Are you looking for a way to deal with the wet and annoying snow in your backyard? Snow can be annoying, inconvenient, and even hazardous. I’ve reviewed the best snow blower for wet snow to help you to decide which model might be suitable for your backyard.
The No products found is the best two-stage snow blower on my list. It has a powerful engine and clever ribbon augers, making it a good choice for heavy, wet snow.
For a three-stage snowblower, No products found wins the competition, thanks to its powerful engine that is easy to start and can deal with heavy wet snow.
I recommend these products, but there are plenty of other great snowblowers on my list, too.
Let’s take a look!
Contents
- 1 In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks
- 2 Snow Blowers for Wet Snow – Reviewed
- 2.1 2-Stage Snow Blowers
- 2.1.1 Poulan Pro PR271 – Best Overall
- 2.1.2 Husqvarna ST427T – Best For Hills And Inclines
- 2.1.3 Ariens SNO-Tek – Best With 24-inch Clearance Width
- 2.1.4 Poulan PRO PR241 – Best Snow Blower With Long Engine Warranty
- 2.1.5 Briggs and Stratton 1696563 Dual-Stage Snow Thrower – Best 29-inch Snow Blower
- 2.1.6 YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Crank Chute
- 2.1.7 Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30XP – Best Snow Blower with airless tires
- 2.1.8 Snow Joe iON8024-XR 80-Volt Snow Blower – Best Electric Snow Blower For Wet Snow
- 2.2 3-Stage Snow Blowers
- 2.3 CUB CADET 42 in. 3-Stage Snow Blower Attachment – Best Attachment For Heavy Wet Snow
- 2.1 2-Stage Snow Blowers
- 3 1-Stage, 2-Stage, And 3-Stage Snow Blowers – What’s The Difference?
- 4 Clearing Wet Snow
- 5 Gas Vs Electric – Which Is Better?
- 6 Choosing Clearing Width
- 7 Looking After Your Snowblower
- 8 Wrapping Up The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow Contest
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.
2-Stage Snow Blowers
3-Stage Snow Blowers
Snow Blowers for Wet Snow – Reviewed
2-Stage Snow Blowers
Poulan Pro PR271 – Best Overall
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- 254cc Poulan PRO Engine with 12.5 foot-pounds of torque.
- Two-step process for breaking up snow.
- Power steering.
- 27-inch clearing width.
This is a heavy-duty snowblower. It has a two-stage system with reliable, ribbon-style augers for breaking up the snow. The ribbon augers make it a good choice for wet and even compacted snow.
The Poulan Pro is the best in the company’s product range. It has a 27-inch clearing area and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including gravel and sidewalks. It can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.
This is a very big and bulky snow blower. There are six different speeds that you can use to cover areas quickly or slower, to be more thorough. There’s even a reverse mode.
The chute is directional, so you can send all the heavy wet snow you pick up in whatever direction you want and throw it out of the way.
PROS
- Suitable for all surfaces, including gravel.
- Six speeds and reverse mode.
- Heated handles.
- Large, 27-inch clearance width.
CONS
- Expensive compared to some other options.
- Chute head can become displaced if you don’t install it right.
Husqvarna ST427T – Best For Hills And Inclines
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- 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.
Ariens SNO-Tek – Best With 24-inch Clearance Width
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- 208cc LCT Storm Force OHV Engine.
- Rugged metal construction.
- Directional, adjustable chute.
- 24-inch clearing width.
If you’re happy with a product that has a 24-inch clearing width (which is plenty for most homes), this could be a decent option. The Ariens Sno-Tek has a simple design, but it is very reliable. It’s made with metal components and built to last many years.
The Ariens Sno-Tek 24-inch 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower has a quick-turn chute, making it incredibly easy to change the direction of the snow being discarded.
The steering isn’t quite up there with some of the more elite options on my list, but it’s not particularly difficult. It could be improved with power steering.
