Best snow blowers 2024: conquer snow removal this winter

Best snow blowers 2024: Jump menu

tested snow blowers lined up

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Knoder)

The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch
2. Best battery powered: Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage
3. Best for 1-2 inches of snow: Enhulk 20V 12-inch Cordless
4. Best for small jobs: Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless
5. Best for variety of tasks: Honda HSS928AAT
6. Best for large driveways: Cub Cadet 2X-26" 243
Product comparison
Testing process
Buying advice
FAQs

Snow removal may be one of the fun activities the winter brings. Manually shoveling snow is back-breaking, hard labor, and time-consuming, especially during a big winter storm. But alas, with the best snow blowers, snow removal goes from being physically straining exercise to a quick endeavor that doesn't require you to slap an Icy-Hot Patch on your back afterward. 

Before you learn more about how to choose a snow blower, you should consider where you live, the type and amount of snow your area receives during the winter, the area you are clearing, and whether you want a gas or electric snow blower. You should also consider the amount of maintenance you are comfortable with. The best snow shovels, for instance, require virtually no maintenance. But snow blowers, like the best chainsaws, especially the gas variety, require regular maintenance to operate efficiently.

During these storms, the snow blowers clear a two-car driveway, extra car park, sidewalks, walkways, and neighboring sidewalks (if extra battery life is still available). The amount of snow for each test varies. In some cases, only a couple of inches were removed, but during especially heavy snowfall, many of the machines were pushed to and beyond their maximum capacity by removing anywhere from eight to 12 inches of snow. 

The tested snow blowers were a mix of battery and gas machines. For the battery-powered machines, battery life results were tested by using the machine normally to remove snow until the batteries died. With gas-powered machines, no run-time testing was necessary. 

Battery-operated snow blowers are convenient to quickly remove a few inches of snow off the ground. But on some occasions during the testing, the snowfall was too heavy for the battery-powered ones to successfully remove snow. That's the beauty of having a gas machine. Lots of power, but there is more maintenance required. 

How did these snow blowers fair during some of the heaviest snowfall we've had in Northern Utah? Read on to find out which snow blowers are our favorite picks.

Jonny knoider headshot for top ten reviews
Jonathan Knoder

With a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Media from Weber State University, Jonathan Knoder is all about Smart Home and AV tech. Jonathan covered tech and smart home products for over ten years and has written extensively and at great length about TVs, snow blowers, and a variety of smart home products for Top Ten Reviews as well as other publications.

The quick list

Below are specs and important details pertaining to each snow blower to help you gain a good perspective on what each machine has to offer at a quick glance. If you want more information, you can scroll below for more detailed reviews of each.

The best snow blowers we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

For this guide, we tested the Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower, Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower, Enhulk 20V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel, and Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower. We were not able to test the Honda and Cub Cadet snow blowers listed below. For the snow blowers we tested each snow blower in Northern Utah over the course of a few heavy snow storms throughout December and January. Each snow blower was used at least three times to remove snow.  Fortunately, we had a few rather massive winter storms roll through both months that left collectively a couple of feet of snow on the ground. 

The best snow blower overall

A powerful snow blower to tackle the worst winter storms

Specifications

Power Type: Gas
Weight: 184 pounds
Clearing Width: 24 inches
Fuel Capacity: .58 gallons
Throwing Distance: 45 feet

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful
+
Self-propelled
+
Removes heavy snow

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
A lot of maintenance
-
Heavy
Buy it if

✅Your region gets a lot of snow in the winter: With this gas-powered machine, you can be outside removing snow much longer than battery-powered machines. And more snow as well.  
✅ The snow in your region is wet and heavy: The powerful motor and impeller make this snow blower ideal for heavy and wet snow. It can cut through thick and ice-packed snow as well.
✅ Your property is large: When you have a lot of areas to clear, you don't want to deal with dead batteries. A gas-powered motor like the Toro ensures you can clear a lot of areas and quickly in one attempt.

Don't buy it if:

❌ If you're looking for a cost-effective way to clear snow: This Toro snow blower is expensive. You can buy other battery-powered snow removal tools for hundreds of dollars less.
❌ Your area doesn't receive much snow: If your area gets only a couple of inches of snow per storm or per year, this Toro is overkill. This should only be considered for heavy snowfall areas.

