11 Best Snow Blowers (Review) In 2021
Ever since he was a child, Jason has loved repairing, building and creating things. Growing up, he spent all his free time carving intricate woodcraft pieces that soon caught the eye of neighbours and friends. Before he knew it, Jason turned his hobby into a job, earning an income from being his hometowns handyman. Many years have passed since then but Jason’s enthusiasm for woodwork remains the same. He can usually be found in his workshop, crafting furniture or restoring old treasures.
1. Snow Joe 22″ 15 Amp Electric Snow Blower
Key Features
15 amp unit to clear larger areas
Starts up by pressing a button
Operated by pulling on a trigger
Clears a path 22 inches wide and 13 inches deep
Chute that rotates around 180 degrees
Easy to move around
Equalling the power of gas but with the convenience of electricity, the Snow Joe 22″ 15 Amp Electric Snow Blower is the best option for clearing large driveways and walkways. The 15-amp unit is very easy to start up with just a push of a button. You operate it by pulling the trigger and it clears a path that is 22 inches wide and 13 inches deep with every pass. As it has an electric start, it is very quick to get going as soon as you plug it in.
This snow blower can clear 25 tons of snow an hour and has a chute that rotates around 180 degrees so that you can dump the snow in the most convenient location. It also has two powerful LED lights so that you can use it safely in low light conditions.
Pros
As powerful as a gas snow thrower but with the convenience of electricity
Simple to set up and operate
Chute can change direction
Discrete safety switch
Can be used in the dark thanks to the LED lights
Cons
You have to get used to the power cord
Makes quite a lot of noise
2. Earthwise 16″ 12 Amp Electric Snow Shovel
Key Features
Curved auger blade
Thermal protection
Sturdy steel pole with ergonomic handle
Additional adjustable support handle
Six-inch wheels providing great clearance
Medium clearing width – 16 inches
Easy to set up and with a wide range of functional features, it’s easy to see why the Earthwise 16″ 12 Amp Electric Snow Shovel is a popular choice for snow removal amongst home owners. This 12 Amp snow blower uses a dual-curved auger blade and has a 16-inch clearing width and an eight-inch clearing depth. You control it using the sturdy steel pole with an ergonomic handle that includes a hook to keep the power cord safely out of the way. There is a second adjustable handle for extra support.
This electric snow blower can clear 430 pounds of snow every minute and can blow it 30 foot away. This makes it perfect for quickly removing winter snow from sidewalks and driveways. It’s very easy to put together and has six-inch wheels to make it easy to move around. It offers an electric start so there will be no fiddling around with a recoil start mechanism.
Pros
Hook to secure power cord
Strong steel handle to move the blower around
Ergonomic handle and additional support handle
Simple and quick to put together
Discharge gate can be adjusted
Cons
Does not have total directional adjustment
Clearing width is less than some larger models
3. YARDMAX 22″ Two-Stage Snow Blower
Key Features
Two-stage gas snow blower
Five forward speeds
Two reverse speeds
High-speed impeller
24-inch clearance path
Electric start for convenience
There are three width options when you purchase the YARDMAX 22″ Two-Stage Snow Blower which are 22 inches, 24 inches, and 26 inches. This 22-inch option two-stage gas snow blower is powered by a YARDMAX 6.5 HP 196 cc engine that starts with either an electric or recoil start. The larger two-stage snow blowers are powered by electric start 7.0 HP 208 cc engines. Both have a self-propelled drive and five forward speeds and two reverse speeds together with an electric start.
These gas snow blowers have impressive snow clearing capabilities but are easy to use. The serrated steel augers cut through even hard-packed snow and the axe-shaped housing slices through snow and ice. There are minimum throwback and snow is thrown away from the unit through the extended chute. User-friendly features on this two-stage gas blower include a control crank to make quick adjustments, simple assembly, and the option of two-wheel drive for traction or one-wheel drive for maneuverability.
Pros
Gas snow blower that can be used away from a power source
Option of recoil or electric start
24-inch wide clearance on each sweep
Extended chute for maximum snow throwing
Traction and maneuverability provided by the two-stage design
Cons
Takes some time to assemble
Can take some time to start with the pull cord (recoil)
4. Greenworks 20″ 13 Amp Corded Snow Blower
Key Features
Unlimited run time
Simple press button start
Clears a path 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep
180-degree directional chute
LED light for poor light
13 amp motor
For unlimited runtime when clearing small yards, the Greenworks 20″ 13 Amp Corded Snow Blower is one of the best options. The 13 amp motor delivers instant power without the need to fill it with gas or charge it up. It clears a path that is 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep and has an electric start.
