With the best snow blowers, removing snow during winter can be much easier. When picking a snow blower, consider factors like how much snow you have in your area, how big your area is, and whether you prefer a gas or electric blower. Like all the best yard tools, snow blowers need regular maintenance to work efficiently.
During testing, different snow blowers were put through their paces, some with battery options and others with gas engines. Battery-powered snow blowers are great for light snow but can't handle heavy snowfall. On the other hand, gas-powered snow blowers have more power but have to be maintained more often.
Keep reading to find out which snow blowers stood out during testing during heavy snowfall in Northern Utah, and for more, visit our guide to the best snow shovels.
This guide was curated by Jonathan Knoder, a versatile freelance writer and contributing editor for Top Ten Reviews. His work, featured in various publications, covers smart locks, security cameras, and more. Beyond work, he enjoys music, playing with his dog, and golf. Recently, he tested a series of snow blowers in snowy Utah, evaluating their performance for this guide.
The quick list
The best snow blower overall
The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower efficiently clears heavy snow. It offers easy maneuverability, joystick chute control, and a wide 24-inch clearing width.
The best snow blower on a budget
The Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is easy to assemble and use. It effectively clears light snow but struggles with heavy, wet snow.
The best premium snow blower
The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 snow blower is lauded for its ease of use, performance in light and heavy snow, and impressive clearing capabilities.
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The best battery-powered snow blower
The Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower features durable metal augers, easy electric chute control, and impressive battery life for efficient snow clearing.
The best snow blower for heavy snow
The EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower is praised for ease of use, performance in light and heavy snow, self-propelled features, and adjustable chutes.
The best snow blower for large driveways
The Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE snow blower is praised for its user-friendly features, powerful light and heavy snow performance, and efficient 30-inch clearing width.
The best snow blower for small driveways
The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Cordless Electric Snow Blower is praised for its ease of use and effectiveness in light snow but gets mixed reviews for heavy snow.
The best corded snow blower
The Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower is easy to use in light snow but struggles with heavy snow and may not be suitable for larger properties.
The best 3-stage snow blower
The Cub Cadet 3X 26 snow blower is praised for its ease of use, powerful performance, and impressive clearing width and depth in light and heavy snow.
The best snow blowers we recommend in 2024
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The best snow blowers we've tested
Our team has thoroughly reviewed the following products featured in this buyer's guide. We strive to provide comprehensive and unbiased rankings based on our hands-on testing and expert research. Our evaluations consider top-rated brands and essential features to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions at the best value.
We tested each snow blower in Northern Utah during a few heavy snowstorms throughout December and January. Each snow blower was used at least three times to remove snow. Fortunately, a few rather massive winter storms rolled through both months, leaving a couple of feet of snow on the ground.
The best snow blower overall
The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower is a heavy-duty snow blower built to cut through and push up to a foot of accumulated snow (although I cut through and removed even more). Its wide 24-inch-wide mouth can essentially completely clear a sidewalk in one or two passes and can toss snow up to 40 feet, per the manufacturer.
Ease of Use: Assembling the Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower took about an hour and some tools, but the instructions were clear. Once assembled, I realized how easy it was to use. The self-propelling mechanism made maneuvering the hefty 184-pound machine manageable, with six forward and two reverse speeds. I was initially worried about its weight, but the self-propulsion alleviated it.
The electric start feature is a blessing, especially in cold weather, eliminating the need for strenuous pull starts. The joystick chute control is intuitive, but it took me some tries to get used to its sensitivity.
Light Snow: The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower is a powerhouse in light snow conditions. After getting 8 inches of snow, the machine cleared my driveway easily. Its 24-inch clearing width allowed me to cover a lot of ground quickly, which saved me time and energy. It picked up the snow with ease, throwing it a good distance, but not quite as far as the manufacturer said it would—around 30 feet in my case due to wind and snow weight. Especially handy was the joystick chute control, which let me change the snow throw direction without stopping.
