Have you had enough of not being able to shovel out your car, or just don’t want to go through the strain and hassle of shoveling anymore? Want to know how to find the best snow blower?
Then you’ve come to the right place to help you find the best snow blower or snow thrower that’s ideal for you.
Everyone is predicting that 2018 and the years to come will make what we experienced in 2014 the continuation of a long trend of hard winters.
We’ve gathered the best snowblower reviews here to help you get prepared for what promises to be another cold and snowy winter.
Snow Thrower vs Snow Blower
If you read the reviews and ads there can be a little confusion about whether you should be looking for a snow blower or a snow thrower. They are technically the same, but units that are described as snow throwers tend to have more power and throw the snow in a single-stage movement.
On the other hand, snow blowers follow a two-stage snow removal technique. The snow is scooped up in the first stage and then blown in the second stage. It is called a snow blower because it practically blows the snow away.
Many of the gas-powered two-stage snow blowers may be referred to as a snow throwers, but sometimes the lighter-duty electric models also earn the right to call themselves a thrower too.
That is why it is essential you read both the reviews and the guide to picking a snow blower carefully. They will really tell you which model will fit your needs. There are the consumer, prosumer, and professional models.
Going by price alone won’t get you the best snow removal unit for your needs; you need to learn the features and types you should be looking for in a snow thrower.
Know the Types of Snow Blower
There are three main types of snow blowers, the single stage snow blower, two-stage snow blower, and three stage. Single-stage blowers have the auger start upon keying the start for the machine.
A two-stage snow blower has an electric start that can engage a drive and a separate start that engages the auger. The auger is a mechanical turning device that churns the snow up so the blower can push it through the chute.
Depending on the width you need to make clearing snow an efficient job and the weight or depth of the snow, each of these types has its special purpose.
Single Stage – Electric
These clear about an 11-inch swath of light snow. They are ideal for small walkways that are paved and decks. They are not ideal for areas of the country that receive more than 8 inches of snow per year.
The best way to use a single stage snow blower is during a snow storm so that there is not a heavy layer f snow to move. They come in two styles:
- Cordless
- Corded
Electric snow throwers are quieter than gas blowers and kinder to the environment. They do not have powered drives so the brunt of pushing the blower is left on you.
Two Stage – Gas
As mentioned before these types of snow blowers have two stages of operation. The first engages the drive and the second engages the auger. Being gas driven, they can be noisy.
They also can run longer than electric snow blowers and clear up to an 18-inch swath on most prosumer models or 48 inches on professional models.
Two stage snow blowers work to break up snow to turn it into a lighter mix that is easily thrown through the chute.
Three stage – gas
When you get into the three-stage snow thrower models the emphasis is on being able to clear deep snow efficiently over large spaces. Three stages let you break through the ice and wet snow that can accumulate in driveways and parking lots.
Many of these models are designed as attachments for tractors, snow plows and trucks. There are professional models and prosumer models too. If you get very deep and heavy snow or have to clear a large area – these are the models that will work best for you.
Best Snow Blower and Snow Thrower List
With a variety of snowblower models available on today market, it’s not easy to find the best snow thrower for you. You can use our snowblower comparison chart to quickly identify the models you should be considering.
Then you can read our snow blower reviews, buying guide, and all the other information we have brought together to help you buy the best snow blower/thrower.
Best Snow Blower Reviews
What is the best snowblower on the market? That depends on what type of snow blower you are looking for and what type of snow thrower it is. There are gas and electric ones to choose from, as well as single and dual stage blowers too.
To start to make it all easier to understand, we are going to start by listing the best snow blowers of the year. Then we will narrow it down more and teach you how to find the snow thrower that will be best for you.
How To Buy The Best Snow Blowers For Home Use
There are a lot of things to consider when you are selecting a snow blower. This brief guide will put you firmly on track to selecting the best snow blower for you. These are all points that cover the features you should consider and why you may need them or could do without them.
Know The Amount Of Snow And Terrain You Expect
There are two parts to this question, the first is how much snowfall you average per year. If it is less than 8 inches then considering a single-stage or electric snow thrower is a good idea.
Anything over that and you need a gas-driven blower. Also, an electric snow thrower is best for paved or smooth surfaces, such as a walkway or deck. If you are working on a gravel drive then you definitely want the power of a gas snow blower.