These electric snow blowers feature a 180-degree directional chute that will throw snow up to 20 feet away from your path. It also has seven-inch wheels for added mobility. For added convenience, there is a push-button start and the handle folds away when you are not using it. This snow blower produces very little noise as it is working and has an LED light so that you can use it in low light conditions.
Pros
Unlimited power for long jobs
Very easy and quick to start
Easy to move around the snow using the wheels
Direction of chute can be changed
Throws snow 20 feet away
Cons
Must have a high amp extension cord
Paddle is plastic and not rubber
5. Snapper XD 82V MAX 20″ Electric Single-Stage Snow Blower
Key Features
Single-stage snow blower
Battery operated with 75 minutes run time
Rechargeable batteries supplied separately
20-inch clearing path
Clears 10 inches deep
Chute swivels around 180 degrees
The Snapper XD 82V MAX 20″ Electric Single-Stage Snow Blower provides up to 75 minutes of run time using its 4.0 battery. The battery can be charged in just an hour and the snow blower is ready to go. The brushless motor is powered by 82V Max Lithium-Ion batteries which need to be purchased separately.
These snow blowers have a 20-inch clearing path with a depth of 10 inches making them the best option for clearing smaller areas that have a light or medium covering of snow that is no deeper than 10 inches. Using the 180-degree swivel chute, the snow is discharged up to 20-feet away. There are two sets of lights for using the snow blower in low light and there is an illuminated control panel.
Pros
Can be used anywhere – does not need power supply
Single-stage snow blower – easy to operate
Suitable for lighter snow covering
Lights for use in the dark
Useful control panel
Cons
Can get caught on uneven surfaces
You need to buy the battery and charging cable separately
6. Snow Joe 21″ 15 Amp Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
Key Features
Single-stage snow blower
Easy electric start
Clearing width of 21 inches
Can throw snow 20 feet away from the path
180-degree adjustable chute
Can clear 800 pounds of snow in a minute
A snow blower that is easy to use but powerful enough to deal with heavy snowfalls, the Snow Joe 21″ 15 Amp Electric Snow Thrower is just right for medium-sized driveways. It offers the same power as a gas snow blower but has all the convenience of an electric model. Inside, there is a 15-amp motor and it clears snow using the steel auger with two rubber blades. This electric snow blower can clear as much as 800 pounds of snow in a minute.
It has impressive snow removal capabilities – it will clear a path that is 21 inches wide and to a depth of 12 inches at every pass making it ideal for quickly clearing snow from a medium-sized area. The chute adjusts around 180 degrees and discharges snow up to 20 foot away from the blower. In total, this snow blower can remove up to 800 pounds of snow every minute. The wheels are 2.5 inches wide for grip and maneuverability and there are LED lights for night-time operation.
Pros
Clears deep enough for moderate snow fall
Constant power supply
Discharges snow 20 feet away
Direction of chute can be altered
Strong steel auger blades
Cons
Can trip the breaker if you have other things running
Can struggle on snow that is over one foot deep
7. Earthwise 18″ 13.5 Amp Electric Corded Snow Blower
Key Features
Ergonomic handle and additional transport handle
Clears an 18-inch path
Throws the snow 30 feet away
Quick to assemble without tools
Easy to start up
Chute can be moved without stopping the blower
Featuring an ergonomic handle and six-inch wheels, this electric snow blower can tackle heavy snow falls on driveways or walkways. It clears a path that is 18 inches wide and reaches a depth of 12 inches. The powerful dual blade augur can move 700 pounds of snow a minute. It can throw snow up to 30 feet away which is more than many comparable models of the two-stage snow blower.
The Earthwise 18″ 13.5 Amp Electric Corded Snow Blower is easy to put together and requires very little maintenance. It has a hook to keep the cord out of the way and LED lights for poor light conditions. The direction of the chute can be adjusted around 180 degrees and can be altered during operation. There is an additional handle to help with moving it around.
Pros
Easy to move around using the two handles
Smaller clearance path – suitable for smaller walkways
Moves 700 pounds of snow a minute
Quick and easy to put together
LED lights for dark conditions
Cons
Not suitable for very heavy snow fall
Wheels can struggle on wet snow
8. WEN 5662 Blaster 18″ 13.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower
Key Features
2000 rotations per minute
Cuts snow to a depth of 7.8 inches
Flexible edge auger to protect delicate pathways
Lightweight design with carry handle
Collapses for easy storage
Angle and direction adjustment on chute
The WEN 5662 Blaster 18″ 13.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower offers 2000 rotations per minute and a powerful 13.5 amp motor. It will clear a path that is 18 inches wide and 7.8 inches in depth with a flexible edge auger to prevent damaging delicate pathways. The snow is thrown as far as 20 feet away and can be blown up to 10 feet in the air. Using a crank handle, the direction of the snow chute can be altered around 180 degrees and there is also spring-loaded adjustment using a button to alter the arc angle.
