Shoveling snow might be easy on your stairs and sidewalks but not on your driveway or patio. You will need a fast, effective, and easy-to-use snow blower. If you experience heavy snow annually, then you know better the difference that the best snow blower in the market can make. It might require a large investment, but you will not regret getting one as you will save a lot of your time and efforts. Plus, you just need one snow blower for your whole life because they are long-lasting (40 years upwards) if well taken care of.
There are so many different brands and models of snow blowers that choosing the perfect one for your household can be a challenge. We compiled this guide to help you make the right choice. We reviewed 30 products and narrowed down to the best 12 snow blowers in the market. Of all the products considered, the Snow Joe SJ625E emerged as our best pick. Its speed, ease of use, exceptional value, and top-notch performance could not be outdone. The other products also offered great value, high-quality features, and first-rate performance.
We used the best sources and spent adequate time on research for the compilation of this guide. Some of the features on which we based our best choices include; clearing width and depth, throwing capacity, power source, chute rotation, stages, weight, and many others. This article has all the ideal information you need to know before buying a snow blower in the comparison table, individual product reviews, and a comprehensive buying guide in the end.
If you don’t want to dig deep into your pockets for a high-quality snow blower, here is your prime pick. The Snow Joe SJ625E is built to last and hold up well in the toughest winter weather conditions. Other than quality, it has a couple of convenient features and first-rate functionality that makes it one of the best residential snow blowers.
The single-stage snow thrower comes in a small and lightweight body that is easy to maneuver during operation or storage. It features an electric start and plug, which saves you from the pain of refueling or tuning up every often. You simply plug in to get started on your driveway.
With a 15amp power motor, you can clear up to 800 pounds of snow in one minute. This makes it one of the best single-stage snow blowers
You will also be able to clear an incredible amount of space (2I inches wide and 12 inches deep) with a single pass of the snow blower. All thanks to the durable steel auger that has 2 rubber blade cuts. The clearing distance is also petty impressive for a small snow blower at 20feet.
What’s more, the 180-degree dispensing chute will allow you to choose where the snow goes in your yard with accuracy.
Thanks to the brilliant 3 watt LED lights, you will be able to extend your working hours after dusk or very early n the morning. They will illuminate your driveway and work just as if it were day time.
Overall, this corded electric snow blower is a perfect option for small residential jobs as it delivers the power of a gas snow blower with the convenience of an electric snow blower. It also offers excellent value as it is affordably priced and works just as well as many high-end snow blowers.
When it comes to clearing snow from your small driveway or yard, trust Snow Joe. This is another one of their indelible mix of power, quality, convenience, and first-rate engineering. It would never compete with a 2-stage snow blower, no, but it is one of the best cordless snow blowers out there.
The battery-powered snow blower is an industrial beauty. It is designed for flexibility with an allowance of adding various battery sizes to increase the running time. It features folding handles that offer premium comfort though they are not heated.
With 100v battery power, and 2800w motor, the machine moves up to 16 tons of snow per charge. Made for light and fluffy snow, the snow blower can only blow snow less than 12 inches deep. On the bright side, you can clear an incredibly large area of about 21 inches.
The 100v battery comes in 2 versions, 2.5Ah, and 5Ah, which can both give you the best speed and lots of runtime. You will only need 100 minutes to recharge the battery fully.
Also featured in this cordless snow blower are dual LED lights that will allow you to work in dark conditions.
With the variable speed auger of this snow blower, you can optimally remove snow from your compound regardless of the snowfall conditions. The 180 degrees chute rotation gives you the liberty of depositing snow wherever you like. Btw, you can throw snow as far as 30 ft away, which is quite impressive given this is a small and single-stage snow blower.
All in all, this Sun Joe is the best cordless model owing to its runtime, reliability, exceptional performance, and large feature set. It is a bit pricier than most single-stage snow blowers, but it offers excellent value and has a 2-year warranty, making it worth the buy.
This is the best Toro snow blower model that balances power and convenience. It is made for small snow clearing jobs around the home or commercial sites. It packs various innovative features that make it suitable for snow clearing chores in the residential area, regardless of property size.
The single-stage snow blower comes in an incredibly lightweight body, weighing a mere 25pounds. It is, therefore, easier to maneuver and store.
