The GreenWorks 2600502 13-Amp 20-Inch Snow Thrower is our best snow blower which easily clears the way of any snow during the winter. And since it is corded, it does not require cord pulling or gas fuel to give you less maintenance. The unit is indeed very light compared to gas tools. As for efficiency, it runs at 13 amps of power. It can discharge snow on the way up to 20 feet. Overall, this is a very useful snow blower to consider for its price and power.
Our step-up pick is the Snow Joe iON18SB Cordless Snow Blower and this snow blower uses lithium ion battery (40 volts 4.0 Ah) that is rechargeable and usable up to 50 minutes on the average. It also weighs 32 pounds like our top pick so it is easy to handle. Like our top pick, it also reduces carbon emissions and hassling gas and pull cords due to the fact that it is electric powered. The snow blower easily clears snow from decks, sidewalks, driveways and many more. It can cut a path from the snow at 18 by 8 inches and it can move up to 495 pounds of snow per minute.
The budget pick is the Toro 38361 Power Shovel Snow Thrower and it is super ideal for sidewalks, decks, steps, walking areas and others. The unit has a high torque so you can clear snow more efficiently even at lower speeds. The snow blower is very effective and it can cut snow up to 12 by 6 inches. The unit runs at 7.5 amps of power which can clear 4 inches of snow at a short time. Moreover, the whole snow blower is resistant to corrosion so you know it is perfect for the winter. Also, the one pass technique of this snow blower makes it like a snow vacuum cleaner.
A Little Background
Before we check out snow blowers, here is some background information about them.
Scraping, blowing off or shoveling snow out of the front or back yard can be a big hassle during the winter. While some people think that snow is a fun leisure that most people from the United States, Europe and northern countries are privileged with, it is not entirely a winter wonderland when it comes to accessible roads and preventing accidents. This is because of the fact that snow, when poured down in heaps, can cause major road problems and can be inconvenient with driveways and parking lots. And thus, most people will still scrape snow away even in just around their vicinity to free up space.
Excessive snow in any yard, sidewalk, walkway or driveway can be bad for you and your vehicle. Any vehicle that is covered with snow can be potentially dangerous to the engine because it can make the engine run cold, just like if you cover up a person with snow. The gears and machinery inside the vehicle might run rusty and faulty and this can take its toll on car repairs. In the same way, snow in the driveway can also make for a slippery surface which is potentially hazardous not just to people walking and kids playing there but also to vehicles that will use the driveway. Snow is not just slippery but also in the way when you often drive your vehicle to work and you can’t drive properly due to the excessive snow.
Despite government vehicles that are large enough to remove tons of snow along the highway and the sidewalks, you too, should also do your part in removing the snow on your vicinity. These large vehicles are more for the bigger heaps of snow that accumulate in major roads and cities but you can also contribute by investing in a snow shovel or a snow blower to drive away and shoot away the snow from your vicinity off to the yonder horizon. This will make your driveway or path clearer for people and vehicles to come over safely.
Nothing beats snow removal than a good old snow blower, if you have a ton of snow to drive out which cannot be possibly done with just a snow shovel. While using a snow shovel is okay to take out light to medium snow, when the snow hits the ground faster at a thicker pace, you should definitely depend upon a snow blower instead so you can speed up work and get back to your car faster and get to work or to somewhere you want to go with a vehicle much more conveniently with the snow removed from the path of your driveway.
Snow blowers can be electric or gas powered. While gas powered snow blowers are typically larger and more powerful than electric snow blowers, they are also high maintenance and require really annoying pull cords to start with. Gas powered snow blowers are also quite noisy so it may not be for a quiet subdivision or the urban areas. If you invest on an electric snow blower, it is much quieter than a regular gas powered snow blower and has less maintenance but it is typically pricier than a gas snow blower.
How We Picked
Throwing distance – this refers to how much the snow blower can effectively throw snow away after it sucks in snow from the ground. Much like a lawn mower, it sucks in snow and throws it away at a safe distance so your path is cleared.
Intake height – this refers to how much thickness of snow the snow blower can be able to take. Make sure you buy the right snow blower for the right job, as some areas can get thick snow on their lawn or yard so it can be a bit harder to scrape.
Clearing path – this refers to the width of the path that can be carved by the snow blower. A wider clearing path means you can clear up more path in your pavement or path way or driveway. A bigger clearing path is ideal for those who have large driveways and parking lots.
Efficiency – whether it is a gas type or an electric type, do know how much efficient can the snow blower be when in battle with ridiculously thick snow.
Amperage – this dictates the power of the snow blower as it operates. The higher the amperage means the better it can blow the snow away with.
Handle – an ergonomic folding handle which is adjustable (or telescoping in some cases) can be of big help when operating the snow blower. This also helps when you want to store the snow blower in your garage and not take up too much space in the process.
