The best snowblowers are the single-stage Toro SnowMaster and the two-stage Troy-Bilt Storm. However, the best electric snowblowers are the Ego Power+ SNT2112 and ENHULK 20V Cordless Snowblower.
We tested Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, and Walmart snowblowers to find the best models. Our article reviews our top picks and includes a handy snowblower buying guide.
Our top picks
1. Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE – Best single-stage snowblower
The best single-stage snowblower is the gas-powered Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE. It’s a mighty snow-eating machine that can effortlessly clear paths up to 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep. For a single-stage model, it’s super quick, with a plowing capacity up to 2,500 lb. per minute.
But the SnowMaster is more than just powerful; it’s also very user-friendly. It has an easy electric start and intuitive controls. Additionally, Toro’s joystick chute control makes it easy to change the direction of the chute and the deflector.
How does it handle? It’s self-propelled with automatic steering. Toro’s Personal Pace system intuitively matches your walking speed. With smooth turns and excellent traction, the SnowMaster handles like a champ.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 210°
- Clearing width: 24 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 12 in.
- Intake height: 18 in.
- Max throw distance: 40 ft.
- Power: 212 cc gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 125 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Self-propelled |
| Skid shoes | Metal-reinforced poly |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ User-friendly ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Highly durable ✓ Clears deep snow ✓ Handles wet snow ✓ Handles compacted and icy snow | ✗ Sometimes takes more than 1 pass to clear compacted snow and icy snow ✗ Expensive |
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2. Troy-Bilt Storm – Best two-stage snowblower
The best two-stage snowblower is the 26-inch Troy-Bilt Storm. It’s highly rated for its potency, performance, and value. With a serrated steel auger and remote pitch control, it calmly clears up to a foot of wet, fluffy, or heavy snow.
Once you get used to the controls, the blower provides unparalleled ease of use. I could single-handedly lock the auger and speed lever to adjust the chute’s rotation without stopping. The center-mounted chute control makes adjustment fast and easy.
How does it handle? It has smooth power steering and a 6-speed self-propelled drive. The 15×5-inch XTRAC tires have fantastic traction on flat or sloped gravel and pavement.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 200°
- Clearing Width: 26 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 12 in.
- Intake height: 20 in.
- Max throw distance: 40 ft.
- Power: 208 cc gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 235 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Self-propelled |
| Skid shoes | High-impact poly |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Limited lifetime warranty on chute ✓ Clears a lot of snow quickly ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Clears deep snow ✓ Handles wet snow ✓ Handles compacted and icy snow | ✗ The controls take some getting used to ✗ Assembly is a bit cumbersome ✗ Sheer pins sometimes break on ice |
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3. Cub Cadet 3X – Best three-stage snowblower
Our favorite three-stage snowblower is the 28-inch Cub Cadet 3X. With Cub Cadet’s 3X induction accelerator, it swiftly slices through up to 16 inches of wet snow, hard snow, and ice. We recommend it to homeowners with frequent snowstorms and at least 1,800 square feet to clear.
The high-speed hero has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. It’s highly durable, with a cast aluminum gearbox and heavy-duty steel chute. Additionally, the heated handles and extra-bright LED headlights make snow removal manageable on cold nights.
How does it handle? It’s a cinch to drive with its user-friendly self-propelled system and trigger-controlled power steering. The 16×6.5-inch tires provide the 3X with excellent traction. It smoothly glides over flat, sloped, or uneven pavement and gravel.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 200°
- Clearing Width: 28 in.
- Ideal snow depth: 6 in. – 16 in.
- Intake height: 21 in.
- Max throw distance: 40 ft.
- Power: 357 cc OHV gas-engine
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 285 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Self-propelled |
| Skid shoes | Heavy-duty, poly, non-abrasive, rust resistant |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Clears a lot of snow quickly ✓ Clears deep snow ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Handles wet snow ✓ Handles compacted snow and ice ✓ Works well on rugged terrain | ✗ Sheer pins sometimes break on ice ✗ Sometimes clogs from wet snow ✗ High-maintenance ✗ Expensive |
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4. Ego Power+ SNT2112 – Best cordless electric snowblower
The best battery-powered snowblower is the single-stage Ego Power+ SNT2112. It’s a keen snow-clearing machine. The 21-inch steel auger rapidly rotates, clearing up to a foot of snow. With 45 minutes of runtime, it can clear an area of up to 1,500 square feet of light snow on a single charge.
Ego is an industry leader in battery-powered outdoor equipment and is known for cutting-edge technology: The blower’s two ARC Lithium batteries rate No. 1 for power and durability. ARC lithium batteries get up to 40% more power than those on competing platforms.
