Q&A: Which type of snow blower should I buy?

I’m finally ready to throw in the shovel and buy a snow blower, but I’m a total newbie when it comes to these machines. Which type should I buy?

Snow blowers will save you a lot of work. Similarly, choosing the right one for your home from among the three different types—single-stage gas, single-stage electric, two-stage gas—doesn’t have to be a hassle.

One caveat: Using a snow blower, aka snow thrower, might be easier than shoveling the white stuff, but it is harder than using a self-propelled mower. If you have hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, consult your doctor before you use a snow blower. Also consider having your driveway plowed if it’s especially long and two or more cars wide

Before you shop, be sure to see our exclusive interactive, Snow blowers: Which is right for you?. And always follow our safety tips and maintenance basics.

SNOW THROWER TYPES
Single-stage gas, $300 to $750
This model of snow thrower is ideal if you have a flat, midsized paved driveway and walk(s), and the typical snowfall in your locale is less than 8 inches. Single-stage machines are lighter and easier to handle than two-stage models and take about as much storage space as a mower. Most offer electric starting.

But they’re a poor choice for a gravel driveway, since the auger contacts the surface and can throw stones. What’s more, the limited drive action of the auger is not sufficient for steep hills and can pull from side to side. Most clear a 20- to 22-inch swath. All lack drive wheels and require engine maintenance. Most also use a two-cycle engine that will require you to mix gasoline and oil.

Single-stage electric, $100 to $300
A single-stage electric model is best if you have a short, flat driveway or deck and walk(s), and the typical snowfall in your area is 4 inches or less. Single-stage electric models are the lightest, smallest, and easiest snow blowers to handle and store. They’re also less noisy than gas-powered models, and their electric motors free you from fueling and other engine maintenance.

But they’re unsuited to a gravel driveway for the same reason as single-stage gas models. Among their other downsides: The small clearing, only 11 to 18 inches, slows clearing, and you need to use a long power cord.

Two-stage gas, $600 to $2,000-plus (shown)
This type of snow blower is best if you have long, wide, or hilly driveway and the typical snowfall in your area exceeds 8 inches. If you have a gravel driveway, you’ll want a two-stage model, since its auger won’t contact the ground. All two-stage blowers offer electric starting and have driven wheels, an auger that gathers snow, and an impeller to throw it. Some clear a wide swath 24 to 32 inches wide.

Some drawbacks exist. Two-stage machines are relatively heavy, take up as much space as some lawn tractors, and require regular engine maintenance. Look for a model with trigger drive releases—they’re easier to maneuver—as well as one with a single joystick lever, which lets you quickly change the direction and height of thrown snow. (Read How to Choose and Features That Count, below.)

HOW TO CHOOSE
Try the controls. Independent dealers and even big-box stores typically have floor models for you to check put. Along with trigger releases on two-stage models, look for electric starting. Also be sure you're comfortable with the handle height and the chute adjustment, which you'll use frequently.

Be wary of power claims. As with other outdoor power equipment, avoid buying more muscle than you need. A single-stage snow thrower should be enough for most homes, and it will cost less and take up less space in your garage than a two-stage model. In past tests, we’ve found that throwers with bigger engines don’t necessarily perform better than less-powerful models.

Don't be dazzled by drive speeds. Most two-stage machines have five or six forward speeds, useful for going slowly through heavy snow or moving quickly when returning to the garage. Some machines have more forward speeds or even a continuously variable hydrostatic drive but as we found in past tests, neither is a real plus.

FEATURES THAT COUNT
The following features help make snow throwers safer and more convenient to use.

1. One-handed drive/auger (on two-stage models). Most models let you engage the drive-wheel and auger-control levers with one hand, leaving the other free to control the chute.

2. Easy chute adjustment. The best type of chute adjustment lets you quickly change the direction and height of thrown snow with a single-lever joystick (on two-stage machines) or a long, accessible handle (on single-stage models). Most two-stage machines have separate controls for direction and height, while single-stage units often have stiff, awkward handles on the discharge chute.

3. Headlights. Many snow blowers have headlights, handy when you need to clear the driveway in the early morning or evening.    

4. Easy starting. All electric models turn on with a switch. Most gas-powered models include plug-in starting—handy if you’re near an outlet.

5. Drive disengagement (two-stage models). Some machines use triggers that ease steering by letting you quickly disconnect either or both wheels from the transmission on the fly, rather than having to move a pin or lever at a wheel.

6. Dead-man control. This critical safety feature stops the spinning auger and, on two-stage models, the impeller when you release the handlebar-grip controls.

7. Clean-out device. To keep you from reaching with your hands into the impeller to clear any jams that occur, most blowers now come with a stick to eliminate any blockages. The device is usually mounted on the chassis for easy access.

