The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow In Your Backyard: A Complete Buying Guide

Looking for a snow blower that can clear wet and heavy snow with ease? I’ll help you out! I’ve managed to find and try a whole selection of snow blowers for heavy snow. After all the tests I’ve done, I realized that one machine stands out in particular – the Ariens ST28DLE .

In my opinion, the Ariens ST28DLE has the best power and speed for processing wet snow. Its quality steel auger and impeller were made for tough jobs.

Don’t believe it? You can find the whole review below and lots more!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks

Are you in rush? Check our comparison table to see the products we will talk about here and what’s our favorite.

1-Stage Snow Blowers

2-Stage Snow Blowers

3-Stage Snow Blowers

3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow

After many years of using snow blowers, I’ve finally realized what makes a snow blower good for clearing wet snow: The photo above is courtesy of Sue Thompson.

Power

According to one of the leading power equipment suppliers in the U.S., Snow Blowers Direct, gas snow blowers pack more power than electric snow blowers. They are, therefore, better for clearing wet and heavy snow. 

Clearance Capacity 

A snow blower with a bigger intake will tackle higher banks of snow more easily. It won’t get jammed by compacted snow, either. 

Auger & Impeller

Having a strong steel auger and impeller is essential for processing wet snow. Two stage snow blowers feature both parts and are, in my opinion, a lot better for clearing heavy snow than single stage snow blowers.

Snow Blowers for Wet Snow – Reviewed

Single Stage Snow Blowers

Greenworks 80V 20” Brushless Cordless Snow Blower – Best For Light Snowfall 

• Best single stage snow thrower for light snowfall. 
• Works on an 80V rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Clears 20 inches wide and up to 10 inches deep. 
• Throws snow up to 25 ft away. 

I’ve had the opportunity to try the Greenworks 80V 20” single stage snow blower on my three-car driveway. From experience, I can say this snowblower is best for light snowfall since it clears a maximum of 10 inches deep. 

This Greenworks model has a better clearance width. It clears 20 inches wide, which was plenty for my large driveway. I didn’t have to make as many passes as I thought I’d have to. 

Another pro is its 180-degree rotating chute, which lets you pick the direction of the discharge. You can expect to shoot snow up to 25 feet away. You may have to go over the same snow twice if you have a big surface to clear. 

The whole operation of the Greenworks 80V 20” snowblower relies on a single 80V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Based on my experience, the 2.0AH battery gives up to 45 minutes of run time when fully charged. 

I only wish the snow blower would feel more sturdy and have fewer plastic parts.

Pros

• Clears snow quickly
• 80V battery 
• 20-inch clearance width
• 10-inch clearance depth 
• Max. 45 min of runtime 
• 180-degree rotating chute
• 20 ft discharge
• Dual LED lights
• Easy to store

Cons

• Parts made of plastic
• Feels flimsy 

Rating: 2/5

EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower – Best Single Stage Snow Thrower 

• Best single stage snow blower for wet snow.
• Comes with two 56V batteries and a rapid charger.
• Clears 21 inches wide and up to 8 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 35 feet away.

Based on my experience, the EGO Cordless SNT2102 snow blower gets the job done just like any other gas-powered snow blower, minus the noise, fumes, and seasonal maintenance.

You only need to charge two 56V 5.0Ah batteries that come with the product, and you are good to go. Since this is a battery-powered unit, you won’t be restricted by the length of an extension cord, either.

The EGO Cordless SNT2102 snow blower clears a 21-inch wide path in one pass. It can handle up to 8 inches of snowfall. In my opinion, this clearance capacity is plenty for areas that don’t get those bigger snow storms.

After testing the product multiple times, I must say that the EGO Cordless SNT2102 doesn’t throw snow up to 35 feet away. Instead, it’s more like a maximum of 20 feet. Looking at other reviews, it looks like other people noticed that too!

Pros

• Ideal for moderate winters
• Two 56V lithium batteries
• 21-inch wide clearance
• 8-inch deep clearance 
• Fast charging 
• 180-degree adjustable chute
• Remote chute control 
• Easy to store

Cons

• Doesn’t throw snow 35 feet away

Rating: 4/5

EGO Power+ SNT2100 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower – Most Storage Friendly 

• Collapsible design makes for easy storage. 
• Works on two 56V lithium batteries.  
• Clears 21 inches wide and up to 8 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 35 feet away. 