It is straightforward to use because of several of its innovative features like the handle mounted controls and the ergonomically designed handles for superior comfort. It also has 6-inch wheels that make it easier to pivot when making a turn.
The powerful electric snow blower offers a snow blowing capacity of 700 pounds per minute thanks to its reliable 15amp motor. You can clear snow from an area 18 inches wide and make a snow cut of 12 inches deep. This is why it is only best suited for small jobs.
Additionally, the blower features an added zip deflector, which you can adjust to throw the snow where you want it. You can throw the snow as far as 30ft.
With this machine, you get not only the chute but also a chute lever that allows you to adjust the rotational chute angle from the rear handle.
With curved rotors and an inverted funnel housing, the snow blower works up more snow in a short span of time.
Overall, this is a fantastic choice for small residential jobs because it is built to offer top-notch performance and great convenience. It is also one of the best lightweight snow blowers in the market in case you want something you can easily maneuver and store yourself.
Are you an eco-minded home owner on a tight budget looking for a powerful snow blower that is an alternative to gas snow blowers? This should be your prime pick. This blower can plow through a large mass of snow better than most single-stage snow blowers thanks to its durability and maneuverability.
The corded blower comes in a lightweight body that you can easily maneuver both during use and when it’s not in use. The lack of a gas tank and other engine pieces reduces not just the weight but also the potential for pieces not functioning with age.
You will appreciate the lightness of this blower as it is not self-propelled. On the bright side, you can literally adjust the entire machine for premium comfort. You can adjust the handles’ height and length to any of the 3 settings offered. You also don’t have to worry about a tangled, messy cable getting in your way, thanks to the cord lock provided for you to store it.
With the dual LED lights features, you will be able to work anytime you want without relying on the sun for visibility.
The powerful 13 amp motor delivers the powerful results you would expect from a gas alternative. You will be able to clear a path 20 inches wide and plow through 10 inches deep mass of snow.
The snow blower can work a whopping 850 pounds of snow per minute, which you can throw to your desired destination with ease on account of the 180 degrees chute rotation. You can throw the snow as far as 20 feet, which is pretty impressive for a single-stage snow blower.
Furthermore, an easy electric start guarantees you a hassle-free operation of the blower. All you need is a simple push of a button to get started.
Besides its affordable pricing, this electric snow blower has got so much to offer in terms of features and should be your number 1 choice for a gas alternative. It will do a good job clearing your short driveways and small paved areas.
Here is another small and affordable snow blower that is a blast in the snow. If you like to get value for every single penny you spend, this is your ultimate choice. This corded snow blower is best suited for your small driveways and paved areas or any other small jobs in the home.
The blower comes in an incredibly lightweight body made with plastic. This makes it easy to push around. In fact, an average person can be able to carry it by grabbing its handle. However, you need to be careful because plastic is vulnerable.
The blower features a 13.5 amp motor that generates a surprising amount of torque that spins the auger blades. It can clear an area 18 inches wide and scoop up snow 7.8 inches deep. This is a bit lower than other single-stage blowers reviewed above, but hey! You get what you pay for.
It can move about 490 pounds of snow per minute and throw as far as 20 feet away as long as the snow is not wet and slushy.
Also, the augers are made with plastic, so you have to be careful not to use the blower in hard and icy snow. It works better in dry and light snow.
On the flip side, the snow blower features a cord wrangler, which is a simple plastic device that you can use to loop the cord. This prevents a messy, tangled cord from getting in your way when you are working.
Moreover, you can adjust the chute rotation to get your preferred throwing angle so you can get the snow exactly where you want it. Remember, if the snow is wet and slushy, the chute will get clogged.
The wheels on this snow blaster aren’t so good either. They are small and made of plastic, which is not the best for snowy conditions. However, they provide the basic traction needed to move the blower.
If you live in an area that experiences light and dry snow, then you don’t need a snow blower that can handle just that, nothing serious and expensive, and this is a perfect option for your needs.
This is our best overall pick for all the right reasons. The Husqvarna ST224P is surprisingly affordable, given it is one hell of an impressive machine with multiple convenient features and superior functionality. Plus, Husqvarna is a renowned brand, and this should inspire some consumer confidence in you.