Heavy Snow: Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower proved its worth in heavy snow, especially 13-inch piles left by the city plow. Despite the compacted snow, it cut through and threw it aside without slowing down. Its self-propelled feature made it easy to handle the heavy machine even in deep snow. While pivoting took a bit more effort, it was easy to reposition for the next pass with the reverse function. This machine turned a potentially back-breaking job into a manageable task, proving its capability to handle tough conditions.
Clearing Width and Depth: The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower's 24-inch clearing width lets me quickly and efficiently clear paths. It's great for standard driveways and walkways since you don't have to go through as many passes. Thanks to its powerful engine and durable steel components, I was impressed with how easily it handled 12 inches of snow.
A joystick-controlled chute ensured precise snow placement, even when the blower operated at the upper end of its capacity.
Read more: Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Snow Blower
The Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower impresses with its user-friendly assembly and efficient performance. Thanks to its wide clearing width, powerful engine, and intuitive controls, it effortlessly handles light and heavy snow. It is a reliable choice for tackling substantial snow-clearing tasks with ease and speed.
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | challenging to maneuver due to its weight; self-propelling feature with six forward speeds and two reverse speeds significantly aids in moving the machine; oystick for chute adjustment is a helpful feature | 7/10 |
| Light Snow | performs exceptionally well in light snow, easily clearing 8 inches of snow on the driveway; 24-inch clearing width allows for efficient snow removal; ability to throw snow approximately 30 feet | 9/10 |
| Heavy Snow | handles heavy snow effectively, including the dense, packed snow left by city plows; cuts through 13 inches of heavy snow | 9/10 |
| Clearing Width and Depth | 24-inch clearing width and a 12-inch ideal snow depth; capacity is ideal for driveways and sidewalks | 10/10 |
The best snow blower on a budget
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 can remove light snow from your property.
Ease of Use: The Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is incredibly easy to use, especially for those new to snow blowers. It took a few minutes to assemble, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even without self-propulsion. Its plastic construction raised questions about durability, but it makes it easy to handle. I like how the chute cleaner stops me from getting wet hands when I'm working. Despite the awkward placement of the safety button, the operation is straightforward, and the electric start is convenient.
Light Snow: Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 works well in light snow. I tested it on about three inches of powdery snow, and it cleared my driveway and sidewalks quickly. Even though the manufacturer claims a 25-foot throw distance, the metal auger cut through the snow smoothly. However, I found it closer to 15 feet, which was fine. With its lightweight design and impressive battery life, I could clear my entire property on one charge.
Heavy Snow: Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 struggles with heavy, wet snow. While it cleared the area with about three to four inches of wet snow, it had a reduced throwing distance of about five feet. Due to the lack of self-propulsion, pushing through the dense snow was more difficult. However, the machine didn't stall, and the battery life was enough to complete the job. The snow blower can handle heavy snowfall, but you must work harder.
Clearing Width and Depth: The Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 offers a practical clearing width and depth for residential use. Its 22-inch width makes clear driveways and sidewalks easy, covering a decent amount with each pass. Its metal auger can handle snow of different depths, from light dustings to moderate accumulations. Despite the manufacturer's claim of 25 feet of snow throw, I found it to be about 15 feet, which was fine. Once set, the chute effectively directs snow away from cleared areas.
Read more: Snow Joe Max Cordless Snow Blower
The Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is easy to use and efficient for light snow. It struggles with heavy, wet snow but performs well for residential use. The clearing width and depth are practical, and the battery life is impressive. It's a convenient and reliable snow blower for most snow conditions.
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | lightweight and easy to maneuver; suitable for small to moderately sloped areas; plastic construction keeps it light, but the lack of a self-propulsion feature means more effort is needed on inclines; awkward placement of the safety button; chute cleaner is a convenient feature | 7/10 |
| Light Snow | performs well in light, powdery snow, effectively clearing three inches of snow without issue; advertised snow-throwing distance is up to 25 feet, but actual performance is closer to 15 feet | 8/10 |
| Heavy Snow | struggles with wet, heavy snow; can handle only three to four inches of heavy snow before the throwing distance reduces significantly | 5/10 |
| Clearing Width and Depth | adequate for light snowfalls; plastic construction may also be a concern for long-term durability | 6/10 |
The best battery-powered snow blower
This is one of the only battery-powered machines I tested that features 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.
