The winter season can evoke many different images: houses and landscapes transformed by crisp white snow into magical fairylands; children engaging in snowball fights, and mulled wine enjoyed by a blazing log fire.
But one image can strike fear into the hearts of many people: insurmountable piles of snow and ice that can trap you inside your home. If this fits your winter experience and you are attempting to manually shovel away lots of snow, then put down that shovel.
A snow blower or thrower is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of clearing your property from unwanted snowdrifts.
The 6 Best Snow Blowers
- Snow Joe Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
- Greenworks Electric Snow Thrower
- Hattomen Single-Stage Electric Snow Thrower
- Husqvarna ST330 30-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs and Stratton Two-Stage Snow Thrower (Our Top Pick)
- Ariens ST24LE Deluxe Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Our Top Pick for the Best Snow Blower
Our top pick for the best snow blower is the Briggs and Stratton Two-Stage Snow Thrower.
It is a well-built machine that offers you an exceedingly high snow clearing performance. This snow monster is designed with everything you need for removing thick snow and it even excels at wet, slushy snow that can be notoriously difficult to remove. There are a host of handy operator features that will make your snow day clean-up chores so much easier.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Snow Blower for Your Home
The first thing you need to know about choosing the right snow blower is the type. There are 6 different types of snow blowers:
1. Snow Blower and Snow Throwers
There are 3 types of snow blowers available: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage.
Snow blowers also come in different sizes. The size refers to the blower’s clearing capacity or swath, similar to a string trimmer. Snow blowers or throwers can range in size from 18-32-inches, depending on whether it is an electric or gas-powered model. Snow blowers are also determined by how many inches of snow they can cut through from 6-inches of light snow up to 12-inches of heavy snow.
2. Single-stage Snow Throwers
Single-stage snow blowers are usually referred to as snow throwers and the term single-stage refers to their snow collection process that can be completed in one single action. The plastic auger spins and chops up the snow and then throws it out via a discharge chute. Single-stage snow throwers can be powered by electricity or gas, while two or three-stage snow blowers are only powered by gas. Although lithium battery-operated models are available, electric or gas are the most common and effective power sources.
3. Electric Single-stage Snow Throwers
Electric single-stage snow throwers are available from 18-20-inches. So they are ideal for clearing away light to moderate up to 6-inches of snowfall from sidewalks, pathways, and driveways. They can blow or throw the snow up to 25-feet.
They are compact and lightweight and more maneuverable. However, they are not ideal for removing heavy snow as they can get bogged down in the snow. Although they require you to stay close to a power source or to use a heavy-duty cold weather extension cord, they are relatively lightweight, they do not emit any fumes, and they are very affordable.
Electric models can make light work of light to medium snowfalls. However, if you need to clear away thick snow, you may have to engage in multiple passes, and they are not recommended for steep slopes.
Most electric models have to be propelled forward by the operator. Still, there are some electric models that can be started with just a push of a button and when you touch the handle the unit is propelled forward.
4. Single-stage Gas-powered Snow Throwers
Single-stage gas-powered snow throwers are a good choice for level surfaces such as paved driveways and walkways with moderate snowfalls up to 9-inches. They can cut a larger swath of snow from 20-22-inches, but they can veer sideways on steep slopes.
5. Two-stage Gas-powered Snow Blower
A two-stage gas-powered snow blower is recommended for light to moderate snowfalls. It gets its name from its dual modus operandi. The first stage is where the steel auger chops up the snow, and the second stage is where the snow is fed into the impeller which then blows the snow out of the chute.
As the blower part of the machine works like a powerful fan, a two-stage snow blower is ideal for clearing and removing heavier snowdrifts up to 12-inches deep. If you have a large home with a wide driveway up to 80-feet long, uneven terrain, gravel-covered surfaces, and some steeper inclines, than a two-stage snow blower that has a clearing capacity from 24-26-inches is a great choice.
6. Three-Stage Gas-powered Snow Blower
A three-stage snow blower is designed primarily for commercial use. However, its powerful engine, heavy-duty construction, three-blade impeller, and serrated steel auger make this tough snow clearing machine a great choice for homeowners with large rural properties.