How does it handle? As a petite woman, it’s strenuous for me to push for extended periods. However, adults of average size should find it comfortable. It has a low-vibration design with large tires that glide through uneven terrain. The bright LED headlights make it easy to use at night, and the handle adjusts to fit your comfort.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 200°
- Clearing Width: 21 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 12 in.
- Intake height: 18 in.
- Max throw distance: 40 ft.
- Power: 56-volt 5 Ah Li-ion (2)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 53 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Manual |
| Skid shoes | Yes |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Weather-resistant construction ✓ High-efficiency brushless motor ✓ Clears deep snow ✓ Handles compacted and icy snow ✓ Works well on uneven terrain ✓ Low-maintenance | ✗ Not great with wet snow ✗ Replacement batteries are pricey ✗ Can’t clear large areas of deep snow on a single charge |
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5. Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower – Best corded electric snowblower
Our favorite corded electric snowblower is the 20-inch Greenworks Snow Thrower. It comfortably clears solid snow up to 6 inches deep and plows as much as 771 lbs. of 4-inch snow each minute. The snow thrower is easy to assemble, use, and store.
Although less potent than the previous blowers on our list, it’s practical for small spaces with light snowfall. The blower is an affordable yet efficient snow removal solution for level two-car driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.
How does it handle? It’s lightweight and easy to push. I’m 4’11” and had no trouble managing its size and weight. The handlebars adjust, but users taller than 6 feet may find them shorter than ideal. The 7-inch tires don’t provide the best traction, making the Corded Snow Thrower challenging to maneuver on icy slopes.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 180°
- Clearing Width: 20 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 6 in.
- Intake height: 10 in.
- Max throw distance: 20 ft.
- Power: 13 Amp, 120-volt electric motor
- Warranty: 4 years
- Weight: 33.4 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Auger assisted |
| Skid shoes | N/A |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Lightweight ✓ User-friendly ✓ Handles icy snow ✓ Low-maintenance | ✗ Not good with wet snow ✗ Not good on slopes ✗ Lacks fancy features ✗ Handlebar is a bit short for very tall people |
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6. ENHULK 20V Cordless Snowblower – Best small snowblower
The 13-inch ENHULK 20V Cordless Snowblower/Electric Snow Shovel is our favorite small snowblower. It’s compact and quiet, comfortably removing up to 6 inches of light or powdered snow from front steps, patios, and decks. If size doesn’t matter, but saving cash does, the model also comes in a 12-inch size.
With two 20-volt batteries and a reliable electric motor, the blower runs for up to 25 minutes on a single charge. It takes just minutes to assemble, and has detachable parts for super simple storage.
How does it handle? It’s light and very easy to maneuver. The adjustable handle has dual safety switches and is easy to grip.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: +/- 30°
- Clearing Width: 13.2 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 6 in.
- Intake height: 8 in.
- Max throw distance: 26.5 ft.
- Power: 20-volt 4 Ah Li-ion (2)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 14.3 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Manual |
| Skid shoes | N/A |
| Starter | Electric |
| Variable speed | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Durable ✓ Efficient ✓ Lightweight ✓ User-friendly ✓ Low-maintenance | ✗ Too small for large areas ✗ Not good for hard snow ✗ Not good for icy snow |
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7. Troy-Bilt Squall 123R
If you’re looking for a snowblower that provides a lot of bang and is budget-friendly, consider the 21-inch Troy-Bilt Squall 123R. The single-stage snowblower smoothly scoops up to 6 inches of fluffy or light snow, then throws it up to 25 feet away.
Although it lacks some of the bells found on fancy models, it outshines the competition in its class. The Squall’s discharge chute rotates 190° and is super simple to control. It’s compact with foldable handles for easy storage.
How does it handle? The auger-assisted drive makes its weight easy to manage, and the grips are wide enough for thick gloves. It maneuvers well on flat and sloped pavement and around obstacles.
Specifications
- Chute rotation: 190°
- Clearing Width: 21 in.
- Ideal snow depth: ≤ 6 in.
- Intake height: 13 in.
- Max throw distance: 25 ft.
- Power: 123 cc OHV gas-engine
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 103 lb.
Special features
| Drive | Auger assisted |
| Skid shoes | N/A |
| Starter | Recoil, pull |
| Variable speed | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Efficient ✓ Compact ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ User-friendly controls ✓ Easy to maneuver | ✗ The wheel attachment is a bit flimsy ✗ Difficult to start ✗ Not good for hard snow ✗ Not good for icy snow |
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Buyer’s guide
Savvy shoppers consider the following snowblower specs:
Snowblower stages
Snowblower stages are the number of steps the blower takes to clear snow:
- Single-stage models are great for clearing small areas. They are the cheapest but also the least powerful. In one motion, their auger scoops up and throws the snow through the discharge chute. Since they throw snow, they are often called “snow throwers.”
