The glistening of snow on the ground is one of our favorite parts of winter. Watching the snow fall while enjoying a toasty cup of hot cocoa has become a family tradition in our home that we all look forward to each year.
The downside of a gorgeous snowy afternoon is the inevitable cleaning up of the excess snow. If you have ever shoveled snow after a big storm, you understand what back-breaking work it can be.
Purchasing a new electric snow blower will allow you to clean up driveways and walkways faster and with much less effort.
Finding the best snow blower for your needs may seem like a frustrating task. As a result, we have compiled reviews of our favorite gas and electric powered snow blowers and created a helpful guide to demystify the process.
BEST CHOICE
Troy-Bilt Squall XP 208cc
Best Electric Snow Blower in Our Rating
- Powerful gasoline engine
- Withstands huge amounts of snow
- Comfortable grip for a better grip
- Interchangeable wheels to choose from
Selecting the Best Electric Snow Blowers
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1. Troy-Bilt Squall XP 208cc Electric Start 21-Inch Single Stage Gas Snow Thrower : Terrific Gas Powered Option
The Troy-Bilt Squall XP 208cc Electric Start 21-Inch Single Stage Gas Snow Thrower provides a simpler solution to heavy snowfalls. The Squall XP easily clears up to a 21-inch wide path that is around 13 inches deep in a single pass.
This is a one-stage electric snow blower and features a potent gasoline-powered engine to help you power through the heaviest, wettest snow with ease.
The Troy-Bilt Squall XP tackles anything that the winter months throw at you with 8-inch by 2-inch wheels that are a breeze to push. Our testing team was blown away by the sheer power of this model.
The Squall XP had no problems tackling 10 inches of deep snow and started up with the first pull each and every time.
DOCUMENTATION
Troy-Bilt Squall 208cc
Product Manual
- Powerful and durable
- Easy to start
- Gas powered option
- Simple to learn to use and maintain
- May have a harder time using in extremely deep snow
2. Ariens Deluxe 28 921030 : Easiest to Turn and Manuever
The Ariens Deluxe 28 921030 is a two-stage snow blower powered by electricity. It is a walk behind unit that is self-propelling, making a hit among our testing team members.
This snow blower has six separate speed settings while moving forward and an additional two speeds for use while in reverse, something pretty unusual but amazing nonetheless.
The Ariens Deluxe’s special reverse features will make snow removal far easier.
You can cut larger and wider paths while protecting your back. This model is also much easier to turn and manage when compared to other snow blowers.
DOCUMENTATION
- Self-propelling and electric powered
- The chute is operated by remote control
- Durable and reliable
- Easy to use forward and backward
- Will require the use of a 13mm wrench to assemble so be sure to purchase one if you don’t have one already
3. Briggs & Stratton 27 Inch Dual Stage Snow Blower : Best for Areas with Extremely Cold Winter Weather
Briggs & Stratton understand that snow removal is a tough job and kept this fact in mind when creating their 27 Inch Dual Stage Snow Blower. The 1150 Snow Series Engine is specifically crafted to start up strongly and power through the worst winter weather conditions. A push button electric start helps this snow blower fire up fast even in weather that is up to 20 degrees below zero.
The Briggs & Stratton 27 Inch Dual Stage Snow Blower was a favorite among our testing team members thanks also to its dual trigger steering which will release either your right or left wheel.
This feature will come in very handy when clearing tight turns or detailing through a tight path.
You can even operate this blower with one hand, leaving your other hand free to rotate the blower’s chute or make a speed adjustment.
DOCUMENTATION
Briggs & Stratton 27
Product Manual
- Starts at the push of a button
- Works in up to 20 degrees below zero weather
- Heated handgrips
- Sturdy, durable, and powerful option
- Expensive but is a terrific investment for areas with adverse winter weather conditions
4. EGO Power+ 21 Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Dual Port Snow Blower : Best Lighter Weight Option
The EGO Power+ 21 Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Dual Port Snow Blower may be lighter weight than gas-powered options, but it most assuredly packs a huge punch. This snow blower clocks in at around 40 pounds making it easy to push and maneuver.
