If you reside in an area consistently blanketed with heavy snowfall during winter, the prospect of clearing your driveway solely with a snow shovel may seem daunting. While snow blowers may not come cheap, the investment is worthwhile for those seeking an efficient alternative. Tackling inches or even feet of snow can be a strenuous task, prompting the need for a more effective solution.
Say goodbye to the back-breaking labor of a traditional snow shovel and consider the lasting benefits of a reliable snow blower. With proper maintenance, these machines can endure the challenges of winter for many seasons. A superior snow blower should not only possess the power to swiftly clear snow but also boast reliability, user-friendliness, and energy efficiency.
To aid you in selecting the ideal snow blower for your needs, we have compiled a list of top-rated models from renowned brands. Whether you require a heavy-duty machine capable of tackling substantial snow buildup or prefer a more budget-friendly and environmentally friendly battery-powered option, our carefully curated selection of the best snow blowers aims to make your winters noticeably more manageable.
1) Ariens Deluxe 24-Inch Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower
A prominent name in the realm of gas-powered snow blowers, Ariens has established itself with the Deluxe line, offering a compelling blend of stellar performance and contemporary conveniences, all within a reasonable price range for its category. Among the various widths available, the Ariens Deluxe 24-Inch model stands out as a preferred choice for many users.
This gas-powered two-stage snow blower is equipped with a serrated auger (metal blade) to gather snow and an impeller (fanlike part) to propel it away. With the added convenience of an electric starter, it proves ideal for efficiently clearing substantial snowfall, particularly on larger driveways. Despite its capacity for heavy-duty tasks, it handles smaller jobs with equal ease. The 24-inch-wide clearing intake, coupled with a robust 14-inch steel auger, can effectively manage snow accumulations of up to 18 inches or more, boasting an impressive snow clearance rate of up to 62 tons per hour.
While the Ariens Deluxe 24-Inch may not be considered budget-friendly and leans towards the bulkier side due to its large, heavy-duty two-stage design, its power, reliability, and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment. Modern conveniences such as self-propulsion, auto-turning, and an LED headlight contribute to an enhanced user experience. Furthermore, the reassurance of a three-year warranty adds to its appeal, ensuring peace of mind for users. Prior to purchasing, it’s advisable to ensure adequate storage space for this robust machine during the off-season.
Specs
| Price: | $1,449 |
| Snow Blower Type: | Gas-powered two-stage |
| Clearing Width and Depth: | 24 inches (in.) x 21 in. |
| Engine Power: | 7.5 horsepower |
2) EGO Power+ SNT2102 Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower
You don’t need to break the bank, exceeding a thousand dollars, to secure an effective snow blower—assuming you’re open to making a few compromises. While premium gas-powered two-stage snow blowers may be elusive in the $700 range, the EGO Power+ SNT2102 stands out as a highly-rated electric single-stage alternative, especially suitable for smaller driveways common in residential areas. Notably, it operates cordlessly.
EGO Power+ holds a prominent position in the realm of electric snow blowers, and the SNT2102 is a noteworthy choice for clearing snow accumulation up to 8 inches on smaller surfaces like short sidewalks and residential driveways. Being electric and powered by a battery, it comes with a runtime limitation of approximately 30 minutes. Within this timeframe, however, it proves adept at clearing a substantial amount of snow.
Functioning as a single-stage electric snow blower—utilizing the auger for collection and throwing—it offers a balance of advantages and disadvantages. While it is affordable, easy to maintain, and convenient, it lacks the raw power of gas-powered and two-stage blowers, despite manufacturer claims, and does not feature self-propulsion. However, its lighter weight, in comparison to gas-powered counterparts, mitigates this concern. The EGO Power+ SNT2102 comes equipped with notable features, including two LED headlights, and boasts a reassuring five-year warranty, adding to its overall appeal.
Specs
| Price: | $699 |
| Snow Blower Type: | Electric single-stage |
| Clearing Width and Depth: | 21 in. x 13 in. |
| Engine Power: | 56 volts (V) |
3) EGO Power+ SNT2405 Cordless Two-Stage Snow Blower
The EGO Power+ SNT2405 stands out as an electric snow blower that seamlessly emulates the look, feel, and, to a large extent, the performance of a gas-powered counterpart, thanks to its two-stage design and expansive 24-inch intake. Surprisingly robust for an electric model, it offers a simpler, more efficient, and easier-to-maintain alternative to traditional gas-powered snow blowers. This becomes particularly relevant if you don’t specifically require a gas blower for heavy snowfall and aim to minimize concerns related to noise, fumes, long-term costs, and maintenance.
