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When it snows, running out and buying a snow blower can be tempting. After all, these specialized power tools tackle the toughest snow-clearing tasks. However, it’s important to understand the key features of these machines before investing. We tested today’s top snow blowers to clear snow from our own sidewalks and driveways, and we found a favorite. The Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker took top honors for quickly clearing snow from concrete and gravel surfaces. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks to touch-sensitive steering and a track-drive system.
Choosing the right snow blower for your needs involves considering the typical snowfall level in your region, how much sidewalk or driveway needs to be cleared, and whether the area is flat or sloped. Keep reading to learn our top shopping tips and recommendations and discover how the following models earned a spot on our list of the best snow blowers.
- BEST OVERALL: Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Cub Cadet 2X 30″ Max Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BATTERY: Ego Power+ 24″ Snow Blower With Peak Power
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC: Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TWO-STAGE ELECTRIC: Toro 24″ Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: Ryobi 40V HP Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower Kit
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Troy-Bilt Storm 2600 Two-Stage Snow Blower
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Snow Blowers
Because we were testing some serious machines for this guide, we needed to wait for a real winter storm to try them out. With about 10 inches of heavy, wet snow, we cleared two 75-foot-long, 4-car driveways, about 200 feet of sidewalk, several small walkways, and the plow-piled snow at the ends of both driveways. We also ran the snow blowers on a loose gravel driveway and a compact gravel road to test their abilities on challenging terrain.
First, we tested how easily these models fired up via pull-cord and then plugged each one in to test their electric starters. Then, we ran these snow blowers over rocky, uneven terrain. We also noted their snow discharge range.
We used the two-stage blowers on packed snow left behind by the snowplows–walking on slick surfaces is dangerous, so we observed the safety measures from the Cleveland Clinic for walking on snow and ice. We noted each machine’s maneuverability, power, control, and any added features, such as heated grips and LED lights. Each blower was awarded points based on a rubric–the better it performed on a test or assessment, the more points it received.
Our Top Picks
When evaluating snow blowers, we considered typical annual snowfall, the machine’s fuel source, and ease of use. Since individual conditions and snowfall depths vary widely, we included models for varying precipitation in our picks. To ensure they’re high quality and worthy of their price and your consideration, we included our insights based on hands-on testing for each of the following snow blower models.
Best Overall
Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 28 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Excellent traction on loose and icy surfaces
- Broad 28-inch-wide swath
- Touch N’ Turn power steering
What We Don’t Like
- Track system makes it more expensive
Clearing snow on paved and gravel or dirt surfaces has never been easier than with the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker. With 28 inches of clearing width, a powerful auger and drive system, and tracks for superior traction, this machine is an absolute beast in big storms. We did some of this model’s testing on pavement, but after seeing how well it performed, we moved to gravel and pushed it hard for the rest.
On loose substrate, the tracks maintained excellent surface contact and pushed forward with ease. The same was true on icy surfaces. It has adjustable skids to set the lower blade height, and its settings adjust even further with a lever that quickly raises or lowers the blade. When working through gravel and rocky areas, this user-friendly system was a huge benefit.
The Troy-Bilt’s 272 (cubic centimeter) cc motor has plenty of power for big jobs, and the many drive settings allow for perfect speed control. The pull-cord start required only one or two pulls on each start, and the electric start fired immediately. With its heated grips, trigger turn tabs on the handle, and easy chute controls, this model is a win in every area.
What our tester says: Zach Lazzari, a Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in his review of the Troy-Built Storm Tracker that “The tracks maintained traction, and having multiple speed settings helped me find the right pace to keep moving forward. I was able to crawl, hit a moderate speed, or move quickly.”
Get the Troy-Bilt 2890 snow blower at The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, Walmart, or Troy-Bilt.
Best Bang for the Buck
PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 24 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Great price compared with other 2-stage models
- Powerful enough to clear large driveways
- Easily clears snow up to 10 inches
- 180-degree adjustable chute
- Easy-to-use push-button electric start
- Self-propelled design
What We Don’t Like
- Narrower intake means more passes
- Reduced traction on steep inclines and ice
Budget-minded shoppers will want to take a hard look at the PowerSmart two-stage snow blower. It has many of the desired features found in more expensive models at a more modest price. It’s plenty capable in big storms, with an intake height of 20 inches and a high-speed impeller that works well in dense snow. It also performs mightily on uneven surfaces and inclines with a quality drive system that includes reverse options.