❌ You only have a small area to clear: If you have a one-car driveway or just a few sidewalk or walkway areas to clear, you don't need a machine that is as big, heavy, and expensive as this one. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower is a powerful snowblower that can easily remove a foot of accumulated snow from your walkways. It features different speeds and even reverse speeds to help you maneuver the machine. It is an excellent snow blower across the board. ★★★★★

The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower is a heavy-duty snow blower that is built to cut through and push up to a foot of accumulated snow (although I cut through and removed even more). It has a wide 24-inch-wide mouth that can essentially completely clear a sidewalk in one or two passes and can toss snow up to 40 feet, per the manufacturer. 

Features: The entire snowblower is made of metal. While that might seem like an obvious observation, many of the battery-operated ones are comprised of plastic. So, right out of the box, you get a sense of a better-quality product. The design includes two ways to start the engine – a pull cord and an electrical start option. It also features six speeds forward and two speeds backward, all of which came in handy when removing snow from my driveway.

Performance: When it came to removing snow, the Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower is a beast. There were eight inches of snow that had accumulated on the driveway and sidewalks. It easily removed the snow and tossed it about 30 or so feet. It cleared an entire property without any issues, including a two-car driveway, an extra parking spot, and over 150 feet of sidewalks. But most impressively is how well it removed snow from the mouth of the driveway.

The city plow had come by and left over 13 inches of snow in the mouth of the driveway. The snow was rather packed and somewhat icy and unruly in weight. The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower was able to remove that heavy, packed snow without any issue. This was something none of the battery-powered options could do. 

Care & Maintenance: You’ll want to ensure you use ethanol-free gas when operating. Also, after an operation, make sure you brush off all excess snow and use a chute cleaner to remove any packed snow from the augers, impeller, and chute. Leftover snow and water can cause rust or potentially freeze the components and cause damage when you start the machine again.

Value: While this is an expensive snow blower, compared to other gas-powered motors of the same size motor, it is decently priced. When compared to battery-operated blowers, this Toro is far more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider one of the battery-powered options.

Read more: Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceGreat and powerful snow removal★★★★★
DesignDurable steel and good chute controls★★★★★
FeaturesTwo different ways to start and speeds★★★★★
PriceAffordable when compared to other gas options★★★★★

The best battery-powered snow blower

A battery operated option with the clearing power of a gas motor

Specifications

Power Type: Two Batteries (60V total)
Weight: 45.2 pounds
Clearing Width: 21 inches
Throwing Distance: 40 Feet

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to maneuver
+
Little maintenance 
+
Electric chute adjusters

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Not self propelled
-
Batteries take a long time to charge
Buy it if

✅ It's convenient to use: Smart features like the electric chute adjuster keep you clearing a path without you having to start and stop to adjust the chute. 
✅ You get a moderate amount of snow: It was able to remove up to eight inches of snow from the sidewalk, but it is recommended for up to six inches. Other battery snow blowers can't clear more than a couple of inches reliably.
✅ You want a machine that is easy to store: Power tools take up a lot of room, but the Dewalt handle folds over the chute to reduce the amount of room it takes up for easy and compact storage.

Don't buy it if:

❌ If you're on a budget: This is not nearly as affordable as other battery-operated machines. In fact, at this price, you're getting into gas motor territory.
❌ You get a lot of heavy snow: While this is good for up to six inches of snow when the snow gets wet and heavy, it becomes harder for this machine to throw it out of the chute, which causes clogging.
❌ You want a self-propelled model: It's lightweight, but when you are trying to push it through six or so inches of snow, it can take some effort to push. This is where having a self-propelled motor would be convenient.

The bottom line

🔎 The Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower is an ultra-convenient and powerful battery-operated machine. It has great battery life and cuts through snow like a gas-powered machine. Also, it requires far less maintenance than a gas-operated motor.  ★★★★½

This is one of the only battery-powered machines that we tested to feature metal augers. Metal augers are more durable and help cut through and break up packed snow for better removal. The handles also conveniently fold over the chute for quick and compact storage when you are done operating the machine.

Features: One feature that we loved was the electric chute adjuster. These are two paddles located by the handle. Instead of having to stop the machine and crank a handle one way or another to adjust the chute, you can stay in the flow of plowing and adjust the chute direction on the fly. We found this to not only save time but be incredibly convenient. The snow blower also features an eco-mode to save on battery power and a boost mode when you need a little extra oomph to remove heavier snow.