The push-button start is electric and extremely reliable. Even if your blower has sat in the garage all year, it should start the first time, every time.
PROS
- Reliable push-start engine.
- Extremely easy to adjust and direct the snow.
- Metal and very rugged.
CONS
- Fuel can get clogged if left for a long time.
- Friction plate can be unreliable and need adjusting.
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.
Briggs and Stratton 1696563 Dual-Stage Snow Thrower – Best 29-inch Snow Blower
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1450 Snow Series 306cc engine.
- Gear drive included.
- Electric start.
- Electric, dash-mounted chute control.
- 29-inch clearing width.
The Briggs and Stratton 1696563 is a good option if you need to clear a lot of wet snow quickly. The clearance width is very high at 29 inches, meaning you can cover bigger areas quickly.
The electric button start means even if it’s cold, it should get going easily. This model of snow blower has been designed for heavy snowfall. It has a dual-trigger steerable transmission, which can even help to clean the pavement during use.
The gear drive means it has a bit more flexibility, so you can easily use it on inclines, for instance.
Briggs and Stratton has really thought about the user experience, too. The dash-mounted chute control makes it easy to adjust the direction you throw all that snow. There are also heated handles, so even on the coldest mornings, you can feel what you’re doing.
The brand also offers something called “freehand control”, meaning it has been designed to be used with one hand. This leaves your other hand free to control the chute.
If you need a snow blower with a wide clearance area, this heavy-duty product could be a good solution.
PROS
- Wide clearance area and up to 19.5 inches of clearance height.
- Lots of control over the chute to choose where snow is blown.
- Can be controlled by one hand.
- Starts in the lowest temperatures, with heated handles to help you control it.
CONS
- You need to properly lubricate the discharge chute or it can clog.
YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Crank Chute
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- YARDMAX 6.5 HP 196cc engine.
- Control crank to make chute adjustments quick and simple.
- 5 speeds and 2 reverse speeds.
- Available in 22, 24, and 26-inch clearing widths.
The Yardmax is a good option if you need something lightweight. I’ve focused on the 22-inch model that doesn’t clear as quickly as some with a wider clearance, but it’s still good enough for most homes. It can clear a three-car driveway in a relatively short time.
The Yardmax is still able to cut through snow that is up to a foot deep. The augers are good quality and crunch through both dry snow and wet, sludgy snow.
The control crank reaches all the way to your hands, so you can easily make adjustments to the chute. You don’t even have to stop what you’re doing to get the YB5765 to throw in a different direction.
The housing itself is “ax-shaped”. Once the snow has been taken in, this acts to further break it up and make it easier to dispose of.
The impeller is high-speed, so it can eat through the snow quicker than some other models. It’s especially good at this in lighter snowfalls.
PROS
- Reliable snow breakup with steel augers.
- Works very quickly.
- Available in bigger sizes if the 22-inch isn’t suitable.
- Easy to assemble once it arrives.
CONS
- Chute does not turn 180 degrees, so there are limited options.
- Comes with a light, but it isn’t very bright.
Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30XP – Best Snow Blower with airless tires
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- 357cc Electric Start gas engine.
- 4-way chute.
- Quality 16 x 6.5-inch X-Trac tires.
- 30-inch clearance width.
If you are in the market for a snowblower that’s heavy-duty with a wide clearance area, the Arctic Storm 30XP could be an option. It has a 30-inch clearance width, but it isn’t even the biggest in the range. There is a 34-inch version for even more clearance.
Wet snow is no problem for the serrated steel augers and steel chute, which is adjustable, but only into four different positions.
The 357cc engine is one of the biggest of the snow blowers named on my list. This is not just a snowblower for wet snow, but for all kinds of surfaces. The polymer skid shoes stop the machine from getting scraped and damaged.
The tough X-Trac tires are suited to all sorts of environments. Use them on gravel or ice and they grip nicely with easy control.
PROS
- Built to last. This machine will go for decades if treated right.
