Snow is one of the most annoying things for a homeowner to deal with. Snow removal is often a pain in the butt, and it can be even more of a pain when you have to shovel and get rid of it yourself. So it is crucial to purchase the best snowblower for your home or office. With the amount of snow accumulated during the winter season, it is always worth having a good snowblower. This will help clear the way and keep you from having to use your hands to clear the snow off your driveways and sidewalks quickly and easily. Snow blowers are an essential part of your winter arsenal. If you plan to invest in a snowblower, it is better to know the key features and choose a suitable snow blower for your needs and budget. There are many different types of snowblowers, so which one is right for you? Let’s look at the best snow blowers available in the market.  

Types of snow blowers

There are three types of those snow blowers: Gas-powered, Electrical powered, and Battery-powered snow blowers. Battery-powered snow blowers don’t need a cord to power them, which is a major plus when you’re working in an area that doesn’t have an outlet nearby or hard to reach areas. Instead, these units have a rechargeable battery that’s charged by plugging the unit into a wall outlet. Battery snow blowers can run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. Some battery-powered models even have a battery indicator light, so you’ll always know how much charge you have left. Thanks to the compact design, this machine are perfect for small spaces and hallways. To make it even better, the device is lightweight and easy to move from place to place to make it even better. Just choose your speed, grab the handles and start pedaling.     Electric-powered snow blowers are typically small, affordable, single-stage machines intended to clear light snow up to 8 inches deep. They need to be plugged into an outlet with an extension cord. This limits their performance ever so slightly, making them best suited for those who receive minimal snowfall and have relatively short sidewalks and driveways. Electric snow blowers are also handy for clearing snow from decks and steps because they’re lightweight enough to lift and move.  A bonus: These machines don’t create fumes and raise concerns about storing fuel.   Gas-powered snow blowers can produce more power than electric blowers, and they don’t require an extension cord. With this snow blower, you can make your work a lot faster and easier. It can clear away heavy, wet and deep snow on your large lawn, walkway, driveway or sidewalks. The gas engine is powerful enough to handle the toughest sidewalks and driveways.  

Which one is better: one-stage, two-stage or three-stage snow blower?

Snow blowers are typically described by their number of stages: single-stage blower, two-stage blower, and three-stage blower.

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Single-stage snow blowers are the most common and popular type of snow blower. They use a single horizontal auger that throws snow up, down or side. These snow blowers are compact, easy to use, and don’t require much maintenance. These snow throwers are not self-propelled to do the heavy pushing. They also don’t have as much snow capacity as the more significant snow throwers. They are ideal for small jobs, like clearing snow from a walkway or driveway. It can blow snow about 15 to 25 feet away and clear light, fluffy snow about 12 to 18-inch clearing width.

Two-Stage Snow Blowers

This machine is called a two-stage snow blower because it has two separate functions: an impeller fan and an auger. Two-stage snow blowers are an excellent choice for larger jobs, such as clearing heavy snow from the driveway or walkway. These machines can throw snow as far as 35 feet and are designed to handle 12 to 28 inches of snow with ease. Their auger blades can push snow out the side of the machine without touching the ground. This is why two-stage snow blowers are much more versatile than single-stage snow blowers and can clean gravel driveways.

Three-Stage Snow Blowers

Three-stage snow blowers are the best kind of snow blowers for deep snowfall. They are equipped with a powerful auger, impeller fan, and accelerator to help expel snow and slush out of the chute.   These are more expensive than two-stage models, but they have also more powerful engine. They can deliver more torque and throw snow farther than two-stage models. The three-stage snow blower will throw snow up to a distance of 50 feet. However, it depends on the specific model and the amount of snow. These machines can clear paths up to 40 inches wide. The three-stage blowers are heavy-duty machines that are designed to remove large amounts of snow quickly and easily.

Snowblower buying guide: What to Consider for purchasing the Best Snow Blower

There are many factors to consider when choosing a snow blower, including your budget, whether you need an electric or gas model, how much snow you get, and how you will use it. Here are a few factors you should consider when making your decision.

Safety

When choosing a snow blower, the most important thing to consider is your safety. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on maximum weight for the machine. Make sure that you can efficiently operate the snowblower that you are considering.

Consider your needs

Go for an electric model if you have an indoor electric outlet or can’t handle a gas-powered machine. Battery-powered snow blowers are very convenient to use, but they are not powerful enough to be used in snowy areas. However, if you have a large driveway, consider a gas-powered model.   