Performance: The Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower, on a single charge, was able to remove snow from a cement patio, two-car driveway, extra car park, and sidewalks. After, there was still battery life left over. All in all, it was able to plow for 54 minutes before the batteries finally went kaput. Of course, this will vary depending on a number of factors, like the setting you are using and the weight of the snow you are clearing.

Not only were we impressed with the battery life, but also the ease with which it was able to maneuver around and how convenient the electric chute adjust was. You can stay in the flow of removing snow and adjust the chute on the fly. Those adjuster paddles made a world of difference. 

We were also impressed with the amount of snow it was able to remove. We pushed the machine, and it was able to remove about 8 inches of snow from the sidewalk, although, without any self-propelled assistance, the machine was finding it difficult to push through the snow. 

Care and Maintenance: The nice thing about battery-powered machines is they don’t need much upkeep. You don’t have to worry about gas going stale or having too much gas seep into the carbonator. Instead, as long as you keep the batteries charged and stored at room temperature, as well as clear off any excess snow after every use, you’re good to go.

Value: The cost of the Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower is one of the only downsides. You’ll find it for $999.00 at Home Depot. If you like the convenience of a battery-powered motor, but want something cheaper, consider the Sun Joe snow blower below. That being said, this Dewalt snow blower is worth the extra money.

Read more: Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceGreat battery life and power★★★★★
DesignMetal augers and foldable handle for storage★★★★★
FeaturesChute adjusters are convenient★★★★★
PriceExpensive for a battery-powered snow blower

The best for 1-2 inches of snow

A zippy power shovel to remove light snow without any lifting

Specifications

Power Type: 20V battery
Weight: 9.7 pounds
Clearing Width: 12 inches
Throwing Distance: 16.5 feet

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
No lifting snow
+
Great for light snow

Reasons to avoid

-
Not powerful
-
Can't remove more than a few inches
-
Battery life not great
Buy it if

✅ You only get light snowfall during winter: This snow shovel is not ideal for large amounts of snow, but it clears a couple of inches off quickly and easily. 
✅ You're looking for an affordable option to remove snow: Many of the battery-powered snow removal options are far more expensive than this snow shovel. It's a great way to save some coins while avoiding manual snow removal labor.
✅ You're tired of lifting snow: Even though "shovel" is in the title, there is no lifting required. You simply wheel this across the ground, and it scoops up and tosses snow out of the way. It's a shovel that actually saves your back.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a large area to clear: If you are clearing a wide driveway or any big area, this doesn't have the battery life nor the throwing distance to handle large jobs
❌ You get a lot of snow: We tested this product after a heavy snowfall that left several inches on the ground. While it cleaned up a couple of inches with great ease, the heavy snowfall exceeded this shovel's capabilities.
❌ If snow is wet and heavy: This simply does not have the throwing power to handle heavy and wet snow. For that, you'll want to look for a snow blower instead.

The bottom line

🔎 The Enhulk 20V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel is a convenient machine for light snow removal. It can quickly clear walkways and sidewalks that have a couple of inches of snow with little effort. But when it comes to heavy snowfall, you'll want to look for something more powerful, like a snow blower. ★★★

The first thing we noticed when unboxing the Enhulk 20V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel was how easy it was to put together and how lightweight the machine was. We can immediately see the appeal for someone who only gets a light dusting of snow from time to time or for someone who doesn’t want to lift snow.

Features: To start the snow shovel, you first press in on the safety button above the trigger. Conveniently, you can press the button inwards on either side of the handle, making it comfortable to start it however you prefer. To switch the directions in which the shovel tosses snow, you have to bend over and move a little red tab from left to right that is located above the mouth of the snow shovel. This is not as convenient. That being said, if you’re only clearing sidewalks and walkways, there really isn’t much reason to need to bend down and adjust the chute direction that often.

Performance: When it came to removing the inch or two of snow that had accumulated on an entrance, it was a breeze to use. It scooped the snow right up and disposed of it 10 or so feet in the direction of our choosing. But when we tried to tackle the heavy snowfall, about eight inches of snow on a walkway, the snow shovel was outmatched. It needed several passes over the same area to remove all the snow. This took more time than simply manually shoveling. TL;DR – it’s good for light snow but not as great for heavy snow.

For more on the pros and cons of this kind of tool, you can read our snow pusher vs snow shovel guide.