The 6-inch ‘never-flat’ wheels combined with the lightweight design and carry handle make it easy to move around and there is a clip designed to secure your extension cord safely out of the way. The frame collapses for compact storage when it is not in use. This model offers an electric start for added convenience.
Pros
Easy to move around
Throws snow 20 feet away
Cons
Not as powerful as a gas blower
Clogs easily if the snow is wet
9. Briggs & Stratton 22″ Single Stage Snow Blower
Key Features
Single-stage gas snow blower
950 cc motor delivering 9 foot-pounds of torque
Clears a 22-inch wide path
Tackles snow to a depth of 12.5 inches
Push-button start mechanism
Chute can be adjusted around 200 degrees
A large and powerful single-stage gas snow blower featuring a serrated auger that is highly efficient at shredding even hard frozen snow. The Briggs & Stratton 22″ Single-Stage Snow Blower is equipped with a 950 cc motor that delivers 9 foot-pounds of torque. This snow blower can clear a 22-inch wide path of snow and cuts to a depth of 12.5 inches.
The auger housing is in one-piece and has ball bearings for extra durability, it houses 14 serrated surfaces with a rubber-edged paddle to clear snow without causing damage to paths. The push-button start adds further convenience and you are able to adjust the direction (around 200 degrees) as you are using the snow blower. Snow is blown up to 30 feet away from the path.
Pros
Gas snow blower so there are no trailing cables
Powerful motor for tough jobs
Easy to start for added convenience
Compact size that is easy to move around
Rubber-edged paddle to protect surfaces
Cons
Gas engine will need some maintenance
Old gas needs to be removed before storage
10. Earthwise 22″ 40 Volt Cordless Electric Snow Thrower
Key Features
Rear wheels to make it easy to move
Fast electric start
Chute rotates around 180 degrees
Clearing path of 22 inches
Clears 600 pounds of snow in a minute
Deposits snow 30 feet away from the snow blower
The Earthwise 22″ 40 Volt Cordless Electric Snow Thrower comes with a 4.0Ah battery and fast charger included making it a convenient and accessible snow blower that can be started up quickly. It deals efficiently with snow up to 12 inches deep in one sweep and has a clearing path of 22 inches.
Two powerful LED lights make sure that you can see where you are going and the chute can be rotated around 180-degrees whilst the snow blower is being used. These snow blowers can move a total of 600 pounds of snow in one minute and will throw it as far as 30 feet away. It features both a cushioned handle and strong transport handle so that it can be moved around easily.
Pros
Requires less maintenance than a gas snow blower
Easy to assemble with no tools
No trailing cables to worry about
Clears deep enough for moderate snow falls
Comfortable cushion handle
Cons
Battery will eventually run out
Trigger has to be pressed all the time when using it
11. Homegear 12″ 9 Amp Electric Snow Blower
Key Features
Compact inexpensive machine
Power cord – it has constant power
Easy to assemble yourself
Safety switch and lock
Weighs just 14 pounds
Throws snow 20 feet from the blower
Featuring a compact but highly efficient 4000r/min motor, the Homegear 12″ 9 Amp Electric Snow Blower is a handy household appliance for people that need to clear smaller quantities of snow from a small path or walkway. You can put it together yourself and it comes with a 19-inch power cord. To keep you safe when using the snow blower, it is fitted with an adjustable handle, a safety switch, and a safety key lock.
Even though these snow blowers weigh just 14 pounds, they can clear width of 12 inches and to a depth of six inches. Snow will be thrown around 20 feet away via the adjustable chute which can be turned around 180 degrees.
Pros
Less expensive than larger models
Powered by electric and therefore easy to maintain
Safe and easy to use
Lightweight and easy to move around
Snow is discharged 20 feet away
Cons
Can get stuck in deep snow
Narrow clearing path compared to some models
Features To Consider With Snow Blowers
The best snow blowers have a range of features to make snow removal as easy as possible. When you are looking for the best snow blower for your home, you may come across some confusing terminology such as 'two-stage' and 'clearance width'. Here we set out the main snow blower features that you should look out for and explain the technical terms.
Clearance Width
When you read the specification provided with a snow blower, you will find two measurements quoted in the snow blower sale information. The width measurement is the size of the clearance path that the snow blower can achieve. For smaller paths, a width of around 18 inches will be adequate - a larger snow blower will take too much snow away. However, for clearing larger areas, you need a wider clearing path and this could be up to a 24-inch path. When you have a 24-inch path, you will not need so many sweeps to clear a larger area. It is possible to get a very powerful three-stage snow blower with a clearing width of 45 inches but you need to be physically strong enough to handle them and you need to make sure that they will fit through your gateways.
