Winter is around the corner and that means snowball fights, cozying up by the fire and drinking all the hot chocolate! Unfortunately, it also means far less enjoyable activities like shoveling snow off the drive – unless you get the best snowblower.
The best snowblower can have your paths and driveway clear in a fraction of the time, so you don’t have to work up a sweat.
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Here’s our complete buyer’s guide to snow blowers for 2024, including tips on how to find the right snow blower, how to maintain and store it, and much more.
Sumo Gardener's Top Pick Snow Blower for 2024
Our pick for the best snowblower for 2024 is the Snow Joe SJ621 Electric Snow Blower.
Snow Joe is a household name for snow blowers due to the quality, affordability and effectiveness of the products they offer, and this electric snow blower is a great example.
Source: Amazon
With good build quality and a powerful yet eco-friendly electric motor, this machine is built to last, efficient, quiet and ideally suited to most homeowners with average snow clearing needs in light to moderate snowfall areas.
It has a hard-working 13.5 amp motor that throws up to 650lbs of snow per minute up to 20 feet away, and the 10-inch snow clearing depth and 18-inch clearing width. This makes even the toughest jobs quick and easy. It has a 2-year full warranty and is ETL-approved.
You can read our full review below.
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Snow Blower Buyers' Guide
Why Invest in a Snow Blower?
Here’s why having the best snowblower beats shoveling snow by hand:
- It’s safer – Clearing snow manually requires a lot of exertion in very low temperatures. This can be dangerous for anyone who suffers from health conditions that put them at risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
You can very easily fall and injure yourself or wrench your back and shoulders, especially if you are not very athletic or you’re getting older. - It’s more efficient – Even the fittest, most dedicated individual can’t move snow faster than a snowblower. This is important when you have a busy lifestyle, need to get to work, get the kids to school and run errands.
Your snow blower makes a time-consuming physical task fast and easy. - It can handle heavy snow falls - Shoveling a light snowfall is easy, but if you live in an area with deep, frequent snowfalls, you are going to find it incredibly difficult to cope with just a shovel.
A snow blower can shift heavy snowfall quickly, clearing paths, sidewalks, decks and driveways to make life much easier in the winter months.
What to Look for in the Best Snow Blowers
There are a lot of different types of snow blowers on the market. Here are some key features to look for when searching for the right machine for your yard.
- Fuel Type – Snow blowers can be gas powered or electric, with electric models coming in corded and battery-powered varieties.
Gas powered blowers are usually more powerful, heavy-duty machines suited to tougher jobs, while electric models tend to be better-suited to light to moderate snowfalls. - Maintenance – Gas snow blowers will require a bit more maintenance including an annual service and oil change to keep the machine in good shape. Electric snow blowers are maintenance-free.
- Single-stage – Single-stage snow blowers only throw the snow once, using an auger that collects the snow and shoots it out the chute.
They are usually the lightest, most compact and most maneuverable of the snow blowers, and are best suited to moderate snowfalls.
These are not self-propelled, so it’s up to you to push the machine. The auger tends to make contact with the surface below the machine, so they are not recommended for gravel surfaces. - Two-stage – Two stage snow blowers are the more heavy-duty machines, suited to snowfall of 18 inches and deeper, with a heavier, more durable design.
They blow the snow twice – a metal auger scoops the snow up, then a high-speed impeller continually throws the snow out the shoot.
This keeps the snow moving through the machine, preventing clogging. They are self-propelled, which makes it easy to get through the snow. They don’t touch the ground, so they are safe to use on almost all surfaces. - Three-stage – These are the most powerful snow blowers on the market, and are suited for areas with exceptionally heavy, regular snowfall of over 20 inches and where snow becomes compacted.
They work in three-stages where two augers scoop the snow into the unit, an accelerator chops the snow and ice up, and then it is pushed out by an impeller that launches it about 50 feet away.
Despite the slower turning of the auger, a three-stage snow blower are self-propelled and powerful enough to move snow at twice the rate of the same size two stage blower. - Power steering – If you are looking at a heavier two or three-stage snow blower, look for a model with power steering.