Ease of Use: Dewalt's 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower is easy to use, especially for a battery-powered model. Assembly took five minutes, and the intuitive design was great. With the two-way electric chute control, I can adjust the chute's direction without taking my hands off the handle. It saves me time and effort, especially when maneuvering around obstacles.
It's lightweight and easy to push and store, but there's no self-propelling mechanism, so you'll need to exert some effort in deeper snow. Dual batteries provide plenty of power, and eco mode saves battery life for lighter jobs.
Light Snow: I tested the Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower in light snow conditions, and it easily cleared my driveway and sidewalks. The augers worked smoothly, and the machine never stalled or struggled. The electric chute control let me adjust the snow-throwing direction on the fly, which was particularly helpful given my property layout. I threw about 15-20 feet of snow, which was fine.
With its lightweight design and impressive battery life, I could clear my entire property with enough power left over.
Heavy Snow: Dewalt's 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower holds its own in heavy snow but takes more effort. It picked up and threw snow about eight inches, but without a self-propelling feature, I had to push harder to clear it. It didn't stall or power off even in dense snow, so its performance was still commendable.
While pushing through heavy snow was tiring, the blower's ability to handle more than its ideal capacity was impressive.
Clearing Width and Depth: Dewalt's 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower provides a decent clearing width and depth for residential use. It covers a decent amount of ground with each pass. It's got metal augers so that it can handle everything from light dustings to heavier accumulations. Although the manufacturer says the snow-throwing distance is up to 40 feet, I found it closer to 15-20 feet, which was fine.
Once set, the chute effectively directs snow away from cleared areas once its height is adjusted.
Read more: Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower
The Dewalt 60V Max Single-Stage Snow Blower impresses with its durable metal augers and intuitive design. It efficiently clears light snow and holds its own in heavy snow, although pushing through deeper snow requires more effort. It's a reliable choice for residential use with a decent clearing width and battery life.
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | lightweight and easy to maneuver; foldable handle for storage; two-way electric chute control; lack of a self-propelling mechanism | 8/10 |
| Light Snow | performs excellently in light snow conditions, easily clearing four inches of snow without stalling or powering off; ability to handle a large area efficiently | 9/10 |
| Heavy Snow | can handle heavy snow up to eight inches; requires significant manual effort to push through deeper and heavier snow | 7/10 |
| Clearing Width and Depth | uitable for most residential needs, effectively handling typical snowfall depths; ability to throw snow up to 15-20 feet is adequate, though it falls short of the manufacturer's claim of 40 feet | 8/10 |
Also reviewed
The Greenworks 40V 20 20-inch cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower didn’t perform as well as other snow blowers, and the blade on the bottom kept sticking to the ground, making it difficult to maneuver. ★★½
More snow blowers we recommend
Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test some of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best snow blower for heavy snow
The EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower receives high praise for its ease of use, performance in light and heavy snow, and clearing width and depth. Users commend its intuitive controls, self-propelled feature, and adjustable chutes, which make it efficient for various snow conditions and easy to handle.
Ease of Use: Many people praise the EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower for its ease of use. The assembly process is easy, so you can get started immediately. The intuitive controls, including the efficient electric start, make operation hassle-free, eliminating the struggle of traditional pull cords.
With adjustable speed settings, the self-propelled feature allows smooth navigation even on inclines and uneven surfaces. Its ergonomic handle design minimizes strain and fatigue during prolonged use. LED headlights are another great addition, making snow clearing easier early in the morning or late at night.
Light Snow: Many users say the EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower shines in light snow conditions. It's great for quick cleanups after minor snowfalls because it effortlessly clears a few inches of powdery snow. The powerful motor and auger system throw snow a long way, so you don't have to pass it twice.
Users commend the self-propelled feature, which enhances maneuverability and reduces physical effort, making it easy to navigate around driveways and sidewalks. There's also a lot of feedback about the chute direction, which lets you control where the snow goes.