Comments

[Larry Hasard]

We needed to replace our 15 year old snow blower and consulted Consumer Reports before we made our purchase. The CR recommended 28" Craftsman model was in stock and on sale! We also bought the 3 year in home service package, with the sale price savings. That decision was made to supplement the 2 year basic warranty. With basic warranty coverage you have to take the unit to a repair center which is 40 miles away. In home service was a good investment at 3 dollar a gallon gasoline.

We brought it home and happily used it twice. In going to use it for the third time, I found that the shift cable had broken. It was stuck in high speed which is intended for travel, not blowing snow. It hadnt even been used enough to change the oil after the first five hours use, and teh cable was broken. I had never had to replace cables on my old MTD/Agway

My several calls and interminable "on holds" to obtain service from Sears either under warrantee or RPA was trying at best. Over 2 hours to finally get it straight. The operators were all polite but completely unprepared to assist customers.

The technician was dispatched, but without the replacement for the identified broken part, so Ill now have to take a second day off from work for him to come and install it, and adjust it and make sure everything works properly.

When you buy a product you are committed to the after purchase support system of the manufacturer/distributor for the warrantee period, at least. Perhaps CU might add that factor to their evaluation of available products. The old adage of "Sears services what it sells" isnt what it used to be. They are just another "big box store".
My local Husqvarna, Ariens, Toro or Simplicity dealer will pick up, repair and drop off, at no cost, with noone having to be at home, for them to correct their manufacturing/assembly problems under warrantee. That might have been a better deal overall.

[Jason]

Two-stage gas electric is best snowblower....I like it...!

[Clive Moxey]

I am about to purchace a new snowblower and had thought about the 11hp Troy Built as I like the features and have coupons to get a $600 discount. I have just sold my MTD 8hpx28 inch which had been a work horse but with some maintenance so no complaints really as I maintained it myself (about 20 years old). Do you have any information on how good the Troy Bilt is? They look good and have great features!!

[Owen Ratcliff]

I just purchased an Ariens 924DLE after doing a lot of research including Consumer Reports. I came to the conclusion that stability of the chute and steering control of the snowblowerblower were the two main complaints of snowblowers. On the Ariens the chute is all metal and held in place by a worm gear and the 924DLE is the cheapest Ariens that has auto traction control. This models outside measurement is only slightly over 26 inches which goes thru walk in doors. This snowblower can be had for $1390 online from www.speedwaysales.com in New Berlin, WI and is shipped free of charge by RL Carriers and there is no sales tax. My snowblower was delivered in perfect condition the third day after I ordered it.

[Owen Ratcliff]

I just purchased an Ariens 924DLE after doing a lot of research including Consumer Reports. I came to the conclusion that stability of the chute and steering control of the snowblowerblower were the two main complaints of snowblowers. On the Ariens the chute is all metal and held in place by a worm gear and the 924DLE is the cheapest Ariens that has auto traction control. This models outside measurement is only slightly over 26 inches which goes thru walk in doors. This snowblower can be had for $1390 online from www.speedwaysales.com in New Berlin, WI and is shipped free of charge by RL Carriers and there is no sales tax. My snowblower was delivered in perfect condition the third day after I ordered it.

[Rick Baxter]

Hey Clive - how did you get the $600 in coupons for that Troybilt? That would probably cut the price in half - now that would be a fantastic deal.

I have had a Troybilt tiller and mower for 5 years - no complaints at all. Just regular maintanence - oil change, gas flush etc.

Rick

[TomC]

Anyone have experiences (either good or bad) with the Yardworks/MTD 24" snow blower? I have a "drive down" driveway and am just wondering if that will be an issue.

Also understand that Briggs and Stratton in the US has gone out of business but was told this will not affect MTD units built in Canada. Any experiences with after purchase service?

This is my first time owning a snowblower.

Thanks in advance
Tom in Toronto

[Jason Saavedra]

Troy built $599
Craftsman $749

Appears to have same features. Both 2 stage.
Any opinions
Jason

[Mark]

I am building a new website on how to choose a snow blower?
http://www.snow-blower-guide.com

[Robert Boyd]

I currently own a Snapper Gas Single-Stage snow thrower which works very well except in wet snow.

Would a two-stage work better. I do my own driveway, plus two neighbors who are too old to get out without my help. None of the driveways is large, but altogether it is a fair amount of work, and too hard to do if the chute is constantly clogged with wet snow.

[bernard jolicoeur]

I am about to replace a Craftsman 10 hp 28 inch which I bought new 15 yrs ago . Has been crap from day one. Would be quicker to list what did not break than what broke. Next will be Honda.
American industry is in distress for have sold crap for decades.
Result: my cars are Toyota, my ATV is Honda, my snowmobiles are Yamaha. my snowblower will be Honda.