This saves your back and makes the job easier, allowing you to make tight turns with little effort. - Chute rotation and pitch control – These features can be manual or automatic, allowing you to direct the snow as it is thrown, usually as the wind changes or as you change direction.
If ease-of-use is your priority, look for automatic controls that make the job faster. - Plastic chutes – Chutes made of plastic are better than those made of steel, as they do not rust and cause snow to stick or jam, and don’t crack in the cold.
- Headlights – When you are working in low light of morning or early evening, headlights are a must-have feature, helping you see obstacles before you run into them and jam up your machine.
- Tires – The best tires are low profile and airless with deep treads, ensuring your blower doesn’t suffer punctures, stays stable over slippery surfaces and doesn’t slip on inclines.
Single-stage, Two Stage or Three-stage?
Source: Amazon
Generally, most suburban homes can manage just fine with a single-stage snow blower, as these can handle up to 10 inches of snow with ease.
If you have more area to clear or live in a heavier snowfall area, a two stage blower is a better choice.
Three-stage snow blowers are much more powerful and are more suited to areas where snowfall is very heavy – over 20 inches – and where you have a lot of ground to clear and compacted snow to deal with.
Gas or Electric Snow Blower?
Electric snow blowers are virtually maintenance-free, are lightweight, emit no fumes, don’t require fuel mixing or oil changes, and are very efficient.
They are a great option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint if you live in an area with moderate to light snow falls.
Corded units require no charging, but you are limited by the length of the cord, while battery units need to be regularly charged.
Gas snow blowers are the more traditional choice and are generally more powerful than electric units, handling heavy snowfall and slushy snow more easily.
However, they are noisy to operate, emit fumes while running, and require regular maintenance. They are also much heavier than electric units, which can make them more challenging to use if you aren’t particularly strong.
Choosing a Snow Blower Based on Driveway Type
One very important factor to consider when you’re looking for the best snowblower on the market is the surfaces you want to clear, as different snow blowers work on different surfaces.
- Flat concrete or asphalt – A single-stage snow blower will work well here as it makes contact with the surface, scraping it clean of snow.
- Steep slopes, gravel or dirt driveways – This is better-suited to a two or three-stage machine, as this will wear out the auger in a single-stage blower and throw gravel and dirt everywhere.
Single-stage snow blowers tend to slip on steep slopes, while a two or three-stage model will be self-propelled, making clearing snow much easier and faster.
How to Use a Snowblower?
Source: Amazon
- Before you start – Fill, charge or connect your snob blower according to its fuel type. If you have stored your snow blower with gas in it over the summer, remove this gas and replace it.
Prep your driveway by removing branches, newspapers and other objects that can damage the machine. - Plot your path – Decide where you want the snow to land before you start, so you don’t end up making your job harder.
If you want it to all be on the one side of your driveway, start at the opposite side. If you want it to be spread either side, start in the middle.
Each time you arrive at the end of the driveway and start to turn, adjust your chute 180 degrees to keep the right snow direction. - Plow piles – Snow plows leave deep piles of snow at the end of your driveway that can melt and refreeze into compact, rock-hard ice, so they need to be dealt with quickly.
To clear them, work slowly at a low speed, pushing the machine at a downwards angle so the auger can get a good grip into the snow and clearing a few feet at a time.
Snow Blower Safety Tips
- Avoid loose clothing – These can get tangled in the machine’s moving parts.
- Wear sturdy shoes – Make sure you have good traction to avoid slipping and falling.
- Wear ear protection – Ear plugs and ear muffs will keep your ears warm and protect you from hearing loss. This is especially important when using a gas powered snow blower.
- Start your snow blower outside – Not in your garage or shed.
- Watch your direction – Don’t blow snow towards people, traffic, neighboring paths or where it could damage property.
- Keep pets and children inside while working
- Keep hands and feet away from moving parts
- Switch the machine off when dealing with a clog – Use a clearing tool or stick, and make sure the blades have stopped rotating.
- Keep all shields in place.
