Looking for the best snow blower on the market right now? Don’t know which one to pick? I’ve got you covered! I’ve tried and tested top-notch snow blowers so you don’t have to.
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 clearance and discharge. It cleared 18 inches of snow like it was nothing. The machine is powerful and easy to steer in difficult conditions. All I can say, this machine is a beast.
Don’t believe it? You can find the whole review below and lots more!
Contents
- 1 Snow Blower Comparison Chart
- 2 3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Snow Blower
- 3 7 Best Snow Blower Reviews
- 3.1 Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower – Best Overall
- 3.2 PowerSmart DB72024PA 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower – Best Snowblower For Small Spaces
- 3.3 Briggs & Stratton 24-inch 2-Stage Snowthrower – Best Snowblower For Heavy, Wet Snow
- 3.4 YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best 22-inch Snow Blower
- 3.5 EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless – Runner Up
- 3.6 Ariens 921047 Deluxe 30 306CC 2-Stage Electric Start – Biggest Clearance
- 3.7 Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower – Most Affordable
- 4 Best Snow Blowers – Comparison
- 5 How I Tested The Snow Blowers
- 6 Buying Guide – How To Find The Best Snow Blower For You?
- 6.1 1-Stage, 2-Stage, or 3-Stage?
- 6.2 Gas vs. Electric
- 6.3 Clearing Width
- 6.4 Adjustable Chutes
- 6.5 Electric Start – Is It Worth It?
- 6.6 LED Headlights And Heated Grips
- 6.7 Tracked vs. Wheel Snow Blowers
- 6.8 Price
- 6.9 Warranty – Do You Need One?
- 6.10 How Much Snowfall Your Area Gets
- 6.11 Looking After Your Snow Blower
- 7 FAQs
- 8 The Best Snow Blower Is…
- 9 About The Authors
Snow Blower Comparison Chart
Here’s the snowblower comparison table to see the products I’ll discuss and which one is my favorite.
3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Snow Blower
There is an abundance of snow blowers on the market right now. From my experience, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the right product. There are so many brands to buy from and features to look for. The photo above is courtesy of Sue Thompson.
After using these 7 featured snow blowers, I’ve concluded that it all boils down to:
Power
A snow blower that has enough power will process bigger loads of snow quickly and easily. An underpowered snow blower will overheat in difficult conditions and possibly break down.
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
Clearance capacity tells you how much snow a snow blower processes in an hour. In my opinion, it’s better to have wider and taller intake housing that can take in more white stuff. Winter weather is unpredictable, that’s why it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Discharge
Discharge lets you know how far the snow blower shoots snow off to the side. In my experience, having a machine that throws snow far away will help you clear your driveway faster because you won’t have to go over the same snow multiple times.
Not Sure Which Kind Of A Snowblower To Choose?
If you still don’t know which snow blower to choose? Take this quiz to figure it out!
7 Best Snow Blower Reviews
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower – Best Overall
- Best overall snow blower.
- 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.
I must say, I was a bit intimidated to try this bulky machine. But soon after pushing the electric start, I realized this snow blower is easy to use. 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 pull starter recoil. It is made of plastic. 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
PowerSmart DB72024PA 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower – Best Snowblower For Small Spaces
- 212cc engine with electric start.
- 24-inch clearance width.
- Two-stage design.
- Gas-powered.
The PowerSmart DB72024PA 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower is great for use on a gravel driveway and a variety of other surfaces, as well as small lawns.
The power assist feature means you can spin and swivel the blower easily — think of this feature as power steering like what you may have in your car.
The electric start means it starts every time. It doesn’t matter if you have left it standing throughout the summer without running the engine.
The chute is adjustable via a hand crank. It’s not as sturdy and reliable as some of the other snow blowers on my list, but you can change direction slightly to spray snow where you want and get it out of the way.
This two-stage gas snow blower is most reliable on powdery snow. Wet snow can be more of a struggle.
PROS
- Power assist turning means you can change direction quickly and easily.
- Four-speed variations and two reverse options.
- Starts every time with a reliable electric start.
- Fairly affordable for a gas-powered blower.
CONS
- Takes a long time to assemble, especially if you aren’t DIY-savvy.