The second measurement is the depth. If you live in an area that has very heavy snow fall, it would be wise to get a snow blower that clears a height of 12 inches or even more in one sweep. Smaller snow blowers can only cope with a light snow fall.
Speed is also important - if you have a smaller clearance path you may need the blower to move faster so that you can still get the job done in good time. Two-stage blowers can move faster as they have a fan that helps to discharge the snow. If you need to get the path clear in a hurry, you may find that one of the two-stage blowers will suit you best but always read the description carefully and it will tell you how many pounds of snow the machine can clear every minute.
Corded vs Battery Powered
Corded snow blowers have a constant electricity supply and will never run out of power. However, some people will always argue that they are not as powerful as gas snow blowers. Nevertheless, the important advantage they have over a gas snow blower is that they require very little maintenance and are easier to use and assemble. The electric snow blowers are also cleaner and easy to start.
One drawback of the electric snow blowers is that you will have a trailing cable to contend with and this can get in your way. Some snowblowers have hooks to keep this safely out of the way. Also, you will need to be somewhere near an electric power socket and this can limit where you can use the snow blower, especially if you have a large driveway to clear. Battery-powered snow blowers are convenient but are not as powerful as a gas snow blower. They are rarely available as a two-stage snow blower because they cannot generate enough power. These snow blowers are highly portable and require little maintenance. They can be used anywhere as there is no cord to worry about. However, battery-powered snow blowers have limited working time and would not be the best choice for clearing larger areas. Also, they have power limitations and may struggle with compacted snow that is very hard.
The great thing about both of these blowers is that they have an electric start. Gas winter blowers often have a recoil start and you have to put a lot of effort in every time you start them up. With an electric start, you simply press a button!
Power Steering
Using snow blowers can be hard work! If you have already decided to invest enough money to get you a two-stage gas snow blower you may want to consider a three-stage gas blower instead. It will give you all the features of a two-stage gas snow blower but also has an accelerator to get the job done quicker.
You would expect to see a two-stage snow blower and a three-stage gas snow blower provided with power-assisted wheels to help with steering and to make it easier to use on slopes and larger surface areas. Some of these models will also have several forward speeds and reverse speeds and will clear a 24-inch pathway or even more making them the best choice for many businesses.
Single-stage/Two-stage
When manufacturers put snow blowers on sale, they describe them as single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage snow blowers. A single-stage blower has a structure called an auger. These are the blades that are visible at the front of the blower. These blades rotate as it moves through the snow and chops it up. The snow is directed into a discharge chute. The auger comes into contact with the floor surface so you cannot use it on delicate surfaces that could get damaged. Single-stage models tend to be less expensive and less complicated.
If you live in a location where winter brings a lot of snow, you may find the two or even three-stage blowers more useful. The two-stage models use a fan to throw the snow through the chute so that snow is discharged both faster and farther away from the area that you are clearing.
Size
When it comes to choosing the best size blowers for particular households, it is important to look at the size of area that you need to clear and the amount of snow that is likely to fall. If winter normally brings you regular and heavy snow falls and you need to clear large areas, you may want to consider one of the larger machines that have clearing paths that span a 24-inch width or even more. These are often three-stage models and can come with multiple forward speeds and reverse speeds to make your life easier.
The only drawback is that these are large and heavy machines. You need to make sure that you are physically capable of using them and that you have the space to store them when you are not using them. Some have an extra handle made of strong material to help you lift the blower from one place to another. Three-stage models can also be quite complex and may need quite a lot of maintenance.
Snow Blower FAQ
Q: What's the minimum amount of snow needed to use a snow blower?
As a general guide, you will need at least three or four inches of snow before using one of these machines. At the beginning or end of winter, you may only get an inch or so and the problem here is that the snow is very wet. It is best not to use the blower for this as it is likely to clog up quickly.
Snow blowers work best in deeper, crisp snow that can be chopped and moved through the chute without sticking. Every blower will have a maximum depth of snow that it can remove in one sweep.
Q: Can you use a snow blower over gravel?
Some snow blowers can be used on gravel but you need to check what type of blower you are buying. The best option for gravel is the two-stage model. You cannot use a single-stage snow blower on this surface because the auger makes contact with the ground surface. If this is a gravel path, the gravel will get sucked up into the chute and thrown out with the snow which is a safety hazard. It also damages the ground surface and could damage the machine.
The great thing about a two-stage snow thrower is that the auger does not come into contact with the floor surface. This means that it can be used on any gravel or dirt surface that has loose stones on it. The stage type of the blower will be given in the product description so it is always worth reading this carefully.