Are you interested in snow blowing, but don’t know what the BEST snowblower is for your specific need?
Are you interested in learning more about different snowblowers and how to use them?
[toc]
After hours of research and using every popular snowblower, I have created the 10 BEST Snow Blowers for ALL Needs (2019).
This list is broken down by snow blowers for your driveway, sidewalk, and patio.
Why Use a Snowblower?
Did you know that most physical injuries in winter are caused by men shoveling their driveway?
Did you know that only 50% of consumers who live in areas that receive winter snow use a snowblower?
Snowblowing is an easy, time-efficient, and safe way to keep your driveway, sidewalk, and even patio/deck clean in the winter and early spring.
And unlike you may think, the best snow blowers are reasonably price, durable, and have a long lifespan.
Types of Snowblowers
When purchasing the best snowblower you should have a general understanding of the three different types that you can buy.
Single-Stage Snowblower
A single-stage snow blower is a snowblower that comes with a paddle-like auger (blades) that scoops and funnels snow out of its chute.
This type of snowblower is the lightest of all types of snow blowers on this list and comes in electric or gas models.
Electric single-stage snow blowers are great for 6 inches or less of snow and should be used for sidewalks, decks, and small spaces.
Most electric single-stage snowblowers come as corded or cordless. Cordless snow blowers give you more mobility compared to corded snowblowers but have limited battery life.
Gas snow blowers are great for 8 inches or less of snow and can clear paths up to 2 feet wide. This type of single-stage snowblower is heavier and more expensive.
Two-Stage Snowblowers
Two-Stage snowblower uses an impeller to help propel snow into the intake shute and then uses increased power to throw snow further than a single-stage snowblower.
These snow blowers are great for 8 inches or more of snow.
This type of snowblower is more efficient, easier to use, should have power-driven wheels, has wider clearing paths, and has greater intake heights.
The only disadvantage of this snow blower is that it leaves behind a thin layer of snow as the blades don’t contact the ground.
The increase in horsepower and mobility makes up for this disadvantage in areas that receive a lot of snow.
Three-Stage Snowblower
Three-Stage snowblowers use the same technology as the two-stage snowblower but add an accelerator or extra blade to collect and move snow faster.
This type of snowblower is perfect for 12 inches or more of snow and clear 30 inches with every pass.
Also, this type of snowblower comes with all the features like heated handgrips, electric start, power steering, and winter treads.
Snow Blower Shovel (Power Shovel)
Power Shovels are the perfect option for very light snowfall.
This type of snowblower combines a shovel with one motorized blade. This type of snowblower is perfect for small areas and comes in cordless and corded options.
This shovel gradually clears the path without the work of scooping the snow yourself. All you need to do is push the shovel and the blade inside the shovel will clear the snow.
Best Snowblower Considerations
When purchasing a snowblower there are numerous factors to consider.
Below, are 5 tips I recommend when purchasing a snowblower.
Motor Type
Snowblowers can come with two types of motors.
Snowblowers are either powered by gas or electric.
Gas snowblowers are more powerful, but cost more and require fuel maintenance.
Electric snow blowers are lighter and more convenient but are less powerful than gas snow blowers. Electric motors usually only come in single-stage types.
Clearing Width
Clearing width is one of the most important features you should consider when purchasing a snowblower.
The average snowblower clears 20 to 25 inches wide of snow.
If you live in an area that receives snowfalls of 12 inches or more at a time you should consider purchasing a snowblower that clears more than 25 inches wide of snow.
Snowblowers that clear wider inches of snow will make your work easier and quicker. But it should be noted this type of snowblower is heavier and more expensive.
Clearing Depth
Clearing depth is another incredibly important feature you should consider when purchasing a snowblower.
The average snowblower clears 8-12 inches deep of snow with ease and efficiency.
If you live in an area that receives snowfalls of more than 12 inches at a time you should consider purchasing a two-stage or three-stage snowblower.
Type of Tire
Another feature you should consider when purchasing a snowblower is the type of tire.
Snowblowers either come with wheels or tracks/treads.
Power-driven wheels make it easier to push your snowblower and are perfect for the suburbs.
Tracks/treads are what you will see on a bulldozer. I recommend purchasing a snowblower with treads if you are snow blowing on uneven terrain or gravel.
Speed Control
Most snowblowers work at a single pace, which is fine for almost all areas that receive moderate snow.
If you live in an area that receives more than 12 inches per snowfall, I recommend purchasing a snowblower that has variable speed control. This is standard on most two-stage or three-stage snow blowers.
Other Features
If you plan on purchasing a two-stage of three-stage snowblower then you will want to make sure it has other features to make your life easier and more convenient.