Size and Weight

The size of the snowblower will determine how much snow it can throw, as well as how heavy it is. A larger model will likely be overweight and require more physical strength to operate. If you have a large property, consider a larger model.  Lightweight electric snow blowers weigh 30 to 65 pounds, while cordless snowblowers weigh 50 to 75 pounds. Gas-powered snow blowers weigh between 100 to 300 pounds or even more.

Terrain Type

The terrain you will use your snowblower on is essential to consider. If you are going to use your snowblower on a large surface, it needs to be gas or electric powered. The battery-powered blower is an excellent choice for small surfaces. If you have a gravel driveway, you should consider a two-stage or three-stage snowblower so that it can throw the rocks.

Clearing Width and Depth

The clearing width is the first thing you should look at when buying a snow blower. If the clearing width is too small, you will find yourself having to do the job again. Likewise, the clearing depth is also another vital thing to look at. The Single-stage models can handle 22 inches wide of snow. On the other hand, two-stage and three-stage snow blowers can clean up to 27 inches and 40 inches wide, respectively. A three-stage blower is a commercial machine, but a two-stage and one-stage model is designed for home use.

Noise

The machine’s noise level is essential, especially if you live in a small apartment. You will have to be ready to face complaints from your neighbors if you choose a very noisy snowblower. Electric or battery-powered snow blowers are an ideal choice if you need to clean only small areas and don’t have to deal with lots of wet, heavy snowfall.

Wheels versus tracks

Snow blowers with wheels make for an easy drive, especially for two-stage electric-powered blowers. Tracks provide more grip and stability, making them better for skiing or snowboarding. They are not easy to turn, however.

Ariens Deluxe 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower

Specs:

• Power source: Gas-powered
• Engine displacement: 254 Cubic Centimeters
• Throw distance: 50 feet
• Item Weight: 300 Pounds

Ariens Deluxe 28-inch Two-Stage gas-powered Snow Blower is built with the latest technology, providing you with superior performance. It is designed for easy starting and handling and offers automatic cutting, making it easy to clear a path in your yard. This Two-Stage Snow Blower has an all-steel frame and durable construction. The Snow Blower is equipped with a large 14 inches auger diameter, which can throw snow up to 50 feet, clean almost 72 tons/hour, and keep the intake area clear to pull in snow efficiently. The Snow Blower has a high 21 inches housing height for the blizzard days and features a choice of 30 inches clearing widths. The Snow Blower has 16 inches tires that deliver mobility, agility and an ideal grip for a better throw when it gets slippery.   Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Best snow thrower- almost 50 feet
• Clean nearly 72 tons per hour
• Easy start and runs a long time on a tank of fuel

  Cons

• If you don’t maintain your steel well, it can rust.

Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Snow Blower

Specs:

• Power Source: Gas Powered
• Engine displacement: 208 Cubic Centimeters
• Throw distance: 30 feet
• Item Weight: 108 Pounds

This Briggs & Stratton snow blower is great for efficiently and dependably clearing snow from paved driveways and sidewalks. The Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Snow Blower is a heavy-duty snowblower used for residential applications. It features an innovative friction disk drive system and has a powerful 950 snow series 208cc engine that will keep you comfortable while working outside in snowy conditions. This snow blower can be used on flat surfaces and slopes and has a 3-year limited equipment warranty. Throwing ability is up to 30 feet. It features a heavy-duty 24-inch wide clearing path and 20-inch intake height, ideal for residential use.   Pros 

• 3-year limited equipment warranty
• Easy to use and maintain
• Heavy-duty 24-inch wide clearing path
• Ideal for residential use

Cons

• Sometimes auger belts start smoking and squealing while using.

Snow Joe 21-inch Single-Stage Electric Snow Blower

Specs:

• Power source: Corded Electric
• Engine displacement: 800 lbs per min
• Throw distance: 20 feet
• Item Weight: 35.7 Pounds

This electric snow thrower from Snow Joe delivers a powerful performance in the most challenging weather conditions. Snow Joe 21-inch Single-Stage Electric Snow Blower is a versatile snow blower that can handle any snow removal task. This powerful snowblower has a 21-inch diameter auger and a 15-amp motor that can move up to 800 lbs of snow per minute. It can handle any size driveway and has an easy-to-use electric start for effortless operation. Snow Joe features an LED light for nighttime clearing and an easy-to-read display for monitoring the machine’s performance. It’s maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about gas, oil, or tune-ups. The Snow Joe 21-inch Single-Stage Electric Snow Blower has a low profile and a compact design that makes it ideal for mid-sized driveways and walkways.    Pros

• Reasonable price
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• Sustainable choice
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• Low weight and durable product

