The first big snow of the year has a way of making people rethink their shovel. It starts out charming, and then you're forty minutes in, the plow has left a heavy ridge across the end of the driveway and your back has opinions. A snow blower turns that job into a ten-minute walk, but only if you buy the right kind. Too small, and it stalls in wet snow. Too big, and it takes up half the garage for a few days of use a year.
This guide covers six popular models, from a light cordless unit for the front steps to a 250 pound gas machine for the end of a long driveway. It explains how single-stage and two-stage blowers differ, what to expect from battery run times and how to stay safe while using one. When winter gives way to spring, our garden tools reviews and the oscillating sprinkler guide can help you get the lawn back in shape.
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Single-stage or two-stage? Start here
| Single-stage | Two-stage | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | One auger scoops and throws the snow | An auger feeds snow to a separate impeller that throws it |
| Best snow depth | Light to moderate, roughly up to 6 to 8 in. | Deeper, heavier, packed snow |
| Power | Electric (corded or cordless) or small gas | Usually gas, self-propelled |
| Surface | Paved driveways and walks | Paved or gravel, with adjustable skid shoes |
| Weight | About 25 to 55 lb for electric models | Often around 200 lb or more |
| Upkeep | Very little | Fuel, oil and seasonal servicing |
Four of the six picks below are single-stage electric machines, and two are two-stage gas machines. The Toro is corded, and the Snow Joe, EGO and Greenworks are battery powered.
Quick picks
| Pick | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Joe iON18SB | Cordless single-stage | Light snow, small spaces |
| Toro 38381 | Corded single-stage | Medium driveways, no battery |
| EGO SNT2102 | Cordless single-stage | Bigger driveways, cordless |
| Greenworks Pro 80V | Cordless single-stage | Push-button convenience |
| Husqvarna ST224P | Gas two-stage | Moderate to heavy snow |
| Ariens Deluxe 28 | Gas two-stage | Big driveways, heavy snow |
How these picks were chosen
I looked at how each machine handles typical residential snow: clearing width, snow depth it can realistically manage, power source, run time or engine size, weight and ease of storage. Specs come from product listings and manufacturers and can change, so confirm the exact model on the Amazon page. Prices change often, so check before buying. I have not run hands-on tests of these machines.
The 6 snow blowers, reviewed
Snow Joe iON18SB 40V Cordless Single-Stage Brushless Snow Blower
- Type: Cordless, single-stage
- Power: 40V battery, brushless
- Path: 18 in. wide, 8 in. deep (listed)
- Weight: About 32 lb (listed)
Light, quiet and ready in seconds: this is the sort of snow blower that lives in a hall closet and comes out for a quick pass over the steps and a short driveway. There's no cord to drag and no fuel to buy. The listing quotes up to about 50 minutes of run time, but that is a best case, and cold weather and heavy snow will shorten it. It suits light to moderate snowfall on small areas. It isn't the tool for a long driveway or the heavy, wet stuff, so treat the listed clearing depth as a ceiling.
What's good
- Cordless with no fuel or cord to manage
- Light enough to carry up steps
- Brushless motor, with a quiet, low-maintenance design
What to watch for
- Battery run time limits it on bigger jobs
- Struggles with deep, heavy or wet snow
- Plastic parts are less rugged than steel
Toro 38381 Power Curve 1800 18-Inch Electric Snow Blower
- Type: Corded electric, single-stage
- Power: 15 amp
- Path: 18 in. wide
- Weight: About 25 lb (listed)
A corded electric blower never runs out of battery, and that's the Toro's main advantage. You plug it in, squeeze the trigger and keep going as long as there's snow to move. The Power Curve design is meant to scrape close to the pavement, and the listing describes an adjustable deflector and a cord-lock to keep the extension cord from popping out. You will need a proper outdoor extension cord, and you'll have to manage it as you work, but for a short to medium driveway it's a dependable, low-maintenance choice.
What's good
- Unlimited run time while plugged in
- Light and easy to store
- Simple, low-maintenance design
What to watch for
- The cord limits reach and needs managing
- Best in light to moderate snow
- Plastic parts on a budget machine
EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch 56V Cordless Snow Blower Kit
- Type: Cordless, single-stage
- Power: 56V, two 5.0Ah batteries included
- Path: 21 in. wide
- Throw: Up to 35 ft
EGO's kit ships with two 5.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, and the machine can use both at once for extra power. The maker says a full charge clears about a ten-car driveway with 8 inches of snow. It has a brushless motor, a variable-speed auger, LED headlights and a quick-fold handle for storage. It is heavier than the small cordless units, at around 50 pounds without batteries, and like any single-stage machine it's best in snow up to roughly 6 to 8 inches.