Three-stage snow blowers can range from 26 to over 30-inches. They have oversized tires that provide extra traction for rough and uneven terrain and an extra-large chute for collecting heavy snow. Although they are more expensive and may require a barn or large garage for storage, they can clear large swathes of snow very quickly.
Extra Operator and Safety Features
As you will be using your new snow thrower or blower in seriously cold temperatures and difficult working conditions, some innovative operator features will make using the machine a little easier.
Adjustable chute rotation
An adjustable chute rotation is a good feature to look for as it gives you more control over the redistribution of the snow. Some snow blowers have chutes that can be adjusted to swing up to 200° and some gas-powered models allow you to eject the snow up to 50-feet away.
Electric start
Many gas-powered models have a pull-cord start just like a lawnmower. However, they also feature an electric start button, which is great if you find yourself struggling to start the machine with the cord in extremely cold temperatures.
Power Steering
Power steering is not just a handy mechanical feature that is synonymous with cars and recreational vehicles. Some gas-powered snow blowers have power steering that helps you to maneuver the blower over uneven terrain and when you have to work in tight spots.
Foldable Handle
A snow blower that has a foldable handle is such a great idea for when you need to store the blower in the garage, especially for those bulkier gas-powered models.
Heated Hand Grips
Clearing away snow is a tough job and working in icy conditions can make your snow day chores that much harder, even with weather-resistant gloves or mittens, but heated handgrips can give you that extra warmth when you need it.
LED Headlights
If you need to quickly clear away snow in the early morning hours before the sun is scheduled to rise or in the late evening, LED headlights give you that extra illumination.
Safety Features
Some snow blowers have extra safety features. Electric snow blowers may provide you with a safety cord lock that conveniently holds an extension cord securely in place. Or a gas-powered snow blower may have an engine automatic shut-off feature when you remove your hands from the controls.
6 Best Snow Blowers – Reviews
1. Snow Joe Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
If you are tired of the back-breaking work of shoveling away snow from your driveway or sidewalk, then it is time to buy yourself a Snow Joe Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower.
There is a lot to love about this electrically powered snow thrower. It is quite lightweight, but it is a tough machine that gives you loads of power. It is powered by a 15 amp motor that can allow you to move up to 720lbs of snow per minute and the scraper blade is specifically positioned so that you can scrape away snow up to 8-inches from the ground.
The Snow Joe has 4 thick rubber blades, and unlike other electric models that have a plastic auger, it has a durable steel auger that has a snow clearing capacity of 18-inches, and the 180° discharge chute allows you to direct the snow up to 25-feet away.
The snow thrower works exceptionally well with removing light to moderate snow, but if you need to use it for higher and thicker snowdrifts, you will need to do several passes to be able to clear away the snow.
If you need to work in low light conditions, the Snow Joe has an onboard 23-watts halogen light, and the easy-glide wheels make the blower easy to maneuver in tight spots.
The snow thrower is easy to start with a press button ignition and it has an auger safety lever that you can press on that propels the machine forward, which is great if you need to push the unit up a slight slope. There is a safety switch that is activated when you release the handle, which protects you if you accidentally start the machine, and the unit comes with a handy clean-out tool for when the chute gets blocked.
As the machine is powered by electricity, it is recommended that if you need to use an extension cord, it is best to use a 100-feet cold weather extension cord.
Pros
- Good quality
- Good value for money
- Easy to start
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Ideal for snow up to 8-inches thick
- Halogen light
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy snow
- Slow
- Snow can spill out from the chute
- Cannot adjust the handle height
- Cord keeps popping out
2. Greenworks Electric Snow Thrower
The Greenworks Electric Snow Thrower is the ideal choice for those who need to clear away light to moderate snowdrifts.
This single-stage snow thrower has a strong 13 amp motor which gives you enough power to effectively clear a 20-inches path through 10-inches of snow. It comes with a 180° directional chute which makes it so easy to discharge snow up to 20-feet away.
