You already know how much time it takes to clear pathways and sidewalks for your automobile if you live somewhere that receives a lot of snowfall each year. For this reason, selecting the ideal snow blower for your house can have a significant impact on winter home maintenance.
Although simple, snow shovels aren’t as thorough or quick as a snow blower. Having saying that, finding the best snow blower requires a fair amount of research. When I was shopping for the appliance, I sought advice from specialists in snow and ice management.
GO Ahead and SkipHow did I choose the best snow blowers? What are the many stages of snow blowers? Which snow blowers are the greatest? Why should I trust NBC Select?
Selected.
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Best budget pickWestinghouse 120-Volt Corded Electric Snow Blower
$139.00$164.99Amazon
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Best overallSnow Joe Electric Snow Blower with Dual LED Lights
$179.00$249.00Amazon
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Best splurgeTroy-Bilt Storm Gas Snow Blower
$undefined$1,099.00Home Depot
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How I picked top-rated snow blowers
I asked snow and ice management professionals for their opinions in order to gain a better understanding of all the crucial factors to take into account when selecting a snow blower. They advise me to consider the following when creating this list:
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Type:
When shopping for a snow blower, it s helpful to think about the three main types of snow blowers, according to Tom Canete, the president ofCanete Snow & Ice Management
. Snow blowers come in either
single-stage, two-stage and three-stage versions
, each of which is better suited for certain types of snow management and have different power levels. Because they re more appropriate for non-professionals rather than landscapers doing large area jobs, I only included single- and second-stage snow blowers. I break down these types of snow blowers below, according to Canete s guidance. -
Special features:
In addition to the type of snow blower, I considered snow blowers that have a multitude of helpful safety features, which not only prevent hazards but ultimately make the job of hauling snow a lot easier, according to Canete. Aligning with Canete s guidance, I included snow blowers with all of the following features: an electric start (rather than a pull start), front-facing headlight, tire chains, airless tires, heated hand grips and a snow blower enclosure. I will explain how these features work below. -
Gas versus electric:
Aside from multi-stage snow blowers, you should decide between a gas- or battery-powered snow blower (the latter is also known as electric), each with their own benefits and drawbacks, according to Canete. Gas-powered snow blowers are more reliable for heavy-duty tasks and offer better performance, but they can be harder to maintain and are less environmentally friendly, he says. On the other hand, battery-powered snow blowers aren t as loud as gas ones or as strong. I divided the list below into gas- and battery-powered snow blowers.
What s the difference between a single, two and three-stage snow blower?
The mechanical force and labor that a snow blower employs to move the snow are simply referred to by the various stages of a snow blower. According to Ace Hardware home expert Lou Manfredini, the higher the stage, the more strong it is and the more effectively it can manage deep snow.
According to him, single-stage grabs the snow with a revolving blade and then shoots it out of the chute. These devices are nimble and capable of effectively managing snowfalls of up to twelve. In two-stage systems, the snow is first grabbed by a revolving blade, and then it is propelled by another blade. According to Manfredini, a two-stage snow blower is also perfect for clearing up large house properties.
According to Canete, three-stage snow blowers are made to withstand the most extreme situations and can manage thick, deep snow. According to Canete, every snow blower has an auger, a component that breaks up the snow to facilitate throwing and moving. Long-term, extensive area maintenance is better suited for this kind of electricity.
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The best snow blowers to use in 2025
The snow blowers listed below have all received at least 500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of at least four stars, or at least 100 reviews from a major retailer such as Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Home Depot.
Electric snow blowers
Ego Power Power+ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
Ego Power Power+ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
- Push-to-start function
- Has headlights
- Throws snow up to 35 feet
- Must be charged
The Ego Power electric snow blower features a high-efficiency brushless motor, is available in single- and two-stage versions, and has an average rating of 4.3 stars based on 1,839 reviews on Amazon. According to the company, the auger is perfect for swiftly removing snow from sidewalks or small walkways up to 35 feet from your home because of its 21-inch bottom width and ability to throw snow as deep as 8 inches. It also features several speed controls and a push-to-start button, which is more simpler than, say, a pull option on a gas appliance. You can clear out your driveway at night or at twilight thanks to the machine’s two lamps on the front.