- Two-stage snowblowers are great for medium to large areas and places with deep snow. Using a two-step process, they are more potent than single-stage models. First, the auger scoops up the snow and hands it to an impeller. Second, the impeller blows the snow through the discharge chute.
- Three-stage models are great for large areas and locations with frequent heavy snow. They are the fastest and most powerful but also the most expensive. Although they work similarly to two-stage models, they have an extra auger called the accelerator auger that can get the job done up to 50% quicker.
Power source
Snowblowers have one of the following power sources:
- Gas-powered snowblowers are ideal for large yards and deep snow. They’re the fastest and best equipped to handle wet snow. However, they’re high-maintenance and emit gas fumes. They come in one-, two-, and three-stage models.
- Battery-powered snowblowers are quiet, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance. But they’re not as potent as gas models. They come in one- and two-stage models.
- Corded electric snowblowers can save you money, if you get light snowfall that’s within reach of a power outlet. They come in only one-stage models.
Clearing capacity
The following metrics describe a snowblower’s clearing capacity:
- Clearing width measures how wide a path the snowblower clears in one pass.
- Clearing depth describes how deep the blower goes.
- Plowing capacity estimates how many pounds of snow the blower removes per minute.
Clearing capacity: single-stage snowblowers
The table below shows the typical clearing capacity of single-stage snowblowers by power source.
| Typical clearing capacity | |
| Gas-powered | Clearing width: 18 in. – 24 in. Clearing depth: 6 in. -12 in. Plowing capacity: 1,100 lb. – 2,500 lb. / min. |
| Battery-powered | Clearing width: 18 in. – 21 in. Clearing depth: 6 in. -12 in. Plowing capacity: 400 lb. – 1,500 lb. / min. |
| Corded electric | Clearing width: 15 in. – 22 in. Clearing depth: 6 in. – 12 in. Plowing capacity: 450 lb. – 800 lb. / min. |
Clearing capacity: two-stage snowblowers
The table below shows the typical clearing capacity for two-stage blowers by power source.
| Typical clearing capacity | |
| Gas-powered | Clearing width: 24 in. – 30 in. Clearing depth: 12 in. – 21 in. Plowing capacity: 1,900 lb. – 2,500 lb. / min. |
| Battery-powered | Clearing width: 24 in. Clearing depth: 18 in. – 20 in. Plowing capacity: 1,600 lb. – 2,400 lb. / min. |
Throwing distance
A snowblower’s throwing distance tells you how far it throws snow through the discharge chute. Blowers with variable speed augers allow you to adjust the throwing distance, which is helpful for avoiding neighbors and landscaping.
The table below shows the typical max throwing distance by snowblower type.
| Typical max throwing distance | |
| Single-stage | 20 ft. – 40 ft. |
| Two-stage | 30 ft. – 50 ft. |
| Three-stage | 30 ft. – 40 ft. |
Price
The cost of a snowblower depends on its stages, power source, width, and other cost factors.
| Average price | $1,055 |
| Typical price range | $305 – $1,800 |
| Cheap corded snowblower | $120 |
| High-end commercial snowblower | $15,000 |
FAQ about snowblowers
Should I get a snowblower or snow shovel?
The best snow shovels are ideal for clearing small amounts of snow, such as snow around a vehicle or in a small garden bed. This is because snow shovels are smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver.
However, snowblowers are quicker than shovels and require less elbow grease. If you have a large area to clear or at least 20 inches of snow annually, we recommend getting a snowblower. You may still need a snow shovel for digging your car out of the snow.
How long should a snowblower last?
The lifespan of most snowblowers is 10 to 15 years.
What is the easiest snowblower to use?
Battery-powered snowblowers are the easiest for removing moderate amounts of light or fluffy snow. Models like the Ego Power+ SNT2112 can also quickly clear compacted and icy snow.
Battery blowers are lightweight, easy to start, and low-maintenance. Yet, you don’t have to work around a cumbersome cord. They tend to have user-friendly features that compensate for lacking gas-powered potency. However, gas-powered blowers are easier for removing heavy-duty and wet snow.
When to call a snow removal pro
Before spending bookoo bucks on a snowblower, consider whether you want to work outside in freezing conditions. If the answer is no, you should consider hiring a snow removal pro. Not only does it keep you out of the cold, it also dramatically decreases your chance of winter injury.
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