Buying guide for Best snow blowers
A snow blower is an indispensable piece of equipment when you’re stuck at the end of a long driveway during a tough winter. You can save time, and your back, with a snow blower that works with your terrain and average snowfall.
However, there are so many different types of snow blowers on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin. How do you find the snow blower that has the right combination of design and power to keep your driveway clear during the winter? There are a few key aspects you'll want to consider.
Types of snow blowers
To determine the type of snow blower that’s best for you, consider the size of the area to be cleared, the terrain (hills, angled driveway, length and width of the driveway), and the amount of snow you typically get each year.
Single-stage electric snow blowers
Single-stage electric snow blowers use a plastic auger to pull snow in and throw it out a discharge chute. This type of snow blower is easy to use, lightweight, and quiet. They work best in small areas like decks and small paved driveways. The auger will throw rocks, so keep pets and children at a safe distance. The swath is usually less than 20 inches and most can only handle eight inches of snow or less. An electric motor does not require the same maintenance as a gas engine, and you don’t need to refuel. However, these snow blowers have to be plugged in while in use, which limits range and decreases maneuverability. You also have to be careful not to run over the cord. They don’t have the power for steep hills.
Battery-powered snow blowers
Battery-powered snow blowers function much like single-stage electric models, except they don’t have a power cord.
They are light, easy to handle, and about the size of push lawn mowers, so storage isn’t usually an issue.
Keep in mind that these models are not self-propelled and cannot handle more than four inches of snow. This makes them practical for decks and a short section of sidewalk or driveway.
Single-stage gas snow blowers
Single-stage gas snow blowers are larger than electric models, with a swath of 20 to 22 inches.
These snow blowers are intended for nine inches of snow or less and work best on sidewalks, decks, and small paved driveways. They are relatively light, and some models offer electric starting.
They don’t work well on slopes because their augers are not powerful enough to handle the incline, causing them to pull sideways. Nor do they work well on gravel as the auger will throw gravel.
For those who have mid-sized, paved, level driveways and walkways, single-stage gas snow blowers work well.
For your safety
Be sure you have a clearing tool to keep the discharge chute clear of debris or hardened snow. Do not start clearing the chute until the snow blower has been turned off.
STAFF
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Two-stage gas snow blowers
Two-stage gas snow blowers are larger and heavier, with a 24- to 30-inch swath. The auger pulls the snow in like a single-stage model, but it is aided by an impeller to move snow out of the discharge chute. This gives two-stage blowers the ability to handle up to 16 inches of snow.
Their wheels are driven by the engine, which means they can handle slopes. Gravel driveways are no problem for two-stage gas snow blowers because they have skid shoes that keep the auger from touching the ground.
These snow blowers are heavy and large, requiring more of financial investment and significant storage space.
Three-stage gas snow blowers
Three-stage gas snow blowers are the heavy hitters of the snow blower world and can handle up to 18 inches of wet, heavy snow.
They use an auger and impeller, but the impeller also has an accelerator to move more snow through the blower.
With a swath of 30 inches or more, they can handle large driveways, hills, and gravel.
They’re the most expensive snow blowers on the market, as well as being the largest and heaviest. But if you live in an area with heavy snow throughout the winter, they can be worth the investment.
Expert tip
Snow blowers can become packed with wet snow and usually come with a chute cleaning tool. Many of these tools clip onto the body of the snow blower. Only use this tool to break up packed snow. Do not use your hands, sticks, or other tools. Damage to self or blower can result.
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What to look for when buying a snow blower
Electric start
An electric start on a gas-powered snow blower is much easier than using a pull cord. You simply plug in the snow blower long enough for it to start, then move freely over your property.
Dead-man control
Dead-man control is an absolute must. This feature stops the auger and impeller whenever the handlebar is released. Don’t even consider a snow blower without this feature.
Expert tip
For safety's sake, wear goggles, non-skid footwear, and ear protection when using a snow blower. Avoid any loose or dangling clothes.
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Heated handles
This is mostly a luxury feature, but if you spend a lot of time clearing high volumes of snow, it can be worth the added cost.
