We Cleared Nearly 400 Feet of Pavement to Find the 10 Best Snow Blowers

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When snowflakes start to fall, it can be tempting to run out and buy the first snow blower that fits your budget. After all, these specialized tools make it much easier to tackle tough snow-clearing tasks. However, it’s worth taking a little time to learn which machine will work best for your climate and specific driveway and walkways rather than snapping up the first one you see. To help make the process much quicker, we used over 35 top models to remove snow and ice from hundreds of feet of pavement and gravel. 

Our top pick? The Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker—a powerful machine with excellent traction, a wide clearing path, and an easy-to-maneuver touch-sensitive steering system. Depending on how much snow you typically receive and whether your property is flat or sloped, this may or may not be the ideal model for you. Keep reading to learn more about all of the best snow blowers that made our list and get helpful insights from an expert in the snow blower industry.

1. BEST OVERALL: Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Cub Cadet 2X 30″ Max Snow Blower
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4. BEST BATTERY: Ego Power+ 24″ Snow Blower With Peak Power
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5. BEST SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC: Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower
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6. BEST TWO-STAGE ELECTRIC: Toro 24″ Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower
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7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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8. MOST VERSATILE: Ryobi 40V HP Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower Kit
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9. ALSO CONSIDER: Troy-Bilt Storm 2600 Two-Stage Snow Blower
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Snow Blower Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

To help you select the right snow blower, each of the following reviews details important aspects like fuel source, surface compatibility, clearing width and depth, and ease of use. They also discuss unique insights gained from our hands-on tests so you can find the best fit.

Best Overall

Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower

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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

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 28 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker makes clearing snow on paved, gravel, or dirt surfaces easier than ever. With its 28-inch clearing width, powerful auger and drive system, and tracks for superior traction, this machine is an absolute beast in big storms. The 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, and the electric start fired immediately. 

During our tests on loose substrate, this snow blower with 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. 

What our tester says: “Even on ice, 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. I also really like this unit’s extras, like heated grips, trigger turn tabs on the handle, and easy chute controls.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower

Get the Troy-Bilt 2890 snow blower at The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Troy-Bilt.

Best Bang for the Buck

PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Great price compared with other 2-stage models
• Powerful enough to clear large driveways
• Self-propelled design easily clears snow up to 10 inches
• 180-degree adjustable chute and push-button electric start

What We Don’t Like

• Narrower intake means more passes
• Reduced traction on steep inclines and ice

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 24 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

Budget-minded shoppers will want to take a close look at the PowerSmart two-stage snow blower, a model that offers many desirable features found in higher-end models at a more modest price. While it may not be the best choice for especially extreme conditions, it’s plenty capable of clearing the occasional big storm and all light-to-medium snow loads. 

With an intake height of 20 inches and a high-speed impeller that works well in dense snow, this machine performs well in dense snow. It also excels on uneven surfaces and inclines, thanks to a quality drive system that includes reverse options. During testing its 208cc engine ran smoothly, and the electric star made it easy to fire up eerie time. Once we were clearing, it even threw snow through the adjustable chute with power that matched models costing twice as much. 

This model stands out as one of only a few low-cost snow blowers deliver both powerful performance and user-friendly functionality. It’s only slightly more expensive than a heavy-duty electric snow shovel, yet it’s more than enough machine to clear the average driveway with ease.

Get the PowerSmart snow blower at Amazon or PowerSmart.

Upgrade Pick

Cub Cadet 2X 30" Max Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Powerful 357cc gas engine 
• Heavy-duty construction
• Power steering for easy maneuvering
• Cozy hand warmers in the grips

What We Don’t Like

• Not a budget-friendly model

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 30 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

For those with consistently high snow removal needs, Cub Cadet’s 2X 30-inch gas-powered snow blower might be the answer. Equipped with a 357c engine, a two-stage removal system, and self-propelled wheels, this large model is built to power through heavy snow with minimal effort. Its heavy-duty construction features a rotating steel chute with easy-access angle controls built into the top panel, plus onboard headlights for safety and visibility during snowy nights or early mornings.