What's good
- Two batteries included, and they combine for extra power
- Wide 21-inch path and up to 35 ft throw
- Folding handle helps with storage
What to watch for
- Heavier than compact cordless models
- Runtime drops in heavy, wet snow
- Higher price than corded electric
Greenworks Pro 80V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Thrower
- Type: Cordless, single-stage
- Power: 80V battery, brushless
- Path: 20 in. wide
- Run time: About 45 min (listed)
Greenworks aims this one at people who want gas-style power without the fumes. It's a brushless, 80-volt machine with a 20-inch path, a rotating chute and dual LED lights for early-morning clearing. The quoted 45 minute run time is a listing figure, and battery size, temperature and snow type all change it. Before you order, double-check that the listing you land on is the 80V version with the battery and charger included, since Greenworks sells several similar models.
What's good
- Push-button start with no fuel
- Dual LED lights for dark mornings
- Brushless motor for quieter running
What to watch for
- Struggles with heavy or deep snow
- Battery life varies with cold and load
- Check the exact model and what's included
Husqvarna ST224P 24-Inch 208cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Type: Gas, two-stage
- Engine: 208cc
- Path: 24 in. wide
- Throw: Up to 35 ft (listed)
Two-stage machines pick up snow with an auger and then fire it out with a separate impeller, and that extra step is what lets them handle deep, heavy or packed snow. The Husqvarna is a mid-size residential model with electric start, a remote chute, power steering and heated handle grips, according to the listing. The trade-off is everything that comes with gas: fuel, oil, spark plugs, noise and a bigger footprint in the garage. It's overkill for a small patch of light snow, but it earns its keep on long driveways and in snowy regions. Confirm the exact model number on the Amazon page before you order, since Husqvarna sells several similar machines.
What's good
- Handles heavier, deeper snow than electric models
- Electric start and power steering, per the listing
- Heated grips make long sessions more comfortable
What to watch for
- Gas engine means fuel, oil and more maintenance
- Bigger and harder to store
- Overkill for light snow
Ariens Deluxe 28 (921046) Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Type: Gas, two-stage
- Engine: 254cc Ariens AX
- Path: 28 in. wide, 21 in. intake
- Throw: Up to 50 ft
This is the heavyweight of the group. The Deluxe 28 has a 254cc Ariens engine, a 28-inch path, a 14-inch steel auger and a 21-inch intake height, and it can throw snow up to 50 feet. Auto-Turn steering makes the turns easier than you'd expect from a machine this size. It weighs around 250 pounds, so it needs storage space and a little respect, and it comes with the usual gas-engine upkeep. Choose it if you get deep snow, have a long or wide driveway or need to break through the plow ridge at the end.
What's good
- Very capable in deep and heavy snow
- 28-inch path and up to 50 ft throw
- Auto-Turn steering and electric start
What to watch for
- Around 250 lb, so it's bulky to store
- Gas engine requires regular maintenance
- Costs much more than electric models
How to size a snow blower to your property
The two questions that matter most are how much snow you usually get and how much ground you need to clear. A short driveway that sees a few inches at a time is a very different job from a long one that gets a foot in a storm.
| Your situation | Good fit |
|---|---|
| Steps, walkway, one-car driveway, light snow | Small cordless or corded electric, such as the Snow Joe or Toro |
| Two-car driveway, moderate snow, no extension cord hassle | Larger cordless, such as the EGO or Greenworks |
| Long or wide driveway, frequent heavy snow | Two-stage gas, such as the Husqvarna or Ariens |
| Gravel driveway | Two-stage with adjustable skid shoes |
| Steep slope or icy end-of-driveway ridge | Two-stage, self-propelled machine |
Also think about where you'll keep it. A 250 pound machine needs a garage or shed with a ramp or a flat entrance, while a 30 pound electric unit can hang on a wall.
What matters when you compare models
Clearing width and intake height
Width is how much you clear on each pass. Wider means fewer passes, but a wider machine is also heavier and harder to steer. Intake height is how tall a drift the machine can swallow. A 13-inch intake, as on some cordless units, won't take a 16-inch drift in one go. Two-stage machines usually have 20-inch or taller intakes.
Power source
Corded electric never runs out of power, but you need a suitable outdoor extension cord, and the cord limits where you can go. Cordless battery is convenient and quiet, but run time is limited and drops in cold or heavy snow. Gas is the most powerful and works anywhere, but it needs fuel, oil and regular maintenance.
Battery size and run time
Run times quoted in listings come from ideal conditions. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, and wet, heavy snow drains it much faster than light powder. Batteries measured in amp-hours tell you how much energy they hold, and two batteries roughly double your time. If your driveway is large, a second battery is worth having, and some machines, like the EGO kit, include two.
Weight and maneuverability
Weight matters more than you'd think, especially for single-stage machines you push yourself. Self-propelled two-stage models drive themselves, so their weight is less of a problem on flat ground, but on slopes they need good tires or tracks.
Chute control
A chute you can adjust from the handle lets you change the throw direction without stopping. This matters when the wind shifts, or when you want to keep snow off the neighbor's car.
Lights, heated grips and comfort
LED headlights are useful because many people clear snow before dawn or after dark. Heated grips are a luxury, but a real one in very cold climates. Padded, adjustable handles help on longer jobs.
Warranty and service
A machine you use only a few weeks a year still needs to start reliably. Check the warranty length for the tool and for batteries, and make sure there's a local dealer or service option if you buy a gas model.
