As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Some Of The Best Ariens snow blower reviews: Is it a good snowblower for your backyard?

If you’re reading this, your driveway probably looks like a ski slope every winter. A snowblower is no small purchase, but shoveling that much snow is no small burden! 

Hopefully, my Ariens snow blower reviews will help you find the best model for your driveway and budget.

Ariens has a snowblower for every driveway. Here are just a few:

In A Rush? Here Are My Top Picks

Let’s take a quick glance at the products I have tested for my post.

Ariens Professional 21 SSRC 21 inch Single Stage Snow Blower (938025)
SNOW THROWER GAS 24"
Ariens 921045 Deluxe 24 In. 254Cc Snow Blower - Quantity 1
Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28 in. Two- Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
Ariens Professional 21 SSRC 21 inch Single Stage Snow Blower (938025)
SNOW THROWER GAS 24"
Ariens 921045 Deluxe 24 In. 254Cc Snow Blower - Quantity 1
Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28 in. Two- Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
-
-
-
-
Ariens Professional 21 SSRC 21 inch Single Stage Snow Blower (938025)
Ariens Professional 21 SSRC 21 inch Single Stage Snow Blower (938025)
-
SNOW THROWER GAS 24"
SNOW THROWER GAS 24"
-
Ariens 921045 Deluxe 24 In. 254Cc Snow Blower - Quantity 1
Ariens 921045 Deluxe 24 In. 254Cc Snow Blower - Quantity 1
-
Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28 in. Two- Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28 in. Two- Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
-

Single-Stage Snowblowers

Ariens Professional 21 SSRC (938025) – Best Ariens Snow Blower For Commercial Use

  • Engineered for clearing multiple sites in a day
  • Commercial-grade paddle and scraper bar clears snow in a single pass
  • Weighs only 89 pounds
  • Reinforced steel housing to maintain optimal performance
  • Features a remote-controlled chute for effortless rotation up to 210 degrees

The Professional 21 SSRC snow blower has an intake size is 21 inches by 12.2 inches, its chute rotates up to 210 degrees, and it is best used for light snow on flat surfaces

There are differences as well, including the fact that this model weighs only 89 pounds. Because the Professional 21 is for commercial use, its lighter weight makes it easier to load into a truck.

The main reason to choose this option is its durability. The Professional 21 was engineered with commercial-grade features for heavy-duty use

You might be better off paying the extra money if you have a large driveway or intend to clear snow from many properties in a single day.

PROS

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Commercial-grade features and performance
  • All-steel housing
  • Moves 57 tons of snow per hour

CONS

  • Recoil-only starting system may make this model harder to start 
  • Some have complained about the plastic chute breaking
  • Not ideal for gravel driveways
  • Doesn’t throw snow as far as other models

2-Stage Snowblowers – Most Compact Ariens Option For Gravel Driveways

Ariens Compact 24 (920032) – Best Tracked Option

<alt>
  • 24-inch clearing width can move 59 tons of snow per hour
  • All-steel construction
  • Throws snow up to 40 feet
  • Remote chute control and cap adjustment
  • Self-propelled drive with six forward and two reverse speeds

If you need a gravel-friendly snow blower but have little storage space, you should consider the  Compact 24. True to its name, the Compact 24 won’t take up much space in your garage. Simply fold its handlebars down to make it smaller than a push mower.

The Compact 24 gets the job done on flat surfaces, gravel, and uneven terrain. Though it weighs 183.1 pounds, its six forward speeds and two reverse speeds make it easy to move. In fact, its interlocking handles allow for one-handed operation. 

This model’s 24-inch clearing width allows it to move up to 59 tons of snow per hour, making it a good option for large driveways.

PROS

  • Great for uneven terrain
  • Durable all-steel construction
  • Foldable handlebars allow for compact storage
  • Can move 59 tons of snow per hour
  • Electric start option
  • Auto-Turn feature

CONS

  • Though it has a headlight, many have complained that it isn’t bright enough
  • Doesn’t handle packed snow as well as Deluxe models
  • Doesn’t have as much traction as Deluxe models

Ariens Deluxe 24 (921045) – Best Ariens Snow Blower For Short Gravel Driveways

  • 24-inch intake width clears 62 tons of snow per hour
  • 14-inch steel serrated augers and 14-inch impellers handle all snow types
  • Throws snow up to 50 feet
  • Automatically assists turns
  • Has halogen headlight for nighttime or early morning use

The Deluxe 24 shares a lot in common with the Compact 24. For example, both have a 24-inch intake width. However, the Deluxe 24 moves more snow per hour and throws it 10 feet further, thanks to its 254cc engine. 