- Not as effective on wet snow — best on powder.
Briggs & Stratton 24-inch 2-Stage Snowthrower – Best Snowblower For Heavy, Wet Snow
- 212cc engine, including electric start. (250cc option available)
- 24-inch clearance width.
- Two-stage design.
- Gas-powered.
Briggs & Stratton make some very heavy-duty snow blowers and the Briggs & Stratton 1696614 has a hard-wearing design. It is great for use on wet snow and after heavy snowfall (if you need to look at other snow blowers for wet snow, check this post by anestwithayard.com)
The friction disc transmission helps clear all types of snow and even cleans pavement after clearing the snow.
The electric start is reliable in cold weather, even after sitting for a long time, and even if you only use it a few times a year!
The dash-mounted chute rotation option lets you choose the direction you throw the snow and adjust it with ease. In fact, as I’ve found, you can adjust this with just one hand. This means you can push the machine and adjust where the snow is thrown at the same time.
The 12-inch steel scroll auger is great for breaking down tough, compacted snow.
PROS
- Comes with LED headlights so you can use it in the dark.
- Electric start for reliable running.
- Very sturdy steel augers that break down compacted snow.
CONS
- Can struggle with traction on hills.
YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best 22-inch Snow Blower
- 196cc engine.
- Gas-powered.
- Two-stage model.
- 22-inch clearance width (also available in 24 and 26-inch).
This is a fairly powerful gas-powered snow blower suitable for use at home. It has a 22-inch clearance area, but you can buy larger options within the same YARDMAX range.
The 196cc engine is easy to start, but it doesn’t come with an electric start. However, the larger 24 and 26-inch models do.
The ax-shaped housing is one of this machine’s smartest features. It works with the steel augers to further break down snow. Even compacted or icy snow can be broken down and thrown out. The impeller works at a high speed to further help this breaking down.
The dash is great and easy to adjust. The 26-inch option even has a cup holder! These snow blowers have heated hand grips and LED lights for use in cold and dark conditions.
This is a well-designed snow blower. To get the most out of it, I’d recommend getting the optional LCT electric start 7.0 HP 208cc engine.
PROS
- Does a good job on compacted snow.
- Easy to control and make chute adjustments while pushing.
- 5-speeds and a reliable gearbox.
CONS
- No electric start on the 22-inch model.
- Pull-cord start is not reliable.
EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless – Runner Up
- Second best snow blower I tested.
- Provides 56V of power.
- Clears 21 inches wide and up to 8 inches high.
- Blows snow up to 40 feet away.
The EGO Power+ SNT2112 is the second-best snow blower I’ve tried. It earned such a high ranking because it works like any other gas powered machine despite having batteries.
That’s right! This machine works on two 56V lithium batteries that have enough power to cover my whole three-car driveway. In fact, they had plenty of power left in them after I was done testing the snow blower. In my opinion, this snow blower is strong enough for even bigger driveways.
Its clearance capacity also left me impressed. The EGO Power+ SNT2112 clears 21 inches wide and up to 8 inches high. It’s supposed to throw snow 40 feet away, but I don’t find that to be true. When I tested this product, it reached a maximum 15-foot distance.
On the bright side, this seemingly innocent machine clears wet and heavy snow pretty well, I must say. I figured that might be because of the improved steel auger. It cuts through ice and snow 50 percent faster than the EGO SNT2102 model.
Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of the EGO Power+ SNT2112 snow blower. In my opinion, this product is a great alternative to a gas-powered unit. It’s ideal for elderly people, women, and those of us who don’t like dealing with smelly gasoline.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Two 56V batteries
- 21-wide clearance
- 8-inch intake depth
- Strong steel auger
- Remote chute control
- LED headlights
- Multiple auger speed options
- Easy to store
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Doesn’t throw snow 40 feet away as claimed
Rating: 4/5
Ariens 921047 Deluxe 30 306CC 2-Stage Electric Start – Biggest Clearance
- Biggest clearance capacity.
- Equipped with Ariens AX 306cc engine.
- Clears snow 30 inches wide and up to 21 inches high.
- Blows snow up to 50 feet away.
If you don’t like spending time in the freezing cold, I highly suggest you consider buying the Ariens 921047. It has a bigger clearance than my top pick, the Ariens ST28DLE.
