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Updated Dec 17, 2022 8:50 AM
There’s nothing more beautiful than the calm after a blizzard—until you remember that you’re responsible for cleaning up all that snow. Thankfully, it’s easy to turn an impenetrable winter wonderland into something you can actually navigate when you pick up one of the best snow blowers.
While your small walkway or porch might only need a quick shovel (as long as you do it safely), in some places the task of hauling snow over your shoulder can be nothing short of back-breaking. With the right snow blower, you can clear your driveway, street, or sidewalk in a matter of minutes without much more effort than pressing a button or pulling a cord. However, picking the right one can feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to take the guesswork out of snow removal. And while you’re outfitting yourself to tackle those drifts, check out our roundups of the best snow boots, heated socks, heated insoles, heated vests, and winter hats to help you get the job done more comfortably (and when you get back inside, grab your heated slippers). OK, ready to clear a path through the snow? Check out our picks:
How we chose the best snow blowers
When selecting the best snow blowers to make winter storms a whole lot more bearable, we reviewed each unit’s cost, power source, reviews, and displacement to select only the best products. We considered over 40 products and 10 brands to ultimately narrow it down to this list of the best six. Our final range includes blowers designed for different climates—as those who only need to clear a few inches won’t need the same kind of power as those who get hit with more serious snowfall. Whether you’re on a budget or want a high-end option with plenty of bells and whistles, we’ve included a product pick for you.
The best snow blowers: Reviews & Recommendations
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship with blizzards that always seem to come back as soon as you thought they were over, or a more casual but chaotic once-in-a-blue-moon entanglement, our handy guide will help you find the best snow removal equipment for whatever your needs may be.
Best overall: PowerSmart PSSAM24 Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: This powerful two-stage pick offers chute control, multiple speed settings, and a four-cycle engine to get through any storm.
Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Engine displacement: 212 cubic centimeters
- Throw distance: 40 feet
Pros
- Steel auger cuts through snow
- 8 total speeds
- Non-slip treaded tires
Cons
- Heavier design
So much for snow days. This snow blower is a reliable, durable, and powerful machine equipped to clear most snowfalls. The gas-powered, two-stage blower beats electric and one-stage models when it comes to forcing, and the steel auger slices through even heavy or icy snow buildup to provide a 24-inch wide, 20-inch deep clearing capacity. The PowerSmart has an energetic 212cc engine, 13-inch-height tires to dig deep into terrain, 180 degrees of chute control (with a 40-foot throw), and eight total speeds (six forward, two reverse), giving you a range of options to choose from when clearing your unique driveway, sidewalk, or street.
Best gas-powered: Ariens Deluxe 30-inch Two-Stage Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: This gas-powered pick can cut through even the most abominable snow buildup with snow blows of up to 50 feet.
Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Engine displacement: 306 cubic centimeters
- Throw distance: 50 feet
Pros
- Dual belts for more power
- Auto-turn steering
- All steel frame for durability
Cons
- If not maintained well the steel can rust
Save yourself the hassle of making pass after pass after pass with this powerful Ariens snow blower. Capable of clearing a 30-inch-wide path and cutting through 21 inches of piled-up snow, this two-stage snow blower will be your new best friend if you have a lot of ground to cover. Auto-turn steering also means no tricky levers or triggers to manipulate—just press the electric push button and start carving. The dual belt system also allows your engine to output more power where it matters, so clearing even heavy snowfall can be a breeze.
Best electric: Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Walk-Behind Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: Simply charge up and get snow blowing with this eco-friendly-meets-affordable pick, which clears an impressive amount of snow despite its lightweight and compact design.
Specs
- Power source: Corded electric
- Engine displacement: 840 lbs/min
- Throw distance: 25 feet
Pros
- Affordable
- Sustainable
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Not suited for large driveways
Powered with a rechargeable 100-volt, 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, this electric snow blower can clear a path that’s 22 inches wide and 13 inches high. This model comes with a battery and charger, but you can add an additional battery (sold separately) if thirty minutes of run time isn’t enough. And with dual 5-Watt LED lights, you’ll be able to see where you’re going even when the sun is down. Unlike gas models, the Snow Joe requires no maintenance, so your snow blower won’t malfunction if it goes untouched for months in the garage. Despite its more compact size, this pick can also move 840 pounds of snow per minute, making it a workhorse worthy of a try.