The 7-inches wheels and compact design provide greater maneuverability around your property. You will have better visibility at any time of day due to the powerful LED lights. As the Greenworks snow thrower has a fold-down handle, it is very easy to store.
One of the highlights of this economical unit is the safety cord lock that conveniently holds an extension cord securely in place. If you need to use an extension cord, you will need to use a 100-feet heavy-duty cold weather extension cord.
Pros
- Ideal for light to moderate snowdrifts
- Good value for money
- Lightweight
- Compact
Cons
- Not ideal for large properties or heavy snowfalls
- Snow discharge is not very strong
- Chute can get clogged with snow
3. Hattomen Single-Stage Electric Snow Thrower
The Hattomen Single-Stage Electric Snow Thrower is lightweight, easy to use, and its strong 13 amp 1600-watts motor delivers powerful results, which makes this snow thrower a good alternative to a bulkier gas-powered snow blower. This snow thrower has a clearing width of 18-inches and a 7-inches clearing depth, so it is ideal for removing snow away from a walkway, patio, deck, or a small driveway.
Instead of having to wrestle with a pull cord, the corded-electric snow thrower starts up with just a push of a button. So you can get your snow-blowing tasks done quickly and spend more time relaxing inside your cozy home.
Do not be fooled by its small size, this snow thrower has a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant steel auger and durable blades that can clear away thick snow. Its 180° directional chute throws snow up to 13-feet and can move up to 500lbs of snow per minute.
Hattomen has designed this snow thrower with some great operator features. As well as the start handle, the discrete safety switch prevents any accidental start-ups, and the motor has overload protection. An ergonomic full-bail handle also helps to make the snow blower more comfortable to maneuver.
Once you have finished clearing away snow, the Hattomen snow thrower is very easy to store away in your garage.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Very affordable
- Ideal for clearing away snow from small areas
- Throws snow up to 13-feet and move up to 500lbs of snow per minute
- Ergonomic handle
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy compacted snow
- Plastic parts are not very durable
4. Husqvarna ST330 30-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The Husqvarna ST330 30-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower is another example of this reputable company’s dedication to high-quality and well-designed home and gardening products.
The ST330 is powered by a strong 369cc 4-cycle engine that drives the high-capacity belt system and the unique 4-blade cast iron impeller ensures long-term durability. Its robust auger gives you an efficient clearing capacity as it mixes air into the snow, which allows the machine to easily handle large amounts of snow.
There are a host of operator controls that can help you to blast away hard-packed snow fast! An electric start ignition makes the snow blower easy to start in extreme temperatures. The friction disc transmission has 6 speeds to choose from and one reverse. Sturdy tires give you that much-needed traction in icy conditions. Power steering helps you maneuver the blower over uneven terrain and when you have to work in tight spots.
This snow blower has heated handle grips, an adjustable loop handle that gives you 4 positions to choose from, a bright LED headlight for when you need to work in low light conditions. You can change the position of the 180° chute to direct the snow wherever you need it to go right from the dashboard.
There is a generous clearing width of 30-inches and the machine can throw snow up to 20+ feet, and the serrated augers can cut through the toughest buildup of snow. Non-marring skid shoes will help to stop damage to your driveway or pavement.
Husqvarna also offers a 3-year limited warranty on the snow blower and a 10-year warranty on the auger gearbox.
Pros
- Ideal for hard-packed snow
- Generous 30-inches wide clearing capacity
- Easy to start
- Very good snow blower
- Power steering
- Six-speed transmissions
- LED light
- Adjustable handle
- Auger gearbox 10-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Slow in reverse
- Heated hand grips not very effective
5. Briggs and Stratton Two-Stage Snow Thrower
The Briggs and Stratton Two-Stage Snow Thrower is high-quality snow chewing monster of a machine, that will make light work of clearing away moderate amounts of snow that may have accumulated on the curb in front of your house or on your driveway.
Whether the snow is densely packed or wet and slushy, the Briggs and Stratton snow blower is very powerful, so be very careful when you are maneuvering it around garden ornaments or in-ground solar lights. And if you are clearing densely packed snow, it is recommended that you use one of the higher transmission speeds.