We had great results with this model and think it’s an excellent fit for moderate-size properties. There are better options for extreme conditions, but this one can handle the occasional big storm and all light-to-medium snow loads. It fires up easily, especially with the electric start option, and its 208cc engine ran great through all of our testing. It even threw snow through the chute with power that matched models costing twice as much.
While there are certainly upgraded options on the market, this budget-friendly snow blower easily beats even the best electric snow shovel, and it’s more than adequate for the average driveway. It feels durable and built to last as well.
Get the PowerSmart snow blower at Amazon, Walmart, or PowerSmart USA.
Upgrade Pick
Cub Cadet 2X 30" Max Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 30 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Powerful 357cc gas engine is capable of propelling dense snow with ease
- Heavy-duty construction; this machine is built to last
- Power steering for easy maneuvering; ideal for uneven terrain
- Cozy hand warmers in the grips for more comfortable use in extreme temperatures
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy-duty option is better for those needing to move lots of snow; not a budget-friendly model
For those with consistently high snow removal needs, Cub Cadet’s 2X 30-inch snow blower might be the answer. This large model is equipped with a 357cc gas engine, a two-stage removal system, and self-propelled wheels, allowing it to burrow through heavy snow. Its heavy-duty construction has a rotating steel chute with easy-access angle controls built into the top panel. The Cub Cadet also features onboard headlights for safety and visibility during snowy nights or early mornings.
Yes, the Cub Cadet is expensive, but what a powerhouse it turned out to be during testing. We pushed this thing through our heaviest snowdrifts and banks to see how it would do. Its power steering and 16-inch knobby tires make it easy to manipulate, even in deep snow, and the large engine gives it power far beyond every other model we tested. We also really like the heated hand grips, but who wouldn’t?
For property owners and managers who need a capable snow blower for big jobs and deep snow, the Cub Cadet is an excellent option.
Get the Cub Cadet snow blower at The Home Depot or Cub Cadet.
Best Battery
Ego Power+ 24" Snow Blower With Peak Power
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 24 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Powerful yet quiet
- Throws snow up to 50 feet
- User-friendly operation
What We Don’t Like
- Can stall if overloaded too quickly
Whether snow is piling up on a sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage snow blower is powerful enough to push through. We were initially concerned about its abilities as a battery model, but its two-stage system can scoop and throw snow up to 50 feet, and its self-propelled wheels make for easy pushing.
This battery-powered model runs for up to 135 minutes before the batteries need recharging. The Ego’s biggest drawback is that it weighs more than many other electric models, but the powerful drive system handles the weight easily. It also has a generous 200-degree adjustable chute and a 50-foot throwing distance. The bright onboard headlights add a bit of safety and visibility in poor conditions.
As a result of our testing, we’re big fans of the Ego Power+ 24-inch snow blower. First, we like that this thing is so much quieter than a gas-powered model and even easier to use (though the throttle and auger controls are reversed from a typical model, which took us some getting used to). Also, we found that this model threw snow so far that we truly had to be careful where we aimed it. It has a throttle that adjusts the machine’s overall output from “eco” to “turbo,” but we found it could handle everything on eco, which helped maximize the runtime of its rechargeable batteries. One heads-up: The machine stalled when we buried the auger in extremely heavy snow too quickly. At low speed, however, this rarely happened.
For folks who want a quiet yet capable two-stage snow blower with the low-maintenance benefits of being battery-powered, this is a great choice.
Get the Ego snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.
Best Single-Stage Electric
Snow Joe 48V 18" Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: Single-stage
- Width: 18 inches
- Self-propelled: No
What We Like
- Includes 2 rechargeable 24-volt batteries
- Quadruple-bladed steel auger
- Moves up to 10 tons of snow per charge
- 180-degree adjustable snow chute
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic blade may chip on hard objects
The Snow Joe has plenty of power from two rechargeable 24-volt batteries, each capable of 40 minutes of runtime and throwing up to 10 tons of snow per charge. Weighing about 39 pounds, this cordless snow blower is easy to push around and manage. It doesn’t have a drive or propulsion system, but the auger helps it move forward while working through snow.