Best for large areas: Husqvarna ST 327 Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: For those who need to clear large areas with heavy snowfall, this pick is designed with a two-stage clearing process and a high-capacity belt to handle the toughest storms.
Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Engine displacement: 291 cubic centimeters
- Throw distance: 50 feet
Pros
- Highest cubic centimeter clearing
- Power steering
- LED Headlights
Cons
- Some belt slippage at times
If you’re looking for a high-powered machine to handle the toughest snowfalls, this pick from Husqvarna is your best bet. It can clear anywhere from 6 to 23 inches of snow, with features like a two-stage system, friction disc drive, power steering, high-capacity belt, and extra-large tires to make your job even easier. The heavy-duty components are designed with durability in mind—the cast iron auger gear box and cast iron impeller are built to last. And if you’re looking for added features, the loop handles, heated handle grips, LED lights, and electric starter make this a well-rounded option.
Best compact: Troy-Bilt Squall 21-inch Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: Clear up to 13 inches of snow off your sidewalks in one go with this powerful gas-powered pick.
Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Engine displacement: 208 cubic centimeters
- Throw distance: 21 inches
Pros
- Remote chute control
- Space-saving design
- Powerful gas engine
Cons
- Less powerful than two-stage option
With a foldable ergonomic handle, this single-stage snow blower is a great option if you don’t have tons of extra storage space. As long as the snow hasn’t climbed above six inches, this Troy-Bilt snow blower will easily cut a 21-inch-wide path. While it’s slightly less powerful than a two-stage snow blower, the four-cycle gas engine with electric start still makes this machine formidable against snowfall. It’s also equipped with dual LED headlights and a 190-degree adjustable chute to make cleaning easier.
Best two-stage: Briggs & Stratton Dual-Stage Snow Blower
Why it made the cut: This high-quality option has a powerful motor and two-stage design to tackle the heaviest snowfalls.
Specs:
- Power source: Gas
- Engine displacement: 208 cubic centimeters
- Throw distance: Up to 40 feet
Pros
- Easy electric push start
- Heated hand grips
- Non-slip treaded tires
Cons
- Heavier design
This powerful gas two-stage snow blower can easily tackle snowfalls that are up to 20 inches and move 208 cubic cm of snow, making it one of the best machines to clear areas hit with serious snowfall. While considerably more expensive than the other options in the article, this gas snow blower will cut through just about anything you put in its way and you give total control over where it ends up. The dual-trigger steering also allows you to cut tight turns and clear snow precisely, which ultimately makes for a faster process overall.
Best budget: Greenworks 13 Amp 20-inch Corded Snow Thrower
Why it made the cut: Snowblowers tend to be quite the investment, but you don’t have to spend a ton to save time clearing drifts—this Greenworks pick has quite the power, despite its more compact size and affordable pricing.
Specs:
- Power source: Corded electric
- Clearing depth: 10 inches
- Throw distance: 20 feet
Pros
- Affordable pick
- Lightweight design
- Easy electric start
Cons
- Requires extension cord
If you live somewhere that only sees light, sporadic snowfall, there’s absolutely no reason to shell out big money on a snow blower with features you don’t need. This Greenworks electric snow blower will clear a path that’s 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Since it’s AC-powered, you’ll never run out of juice as long as you can reach an outlet. Convenient to store and easy to start, this is a great snow thrower if you don’t want to spend too much money.
What to consider when buying the best snow blowers
They say that every snowflake is unique, and snow blowers are no different. Depending on your individual needs, you may want a fairly no-frills device or the latest technology. Check out these five things to consider before buying the best snow blower, and then let the snowfall where it may.
