The machine was able to throw the sawdust 20 feet, so the claimed distance of 30 with real snow is reasonable. The iON has a variable speed auger so you can adjust it to match the conditions or throw farther—we used it at full speed in the heavy sawdust. The discharge chute is easily adjusted remotely, via buttons on the handle. Snow Joe slapped lights on the front, as well. But you may want to invest in a second battery to extend the run time. It has a wide intake housing and auger capable of clearing a inch path in one pass.
At inches wide though, it may be too big for narrow walkways or awkward in tight spaces. The Arctic Storm just about swallowed the section of snowbank we build for testing—the intake housing is nearly as wide as our pile of wet sawdust.
We did need to inch it in carefully at the lowest speed, alternately engaging and disengaging the drive wheels to avoid digging in too fast. We were able to throw the sawdust up to 31 feet, and expect that would increase significantly in normal snow conditions. Using the small joystick-type control for the discharge chute and deflector is a joy.
With just a thumb, we could reach from the handle to quickly make adjustments on the fly. In our area test, we were able to clear the sawdust in just two minutes and 41 seconds. We found the Arctic Storm to be a good value compared to other machines its size and an ideal option for people with large driveways and parking areas to clear. Supply-chain issues are already impacting stock this year, and many models may be difficult to find.
The last Ariens snowblower we tested was one of our top picks due to sturdy construction and top-notch performance. This model, with electronic fuel injection, should provide trouble-free starting at any temperature. And when the mercury really drops, heated handgrips will ensure your digits stay toasty and comfortable. The friction-disc drive system is an industry standard, time tested and reliable. And the two-stage system will eject snow forcefully from the discharge chute and clear of your driveway.
This is a modest-size machine that should suit the average homeowner. Power: Battery 2 Volts: 40 Amp hours: 5 x2 Width: 21 in. Much quieter than gas, this battery-powered model lets you work in close proximity to other homes during hours when using power equipment might not be appreciated.
Ryobi claims this single-stage machine will throw snow up to 35 feet, which in perfect dry conditions is probably true. Expect that to drop a bit with heavier wet snow. Type keyword s to search. By Bradley Ford. Pro Volt 20 Snowblower. Greenworks Pro lowes. Buy Now. Easy to maneuver Affordable. Had trouble processing the sawdust. Power Max HD Snowblower. Toro homedepot. Needs to be plugged in to use electric start.
Third stage cuts through icy snow Electric chute control. Plastic chute. Ego amazon. Quiet No need to worry about stale gas. Run-time will be shorter in heavy, wet snow. ST T Snowblower. Easy to start Tracks lend stability. Snow Joe amazon. Will struggle in heavier snow, but still powerful for an electric blower.
Arctic Storm 34 Snowblower. Clears a wide path Effective heated grips. May be too big for tight areas. Deluxe 30 EFI Snowblower. Ariens lowes. ST in Snow Blower. Ryobi homedepot. Bradley Ford Test Editor Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Decide whether you want the convenience of electric operation or the extra power of a gas motor that also needs regular maintenance and fuel. Gas engines are rated in terms of horsepower, and electric engines are measured in amps.
Consider how wide of a path the snow blower will clear with each pass. Typical clearing widths are anywhere between 20 and 25 inches, but some budget models may clear even less and some more robust models may be able to do up to 30 inches or more.
A wider clearing width will help you clear snow faster and get inside sooner. Many snow blowers work at a single pace. Typically found on two-stage and three-stage snow blowers, speed control will let you move faster with a simple adjustment to a lever near the handgrips.
Make it easier to get started by choosing a snow blower with an electric starter. At the push of a button, the machine will be ready for action without the need for a manual pull-cord start, which can be challenging for many users.
Both electric and gas-powered models are available with an electric start option. If you want to be up and running faster when the snow flurries arrive or you hate struggling with a conventional starter , you should strongly consider an electric starter. In fact, only snow blowers with single-stage engines are technically snow throwers. More powerful two- and three-stage snow blowers have an impeller to help blow the snow out the chute, but you still might see them advertised as snow throwers.
