Clearing widths, fuel types, and spinning augers are all considerations you’ll need to think about when buying a snow blower. And what you’re looking for will depend on the size of your driveway, electrical outlets, and how much power you want. So how do you decide? You can start by checking out our top ten snow blowers.
Ariens Deluxe 28 – $999.99
For very large driveways that see a lot of snow in the winter months, the Ariens Deluxe is one of the most powerful on the market. Because it’s two stages, it uses a fan or rotator to suck the snow through the discharge chute, and it’s also got a large clearing path of 28 inches with a 21-inch cut depth. Because of the enormous amounts of power it has, it is very loud and so you may want to wear ear protection while using it. The only place it’s missing power is in the power steering, but with one touch of a button you can unlock the wheels and easily maneuver through any snow. When moving forward you’ll be able to choose from six speeds, and when in reverse, you’ll have two to choose from. It also has an auger of 14 inches and serrated steel which will cut up the snow and ice in the front so it can be moved to the discharge chute. It does come at a very high price point, but that makes it ideal for sharing with family or neighbors. It’s definitely powerful enough to do multiple jobs!
Greenworks 26032 – $189.99
Because the Greenworks 26032 is an electric snow blower (as opposed to gas,) it’s very lightweight and easy to move around. In fact, it weighs only 37 pounds. With that though, you’ll get a 12-amp motor that cuts to a depth of 10 inches and clears areas up to 20 inches wide. The chute is adjustable so you can direct where the snow goes after being picked up, and that discharge will throw the snow up to 20 feet away. Turning it on is as easy as pressing a switch, and while you won’t have to continually refill a tank or perform seasonal maintenance, you will have to make sure you’re close to an electrical outlet. The cable stores within reach, being set within the handlebar, and you can adjust the height and length of that handle to make the task more comfortable for you. For those that just need a small clearing without a whole ton of power, this is a reasonably priced machine that will get the job done.
Husqvarna 1827EXLT – $2,488.60
This snow blower simply comes with all the power and all the bells and whistles you could ever need on even the longest driveway. The 18 gross torque SnowKing engine equipped with a two-stage design will be enough to power the cutting depth of 23 inches and a clearing path of 27 inches. Perhaps the most unique thing about this snow blower is that in place of wheels, it uses a trac drive that allows for easier maneuvering through large snow piles. And it’s that traction system that also helps reduce vibration, so you don’t need to actually feel the power in your hand. To also help you move, it’s equipped with power steering that can be controlled with just a trigger switch. The need for an extension cord means that you’ll never be surprised by dead batteries, or an empty fuel tank; but it might not be convenient for those who can’t always reach an outlet. And if you hadn’t noticed, it is extremely pricey.
Murray 1695537 – $386.56
If it’s a gas snow blower you’re looking for, you might like the convenience and price point of this Murray 1695537. Keep in mind that you’ll need to put both oil and gas in it before starting it up, but other than extending the handle, that’s all you’ll have to do straight out of the box. It works on a four-cycle Briggs & Stratton engine, and only clears up to 6 inches of snow (industry standard is 10.) That lack of power means you may have to clean an area several times before it’s actually clear of snow. The starter cable also takes two to three tries before it kicks in. However that being said, it will do the job you need without breaking your back, and its lack of power also equates into a lack of weight that you’ll need to push around. And in addition to that, it also comes at a great price.
Snow Joe SJ620 – $110.00
When you want a lot of power at a great price, the Snow Joe SJ620 will get the job done. Equipped with a 13.5-amp electric motor that has power control at a flick of a switch, this blower will remove up to 650 pounds of snow per minute. It clears 18 inches of space at a time with a cutting depth of 10 feet and a discharge distance of 20 feet. The single-stage feature means that you should try to clear the snow soon after it has fallen, as hard and compact snow can easily become clogged in the chute. That need for good timing though isn’t a huge compromise when you’re looking at such a great price.
Snow Joe Ultra 622U1 – $160.59
A step up from their SJ620, the Snow Joe Ultra can remove up to 800 pounds of snow per minute, clear a space of 19 inches, and cut down to 11 inches. The capable auger also means that you don’t need to get snow right after it’s fallen, but that it can help break apart the hard and compact stuff too. It’s a bit larger than other machines but that’s necessary so it can remove that much snow; and it’s weight is also needed as that pushes down on the auger, helping to break up the snow. It also comes with a two-year warranty, so you’ll be protected for at least a couple of winters.
Toro 1500 – $199.00
This electrical blower uses an interlock key to start along with a squeeze of the handlebar. This may be inconvenient to some, but it’s a safety feature to keep the blower from starting up when you’re not ready to use it. The key is built in, so you never have to worry about it; and the electrical component keeps this model light and easy to maneuver. However, you’ll still need to plug it in and that cord can get in your way when you’re only focused on removing snow. In fact it weighs only 25 pounds, and will still discharge snow up to 25 feet. It will cut snow to a depth of a foot, and the clearing path is an impressive 15 inches. It can handle anything from slush to hard snow, with little problems of clogged chutes. The chute is fully adjustable, however the horizontal readjustment needs only a pull to the left or right of the handle, while vertical readjustment might require a look at the manual. It takes about as much assembly as a lawnmower, which can be an irritant to some users, but it’s got a lot of power for a low price.
Toro Power Curve 1800 – $299.00
If you’re more concerned with a snow blower that is easy to use rather than one that packs a real power punch, the Toro 1800 might be the one for you. The cutting depth can be as much as 12 inches, but you may want to lower it to prevent snow and ice from getting clogged in the chute. It will still clear a path of 18 inches with ease, and at just 25 pounds, is easy to move and get around corners. Because it’s very quiet, you also won’t need additional protection. It is electric, which means you’ll still have to plug it in, but it comes with a 150-foot extension cable to help you do so. For those who have smaller driveways and prefer ease of use over power, this is a great choice in snow blowers.
Toro Power Clear 621 QZE – $724.00
The Toro Power Clear is another electric snow blower, but its immense power sets it apart from the other Toros on our list. Using a four-cycle 163cc OHV engine, it will discharge snow to a distance of 35 feet. It also gives you a very large clearing path so the job only needs to be done once, and it will cut right down to the ground, leaving with you a clean driveway the first time. The chute is fully adjustable and unlike other blowers, that chute is easily controlled via a joystick — not manual labor. It also works very well on snow that has been sitting for days, as well as snow that just fell. But while at this price point you might expect things such as a heated handlebar, a headlight, and operation that can be done with just one hand, these features are missing from this model.
WORX WG650 – $162.00
This snow blower might be smaller than many others on the market, but it has a pretty remarkable cleaning capacity among any snow blowers, not just smaller models. The discharge shoot will throw the snow up to 30 feet, has a clearing path of 18 inches, and can cut down to 9 inches. All of these features will make for easier work and ensure you’ll only have to do one sweep of the driveway in the freezing cold. The chute can rotate up to 180 degrees, but you must turn the device off before you can adjust it. This is a single-stage blower, which means you’ll have to use two hands when operating; and also means that when trying to clear hard snow or large piles, it may get stuck in the chute. It’s compact and lightweight, yet still has a powerful 13-amp engine.