The snow blower is a walk-behind model that comes in an ideal size and weight for ease of use and storage. It is not the smallest snow-blower in the market and not the largest either. It features heated handles that heat up instantly to warm you up so you can work longer and comfortably in the bitter cold.
One of the most exciting features of this machine is its adjustable skid shoes. They allow you to set up for optimal performance according to the depth and area size of the snow layer perfectly. You will achieve this by adjusting the distance between the auger and the ground.
Another plus for this machine is its powerful LED headlights that help you clear snow quickly in the wee hours of the morning or late in the evening.
The snow blower can clear snow that is 23 inches deep and 24 inches wide in one blow thanks to its durable ribbon auger. It mixes air with snow, hence an increased efficiency during clearance.
The powerful 208cc engine also contributes to the machine’s clearance ability. It is adequately sized to handle a lot of snow with impressive torque and horsepower.
The snow blower has been designed to reduce operator fatigue with user-friendly controls, a 120v electric starter, and a trigger-controlled power steering. A reverse gear is also included for easy maneuverability.
What’s more, the snow blower has 6 forward speeds for optimal clearance of snow in different conditions.
Overall, this is a rare feature-rich model that is ideal for anyone looking for a high-end snow blower for clearing their pathways and driveways on a tight budget. And btw! The machine is backed up by a 3-year warranty making it even more valuable.
If you need to upgrade to a premium quality snow blower, this is your ultimate choice. It will put winter in its place without requiring much effort from you. Though a bit costlier, this snow blower packs various high-end features that make it one of the best 2-stage snow blowers in the market.
The snow blower comes in a self-propelled design that is easier to operate and work with. It features 6 different forwards speeds and 2 reverse speeds with which you can clear any amount of snow optimally.
It has large directional snow tread tires that offer adequate grip regardless of the type or amount of snowfall. Its steering is also auto-turn, so, you won’t have to use a lot of energy controlling the snow blower. Still, on using less energy, the snow blower has an electric start that requires no more than a simple press of a button.
Moreover, you will be able to clear snow from a pretty large space of about 32 inches wide and 23.5 inches deep with a single pass of the snow blower. As if that’s enough, the snow blower can throw 91 tons of snow per hour as far as 60 feet away. This makes it one of the best snow blower for large driveways or commercial purposes in the market.
With the 200 degrees quick-turn rotating remote chute, you will be able to easily guide snow wherever you like in your yard. The deflector control also ensures the snow only goes where you want it.
Another plus for this snow blower is that you don’t have to wait for sunrise to work on your driveway. It features exceptional halogen headlights that will allow you to work at dawn or after dusk has fallen.
Additionally, you will be able to work on your driveway or yard longer in the harsh winter cold thanks to the heated handles that the snow blower features. They will keep your hands warm.
All considered this is one of the best electric snow blowers for both residential and commercial purposes. All its superior features plus a 3-year warranty back up make it a worthy investment.
Are you looking for a powerful and heavy-duty snow blower you can rely on for all of your snow blowing chores? Well, look no further. Poulan Pro is a renowned brand, famously known for its durable and highly functional machines. It has various impressive specifications built in its design that make it a highly reliable 2 stage snow blower in the market.
As typical with most heavy-duty snow blowers, the PR271 is large and heavy. The larger the machine, the more powerful it is. It features huge 15-inch tires with a tread that will hold up well in the snow’s slippery conditions.
Your comfort was maximized when designing this blower. It features heated handles with 4 height settings and comfortable soft grips. Plus, you get the single-hand operation option.
Ease of use was also prioritized in the build of the PR271. It comes with a remote control for the chute rotation and deflector direction that both ensure you load the snow exactly where you want them in your yard.
Additionally, the trigger control is easy to use with a locking function.
In the short, dark winter days, you will still be able to clear snow from your driveway on account of the clear lens lights the snow blower features.
With a powerful 254cc motor, you can imagine how much snow you can clear with a single pass. Poulan does not specify this machine’s clearing ability, which is a bit of a downside, but the powerful engine with an electric starter speaks for itself. Even in the coldest of conditions, you will be able to start your snow blower easily.
Also featured are different operational speeds (6 forward and 1 reverse) for optimal removal of snow in different snowfall conditions.
