools can also be used to make life easier for everyone on the block, or for a family member that doesn’t get around too well anymore. Of course, if you are going to be transporting a snow blower from place to place, it has to be lightweight and easy to break down. Thankfully, that is exactly what this model is.
This snow blower is extremely lightweight, tipping the scales at a minuscule 24 pounds. This lightweight design makes it an awesome option for anyone that plans to take it from place to place. It is super simple to pick right up and put in the back of a car or truck and haul to the next job.
Even though this is such a small blower, it is still capable of throwing out tons of snow. In fact, its 10-inch maximum depth is right up there with some of the larger models on the market.
The biggest issue with this model, aside from having to move the cord out of the way as you work, is its chute. While this chute can throw snow a pretty good distance, it is limited in its adjustability. While this certainly won’t be too big of a problem in smaller areas, it could grow to be a nuisance in larger places, simply because you will have to go over areas more than once.
Other features: recoil start, semi-self propelled auger drive, 4-stroke engine, heavy-duty metal auger housing, operator-friendly controls with large on-off switch, automatic decompression
One of the biggest knocks against gas-powered snow blowers is that they can be quite difficult to maneuver. Since these models tend to be heavy, they can be very hard to get into position, or even utilize correctly, especially if you are working uphill to clear an area. Thankfully, that is not the case with this model.
This model from Honda has a semi-self-propelled auger drive. What this means for you is very simple. As the auger turns, it will pull the machine forward for you, so that you don’t have to do all of the work on your own. This won’t go too terribly fast, so you don’t need to worry about losing control. Even though this drive isn’t too quick, it will make it a lot easier to clear inclines.
As you would expect with a gas-powered model, this machine has plenty of power. It has a large discharge capacity and can throw the snow up to 33 feet away, which should be more than enough to clear even a very large area of any type of snow.
Something else that makes this a good option for anyone looking to clear large areas quickly is its clearing depth and width. This model can clear snow up to 12 inches deep and 20 inches wide, which will make clearing large spaces nice and easy.
As we mentioned previously, gas snow blowers are very heavy. While that shouldn’t be too much of an issue if you are clearing space near your storage area, it can make it difficult to take from place to place. If you intend to take this blower to help clear out any spot away from your home, it could be quite difficult.
Other features: 210-degree chute rotation, adjustable scraper bar, reinforced rubber paddles, folding ergonomic handlebar, made from metal, easy access maintenance hatch
If you are in the market for the most powerful, versatile, and easiest to use a single-stage snow blower, then this is the first model you should check out. Its 208cc engine provides a ton of power. So much so that it can easily plow through 57 tons of snow per hour of operation. Even if you consistently get large snowstorms, this model is going to up to the task.
Another key element to why this model is so effective is its throw distance. While many single-stage blowers are only able to throw snow up to 20 feet or so, this model can throw even the heaviest of snows about 35 feet away. This makes it a great option for clearing large areas in a small amount of time.
The chute for this model is also one of the best on the market. It can easily be rotated up to 210-degrees, which makes it that much easier to keep the snow off of the parts of your driveway or pavement that have already been cleared.
This model also has an adjustable scraper bar. With this bar, you can set the depth of how much snow you want your blower to go through at a time. This helps to make it one of the more efficient models since you get as little or as much snow in one pass as you desire.
The only real issue with this model is that, due to its powerful engine, it is very heavy. This heavy build makes it very difficult to transport. Of course, if you are only going to be using it at home, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Other features: recoiled and electric start, 8-inch tires, 3-year limited warranty
The Briggs & Stratton 1022E is one of the most affordable gas snow blowers out there. It doesn’t perform as well as higher-end models but it isn’t any bad compared to its peers. It has a few distinguishing features that set it apart from other single-stage snow blowers within its range like a powerful 208cc engine that develops a high torque.
The machine performs well in light fluffy snow. It can clear up to 1 ft of snow and even more effortlessly. As for wet snow it is not the most effective but it can struggle to clear up at least one foot of snow.