Decide The Price Range
This is important. Buying the best snowblower may not mean getting the most expensive one, but you do need to really know how much you can spend and how much you will have each year to perform maintenance and any repairs.
Here is another hint for figuring out the price range, make sure you know what is covered by the warranty and what the prices are for replacement parts and service before you invest in a snowblower so you don’t get one that is too expensive to maintain.
How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?
Maintenance is key to extending the life of your snowblower. Most come with minimum maintenance requirements but there will be extra steps involved with electric and 2 stroke gas snow throwers.
Make sure you understand what it will take to clean the auger as well and make sure all the maintenance is something you feel comfortable with your ability to keep up or you could invest in a snow blower that will have a surprisingly short lifespan with you.
Must-Have Features
There are certain must-have features for any snow blower you buy. It must have a dead man’s switch. This may not be an actual separate switch but it will allow the machine to shut down automatically if both levers are released.
This is a safety feature that you cannot afford not to have. Also, make sure you have an idle feature is recommended, this will reduce wasted fuel as it will let you keep the snow thrower running while you clear whatever is on the way out of the way.
Optional Features
There are a lot of other features available on snow blowers, some of which you may want to consider. Lights are a big feature, there are small lighting systems and large ones.
If you live in an area that gets heavy storms and winds, having halogen lights is essential. You also want to think through whether you need detachable chutes as well. That can make it easier to take care of the whole machine and to store it.
Where Will You Store It?
Storing it is something you need to think through carefully. Electric snow throwers are small and compact, you can tuck them in a basement or shed. Gas-powered two-stage snow blowers are much larger.
Many of the handle designs with these are stationary so the blower is longer than it is wide. Make sure you can store and protect your snow blower or it could get harmed by the elements too.
Motor-Driven 0r Push
With both the single and two-stage snow thrower types you can have the option of a motor drive or push drive. The less expensive models will be push driven and depend on your effort to move along.
The larger models will have a drive that will power the blower along with you only having to steer it and control the chute.
Wheels 0r Tracks
Snow blowers can come with wheels or with snow tracks. The tracks can be similar to a scaled down tank track or they can be more like a snowmobile set up. Wheels are good if you are working on paved surfaces while track types are good for gravel bases and deep snow.
2-Stroke 0r 4-Stroke
With the gas models, there is a choice between a 2 or 4 stroke engine. With the 2 stroke engine, you can get more running time from a single tank of gas, but the gas must be pre-mixed with a special kind of oil.
They also have a higher exhaust rate and may not be ideal for some communities. The 4 stroke engines use regular gas and have less exhaust output.
Single Or Dual Hand Controllers
More snow blowers are made with the single-hand style controller, but a dual hand is still available. With the single hand model, you can engage and control the auger and drive with one hand while using the other to control the chute.
Dual hand drivers are better for fixed chutes and allow for greater control over the machine itself. They are most helpful if the terrain that has to be cleared is uneven or has features that require greater maneuverability.
Front Or Side Snow Thrower
The two basic snow blower chute placements are front and side. Some of the more expensive models allow for a fully adjustable snow thrower placement in a 180-degree range.
Front blowers keep moving the snow in front of you, as the snow is thrown it gets lighter and easier to move.
This is good if you have a specific snow storage site you are aiming towards. Side snow throwers are more common in urban areas as the main storage sites are generally along the sides of sidewalks and driveways.
Top 3 Electric Snow Blowers
The top three electric snow blowers are designed to meet the needs of the average homeowner – so they are all capable of clearing driveways, sidewalks and decks with ease. Some provide a little more power for larger areas too.
1. GreenWorks 26032 12 Amp 20″ Corded Snow Thrower
This is one of the most popular and highly rated electric snow blowers. It comes from GreenWorks, which develops prosumer and consumer yard machines that are environmentally friendly.
This snow thrower can clear to a depth of 10 inches and has an unusually wide 20-inch swathe which makes it ideal for driveways and decks.
There are several details and features that are worked into this unit that has proven to be a hit with buyers.
The number one feature that customers identify as being the top-selling point of this electric snow blower is the cord lock feature.
This is a locking mechanism that allows you to secure the extension cord you are using so it doesn’t get in the way. The 6-inch wheels provide more than enough traction and control to get you over snow and ice easily.