Discharge chute handle
The discharge chute controls the direction in which the snow is blown. On single-stage models, a long handle makes it easy to change the direction of the chute while still running the machine. It cuts down on time and adds convenience.
Speed options and control
Two- and three-stage snow blowers often have four to six speeds. Some have one or more reverse speeds as well. Speed control lets you adjust the speed of the drive wheels, which can prevent the snow blower from becoming clogged with wet, heavy snow.
Headlight
A headlight might not seem like an important feature, but in the winter when it gets dark early in the evening, a headlight lets you clear snow after the sun has gone down.
For your safety
If you run out of gas while snow blowing, wait at least 10 minutes before adding additional gas. The hot engine could burn you.
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Turning capabilities
Easy turning is most important for larger two- and three-stage machines.
Some snow blowers have extra controls on the handlebars that slow one wheel in the direction you want to turn. This helps the snow blower make sharper turns, even in heavy snow.
Expert tip
Do not run gas-powered snow blowers indoors or in garages. The risk of carbon monoxide is a real danger.
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Discharge chute control
On some two- and three-stage snow blowers, a joystick chute control near the handlebar lets you adjust the chute direction vertically and horizontally.
Some newer models have crank chute controls that are even easier to use, especially with gloves on.
Make sure the location of the joystick or crank is easy to reach from the handlebars.
How much does a snow blower cost?
Inexpensive
At $150 to $300, you’ll find electric and battery-powered snow blowers that can be used on six inches of snow or less, some on as little as four.
If you get more snow than that, you’ll have to make several passes to clear the area.
These snow blowers work best for small areas that are level and paved.
Staff tip
After you use your snow blower, let it run for a couple of minutes to clear out the snow.
STAFF
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Mid-range
In the $300 to $800 range are single-stage gas snow blowers, as well as a few two-stage models.
These snow blowers work well on level, mid-sized driveways, with some of the two-stage snow blowers performing well on slopes, gravel, and at snow depths of 16 to 18 inches.
Expensive
From $800 to $1,500, you’ll find powerful two-stage snow blowers and some smaller three-stage models. Chute controls, headlights, and other extra features are more common in this price range. These snow blowers can handle slopes, gravel, and heavy snow.
Premium
At $1,500 and up are the larger two-stage machines with a lot of extra features like heated handles, wide swaths, and chute controls. You’ll also find the largest three-stage snow blowers that power through high volumes of wet, heavy snow.
Tips
- Single-stage electric models can handle light, dry snow. Two-stage gas models should be used for heavy, wet snow. Powerful three-stage snow blowers are best for hard-packed snow and ice.
- There are approximately 6,000 snow blower injuries in the U.S. each year, so always be vigilant when using your machine.
- While power is important for snow removal, good wheels are also a necessity. Some snow blowers come with powered wheels to make the job even easier.
FAQ
Q. Is it safe to use a snow blower when there is a risk of hitting rocks? What type should I use if I live on rocky ground?
A. You should always clear debris out of the way before snow falls on the area you might potentially clear. However, there are some safety precautions already in place on most snow blowers. If you have a gravel driveway or live on rocky ground, you’ll want to get a two-stage model because they have skid shoes. Skid shoes can be adjusted to different heights to keep the auger from touching the ground. For safety reasons, shear pins or bolts hold the auger to the drive shaft. They are designed to break and stop the auger if the auger hits an object that is too hard like a rock.
Q. I only get about five inches of snow a few times during the winter, but I am no longer at an age where I can shovel my porch and driveway. What kind of snow blower should I get?
A. Your best bet is either an electric single-stage snow blower or a battery-powered snow blower. Both are lightweight and easy to maneuver and maintain. As long as the surface area you want to clear is level, either would be a good choice.
Q. Do I need to do anything before storing my snow blower for the summer?
A. Your biggest concern is removing fuel from the tank. You two options. The first, and best, option is to run all the fuel out of the tank so that it won’t thicken or leave deposits while not in use. The second option is to add a fuel stabilizer to any fuel remaining in the machine. This will minimize deposits and thickening.