Quality and reliability are my buying citeria

Bernard jolicoeur
Northern Quebec

[Nick]

Robert:

I bought a 250cc Craftsman today, and I would say 2 stage definitely works better in wet snow than the single stage. In my experience with a smaller 1 stage, it would stall whenever the wet snow got to be too much for the engine to push. I cleaned the road in front of my driveway which was mostly slush, and the 2 stage bogged down a little bit but was able to throw a solid stream of slushy snow about 15'.

[myles mcswiney]

I have owned a Ariens 1974 8hp 2 stage snowblower for 20 years (and cried when it finally passed from a worn out motor!)and it finally died of a worn out motor!I replaced it with a new Ariens 826lf which has broken 8 times from defective cheap parts to frozen carb,cables,broken belts, everything!! I found out from speaking to repair technicians Ariens was cheapened by Home Depot so it would cost less to sell !!I was warned not to buy it but didn't listen!!! I wish I did !The unit is made so poorly I had to buy 3 Upgrade kits!! To replace cheaply made components To the tune of $150 plus 7 1/2hours to install them and the unit STILL breaks down regularly!!!! I wouldn't wish this machine(I have other discriptions but can't use them in mixed company!)on my worst enemy!! Stay clear of Ariens,it is not the dependable machine it once was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Myles Mcswiney

[Peter Emsley]

I have a Sears 10hp dual stage snowblower. The shift rod broke and knowing what parts I needed ( part# etc) from my manual,I tried to contact the Sears parts depot in my local town here in Barrie Ont. Although they are supposed to have a 24/7 contact service,I tried 3 times to 'phone them and just got the excuse that all their operators were busy and they would reply as soon as an opertator became free. Each time I waited for 30 min and no-one answered. I even tried to contact them at 5.30 am thinking they would not be too busy.(remember 24/7). Same thing,no-one answered. They are the most pathetic service dept I have ever come across. An absolute disgrace.

[Snowed_In]

we're about to purchase a BRUTE (briggs & stratton)... anyone have any info on these? reliability? maintenance advice?
thank you very much...

[Jay]

I'm in the market for a 2-stage snow blower. From research I have found that MTD makes many of the brands. In fact, many of "different" units I've looked at are almost exactly the same, with the exception of a few very minor differences in style and paint color. For example, take a look at the 24in and 26in models for Craftsman, Troy-bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machine and a few others....not many differences between them.

Does any one have any experience with any of these models? In particular, I'm interested in the Troy-bilt/Craftsman 26in Dual Stage Snow Blower. It seems like a good deal($729.00), but it seems too good to be true.

[Cayce Weber]

Never buy Sears Craftsman Snowblower. We've had our for 8-10 years, each year, something new goes wrong with it. We don't use it that much, but when we need it...can never count on it working well.

It's always something. Go with Troybuilt.

Cayce Weber

[charles2825]

I bought a Bolens 8HP 2 years ago. This was the top of the line of MTD brand. It is no longer available from the MTD catalogue, and i understand why: I had it fixed 4 times under the warranty, always the snow chute control (joy stick type). I also have to replace cheap bolts and foresee many problems more. I regret a lot of not having purchased a Toro for few bucks more.
charles
Montreal, Canada

[vicky]

I just moved to Chicago from Kentucky! I need a snowblower - what should I buy?????

[John Fannin]

CR is right about not buying more snow blower than you need. When I lived in Fairbanks Alaska, just about any snow blower would do. I owned a craftsman at the time and it did a great job moving the light and dry snow up there. I could probably have gotten by with a single stage as well, but I had a large area and the two stage craftsman could clear 32 inches with each pass. I moved to Valdez Alaska and quickly realized the craftsman could not handle the deep wet snow that often falls here. The craftsman through a rod the first winter and was the source of extreme aggravation. The chute would plug with slush or the belts would slip when moving heavy wet snow. As I fought the craftsman during really wet snow events I noticed all my neighbors could toss pure slush 30 ft or more and many had old machines. They all owned a Honda with a track drive. I went down and bought mine the day the craftsman broke and have never regretted it. They are pricey, but my old 8 hp has been through 14 winters of pure abuse and is still going today. If you live in serious snow country (Valdez averages over 300 inches a year), buy a Honda.

[Jim Johnson]

I had a Toro snowthrower that was leaking gas from near the in-line gas filter. Repeated yearly changes of the fuel line and filter did not remedy the problem. Each year, leaked again. Finally, I got rid of the Toro and bought a new Toro in 2007. After 2 yrs, same problem. Could not get a remedy, or any assurance, from Toro that same thing would not just happen again. Gave up and bought a Honda snowthrower. Honda's solution to ensure that any gas leak is minimal is they have included a gas line shutoff valve in their design which isolates the gas tank. Would not buy another Toro. They don't seem to be concerned enough about your house getting burned down from one of their gas leaks to try to limit its possibility, like Honda has.