Heavy Snow: With heavy snow, the EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower is a great choice, according to user reviews. Its robust auger and impeller system cuts through and discharges snow without clogging even in large amounts of wet, dense snow. It's particularly great in these conditions because it's self-propelled, so it doesn't require much physical effort to move through deep snowdrifts.
The snow thrower consistently performs without stalling, even if you need patience and slower passes. Many users say it's good at clearing snow that would be hard with other machines.
Clearing Width and Depth: The EGO 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower gets high marks for its width and depth. Its 24-inch clearance width makes it easy to clear large areas like driveways and sidewalks, reducing the number of passes needed. The snow thrower can handle up to 20 inches of snow, so it's perfect for moderate and heavy snowfalls.
Adjustable chutes and deflectors are frequently mentioned as valuable features. They provide precise control over the direction and distance of snow discharge and keep cleared snow off walkways and driveways.
The best premium snow blower
The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 snow blower is highly praised for its ease of use, exceptional performance in light and heavy snow, and impressive clearing width and depth. Users appreciate features such as the electric start, power steering, heated grips, and efficient auger system, making snow clearing efficient and comfortable.
Ease of Use: The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 is often praised for its ease of use, especially in frigid weather, because of the electric start feature. The intuitive controls and heated grips make it easy to use for a long time. The track drive system offers great traction and stability despite being uneven or icy. Users find the assembly straightforward, often mentioning that the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Another plus is the power steering, which allows for smooth maneuverability.
Light Snow: The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 performs exceptionally well in light snow conditions, as confirmed by numerous user reviews. It clears just a few inches of snow quickly, so it's great for routine snow clearing. Its powerful engine and efficient auger system ensure snow gets thrown a long way, so you don't have to do it too often. There's a lot of praise for how well this machine handles lighter snowfalls, the track drive providing stability and smooth operation, and the adjustable chute direction allowing for precise snow placement.
Heavy Snow: In heavy snow, Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 gets a lot of praise from users. Thanks to the strong 277cc engine and two-stage system, it's easy to clear snow even in difficult conditions. Track drive provides traction and stability on icy or uneven surfaces, reducing the physical effort required to maneuver through deep snow, and heated grips provide comfort during extended use.
Clearing Width and Depth: User reviews consistently praise Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 for clearing width and depth. With a 28-inch clearing width, the snow blower covers a lot of ground, so snow removal takes less time and effort. The machine can handle snow depths up to 21 inches, so it's good for moderate and heavy snowfall. Adjustable chutes and deflectors ensure that snow is moved away from paths and driveways efficiently by controlling the direction and distance of discharge. The track drive system further enhances its ability to clear substantial snow depths by providing excellent traction and stability.
The best snow blower for large driveways
The Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE snow blower is praised for its user-friendly features, including an electric start and triggerless steering. It efficiently handles light and heavy snow with its powerful 302cc engine and self-propelled system. Its 30-inch clearing width and 21-inch snow depth capacity make it ideal for large snow-clearing tasks.
Ease of Use: Thanks to several user-friendly features, the Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE is simple to use. It has an electric start, eliminating the pull cord hassle and making it easy to start even in cold weather. Triggerless steering makes maneuvering easier and reduces hand fatigue. Another highlight is the self-propelled system, which lets you navigate all terrain effortlessly. Furthermore, the hand warmers provide comfort during extended use in frigid weather.
Light Snow: Users say the Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE does a great job clearing a few inches of snow quickly and efficiently, so it's ideal for routine snow-clearing tasks. Thanks to the powerful 302cc engine and efficient two-stage system, snow gets thrown a long way, up to 49 feet. Its lightweight design and self-propelled feature make it easy to handle even in light snowfalls. The adjustable chute direction provides precise control over where the snow goes.
Heavy Snow: Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE users rave about its powerful performance in heavy snow. It can handle a lot of wet, dense snow without clogging or stalling. Because of the powerful 302cc engine and two-stage system, it's hard to clear snow in challenging conditions. Although it requires some patience and slower passes, the self-propelled feature makes the machine perform consistently in these conditions.