Directional chute – most directional chutes of snow blowers can rotate up to 180 degrees or more so you can throw the snow wherever and whenever. You should not throw away the snow just anywhere and this is why you need a directional chute that can be positioned virtually anywhere.
Noise level and vibration – the less vibration means less user fatigue from the snow blower and the less noise level means you can enjoy a quieter operation, which is mostly true for electric snow blowers. If you don’t want a lot of noise then you should get an electric snow blower.
Start up – some gas snow blowers also have the option of electric start up so you can say goodbye to the hassling problems of pull cords. But generally, electric snow blowers start up with just one push of a button, making them very easy to operate.
Our Pick
GreenWorks 2600502 13-Amp 20-Inch Snow Thrower
Our best snow blower is the GreenWorks 2600502 13-Amp 20-Inch Snow Thrower which runs at 13 amps of power. This particular snow blower can discharge snow on the way up to 20 feet so it has an effective throwing distance. The snow blower can be adjusted up to 180 degrees on its directional chute so you can throw snow at your own pace and direction.
This awesome snow thrower by GreenWorks easily clears the way of any snow during the winter. And moreover, since it is corded, it does not require cord pulling or gas fuel to give you less maintenance. When it comes down to power, the motor is very powerful even during the winter chill. It is super convenient and very light compared to gas tools. And what’s more, perfect for urban areas, it gives you less vibration so it reduces user fatigue and it produces less noise.
For storage ability, the handle can fold down so you can store it in a compact way. And moreover, the compact design makes it easy to transport. The GreenWorks 20-Inch Snow Thrower has a clearing depth of 10 inches and has been wired for 120 volts. As a convenient feature, the electric start will definitely please you. Don’t worry about the weight because the unit itself weighs 32 pounds. Being backed by a warranty of 4 years, this is a snow blower that you will love for the winter season.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The only cons but not deal breakers about the GreenWorks 2600502 13-Amp 20-Inch Snow Thrower is the fact that it is not as powerful as a gas blower but is much better when it comes to maintenance due to the fact that it is an electric snow blower.
Step-up Pick
Snow Joe iON18SB Cordless Snow Blower
The Snow Joe iON18SB Cordless Snow Blower is our step-up pick and it also weighs 32 pounds like our top pick so it is very easy to handle. Urban areas will benefit from this snow blower because it runs on a whisper quiet operation. This snow lower easily clears snow from decks, sidewalks, driveways and many more due to its versatility and power. And moreover, it greatly reduces carbon emissions and hassling gas and pull cords due to the fact that it is electric powered.
Very convenient to have in any home setting, the cordless design eliminates the need for long extension cords. The Snow Joe Snow Blower can move up to 495 pounds of snow per minute. As for power, it uses lithium ion battery (40 volts 4.0 Ah) that is rechargeable and usable up to 50 minutes on the average. And as for efficiency, it uses two rubber blades on its steel auger to move snow. The snow blower can cut a path from the snow at 18 by 8 inches and it can throw snow up to 20 feet due to its 180 degrees auto rotation directional chute.
Because of its safe and considerate design, it does not damage the surface of your deck, driveway or sidewalk when it drives snow away. The Snow Joe Blower also has an LED headlight so you can use it conveniently at night while its auger material is a mix of steel and rubber for added durability. Charging is not a problem because of the very fact that the battery is easy to charge and can be taken out of the unit for charging indoors. And adding to that, the handle is also quite adjustable. The unit also includes a user’s manual, screws, gaskets, battery and the charger for the snow blower. Backed by a 2-year warranty, the Snow Joe iON18SB is a truly remarkable snow blower for its price.
Budget Pick
Toro 38361 Power Shovel Snow Thrower
Our budget pick for the best snow blower is the Toro 38361 Power Shovel Snow Thrower which is very lightweight at only 12.5 pounds. This snow blower is totally effective that it can cut snow up to 12 by 6 inches. The unit also easily clears the driveway in around 20 minutes so it is very time efficient.
The unit runs at 7.5 amps of power which can clear 4 inches of snow at a short time due to its power. For added convenience, the telescoping handle is adjustable and made of sturdy metal for durability and storage ability. Unlike most snow blowers, the one pass technique of this snow blower makes it like a snow vacuum cleaner. In fact, this snow thrower can clean snow even on pavements.
Moreover, when it comes to down to power, the Toro Power Shovel Snow Thrower can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute. It is completely ideal for sidewalks, decks, steps, walking areas and others due to its efficiency and it has a high torque so you can clear snow more efficiently even at lower speeds. There is no gas or maintenance required due to being an electric snow blower. Moreover, it also has a cord lock system so the cord doesn’t get unplugged when using and it has a lot of rotating and sliding adjustments so it is highly flexible.