Care and Maintenance: This is an easy device to maintain. Since the mouth is 12 inches wide, and there aren’t any sharp metal parts inside, it is easy to clean off any remaining snow with a chute cleaner or brush (but make sure you remove the battery before you clean it!). Also, as long as you charge and keep the battery in a dry and warm area, you can have about 30 minutes of normal usage (at least, that’s how long it lasted in our testing).

Value: This is one of the more affordable snow removal options, even compared to other snow shovels, not just snow blowers. You can find the Enhulk 20V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel on Amazon at the time of this writing for $148, whereas other snow shovels run anywhere from $190 to over $300.

Read more: Enhulk 20V 12- Inch Cordless Snow Shovel review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceGood for light snow, but outmatched by heavy snow fall★★
DesignLots of plastic but easy to build★★★★
FeaturesNot many features but convenient to use★★★
PriceOne of the more affordable snow shovels★★★★★

The best snow thrower for small jobs

A quiet and convenient snow thrower for small jobs

Specifications

Power Type: Two 24V batteries
Weight: 45.2 pounds
Clearing Width: 22 inches
Throwing Distance: 25 feet

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to maneuver
+
Quick and easy start up
+
Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Lots of plastic
-
Safety button is in difficult place
-
Shuts off before battery is completely drained
Buy it if

✅ Your area doesn't get a lot of snow: This is a great battery-powered machine that can quickly remove a couple of inches of snow off the ground. It can toss the snow far enough to remove snow easily from narrow driveways and sidewalks. 
✅The area you are clearing is small: This is an ideal machine for a single-car driveway or a property with only a little bit of sidewalk or walkways to clear. Larger areas like two or three-car garages will want something more powerful.
✅ You want little maintenance: One of the best parts of this machine is, once you're done, a quick cleaning with the chute cleaner and removal of batteries and you're done. You don't have to worry about gas or anything else.

Don't buy it if:

You want more power: Without an impeller or second stage to throw snow, you'll only ever be able to remove a few inches of snow at a time. If you need to remove more snow, and toss it far, you'll want to explore a gas powered option like the Toro above.
You get huge snow storms: If your area gets constantly pummeled by snow, you'll want to search for a more capable snow blower. This one is useful for removing a few inches of snow. Plus, you'll have to wait for the batteries to charge in between jobs. 
❌ You have a large area to maintain: You can only clear as much area as the battery will allow, which, in our experience, was about 27 minutes. When the battery starts to get low, the machine will randomly shut off, even before the battery is completely drained.

The bottom line

🔎 The Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is quiet and easy to use to remove a few inches of snow from small properties. It conveniently starts up quickly (no pulling on a cord necessary) and hovers up and tosses light snow with ease. When snow doesn't come too frequently, this is a nice tool to have.  ★★★

The Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is a conveniently compact and quiet snow blower that is easy to operate. Installation out of the box only takes about 20 minutes. After charging the batteries, which takes a couple of hours, you’re ready to remove light snow from your property.

Features: The snow blower is largely made of plastic. The wheels, augers, and body – are all plastic, with the exception of the handle and the chute adjusting rod. There is a safety button you need to press down to start the machine. It’s in a bit of a funky spot above the handle to start the machine. It always feels a little bit awkward as you either need to stretch a finger or use your other hand across your body to press the button.

What’s nice is there is no pulling or priming required to start the engine. Simply put the batteries in the machine, hold down that safety button, and hold down the lever with your hand. Easy peasy.

Performance: Our first experience removing roughly three inches of snow that came overnight from my property was great. The snow blower was light and easy to maneuver, and quickly picked up and tossed the light snow with ease. The manufacturer states you can toss snow up to 25 feet. For us, it was averaging closer to about 15 feet, but there are many factors that can change the distance, including wind, the weight of the snow, etc. Regardless, that’s plenty of distance to clear a single-car driveway and sidewalks and walkways. We used it on a two-car driveway and an extra car park. It had to make a few extra passes to clear snow that didn’t quite make it to the yard, but It was still able to clear the entire property before the batteries went kaput.

Providing an exact battery life is difficult because the machine will shut off if the battery power isn’t sufficient enough to handle removing snow. The machine might shut off, but it will turn back on again, allow you to make another pass or two, and then turn off. You can repeat this cycle until the batteries completely die, but it is a bit of an annoyance. This first started happening after 27 minutes of regular use.