Electric power source, single or two-stage possibilities, special features including headlamps, airless tires, a folding handle, and a brushless motor, and a push-to-start start
Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Blower
Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Blower
- Airless tires
- Has a lightbar
- 18-inch clearing width
- Doesn’t last as long as gas
According to Ryobi, this electric snow blower boasts a 30-minute runtime and a long motor life because of its strong brushless motor, which can be started by pressing a button. It features a powerful auger that can hurl snow up to 25 feet, a folding handle, an adjustable snow chute that allows you to control the snow’s direction, and a single lightbar at the front. According to Canete, it also features airless tires, so you don’t have to worry about them running flat when working on uneven, rugged terrain or near sharp things. It works on snow up to 10 inches deep and has an average rating of 4.1 stars based on 1,232 reviews at Home Depot.
Single stage, electric power, LED lightbar, brushless motor, folding handle, and adjustable snow thrower, push-to-start start, and 46-pound weight
Greenworks 40-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
Greenworks 40-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
- Rotating snow chute
- Clearing width over a foot
- Collapsible
- Doesn’t have a light
With a clearing width of 16 inches and a depth of 8 inches, the Greenworks snow blower—which has an average rating of 4.1 stars based on 1,274 reviews on Amazon—is suitable for clearing the pavement in front of your house or the walkway that leads to your front door. The brand claims that it can fling snow up to 20 feet, and the snow funnel on top spins 180 degrees, making it simple to move the snow. Additionally, it folds up for storage next to a garage wall or behind a workbench.
Single stage, electric power, rotating snow chute, brushless motor, folding handle, and airless tires, push-start, and 17.5-pound weight are some of the special features.
Westinghouse 120-Volt Corded Electric Snow Blower
Westinghouse 120-Volt Corded Electric Snow Blower
- Chute-clearing tool
- Rotating chute
- 2-step start
- Corded
With its 100-foot power cable and strong steel auger with a rubber liner that helps lift snow off the ground, this electric snow blower makes it easy to fling snow up to 25 feet. According to Westinghouse, it can move over 700 pounds of snow every minute and can withstand days’ worth of snowfall because of its clearing width of a foot and a half and depth of 10 inches. Additionally, it comes with a stick to remove any snow that has become lodged in the auger or chute. Canete claims that this is a huge advantage because it eliminates the possibility of getting hurt by sticking your hand into the device. Additionally, the appliance has an average rating of 4.7 stars based on 238 reviews at Home Depot.
Single stage; electric/corded power; LED spotlight; 180-degree spinning chute; foldable handle; push-and-lever start; 35.2-pound weight
Snow Joe Electric Snow Blower with Dual LED Lights
Snow Joe Electric Snow Blower with Dual LED Lights
- Almost 2-foot clearing width
- Has two LED lights
- Comes with cleaning stick
- Corded
The Snow Joe snow blower can hurl snow up to 25 feet and manage snow up to 13 inches deep if you live in a location that receives several feet of snow each year. It features a sturdy, all-steel auger that rapidly breaks up snow before pushing out through the rotating shoot on top, earning it an average rating of four stars out of 5,390 reviews on Amazon. Despite weighing little over 34 pounds, it is easy to move around on the ground because of the wheels on the back.
Single-stage, electric/corded power, two spotlights, a revolving snow chute, and a snow cleaning stick are among the special characteristics. The start type is push, and the weight is 34.8 pounds.