In conclusion, if you are looking for the cheapest snow blower in the market, the Poulan Pro PR271 is not going to blow your mind. But, if you are looking for a durable, heavy-duty and highly efficient gas snow blower, this is your best bet. Plus, you get a 4-year warranty.
Contrary to its name, you won’t get your hands dirty when taming the toughest winter conditions with this 2-stage gas-powered snow blower. It is durable, easy to use, and highly dependable.
The snow blower comes in a self-propelled design with rugged construction. It features heated hand grips and LED lights that allow you to work in dark and harsh cold winter conditions. You can say goodbye to frostbite and total dependency on sunlight to clear snow from your yard.
Also featured are skid shoes that incorporate a beveled edge that keeps your driveways safe from damage and reduces hang-ups on surfaces that are uneven.
With a reliable and powerful 302cc engine, you will be able to clear an area 30 inches wide and 20 inches deep in one pass. The 3-blade impeller also contributes to the powerful and efficient removal of snow.
The snow blower will allow you to throw snow as far as 40ft in your desired direction, thanks to the 190 degrees chute rotation. Operating the quick-turn chute is pretty straightforward from the control panel.
Additionally, with the 6 forward and 1 reverse operational speeds, you can adjust the snow blower’s speed to match the snowfall conditions in your area.
Another plus for this machine is that you only need a simple push of a button to start it. It features a 110v electric start and an additional recoil start for backup.
The snow blower also comes with a few accessories that you can take advantage of to easily clear snow from your driveway or yard. The accessories include; an easy mount cleaning tool and shear pins.
Overall, this is one of the best self-propelled snow blowers in the market that will help you easily clean your sidewalk, road, or driveway.
This is the snow blower you need to get ASAP if you come from an area that is prone to heavy snowfall. It has an extensive feature set and is powerful enough for your large residential lot or small commercial lot.
The 3-stage snow blower has a rugged body designed to work through thick snow and ice.
It features a pitch control and steel chute, which are both essential for areas with heavy snowfall and thick ice formation. The pitch control directs the snow to your desired destination while the steel chute blows the snow away from the machine.
With so much versatility and power, it only makes sense that this snow blower comes with a power steering. This makes maneuverability around tight turns in your yard or curved walkways an easy task. You will be less fatigued with no pains or aches and the job efficiently done in a short span of time.
You will also appreciate the heated handles the snow blower comes with. They will keep you warm in the coldest conditions and enable you to work longer.
For ease of use, the snow blower’s design incorporates fingertips controls that allow operation without the need of struggling with handles or steering mechanism. This makes it one of the best snow blowers for the elderly and anyone with any health condition that affects the hands and fingers.
Another praiseworthy feature of this machine is its skid shoes. They offer you better control on the icy surfaces, and they keep it moving in thick and deep snow. They will also prevent your pavements and driveways from getting damaged by the snow blower.
The blower has variable speeds of 6 forward and 1 reversible for optimal snow removal in different snowfall conditions. It can clear an area of 26 inches wide and 21 inches deep. If you find the width clearance too narrow for your liking, you can always get a wider blade.
In conclusion, this is the best snow blower you can get to clear thick, dense, and tightly packed snow in an area that experiences heavy snowfall.
This is one of the best 24-inch snow blowers you can get for your small walkways, sidewalks, and patio spaces. It packs a few superior features that make it an excellent choice for residential snow removal.
This snow-blower comes in a self-propelled design with a steady build. You can trust it to pull you along for a ride. It features adjustable augers, so you can adjust their height in case you have unpaved areas you need to clear.
Its large 13 –inch snow hog tires will provide stability and excellent traction, even slippery ice and thick snow.
The machine is gas-powered with a reliable and powerful motor of 208cc. This is powerful enough to clear the snowbanks that the city plow leaves on your driveway. You will be surprised by its ability to take on snowbanks that are taller than its intake.
The motor power allows you to clear an area of 24 inches of snow and 21 inches deep in one quick pass. With the quick-turn chute rotation, you will be able to deposit the snow in your desired destination.
Additionally, the machine features 6 forward and 1 reverse speed for optimal snow removal for different snowfall conditions.
