Best Snow Blowers for Showing That Icy Blizzard Who’s Boss

A few years back, a particularly heavy snow storm hit my area of New Jersey. That night, watching the snow pile up in drifts so high they covered most of my first floor windows, I optimistically went downstairs and charged the battery for my small, electric snow blower. The next morning, I opened the front door, shoved the snow blower out, and watched as it immediately buried itself up to the handle.

I had to get the shovel to dig it out, then spent the next several hours ruining my back as I uncovered the driveway and sidewalk by hand. It was not a coincidence when, a few months later, I made the decision to accept a new job and moved to southern California.

I’m now back on the east coast, and while the snow’s been fairly light so far, I know it’s only a matter of time before something like that happens again. If you’re in the same boat, take a look at my picks for the best snow blowers out there, and save yourself the (literal and metaphorical) pain of shoveling.

Our picks for the best snow blowers

What to consider before buying a snow blower

Snowfall and property size

For light snow falls—say, less than a foot—that battery-powered snow blower I mentioned was more than up to the job, handily clearing the driveway in minutes. But if you’re living somewhere that regularly dumps several feet of snow, or have a particularly large area to clear, you’re going to need something more powerful.

Power source

Electric snow blowers are fine for smaller jobs, but if you’re dealing with deep drifts, a more powerful gas blower is better suited for the task.

Weight and ease of use

Most of us get our first snow blower to save our backs, but if the blower you buy is so heavy you injure yourself using it, that obviously defeats the purpose. Aim for that sweet spot where it gets the job done, while still being easily maneuverable.

Features

This is down to personal choice, but many snow blowers come with bells and whistles that might make them more or less appropriate for your needs. “Think about what you need from your snow blower—features like power steering, electric start, headlights, or heated hand grips,” advises Ronit McGuthrie, Vice President of Walk Behind Product Management at Stanley Black & Decker.

Types of snow blowers

There are three types of snow blowers: Single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. “The various stages of snow blowers signify the steps a snow blower goes through to clear the snow. The more stages, or steps, a machine has, the more powerful and efficient it will be to clear more snow in less time,” says McGuthrie. “Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for up to six inches of snowfall, while two-stage snow blowers are great for up to 12 inches of snowfall and three-stage snow blowers can handle up to 18 inches of snowfall.”

How we selected the best snow blowers

As well as consulting with experts, I also relied on personal experience, as well as diligent research to ensure everything on my list is well reviewed, either professionally or by customers (ideally both), particularly with regard to power, effectiveness, ease of use, and durability.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What month is best to buy a snow blower?

“Typically, the best time to buy a snow blower is before the winter season starts, often in late summer or early fall,” says Jeff Palla, President of Mr. Handyman. “Professionals recommend planning ahead to ensure availability and sometimes catch early-season deals.”

How much should I spend on a snow blower?

“Prices vary, but a decent snow blower can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on features and power,” says Palla.

McGuthrie suggests carefully assessing your space and needs to be sure you’re not spending too much. “Many manufacturers have tools on their website to offer recommendations on what size of unit is appropriate given your average snowfall and area to be cleared,” she says. “These tools can help get you into the ballpark of what capability you probably need. From there you can decide if it’s worth it to you to be able to overcome that hundred-year snowfall with ease, or if saving a few bucks and spending more time clearing after a particularly heavy snowfall is just fine for your needs.”

How do you prepare a snow blower for storage?

McGuthrie advises taking the following steps:

1. Maintenance preparation

Read the offseason storage section of your unit’s owner’s manual, then check the unit’s maintenance items to see if they need to be replaced.

2. Order parts

Carefully check your unit’s parts, such as the auger’s rubber paddles or belts, to see if anything needs to be replaced or repaired. If anything does need replacing, order those parts immediately and install them before storing your unit for the winter.

3. Clean

If your unit has a four-cycle engine, drain the engine’s oil. Next, remove the spark plug and inspect it, cleaning it with a wire brush if necessary. Then, reinstall it unless a replacement is needed. Clean debris from around the engine and muffler, wiping away any dried salt that may have accumulated over winter to prevent rusting.

4. Add fuel

Finally, add fuel stabilizer to your fuel and fill the unit’s tank. Run the engine for five minutes so that the stabilized fuel is circulated through to the carburetor—this is better than storing the unit empty. While in storage, keep the engine level to avoid a fuel or oil leak. It’s also best practice to cover your snow blower during the offseason to protect it from dust, dirt, and rodents.

Which is better, a 1-stage or 2-stage snow blower?

“It’s not necessarily about what’s better, but what fits your specific needs,” says McGuthrie. “Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for smaller jobs like walkways and short driveways, and they’re light, compact, and easy to handle. But if you get more snow, or have unpaved surfaces with inclines or a longer driveway, you’ll want to consider a 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower that will help clear larger volumes in larger areas.”