Gas-powered snow blowers
Toro Power Clear Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower
Toro Power Clear Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower
- Self-propelling
- Collapsible snow chute
- Clears up to 1 foot of depth
- Doesn’t have lights
This gas-powered snow blower can remove snow up to one foot deep and has an 18-inch clearing width. According to the brand, it has a deep auger that removes snow all the way to the pavement, leaving minimal snow behind. It has an average rating of 4.3 stars based on 1,567 reviews at Home Depot. Using the lever, you may turn the snow chute and collapse it for more convenient storage. According to Toro, it needs non-ethanol fuel because it isn’t electric.
Single stage, gas power, spinning and collapsing chute, push start, and 59-pound weight are some of its special features.
Troy-Bilt Storm Gas Snow Blower
Troy-Bilt Storm Gas Snow Blower
- Serrated auger
- Tall clearing capacity
- Good for sloped surfaces
- Heavy
The largest of all the devices on this list, the Troy-Bilt snow blower has a clearing width of 26 inches and a depth capability of 20 inches. In order to help break up even solid snow on concrete or pavement, the auger is also serrated. Along with the tires’ increased traction to help them get through difficult snow, it also features a lengthy snow chute that can be rotated up to 200 degrees.
Type of stage: two; type of power: gas; special features: serrated auger, anti-skid shoes, and rotating chute; type of start: push; weight: 235 pounds
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How to shop for a snow blower
Here are some pointers for snow blower shopping, regardless of the type you like, based on advice I got from both Canete and Manfredini.
Decide between gas or electric
Selecting an electric or gas-powered snow blower should be your first choice as it will dictate the kind of upkeep and labor required after purchase. According to Canete, electric snow blowers are often more environmentally friendly than gas ones, are quieter, and require charging or a power cord.
Gas snow blowers require a certain kind of fuel instead of charging, lack a power line, and are frequently heavier than electric models. Your lifestyle will determine which one you select, but if you’re unfamiliar with the device, an electric one can be simpler to use. Additionally, keep in mind that a snow blower is not necessarily an electric equipment just because it is branded as having an electric start.
Choose the best stage type and size
A single stage is a better option if there is little to no snow accumulation around your house each year. If you get many feet of snow and/or have a large surface area to clear, such as a driveway, then choose a two-stage snow blower with an extra wide clearing width and tall depth (at least 12 inches).
Look for special features
Canete also recommends looking for snow blowers with helpful safety features, such as LED lights, tire chains (for cutting through snow), a chute-clearing stick, a snow blower enclosure to shield you from getting hit with snow, airless tires and heated handles. Some of these won t be available all together in every appliance, but decide which ones are best suited for your preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Your personal wants and tastes will determine this. Both electric and gas snow blowers have their pros and drawbacks. If you want one that is generally less labor and maintenance intensive, then choose an electric model. If you want an especially powerful snow blower, but don t mind the extra care and environmental implications, choose a gas snow blower.
Much of the longevity behind your snow blower will depend on how well you care for it over time, but it should last several years, according to Manfredini. If well maintained and used according to manufacturer recommendations, 10 plus years is the minimum it should last, he says.
If your main priority is a snow blower that can throw snow far and move it out of the way, it s best to choose one with at least a two-stage mechanism, according to Manfredini. On average a two-stage unit will throw snow the farthest as a separate fan moving faster than the auger throws the snow, he says. A two-stage can throw snow up to 45 feet depending on the configuration of the unit.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Tom Canete
is the president ofCanete Snow & Ice Management
,
Landscaping
and
Garden Center
.
-
Lou Manfredini
is a home expert at hardware and appliance retailerAce Hardware
.
*Any inclusion of Ace Hardware in this story was made independently of Manfredini, who we only consulted for shopping tips and guidance. We did not ask Manfredini for product recommendations.
Why trust NBC Select?
I m acommerce editorat NBC Select, where I write about many types of home appliances and accessories like vacuums and heated blankets. I also cover kitchen and cleaning topics for the site. I spoke with a snow and ice management expert as well as a home appliance expert for this story.
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