The 8 Best Snow Blowers
Updated by · How we research
Gas and cordless snow blowers compared, from light single-stage models to two-stage machines for gravel and plow piles. The EGO Power+ SNT2416 leads the list. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
A single-stage blower's auger scrapes the pavement and throws snow in one motion, which is why it can't touch gravel and bogs down once snow tops its intake. Two-stage machines lift the auger off the ground and add a fast impeller, so they handle gravel, drifts and the ridge a plow leaves. Cordless versions now come in both types.
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
Battery power has caught up. The EGO Power+ SNT2416, a cordless two-stage machine, now leads this list, and it can chew through the hard ridge a plow leaves at the end of a driveway. Every machine on the old list had gone from sale or out of stock, including the Husqvarna ST224P, Honda HS720AA, Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 and Poulan Pro PR241, so we rebuilt it from scratch.
Gas still earns its spot. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is the pick for gravel and heavy snow, and the PowerSmart PSSAM24 brings two-stage clearing for far less. Short paved drives in light-snow towns need much less machine: the Snow Joe IONMAX 24V-X2-SB18 was the top electric single-stage in Bob Vila's cold-weather roundup.
The evidence here came from Family Handyman's and Bob Vila's field roundups, the published specs, and federal recall records, which turned up a 2025 Ariens Deluxe recall worth checking by serial number. Toro, Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet mostly sell through dealers and home centers, so Toro appears below as a special honor.
Earlier notes
October 19, 2020, by Alexander Rennie:
For this update, we removed the PowerSmart DB7659H 212cc and the Toro Snwthrwr, due to availability issues.
To keep a balanced selection of sizes, we added the compact Briggs & Stratton 1022EX, a light-duty model with an impressively low weight of 89 pounds. Its convenient features like electronic start and ability to adjust the snow chute as you go, make this a good option for those primarily interested in a machine that’s easy to use. It’s worth noting that although it does feature an electric start, this mechanism does require a power cord to work.
We moved the Honda Power Equipment HS720AA to the back of the list, because of its relatively small 7-inch wheels. It’s still a good machine, but may have problems in wet, sticky snow.
We attempted to find another electric model to accompany our sole battery-powered pick, the Snow Joe Brushless Variable Speed, but after extensive research were unable to find an option that met our standards.
Snow blowers are incredibly dangerous machines if the proper safety precautions are not followed. Always take the time to read the safety and operating manual before even starting to use your snowblower. Always wear stable footwear to prevent any slipping, keep children inside when operating. Gas-powered snowblowers create dangerous carbon monoxide, so always start your machine outdoors.
If the safety and noisy operation of snow blowers seem like too much of a hassle, a snow shovel might be a better choice for you. Or, if you want to split the difference, a power snow shovel could be a perfect balance of both.
November 18, 2019, by Will Rhoda:
Right off the bat, we eliminated the Wen 5662 Snow Blaster and the GreenWorks 2600502 13 Amp, simply because we didn’t feel confident ranking these items based on their construction standards and performance ratings. We also eliminated the Snow Joe iON18SB and the Toro 38381 15 Amp – two lower-end options from well-reputed companies – and replaced them with Snow Joe iON100V-21SB and the Toro Snwthrwr, two machines that offered better performance than our ranking’s previous representation from those brands.
In addition to this, we added the Honda Power Equipment HS720AA to our list. With the iron-clad reputation this company has for manufacturing motors that start on even the coldest of winter days, it only seemed fitting that they should have a seat at the table for this category.
February 12, 2019, by Chase Brush:
These days, snow blowers can come in as many different shapes and sizes as there are variations of the weather they're designed to plow. That's why, in putting this list together, we made an effort to feature as diverse a selection as possible, including everything from small, corded electric models (like the Wen 5662 Snow Blaster) to industrial-grade gas-powered ones (like the Husqvarna ST224P 208cc). Overall, we judged the Toro 38381 15 Amp to be best for most people, since it handles moderate levels of snowfall with ease and doesn't require much maintenance.
Special Honors
Toro Power Clear 721 E Toro's Power Clear 721 E is a gas single-stage blower with an electric starter and a self-propel system that pulls it forward as you walk. Bob Vila rated it the best self-propelled single-stage model. It's built for paved drives, carries a two-year full warranty, and is sold mainly through Toro dealers and home centers. toro.com
Greenworks Pro 60V 22-Inch Snow Blower Greenworks' 60-volt single-stage blower takes two batteries and switches to the second one on its own when the first runs down, so a longer drive gets done without a stop. Bob Vila picked a Greenworks 60V model for battery life. It carries a four-year tool warranty and is sold with or without batteries. greenworkstools.com
Single-Stage Or Two-Stage: Start With The Surface
A path around 18 to 21 inches suits walks and one-car driveways; 24 to 30 inches cuts the number of passes on a long or double drive.