Maintenance is not a problem because of the fact that the whole snow blower is resistant to corrosion so you know it is perfect for the winter, while the plastic body is highly durable. The Toro Shovel Snow Thrower can blow snow up to 20 feet of distance, making it super effective. The unit is backed by a warranty of 2 years and works great for sidewalks, big driveways and many more.
Best Two-Stage Snow Blower
Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two-Stage Snowthrower
For our best two-stage snow blower, we chose the Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two-Stage Snowthrower which runs with an engine of 208cc. It is made with heavy duty tires that measure 15 inches each and it uses an electric start for hassle-free operation during the winter. This two-stage snow blower measures 24 inches and it comes with a remote chute deflector.
The unit can drive out 2.5 inches of snow accumulations. Functionally, it has an LED headlight so you can use it even at night or at low-light situations. Moreover, the chute rotates up to 180 degrees along with the deflector. Adding to that, it also has an aluminum gearbox so it will be very durable.
Worry no more about fuel because the fuel tank capacity is 2.7 liters. In addition, the ribbon augers measure 12 inches and have improved performance. The Husqvarna Two-Stage Snowthrower has a clearing path of 24 inches and the friction disc transmission is built with high quality. And as an added feature, the heated grip handles help you keep steady while operating during the cold winter. Do know that this machine is also self propelled. A high quality gas powered snow blower for rugged use, the machine is backed by a warranty of 5 years.
Snow Blower with Comfortable Foam Grip
Power Smart DB5023 18-Inch Snow Thrower
The Power Smart DB5023 18-Inch Snow Thrower runs with a 13-amp motor in which the hand grip is foam coated so it reduces user fatigue and gives comfort. A single pass can cut snow up to 9 by 18 inches with this snow blower which can throw snow at a long distance up to 30 feet using its rubber tipped steel auger.
And what’s more, the oversized handle makes it very easy to operate. The unit has an adjustable chute which rotates up to 180 degrees for maximum performance. This electric snow thrower eliminates the need for gas and pull-cords and reduces your carbon footprint and the handle makes the unit easy to carry and move around. The overall performance keeps the snow blower from clogging.
In addition to that, the Power Smart Thrower uses a push drive mechanism and stands at 21 inches high. It can stand cool up to 45 minutes of regular usage and is backed by a limited warranty of 1 year.
Best Single Stage Snow Blower
Poulan Pro 961820015 136cc Snow Thrower
The Poulan Pro 961820015 136cc Snow Thrower has an engine with a capacity of 136cc and can work on paved areas, sidewalks and driveways which can fit 2 to 4 cars. In addition, the durable auger helps propel the snow blower while throwing out the snow through the chute. The snow blower is very powerful at 7.11 ft lbs of torque for accuracy and efficiency and it can be operated even when wearing gloves. Do know that this is a single stage snow blower that will definitely be of help during the cold and snowy winter season.
The auger blades are 4-ply rubber so they have unprecedented durability and leverage is added due to the shorter handle. The unit measures 21 inches and weighs 85 pounds so it is for heavy duty purposes. The ergonomic handle also folds for storage conveniently and the control panel is very easy to operate. The auger has a diameter of 8 inches and the chute can rotate up to 180 degrees. The machine also has a manual deflector and it has an intake height of 13 inches.
Great for snowfall which rises up to 6 inches, the Poulan Pro Snow Thrower uses an electronic push button start mechanism. It has a scraper skirt so you can clean the grounds better. The design of the snow blower keeps the snow away from the user and the straight grip loop handles make this snow blower easy to control. The tires measure 7 inches in diameter and a thickness of 1.5 inches and the deep tread design provides better traction. It is backed by a warranty of 2 years (limited) for the unit and 4 years for the engine.
Best Large Engine Snow Blower
Briggs and Stratton 1696614 Dual-Stage Thrower
The Briggs and Stratton 1696614 Dual-Stage Thrower has a rather large engine of 208cc which has a torque of 9.5 ft lbs. It has an electric start so you don’t need to worry about starting the unit and it has an intake height of 20 inches while having a clearing path of 24 inches.
Equipped with a friction disk drive system, this dual stage snow blower is a beast on the driveway during extreme snow. The steel scroll auger measures 12 inches while it also has a deflector control on the panel. It can be used under temperatures of -20 degrees F so it is definitely built to take heavy snow conditions. The unit uses DMC remote control for the chute and is very easy to maneuver and turn around and fairly convenient to assemble.
The Briggs & Stratton Dual-Stage Thrower has an aluminum gearbox for extra durability. It is also equipped with LED lights for night vision and operation and it has a total of 5 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. It also has a chute control mounted on the dash. The tires measure 4 inches thick and 14 inches in diameter. In fact, you can also use synthetic oil so it starts up easily. Moreover, the skid shoes are reversible and are made of sturdy steel. It is backed by a warranty of 3 years on the equipment and the engine.