This Yard machine has a reasonable weight for a 2-stage snow blower. You can easily maneuver it around tight areas and curved walkways. Also, you will be able to move it yourself easily when it is not under use.
What’s more, you are offered an easy electric mitten to keep your hands warm when you are out in the harsh winter weather. You will also enjoy the single-hand operation as the blower is equipped with a clutch-lock.
All these features, together with a 2-year limited warranty, make this one of the best 2-stage snow blowers under 1000 dollars. It is an ideal choice for your small residential chores.
This is another ideal choice for anyone unwilling to shell out thousands or many hundreds for a snow blower. It is a rare gem because it’s insane to find a 20-inch snow blower at such a low price.
As common with electric blowers, this snow blaster is remarkably lightweight. It has a sturdy build, strong enough to clear light snow from your mid to large size driveways, patios, and sidewalks but not heavy wet snow on gravel roads.
You will love the powerful efficiency the blower offers with its powerful 15 amp motor. With such power and durable steel augers, it can clear a path 20 inches wide and scoop up snow 10 inches deep in a single pass. Its throwing distance of 30feet is very impressive for a single-stage blower. Similarly, the blower has a great throwing capacity of 800 pounds per minute that will let you clear snow from your yard in no time.
With the 180 degrees adjustable chute rotation, you can deposit snow wherever you like accurately. What’s more, the 60/90 degrees outlet featured provides you with more directional choices when clearing snow.
This blower was designed with your comfort and safety in mind. There is a double switch for your safety and antifreeze plastic handles that will make you want to work longer in the harsh winter cold.
It also comes with a power cord hook for getting the cord out of your way during use. You can hang the cable around it for convenience and reduced obstruction.
Another plus for this blower is the overload protector that minimizes damage on the motor due to excess electricity. Also, the fact that this machine will start with a simple push of a button doesn’t hurt, and it is essentially maintenance-free.
This is one of the best electric snow blowers you can get at a low budget for top-notch snow clearance on your driveways, patios, and yard.
Now that you already know that snow blowers are time and labor-saving alternative to shoveling snow, you need to get the best that meets your needs. This section contains all the ideal information you need to know to choose the best snow blower in the market. You will learn more about the need for a snow blower, the different stages, its benefits, and things to consider before purchasing one.
A snow blower is a machine used to remove snow where it is unwanted. The dual-stage machine can move wet and heavy snow, and it offers a wide and tall clearance. It crunches through icy snow easily. Most snow blowers are heavy and are therefore built with a self-propelling feature for easy maneuverability. Most of them are gas-powered and have an electric start. The only downside to owning a snow blower is that it requires high maintenance, and they are pricier than snow throwers.
There are 3 different stages of snow blowers, and they operate differently.
A single-stage snow blower has one high-speed auger that scoops snow off the ground and blows it out through the discharge chute. This machine is designed to handle snow depth up to 6 inches only. It cannot work on thick and icy snow on a drive or walk that is at a steep grade.
This machine’s auger has a rubber leading edge that helps to propel it forward as it scoops snow. However, this is not a real self-propelling mechanism. It is best suited for shorter and smaller driveways that can park about 2 cars wide and 2 cars long.
Two-stage snow blowers have an auger that looks like a corkscrew and turns slowly to gather snow and move it to the center of the house. It pushes the snow into a high-speed impeller, which then propels it out the chute.
The machines can handle snowfall as deep as 12 inches on medium size to larger driveways that can park about 2 cars wide and 3 cars long. Most of them have multiple forward speeds and are self-propelled. They are larger and feature large augers so they can easily crunch compacted icy snow as well as handle a lot of snow at a go.
Like the 2-stage machines, three-stage snow blowers also have a slow turning auger that picks up snow and moves it to the center of the housing. However, it propels snow into the impeller faster than a 2-stage snow blower of the same size. In fact, they are known to remove snow 50% faster than 2-stage machines.
These machines are made for heavy snowfalls as they can work on snow as deep as 18 inches. They are best suited for larger driveways that can park 3 cars wide and 4 cars long or patios and pavements.