A single-stage snow blower works in one motion, utilizing a scoop-like auger that shovels the snow and funnels it out the chute. A two-stage snow blower has an impeller fan in addition to the auger, which helps propel the snow into the intake chute and increases the overall clearing power and throwing distance of the snow. A three-stage snow blower has the most power because it adds an accelerator to the auger and impeller fan, which means much faster snow removal, greater clearing capacity, and longer throwing distances.
Properly storing a gas-powered snow blower in the offseason is important because gas can corrode and gunk may build up and cause damage. It's recommended to drain the fuel tank before storing your blower for months at a time.
You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to keep the gasoline ready and prevent it from breaking down over time. While the snow blower itself will do the majority of the heavy lifting, there are accessories and extras available to make the task easier or more comfortable.
Below are some of the most common options to consider:. If the wind is blowing, you can expect to get more than a light dusting of snow as your machine throws snow out of its path. Blowback is an unpleasant part of the snow-clearing process, and a snow cab will minimize your exposure by protecting you with a clear, portable windshield of sorts. It can also help to block any icy wind that may be blowing your way. Instead of wasting it, adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank can keep the gasoline ready and prevent it from breaking down over time.
Typically, single-stage snow throwers will include two years of warranty protection, while two-stage and three-stage machines may gain an additional year of coverage. In some cases, the warranty period may be as short as 90 days. If you just plan to use the machine around your property or to clear the sidewalk in front of your house, you will likely have several years of warranty coverage to give you peace of mind with your purchase.
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau , a freelance writer who has written for The Spruce since A lifelong New Englander, she is no stranger to blizzards and knows the value of a high-quality snow blower, which can help make snow removal a much easier task.
Best Snow Blower Buying Guide. Consumer Reports. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content.
Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. So much for snow days. With over 1, rave reviews and recommendations, this snow blower is a reliable, durable, and powerful machine equipped to clear most snowfalls. The gas-powered, two-stage blower beats electric and one-stage models when it comes to forcing, and the steel auger slices through even heavy or icy snow buildup to provide a inch wide, inch deep clearing capacity.
The PowerSmart has an energetic cc engine, inch-height tires to dig deep into terrain, degrees of chute control with a foot throw , and eight total speeds six forward, two reverse , giving you a range of options to choose from when clearing your unique driveway, sidewalk, or street. Why it made the cut: For those who need to clear large areas with heavy snowfall, this pick is designed with a two-stage clearing process and a high-capacity belt to handle the toughest storms.
It can clear anywhere from 6 to 23 inches of snow, with features like a two-stage system, friction disc drive, power steering, high-capacity belt, and extra-large tires to make your job even easier.
The heavy-duty components are designed with durability in mind—the cast iron auger gear box and cast iron impeller are built to last. Why it made the cut: This gas-powered pick can cut through even the most abominable snow buildup with snow blows of up to 50 feet.
Save yourself the hassle of making pass after pass after pass with this powerful Ariens snow blower. Capable of clearing a inch-wide path and cutting through 21 inches of piled-up snow, this two-stage snow blower will be your new best friend if you have a lot of ground to cover. Auto-turn steering also means no tricky levers or triggers to manipulate—just press the electric push button and start carving.
The dual belt system also allows your engine to output more power where it matters, so clearing even heavy snowfall can be a breeze. Why it made the cut: Simply charge up and get snow blowing with this eco-friendly-meets-affordable pick, which clears an impressive amount of snow despite its lightweight and compact design.
Powered with a rechargeable volt, 5. Despite its more compact size, this pick can also move pounds of snow per minute, making it a workhorse worthy of a try. Why it made the cut: Clear up to 13 inches of snow off your sidewalks in one go with this powerful gas-powered pick. Why it made the cut: This high-quality option has a powerful motor and two-stage design to tackle the heaviest snowfalls.
This powerful gas two-stage snow blower can easily tackle snowfalls that are up to 20 inches and move cubic cm of snow, making it one of the best machines to clear areas hit with serious snowfall. While considerably more expensive than the other options in the article, this gas snow blower will cut through just about anything you put in its way and you give total control over where it ends up. The dual-trigger steering also allows you to cut tight turns and clear snow precisely, which ultimately makes for a faster process overall.
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