The 7 Best Snow Blowers, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Ariens Classic 24 Gas Snow Blower due to its ability to effectively clear moderate to heavy snow, including wet snow. It also comes with several advanced features, which we found especially impressive given that it’s priced well below the median price of those we tested. For a less-expensive pick that’s good for lighter, infrequent snowfall, go for the EGO Power+ Snow Blower.

Our Testing Process

We acquired 13 snow blowers and tested them in our own yards over two months. To begin, we timed how long it took to assemble each snow blower according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Following each snowfall, we used the snow blowers to clear snow from a designated area, noting the amount of time it took to clear the area, whether any layers of snow were left behind, and whether there were any safety features. 

For gas-powered snow blowers, we took note of how many hours we were able to get out of the tank before needing to refill; for battery-powered snow blowers, we recorded how many hours we were able to get out of a single charge; and for electric corded snow blowers, we considered whether the length of the cord allowed us to reach all the areas we needed to clear. Finally, we stored each snow blower according to the manufacturer's instructions, noting how much space it took up and whether it came with storage for accessories. 

Throughout our testing, we scored each snow blower based on its design, performance, ease of use, safety, and value. We continued testing these snow blowers throughout the winter to evaluate their long-term performance.

How to Shop for Snow Blowers Like a Pro

Power Type

• Gas: This is the most common and durable type of snow blower. Gas snow blowers have the power to clear heavy snow accumulation, including wet snow. Most models also feature an electric start button, so you don’t have to worry about using a pull-start. However, they require more general maintenance than electric snow blowers; gas snow blowers not only require gasoline, but also the occasional oil change, filter change, and spark plug replacement. Plus, they’re louder than electric models.
• Electric (Corded): These snow blowers plug into an outlet, and thus don’t require gasoline, oil changes, filter changes, or spark plug replacements. They also tend to be lightweight and more compact than gas models. And because they don’t emit pollutants like gas, electric snow blowers are the more environmentally friendly option. While new electric models are becoming more and more powerful, they still don’t have the power of gas snow blowers, making them better suited for lighter snowfalls.
• Battery: Cordless, battery-powered snow blowers save you the frustration of struggling with a cord that isn’t long enough or that keeps tripping you up. These models are typically the easiest to maneuver, but the trade-off is they have a limited runtime, usually around 30 minutes. And like corded models, they don’t have the same power as gas-powered snow blowers (although the EGO Power+ Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower gets close).

Single-Stage vs Two-Stage 

Most snow blowers fall into one of two categories: single-stage or two-stage. A single-stage snow blower, sometimes called a snow thrower, has one auger that takes in snow and tosses it out. These are best for people who only experience light snowfall (less than 8 inches). 

Single-stage snow blowers are also not suitable for gravel and dirt surfaces, because their paddles make contact with the surface, which can send rocks and dirt flying, while a two-stage machine is slightly elevated. We only included one single-stage snow blower on our list, the EGO Power+ Snow Blower. Two-stage snow blowers have an auger for pulling snow in and an impeller for throwing snow out. These models are the better option for people who experience heavier snowfall, as they can handle up to 24 inches of snow intake.

Size and Weight

Gas snow blowers are the heaviest, a trade-off of their powerful engines, and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300+ pounds. They are followed by battery-powered snow blowers, which tend to be heavier than electric ones due to the weight of their batteries. Finally, corded electric snow blowers are the lightest at around 30 to 65 pounds. Fortunately, a self-propelled transmission can make even the heaviest snow blowers easier to maneuver.

Clearing Width and Depth

Consider the amount of snowfall you typically experience and the size of the area you need to clear when purchasing a snow blower. Most single-stage snow blowers can clear a path anywhere from 12 to 22 inches wide and snowfall no more than 13 inches deep. They’ll often require multiple passes to get the job done and are better suited for clearing small areas. 

But if you have a wide sidewalk or driveway, or if you regularly experience heavy snowfall, then a two-stage snow blower is going to offer you anywhere from 20 to 38 inches of clearing width and 18 to 30 inches of intake height, making the job faster and easier. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower is our best pick for large areas because it has a clearing width of 28 inches and an intake height of 21 inches, the most of any on our list. 