The 18-inch auger is rubber-tipped, and it cuts a 10-inch-deep path noticeably faster than some other models we tested while throwing snow surprisingly far. In some instances, it exceeded the 20-foot mark claimed by the manufacturer. It also has a helpful set of LED headlights to increase visibility in dark conditions.
As an affordable, electric single-stage model, the Snow Joe was very functional and consistent in a variety of conditions. The batteries also charged quickly (taking about 2 hours), making it possible to get back up and running without long delays. We didn’t need to wait through a recharge during testing, however, because the batteries lasted through each full session.
For shoppers seeking an economical single-stage snow blower with plenty of power, simple operational features, and great performance, this model is a clear favorite.
Get the Snow Joe snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.
Best Two-Stage Electric
Toro 24" Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 24 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Consistent performance and features
- Auger doesn’t use shear pins
- Reliable performance and control
What We Don’t Like
- Requires long battery recharge between uses
The body, auger, and overall design for this model is the exact same as other gas-powered models in the Toro lineup. The only difference is that this one is electric, meaning the exceptional controls, durable steel auger, and great features and functions of the gas versions carry through to this electric model.
This Toro all-electric motor is powered by up to three batteries. It runs on a single battery, but two batteries provide over an hour of runtime, or users can add a third to really extend its capabilities. We tested the snow blower with a single battery, and it performed exactly like the gas model for over 30 minutes before requiring a recharge.
This electric machine from Toro offers reliable performance and an impressive ability to churn through snow while being significantly quieter than its gas counterpart. Its features are similar to many of the other quality electric snow blower options available on the market, but this Toro does offer a couple of distinct advantages. First, its all-steel auger doesn’t require shear pins. Instead, it has integrated protections to prevent overloading and damaging the auger and mechanical components without requiring the replacement of broken pins. Second, the option to purchase a third battery for the tray makes this model among the longest-lasting electric snow-clearing machines on the market.
Get the Toro e24 snow blower at Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply Co., Acme Tools, or Toro.
Best Heavy-Duty
Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 28 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Cuts a broad swath
- Can handle deep snow and slick surfaces
- Adjustable steel chute
What We Don’t Like
- Must manually adjust skids
With its joystick-like controls, wide coverage, and ability to handle deeper snowfall than many other two-stage models, Toro’s Power Max 828 OAE snow blower is ideal for climates that see heavy precipitation every winter. Its large intake sits above the ground, enabling use on gravel and uneven surfaces. With a broad 28-inch swath, it clears substantial snow up to 21 inches deep with each pass, throwing it an impressive 45 feet.
During testing, this model performed exceptionally well. Its Quick Stick controls and power steering made one-handed turning easy, and its knobby 16-inch tires provided ample traction in slick conditions. The anti-clogging system efficiently managed snow intake to prevent delays, and its LED headlight was helpful for nighttime snow blowing. It also has solid skids to adjust blade height above the ground, making it suitable for rough terrain.
It’s hard to overstate how nice the joystick controls were for moving the chute throw direction and angle. Between the joystick and all its other features, this Toro was a very close second to our top pick, and only because it was pitted against a track system with height-adjustment control. Otherwise, this model is an absolute beast that can charge through the biggest storms.
Get the Toro 828 snow blower at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.
Most Versatile
Ryobi 40V HP Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower Kit
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 22 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Changes direction easily
- Plenty of power in deep snow
- Intuitive controls and powerful drive system
What We Don’t Like
- Batteries need recharging after 30 minutes
Driveways come in a number of shapes and sizes, and they don’t all call for an extra-large snow blower. With a 22-inch-wide cutting path, this Ryobi is not as big as some of the other models we tested, but it still makes a substantial dent on each pass. In fact, this two-stage brushless snow blower was such a big surprise in our tests that we were reminded just how valuable hands-on testing is. This model has a ton of power and an impressive overall performance that we just wouldn’t have believed had we not experienced it ourselves.
The tires on the Ryobi have great traction, and the machine also has a steel auger, speedy drive system, and skids for raising the blade over gravel. According to the manufacturer, the batteries last up to 30 minutes, but ours went even longer in light snow. For the average driveway, they were more than sufficient to get the job done on a single charge.