For long driveways and big clean-ups, power your snow blower with gas
Generally speaking, gas-powered snow blowers tend to be more powerful than even the best electric models. So, if you have to clean up a long driveway or city block, you’ll probably want your snow blower to run on gas.
Gas models do have their downsides: for example, you’ll need to change the oil from time to time and make sure that you’re using the right type of gasoline. Other upkeep will include changing or cleaning the filters as needed and occasionally replacing a burnt-out spark plug. However, when the inches start piling up, the maintenance a gas-powered snow blower requires will be more than worth it.
For convenience and ease of use, there’s no beating an electric snow blower
In addition to being more environmentally friendly than their gas-powered counterparts, electric snow blowers are easier to use and require less upkeep. Depending on the model, all you’ll need to do is plug them in (or charge the battery) and you’ll be ready to go.
Unfortunately, electric snow blowers tend to be less powerful than gas-powered ones, so if you have a huge amount of snow to clear, you might find yourself making multiple passes or cursing when the battery runs out. “Less powerful” doesn’t mean “not powerful,” though, and a well-made electric model might be exactly what you’re looking for provided the conditions you’ll be using it in aren’t terribly inclement.
A two-stage snow blower is the best choice for clearing large areas and really deep snow
If you live in an area that gets pummeled with snow, a one-stage snow blower just isn’t going to cut it. The difference between a one-stage and two-stage snow blower comes down to how much heavy lifting the “auger” (the part that sucks up the snow) is being asked to do—and in a one-stage model, it’s being asked to do everything.
Put simply, in a one-stage model, the auger sucks up the snow and spits it out, while in a two-stage model, the auger only has to suck it up while another part (the “impeller”) is responsible for blowing it somewhere else. If you’re looking to clear more than 8 inches of snow, a two-stage model is the only type that will get the job done. Electric models are all one-stage, so if you live in a place that gets lots of snow, a gas-powered, two-stage model is a must.
The best snow blowers will come with a few bells and whistles
Not all snow blowers are built equally and picking one with some extra features can save you a lot of time and frustration. For example, if you can’t wait for the sun to come out to clear a path to your car, you’ll definitely want to consider a snow blower with a built-in light. Want more control over where the snow you throw lands? Some models come equipped with remote chute control, so you don’t make another mess cleaning up the first one.
FAQs
Q: How long should a snow blower last?
Depending on the brand, style, use time, how they’re stored, and how well you care for the machine, snow blowers can last between 10-30 years. This means that, in order to get more winters out of your snow blower, you will need to give it some love and care in the off-season with some maintenance. This includes draining the gas, replacing sparkplugs, oiling the wheels, and cleaning it. A basic parts inspection every 20 hours of use is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Q: Do you need hearing protection when using a snow blower?
You don’t need to wear hearing protection when using a snow blower, but you should, as they can be loud. For example, gas snow blowers can reach up to 85 decibels. Eight hours of exposure to that decibel level is considered safe. However, at 100 decibels, the safe exposure time drops to 15 minutes. Although snow on the ground isn’t permanent, hearing loss is. If you’re looking for hearing protection that you can use year-round, check out our best earplugs for concerts. You can rock them under your hat when you’re outside using your brand new snow blower, and rock out with them when seeing your favorite band in town.
Q: Do snow blowers work on heavy snow?
It depends on the kind of snow blower you buy. Single-stage and two-stage blowers can handle up to a foot of snow. Three-stage snow blowers can handle 16 inches. Two- and three-stage snow blowers also remove a wider swath of snow in a pass compared to single-stage snow blowers. If you get frequent, heavy snows, a two- or three-stage snow blower is worth the investment since it will be easier—and less time-consuming—to clear your driveway.
Final thoughts on the best snow blowers
The best snow blowers vary widely in price, power, and performance. Depending on your needs, features like LED lighting and remote chute control can be extremely helpful or totally superfluous. Bottom line: the best snow blower is the one that’s suited to your area’s weather conditions and the amount of area you’ll need to clear. Think gas-powered and two-stage models for blizzard-prone climates, and smaller electric units for more fair-weather locales.