It also has a handle that folds up quickly for easy storage or to transport to another friend’s home to lend a hand clearing snow after a big storm.
This offering from EGO was well-loved by our testing team thanks to its ability to quickly clear even extremely wet, slushy snow.
Since the snow blower runs on a lithium-ion battery, it won’t stand up to extreme winter, but it is perfectly suited to areas with lighter snowfall. This option was also a hit thanks to its ease of use for individuals with mobility issues on our testing team making it a smart choice for bad backs.
- Excellent electric rechargeable battery option
- Folding handle for ease of storage and transport
- Very lightweight and easy to use for those with mobility concerns
- Extremely easy to push and use compared to other models
- The rubber blade will need to be replaced at some point but it’s an easy and inexpensive switch
5. Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart DB7651BS-24 : Best Gasoline Powered Snow Blower
The Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart DB7651BS-24 features a powerful 208cc engine. This heavy-duty snow blower offers a clearing width of 24 inches and a depth of up to 21 inches.
This offering from Briggs & Stratton throws the snow 40 inches away, sending it safely out of your way.
The Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart DB7651BS-24 is our testing team’s top pick for gasoline powered snow blowers.
This model is guaranteed to start at temperatures of up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. For areas that receive an exponential amount of snow, this beast of a snow blower will not let you down and will clear snow in just minutes.
- Heavy-duty gas-powered blower
- Starts even in freezing temperatures
- Extremely easy to unpack and assemble
- Amazing performance
- Can be a tad bit difficult to push for individuals with mobility concerns
6. Troy-Bilt Squall 179cc : Most Durable Electric Start Gas-Powered Snow Blower
The Troy-Bilt Squall 179cc features a 4-cycle electric start OHV gas engine. This electric start snow blower is extremely powerful offering both high performance and durability. A manual pitch control allows you to adjust the snow discharge’s direction up to an astounding 180 degrees.
The Troy-Bilt Squall 179cc received rave reviews from our testing team due to its reliability.
The snow blower fires up quickly, even in below freezing temperatures.
It is easy to use and creates a clearance of up to 21 inches in width and 13 inches in depth, leaving you with safer, clearer walkways.
- Extremely sturdy and durable
- Clears paths up to 21 inches by 13 inches
- Reliable starter
- Fun to use
- Snow tends to accumulate around the wheels during use, so you may need to check and clean them periodically during use
7. Briggs & Stratton 1222EE Single-Stage Snowthrower : Most Powerful
If you live in an area with lots of snow and have been looking for an exceptionally powerful snow blower, your search is over. The Briggs & Stratton 1222EE Single-Stage Snowthrower has been crafted with a Briggs & Stratton 1150 Snow Series 250cc Engine. As a result, it is one of the most powerful snow blowers we have ever tried.
The Brigs & Stratton Snowthrower tackles the deepest, wettest, and heaviest snow that Mother Nature has to offer with ease.
A push button electric start that works well into below freezing temps made this offering from Briggs & Stratton a definite favorite among our testing team members.
The blower is as user-friendly as it is fierce thanks to oversized controls that can be operated even while wearing thick gloves or mittens, a definite plus in the harsh winter months.
- Extremely powerful and durable
- Electric push button starter
- Patented Serrated Auger SnowShredder Technology
- Very heavy-duty option
- Not as well suited to hilly or rocky areas
8. Worx WG650 : Best Budget Choice
The Worx WG650 Snow Blower relies on a 13-amp electric motor to provide power as you clean up snow from your driveway or walkway. This snow thrower features a three position, ergonomic handle to increase your comfort while reducing the risk of injury and fatigue.
The handle is also collapsible for easy storage during the warmer months.
This snow blower offering from Worx has a 180-degree rotating chute complete with over-sized handles.
Thanks to the different height settings all of our testing team members could comfortably use this machine. This option has a terrific price point, making it our favorite budget snow thrower pick.