After testing this snow blower, I can say that it has extreme snow-blowing ability. It can move a whooping 71 tons of snow in an hour! That’s thanks to the 30-inch wide and 21-inch tall intake housing.
But in my experience, a big housing means nothing without an even better auger and impeller. Luckily, this snow blower has both: a steel serrated auger and a 3-blade impeller.
But of course, all these features would be useless without the reliable Ariens AX 306cc engine. I find this engine to have enough stamina for some difficult jobs, like clearing icy snow banks off sidewalks and driveways.
That said, I must say that the auto-turn feature will take some time to get used to. I experienced that the snow blower has a tendency to pull to the side whenever I go over a bump.
Pros
- Excellent clearance
- Reliable 306cc engine
- Clears 30 inches wide
- Max. 50-foot discharge
- 3 blade impeller
- 200° rotatable chute
- Multiple speed options
- Electric start
- 16 inch pneumatic tires
Cons
- Auto-turn makes it difficult to go straight
Rating: 4/5
Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower – Most Affordable
- Most affordable snow blower.
- Provides 40V of power.
- Clears snow 20 inches wide and up to 10 inches tall.
- Throws now up to 20 feet away.
I have to finish my review list with a single stage snow blower that most of us can afford. The Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower offers great features for an even better price. I wasn’t expecting much from this snow blower when I saw its price. But to my surprise, it cleared my driveway without any major hiccups.
The Worx 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower clears snow 20 inches wide and up to 10 inches high. In my opinion, it is an ideal machine for regions that get light to moderate snowfall. It throws snow up to 20 feet away. That’s plenty for a one-car driveway.
I like that this snow blower has a remote chute control that lets you aim the discharge in any direction. That’s a big advantage in my book. I don’t like leaving my steering handle to manually rotate the chute after every turn I make with a snow blower.
This handy machine works on two 20V 4.0Ah batteries. Based on my experience, you will get about 20 to 30 minutes of runtime out of them. I wish they would last longer, but hey, at least I wasn’t exposed to gas fumes and loud noise when operating the snow thrower.
Pros
- Affordable
- 40V of power
- 20-inch wide clearance
- 20-foot discharge
- 180° rotatable chute
- Ideal for small driveways
- Dual LED headlights
- Collapsible handle
- Easy to store
Cons
- Only for light snow
- Batteries don’t last long after charging
Rating: 3/5
Best Snow Blowers – Comparison
| Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. | EGO Power+ SNT2112 | Ariens 921047 Deluxe 30 | Briggs & Stratton 24-inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower | YARDMAX YB5765 | |
| Manufacturer | Ariens | EGO | Ariens | Briggs & Stratton | YARDMAX |
| Engine | 306cc engine | Two 56V batteries | 306cc engine | 212cc engine(250cc option available) | 196cc engine |
| Clearance | 28-inch width21-inch high | 21-inch width8-inch height | 30-inch width21-inch height | 24-inch width20-inch height | 24-inch width21-inch height |
| Discharge | Up to 55 ft | Up to 40 ft | Up to 50 ft | Up to 40 ft | N/A |
| Price | Check here | Check here | Check here | Check here | Check here |
How I Tested The Snow Blowers
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 (dry, wet, light, heavy, and icy). The photo above is courtesy of Sue Thompson.
I was most interested in seeing if every machine does what it claims to do. I tested:
- How well each machine clears snow in width and depth.
- How far it blows snow.
- If it gets jammed easily.
- How much trace it leaves behind.
- How easy it is to start and steer.
- How comfortable I am with the design.
I predicted that gas two stage snow blowers would outperform their smaller electric counterparts. I was right! The Ariens ST28DLE passed all the tests with flying colors. It cleared wet and heavy snow without any major issues. It had the best discharge and overall design.
I concluded that single stage snow throwers, like the Worx 40V 20″, are more suited for clearing light snow off small driveways and sidewalks. According to the popular home improvement retail store Lowe’s, people with driveways over 60 feet long are better off using two stage and three stage snow blowers.
Buying Guide – How To Find The Best Snow Blower For You?
1-Stage, 2-Stage, or 3-Stage?