Boasting a steel auger, the SNT2405 demonstrates greater capability in handling wet and heavy snow compared to its smaller counterpart, the SNT2102. Notably, it is self-propelled, unlike the single-stage model, which proves advantageous considering its heftier weight at 180 pounds. Despite its larger size, the SNT2405 maintains a similar runtime of around half an hour, aligning with the performance of the SNT2102.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the EGO Power+ SNT2405 cannot completely overcome the limitations inherent in cordless snow blowers. Consequently, it may not be the optimal choice for areas experiencing heavy snowfall regularly, particularly accumulations exceeding 8 to 12 inches. While offering impressive features, the SNT2405 sits on the higher end of the price spectrum for electric snow blowers, comparable to the cost of our top pick, the gas-powered Ariens Deluxe 24-Inch.
Specs
| Price: | $1,499 |
| Snow Blower Type: | Electric two-stage |
| Clearing Width and Depth: | 24 in. x 20 in. |
| Engine Power: | 56 V |
Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Walk-Behind Snow Blower
If you’re intrigued by the concept of an electric snow blower but require more power than what a cordless model can offer, the Snow Joe SJ627E presents an excellent solution as a corded electric snow blower. This model conveniently plugs into a standard power outlet, eliminating concerns about battery life and providing a power level beyond what cordless blowers can deliver.
Certainly, the trade-off involves being tethered to an electrical cord, requiring awareness while maneuvering through the snow. However, many users find this compromise worthwhile, especially considering that the SJ627E excels in handling wet and heavy snow, capable of clearing accumulations of up to 13 inches.
In terms of clearing capacity, the Snow Joe SJ627E can move approximately 25 tons of snow per hour, placing it between cordless and gas-powered snow blowers on the power spectrum. While it doesn’t match the 62-tons-per-hour capacity of the Ariens Deluxe 24-Inch, it offers a commendable balance. The SJ627E stands out as a great value, being the most budget-friendly electric snow blower on our list. While it may lack advanced features such as self-propulsion, its manageable weight of 35 pounds makes it relatively easy to maneuver and store after use.
Specs
| Price: | $269 |
| Snow Blower Type: | Electric single-stage |
| Clearing Width and Depth: | 22 in. x 14 in. |
| Engine Power: | 120 V |
Greenworks 8-Amp 12-Inch Electric Snow Shovel
Maybe you’re looking to ditch your snow shovel for something more efficient, but even a cordless snow blower like the EGO Power+ SNT2102 is overkill for the areas you need to clear. If so, the Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel could be just the ticket. This device occupies a niche between an old-school snow shovel and a snow blower, letting you clear steps, sidewalks, and patios more efficiently without the hassle (and expense) of our other picks.
The Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel features an 8-amp, 40-volt electric motor and an intake of 12 inches by 8 inches, allowing it to clear snow about 8 inches deep or a little more. It weighs 15 pounds, so it’s easy enough for most people to use and is certainly less strenuous than a standard snow shovel. Its compact size also makes it a good option for people who don’t have the space to store a regular snow blower in the off-season.
This electric snow shovel isn’t going to replace a proper snow blower, and it’s not meant to. However, it’s a viable alternative for the price so long as you understand its capabilities. If you suspect it’s not powerful enough for your needs, an electric snow blower like the EGO Power+ SNT2102 or Snow Joe SJ627E might be a better choice.
Specs
| Price: | $140 |
| Snow Blower Type: | Electric snow shovel |
| Clearing Width and Depth: | 12 in. x 8 in. |
| Engine Power: | 40 V |
How We Chose the Best Snow Blowers
When selecting the best snow blowers to help you through the winter, we compared the latest top-rated models from trusted brands, including Ariens, Toro, Cub Cadet, Honda, and others. Our team selected the best models based on type, power, clearing capacity, and reliability, weighing feedback from people who purchased and used these snow blowers. We also consulted with industry experts and specialists for their product recommendations and any professional advice they could offer shoppers. While a snow blower isn’t a cheap purchase, there’s a surprisingly wide range of quality options to fit most budgets.