Clearing Width and Depth: Several user reviews praise the clearance width and depth of the Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE. With a clearing width of 30 inches, the snow blower efficiently covers large areas, so you don't have to spend much time removing snow. It's great for moderate and heavy snowfall because it can handle snow depths up to 21 inches.
The adjustable chute and deflector are valued for providing precise control over the direction and distance of snow discharge, ensuring that snow moves away from paths and driveways efficiently. With excellent traction and stability, the self-propelled system is even more effective at clearing substantial snow depths.
The best snow blower for small driveways
The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Blower is praised for its cordless design, ease of use, and effectiveness in light snow conditions. However, it receives mixed reviews for heavy snow and may require multiple passes. The 18-inch clearing width and adjustable chute add to its residential appeal.
Ease of Use: Users love the convenience of the cordless design, which eliminates the hassle of managing cords or refueling with gas. The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Blower is highly regarded for its ease of use because it has a push-button start, so it can be started instantly without pull cords. It's lightweight, making it easy to handle and store.
Reviewers love the intuitive controls and ergonomic handles, which reduce fatigue during operation. Users also like how easy it is to swap out batteries.
Light Snow: Numerous users have noted that the RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Snow Blower excels in light snow conditions. It easily gets rid of a few inches of snow. The brushless motor ensures efficient snow removal, throwing snow a considerable distance, which users find sufficient for typical residential needs.
Its lightweight, compact design lets you clear smaller areas quickly and efficiently. The battery life is usually enough for light snowfalls, and many users can complete their tasks on one charge.
Heavy Snow: The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Snow Blower gets mixed reviews when it comes to heavy snow. While it can handle moderate accumulations, users say it struggles with dense or deep snow. Some users need to make multiple passes in heavy snow since it has a single-stage design and 18-inch clearing width. Getting through deeper snow takes more effort because it doesn't self-propel.
However, the machine's compact size and cordless convenience still make it a viable option for those occasionally encountering heavy snowfalls. Users recommend tackling snow before it gets too deep for optimal performance.
Clearing Width and Depth: The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Snow Blower has a clearing width of 18 inches, so it's good for smaller driveways and sidewalks. Even though larger areas require more passes, this width makes it easy to remove snow in residential settings. It's made to handle up to 10 inches of snow, but users say it works best with light snow.
The adjustable chute gives you control over the direction of snow discharge, which is great for directing snow away from cleared paths. Users suggest that a larger clearing or a heavy snowfall might be better for those with larger properties or frequent heavy snowfalls.
The best corded snow blower
The Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower is praised for its ease of use, especially in light snow conditions. While it struggles with heavy snow, its lightweight design and adjustable chute make it suitable for residential use, although larger properties or heavy snowfalls may require a more robust model.
Ease of Use: The Snow Joe 15-amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower is frequently praised for its ease of use. Users love the easy assembly process, which allows them to get it up and running in minutes. A push-button start is great for quick and reliable operation.
Thanks to its lightweight design, it's easy to maneuver and operate, even for people who lack strength or experience with snow blowers. Corded power doesn't have to be recharged, but some users say managing the extension cord can be tricky.
Light Snow: According to user reviews, the Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower excels in light snow conditions. The motor throws snow a great deal, often exceeding expectations for an electric blower, so it easily clears driveways and sidewalks. With its lightweight design, users can clear smaller areas fast and efficiently.
A corded power supply ensures consistent performance without battery concerns, making it ideal for quick cleanups after light snowfalls. Users appreciate its quiet operation, which is much less disruptive than gas-powered alternatives.
Heavy Snow: Based on user feedback, the Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower offers mixed results regarding heavy snow. While it can handle moderate snow accumulations, it struggles with dense or deep snow. One-stage design works best for lighter tasks but may need multiple passes for heavier ones.
Since it doesn't have self-propulsion, users have to push through deep snow with much more effort. Its lightweight design and consistent power make it suitable for occasional heavier snowfalls. For best results, users recommend clearing snow before it gets too deep.