DOCUMENTATION
- Terrific price point
- Ergonomic design
- Folding handle
- Great for people of all heights
- Exterior parts might have a tendency to rust a bit, so you will need to perform routine maintenance and cleaning after use
9. Snow Joe SJ627E : Wonderful Budget Pick
The Snow Joe SJ627E has a performance level that is just as lovely as it’s price. With a 15-amp motor, you will have plenty of power as you clear paths. An all steel auger allows you to carve out up to 22-inch wide and 13-inch deep sections.
Our testing team flipped when we realized that this snow blower from Snow Joe had LED headlamps.
This particular feature is beneficial during low visibility storms or in the early morning or late evening hours.
The snow blower also has a special safety switch discretely hidden to assist in the prevention of accidents and injuries.
DOCUMENTATION
Snow Joe SJ627E
Product Manual
- Extremely easy to use
- 15-amp electric snow blower
- LED headlamps great for use at night or during blizzards
- Terrific price point
- Wider unit may not fit as well in tight spots or smaller walkways
10. GreenWorks 2600502 : Best for Areas with Lighter Snow Fall
The GreenWorks 2600502 is a wonderful option for environmentally conscious folks. The machine runs on electricity so you won’t need to worry about any harmful emissions related to gasoline.
This snow blower can clear paths up to 10 inches wide.
This offering from GreenWorks is a corded electric option. You won’t need to worry about refilling a gas tank or recharging a battery.
The blower is easy to use and extremely light when compared to similar versions. You will be tethered to a cord though, so this option is best for smaller driveways.
DOCUMENTATION
GreenWorks 2600502
Product Manual
- Corded electric option
- Easy to set up and learn to use
- Inexpensive
- Carve paths up to 10 inches wide
- No gas or recharging batteries
- Corded electric option, so you will only be able to move so far
Best Electric Snow Blowers – Buyer’s Guide
Depending on your geographic location, a snow blower might be considered a necessity as the snowy winter months approach. Finding the best snow blower for your specific needs can quickly turn into a less fun chore than actually shoveling up tons and tons of snow. The market is filled with so many different versions of snow blowers that it can be overwhelming to locate the best model.
While testing out the top electric and gas-powered snow blowers, we learned a great deal about their inner workings, special features, as well as tips and tricks to make snow removal easier and more fun. We want to pass that knowledge on to you as well. We have crafted this snow blower buyer’s guide to help you gain a better understanding of the most in-demand features and those that are less necessary. Let’s get started!
What is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower is a machine created to assist in the removal of snow from areas such as driveways, sidewalks, courtyards, and more. They are also sometimes referred to as snow throwers since the term “blower” is somewhat of a misnomer. The snow is removed thanks to the assistance of an auger or impeller to throw the snow to another area where it can be removed or allowed to melt away with the sun’s rays.
Snow blowers come in a vast array of sizes. The snow throwers may range from very small units meant to handle just a few inches of snow, to the large beasts that can power through the snowfall of the heaviest hitting blizzards. The heavier duty models can safely accommodate 18 to 20 inches of snow.
Do I Really Need to Use a Snow Blower?
Some homeowners don’t mind shoveling snow or the workout that comes with it. However, shoveling snow opens you up to many dangers from falling to pulled muscles to back pain. A snow blower is a terrific investment to add to your lawn and home care arsenal since they are much easier on you and your body. Snow throwers are easier to use and work faster than traditional snow shoveling as well making them a smart purchase for anyone.
Differences Between the Different Types of Snow Blowers
Similarly to other types of home care items, there are a few different types of snow blowers available to purchase. Each has its own good points and bad points. Let’s take a closer look at these important differences.
Single-Stage Electric Snow Blowers
A single-stage electric snow blower is best suited to assist you to remove snow from shorter, more level areas. This version is a lovely option for driveways, walkways, or decks with less than 6 inches of snow. A single-stage electric thrower is similar in shape and size to a traditional lawn mower.
Single-stage blowers are lighter and quieter than their larger counterparts. This model is also easier to use making it an excellent option for those folks new to using a snow blower. The blower works through the use of a plastic auger which pulls the snow in and then throws it out of a chute in one step, hence the single-stage name.
