When winter hits and snow begins to pile up, the best snow blowers become an essential tool for many homeowners. Whether you’re tackling a small driveway or clearing paths on a large property, a reliable snow blower can save you hours of back-breaking labor while keeping your walkways safe and accessible.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget | Best Battery-Powered | Another Great Snow Blower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ariens 920025 Classic Snow Thrower | Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower | Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower | EGO Power+ SNT2102 Snow Blower | PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower |
 |  |  |  |  |
The Ariens 920025 Classic Snow Thrower is a powerful, self-propelled machine ideal for medium to large driveways, with its robust 208cc engine and 24-inch clearing width. | Offering excellent power and features at a reasonable price, the Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower is perfect for homeowners looking for performance without breaking the bank. | The Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower is a budget-friendly, lightweight electric model ideal for mid-sized driveways and walkways. | The EGO Power+ SNT2102 Snow Blower combines battery-powered convenience with gas-like performance, making it the best cordless option for clearing large areas. | The PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower is an affordable gas-powered option with solid features, making it a great choice for tackling heavier snowfalls. |
What Is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower is a machine designed to remove snow from surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor areas. Powered by gas, electricity, or batteries, snow blowers use rotating augers or impellers to gather and expel snow away from the cleared area. With different models suited for various snow conditions and property sizes, snow blowers come in one-stage or two-stage designs that offer varied levels of power and efficiency. They make snow removal faster, easier, and more effective than manual shoveling.
Why Buy Snow Blowers?
Snow blowers are invaluable for people living in regions with heavy or consistent snowfall. Shoveling snow manually is physically demanding and can pose health risks, such as back injuries or heart strain, especially after large snowstorms. Snow blowers eliminate these dangers by offering a mechanized way to clear snow quickly without exerting unnecessary energy. They’re also time-saving tools—what might take hours with a shovel can be completed in a fraction of the time with a snow blower.
Moreover, snow blowers help ensure safety. Snow-packed driveways and walkways can become treacherous, leading to slips and falls. For people who rely on clear driveways to access their vehicles or for families with children and elderly members, having a reliable snow blower is a wise investment. Whether you have a long, winding driveway or a small walkway, there’s a snow blower out there to meet your specific needs.
Snow Blowers: What to Look For
When choosing a snow blower, keep these key features in mind to ensure you find the best fit for your needs:
Best Overall: Ariens 920025 Classic Snow Thrower
Image credit: Ariens
Pros:
Con:
The Ariens 920025 Classic Snow Thrower stands out as the best overall snow blower thanks to its blend of power, versatility, and ease of use. The 208cc ARIENS AX engine offers more than enough torque to handle heavy, wet snow, while the 24-inch clearing path ensures you can tackle large areas quickly. Its 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds provide excellent control, whether you’re moving up a slope or maneuvering around obstacles.
One of the key features that make this Ariens model the best is its ability to throw snow up to 55 feet, far enough to prevent snow piles from building up close to your driveway. The 20-inch intake height means it can handle deeper snowfalls, and the self-propelled design ensures that even when clearing heavy snow, you’ll have minimal resistance. Its rugged build, including the steel serrated auger and steel chute, makes it a durable choice for years of reliable performance.
Bang for Your Buck: Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower
Image credit: Husqvarna
Pros:
Con:
The Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower provides an outstanding balance between performance and price, making it the best “Bang for Your Buck” option. Equipped with a 212cc engine, this machine is strong enough to handle large driveways and heavy snowfalls while maintaining smooth, reliable operation. With its two-stage design, this snow blower can efficiently clear snow and ice while delivering impressive throwing capacity.
A key feature that stands out is the easy-access controls, including the chute rotator and vertical deflector, allowing users to direct snow without stopping. Additionally, power steering and non-clogging pneumatic tires make maneuvering through snowy conditions straightforward. For homeowners looking to invest in a durable, capable snow blower without spending too much, the Husqvarna ST224 strikes the perfect balance.
Best on a Budget: Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower
Image credit: Snow Joe
Pros:
Con:
For budget-conscious buyers, the Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower offers great value with its affordable price and solid performance. Powered by a 15-amp motor, this model is perfect for light to moderate snowfalls, clearing up to 21 inches of snow per pass. Its electric motor means no need for gas or oil, making it virtually maintenance-free and easy to start, even in cold weather.