Unlike most gas snow blowers, the Briggs & Stratton 1022E is very easy to start. It comes with an electric starter that works flawlessly and allows you to start the blower immediately with a simple push of a button. There’s also the option of starting it manually, which is equally easy and fast.
When it comes to noise, the machine is relatively quiet. Gas snow blowers are known to be noisy but this model is a tad better. Well, it is considerably louder than most electric models but its noise is bearable.
You will love how easy it is to handle the machine because of its lightweight and compact build. It is not a self-propelled unit but it pulls forward smoothly because of its auger-assist drive system. Although its build quality is not on par with higher end models, it feel pretty solid. It does have a few weak links but it is reliable.
Plus, since it has a 4-stroke engine you don’t have to mix oil and fuel which means easier maintenance than units with 2-stroke engines.
In this section, we will go through everything that you need to know to find the best single-stage snow blower for your money. We have also taken the time to answer several different frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well if you need any further information.
When it comes to snow blowers, there are three different types that you can select from, which include single, double, and triple-stage models. Each of these different blowers is well-suited to different types of snow and locations. A single-stage model, for instance, is perfect for lighter, fluffier snow that does not exceed 10 inches in depth. These blowers are also only suited for paved surfaces, as their auger makes contact with the ground. These models, since they only have one stage in their clearing process, cannot throw snow quite as far as double or triple stage models.
As you can imagine, there are several different key features that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for a new snow blower. In this section, we will guide you through everything you need to know so that you can find the best model possible for your needs.
The first thing that you will need to decide upon before you buy your new snow blower is the power source you want to use. You can select from gas models, which are more expensive but more powerful, corded electric, which have plenty of power but are limited in their maneuverability, and cordless electric, which is lightweight and maneuverable, but have a limited amount of power.
Once you have decided upon your power source, the next thing you need to figure out is how much power you need. This will all depend upon how much snow you get and the area that you need to clear. If you have a larger area and get lots of snow, then a bigger blower, like the Honda Power Equipment HS720AMA is a good choice.
Something else that you will need to consider is how much snow you want your snow blower to remove at a time. Again, if you have a larger area, then you should spend a bit more money and get a blower that has a larger clearing width and can handle deeper snow. Of course, if you have a smaller area, you can save a bit of money and get a smaller blower, like the Greenworks 2600502.
Another key feature to take into account is the throwing distance, which, as the name would suggest, is how far a snow blower can throw the snow it clears. A longer throwing distance, like the 35 feet provided by the Ariens Path-Pro 938032, will reduce the amount of time you need to spend clearing your area since you won’t need to go over the same snow twice.
The discharge capacity is how much snow your new blower will be able to handle in one minute.
When it comes to starting systems, you can choose from an electric or pull start. An electric start is much easier since it only requires a flip of a switch to get your blower running. A pull start can be hard on your back and might require multiple tries before the blower starts up, so keep that in mind before you make your final purchase.
Gas blowers are relatively heavy, while electric models are pretty lightweight. Thankfully, once they are running, they are all pretty easy to maneuver. The only time that the weight of your blower will really come into play is if you have a hilly spot, you need to clear, or need to move it a large distance before you use it. In that case, a lighter model like the Snow Joe SJ625E might be the right option.
Something else that you will want to consider carefully before you make your final purchase is just how large of a blower you can store in your shed or garage. While extra clearing width is ideal, it isn’t going to help you very much if you can’t put your blower away when it is not in use. Make sure that you carefully measure your storage area before you make your final decision.
While there are many different features that you can get on a snow blower, the most important is going to be an easy to adjust chute. This will allow you to decide where the snow will go when you are clearing an area, which is a big help. It might also be a good idea to get a blower that has a propel assist system if you are getting a heavier model.
The best cordless single-stage blower has got to be the Snow Joe iON100V-21SB-CT. This mower is very easy to take care of and utilize properly. It is also powerful enough to handle a lot of snow, even though it is battery operated.