The snow blower’s housing is made from durable steel and the notched steel auger gives you a wide clearance of 24-inches. The strong Briggs & Stratton 208cc engine has loads of torque and combined with the friction disk drive and solid axle, the snow blower has the mechanical power you need to remove the thickest snow and ice up to 12-inches.
As the blower is designed with a self-propelled feature, the Briggs & Stratton moves with just a touch of the handle, and as the chute rotation control is conveniently located on the operator’s dashboard, you can easily adjust the chute from left to right depending on where you want the snow to be deposited.
The transmission has a selection of 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds to choose from, and the free-hand control gives you the choice of being able to maneuver the blower with one hand while using your other hand to adjust the position of the chute or your speed.
Briggs and Stratton have designed this blower with the operator in mind as they know it can be difficult to use the control panel while you are wearing heavy mittens, so the blower’s control panel has oversized controls so that you can easily use them. Working in low light conditions is made super easy with a bright LED headlight.
Pros
- Great value for money
- High quality
- Easy to start
- Very powerful
- Ideal for thick snow and works well with wet snow
- Easy to access operator controls
- LED headlight
- Three year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Complex assembly
- Manual’s instructions are not very clear
6. Ariens ST24LE Deluxe Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The Ariens ST24LE Deluxe Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower offers you a professional-grade machine that can tackle the heaviest snow on a residential property. So if you experience a lot of heavy snowfalls during the winter, this blower is the right choice for you.
Although it is one of the more expensive snow blowers on the market, the Ariens Snow Blower is well worth the money as it is one tough machine that has a lot of commercial features. It is a good fit for people with a medium to large-sized property.
The snow blower’s 4-cycle 254cc engine is very powerful and the electric push-button start makes the blower easy to start in cold weather. There are 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse gears to choose from, so you can match the speed to any snow clearing task.
Featuring a 24-inches intake height, the Ariens Deluxe blower can cut through up to 2-feet of snow. It has a cast iron gear case, an oversized 3-blade impeller, and a 14-inches steel serrated auger. Its wide clearing width of 24-inches will help you cut a swath through the heaviest snowdrifts and even move tons of snow per hour.
Another major highlight of the Ariens snow blower is the efficient multi-directional chute that throws the snow up to 50-feet away. Once you use this machine you will wonder how you have ever managed to survive a winter without it.
Even though it is a beast of a machine, the Ariens snow blower is so easy to maneuver over uneven terrain and perform tight turns due to the self-propelled auto-turn power steering. The 16-inches heavy-duty snow tread tires allow you to easily guide the snow blower even in the iciest of conditions.
Working with heavy machinery can cause a lot of uncomfortable vibrations, but you do not need to worry about that with the Ariens snow blower as it has a crankshaft balancer that can help to reduce any serious vibrations.
Another very handy operating feature is the dual handle interlock system that gives you the option to use one hand to adjust the chute, while you use your other hand to adjust your speed.
The super-bright in-dash halogen headlight allows you to safely work in low-light conditions. You can also purchase heated handlebars separately which is a brilliant feature for those freezing temperatures.
Besides the snow blower’s high-quality performance, Ariens has built-in a smart operator safety feature: the engine shuts off automatically when you remove your hands from the controls.
Ariens offers a 3-year residential warranty on the snow blower.
Pros
- High quality
- Very powerful
- Ideal for rural properties
- Ideal for heavy snow conditions
- Fast
- Power steering
- Efficient multi-direction chute throws snow up to 50-feet away
- Automatic shut-off system
- Super-bright in-dash halogen headlight
Cons
- Pricey
Our Top Pick for the Best Snow Blower
Our top pick for the best snow blower is the Briggs and Stratton Two-Stage Snow Thrower.
It is a well-built machine that offers you an exceedingly high snow clearing performance. This snow monster is designed with everything you need for removing thick snow and it even excels at wet, slushy snow that can be notoriously difficult to remove. There are a host of handy operator features that will make your snow day clean-up chores so much easier.
Check the price on Amazon