  Cons  

• Suited for small driveways

Briggs & Stratton 30-Inch Dual-Stage Snow Blower

Specs

• Power source: Gas
• Engine displacement: 306 cubic centimetres
• Throw distance: Up to 40 feet
• Item Weight: 30 Pounds

Briggs & Stratton 30-Inch Dual-Stage Snow Blower is an excellent machine to clear areas that are hit with severe snowfall. This powerful two-stage snow blower can easily handle up to 20 inches of snowfalls, clean 306 cubic cm of snow and throw up to 40 feet. So, this snowblower is a must-have for any severe snowfall area.   The snowblower is equipped with an electric start that makes starting easier in cold temperatures up to -20 degrees. The dual-trigger steering release lets you make sharp turns at the end of a driveway. The one-handed operation of the snow blower allows you to operate the chute and adjust the speed with one hand while keeping your other hand free to use.   This auger is made of sturdy steel, and it has a chute and control panel, making it a good choice for snow and ice. Its tires are designed to provide superior traction. The LED headlight provides better visibility than the conventional headlight. Overall, this is an excellent machine for the winter season. Pros

• Electric push-button start is easy and convenient
• One-handed operation
• Powerful LED headlight
• Non-slip tires provide excellent traction

  Cons

• Heavier machine

Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower

  Specs:

• Power source: Corded electric
• Clearing depth: 10 inches
• Throw distance: 20 feet
• Item Weight: 30 Pounds

  This Greenworks 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower is a gas-powered alternative to your old snowblower and can help you clear snow in your driveway and sidewalk quickly. This product can be used on surfaces such as gravel, grass, or concrete, and it is an easy-to-use electric snow thrower. The power is enough to move snow up to 20 feet. The snow discharge range is adjustable to choose the right setting. The snow thrower also features variable speed control to make snow removal easier and features a powerful 13 amp motor for superior performance. It has an adjustable directional chute so that you can direct the snow from the chute to any direction. This snow thrower is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around. Pros

• Budget-friendly option
• The design is lightweight and easy to use.
• Easy electric start for hassle-free operation
• 13 amp motor delivers powerful results

Cons

• This appliance requires an extension cord.

Husqvarna ST327, 27 in. Two-Stage Electric blower

Specs

• Power source: Gas
• Engine displacement: 291 Cubic Centimeters
• Throw distance: 50 feet
• Item Weight: 147 Pounds

Husqvarna ST327 27 inches 2-Stage Electric Blower is an outdoor tool that you can use to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, patios, and other walkways. This powerful machine has a powerful motor that lets you blow snow and ice away in a matter of seconds.   It is a robust machine that will be suitable for various uses, both on private property and public areas. This snow blower can clear 6 to 23 inches of snow. Heavy-duty snow belt system for maximum results. The rugged and durable auger housing gives a strong performance and long product life. LED Headlights provide illumination for nighttime operation. It comes with a boron steel scraper, which ensures high durability and makes the chute last longer. Even in frozen or wet snow, the robust cast iron impeller has four blades to give excellent results. Pros

• Most cubic cm clearing
• robust and durable auger
• High-Intensity LED Lights
• Power steering

  Cons

• Belt slippage is a problem at times.

Frequently Ask Question

Q: Snow Thrower vs Snow Blower: What’s the Difference?

There are some differences between the terms snow blower and snow thrower, and you should be aware of them before you purchase one. Snow throwers are single-stage machines, while snow blowers can be single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machines. Snow blowers are ideal for heavier and wet snow and snow thrower for lighter and dryer snow.  

Q: How do you use a snow blower?

After the snow has stopped falling and you can use it as soon as the snow is light and fluffy. Ensure the snowblower is working correctly and the discharge chute is adjusted to the right height, throwing snow away from the driveway.  

Q: How do you store a snow blower?

The best way to store a snow blower is to put it in a garage or shed. This will keep it out of the weather and prevent it from getting rusty. You can also store it in a closet or a garage. This will prevent the snowblower from getting wet. If it is freezing, it is good to cover the snow blower with a tarp.

Final thoughts: Best snowblowers for the money

If you live in a snowy area, you know how important it is to have a suitable snow blower clear our driveway and sidewalks quickly. When it comes to finding the best snow blowers for the money, it is a great idea to look at the features that come with the product before making a decision. You want to see if the unit has an adjustable chute handle, LED lighting, throwing & cleaning capacity, Power Curve control corded or cordless models and more. This will be dependent on your lifestyle and personal preferences. You might also be interested in buying a snowblower with features that will help you make your life easier. The two-stage gas snow blower is perfect for blizzard-prone climates areas. However, if you live in a climate where snow is not a big problem, a one-stage snowblower or electric blower is a good option.