Care and Maintenance: The beauty of battery-powered machines is that maintenance is rather easy. The machine does come with a handy chute cleaner as well. After you’re done, remove the batteries and chute the chute cleaner to remove any excess snow from the augers and chute. Also, brush off any snow on top of the machine and store it in a dry place. Also, charge and keep the batteries in a warm, dry place as well for best performance.

Value: This Snow Joe snow blower is on the pricier side for a battery-powered machine, albeit not as expensive as the Dewalt above, but more expensive than other machines. It’s not as powerful or convenient as the Dewalt either, but if you don’t have a need for the extra snow removal power, this is a great choice to save some coin when comparing the two.

Read more: Snow Joe Max Cordless Snow Blower

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceGood for light snow but not heavy or wet snow★★★★
DesignA lot of plastic and doesn't feel durable★★
FeaturesAside from the chute cleaner, not many features★★
ValueA bit expensive for a battery powered machine★★

The best for a wide variety of tasks

Honda 28-Inch Hydrostatic Track Drive 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower

(Image credit: Honda)

5. Honda HSS928AAT

A feature packed snow blower that can do it all

Specifications

Power: Gas
Weight: 234 pounds
Clearing Width : 28 inches
Thowing Distance: 52 feet

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful
+
Amazing clearing width
+
Great throwing distance

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Heavy
-
Manual start
Buy it if

✅You have a large property to clear: This is a powerful snowblower that can not only remove up to 21-inch deep snow but also toss that snow up to 52 feet away.
✅ You want to make fewer passes with your snow blower: The 28-inch clearing path is among one of the largest snow blower mouths we've reviewed. The wide mouth equates to fewer passes and more snow being removed quickly.
✅ Your area gets a lot of snow: This machine can remove a lot of snow quickly. Plus, with its track drive and adjusting augers, it can tackle pretty much any snow-clearing job you need.

Don't buy it if:

❌ It's expensive: There are other gas blowers with comparable engines that you can get for about $1,000 less.
❌ You have a small property: This is far too powerful and expensive of a machine if you're only clearing a single-car driveway or a couple of walkways. A battery-powered machine can handle that for much cheaper.
❌ You're looking for a lightweight machine: Even though the gears and track drive help, this is still a 238-pound machine. Battery-operated snow blowers are much lighter and easier to maneuver.

The bottom line

🔎 The Honda HSS928AAT is a great snow blower with a strong engine and fantastic additional features like button-press auger adjustment that make it a versatile machine as well.  ★★★★½

Not all snow blowers were created equal. And that statement doesn't ring more true when you compare the Honda HSS928AT to other snow blowers. It's simply a fantastic and powerful snow-clearing machine that can handle a variety of snow-removal tasks.

Features: Unlike many of the other snow blowers on this list, you won't find wheels on this snow blower. Instead, you have a track drive (like you'd see on a tank, but on a much smaller scale). This track drive assists with propelling the 238-pound machine while keeping the machine from slipping, even in the snowiest of conditions. 

There are also reversible skid plates on this snow blower. That's great because you can essentially double the lifespan by reversing them if one side becomes too worn out. But one of the most impressive features is the auger adjusters. You can adjust the height of the auger with a single button press. This helps prevent the machine from digging into the ground on accident and also provides versatility to plow a variety of different surfaces.

Performance: Although we did not test the Honda HSS928AT, users across the internet strongly approve of the power, handling, and snow removal power this snow blower provides. One user commented on the sheer power of the 270cc Honda engine by saying, "This machine ate up snow, even chewing through the heavy snow pushed into the driveway by snow plows."

Another user loves how the track drive assists with the maneuvering and helps propel it even with their slopped driveway. "It removed record snowfall on a driveway with 16% grade." The user even went on to mention that his wife found the machine easy to maneuver around, thanks to the track drive.

Care and Maintenance: With a machine this expensive, you'll want to ensure you take proper care of it after every use. That means removing any excess snow and properly drying the machine after every use. Pro tip: use a space heater and place it near the mouth of the machine to melt any hard-to-snow in the impeller or stuck on the augers. You'll also want to coat any bolts, skid plate augers, and the blade with a rust preventer before and after the season is complete. 