Snow Blowers by Stage Type
Using a snow blower is a more superior method of removing snow from your driveway, yard, patio, or paved ways. Here are some of the benefits of owning a snow blower:
You will never have to exert yourself to clear snow from your compound. All you have to do is start the machine and steer it, more like using a lawn mower. There is no pushing or pulling involved as most snow blowers and self-propelled. Plus, if you experience light snowfalls, you will probably get the light machines with which you don’t have to break a sweat even if you carry for a short distance. Any adult can remove snow using a snow blower, even the elderly, because of how effortless it is.
You will be impressed with how fast you will be able to remove snow from your property. Even a small snow blower can remove about 650 pounds of snow per minute. In real sense, you can clear about 2150 square feet per hour. Since driveways and patios cover smaller areas, you will be done clearing the paths in minutes.
With a snow blower, you will never run late for work in the morning, trying to clear your driveway. Neither will you spend endless hours in the evenings or weekends clearing snow from the pathways in your property instead of spending time with your precious family and friends.
Because it is highly efficient, a snow blower will remove snow flawlessly from your driveways and walkways. Most of the modern machines can blow snow as far as 20 or 30 feet away. So, you are sure of not cleaning the same snow twice. This allows you to perfectly clean all the traffic areas in your property in no time.
With proper maintenance, you will not need to replace your snow blower for a lifetime. A snow blower can go up to 40 years if you take care of it well. Also, most manufacturers offer warranties which you can take advantage of in case you encounter any challenges in your usage.
Snow Blowers for Different Purposes
There are a few crucial things you have to put into consideration before buying a snow blowing machine in order to make the right choice.
The amount of snowfall you experience in your area will highly determine the type of snow blower to buy. For instance, if you experience heavy and wet snow, you have to get the 2-stage or 3-stage machine that is more resilient when it comes to moving high mounds of icy snow. They have greater clearing heights and a bigger engine with more power for heavy-duty clearance.
If you experience dry and light powdery snow or an average accumulation of less than 6 inches in your area, then the single-stage snow blower will be sufficient for your regular use.
This determines the clearing width of the snow blower you will buy. Normally, a typical owner would benefit from a single-stage blower (depending on the amount of snow experienced in the area), which typically features a clearing width of about 18 to 22 inches.
But, if you have a larger multiple-car driveway, then you would benefit from either a 2-stage or 3-stage blower. Their clearance width usually ranges between 24 and 48 inches.
If you have an even terrain, then you can get away with any type of snow blower, even the single-stage ones that are designed with rubber paddles that touch the ground for efficient snow clearance. Though on a clean pavement, some single-stage snow blowers can outdo several multi-stage blowers in clearing snow more closely to the ground.
On the other hand, if you have an uneven terrain, you just have to get either a 2 or 3-stage snow blower. Their height is adjustable and can easily maneuver any projectiles or tight corners.
If you are eco-minded, you will definitely want to go for the electric snow blowers that don’t emit anything harmful to the environment. They also don’t require any kind of maintenance. What’s more, they are less noisy. You don’t want to be that neighbor waking up everyone when clearing your driveway at dawn.
The gas-powered engines are louder because of their larger engines. They also require high maintenance, and just like other fuel-powered machines, they affect the environment in one way or another.
For you to make the right buy that will meet all your needs satisfactorily, there are a few features that you have to consider. They include:
Personal preference plays a big role here. There are gas-powered, battery-powered and electric snow blowers. Gas-powered snow blowers are more powerful and are designed to handle heavy and icy snowfall of any kind of terrain. They are larger, more expensive, and noisy because of their large engines. They are also high maintenance and not very eco-friendly.
Electric snow blowers, on the other hand, are more affordable, operate quietly, and require zero maintenance. They are not as powerful as gas-powered blowers but, some are designed for heavy-duty tasks like the Snow Joe SJ625E reviewed above. They are designed to work on dry and light snow on even terrains.
Battery-powered snow blowers are an even better option as they don’t need gas, an annual spark plug service, or oil changes. A single charge can run the machine for about 30 minutes, but if you need a longer running time, you can invest in an extra set of batteries. The machines work exceptionally for small to medium-sized driveways with light to medium depths of snowfall.
Various snow blowers come with different motor and engine powers. The more powerful the motor and engine, the more efficient the snow blower is in clearing snow. Powerful electric snow blowers have a motor power ranging from 13.5 to 15amp like the TACKLIFE 20-Inch Snow Blower reviewed above.