This is one of the most important things to understand before you buy a snowblower. The stage of your snow blower impacts what surface you can use it on.
A single-stage snow blower only has one auger and may struggle with a lot of snowfall. They also can’t be used on gravel, as they will pick up stones that can not only damage the machine but cause injury. Single-stage blowers are also called a snow throwers.
Two-stage blowers have an impeller, as well as two augers, to help pick up more snow quickly.
A three-stage snow blower has a third auger. This auger is high-speed and designed to break down snow and pick it up quickly.
Most of the options on my list are two-stage snow blowers. These are sufficient for most types of snow and can be used on virtually all surfaces.
For more information on augers and impellers, check out this guide on how snow blowers work. To learn more about the differences between various types of snowblowers, read our post about 1-stage and 2-stage snow blowers and this one about 2-stage and 3-stage snowblowers.
If you need a machine that’s easier to operate and more lightweight, take a look at snowblowers for women; they tend to be lighter and easier to use.
Similarly, if you need a model for a senior, take a look at our post about snow blowers for elderly.
Gas vs. Electric
Choosing whether to buy a gas-powered snow blower or an electric snow blower is another decision you’ll have to make. Do you want something that runs off fuel, or are you looking for a rechargeable electric snow blower?
Both can be decent options, but it depends on your individual needs. If you opt for an electric model, it won’t have the best runtime. Batteries often die after 20-30 minutes of snow removal.
Electric snow blowers can clear small amounts of snow but aren’t suitable for commercial use or large driveways (e.g. a two-car driveway). Obviously, they are better for the environment.
Gas models are more reliable, they can run for a long time, and you don’t need to charge them in advance or between use. However, the engine may need some lubricant and maintenance from time to time, such as an oil change.
The benefit of gas snow blowers is that you know, as long as you have gas, it is ready to go whenever you need it.
To learn more about it, dive into our post about the electric vs gas snow blower battle.
Clearing Width
Clearing width simply relates to how wide a path the blower can clear in one pass. The larger the clearing width, the more snow it can take in. This makes it quicker in larger spaces and backyards.
Clearance widths of 24 inches are common. Here, I’ve reviewed snow blowers that range between 22 and 30 inches of clearance.
If you are clearing a large space, such as a parking lot, it could be worth investing in a large model with a quick intake. This means you will have to do fewer passes.
A smaller clearing width is suitable for most home use. It is a case of considering how much space you need to clear and whether you need a big snow blower. A larger model means it will be heavier and harder to store.
Adjustable Chutes
The discharge chute is where the blown snow is discharged after being taken in by the impellers and broken up. Most chutes have some level of adjustability.
Adjustable chutes can often be altered by an angle of 200 degrees or more. This can usually be done with a simple crank or controls on the “dash” of the snow blower.
An adjustable chute means you can break up the snow and send it to where you actually want it to go (out of the way). Without an adjustable function, you might just be blowing the snow back in the way.
Electric Start – Is It Worth It?
An electric start is an alternative to a pull start. Most of the snow blowers on my list have electric starts. A pull start is sometimes included, too, but this can be unreliable, especially in extreme temperatures.
An electric start means you can plug the snow blower into an electric supply and push a button to start it reliably every time.
If you are looking for the best cordless snow blower, I suggest that gas-powered models with electric start might be an option. However, keep in mind that you may still have to use AC power to start the engine.
Strictly speaking, using an electric start is not always totally “cordless”, though the cord doesn’t have to stay plugged in when the engine is started. It’s because sometimes, batteries don’t work very well in cold weather so the battery of your snowblower may not have enough power to start your machine.
You can usually pull start, but the electric start is a good backup and means you don’t have to spend 20 minutes pulling a crank, hoping for it to start.
This technology is simple but can save time and hassle. Most modern gasoline snow blowers now include electric starts to help you reliably get your blower up and running, even in cold temperatures.
The video below explains more about the snow blower electric start.
LED Headlights And Heated Grips
These are two more features you should look out for, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. You might need to clear snow very early in the morning when it is cold and dark.
LED headlights are similar to those you would find on a motorbike, but may be less powerful. They allow you to clear snow in the dark but also make you more visible if you are clearing snow in a public place in the dark.