Those EGO 56V lithium batteries caught my attention again as they had enough power to cover my whole three-car driveway. In fact, they had plenty of power left in them after I was done testing this snow blower.  

Its clearance capacity exceeded any expectations, as well. The EGO Power+ SNT2100 clears 21 inches wide and up to 8 inches high. It’s supposed to throw snow 35 feet away, but I don’t find that to be true. When I tested this product, it reached a maximum of 18 feet. 

On the bright side, this seemingly innocent machine clears wet and heavy snow pretty well, if you use it within its limits. It performs best in moderate snowfall.

I highly recommend this snow blower for people who have limited storage space. Its collapsible handle and compact design make the machine easy to store anywhere. 

Pros

• Plenty of power
• Two 56V batteries
• High efficiency motor
• Auger speed control 
• 21-wide clearance
• 8-inch intake depth
• LED headlights 
• Easy to store
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Doesn’t throw snow 35 feet away 
• Batteries and charger not included 

Rating: 3/5

2-Stage Snow Blowers

Briggs & Stratton 1696614 24″ 2-Stage Snowthrower, 208cc – Best For Heavy Snowfall 

• Best for heavy snowfall.
• Equipped with a 208cc engine.
• Clears 24 inches wide and up to 20 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 40 feet away.

The first thing that caught my attention when testing the Briggs & Stratton 1696614 was its instant electric start. It ignited the powerful 208cc engine on the first try. 

In my opinion, the notched 12-inch auger is what makes this snow blower suited for wet and icy snow. The impressive clearance of 24 inches x 20 inches gives the machine an amazing efficiency without getting clogged. 

In regards to operation, the Briggs & Stratton 1696614 offers multiple speed options. It can be driven with only one hand. In my opinion, this is important because you need your other hand to navigate dash-mounted chute control and other leavers that are within reach. 

The only thing I didn’t like about this product was the assembly instructions, which in my opinion, were a little bit unclear and confusing.

Pros

• Made for heavy snowfall
• Powerful 208cc engine
• Electric start 
• 24-inch wide clearances
• 20-inch intake height 
• 40-foot discharge
• Multiple speed options
• Dash-mounted chute rotation
• Durable 12-inch auger 

Cons

• Vague assembly instructions

Rating: 4/5

Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower – Best Overall

• Best overall two stage snow blower for wet snow.
• Has a powerful Ariens AX 306cc engine.
• Clears snow 28 inches wide and up to 21 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 55 feet away.

Meet the Ariens ST28DLE – the best snow blower you will come across. I had the privilege to fully test this snowblower right after it stormed and it left me speechless! 

The Ariens ST28DLE has a 28-inch wide and 22-inch high intake housing that easily handles large banks of snow. Based on my experience, the machine doesn’t get jammed, even when the workload is increased. The same goes for the discharge chute. It doesn’t clog and shoots snow up to 55 feet away.

In my opinion, its great performance can be attributed to the powerful Ariens AX 306cc engine and strong steel serrated auger that cuts through icy snow like a hot knife through butter. 

The Ariens ST28DLE is easy to use, as well. It has an automatic turn system and 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. These features ensure easy operation, even in difficult weather.

The only thing I would change about this snow blower is the plastic pull starter recoil. According to America’s leading supplier of plastic products, Curbell Plastics Inc., plastic tends to be harder, stiffer, and more brittle in cold temperatures. 

Pros

• Best performance of compared models
• Powerful 306cc engine
• Clears 28 inches wide
• 21-inch high intake
• Max. 55-foot discharge
• Auto-turn
• 200° rotatable chute 
• Multiple speed options
• LED headlights 

Cons

• Pull starter recoil made of plastic

Rating: 5/5

YARDMAX YB6770 26 in. 212 cc Two-Stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower – Easiest To Operate

• Smart design for easy operation.
• Equipped with a 212cc engine.
• Clears snow 26 inches wide and up to 21 inches high.
• Blowing distance not specified.

While testing the YARDMAX YB6770, I quickly noticed that it has a perfect weight balance and handlebar height. It felt good operating this machine. That’s the only way I can explain it. 