Both models have interlocking handles for one-handed operation, although the handlebars on the Deluxe 24 don’t fold for compact storage.

If you’re not worried about storage space, the Deluxe 24 is the more powerful and user-friendly option. Like the Compact 24, it has six forward and two reverse speeds, but it also assists turns automatically. 

And, thanks to its 14-inch steel serrated augers and 14-inch impellers, the Deluxe 24 easily powers through all types of snow.

PROS

  • Easier to maneuver than the Compact 24
  • Easily clears all types of snow
  • Suitable for gravel
  • Has all-steel construction for durability
  • Features remote chute control

CONS

  • Not ideal for compact storage
  • Not as efficient as the Deluxe 28
  • Some have complained that the chute partially blocks the headlight
  • Steel skid shoes may cause too much friction

Ariens Deluxe 28 (921046) – Best Overall Ariens Snow Blower

Like the Deluxe 24, this model features:

  • A powerful 254cc engine
  • 14-inch steel serrated augers and 14-inch impellers to handle all snow types
  • Automatic assistance with turns
  • A halogen headlight for nighttime or early morning use

But unlike the Deluxe 24, it features:

  • A 28-inch intake width that can clear 65 tons of snow per hour

As you can see, the Deluxe 28 is very similar to the Deluxe 24. The only important difference between them is that the Deluxe 28 can clear 65 tons of snow per hour, as opposed to the Deluxe 24’s 62 tons per hour. 

Considering the price difference between the two, you should really only choose the Deluxe 28 over the Deluxe 24 if you have a big driveway. Snowblowers.net recommends going with the Deluxe 28 if your driveway is longer than 800 feet.

If money and storage space aren’t issues, the Deluxe 28 is the best Ariens snowblower on this list. This powerful and versatile model can glide over any type of terrain and power through any type of snow. Its all-steel construction makes it tough enough to be used on gravel for many years, and its speedy performance can save you hours of time for more meaningful activities.

PROS

  • Clears more snow per hour than the Deluxe 24
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Easily clears all types of snow
  • Suitable for gravel
  • All-steel construction for durability

CONS

  • More expensive than the Deluxe 24
  • Not ideal for compact storage
  • Steel skid shoes may cause too much friction
  • Snowblowers.net argues that an LED headlight would work better than the built-in halogen light.

The Story Behind Ariens

You know a company with its own museum has to have an interesting backstory. Ariens got its start in Brillion, Wisconsin during the height of the Great Depression. 

Henry Ariens, who had recently filed for bankruptcy, managed to create a revolutionary invention in his own garage — a gas-powered roto-tiller. It was a hit and Ariens soon entered the farm equipment industry. 

It wasn’t until 1960, however, that it released its first snowblower — the Sno-Thro. Since then, Ariens has made over 4 million snow blowers and become the top-selling brand of two-stage snow blowers in the world. 

It’s no wonder, then, that its nickname is the “King of Snow.” 

All Ariens snowblowers are designed and manufactured in Brillion, Wisconsin, right where the Ariens adventure began. However, the company is more expansive than that, employing over 1,500 people in the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway. 

The Ariens Museum, located in the original factory building, showcases how Ariens machinery changed the American landscape forever. It features interactive exhibits, vintage equipment, and even a replica of Henry Ariens’ garage.

The company also supports the Brillion STEM program, a project to help students in the Brillion County School District learn concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program teaches students of all grades to think critically and work in teams. At the high school level, students compete in engineering contests inspired by Ariens equipment. 

Who Makes Ariens Snow Blower Engines?

Depending on the machine model, Ariens engines are built either by Briggs & Stratton or Liquid Combustion Technology of South Carolina (LCT)

The engine of the Ariens snoblower my in-laws own is made by Briggs & Stratton:

Ariens snowblower engine by Briggs & Stratton

Where Are Ariens Snow Blower Engines Made?

Over 85 percent of Briggs & Stratton engines are made in the United States, whereas LCT engines are made in China.

What’s So Special About Ariens Snow Blowers?

Ariens loves its customers

No matter what type of snow blower you need, Ariens probably has it. Ariens’ website even offers a convenient online quiz to help you find the best model for your driveway, average snowfall, and budget. 

Besides its wide range of high-quality products, Ariens is also known for its excellent customer service and three-year warranty.

Ariens is a family-owned company that supports a small town

In addition to its customer-friendliness, choosing Ariens supports a good cause. In an age of giant, impersonal businesses, family-owned companies like Ariens are worth holding onto. Not only do they promote healthy competition, but they also tend to be loyal to their local communities

Ariens is an important part of Brillion, Wisconsin, a town with about 3,200 people. It supports the community in several ways, including a conservation project, its partnership with the local school district, a scholarship program, and a snow tubing attraction in Green Bay. 