In testing, the Ryobi’s ease of use and ability to maneuver in tight spaces were a bonus. It turned and pivoted without resistance, and the drive system was powerful enough that we didn’t need to push much. Its only limiting factor is the battery life, which may not be sufficient for larger jobs with heavy snow. For the average user, though, the Ryobi will provide everything they need in a snow blower.
Get the Ryobi snow blower at The Home Depot or Ryobi.
Also Consider
Troy-Bilt Storm 2600 Two-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 26 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Electric-start feature
- Chunky tires great for uneven or slippery surfaces
- Easy to access chute control
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter snow discharge than some
Anyone on the hunt for an all-around capable snow blower may want to check out the Troy-Bilt Storm 26-inch snow blower. This gas-powered model can handle small properties while being heavy-duty enough to hold its own on large ones. It features two self-propelled drive wheels with big, chunky tires for plenty of surface grip. Also, the electric start makes firing it up a breeze.
Overall, we enjoyed using the Troy-Bilt Storm. We liked that the chunky tires offered plenty of grip—even on loose, grainy snow. We also liked that the chute controls, including angle and trajectory, were easily accessible from the control panel. While it doesn’t seem to throw snow as far as other models, it was very effective at removing plowed snow from the end of a driveway. Also, starting this model was very easy; it started on the first pull almost every time.
Get the Troy-Bilt 2600 snow blower at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Troy-Bilt.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower
In addition to choosing between single-, two-, and three-stage snow blowers, there are other factors for shoppers to consider. Considering how much room is necessary to store the machine, whether a gas-powered or electric model best suits the property’s needs, and the amount of snowfall in the area can help narrow down the choices.
Types of Snow Blowers
Many people first think about snow blowers in terms of the path width they can clear. That’s important—especially if it’s a large area that needs clearing—but the real challenge is finding the snow blower most suited for the amount and type of snow the region is likely to experience.
Manufacturers describe snow blowers as “single-stage,” “two-stage,” or “three-stage,” and these designations refer to how the snow blower removes the snow.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Single-stage snow blowers (also called “snow throwers”) feature a horizontal auger at the front of the machine that rotates rapidly, scooping up snow and tossing it out the chute. The motion of the spinning auger creates the force that blows the snow from the chute. While this is a simple design, it has its limitations: Single-stage snow blowers generally do not generate sufficient power to blow the snow more than 15 to 20 feet away, meaning they aren’t ideal for wide driveways.
The auger blades on a single-stage snow blower skim the ground during operation to clear flat and smooth paved areas effectively. Because the blades are so low, however, they tend to pick up small rocks and toss them out the chute, making single-stage blowers unsuitable for gravel driveways. Most single-stage blowers can clear an 18- to 21-inch swath of light, fluffy snow, and they’re available in both gas- and electric-powered models.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Two-stage snow blowers feature a powerful impeller fan that works in combination with an auger to draw in snow and forcefully throw it out the chute. A two-stage snow blower can shoot snow over 35 feet, depending on the power of the fan on a particular model and the weight of the snow.
In addition to handling fluffy snow, two-stage blowers can also handle wet snow and clear a swath ranging from approximately 20 inches to 30 inches (or more). Unlike their single-stage counterparts, two-stage snow blowers are suitable for use on gravel driveways because their auger blades don’t touch the ground.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
Three-stage snow blowers are the big boys in the snow removal world. In addition to an auger and impeller fan, they feature an accelerator that grinds chunks of ice and powerfully expels snow and slush from the chute. It’s not unusual for a three-stage blower to throw lightweight snow a distance of more than 40 feet.
These muscle-bound machines can clear paths as wide as 30 inches depending on the specific model. For those with truly heavy-duty snow removal needs, a three-stage blower might be the machine for the job. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that these models are often very expensive.
Size and Weight
Corded electric snow blowers are typically the lightest, generally weighing between 26 to 38 pounds, followed by cordless snow blowers at anywhere from 30 to 69 pounds. Gas-powered snow blowers are in the heaviest category and can weigh 100 to 350 pounds or more.
Terrain Type
Removing snow from flat sidewalks and driveways is a straightforward process with most snow blowers, but trying to push a heavy snow blower up an incline can be a workout for even the most physically fit.