Powerful gas-powered snow blowers have a motor power ranging between 200cc and 450cc.
This is a very critical aspect as it determines how fast you will be able to clean snow from the traffic areas in your property. If you have a large driveway, patio, or walkway, you will make the most out of a snow blower with a large clearance width ranging from 24 to 48 inches. This allows you to clear a large amount of snow in no time.
If, on the other hand, you have a short driveway and small walkways, then you will be satisfied with snow blowers with a smaller clearance width ranging between 18 inches and 22 inches.
Just like clearance width, the intake height is crucial and has to be considered before choosing a snow blower. Once again, this depends on the type of snow you receive in your area. If you are going to be working heavy, wet, and sticky snow, then you have to get a 2 or 3-stage snow blower, whether you have a small driveway or not. They have bigger engines; thus, they won’t bog down in deep and wet snow.
If you receive light and dry snow that is averagely 6 inches deep, then you can get the single-stage snow blower regardless of the size of your driveway. There are single-stage blowers with a decent clearance width that you can choose from.
If you don’t want to spend so much time clearing snow from your property, then you better pay attention to throwing distance as a feature before buying a snow blower. The further you can throw, the better. This ensures that you don’t get to work on snow you have already removed saving you time and energy.
The most powerful snow blowers can throw as far as 60 feet away like the Ariens 926071 reviewed above. However, a typical homeowner can do with a throwing distance of 30ft. Do note that there are electric snow blowers with a decent throwing decent like the TACKLIFE 20-Inch Snow Blower reviewed above in detail.
Just like a throwing distance, your snow blower’s capacity is going to determine how much time you spend outside in the cold winter, getting rid of snow from your driveway and walkway. If you want to spend a few minutes, then you best settle for the powerful snow blowers with a higher throwing capacity. Powerful gas-powered blowers can throw up to 90 tons per hour, like the Ariens 926071 reviewed above.
There are also electric snow blowers with a decent throwing capacity of about 850 pounds per minute. They will do just great, especially if you have smaller areas to clear snow from.
It is through the chute that snow is blown off from the blower. If you pick the chute right, you will get snow exactly where you want it in your yard. Be sure to pick a snow blower with an adjustable quick-turn chute that you can use direct snow to your desired destination.
Better yet, go for machines with an auto chute rotation and cute pitch controls. They have cables and electronically controlled chute rotations, which allow you to change directions and pitch from a control panel. Some blowers even feature a one-hand pistol-grip joystick chute. Though costlier, these features are worth it because you will spend the least amount of time clearing snow from your property.
Also, plastic chutes work better and last longer than steel chutes. Since they are slippery, snow doesn’t stick or jam on them as much as it does with steel ones. They are also flexible and don’t crack in the extremely cold weather, while steel chutes can chip and dent.
When it comes to wheels, go for big ones, whether it’s an electric snow blower or a gas-powered one. Bigger wheels offer better traction on wet and icy snow and can hold up well even in uneven terrain. Check if they are treaded for added grip on any type of snow.
Additionally, go for airless tires. They are hassle-free and keep the blower driving straight. The polymer material they are made of flexes to shed snow, and they have much traction just like traditional rubber tires. What’s more, they are maintenance-free. You will never experience a flat with airless tires.
Also, instead of wheels, you can go for a model that uses a track system like that on a tank. It offers the most exceptional traction on the iciest surfaces. They are best suited for clearing snow on steep inclines.
The cold winter weather is painfully uncomfortable that you can only make it better by getting a snow blower that makes snow blowing comfortable if not pleasant. For added comfort, go for ergonomically designed handles that won’t leave you with blisters. Also, heated or anti-freeze handles are a must for warmth. Some models come with electric mittens to keep your hands warm like the Yard Machines 31AS63EE700.
Another thing to consider is adjustable handles. If you can adjust the height of the handles to your preference, you will enjoy clearing snow in the harsh winter cold.
Nothing is as bad as being out in the cold to clear your driveway, and your machine takes forever to start. Gas-powered blowers are fond of this behavior, especially when it is too cold. If you flood the engine of a snow blower, you will have to rope-pull for about 20 times to get the machine started, and that can hurt your back pretty bad. It’s even worse on a large engine.