And, of course, the company provides jobs in the area.

How Does Ariens Compare To Other Snow Blower Brands?

To make our Ariens review exhaustive, we also compared how this brand stands against other snow blower brands. You can read about it in these posts:

What Defines Each Series Of Ariens Snow Blowers?

Compact

SNOW THROWER GAS 24'

True to their name, Ariens Compact snow blowers are designed to fit into tight spaces. These models are especially great for city dwellers who lack the space for outdoor sheds. 

And, despite their all-steel construction, Compacts manage to be lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Every Compact model has a three-blade,12-inch impeller to pull in snow and throw it far away, as well as a cast-iron gear case for a superior auger ratio. 

Ariens Compact snow blowers also feature 15-inch tires for grip, remote chute and cap rotation, and powerful Ariens AX 223 engines. 

Models in this series include the Compact 20 (920026), the Compact 24 (920027), and the Compact Track 24 (920028). They can blow snow up to 40 feet and clear 56-to-59 tons per hour, depending on the model.

Path Pro

using an Ariens snowblower

Ariens refers to this series as the “single-stage blower that performs like a two-stage.” 

Though lightweight and easy to maneuver, Path Pros are powerful and efficient machines. Each has an Ariens engine ranging from 136cc to 208cc, as well as a 12.2-inch housing height and 8.375-inch reinforced rubber paddles. 

These features enable the Path Pro to clear up to 9 inches of snow, right down to the pavement

Every Path Pro has a 21-inch clearing width and can blow snow up to 35 feet. Molded rubber wheels on this series help with traction and withstand all sorts of conditions. 

Last but not least, each Path Pro has an easy-access maintenance hatch, an electric start option, and folding handlebars. 

Models in this series include the Path Pro 208 Recoil (938031), the Path Pro 208 Electric Start (938032), and the Path Pro 208 Electric Start with Remote Chute (938033). Each of these models can clear up to 57 tons of snow per hour.

Deluxe

Ariens 921045 Deluxe 24 In. 254Cc Snow Blower - Quantity 1

Deluxe models are the most high-end in this product lineup. Each has a cast-iron gearcase with a superior auger ratio and a 14-inch, three-blade, all-steel propeller that can throw up to 64.4 tons of snow per hour. 

This highly durable series has a two-belt drive to capture more engine torque with less belt wear and its frame and dash are made with 100 percent steel. 

Grippy, 16-inch tires aid in traction and the auto-turn steering feature makes turning a breeze. The 21-inch housing height makes this series ideal for areas with heavy snowfall and its clearing widths are all wide, ranging from 24 inches to 30 inches for its different models. 

Models in this series include the Deluxe 24 (921323) and the Deluxe 28 (921324). The Deluxe 24 can clear up to 56.2 tons of snow per hour, whereas the Deluxe 28 can clear up to 59.8 tons per hour.

Professional

Ariens Professional 21 SSRC 21 inch Single Stage Snow Blower (938025)

Ariens describes this series as having “commercial-grade power and durability with a compact design.” These models were engineered for those who clear several areas in a day, although they’re also great for residential use. 

Every Professional snow blower has heavy-duty steel housing to help it withstand frequent use and travel. 

Its commercial-grade, spring-loaded scraper bar clears snow down to the pavement in a single pass, as does its tough, commercial-grade paddle. The paddle is designed to handle twice as much concrete grating as others. 

For easy transportation from one site to another, each Professional snow blower has specially engineered lift points to help with loading it into a truck. For powerful performance, each also has a powerful Ariens AX 208cc engine, which opens easily for maintenance.

The models in this series include the Professional 21 SSR (938024) and the Professional 21 SSRC (938025). Each can move up to 57 tons of snow per hour, but only the Professional 21 SSRC offers remote chute rotation.

Final Words On Ariens Snow Blower Reviews

I hope my Ariens snow blower reviews have helped you narrow down your options for the best model. Again, don’t forget that Ariens has this helpful online quiz to help you even further! If their website doesn’t have the answers you’re looking for, here is their support page.  

If you would like even more advice on snow blowers, I invite you to check out the article on choosing the best snow blower and this one about how to choose the best non-stick spray to prevent clogging. Happy reading!

About The Authors

  • Brett Jones

    Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.

  • Jenn Peters

    Jenn Peters is an experienced content manager and editor who holds a degree in English and certifications in Social Media Marketing and Copywriting from the College of Media and Publishing. She has been working for ANestWithAYard since 2018. In addition, Jenn works as a content editor for Valnet across 7 company sites, publishing numerous articles weekly. Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 19:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Photo of author

About The Author

Brett Jones

Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.