If there’s a slope to maneuver, consider buying a self-propelled snow blower. With this snow blower type, the wheels pull the machine forward, so all that’s necessary is to guide the machine and follow along. If a gravel driveway needs to be cleared, make sure the machine is a two-stage or three-stage snow blower to prevent throwing rocks.
Fuel
Like most outdoor-maintenance machines, snow blowers might run on electricity, gas, or diesel. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks.
- Electric-powered snow blowers are typically small, affordable single-stage machines intended to clear light snow up to about 12 inches deep. They need to be plugged into an outlet with an extension cord. This limits their performance and range, making them best suited for those who receive minimal snowfall and have relatively short sidewalks and driveways.
Electric-powered 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 don’t raise concerns about where to store fuel.
- Gas- and diesel-powered snow blowers boast a lot more power than electric blowers, and they don’t restrict their operators to the length of an extension cord. With a blower like this, it’s possible to clear deep and heavy snow all along a driveway and then continue down the sidewalk to clear a neighbor’s drive as well.
- Battery-operated cordless snow blowers are relatively new to the snow removal market and quite promising. They benefit from fume-free operation as with an electric blower, but they don’t need an extension cord. That said, the runtime is usually limited to around 30 to 40 minutes before the high-capacity battery needs recharging. But in many cases, they can continue past 30 minutes if the user swaps in a spare battery.
Clearing Width and Depth
Single-stage snow blowers (also known as “snow throwers”) are designed to remove snow in swath widths ranging from around 18 inches to 21 inches. Two-stage snow blowers will clear snow in a swath up to 30 inches wide, and three-stage snow blowers stay consistent at 30 inches wide, though they move faster thanks to their accelerators.
Wheels vs. Tracks
Snow can be slippery, especially if it has a chance to melt slightly and then refreeze. This can make it hard for even self-propelled snow blowers to power through, but this is where track-drive snow blowers shine.
Instead of wheels that can lose traction when maneuvering through heavy or slippery snow, the tracks on a track-drive model dig in and help pull the machine along. Another difference is in price: A gas-powered snow blower runs an average of $499 to $1,899, with track-drive blowers in the upper end of that range and extending beyond.
Additional Features
Some of the best snow blowers include extra features that make the work easier and more comfortable. Accessories designed to elevate the experience of using a snow blower include:
- Heated handles to keep cold hands warm in frigid temps;
- Lights, which enable snow clearing to begin before dawn or after dark;
- Speed controls to adjust how quickly the self-propelled wheels turn;
- Automatic safety shutoff for when the handles get released to prevent a loss of control; and
- Electric starters, which allow for pull-free starts and less strain.
FAQs
We’ve covered a lot of information about the best snow blowers, and it might feel as if your wheels are spinning on ice when trying to make a decision. The following section aims to answer the most frequently asked questions, so be sure to look for answers to additional questions below..
The terms “snow blower” and “snow thrower” are used interchangeably, but there are some technical differences. While both clear away snow, a snow thrower is a single-stage machine, and a snow blower can be a single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machine. Generally speaking, snow blowers clear a wider swath and are better suited for heavier snows, while snow throwers work best on light snow.
A good snow removal tip is to use a snow blower just after the snow has stopped falling when it’s still light and fluffy. Make uniform passes down and back on the sidewalk or driveway, adjusting the discharge chute as necessary to toss the snow off the surface.
You may have to pull a manual recoil cord to start a gas snow blower, although many have a push-button start these days. Cordless and electric models start at the push of a button.
It’s necessary to maintain a snow blower, as a dirty carburetor can keep a gas-powered snow blower from starting or cause it to emit dirty, smoky exhaust. A carburetor cleaner will dissolve the gunk and debris so your machine will run more smoothly. To clean the carburetor, you’ll need to remove its cover, a process which may be different depending on the make and model. Consult your owner’s manual to find out how to reach the carburetor.
The best spot to store a snow blower is in a garage or storage shed during the summer and when it’s not in use. If you don’t have the extra space, you can store it outside under a waterproof tarp—or you can consider using one of the best snow removal services to avoid the issue altogether.
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow equipment. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Tom Scalisi.