Yes, the Cub Cadet is expensive—but during testing, it proved its worth. We pushed it through our heaviest snowdrifts and banks, and it powered through without hesitation. Its power steering and 16-inch knobby tires made it easy to maneuver (even in deep snow), and the large engine delivered power far beyond every other model we tested. We also really like the heated hand grips, but who wouldn’t? If you 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

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What We Like

• Electric motor is powerful yet quiet
• Throws snow up to 50 feet
• User-friendly operation

What We Don’t Like

• Can stall if overloaded too quickly

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 24 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

Whether snow is piling up on a sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this battery-powered snow blower is powerful enough to push through. We were initially skeptical about its capabilities, but its two-stage system had no problem scooping and throwing snow up to 50 feet, and the self-propelled wheels made it incredibly easy to maneuver. The batteries on this unit provide enough power for up to 135 minutes before needing recharging, providing ample time for most jobs. While it weighs more than many other electric models, the powerful drive system handles the extra pounds easily. It also has a generous 200-degree adjustable chute and bright onboard headlights for increased safety and visibility.

As much as we liked this model, operating it took a little getting used to since the throttle and auger controls are reversed from normal. Once we got the hang of it, we found adjusting the throttle from “eco” to “turbo” allowed it to handle everything we threw at it. Still, running it on eco mode generally provided enough power for standard clearing and also helped maximize runtime. While we did experience a stall when we buried the auger in extremely heavy snow too quickly, this wasn’t an issue when we ran things at low speed. 

What our tester says: “We’re big fans of this Ego electric snow blower. It’s so much quieter than gas snow blowers, and we thought it was incredibly easy to use. It also throws snow so far that you almost have to be careful where you aim it.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ego snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best Single-Stage Electric

Snow Joe 48V 18" Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower

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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

Specs 

• Type: Single-stage
• Width: 18 inches
• Self-propelled: No

If you’re seeking an economical single-stage snow blower with plenty of power, simple operational features, and great performance, this could be the model for you. Powered by two rechargeable 24-vot batteries, this Snow Joe delivers up to 40 minutes of runtime to move more than 10 tons of snow per charge.

Weighing just 39 pounds, this cordless snow blower is easy to push around and manage. While it doesn’t have a drive or propulsion system, the 18-inch rubber-tipped auger helps it move forward while working through snow. This large auger also aids it in cutting a10-inch-deep path noticeably faster than some other models we tested. It throws snow well past the 20-foot mark claimed by the manufacturer and has a helpful set of LED headlights to increase visibility in dark conditions. 

As an affordable, electric single-stage model, the Snow Joe proved functional and consistent in a variety of conditions. The batteries also charged quickly (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. 

Get the Snow Joe snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.

Best Two-Stage Electric

Toro 24" Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower

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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 recharging between uses

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 24 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

Though it’s electric, this model’s body, auger, and overall design are an exact match to the gas-powered models in the Toro lineup. Other than its quiet and fume-free battery operation, it features the same exceptional controls, durable steel auger, and great features and functions of the gas versions. It delivers an equally reliable performance and impressive ability to churn through snow yet doesn’t require the same amount of maintenance as a gas machine. 

During testing, we ran this unit for over 30 minutes using just one battery. Adding a second battery provides over an hour of runtime, and adding a third extends its capabilities even more. Generally speaking, its features are similar to many of the other good electric snow blower options available, but it 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 Tractor Supply Co. or Toro.

Best Heavy-Duty

Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Cuts a broad swath
• Can handle deep snow and slick surfaces
• Has an adjustable steel chute

What We Don’t Like

• Must manually adjust skids

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 28 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

Thanks to its joystick-like controls, wide coverage, and ability to handle deeper snowfall than many other two-stage models, the Toro Power Max 828 OAE snow blower is ideal for climates with heavy snowfalls every winter. Its large intake sits above the ground, enabling use on gravel and uneven surfaces, and it has a broad 28-inch swath that can clear snow up to 21 inches deep and throw 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.

What our tester says: “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 it only lost out 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.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Toro 828 snow blower at Tractor Supply Co. or Toro. 

Most Versatile

Ryobi 40V HP Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower Kit

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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

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 22 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

Driveways come in all shapes and sizes, and they don’t all call for an extra-large snow blower. With a 22-inch-wide cutting path, this small snow blower Ryobi may not be as big as some of the models we tested, but it still makes a substantial dent on each pass. The tires have great traction, and the machine also has a steel auger, speedy drive system, and skids for raising the blade over gravel. 

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. According to the manufacturer, the batteries last up to 30 minutes, but ours went even longer in light snow. For the average driveway, that’s more than sufficient to get the job done, but for wet and heavy snow or large properties, it may make sense to pick up an extra battery to avoid waiting for a recharge.

What our tester says: “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. It delivered a ton of power and an impressive overall performance that we just wouldn’t have believed had we not experienced it ourselves.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ryobi snow blower at The Home Depot.