Standout Features 

There are several “extras” that can distinguish a great snow blower from just a good one. Here are a few to keep in mind as you shop:

• Self-Propelling: Most two-stage snow blowers have a self-propelled transmission that saves you from pushing a 200+ pound snow blower up a steep driveway. These typically offer speed controls that allow you to modify how quickly the wheels turn by adjusting a lever near the handgrips. Some even offer variable speeds in reverse. 
• One-Hand Operation: This feature allows you to operate both the steering wheel and the auger using one hand, which frees up the other to adjust the chute. 
• Headlights: If you’re clearing snow while it’s still dark out, a snow blower with headlights will help illuminate the path as you work and alert cars to your presence. 
• Heated Handles: Even with gloves on, heated handles can make the process of snow blowing much more comfortable on bitter cold days. 
• Automatic Shutoff: For peace of mind, look for a snow blower that automatically shuts off when you let go of the handles, preventing it from continuing without you and losing control.

Warranty 

Snow blowers can set you back well over $1,000, so it’s important to look at the warranty information before purchasing. You’ll find that snow blower warranties typically range from two to five years, which may cover repairs or replacements for any parts or products that aren’t working. Many manufacturers offer the option to extend your warranty coverage for an additional fee, too.

More Snow Blowers to Consider

Troy-Bilt Storm 2420 Snow Blower: This self-propelled snow blower offers six forward speeds and two reverse speeds, and its powerful technology ensures effective clearing with limited snow blowback hitting the user. Just keep in mind that the 24-inch clearing width makes this pick better suited for heavy-duty tasks, so it may not be as ideal for smaller areas. 

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you spend on a snow blower? 

A quality gas snow blower will cost you anywhere from $800 to upwards of $2,000, while corded electric and battery-powered ones usually fall from $200 to upwards of $1,000. How much you choose to spend should depend on the amount of snowfall you experience and the features you’re willing to invest extra money in, such as variable speed, easy-to-use controls, power steering, and more.

The snow blowers we tested—which include gas, battery-powered, and corded electric—range in price from $250 to $2,400, with a median of $1,549. Our top pick, the Ariens Classic 24 Gas Snow Blower, is well under this. 

When is the best time to buy a snow blower? 

As with any seasonal item, snow blowers are often marked down during the off-season. While you can score a good deal on a snow blower in the spring, the selection is typically very limited the following winter. That said, it’s best to purchase snow blowers as early as summer and into fall. Be sure to look out for deals on Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

How do you prepare a snow blower for storage? 

To extend the lifespan of your snow blower, it’s essential to prep it for storage during the off-season, especially for gas-powered blowers: “Gas left in the tank and engine will oxidize and will gum up the engine,” says Holmes. Ariens suggests the following steps:

1. Drain the fuel tank and change the engine oil (for gas snow blowers). Holmes also suggests running the blower until it stops after draining to burn the remaining gas. 
2. Wipe down the exterior with mild soap and a wet cloth. Thoroughly dry it afterward to prevent it from rusting.
3. Inspect for worn or damaged parts such as belts, friction disks, and hardware, and replace them before the first snowfall.
4. Grease any moving parts prone to corrosion, such as the axle shafts, the augers, and the tractor components. Always refer to the manufacturer’s lubrication guidelines.
5. Use a snow blower cover to prevent dirt and dust from collecting during storage.

How many years should a snow blower last? 

Choosing a snow blower requires careful thought, not only due to the cost but also because a quality snow blower can provide decades of use. Most high-quality snow blowers will last a minimum of 10 years, while top-of-the-line, two-stage snow blowers can give you 20+ years of use when properly cared for. “My father-in-law’s two-stage snow blower is 45 years old and runs today as if it was new out of the box,” says Holmes.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 13 snow blowers in our yards and evaluated them based on their design, performance, ease of use, safety, and value. We also consulted David Holmes, service training manager at The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

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