Another thing that makes this snow blower so user-friendly is the multi-speed transmission with 2 reverse speeds. In my opinion, having multiple speed options available is important for comfort and safety. 

Other features that make this snow blower a breeze to operate are its electric start, crank chute control, heated hand grips, and even a cup holder to hold your hot beverage. All of these accessories are located on the dashboard within hand’s reach. I do wish the dashboard wasn’t made out of plastic though. 

Pros

• Easy to operate
• 212cc engine
• Electric start 
• 8 speed options
• Clears 26 inches wide
• 21-inch high intake
• Remote chute control
• Heated hand grips 
• Cup holder 

 Cons

• Dashboard made of plastic
• Assembly instructions not clear enough 

Rating: 3/5

Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO (28″) 369cc 2-Stage Snow Blower – Best Traction 

• Capable of tackling any terrain.
• Equipped with a 369cc engine. 
• Clears snow 28 inches wide and up to 21 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 55 feet away.

I was pretty excited to try the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO on my angled pathways and slippery sidewalk and it exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the track system, the machine didn’t lose grip or balance on uneven surfaces. In my opinion, this snow blower is completely safe to use in difficult conditions. 

I would install additional headlights on the dashboard when working at night, just to be on the safe side. The one included headlight doesn’t give off enough light.

Speaking of the design, you can switch from tracks to wheels at any time. Based on my experience, the snow blower performs better on flat surfaces when in wheeled mode.

Without a doubt, the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO is a heavy-duty machine made for the heaviest of winters. Its 28-inch wide and 21-inch high clearance makes any job easy. 

Pros

• Terrain-ready
• Powerful 368cc engine
• Electric start  
• 28-inch wide clearance
• 21-inch intake height 
• 55-foot discharge 
• 8 speed options 
• 200-degree rotating chute 
• Steel serrated auger 

Cons

• Only one headlight 

Rating: 4/5

PowerSmart Snow Blower 24 Inch 2-Stage 212cc Engine Gas Powered with Electric Start PS24 – Best Value 

• Great features for the price.
• Equipped with a 212cc engine.
• Clears 24 inches wide and up to 20 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 40 feet away.

While testing the PowerSmart PS24, I was instantly impressed by its efficiency. It clears snow 24 inches wide and up to 20 inches deep. The manufacturer suggests using the snowblower on no more than 12 inches of snowfall. But I tested its limits, and it performed well on even more snow.

I also like that the machine blows snow up to 40 feet away. In my opinion, having a good discharge is essential for people with big driveways. Why? Well, you don’t want to be stuck outside for hours clearing the same snow over and over again.

I must mention that the 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds in combination with 13-inch inflatable tires make this snowblower a breeze to operate in different settings. 

The PowerSmart PS24 has everything one can ask for in a snowblower at an affordable price. The only thing I don’t like about this product is their poor customer service. 

Pros

• Best value 
• 24-inch wide clearance
• 20-inch intake height 
• 40-foot discharge
• Solid 212cc engine 
• Multiple speed options
• Push button electric start
• 180-radius chute rotation 

Cons

• Poor customer service

Rating: 3/5

EGO Power+ SNT2405 24 in. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower – Most Advanced

• Most advanced design. 
• Works on two 56V ARC Lithium batteries.
• Clears snow 24 wide and up to 20 inches high. 
• Blows snow up to 50 feet away.

I will admit the advanced design of the EGO Power+ SNT2405 has made me reconsider my preference for gas-powered snow blowers. The two 56V batteries (which I had to buy separately) give this snow blower power comparable to any gas unit on this review list. 

The batteries work well but, in my opinion, don’t give enough run time. Based on my experience, they last for about 30 minutes per charge. This duration is enough for covering two-car driveways but not bigger surfaces. 

Despite that, when using the EGO Power+ SNT2405, you get all the benefits of a gas snow blower without the noise, fumes, and maintenance. The design is hassle-free, ensuring immediate usability. 

I also like how the EGO Power+ SNT2405 has a big intake housing, unlike most other battery-powered throwers. It measures 24 inches in width and 20 inches in height. 