Also Consider

Troy-Bilt Storm 2600 Two-Stage Snow Blower

See It

What We Like

• Electric-start feature 
• Chunky tires are great for uneven or slippery surfaces
• Easy to access chute control

What We Don’t Like

• Shorter snow discharge than some

Specs 

• Type: 2-stage
• Width: 26 inches
• Self-propelled: Yes

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

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. Once 10 inches of heavy, wet snow was on the ground, we used these tools to clear 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 over a loose gravel driveway and a compact gravel road to test their abilities on challenging terrain.

We tested ease of use for pull-cord and electric starters and runtime for battery-powered models. We noted snow discharge range, maneuverability, power, control, and the value added by extra features like heated grips and LED lights. We gave points based on a rubric and assigned worthy machines relevant awards. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower

According to Wes Bollingmo, Channel & Product Support Manager at the well-respected outdoor tool company Toro, asking yourself a few simple questions is a great way to go about choosing a snow blower.

 “The key to finding the ‘best’ snow blower for any homeowner is assessing your space. Ask yourself: How large is the area you need to clear? What type of surface do you need to clear? What kind of slope does your driveway have? How much snow typically falls? These answers should narrow down your search better than just looking at a price tag,” he says. 

Types of Snow Blowers

Many people first think about snow blowers in terms of how wide a path they can clear, which is important—especially for large properties. However, perhaps a higher priority is choosing the type of snow blower best suited to the snow typical to your region and the surfaces you intend to use it on. Understanding terms like “single-stage,” “two-stage,” or “three-stage” is key to ensuring you choose the right machine for your needs.

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Single-stage snow blowers, also called “snow throwers,” use a simple yet effective design. They have a horizontal auger at the front that rotates rapidly, generating sufficient force to scoop up snow and toss it through the chute. 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 models.

While single-stage snow blowers work well for smaller spaces, their design has limitations. They 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. Also, their auger blades skim the ground during operation, which makes them effective for clearing flat paved areas but poor snow blowers for gravel driveways since they tend to pick up small rocks and toss them out the chute. 

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. Depending on the power of the fan on a particular model and the weight of the snow, a two-stage snow blower can shoot snow over 35 feet. 

In addition to handling fluffy snow, two-stage blowers can also handle wet snow and clear swaths 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. While these models are often very expensive, buying a three-stage snow blower may be more economical than paying the cost of snow removal for large properties that get a lot of heavy snow. 

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 like electric blowers, but they don’t need an extension cord. That said, their runtime is usually limited to around 30 to 40 minutes before the high-capacity battery needs recharging. However, in many cases, they can continue past 30 minutes if the user swaps in a spare battery. 

Clearing Width 

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.

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.

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 $500 to $2,000, 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
• Electric starters, which allow for pull-free starts and less strain

FAQs

We’ve covered a lot of information about the best snow blowers, but to avoid making common snow blower mistakes, it’s smart to review the answers to the following frequently asked questions before making a final decision. 

Q. What is the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?

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 snow, while snow throwers work best on light snow.

Q. How do you use a snow blower?

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. 

Q. How do you start a snow blower?

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.

Q. How do you clean a snow blower carburetor?

Since a dirty carburetor can keep a gas-powered snow blower from starting or cause it to emit dirty, smoky exhaust, cleaning your carburetor is a proper part of snow blower maintenance. 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.

Q. How do you store a snow blower?

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. 

Q. How many years should a snow blower last? 

The number of years a snow blower should last will depend on its build quality, frequency of use, and quality of maintenance and care. Generally speaking, most machines should last between 10 to 15 years or longer. If your snow blower won’t start or you’re having other issues well before this time, check your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips or contact the manufacturer to see if it’s still under warranty.

Q. How much should you spend on a snow blower? 

While you can pick up one of the best cheap snow blowers for less than $500, you may need to spend a bit more if you get a lot of wet, heavy snow or have a large property. The models on this list cost between $400 and $1900, and there’s a strong chance one of them will be ideal for your needs.

Q. When is the best time to buy a snow blower? 

The best time to buy a snow blower will vary depending on your priorities. If getting the exact model you want matters most, starting to shop as early as May is smart since inventory levels will be high. If you’re looking for the best price, however, months further into winter like January or February may be best. You can check out our tips on how to remove snow from a driveway without a shovel if you don’t want to buy anything until the unit you have your eye on goes on sale.

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. 

 

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