Clearing Width and Depth: With a clearance of 22 inches, the Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower is good for residential driveways and sidewalks. It's designed to handle snow depths up to 12 inches, but users say it performs best with lighter snow accumulations. The width makes snow removal efficient and reduces the number of passes needed for smaller areas.
The adjustable chute can control the direction of snow discharge, directing snow away from cleared areas. Although the clearing width and depth are good for typical residential use, users say a more robust model might be better for people with larger properties or heavy snowfalls.
The best 3-stage snow blower
The Cub Cadet 3X 26-inch 357cc Track Drive Three-Stage Snow Blower receives high praise in user reviews for its ease of use, powerful performance in light and heavy snow, and impressive clearing width and depth. Users appreciate features such as electric start, power steering, heated grips, and the adjustable steel chute.
Ease of Use: The Cub Cadet 3X 26-inch 357cc Track Drive Three-Stage Snow Blower is frequently praised for its ease of use in user reviews. The electric start feature is highlighted as a major convenience, eliminating the struggle of pulling cords in cold weather. The power steering makes maneuvering the hefty machine much easier, even on uneven terrain.
Heated grips make it much more comfortable, especially when driving in frigid weather. The track drive system offers excellent traction on icy or sloped surfaces, so it's really easy to use. Even though it's powerful, users find the controls intuitive and easy to use. Many reviews say it's easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Light Snow: The Cub Cadet 3X 26-inch Snow Blower performs well in light snow conditions, as user reviews show. The powerful 357cc engine and the three-stage system easily handle a few inches of snow, clearing driveways and sidewalks quickly. The machine throws light snow a long way, minimizing the need for multiple passes, and users say it works well.
Because it has a track drive system, it's stable and easy to use even in lighter conditions. The adjustable steel chute allows for precise control of the direction of snow discharge.
Heavy Snow: There's nothing like the Cub Cadet 3X 26-inch Snow Blower regarding heavy snow. With its powerful 357cc engine and innovative three-stage system, it's easy to handle a lot of wet, dense snow. One of the things people like about this machine is how well it breaks down and clears heavy snow without clogging.
The track drive provides excellent traction, effectively handling challenging conditions and uneven terrains. Users appreciate the robust construction, which stands up to demanding use. Power steering and heated grips make operating easy, even in harsh weather.
Clearing Width and Depth: Users rave about Cub Cadet 3X 26-inch Snow Blower's impressive clearing width and depth. A 26-inch clearing width covers a lot of ground, so it takes less time and effort to remove snow. Whether it's moderate or heavy snowfall, the machine can handle snow depths up to 21 inches.
Steel chutes are adjustable, so users can control how much snow is discharged and where it goes, keeping paths clear. Despite the toughest winter conditions, the blower keeps driveways and walkways clear with its three-stage system. Many reviews praise its effectiveness in handling large volumes of snow quickly and efficiently.
How to choose the best snow blower for you
When deciding how to choose a snow blower, there are a few factors you should consider:
Where you live: If you live in an area that receives several inches of snow daily or weekly, you should consider a two-stage gas-powered snow blower. This machine has the strength to remove large amounts of snow and toss it far enough into your driveway.
The size of the area you are clearing: If you are clearing only a couple of walkways, sidewalks, or even a single-car driveway, an electric snow blower or one of the best snow shovels 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 recharging. 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. Again, what's right for you 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 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, ensure no gas is 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, however, are rather easy to use, care for and maintain. If 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
Are snow blowers worth it?
Often, homeowners wonder if snow blowers are worth it when winter comes with its blanket of snow. Snow blowers are a game-changer for those living in areas with heavy snowfall, but the answer largely depends on individual circumstances. These machines take much less time and effort to clear driveways and sidewalks than shoveling.
This is great news for people with physical limitations or who just dread manual snow removal. There's likely to be a snow blower suited to every need, from light dustings to heavy snowfalls. However, snow blowers can be pretty expensive, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
The problem with them is that they're a long-term investment, especially if you have harsh winters every year. It's a much more economical choice to hire a professional snow removal service in the long run than to buy a snow blower because it's much less expensive. There's also the environmental factor. Despite being powerful, gas-powered models pollute and need to be maintained.