Other features you should consider are:
- headlight
- drift cutters
- handgrips
- built-in warmers
10 Best Snowblowers
Single-Stage Snowblowers (#1-3)
1. Toro Power Surve Snow Blower ($350)
Toro Snowblowers are the number 1 electric snow blowers in the United States.
The Toro Power Curve Snow Blower is an electric thrower that can move more than 700 pounds of snow per minute.
This snow blower comes with a full-bail ergonomic handle, lift handle, quick level, zip deflector, and lightweight design.
What sets this snowblower apart from competitors is its power curve technology that provides clogging.
- Clearing Width – 18 inches
- Clearing Depth – 12 inches
- Power – 15 Amp Electric
- Features: 6-inch snow-grip tires and ergonomic handle
2. Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower ($300)
The Snow Joe snowblowers are one of the most snow blowers on Amazon.
The Snow Joe Cordless snowblower is lightweight and is easy to use to clear sidewalks, driveway, and decks.
This snow blower comes with a rechargeable lithium0ion battery that lasts at full-power for 50 minutes.
With this snow blower, you can expect no pull cords, gas, oil, tune-ups, or spark plugs.
You can also expect up to 500 pounds of snow to move per minute, at a throwing distance of 20 feet.
Best of all is that this snow blower comes with a 2-year warranty and 3 LED headlights for those cold, winter nights.
- Clearing width – 18 inches
- Clearing depth – 8 inches
- Power – 40-volt battery
- Accessories – 2-year warranty & headlights
3. Briggs & Stratton 950 Snowblower ($500)
Briggs & Stratton is another amazing company that makes excellent products.
The Briggs & Stratton 950 Snowblower is designed to start strong and power through the roughest conditions.
This snow blower comes with an electric start push button that works down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also comes with a quick-adjust deflector that allows easy access to change height and throw distance.
Best of all is that it is compact for easy storage and comes with wear-resistant rubber blades that clear snow down to the pavement.
An added bonus is that it comes with a 3-year limited warranty and great customer service.
- Clearing width – 18 inches
- Clearing depth – 12.5 inches
- Power: 250cc electric engine
- Accessories: 3-year limited warranty & quick-adjust deflector
Two-Stage Snow Blower
4. YardMax Two-Stage Snowblower ($400)
The Yardmax Two-Stage snowblower is one of my favorite two-stage snow blowers on this list.
This snow blower comes with an easy to start engine, a 7-speed transmission and is self-propelled.
The Yardmax snowblower comes with serrated steel blades that are in the shape of an ax for better chopping of ice and snow.
Not only this, but it comes with an aluminum gear case and allows steel gear.
Also, you will find this snowblower has a 2 pin-lock axle for better traction and 1 wheel for easy movement.
- Clearing Width – 2 inches
- Clearing Depth – 16 inches
- Power: 196cc Engine
- Features: Serrated Steel augers and 7-speed transmission
5. Briggs & Stratton Electric Snow-Blower ($900)
If you want one of the best overall dual-stage snow blowers then look no further than the Briggs & Stratton Dual-Stage Electric Snow Blower.
This snow blower comes with Briggs & Stratton patented powerful 208cc engine.
This snow blower also comes with a friction disk drive system and an electric start for maximum efficiency.
Not only this, but it has skid shoes which makes it the perfect snowblower for all conditions.
And you expect maximum durability with its steel frame, chute, and blades!
- Clearing Width – 24 inches
- Clearing Depth – 20 inches
- Power: 208cc engine
- Features: Friction Disk drive system and skid shoes
6. Husqvarna Electric Start Gas Snow Blower ($1500)
You may have heard of Husqvarna from the fantastic tillers it makes, but they are also a great company for snowblowers.
The Husqvarna Electric Start Gas Snow Blower is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful thrower for the worst winter conditions.
This snow blower comes with a 291cc engine, remote deflector/rotator and has 15-inch tires.
What sets this snowblower apart is that it comes with 4 cast iron blades that will slice through any type of ice or snow and is incredibly durable.
It also has a 4 step adjustable height in case you would like to use it for a few inches of snow.
For this price, you also get all of the premium features, such as heated handle grips, LED headlights, etc.
- Clearing Width – 27 inches
- Clearing Depth – 16 inches
- Power – 291cc engine
- Features – Cast Iron & Steel components, heated handle grips, LED headlights
7. Craftsman Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower ($950)
If you want a product that can last a lifetime and is made in the USA then you have found it with the Craftsman two-stage gas snowblower.
This snow blower is self-propelled with 8 speeds that allows you to control the pace with zero-turn power steering.
Not only this, but this snow blower comes with an adjustable chute that allows you to control the direction of your throw easily without having to stop.
Also, expect 15 inche wheels with skid shoes and a 2-year warranty with this snowblower.
And while the features won’t blow you away, the increased durability and lifespan of this snowblower will.