How to Maintain Your Snow Blower
Electric snow blowers are the best snowblowers if you want a machine that is almost maintenance free! All you have to do is clean your machine, check the condition of your auger and store it somewhere dry.
For gas snow blowers, you should:
- Check the sparkplug – Replace your sparkplug if it is cracked or you find deposits on it.
- Shear pins – Shear pins can break if the auger or gear case becomes overloaded, so it’s a good idea to check these regularly to make sure everything is in working order.
- Engine maintenance – Refuel with the proper mix of fuel (if required), drain the tank fully after snow season has ended, replace oil as recommended by the manufacturer, and have it serviced once a year before snow season.
You can also use a fuel preservative to make your fuel last longer. - Storage – After cleaning your snob blower, store it in a dry space like a shed or garage, or use a high-quality tarp if it is stored outdoors.
7 Best Snowblowers for 2024
Source: Amazon
Snow Joe is a leading brand for good reason, offering great build quality and effective snow removal even on a tight budget.
This surprisingly affordable electric model is enough to convince almost anyone to make the change from gas-powered blowers.
It’s quiet, produces no emissions and has low running costs, yet delivers powerful, fast results when clearing driveways and pathways even when you’ve experienced heavy snowfall.
It’s 13.5 amp motor throws up to 650lbs of snow per minute up to 20 feet away. With it's 10-inch snow clearing depth and 18-inch clearing width make even the toughest jobs quick and easy.
It also comes with a 2-year full warranty and is ETL-approved.
Pros
- Ideal for medium sized driveways/paths and quick snow pickups
- Capable of throwing 650lbs of snow per minute
- Lightweight design at 33.3lbs.
- Ideal for heavier snowfalls on medium-sized driveways and pathways
- Can clear up to 2450 square feet per hour
- Easy-glide pivot wheels for maneuverability
- Can be used on decks as well as paving
- No maintenance needed
- Very competitively priced and good value for money
Cons
- Strong vibration can cause the electric cord to disconnect while in use
- The light can get easily covered by snow during use
- It’s a slightly larger machine with dimensions of 45 x 19 x 38 which can make storage a bit more challenging
- Can struggle with very heavy and wet snow
2. PowerSmart DB7622H Gas Snow Thrower
Source: Amazon
This is a two-stage gas snow blower with a 212cc gas engine and 10-inch serrated, all-steel augers. As a result, it’s a powerful machine that’s pretty noisy during operation.
It has a manual start which can be an issue in very cold weather, but once it’s started, it can clear 22 inches of snow with a depth of 16 inches with a throwing distance of 40 feet.
It features 4 forward and 2 reverse gears and it’s 13 inch inflatable tires offer good grip on slippery terrain. For peace of mind, it comes with a 2 year warranty
Pros
- Ideal for heavy snowfall areas
- Versatile drive system for increased maneuverability
- Tires have deep treads for traction in slippery conditions
- Easy to assemble
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- No electric start
- Heavier unit
- Loud operation
- Requires gas
- Not safe for use on decks
3. Ariens Path-Pro 21 in. Single-Stage Snow Blower-208cc
Source: Amazon
This is a single-stage gas snow blower, so it’s better suited to light to moderate snow falls. It has an electric start for easy starting in icy weather, and a 4 cycle 208 cc engine that offers power without the additional job of having to mix oil and gas.
It has a good snow clearing width of 21 inches and a throwing distance of up to 25 feet. The 8-inch semi-pneumatic tires offer good grip, while chute and deflector control are manual.
Pros
- Folding handlebars for easy storage
- No need to mix oil and gas
- Easy to start in cold weather
- Easy assembly
- Rubber auger for safe clearing of decks
Cons
- Loud operation
- Requires gas
- Struggles with very wet snow
Source: Amazon
If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a gas snow blower for your small yard, this is a great choice.
With a 13 amp electric motor, this single-stage snow blower is quiet to operate and a very budget-friendly choice.