Despite its lower price point, this Snow Joe model can clear up to 800 pounds of snow per minute and features a 180º adjustable chute for directional snow throwing. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport, making it an excellent option for those with smaller spaces to clear or those who prefer electric over gas-powered models.
Best Cordless Electric: EGO Power+ SNT2102 Snow Blower
Image credit: EGO Power+
Pros:
Con:
The EGO Power+ SNT2102 Snow Blower offers the best of both worlds for those looking for cordless convenience without sacrificing performance. Powered by two 56-volt ARC Lithium batteries, this snow blower delivers gas-like performance without the noise, fumes, or maintenance issues. With a 21-inch clearing width and the ability to throw snow up to 35 feet, it can easily tackle heavy snowfall, making it ideal for larger driveways.
One standout feature is the variable-speed control, which allows you to adjust the snow thrower’s power based on the conditions. Additionally, the push-button start and quick-fold handle make it user-friendly and easy to store. For those who want a powerful, battery-operated snow blower, the EGO Power+ SNT2102 is a top contender.
Another Great Snow Blower: PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower
Image credit: PowerSmart
Pros:
Con:
The PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower is a great choice for homeowners looking for an affordable yet powerful option. Its 212cc engine and two-stage snow removal system can easily handle up to 12 inches of snow, making it ideal for areas that experience heavier snowfalls. With a 24-inch clearing width and a 40-foot throwing distance, you can get the job done faster without having to worry about snow accumulating close by.
The self-propelled design with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds ensures that this snow blower is easy to control, even when working on slopes or rough terrain. The sturdy construction and easy electric start add to its appeal, making it a reliable machine for regular use during the winter season.
2023 Best Bang for Your Buck: Greenworks Pro Cordless Electric Snow Blower
Image credit: Greenworks Pro
Pros:
Con:
The Greenworks Pro Cordless Electric Snow Blower is the epitome of “bang for your buck,” delivering impressive performance without sacrificing convenience or affordability. With its 80-volt battery-powered operation, it offers the freedom to maneuver and clear snow without the constraints of cords or the need for gasoline. This makes it a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice, providing consistent power for snow clearing tasks.
The combination of a wide 22-inch clearing width and 13-inch clearing depth ensures that the Greenworks Pro covers substantial ground with each pass. This translates to efficient snow removal, especially on driveways, walkways, and other sizable surfaces. The adjustable 180° chute enables precise control over snow discharge direction, enhancing its versatility and usability.
One of the standout features of the Greenworks Pro is its dual LED lights, which illuminate the clearing path. This innovation not only improves visibility but also extends the usability of the snow blower to various lighting conditions. Furthermore, the inclusion of dual battery ports allows for extended run time, making it easier to complete larger snow-clearing tasks without interruption.
In conclusion, the Greenworks Pro Cordless Electric Snow Blower offers exceptional value for its performance, convenience, and features. It provides an ideal balance between affordability and effectiveness, making it the best “bang for your buck” snow blower on the market today. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for an efficient solution or an environmentally-conscious consumer seeking cordless operation, the Greenworks Pro delivers on all fronts without breaking the bank.
2023 Best Overall: PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower PS21
Image credit: PowerSmart
Pros:
Cons:
The PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower PS21 stands out as the best snow blowers of 2023 on the market due to its exceptional combination of power, performance, and convenience. Its gas-powered 212cc engine ensures swift and efficient snow removal, making quick work of even heavy snowfall. This level of power is particularly important for properties with larger snow-clearing needs, as it guarantees consistent performance and reliable results.
In addition to its robust engine, the reinforced rubber auger is a standout feature that sets the PS21 apart. This 4-blade, 8-inch auger is designed to effortlessly break through snow, ensuring thorough clearing even in challenging conditions. Moreover, the snow blower’s compact design and foldable handle make it a breeze to store and maneuver, eliminating the hassle of finding adequate storage space during the off-season.
Whether you’re dealing with fluffy or wet snow, the PowerSmart PS21 is equipped to handle it all, making it a versatile solution for various snow types. Its substantial snow plowing capacity and impressive throwing distance contribute to its effectiveness, allowing you to clear driveways, walkways, and other surfaces efficiently. For those seeking a powerful yet compact snow-clearing solution that stands up to the toughest winter storms, the PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower PS21 undoubtedly earns its position as the best overall snow blower choice.