An electric motor allows you to remove snow while avoiding the need to refill a gas tank or use a manual pull starter. They are often less expensive as their gas-powered friends as well as requiring less maintenance to remain in proper working order. Electric blowers will have a battery that will need to be recharged periodically, or they will have a power cord. On the downside, electric versions can run out of battery juice requiring you to recharge before finishing or you will only be able to go as far as your power cord allows.
Single-Stage Gas-Powered Snow Blowers
A single-stage gas snow blower makes a wonderful option for those individuals with level, medium-sized driveways or walkways with up to 9 inches of snowfall. The gas engine will require fuel to run, but since it is a single-stage, you will not need to worry about using oil. This version is fairly light and easier to handle than 2 or 3 stage gas-powered blowers. They will kick up rocks and gravel, though, so they should not be used in those types of areas.
Two and Three-Stage Gas-Powered Snow Blowers
Two-stage and three-stage gas-powered snow throwers were specifically created for larger areas with up to 16 inches of powder. Some versions can carve paths of up to 30 inches wide and can tackle steep incline hills. A two-stage blower utilizes an auger to pick up and throw snow, but an impeller resembling a fan has been added to assist in chucking out snow while propelling engine-driven wheels. Since the snow is pulled inside and then thrown out in 2 stages, they are referred to as two-stage blowers.
A two-stage blower works amazingly to clear out snow on land with gravel and rocks thanks to an auger that doesn’t touch the ground. Conversely, they are somewhat heavier and more cumbersome to operate than their single-stage cousins. They are also more expensive and take up a great deal of storage space although many have collapsing handles to save some room.
Three-stage gas snow blowers are a relatively new addition to the snow removal game. This version has been crafted with homeowners with a lot of snow to deal with. A three-stage blower can handle well over 18 inches of heavy, wet snow. In addition to the two stages of pulling the snow in and throwing it out, a three-stage blower features an accelerator that speeds up the process by forcing snow from the collection augers up into the discharging impeller.
A three-stage blower can carve a path of snow that is 30 inches wide or more. You will need to perform a greater amount of maintenance in addition to using fuel and in some cases oil as well to keep your blower in tip-top shape. They are the most expensive and largest models, which can be an issue if you are on a budget or lack storage space.
How Do I Maintain My Snow Blower?
Once you make the monetary investment to purchase a snow thrower, you will need to provide certain maintenance measures to ensure it runs perfectly each time. Keeping a few extra items on hand can help keep your blower running as well as the first time you used it. If you decide to go with a two or three-stage snow blower, you will need to keep two extra drive belts handy and one in case you select the one-stage version.
Shear pins are another necessity since on two-stage blowers they help protect the engine and transmission. They keep the auger safe from breaking in case it hits a particularly hard surface. A fuel stabilizer is also beneficial to store for gas-powered options. While you may not need a fuel stabilizer in the winter months when the blower is seeing plenty of use, it will help ensure that fuel tank and gas inside doesn’t break down or thicken which can cause extensive damage.
Snow Blower Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful hints to make snow blowing safer and fun.
- Perform a pre-use check of the snow thrower by examining the skid shoes, shear pins, auger, scraper blades, fuel, and oil levels
- Check for any stray items like toys or large rocks in the area you want to clear
- Wear appropriate clothing and skip scarves or other items that could potentially get sucked into the blower
- Read the instruction manual
- Plan out your path of removal ahead of time
- Move at a slow and steady pace
- Watch out for wind that can blow the snow back in your face
- When you are finished clearing snow and the blower is off, clean out the blades, auger, impeller to free any ice or rocks
- Wipe down the snow thrower before storing it to prevent corrosion and damage
Finding the best snow blower for your needs is easy when you keep a few items in mind. Understanding the snowy weather in your area, the spots you intend to use the blower on, as well as your personal budget and storage space, can make finding the best snow thrower much easier. While they can be expensive, the trade-off of having a cleared driveway without the traditional shoveling aches and pains more than makes up for it.
We hope you enjoyed our snow thrower reviews and learned how to find the best snow blower for your driveway. We would love to hear from you! Drop us a quick line below to tell us about your favorite snow blower and your tips for snow removal.