It offers a 20-inch clearing path and 10-inch clearing depth with a throwing distance of 20 feet. This machine also has some great features including an adjustable 180 degree directional chute and LED headlights. It comes with a 4-year warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Eco friendly alternative to gas models
- Motor is maintenance free
- Very affordable price
- Safe for use on decks
- Ideal for small yards
- Excellent handling
Cons
- May struggle with compacted snow and slippery conditions as well as steep inclines
- Only works on 120 volts
- Not as powerful as gas motors
- Not recommended for heavy duty/large jobs
- Need to use an extension cord (no battery)
Source: Amazon
This two-stage gas snow blower has a powerful 208cc engine and a convenient electric start for icy conditions, and the 4 cycle engine means there’s no need to mix oil and gas.
With 12-inch steel augers, it can cut easily into heavy and compacted snow, although it should not be used to clear decking.
It’s 15-inch tires with over-sized X-trac heavy-duty tread and gear box offering 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed makes working in slippery conditions or on steeper inclines fairly easy.
This snow blower has a 24-inch clearing path and 14-16-inch clearing depth, capable of throwing snow 30 feet. It features LED headlights for low light work and comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 5-year engine warranty.
Pros
- Remote Chute Deflector/Remote Chute Rotator
- Ideal for use in wet, heavy snow as well as compacted snow
- Compact design
- Safe for use on lawn, gravel or paved surfaces
- Power steering
- Highly maneuverable
- Heated handlebars for comfort
- Effective chute controls
- Ideal for suburban use in fairly high-snowfall areas
Cons
- Not safe for clearing decks
- Not ideal for very wet snow
- Only one reverse gear
Source: Amazon
If you’re looking for a fairly powerful battery-powered electric snow blower, this machine has a lot to offer.
It has a 40 volt battery-powered brushless electric motor and is priced to be very budget-friendly, helping to save money as well as the environment.
It has an 18-inch clearing width and 12-inch clearing depth, with a 30-foot throwing distance. This is a low maintenance, cordless unit that offers great efficiency, running for approximately 20-15 minutes per charge.
It is best suited to dry, powdery snow, is durably built, weighs just 35lbs, has LED headlights and offers an ergonomic design for comfort. It also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Capable of throwing 500lbs of snow per minute
- Battery and charger included
- Easy chute adjustment with a 180-degree angle
- Inexpensive
- No maintenance required
- Eco friendly alternative to gas motors
- Quiet operation
- Ergonomic design and lightweight at just 35lbs.
Cons
- Charging process is slow and less convenient than corded or gas models
- Wheels are a bit small for cutting through snow effectively
- Not suited to heavy or wet snow
- Battery can come loose on occasion
Source: Amazon
This is a no-frills single-stage gas snow blower with a powerful 208 cc engine that will convince you that single-stage blowers have what it takes.
Although this snow blower is light on the bells and whistles, it does offer some great essentials like an electric start for cold weather. It also have oversized controls to make operating the blower easy when you’re wearing thick gloves.
It is compact and light enough at 93lbs for almost anyone to use, and the 950 Snow Series engine is very fuel-efficient as well as powerful.
The 10-inch auger is made of heavy-duty plastic rather than steel to keep it on budget, but it’s durably made.
With this machine, you get a great 22-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch clearing depth, with a throwing distance of 25-30 feet. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ideal for medium to light snowfall
- No need to mix oil and gas
- Fairly quiet for a gas motor
- Fairly lightweight for a gas motor at 93lbs
Cons
- Limited features
- Made overseas, so parts may be limited
- Auger is plastic, not steel
- Not recommended for use on gravel
- May struggle in very heavy and compacted snow
- No remote chute controls
The Best Snowblower Will Help Make Winter Frustration-Free!
A snow blower is a must-have item for any home where snowfall is a regular winter occurrence, helping to save your back and make a frustrating task easy and quick.
If you have light to moderate snowfall, a single-stage or two-stage snowblower will easily handle the job, while three-stage blowers are ideal for very heavy work.
If you are eco-conscious, then a powerful electric snowblower will get the job done nice and quietly, but if you need a lot of power, a gas snow blower will be a better choice.
Remember to stick to the safety tips and look for the best snowblower on the market if you want great results for many winters to come!