Despite its tall intake, the manufacturer suggests using the machine on only 8 inches of snow. Based on many tests I’ve done, the EGO Power+ SNT2405 can be used on more snow than that.  

Pros

• Innovative design
• Quiet operation
• 24-inch clearance width
• 20-inch intake height
• 50-foot discharge
• 200-degree rotating chute
•  Speed auger control
• 4 LED headlights 

Cons

• Batteries don’t last long enough
• Batteries and charger not included 

Rating: 3/5

EGO SNT2400 24 in. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower – Most Environment- Friendly 

• Most environmentally friendly.
• Works on two 56V batteries.
• Clears snow 24 inches wide and up to 20 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 50 feet away. 

Again, the EGO SNT2400 gets my stamp of approval, just like its successor. It cleared my driveway without any emissions and noise harmful to the ecosystem. 

Based on my experience, two 56V batteries give about 30 minutes of runtime per charge. Keep that in mind if you have a big area to cover. In that case, I think it’s better to find a model with better battery life. 

You can rely on the 24-inch wide and 20-inch high intake housing to finish the job before the batteries run out. The snow blower makes wide passes, so you can cover the whole surface quickly. 

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• 24-inch wide clearance
• 20-inch high intake
• 50-foot discharge
• Self-propelled
• Auger speed control 
• Easy to operate
• Quiet operation 

Cons

• Batteries don’t have a long runtime.
• Batteries and charger not included.

Rating: 3/5

Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Electric Start Snow Blower 970468501 – Runner Up

• Second best snow blower for wet snow.
• Equipped with a 208cc engine.
• Clears snow 24 inches wide and up to 23 inches high.
• Discharge not specified.

The Husqvarna ST224 is the second-best snow blower for wet snow I have tried. It passed all the tests I’ve put it through. 

Let’s start with the engine. Based on my tests, the 208cc engine is reliable and doesn’t stall even when you push it to its limits. It starts easily and provides continuous rotation to the heavy-duty auger and impeller. 

The intake housing that is almost as high as it is wide (24 x 23 inches) can go up against some serious snowfall. This snow blower is ideal for snowy regions!

I must say the whole design of the Husqvarna ST224 is completed with small features like remote chute control, multiple speeds, LED headlight, heavy tread tires, and single hand control joystick.

The only negative is that the replacement parts for the Husqvarna ST224 are hard to find. That could pose a big problem down the line. 

Pros

• Suited for wet snow
• 208cc engine
• 24-inch wide clearance
• 23-inch intake height
• Remote chute control
• Multiple speed options
• High traction tires
• Gravel-ready
• Single hand control

Cons

• Replacement parts are hard to get

Rating: 5/5

Ariens Kraken Professional RapidTrak (32″) EFI Hydrostatic 420cc Two-Stage Snow Blower 926520 – Most Powerful 

• Most powerful snow blower.
• Equipped with a 420cc engine.
• Clears snow 32 inches wide and up to 23.5 inches high.
• Blows snow up to 60 feet away.

Of course, I had to try this monster of a snow blower. And as expected, the Ariens Kraken Professional RapidTrak didn’t leave me disappointed. It cleared wet, heavy, fluffy, light, iced snow, you name it.

How wouldn’t it? The Ariens Kraken Professional RapidTrak has the biggest cubic capacity of 420cc. According to the reputable UK online car service Cinch, the bigger the capacity, the more powerful the engine tends to be.

The Ariens Kraken Professional RapidTrak also has the biggest clearance. Its massive intake housing measuring 32 inches in width and 23.5 inches in height can swallow a lot of snow at a time. 

Other features I also appreciated while testing this heavy-duty machine are terrain-ready tracks, 360° lighting, thumb joystick chute control, auto-turn steering, and heated hand grips. 

Pros

• Excellent performance
• 420cc engine
• 32-inch wide clearance
• 23.5-inch high intake
• 60-foot discharge
• Terrain-really
• 360° lighting 
• Joystick chute control
• Heated hand grips 

Cons

• Expensive 

Rating: 4/5

Snow Joe 24V-X4-SB24 96-Volt MAX IONMAX Cordless Brushless Self-Propelled Dual-Stage Snow Blower – Best Accessories 

• Design includes best accessories.
• Works on four 24V batteries.
• Clears snow 24 inches wide and up to 17.5 inches deep.
• Blows snow up to 40 feet away.