Value: Although you get a powerful engine and unique features like the track drive and adjusting augers, this is still an expensive machine. In fact, it's over $1,000 dollars more than our best overall pick. If you live in an area like Buffalo, New York, that receives seemingly endless snow, the extra engine power and clearing may be worth the extra price. 

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceUsers rave about the power and handling on this machine★★★★★
FeaturesAuger adjustment and track drive are fantastic features★★★★★
DesignGreat design elements like button press auger adjustment★★★★★
ValueIt's an expensive snow blower

The best for clearing large driveways

Cub Cadet 2X-26” 243cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

(Image credit: Cub Cadet)

6. Cub Cadet 2X-26" 243cc

A powerful snow blower ready for the meanest snow storms

Specifications

Power: Gas
Weight: 248 pounds
Clearing Width: 26-inches
Throwing Distance: 40 feet

Reasons to buy

+
Wide clearing path
+
Power steering
+
Non-rust skid plates

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Toro engine slightly more powerful
-
Requires regular maintenance
Buy it if

✅ You don't want skid plates that rust: The unique blue skid plates don't rust. That equates to durability year over year.
✅ You need a machine to cut through heavy snow: The Cub Cadet snow blower boasts a powerful engine that many users say can through heavy, plowed snow piled up in driveway entrances.
✅ You want to save a little coin on a gas snow blower: This gas snow blower is less expensive than both our best splurge and best overall picks, yet it's still a great and powerful snowblower with great features.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to cut down on engine maintenance: Gas snow blowers require more maintenance than battery-powered, and multiple user reviews mention issues with getting the engine to start year after year. 
❌ You have a small property: if you have a small property with only a few walkways, this machine is too expensive. You can get away with a cheaper battery-powered option.
❌ Your area doesn't get much snow: Much like the point above, this is a powerful machine that can remove a great amount of snow easily, but if you live in an area that doesn't get much snow, you can find cheaper options for snow removal.

The bottom line

🔎 The CUB CADET 2X-26" 243cc is a powerful snow blower that is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than our best overall, yet you still get many of the same options, like an electric start and a wider clearing path. ★★★★½

Upon first glance, it's apparent this snow blower makes a statement. The bright yellow machine with blue skid plates not only looks slick but also has the power and features to back up its cool design elements.

Features: Like the best overall Toro snow blower, the Cub Cadet features an electric start option. By plugging the machine in with an extension cord, you can fire this thing up with a quick push of a button. No pull-cord hassle is necessary.

It also has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds to help you navigate the beastly machine through snowy conditions. You'll also find a chute control on the handle that allows you to adjust the direction and the pitch of the chute all in one place. This is especially great considering many of the battery-powered snow blowers. You have to adjust the pitch of the snow blower on the actual chute, meaning you have to start and stop snow blowing to do so. 

Finally, there are rust-free skid plates. These bright blue skid plates also prevent your snow blower from gouging or scrapping any softer surface you're plowing.

Performance:  We did not test the Cub Cadet 2X Snow Blower, but users across the internet appreciate the performance you get with the price. One user on Home Depot said, "Wow! One hand operation up and down hills." That's thanks to the "trigger control" power steering that effortlessly moves that 248-pound machine around. Another user claimed that it walked through 26 inches of snow on the ground with little effort. The 243cc engine, combined with the adjustable speeds and wide clearing mouth, makes tackling large snow removal jobs possible. 

Although it has a wider clearing mouth, it doesn't throw snow quite as far as the Toro and doesn't have as much engine power as either the Toro or Honda, but as you can see, it's still plenty powerful to tackle big jobs. 

Some users have complained that the engine has trouble starting, even with the push start, after the following season. For that, we recommend proper maintenance and care to combat those issues.

Care and maintenance: With all gas engines, you'll need to make a concerted effort to ensure your machine lasts and is ready year after year. To combat start-up issues, some users have stated that we recommend removing all gas from the tank at the end of the season. Gas can go stale and cause engine troubles. We also recommend checking your skid plates before every use. If your skid plates are too low, you risk the augers making contact with debris on the ground, which can cause damage. 

Finally, when you're done snow blowing, make sure you remove any excess snow from the machine (always turn off the engine and remove the key before clearing the chute or mouth). Use a rust preventer on metal parts such as bolts, blades, and augers. 