Heated grips are another great feature. It may look like they are just included for comfort, but they can actually be a safety feature. Numb hands can lose control of a snow blower, so it’s important to keep them warm.
Heated grips aren’t included with all snowblower models, but if you are going one in extreme temperatures, they are a welcome feature.
If you don’t buy a snow blower with heated grips, you can also think about installing some. This YouTube guide can help you.
Tracked vs. Wheel Snow Blowers
Depending on your terrain (if it’s especially bumpy), you may need to choose a track snowblower. If your driveway is average, you are better off with a wheel snowblower.
In my post about track vs wheel snow blowers, I discuss this subject in detail so head over there to read more!
Price
How much will your snow blower cost?
Snow blowers come in a huge range of prices. Some electric models can be purchased for under a couple of hundred dollars. This is very affordable, but the electric options are somewhat limited.
Naturally, the more you invest, the better the features.
If you need a wide clearance area, you may end up spending a little more money.
To learn more about the time of the year when you should make your purchase, check my post about when is the best time to buy a snowblower.
Warranty – Do You Need One?
A warranty is always welcome. If you are going to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars, you want to protect your purchase.
This is an area you should spend time researching. Make sure to check what warranty is on offer before buying.
This can get confusing. Some products with warranties offer protection in all areas. With snow blowers, warranties can cover different parts of the machine.
If you can get a warranty of 2-3 years, this should offer plenty of protection. It is hard to find longer than this. Some snow blowers don’t even come with a warranty, so be on the lookout for this.
How Much Snowfall Your Area Gets
A good indicator of what snow blower you should consider is how much snow your area gets. If where you live you usually get minimal snowfall or just light snow, there’s no reason for you to spend money on features you will simply not need because you won’t have to deal with heavy snow.
Looking After Your Snow Blower
A snow blower is a big investment, so you should do everything you can to look after it. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars on a snow blower only for it to break within a couple of winters.
Make it a part of the overall weatherization process of your home and backyard.
So, how can you look after your snow blower and what are the best tips for snow blower maintenance?
Check out this video and read our pro tips below it.
Pro Tips
- Check the oil level when you are about to use the snow blower. Top up or perform an oil change if needed.
- Change the spark plug regularly. Once a season is good, though it might last a couple of seasons.
- Change the air filter if it is spent.
- Check and maintain tire pressure if needed. If you have airless tires, you don’t need to worry about this.
- Check skid shoes, shave plates, and scraper bars. Occasionally, they might need to be replaced. You may also need to align these and get them to the right level.
- Lubricate the snow blower engine. Use the instructions that come with your model to check how to do this, as it varies in different snow blowers.
- When you’ve finished using the snow blower, keep it running for a few seconds to totally clear all of the snow out. Otherwise, it can ice up and damage the machine or clog it for the next season.
FAQs
What is the best snow blower on the market?
The best snow blower on the market is the Ariens ST28DLE. It has a 306cc engine and a 28-inch wide clearance. The best battery powered snow blower is the EGO Power+ SNT2112. It works on two 56V batteries and clears 21 inches wide.
Which 2-stage snow blower is best?
The best 2-stage snow blower is the Ariens ST28DLE. It has a powerful 306cc engine and a 28 inches wide housing. The Briggs & Stratton 1696614 also won’t leave you disappointed. It has a 208cc engine and 24-wide clearance.
Do I need a 2-stage snow blower?
You need a 2-stage snow blower if you get 8 to 12 inches of snow at a time. You’ll need a two stage unit if you plan on clearing wet and heavy snow, or have a big surface to cover.
The Best Snow Blower Is…
The best snow blower is the one that can handle your local winter weather and the size of your driveway. It is the machine that you feel most confident operating. I got that feeling when I tested the Ariens ST28DLE . It is the best snow blower I’ve tried so far, and I am sure most of the homeowners would agree.
Compared to other snow blowers, the Ariens ST28DLE has the strongest engine. It clears snow 28 inches wide and shoots snow the furthest. It has a reliable electric push start and a driving system that won’t leave you waiting.
The runner-up worth mentioning is the EGO Power+ SNT2112 . It is the polar opposite of my top pick, but it surprisingly finishes any job you put it through.
About The Authors
Last update on 2024-04-17 at 18:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API