The Snow Joe 24V-X4-SB24 has everything you need in a snow blower. Its design includes all accessories necessary for smooth operation.

Unlike many battery-powered snow blowers, this one actually comes with four 24V batteries and chargers. You won’t have to spend extra on these essential parts. Take good care of them because it is difficult to find a replacement for them. 

Features that I enjoyed while testing this product are six LED lights, a 180-degree rotating chute, a self-propelled system, and a drive speed lever.

Of course, the 40-foot discharge and clearance measuring 24 inches x 17.5 inches didn’t leave me disappointed. In my opinion, these are the stats you want to see on two stage snow blowers.

Pros

• Batteries included
• Total 96V of power
• 24-inch clearance width
• 17.5-inch intake depth
• 40-foot discharge
• Six LED lights
• Multiple speeds 
• 180° rotating chute 

Cons

• Replacement batteries are hard to find.

Rating: 3/5

Husqvarna ST427T – Best For Hills And Inclines

• 369cc Husqvarna electronic fuel injection (EFI) 4-cycle engine.
• Power steering.
• Two-stage process for all snow conditions.
• 27-inch clearance.

Husqvarna is a brand you might have heard of if you are looking for snow blowers. This model, the ST427T, is a heavy-duty snow blower. It can handle all sorts of conditions and pretty much any surface.

I’ve named it the best for hills and inclines (or declines) because it has a track system that means it can reliably go up and down hills with no trouble. It won’t slip and become unreliable, even on icy surfaces.

The engine has an electronic start. Its hefty and well-built augers are designed for industrial and home use. They break up any type of snow including wet and sludgy snow. 

This snow blower takes a bit of pushing as it is quite heavy, but the track system makes it easier. You should also find the power steering a relief, so you can move it around with relative ease.

PROS

• Easy to steer, thanks to power steering.
• Copes easily with inclines, as it has a track system.
• Heavy-duty design with hefty augers.
• LED lighting for dark mornings or nights.
• Heated handles for more comfort and control.

CONS

• One of the more expensive options.

Poulan PRO PR241 – Best Snow Blower With Long Engine Warranty

• 208cc Poulan PRO engine.

• Reliable electric start.

• 24-inch clearance width.

This is the smaller sibling of the PR271, which I named as the best overall snowblower on my list. It has some of the same features and, although it’s a bit smaller, it’s fine for most homes and can clear a driveway with no issues.

The warranty on this product is very impressive. Some snow blowers don’t come with warranties, but this one gives you two years on the model overall and four years on the motor. It’s nice to know your purchase is protected should anything happen.

With the remote chute deflector, you can choose the direction to send the discarded snow. This is pretty simple to adjust, though it could do with being a bit more directional. There are a few fixed positions.

Wet snow is cut up by the augers with relative ease. These augers are a little thinner than some of the other options, but they have no problem churning up the snow.

The price is fairly reasonable compared to the other products on my list. It is a cheaper alternative to buying the larger PR271.

PROS

• Reliable electric start.
• Can deal with settled snowfall of up to 20 inches in height.
• Good build quality.
• Can be used on multiple surfaces with ease.
• 2-year warranty, 4-years fo engine.

CONS

• You may have to replace the belt at some point. These don’t last as long as some other snow blowers.
• Chute not as adjustable as many other options.
• No LED light included.

Snow Joe iON8024-XR 80-Volt Snow Blower – Best Electric Snow Blower For Wet Snow

• 2500W brushless motor
• 4-speed — digital drive system
• 180° auto-rotate adjustable chute
• 2 rechargeable batteries included
• 24-inch clearance width

This is a good option if you want to use electricity, rather than gasoline. The batteries are made to be reliable and high quality and can provide up to 30 minutes of runtime. This is not enough for commercial use, but for clearing your driveway at home, it is plenty.

An electric model is also often cheaper. This snowblower is good value for money, considering the features.

Impressively, it can clear up to 1,000 pounds per minute — a huge amount of snow! Wet snow is cleared simply and easily with a 24-inch wide clearing path on the first pass. A lot of electric snow blowers have rubber augers, but this one is made with quality steel.