Best 4-Cycle Snow Blower
Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 208cc Snow Thrower
The Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 208cc Snow Thrower uses an electric start with a push of a button for effortless operation. The one-pass feature lets you cut snow up to 13 inches in depth and 21 inches in width on any sidewalk or walkway. The engine is powerful at 208cc OHV or overhead valve so you get to blow away more snow than ever before. It has a rotational operation for the chute control up to 190 degrees and the chute control is also 2-way in its design.
The handle has a gull wing design so it is very convenient to maneuver around while the light weight of the snow blower adds to its convenience. The single stage snow thrower is a 4-cycle gas engine and is made from tough polymer material. The ergonomic grip handle is very easy to manage and can be folded down for storage.
This snow thrower is also equipped with drift cutters to fully clear snow at its best. It can effectively work on large driveways which can fit up to 3 cars. The Troy-Bilt snow thrower is backed by a limited warranty of 2 years.
Best Lithium Battery Powered Snow Blower
BLACK+DECKER LCSB2140 40V-Max Lithium Snow Thrower
The BLACK+DECKER LCSB2140 40V-Max Lithium Snow Thrower has a rubber auger with a clearing path of 21 inches and it can throw snow all the way up to 20 feet using the rotational chute which rotates up to 180 degrees. It makes the use of two lithium ion MAX batteries at 40 volts 2.5Ah and it uses an electronic push button start for effortless operation.
The brushless motor technology makes it very quiet in its operation and the unit itself measures 21 inches. The snow blower has a nominal voltage of 36 volts and it comes with an anti-jam rod, the charger for the batteries and a safety key. It is super quiet despite the large machine size that it sounds like a regular cordless vacuum cleaner. You can even just use one battery instead of two to save the charge.
Unique Snow Blower with Shredding Feature
Briggs&Stratton 1696506 Snow Thrower w/Snow Shredder
The Briggs&Stratton 1696506 Snow Thrower w/Snow Shredder uses an efficient electronic start. The unique thing about this snow blower is the fact that it has a snow shredder technology which is perfect for large chunks of unbreakable ice on the way. Measuring 22 inches, the engine is very powerful at 205cc and the snow blower has a torque of 9 ft lbs so it is very powerful indeed.
Ideal for very thick snow, the Briggs&Stratton Snow Thrower w/Snow Shredder has a clearing path of 22 inches. It has an intake height of 12.5 inches and it has a maximum snow throwing distance of 30 feet. It has a chute radius of up to 200 degrees which makes it set above most snow blowers which can only rotate up to 180 degrees. The wide chute radius is perfect for larger homes and walkways.
What’s more, the auger is serrated for efficiently shredding snow. The deflector controls are easy to manage. Designed to work up to -20 degrees F of winter temperature, its fuel tank has a capacity of 3.2 quarts. Take note that this is a 4-cycle engine. And despite being gas powered, it is equipped with an electric start. It is backed by a warranty of 3 years for the engine and the equipment of the unit.
The Competition
Other snow blowers that did not make it to our list were the ones that did not have a lot of capability and durability as well as functionally in driving snow away from your front yard, backyard or sidewalk due to the fact that their parts are not as durable as the ones we picked here.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is removing snow so necessary?
A: According to Wikipedia , snow removal is very important to keep the path save to travel on and can be done by residents with small snow blowers or by government bodies with large machineries. Snow fall can be dangerous and make people and vehicles slip or cause accidents. Sidewalks, driveways and other snow-prone areas must be de-iced after a large snow fall to prevent accidents from happening.
There is also the way of anti-icing which sprays ice melting chemicals to prevent ice from forming on the surface. Snow can also be removed from cars and roofing to avoid structural damage and vehicle failure. Contractors can also be hired to take down large heaps of snow which cannot be done by the average snow blower or snow machine of a resident. There are also snow dumps available but they cannot be dumped into fresh water to avoid contaminating fishes and marine life. Snow can be removed using a snow blower, a snow shovel, an ice pick or some other snow removing item.
Q: Why do you need to have a snow blower in your home?
A: According to Street Directory , snow blowers are great tools for removing snow in the front or back yard to clear off a path and prevent accidents. Snow blowers are ideal for small to medium snow heaps that do not require a large contractor machine to drive out. Snow blowers can be either single stage or double stage. Snow blowers can either be gas powered or electric powered and both have their advantages and disadvantages, such as gas powered being cost-effective but maintenance filled whereas electric powered ones are easy to use and hassle-free but are quite expensive.
Wrapping It Up
In summary, the GreenWorks 2600502 13-Amp 20-Inch Snow Thrower is our best snow blower fit for any tough and thick ice on the road of your front and backyard.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.