Safety: the part people skip
Snow blowers cause thousands of injuries every year, most of them preventable. A few rules matter more than any feature list:
- Never put your hand in the chute or auger. Even when the machine is off, stored energy can move parts. Use the clearing tool that comes with the machine, or a stick, to remove a jam, and turn the machine off and wait until everything has stopped first.
- Keep bystanders, kids and pets away. Snow, ice and hidden objects can be thrown a long way.
- Look before you blow. Clear the area of newspapers, doormats, hoses, toys and rocks that can jam the auger or get thrown.
- Never run a gas machine in a closed garage. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is odorless and dangerous. Start and run gas machines outdoors.
- Let gas engines cool before refueling. Refuel outdoors, never while the engine is hot or running.
- Use the right extension cord. For corded models, use an outdoor-rated cord of the gauge and length the manufacturer recommends, and keep the plug connection out of the snow.
- Aim the chute away from people, cars and windows.
- Dress for the cold and wear eye protection. Snow and ice fly back, and sturdy boots with good traction are a must.
- Take breaks. Even with a machine, snow clearing is strenuous, and people with heart conditions should take particular care.
How to clear snow efficiently
- 1. Clear early and often. Fresh snow is much lighter than snow that has been packed down or thawed and refrozen.
- 2. Check the wind. Throw snow downwind so it doesn't blow back onto the cleared area.
- 3. Start in the middle and work outward. Throw the snow toward the sides of the driveway.
- 4. Overlap each pass slightly. It prevents leftover strips.
- 5. Set skid shoes properly. On gravel, raise them so the machine doesn't scoop up stones. On pavement, lower them for a cleaner result.
- 6. Take deep snow in stages. If snow is deeper than the intake, clear the top layer first and then the bottom.
- 7. Save the plow ridge for last. Take it slowly, in several passes, since it's usually packed and heavy.
Maintenance before, during and after winter
Electric and cordless models
Check the auger paddles and scraper for wear, keep the battery charged and store it indoors, since cold reduces charge and a warm battery works better. Wipe the machine dry after use, and keep vents free of packed snow. Store it in a dry place.
Gas models
Before the season, check the oil, replace the spark plug if needed, inspect belts and shear pins and make sure the scraper bar and skid shoes aren't worn. Use fresh fuel, and consider a fuel stabilizer, since old gas causes hard starts. At the end of winter, drain or stabilize the fuel, wipe the machine dry and store it clean. A quick pre-season service at a local dealer can save you a cold, frustrating first storm.
Common mistakes
- Buying too small for your snow. A cordless single-stage unit won't handle a foot of heavy snow.
- Ignoring storage space. A big machine needs a plan.
- Using a household extension cord. Use one rated for outdoor use and the amperage.
- Clearing a jam with your hand. Always use a tool, with the machine off.
- Skipping pre-season checks. The first storm is the worst time to find a dead battery or stale gas.
- Leaving batteries in the cold. Store them indoors and charge them before a storm.
- Running gas machines in the garage. Carbon monoxide is a real danger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers?
A single-stage machine uses one auger to scoop and throw snow, and it suits light to moderate snow on paved surfaces. A two-stage machine uses an auger to feed a separate impeller, and it copes with deeper, heavier snow and can handle gravel.
Are cordless snow blowers powerful enough?
For light to moderate snow on small to medium driveways, yes. Battery run time and cold weather limit them, and heavy wet snow drains batteries quickly. Larger, multi-battery models perform better.
How much snow can an electric snow blower handle?
Most single-stage electric machines work best in snow up to about 6 to 8 inches, though this varies by model and snow type. Deeper or wetter snow calls for a two-stage machine.
Do I need a gas snow blower?
If you get frequent heavy snow, have a long driveway or a gravel surface, a two-stage gas machine is the safer choice. For light snow and short driveways, electric is easier and quieter.
What extension cord do I need for a corded snow blower?
Use an outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge cord of the length the manufacturer recommends, and keep it as short as practical. Check the manual for the exact requirement.
Can a snow blower be used on gravel?
Two-stage machines with adjustable skid shoes are better suited to gravel. Single-stage machines can pick up and throw stones, so they're best for paved surfaces.
How long do battery snow blower batteries last?
Run time varies with battery size, temperature and snow. Listings often quote 30 to 50 minutes on one charge, and a second battery roughly doubles that.
When should I service a gas snow blower?
Before winter starts. Check oil, spark plug, belts, scraper and skid shoes, and use fresh fuel with a stabilizer.
The bottom line
For steps and small driveways with light snow, a cordless Snow Joe or a corded Toro is light and easy to live with. If you want a cordless machine with more power and two batteries in the box, the EGO is the stand-out, and the Greenworks offers push-button convenience with an 80-volt battery. For deep, heavy snow and long driveways, the Husqvarna and the Ariens are in a different league, with the Ariens Deluxe 28 as the heavy-duty choice for big jobs.
Match the machine to your snow, plan storage and follow the safety rules. When the last of the snow melts, our garden tools reviews and the oscillating sprinkler guide are good places to start on the lawn.
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