This machine weighs 103.5 pounds, making it a lot lighter than many of the gasoline snow blowers. This makes it easier to store and push. 

But not everything is fantastic with an electric model. There are pros and cons and, while the Snow Joe iON8024-XR 80-Volt iONMAX Snow Blower may be suitable for some, it isn’t for everyone.

PROS

• Better for the environment, no fossil fuels.
• No need to lubricate the engine.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Much quieter to use than a lot of gasoline blowers.

CONS

• Okay in wet snow, but better in dry snow.

• Can only be used for 30 minutes at a time on a battery charge.
• Battery takes a long time to charge.

3-Stage Snow Blowers

CUB CADET 42 in. 3-Stage Snow Blower Attachment – Best Attachment For Heavy Wet Snow

• No engine, this needs to be connected to an existing vehicle.

• Quality steel construction.
• 42 inches of clearance.
• 3-stage design with accelerated auger.

This snow blower attachment is designed to fit onto a tractor in order to turn it into a snow blower. It is ideal if you already have a tractor and don’t want to buy a whole snowblower.

The 3-stage technology within this attachment claims it can clear snow 25 percent quicker than most 2-stage models. This can be a big benefit if you spend a lot of time clearing snow.

This is a huge attachment and it’s good if you want to clear wet and heavy snow or large buildups of snow. The 42 inches of clearance makes it the biggest option on our list.

The high arch chute is made of steel and it throws a long way, though it could do with adjustable settings and angles to throw the snow. it’s relayy great to tackling deep snow.

PROS

• Very wide and can cope with snowfall 18 inches in height.
• Clears quicker than a traditional 2-stage model.
• Strong and hard-wearing; tackles deep snow.
• Can last decades if looked after.

CONS

• Needs to be paired with a tractor of some sort.

The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow – A Comparison 

	Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in.	Husqvarna ST224	EGO SNT2400 24 in.	Briggs & Stratton 1696614	Ariens Kraken Professional RapidTrak
Manufacturer	Ariens	Husqvarna	EGO	Briggs & Stratton	Ariens
Engine	306cc engine	208cc engine	Two 56V batteries	208cc engine	420cc engine
Clearance	28-inch width21-inch high	24-inch width23-inch height	24-inch width 20-inch height	24-inch width20-inch height	32-inch width 23.5-inch height
Discharge	Up to 55 ft	N/A	Up to 50 ft	Up to 40 ft	Up to 60 ft
Price	Check here	Check here	Check here	Check here	Check here

How I Tested The Best Snow Blowers For Wet Snow 

I tested these snow blowers over many weeks on my three-car driveway measuring 30 ft by 60 ft. Luckily, we had a couple of snow storms this winter that created an excellent testing ground. I made sure to try snow blowers on all types of snow, not just wet snow. The photo above is courtesy of Rob Lee.

I predicted that gas two stage snow blowers would outperform their smaller electric counterparts. I was right! 
Two stage snow blowers have more power and larger intake housing for processing wet snow without getting clogged. The well-known snow blower manufacturer Ariens suggests using a non-stick spray on the auger and chute to prevent clogging. Try this hack on any single stage snow thrower to make it work on wet snow.

1-Stage, 2-Stage, And 3-Stage Snow Blowers – What’s The Difference? 

This can be tough to understand if you’ve never bought a snow blower before. What do the “stages” refer to?

The video below outlines some of the key differences between the varieties.

For example for gravel, a 2-stage or 3-stage model is needed to avoid picking up the stones. You can adjust the augers to ensure this doesn’t happen. For further reading on the subject, check out this post and also this post about 1-stage and 2-stage snow blowers and also this one about 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers.

But which one is better for wet snow? Let’s see.

Clearing Wet Snow

When using a snowblower, the type of snow you are dealing with definitely needs to be considered. In the USA, the further north you go, the more likely you are to get wet and heavy snow. 

If you just get the occasional dusting, you might just get the soft and fluffy snow that can be easily dealt with.

If you only get a few inches of fluffy snow, then a big, bulky snow blower might not be needed. Smaller, electric models tend to be enough to get rid of this kind of snow.

Wet snow occurs when freezing temperatures are met with water in the atmosphere. In areas near bodies of water, this can be more common. The snowflakes that fall are less powdery and they create a compact sludge. This is when you need something a bit more heavy-duty.