On the other hand, electric and battery-powered models are more environmentally friendly but might not work as well in extreme snowstorms.
How do snow blowers work?
Known also as snow throwers, snow blowers remove snow efficiently from driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces, making them indispensable in areas where it snows. Different models come in different kinds, including single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers, each with capabilities and mechanisms. Single-stage snow blowers are the easiest to use.
They have a horizontal auger and a corkscrew-shaped blade that scoops up snow and propels it out of the discharge chute. Lightweight and efficient, these models make direct contact with the ground, effectively removing snow. However, they may struggle with icy or heavily compacted snow.
Two-stage snow blowers add a new dimension to the snow removal process. In these machines, the auger collects and feeds the snow into an impeller, a high-speed fan that throws the snow out through the chute with much greater force and distance. The design lets them handle deep and heavy snow, so they're good for a lot of terrain.
Two-stage models often have adjustable skid shoes to prevent the auger from damaging surfaces like gravel. The three-stage snowblower goes further by adding an accelerator, which breaks up heavy, wet snow and ice before reaching the impeller. Using this technology, snow blowers can clear snow faster and more effectively, tackling even the toughest winter conditions.
Snow blowers come with adjustable chutes and handles so you can direct the snow where you want it. Additional features include electric starters, self-propulsion, and heated handles.
How much do snow blowers cost?
Budget models are usually light and compact, suitable for clearing small areas with light to moderate snowfall. Single-stage snow blowers typically range from $100 to $500 at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Usually powered by electricity or small gas engines, they're perfect for homeowners with small driveways or sidewalks.
Two-stage snow blowers are tougher and better for larger areas or regions with heavier snowfall. Generally, these machines cost $500 to $1,500. There are bigger engines, a wider clearing path, and better snow-throwing. In addition to handling deep, heavy, and wet snow, two-stage snow blowers are a popular choice for those who need to remove a lot of snow.
Three-stage snow blowers cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. These machines offer the most power and efficiency, equipped with an additional accelerator to break up ice and compact snow, making them ideal for the toughest winter conditions. In addition to the purchase price, potential buyers should think about maintenance and operation costs. They often have advanced features like heated handles, electric starters, and power steering.
A gas-powered model needs regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fuel, while an electric model might need battery replacements or cord extensions.
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 $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. It may cost more if the machine needs major repairs or special parts. Components like belts must be replaced every five to seven years.
Multiple online sources say 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.
When is the best time to buy a snow blower?
Buying a snow blower in the off-season, usually in late winter or early spring, is best. Retailers are eager to eliminate their inventory to sell spring and summer items so savvy shoppers can get better deals on snow blowers. Also, there's less competition from other buyers, so stock shortages don't happen as often.
It's also a good idea to buy a snow blower in the fall, right before the winter season starts. Retailers often introduce new models around this time, so you can get a deal on last year's. You'll be ready for the first snowfall if you buy in the fall.
Pay attention to major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year holiday sales, when retailers often offer discounts on snow blowers.
Waiting until the first snowfall can be risky. During peak winter months, demand spikes, leading to higher prices and limited availability. Retailers are less likely to offer discounts.
How we test the best snow blowers for this guide
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, including a two-car driveway, extra car park, cement back patio, about 150 feet of sidewalk, and an additional walkway.
Battery life was tested for battery-powered units by inserting a fully charged battery and using the device normally to clear snow after a winter storm. During battery life testing, two to four inches of snow was on the ground. 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 a lack of power, it was the time that was documented for battery life.
To test engine loudness, a sound decibel app on an iPhone measured how loud each motor was when in operation. The measurement was taken about a foot away from the motor while running.
The throwing distance was measured by making a single pass parallel to the area where the snow blower threw the snow. Where the majority of the snow landed was measured from the location of the snow blower. Remember that many factors can change the maximum measured throwing distance, such as wind, the slope of the driveway, the type of snow, the weight of the snow, etc.
Read more on how we test.
