What to know before you buy a snow blower

Snow on the ground may look pretty, but it can be frustrating to remove from walking paths and driveways. While a shovel will do the job, it takes a lot of physical effort and time that some people don’t have. However, a snow blower simplifies snow removal by blowing it away with a powerful motor.

If you are ready to tackle winter’s worst weather with a snow blower, it’s important to understand your options before you buy. We organized this helpful guide with detailed information about the different types of blowers and their features. The Toro Power Max HD is our favorite model for its rugged build and capable 252cc four-stage engine that can remove lots of snow in minutes.

There are several types of snow blowers to choose from, and each type has its advantages.

A single-stage electric snow blower is light and usually easier to maneuver than other models. Electric models all start with the push of a button. Some must be plugged in for operation. Cordless styles are powered by rechargeable batteries and, therefore, don’t require a power cord. With no cord to get in the way or limit their reach, battery-powered models provide greater mobility.

Like single-stage electric models, single-stage gas snow blowers are lightweight and ideal for midrange tasks or clearing snow from smaller areas. They run on gas, so they don’t require a power cord. Gas snow blowers also provide a wider clearing width than electric options.

A two-stage gas snow blower can clear snowfall that’s 8 inches deep and make quick work of clearing a long driveway. It also features engine-driven wheels to accommodate hilly terrain and make pushing the snow blower easier.

Three-stage gas snow blowers can clear large amounts of snow in less time than two-stage models. They often operate up to 10 times faster than two-stage blowers. These models are suitable for large areas and long paths and driveways.

If you opt for a gas snow blower, an electric starter means you won’t have to use a manual recoil starter to get the blower going. Instead, you plug the snow blower into an outlet during start-up and disconnect the cord for operation.

A deadman control is an important safety feature to look for in a snow blower. It stops the blower as soon as you let go of the handlebar, so you don’t have to worry about getting injured if you fall.

Just like lawnmowers and other yard equipment, snow blowers have a cut path that covers a specific size of land with each pass. A 21-inch cut path is common, but options range from about 16 inches to 28 inches or more. The wider the cut path, the fewer passes it takes to remove snow from an area.

A multistage snow blower usually offers four to six speeds when you’re moving forward and one to two speeds in reverse. Single-stage snow blowers usually only offer one speed. Having multiple speeds allows you to keep the blower from getting jammed when you’re dealing with heavier snow.

Some snow blowers have a headlight, which allows you to clear snow after dark. This can be a key feature since the days are shorter in the winter, so you might have to clear your driveway in low lighting.

Some snow blowers offer chute control to make it easier to clear snow around curves. This feature allows you to rotate the chute so you can direct where the snow ends up. It’s handy when clearing wide driveways or walkways that require numerous passes.

When you’re removing snow, your hands can get cold, even if you’re wearing gloves. A snow blower with a heated handle can keep your hands warm no matter how long it takes to clear your driveway.

Snow blowers are available at a wide range of price points. Single-stage blowers are the most affordable and range in cost from less than $200 for a small model to $800 or a bit more for a blower with a wide-cut path. Two- and three-stage snow blowers cost between $500 and $1,700 or more but stand out in terms of power that makes quick work of snow removal.

A. All snow blowers make noise, but electric and battery-powered models tend to offer the quietest operation. With gas snow blowers, two- and three-stage blowers are usually quieter than single-stage blowers.

A. It may depend on the manufacturer and model, so check your owner’s manual to see specific fuel requirements. In general, though, it’s best to use fresh gasoline that’s not more than a month old, has an octane rating of at least 87 and contains 10% ethanol or less.

Toro Power Max HD Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower: available at Home Depot

Our take: This is a fast and powerful two-stage snow blower that is ideal for any homeowner with large areas to clear.

What we like: The self-propelled Toro Max features a 252cc four-cycle engine and a 28-inch cut path. These make it possible to clear snow quickly. Headlights, adjustable chute and electric start are also useful features.

What we dislike: You’ll pay a premium price for this feature-packed option.

Snow Joe Ultra SJ624E Electric Snow Blower: available at Amazon and Home Depot

Our take: If you’re looking for an affordable battery-powered snow blower that’s powerful and quick, this is the one to consider.

What we like:  Although it’s powered by battery, this snow blower can remove as much as 730 pounds of snow per minute. The 21-inch cut path reduces the time it takes to clear wide driveways. The price is reasonable, too.

What we dislike: The build doesn’t feel as durable as some competitors.

EGO Power+ Cordless Snow Blower: available at Amazon

Our take: This is another mighty snow blower that runs on battery power but is highly effective at quickly removing large amounts of snow.

What we like: The durable EGO Power+ stands out for the impressive battery that provides long-lasting performance. The 21-inch cut path is perfect for most driveways. Two batteries are included.  

What we dislike: The price is a bit on the high side for a battery-powered blower.

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Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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