Value: Compared to the Toro and Honda snow blowers, you can save a bit of coin going with the Cub Cadet. You get many of the same features as the Toro but a slightly less powerful engine than both machines.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PerformanceSmaller engine than others but still performs well★★★★
FeaturesMany of the same features as best overall pick★★★★★
DesignNo rust skid plates and great looking color scheme★★★★★
ValueYou can save a little coin going with this snow blower★★★★★

The best snow blowers: our comparison

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Header Cell - Column 0 Throwing distance (manufacturer)Throwing distance (tested)Battery lifeLoudness
Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower45 feet30 feetN/A>100 dB
Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower40 feet20 feet54 minutes80 dB
Enhulk 20V 12- Inch Cordless Snow Shovel16.5 feet10 feet30 minutes82 dB
Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower25 feet15 feet27 minutes88 dB
Honda HS22928AAT53 feetN/AN/AN/A
Cub Cadet 2X-26" 243cc40 feetN/AN/AN/A

How we tested these snow blowers

How we test the best snow blowers

The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower, Dewalt 60V Max, Enhulk 20V 12-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel, and Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower we all tested removing snow in Northern Utah. Each snow blower was used after multiple winter storms to remove snow from a property that includes a two-car driveway, extra car park, cement back patio, about 150 feet of sidewalk, and an additional walkway.

For battery-powered units, battery life was tested by inserting a fully-charged battery and using the device normally to clear snow after a winter storm. Typically, there was anywhere from two to four inches of snow on the ground during battery life testing. Some machines, like the Snow Joe Snow Blower, would power off before the battery was officially dead, but when the motor first shut off due to lack of power, it was the time that was documented for battery life.

To test engine loudness, a sound decibel app was used on an iPhone to measure how loud each motor is when in operation. The measurement was taken about a foot away from the motor while it was running.

The throwing distance was measured by making a single pass parallel to the area in which the snow blower was throwing the snow. Where the majority of the snow landed was measured from the location of the snow blower. Keep in mind that many factors can change the maximum measured throwing distance, such as wind, slope of the driveway, the type of snow, the weight of the snow, etc.

Pro Tip: Before you use your snow blower, learn how to properly use your snow blower and clean your snow blower for the best results.

How to choose the best snow blower for you

When assessing what type of snow blower is right for you, there are a few factors you should consider:

Where you live: If you live in an area that receives several inches of snow on a daily or weekly basis, you should consider a two-stage gas-powered snow blower. A gas-powered machine will have the strength to remove large amounts of snow and toss it far enough into your hard.

The size of the area you are clearing: If you are clearing only a couple of walkways and sidewalks or even a single-car driveway, an electric snow blower or snow shovel will do the trick. They are more affordable and great for clearing smaller areas. Plus, you'll have enough battery life to clear the area more than once before you need to recharge. For larger areas, you should consider a gas-powered motor. These will not only tackle larger jobs and areas but also last longer.

Single vs two-stage snow blowers: You'll see the terms single-stage or two-stage snow blowers, as well as snow throwers vs snow blowers. All refer to the method in which the snow blower picks up and throws snow. Single-stage, or snow throwers, pick up and throw snow in a single motion. Two-stage snow blowers utilize a separate impeller (basically a fan) that helps toss snow further. What's right for you, again, depends on where you live and how large of an area you are clearing.

Care and maintenance: Although gas-powered motors are more powerful, they do require more care and maintenance. For instance, you'll want to ensure you only use ethanol-free gas in the motor. And when you're done for the season, make sure that there is no gas left in the tank. Stale gas can cause issues with the motor the following season. With the abundance of metal, you'll also want to ensure the machine is completely dry and free of excess water after use. Settled water can cause rust and corrosion. 

Battery-powered motors, on the other hand, are rather easy to use, care for and maintain. As long as you remove excess snow after use and store it in a clear, dry area, you don't have to worry about gas, carburetors, or pull-starts. Just keep the batteries charged in a warm, dry place, and your snow blower should fire up just fine year after year.

For more, take a look at our breakdown of the biggest snow blowing mistakes to avoid.

Snow blower FAQs

How long do snow blowers last?

How long your snow blower lasts depends on the brand, how much you use it, and how well you take care of it. Proper maintenance and preparation for the off-season help with longevity, so read more about how to maintain your machine above.

It’s a good idea to take your snow blower in every year or two for a tuneup – if you use it frequently during the winter, we recommend an annual tuneup. It costs between about $60 and $120 to tune up a single-stage snowblower and between $80 and $200 for a two-stage model. A regular tuneup involves cleaning, changing the oil, and installing a new spark plug, among other things. If the machine needs major repairs or special parts, it may cost more. Components like belts need to be replaced every five to seven years or so. 