So, if your back is in no good shape for pulling ropes, be sure to buy a machine with an electric start, which only requires you to push a button.
This is one of the most crucial aspects to consider. Gas-powered blowers weigh more than electric blowers because of their large engines. Since most of them are self-propelled, weight isn’t such a big issue for them. However, you still need to go for a blower whose weight you can handle even when it is not in use for storage purposes.
Electric blowers, on the other hand, are pretty lightweight in their build. In fact, there are some that you could comfortably lift up by their handle. Since most of them are not self-propelled, it’s safer to go with the most lightweight models like the Toro 38381 reviewed above.
You’ll need to use your snow blower during winter, which will be dark when you leave for work and still dark when you come back home. For this reason, you cannot afford to buy a snow blower without headlights.
Headlights will help you see clearly, to avoid jamming the machine into obstacles that could damage it. They also give you the liberty to clear snow anytime you want to without depending on sunlight.
Controls vary across various models. Go for a model with easy to use controls that make the machine effortless to use. For instance, if you choose to buy a gas-powered snow blower that is heavy, you better go for one with variable speed control. Multiple speeds will allow you the flexibility of tackling the snow based on the nature of your snowfall.
Additionally, pay more attention to the discharge chute controls. They will help you deposit snow exactly where you want it effortlessly. Another critical control to look out for is the single-hand interlock control. It allows you to control the lever for the auger and wheels with one hand, which is usually impossible with many models. This increases the machine’s overall efficiency.
These are found mostly on 2 and 3-stage snow blowers because their augers are not designed to remove snow by touching the ground. The skid shoes are meant to guide you on uneven surfaces. If you have a bumpy sidewalk or driveways covered by gravel, you will have to get a snow blower with skid shoes.
With a snow blower that weighs over 300 pounds, you could definitely use some assistance in turning. This is where power steering comes in. It would also be a plus on smaller machines. Power steering works by slowing down the inner wheel to allow a sharper turn radius. Some work automatically, and some are controlled by a lever under the handlebar.
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Snow Shovels
Like mentioned earlier, you only need one snow blower in your lifetime as long as you maintain it well. Here are some of the things you should before the snow flies.
You need to remove the spark plug to check for damage or deposits. After you have disconnected it from the lead, you can remove it with a wrench. If there are no deposits or damages, you can pop it back gently in a secure way.
You have to check the belts for wear and tear or cracks. If you find any replace them. You can always take a photo of the belts before to know where exactly they go during replacements.
The auger paddles are the most crucial part of your snow blower because they work the hardest. You should check them often for wear and tear and replace them if you notice any mishaps.
This is the part that scrapes snow off your walkways and driveways. If it is worn out on a single-stage blower, you simply need to turn it around, but on multiple-stage blowers, you have to replace it.
If you have a 2-stage blower, you have got to check its skid shoes. They re the adjustable pieces that let you set the height of your blower’s augers. They are usually reversible do if yours is worn out, you can just flip it around before you get a new one.
These connect the auger to the gear case. Fun fact; they are meant to break. They are a safety feature. They break if the auger and the gear case are too loaded. Therefore, you need to have a few extras for replacements anytime.
To change the oil, you can always let the blower warm up to make the oil flow faster. You can then turn it off and pull the plug to drain the oil into a container. When done, pop in the plug and fill up the blower with oil.
If you don’t want to experience clogs, always ensure you use fresh gas with a stabilizer. A fuel stabilizer also helps to keep the gas fresh for long.
Maintenance and Tips
There is a lot to consider when it comes to picking the right snow blower that meets all of your snow removals needs efficiently. There is a huge selection of models and brands with a dizzying array of features that picking one for yourself can be challenging. Well, not anymore. This guide has all the right information you need to know before buying the best snow blower that perfectly suits you.
Of all the products we reviewed, the Snow Joe SJ625E was our best overall pick. Its high-end features at such an affordable price could not be matched. It is a perfect mix of convenience, power, and versatility. The Snow Joe iON100V-21SB-CT offered premium quality, excellent value, and top-notch performance with their superior features.
If you buy any snow blower on this list based on your snow removal needs, you will have made the best investment in your lifetime (however large) because they are all built to offer lifetime excellence.