- Clearing Width – 26 inches
- Clearing Depth – 21 inches
- Power – 208cc engine
- Features – zero-turn power steering, skid shoes
Three-Stage Snow Blower
8. Troy-Bilt Vortex Snowblower ($1100)
Coming across three-stage snow blowers, let alone great three-stage snow blowers are rare.
Luckily for you, I have identified the Troy-Bilt Vortex snowblower as the only snowblower you really need.
Powered by a 277cc engine, this electric starter gas snow blower gives you everything you need for the worst winter conditions.
This snow blower comes with all-wheel drive and touch and turn power steering that you can control with 1 hand.
In addition, this works 10 times faster than two-stage snow blowers and has a fantastic 4-way remote pitch and chute control that sends snow at least 40 feet away.
Best of all is that this snow blower comes with a 2-year warranty and Troy-Bilt’s famous customer service. I have never had an issue with any of their products.
- Clearing Width – 24 inches
- Clearing Depth – 21 inches
- Power – 277cc engine
- Features – 2-year warranty, heated handgrips, all-wheel drive, touch n turn power steering
9. Cub Cadet Three-Stage Snow Blower ($1300)
If you are looking for power and all the features you’ll ever need then you have found it with the Cub Cadet Three-Stage Snow Blower.
This has snowblower was built with the revolutionary, high-speed induction accelerator that draws snow through without any ride ups or spillover.
What this means to you is that it cuts through snow and ice 50% faster than two-stage snow blowers.
Also, this snow blower comes with an unbelievable 5-year warranty.
And best of all is that it comes with skid shoes, headlights, heated handgrips, etc.
- Clearing Width – 26 inches
- Clearing Depth – 23 inches
- Power – 357cc engine
- Features – Headlight, heated handgrips, skid shoes, high-speed induction accelerator
Power Shovel
10. Toro Power Shovel ($120)
Power shovels are the latest and greatest invention for snow shovels.
These type of shovels allow for you to easily push and remove snow without the expensive price of a snow-blower or the physical strain of shoveling.
The Toro Power Shovel is the best power shovel on the market.
It comes with 7.5 amp power, curved rotor, and inverted funnel housing to efficiently remove snow while reducing clogging.
This is an electric power shovel that has no gas, oil, or spark plugs. And it comes with a 2-year warranty.
This power shovel is the perfect product to clear sidewalks and decks in less than 15 minutes. It is perfect for 4 inches deep of snow and can move 300 pounds per minute.
- Clearing Width – 12 inches
- Clearing Depth – 4 inches
- Power – 7.5 Amp
- Accessories: 2-year warranty
Best Snow Blower Accessories
While purchasing one of the best snow blowers on this list will make winter snow blowing effective and efficient, there are several accessories that will make it even easier.
- Snow Cab – Snow cabs are a great accessory to help block icy wind and protect you with a clear portable windshield.
- Tire Chains – If you want to improve the handling and traction of your snowblower in uneven areas and deep snow levels then you need a tire chain.
- Fuel Stabilizer – If you dread draining your fuel during the offseason or find yourself cleaning your oil often then purchase a fuel stabilizer to eliminate this part of maintenance.
- Warranty – If you want extra protection to help increase the overall lifespan of your snowblower then purchase a warranty.
Properly Care for your Snowblower
No matter what snowblower you purchase on this list, it is a large purchase.
If you want to increase the durability and reliability of your snowblower then you will need to properly care for it.
- Check your manual for its maintenance plan
- Check your shear pins every offseason
- Drain your gas tank and oil every offseason
- Clean your spark plug every offseason
- Rinse and wipe everything during the offseason
- Hose off your tires in between uses if it has come in contact with salt
And if you want to learn how to properly tune-up your snowblower before the winter season then you’ll want to watch the below video!
Conclusion
As I have talked above there are numerous factors that you should consider in your purchase one of the best snow blowers.
As a reminder…
- Purchase a gas snowblower if you want power and an electric snowblower if you want low-maintenance and ease of use.
- The average clearing width is 20 to 25 inches. This should be fine for the average consumer. If you live in an area that receives more than 12 inches of snowfall consider a two or three-stage blower.
- The average clearing depth is 8 to 12 inches. This should be fine for the average consumer. As above, the more snow you get the more you need to consider a two-stage and three-stage snowblower.
- If you live in an area that receives lots of snow or you have uneven terrain, you should consider tracks and treads on your snowblower wheel.
- If you want to make your life easy consider purchasing a snowblower with speed control for ease of use.
- When purchasing a two or three-stage blower look for additional features like headlights, heated handgrips, and better wheels.
What’s Next?
If you liked this article then I recommend reading:
10 Best Tillers for ALL Gardening Needs (2019)
25 Best Gardening Tools You CANNOT Live Without
I would love to hear from you about what other features you look for in snowblowers!
Cheers!
Comments
Comments are closed.