- Suitable for all kinds of surfaces, including gravel.
- Very wide — can quickly clear large spaces on the first pass.
- Skid shoes prevent damage when on rough surfaces or terrain.
CONS
- Impellers can get stuck if the machine ices up. This is relatively common.
- Expensive and could be overkill for small properties.
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
Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 277cc – Best 3-stage Snow Blower
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- 277cc 4-cycle all-wheel-drive electric start engine.
- Power steering.
- 15 x 5-inch X-TRAC tires.
- LED headlight.
- 24-inch clearance.
The Troy-Bilt Vortex is similar in some ways to the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30XP. It has the same heavy-duty design and tires. However, it is smaller in its design with 24 inches of clearance.
It also has a third-stage, high-speed auger that removes snow quickly and effectively. The third auger blade spins extremely quickly, making this model a good choice for wet snow. It can break down compacted snow, wet snow, and even ice.
This is another model with an adjustable chute and a “one-hand operation” setting, so you can make these changes on the fly. It has a four-way chute, so there are some options, though it isn’t totally adjustable.
The tires are impressive. They’re thick and have plenty of grip on ice, snow, and other surfaces. They are airless tires, so you don’t have to worry about punctures.
The steering is also incredibly simple and the power steering means even when you’re using it with one hand, it is easy to move.
PROS
- Easy to adjust the chute.
- High-speed auger can break up ice and compacted, sludgy snow very quickly.
- Excellent tires that work on all surfaces.
- Electric start means you can start it every time.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
CONS
- The auger cable clasps can break from time to time. Some maintenance is required.
- No heated handles.
- Only four different chute positions to choose from.
Cub Cadet 3X 26 in. 357cc 3-Stage Snow Blower – Best Three-Stage Blower With Adjustable Chute
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357cc motor.
3-stage design with a faster auger.
- 200-degree swiveling chute.
- 26-inch clearance width.
The Cub Cadet is a decent option if you need to clear wet snow quickly. The 3-stage design really makes light work of churning up the snow.
The 3X has a high-speed accelerator to bring snow through the system quickly and help with forward motion. It can cut even deep snowfall 50 percent quicker than a lot of other options in the range.
The chute rotates with a really simple crank and this takes a matter of seconds. The clearance is 26 inches in width and it can clear snow that is over a foot deep.
This is quite a heavy model and can be tough on inclines. The chute also doesn’t throw quite as far as some of the other options, so think about your needs here.
PROS
- Easy crank to adjust the chute.
- Comes with two LED lights to show the way.
- Very quick to break down snow — saving time even with wet or compacted snow.
- Suitable for gravel and other surfaces.
CONS
- Doesn’t throw the snow as far as other options.
- Can struggle with inclines.
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.
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.
Wrapping Up The Best Snow Blower For Wet Snow Contest
I’ve named the No products found as the overall best snow blower for wet snow. It has a directional chute and reliably throws snow a long way, even if you got heavy wet snow that’s soggy and compacted.
This snow blower is suitable for all kinds of surfaces, so you can use it on your gravel driveway. The 2-stage system is sufficient for clearing snowfall up to one foot deep.
The No products found model is a good runner up. It has a wide 29-inch clearance area and also has one-hand operation for easy adjustments.
The No products found has been named the best 3-stage blower. It has a 24-inch clearance area and plenty of power provided by the 277cc engine that easily tackles heavy wet snow. It is easy to use and comes with 15 x 5-inch X-TRAC tires to avoid punctures and grip in tough conditions.
The No products found is my runner up pick. It is a good option due to its easy steering and 200-degree adjustable chute.
The No products found also has an LED light for seeing early in the morning or late at night and it comes with power steering.
Have you enjoyed my guide? Do you feel like you finally know how to buy a snow blower for wet snow? Feel free to share my list of the best snowblowers for wet snow if you think it can help your friends and family, too.
Last update on 2023-05-28 at 05:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