The first question is what you're clearing, not how much power you want. A single-stage blower uses one auger to scoop and throw snow, and the auger touches the ground. That's why it scrapes pavement clean and why it will fling stones on a gravel drive (Wikipedia: Snowblower). Single-stage machines work best on paved driveways and walks in snow below about a foot deep, and they're light enough to lift up steps.
A two-stage blower adds a fast impeller behind the auger. The auger rides just above the ground and feeds the impeller, which throws the snow much farther. These machines handle gravel, deep drifts and the packed ridge a plow leaves at the end of the drive, but they're big and heavy. Bob Vila's single-stage roundup keeps its single-stage picks, such as the Toro Power Clear 721 E, on paved surfaces. Three-stage machines add an accelerator for very heavy snowfall, and they're mostly sold through dealers.
Then match the width to your drive. A path around 18 to 21 inches suits walks and one-car driveways; 24 to 30 inches cuts the number of passes on a long or double drive. Intake height matters too: a tall opening takes a deep snowfall in one pass instead of two.
Gas, Cordless Or Corded
Gas is still the choice for long drives, wet snow and storms that drop more than a foot. It needs fresh fuel with stabilizer, oil changes, a spark plug now and then and spare shear pins, which are meant to break if the auger hits something solid.
Cordless machines no longer mean small. Family Handyman picked the EGO two-stage XP as its best overall electric blower, and noted that most battery models run about 30 to 45 minutes per set of packs. Bigger amp-hour packs run longer, and wet, heavy snow drains them fastest. Keep batteries indoors at room temperature; a cold pack charges slowly and may not start the machine at all.
Corded blowers are the cheapest way to get unlimited run time, but the cord limits reach and has to be rated for outdoor, cold-weather use and the motor's draw. If a battery brand already powers your mower or trimmer, a blower on the same packs can save the cost of extra batteries.
Clearing Jams And Other Safety Habits
Most serious snow blower injuries happen the same way: someone reaches into a clogged chute. Wet snow can hold the auger still while the drive belt stores tension, and the auger can turn again once the clog clears. Shut off the engine or remove the battery, wait for every part to stop, and use the clearing tool or a broom handle, never your hand (Wikipedia: Snowblower).
Modern machines stop the auger when you let go of the control lever. In 2025, Ariens recalled Deluxe, Platinum and Professional machines because the auger and impeller could keep turning after release; owners can check a serial number at Ariens's recall page and get a free dealer repair (CPSC). PowerSmart recalled 2015 to 2017 two-stage models for a pulley bolt that could loosen (CPSC).
Never run a gas blower inside a garage, even with the door open, because of carbon monoxide. Refuel only when the engine is cold. Keep a single-stage machine off gravel, where it throws stones, and aim the chute away from cars, windows and people.
How we researched this
We compared 21 current snow blowers, gas and cordless, read the published specs for the 8 finalists, went through Family Handyman's and Bob Vila's field roundups, and checked every brand against Consumer Product Safety Commission recall records. Updated October 27, 2026 by Ezvid Wiki Editors.
Sources (8)
- Family Handyman: The Best Electric Snow Blowers
- Bob Vila: The Best Single-Stage Snow Blowers
- Wikipedia: Snowblower
- CPSC: Ariens Recalls Snow Throwers Due to Laceration Hazard (2025)
- Ariens: safety recall lookup
- CPSC: Amerisun Recalls to Repair Snow Blowers (2018)
- Toro: Power Clear 721 E
- Greenworks: Pro 60V 22-inch snow blower
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a single-stage or a two-stage snow blower?
Get a single-stage machine for paved driveways and walks with snow under about a foot deep. Choose a two-stage machine for gravel, deep or packed snow, long drives and the ridge a plow leaves.
Are cordless snow blowers worth it?
For most paved driveways, yes. They start with a button and need no fuel or oil. Most run 30 to 45 minutes on a set of batteries, and wet, heavy snow shortens that, so very long drives still favor gas.
Can I use a single-stage snow blower on gravel?
No. The auger touches the ground, so it picks up stones and throws them. Use a two-stage machine, which rides above the surface.
How wide a snow blower do I need?
Around 18 to 21 inches suits walks and short driveways. Long or two-car driveways go faster with a 24- to 30-inch machine, which is also bigger and heavier to store.
How much should I spend on a snow blower?
Small cordless machines for walks and short drives cost the least. Strong cordless single-stage models and budget gas two-stage machines sit in the middle, and premium two-stage machines from EGO or Ariens cost several times as much as the small ones.
How do I clear a clogged chute safely?
Turn the machine off, remove the key or battery, wait for every part to stop and use the clearing tool or a broom handle. Never reach in with your hand.