If you’re looking for a corded option, then the best single-stage snow blower is going to be Snow Joe SJ625E. This model is so lightweight that you can easily lift it into your car or truck to take it somewhere else. It also boasts a deep clearing depth and durability, which is supported by a long warranty.
Is there anybody owning an Ariens snowblower? I liked the review but didn’t know this company before. Would be great to know more. Thanks!
Hello, Elisa! Ariens is a trusted snow blower manufacturer, their single-stage snow blowers deliver great performance. We review some of their best models in our article: https://www.backyardstyle.com/best-ariens-snowblower/
My old snow blower is gasoline-powered, this year I think of buying an electric one. Are they powerful enough to remove heavy wet snow?
Hello, Stephany! Yes, there are really powerful electric single-stage snow blowers that are best for this purpose – for example, EGO Power+ LB5302. You can read our detailed review on this model here: https://www.backyardstyle.com/best-electric-snow-blower/
Just bought a Toro, this little guy is great! But what else do I need to keep it running for years? I guess, they need some special maitenance, don’t they?
Hello, Mara! Congratulations on your purchase!
Single-stage snow blowers aren’t very hard to care for. You just need to cleen it, check the gears and change the oil from time to time.
You can find more maintenance tips in this article: https://www.backyardstyle.com/best-snow-blower/
What’s the difference between 1 and 2 stage? Are they cheaper?
The primary difference lies in the design. Single stage snow blowers have one auger. It cuts up the snow and blows it out. Two-stage models have two augers. One sucks up the snow, and one is an impeller that moves it out of the way. And yeah, they single stage are usually cheaper. And they are also more lightweight.
Will the Snow Joe iON100V-21SB-CT fit into a trunk of a car? Has anyone tried?
Great to see the Toro 1800 on the list! I have had it for a long time, and I do not need to do any maintenance. It is hard to push, but if you have a long cord, it works well even if there is 10 inches of snow on the ground. This machine throws the snow far away! I use three heavy duty cords because my property has lots of corners and edges that might need more than one machine to clean. I want a two-stage machine, but they cost too much and require lots of maintenance. The few times that this has gone over rocks, it still works fine! This is really high quality and worth buying!
Should I get a gas or electric one? I’m going to use it only occasionally.
Depends on how much snow and area. An electric snow blower is quieter and better for the environment. But it can’t clear as much snow as a gas-powered one, or handle heavy snow.
I recently bought the Briggs & Stratton 1022E. This snow blower was easy to put together and it worked really well when I needed to clear snow from my driveway. I liked how the electric start works making it easy to start. So far, I have cleared my own driveway, sidewalk, and some of my neighbors’ driveways with it too. They were impressed by how fast and far the snow blew away while clearing their driveways! I think, a great pick for occasional use and light snow.
Does the Honda HS720AMA comes with electric start?
The answer would be NO. Honda does make a snow blower that has an electric start, but this one is not it. HOWEVER, Honda engines will start on the first pull if you do not leave untreated gas in it for more than a month or two. (I have another Honda snow blower and it still starts on the first pull.) One way to keep your engine from starting in the spring is: 1) Drain the gas from tank and carburetor, then start and let run dry, OR 2) Add enough gas stabilizer to mix into your engine and run for 2 minutes to get stabilizer into carburetor. I drain gas before I start it. The engine will run out of gas in about one minute. You should do this for any engine that runs on gasoline (even if it has an electric starter). You can find out more information on the internet about how gasoline goes bad as it gets older. A Honda blower has an electric starter and cost $100 more than the manual one. But you probably won’t get this kind because they would mention it in the ad if you did get one with an electric start.
I have Snow Joe SJ625E. This is a good snow blower. It can do everything I need it to do, except when the snow drifts are too high. This machine has enough power for any job and gets it done quickly. I am happy that I did not get the smaller 13-AMP 18″ model, because this machine would have been too hard to use in this situation. This 15-AMP 21″ electric model was surprisingly easy to use and if your concern about noise, then you can run this machine without hearing protection and it will not annoy your neighbors either. If you’re looking for an electric model of a snow blower, then I recommend this one!