Customers also rated this unit high for portability and ease of use. The ergonomic handles collapse down to make the unit small enough to fit wherever you have space.
The 20 amp power and integrated headlight make this a small powerhouse to take care of all your winter needs.
2. Toro 38381 18-Inch 15 Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Blower
Toro is one of the most respected brands in yard maintenance for homes. Their line of snow throwers was the first to let the average homeowner use this technology. Now, they continue to offer top-of-the-line equipment that is customized for home use.
This is their 18-inch electric snow blower. It cuts a wider swatch then you would expect from your average electric snow blower, that’s because it is powered by Toro and can move up to 700 lbs. of snow per minute.
That is more than enough to handle even a heavy storm. Designed with the homeowner in mind it also features a full bar dead man switch and ergonomic controls plus a folding handle frame that makes storage easy.
Customers that have purchased the Toro have reported that it is easy to start and run under any weather. The unit cord is long enough that the join to the extension cord is kept out of the way, but upon the handle so it won’t get caught on the ground.
The single bar action controller also scores high, as do the start controls and chute controls that are designed with wide grips to accommodate gloved hands too.
With a lifetime warranty and the Toro name behind it, this electric snow blower won’t leave you disappointed.
3. Snow Joe SJ621 18-Inch 13.5-Amp Electric Snow Thrower With Headlight
The Snow Joe makes the list because it provides a lot of power in a small package while still retaining a purely electric operation. It has a 13.5 amp motor that can push through 650 pounds of snow a minute, which means it works well with heavy and deep snow too.
It spans 18 inches and can clear 10-inch deep strokes. The auger blade is rubber-tipped so you can even use it on snow-covered lawns without worry.
Customers have uniformly loved the reliability, durability, and price of the Snow Joe. If you don’t need the all-out power of a gas snow blower then this is a good option.
Add to that it has a folding handle and storing it during summer is easy too. One other point that buyers make in their reviews is that learning how to manage the cord while this unit is in use is easy.
The plug angle prevents it from ever getting in the way so you can go wherever your cord length lets you. The headlight also scores points for providing just the right type of illumination for night blowing as well.
The Best GAS Snow Throwers
The top gas snow throwers offer you the power to take 2 and 3 stage snow removal to its maximum efficiency no matter what winter throws your way.
The best of the year offers everything from multiple stages to electric starts and hand-warming grips. One of the best examples of the gas snow blowers on the market today is listed below:
Power Smart DB7103-24 Two Stage Snow Thrower (208cc LCT Snow Engine), 24-Inch Wide
This is one of the gas-powered two-stage snow throwers that tops every review list. There is a lot of power in this kit and its wide 24-inch clearing swathe makes it ideal for driveways and sidewalks.
Better still, it comes with a full electric start that has a reputation for reliability. The 208cc engine is a 4-stroke engine that works well in any temperature and is highly fuel-efficient.
The ergonomic grips and controls make driving this blower easy. It has a power auger and separate drive train so you can also move it well over surfaces that don’t need to be cleared.
What customers have loved about the Power Smart are the details that have been worked into it.
While the fully adjustable control bar and handle rack make it comfortable for anyone to use, the added detail of the heated grips makes this snow blower an absolute pleasure to use – even in the middle of a blizzard.
It comes with instructions that make it easy to complete assembly and to break in the engine. One point that got a lot of comments is that storage coverage is required.
This isn’t a model you can tuck away in a corner of the garage, it needs its own space. If this is the right snow thrower for you, it is worth it to make sure it can be safely tucked out of the weather before ordering it.
Are you interested to know more about Electric vs Gas Snow Blower ?
Let The Best Snow Blower Reviews Guide You
Finding the best snow blower or snow thrower means more than just getting a good deal. Different models are better suited for different terrain types and snow amounts.
The key to finding the one that will work best for you is to make a list of must-have features and functions. Think of everything from the fuel type to whether or not you need a powered driver to move the snowblower along.
If you can, try out the snow throwers your friends have and talk to people you see using them. Then, consult the reviews and narrow down your options until you find the best snow blower for you.
To get the best price make sure you are looking at all the major retail stores online and in brick and mortar locations.
The specials run on snow blowers can help you save money. Amazon.com,Walmart, and Best Buy all offer top discounts and promotions, plus they have excellent customer support too.
