Top Snow Blowers

You will have a choice of a single stage snow blower, also called a snow thrower or a two stage snow blower.  Each type of snow blower works best in different conditions, and the best snow blowers from each category are excellent choices.

Single Stage vs. Two Stage

Single stage snow blowers have a single augur that can throw the snow up to 35 feet.  These types of blowers work best on paved surfaces.  The snow thrower is ideal if you live in an area that experiences light snowfall.  Snow throwers also tend to clear smaller paths, only about 20-22 inches in width.  These blowers are compact and light, making them very easy to store.  These work best for light snow, but can also handle the heavier packed snow, though it will be slower going.  To work properly, you will have to push the single stage snow blower, as it is not self propelled.

Two stage snow blowers are used for heavy duty snowfall in places that get a lot of snow over the course of the winter.  Two stage snow blowers will move the snow with an auger or impeller into a discharge chute that can be changed to aim where the snow is being thrown, as well as the distance.  Most chutes are partially closed, as they are easier to unclog and clean.  Two stage snow blowers tend to be run on a mixture of gas and oil and can take care of the heavy, wet snow.  They cut much larger paths and tend to be self propelled.  Most two stage snow blowers can be bought with a varying amount of horsepower and come with many gears including reverse.

Top Rated Single Stage Snow Blowers

Yard Machines 31A-240-800 single stage snow blower is a great machine if you receive light snowfall.  It also is perfect for a first time buyer.  It can handle up to 6 inches of light, powdery snow, not heavy, wet snow.  This machine does not do well with heavy snow and will easily clog.  It has a 3.5 hp, 2-cycle engine with a pull start.  You must mix the gas and oil before using.  This machine is inexpensive, but can be quite pricey to repair.  If you have more money in your budget, it may be worthwhile to get a sturdier machine, though for its weight and usage, it is an excellent choice.

The Toro 1800 Power Curve is one of the best snow blowers available for low snowfall.  This is an electric snow blower, so it is restricted by distance from the power source.  It was designed to handle snow removal from decks, pathways, and small driveways.  It can handle deeper snow than most other single stage snow blowers, of depths above 10 inches, as long as the snow is light.  However, you will have to do more passes when the snow is deeper.  It’s not very fast, as its path is only 18 inches wide, but it provides excellent value for the price.  There is almost no servicing to this machine, as it does not use fuel, oil, or gas, so the price you pay for the machine is it.

The Toro CCR Powerlite 325E 38182 is also a top rated single stage snow blower.  This snow blower is perfect for a short one car or two car driveway, as longer driveways will take a very long time to clear.  You will need to mix oil and gas to fuel the machine, but this is clearly detailed in the instructions.  It has an electric start, so no matter the temperature, it will always turn on.  It can throw snow up to 25 feet and clears a path 16 inches wide.  This snow blower can be easily stored as the handle is foldable.  Unlike other models, this snow blower can handle wet snow and higher depths, though it may take longer to clear than lighter snow.

Top Rated Two Stage Snow Blowers

The Yard Machine 31AS6FEF700 by MTD takes care of substantial snow accumulation.  It clears a path of 26 inches and has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds.  You will have no difficulty starting this snow blower, as it has an electric start.  The tires have excellent traction and do not slip on ice.  This snow blower handles well on flat surfaces and on slopes.  There is a chute clearing device, which is very handy when the snow discharge chute becomes jammed.

The Snapper 8.5-hp snow blower 8526E is one of the least expensive large framed snow blowers available.  This heavy blower, about 250 lbs, can tackle the biggest snowdrift.  It has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds; it also has a very slow speed in which to chew up the densest snow drift.  It has a standard electric start and 15.5 inch tires with optional chains.  You can also purchase separately a drift cutter, headlights, and a snow cab.  The cutter rotates 200 degrees and can throw snow up to 40 feet.

Possibly the best snow blower on the market is the Honda Track Drive Snow Blower with Electric start HS928TAS.  This is the highest quality snow blower available, and it has a price tag to match.  Unlike many other snow blowers, it comes with a track, so the machine can move freely into or out of the garage or up a ramp.  It can be adjusted to clear snow off gravel and other bumpy or uneven surfaces and prevent stones from being kicked up.  This machine can take some muscle to turn, but is at its best on long straight runs.  Honda does offer a similar model on wheels that handles turns much better.  The engine is very reliable and lasts.  As with most two stage snow blowers, it comes with an electric start, though this feature is optional.  It clears a path of 28 inches wide and weighs about 250 pounds.  Its fuel tank is about 1.5 gallons and can run non stop for 2.5 hours.