Multiple online sources say that snow blowers made between the 1960s and 1980s were better constructed and built from better materials than those manufactured today. Allegedly, many of these old snowblowers are still going strong. Consumer Reports estimates you can expect a snow blower today to last about ten years, but with proper maintenance, you can double its lifespan or more. 

What are three-stage snow blowers?

Our lineup of snow blowers consists mainly of two types: electric single-stage and gas two-stage snow blowers. If you live in a moderate snowfall area, an inexpensive electric single-stage blower might be all you need. If you live in a heavy snowfall area, a powerful two-stage snow blower is almost essential. Some manufacturers have taken it to the next level and released three-stage snow blowers, which can remove snow with even more power and efficiency.

A three-stage snow blower processes snow in three phases: auger, an impeller, and an added impeller called an accelerator. The added accelerator is designed to increase its capacity for breaking up snow and ice, making it faster and more efficient at removing snow. It can easily remove 18 inches of snow with a single pass, but it can handle even deeper snow with multiple passes. This will also help you power through plow piles that build up snow and ice at the bottom of your driveway. Even some of the best two-stage snow blowers can get bogged down on this section of your driveway, especially in high snow volume areas.      

What are track drive snow blowers?

If you’ve ever seen a snowcat, you have some idea what a track drive snow blower is. A snowcat uses tracks in place of wheels to give it constant contact with the ground for maximum control over the snow of any depth. A track-drive snow blower works on the same principle. Track drive technology is available on either two- or three-stage gas snow blowers and is designed to handle serious snow with maximum traction. You can use track drive blowers on all types of surfaces – steep paved or unpaved surfaces.  

One of the disadvantages of track-drive snow blowers is that they handle like a tank and are harder to maneuver than a wheeled snow blower. Most of them require you to engage a handle-mounted trigger to turn. Many models also allow you to adjust the speed according to the terrain and depth of the snow. This is a good option for some high snow volume areas, but you should be aware of both its strengths and limitations before buying one.

Are electric snow blowers any good? 

For some situations, an electric snow blower is a great solution. Gas yard tools are almost always more powerful than their electric counterparts and that is especially true of snow blowers. If you live in a high snow volume area and consistently have snowfalls of 2 feet or more, a gas snow blower is essential. But if you live in the valley or in an area where snowfalls of 2 to 6 inches are common, an electric snow blower is ideal. Some people who live in high snow volume areas have both a gas and electric snow blower on hand to use for storms of varying severity. 

Electric snow blowers are easier to maneuver than gas snow blowers, so it’s a tool one of your kids can use to clear snow off a deck or a driveway after a less severe storm. Lighter storms typically won’t produce snow that requires a big two- or three-stage snow blower. While shoveling is a good option sometimes, it can get tedious even in an area that consistently experiences moderate snowfalls. It’s nice to have a reliable electric snow blower you can plug in to quickly clear a patch of snow before work. 

Do gas snow blowers need oil?

Like any gas tool, snow blowers require oil. How you go about putting oil in your machine depends on the type of engine it has. Most snow blowers made after 2006 have four-cycle (also called four-stroke) engines. Four-cycle engines have separate fill ports for gas and oil, so you don’t need to mix fuels. You should change the oil at least annually, preferably before it starts snowing.  

If your snow blower has only one fill port, it has a two-cycle (two-stroke) engine, and you need to mix fuel. If you only put gas in a two-cycle engine and fail to mix in oil, it can damage the engine and possibly render the snow blower inoperable. Be sure you’re using the right kind of oil. Also, two-cycle engines have gas/oil ratios of either 50:1 or 40:1, so you need to check that you’re mixing the right amounts. Most fuel caps show the correct ratio, and the owner’s manual should also include all the details you need. If you don’t want to mess with mixing fuel, you can purchase premixed two-cycle fuel.

Jonathan Knoder
TTR Contributing Editor

With a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Media from Weber State University, Jonathan Knoder is all about Smart Home and AV tech. He currently works as a Content Manager for AvantGuard Monitoring Centers in Utah. Jonathan has written extensively, and at great length, about TV antennas and aerials for Top Ten Reviews, and this is his subject area.