For a more in-depth explanation of wet snow and the differences, you can read this article about wet vs dry snow.

Wet snow is harder to break down and harder to move. 2-stage and 3-stage blowers should be your only options and you need good-quality augers. 

Wet snow that sticks around in sub-zero temperatures quickly turns into ice and a heavy-duty snow blower is needed to break up this ice.

Don’t forget that a snow blower is also more likely to clog up with heavy wet snow. Make sure you use a non-stick spray to keep it flowing.

For more info, read my post about how to use a snowblower in wet snow.

Gas Vs Electric – Which Is Better? 

You will notice that all the options on my list of the best snow blowers are gas-powered.

For wet and heavy snow, electric models can struggle somewhat. They don’t tend to have a long enough battery life and are often one-stage. A single stage snow blower is mostly good for light snow.

But an electric blower might be sufficient for you. If you’re going to go with an electric model, the Snow Joe iON8024-XR  is my recommended pick. It can operate for 30 minutes before recharging. This might be enough to clear your driveway. Not having to rely on fossil fuels is, of course, a bonus.

You may need a gas model if you need something with a lot of power. They have the benefit of not needing to be charged and most now come with electric starters, so they start even in low temperatures.

Choosing Clearing Width

If you are looking to clear a big area, the wider, the better. However, a bigger model can be hard to store. You might also find them big and bulky to push around. 

If you just need something to clear a smaller driveway, a 22-inch or 24-inch clearance width might be enough. The options on my list go up to 42 inches. These larger models can clear snow very quickly and are good for commercial use.

For home use, smaller snow blowers are often suitable. Remember, you don’t want a snow blower that takes up the whole garage.

Looking After Your Snowblower

There are certain simple tips you can follow to maintain your snowblower. These tips can extend the lifespan of your blower for many years. Think of this like looking after your car.

Pro Tips

• Try to store it somewhere as warm as possible — a garage is usually fine.
• If your tires have air in them, check the pressure and keep them inflated.
• Add oil periodically. Most gas models allow you to check the oil.
• Lubricate the machine (instructions can be found in your handbook).
• After use, run the machine “dry” for a few minutes to clear out the snow. This can stop water from freezing in the machine.

​

It can be very frustrating if you go to use your snowblower after the summer and fall to find that there are issues with oil or frozen and blocked chutes. A little maintenance can prevent this.

FAQs

Do snow blowers work well in wet snow?

Snow blowers work well in wet snow if they have enough power and big enough clearance. That’s why two-stage and three-stage snow blowers clear wet snow better than single-stage.

Is 3 stage snow blower better in wet snow?

3 stage snow blower is better in wet snow than a single and 2 stage snow blower because it has an accelerator. The accelerator spins multiple times faster than the auger. This speed helps break down wet snow without clogging the system.

Do electric snow blowers work with wet snow?

Electric snow blowers work with wet snow only if they have enough power and are fast enough to break down snow without getting clogged. Electric units are typically less suited for wet snow than gas-powered models. 

Why won't my snowblower move wet snow?

Your snowblower won’t move wet snow because it is underpowered and doesn’t work fast enough to break down the slush. Speed is essential for processing wet snow. If the rotation of the auger is poor, your machine will most likely get clogged. 

How do you clear heavy wet snow?

Clear heavy wet snow at a high speed with your two stage snow blower. Fast rotation of auger will help you pick up heavy snow and break it down without clogging the system. Spray non-stick spray on the auger and chute to improve efficiency. 

The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow Is…

The best snow blower for wet snow is the one that doesn’t get jammed, overheated, and doesn’t put the person operating it in harm’s way.

The Ariens ST28DLE  checked all of these boxes when I tested it. It is the best snow blower for wet snow I’ve tried so far, and I am sure most of the homeowners would agree. It has a powerful engine that ensures continuous power, unlike battery-powered models. It has a large intake and a sharp auger. Its reliable driving system with multiple speed options is just what you need to clear wet snow off your property.

The runner-up worth mentioning is the Husqvarna ST224 . It has an excellent clearance capacity, discharge, and an even better price!

Last update on 2024-04-20 at 01:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API