The 6 Best Snow Blowers of 2024, According to Our Tests

The Bottom Line

After conducting thorough research and at-home testing, the Ariens Classic 24-in 208-cc Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower is the best snow blower due to its ease of use and powerful operation.

Our Testing Process

To come up with a list of the best snow blowers, we first researched the top gas-powered, electric, and battery-operated options on the market. Then, we acquired top picks and tested seven snow blowers in our own driveways, sidewalks, and walkways after multiple snowfalls over two months. In addition to testing these blowers, we surveyed snow blower and thrower owners to learn more about the models they use and their long-term performance.

Though you sacrifice some power, electric snow blowers like the Ego Power+ SNT2102 have convenient features that often make them easier to use. Most obviously, they don’t need gas to operate, which can be messy and emit noxious fumes. And electric models are also typically lighter and quieter than gas-powered units. Throughout testing, we noted the electric models were significantly quieter than their gas counterparts, and we were even able to hear each other over some electric engines without shouting.

For battery-powered snow blowers, we timed of how many hours we got out of a single charge and how quickly the charge wore down depending on the amount of snow. For gas-powered snow blowers, we recorded how long the tank lasted before needing a refill. And for electric corded snow blowers, we noted the length of the cord. Lastly, we stored the snow blowers according to the manufacturer’s instructions to evaluate the amount of storage space needed for each snow blower.

What to Know About Snow Blowers Before Shopping

Power

Gas-powered snow blowers are the most common type and for good reason. These durable machines are the best snow blowers to clear wet, heavy snow. However, between filling the gasoline tank, oil changes, filter changes, and spark plug replacements, they do require more maintenance than their electric counterparts. Gas snow blowers may also require a manual choke start, which can be difficult and take longer, especially on cold winter days. Luckily, many high-end gas-powered models do include electric push-button starts. Every gas-powered model we tested included an electric start. 

Though you sacrifice some power, electric snow blowers like our best budget snow blower, the Ego Power+ SNT2102, have convenient features that often make them easier to use. Most obviously, they don’t need gas to operate, which can be messy and emit noxious fumes. And electric models are also typically lighter and quieter than gas-powered units. Throughout testing, we noted the electric models were significantly quieter than their gas counterparts, and we were even able to hear each other over some electric engines without shouting.

However, corded models also require taking some extra precautions. “Cords are just another hazard to be mindful of as you are clearing the snow,” says Cheryl Higley, education and content director at SIMA Snow and Ice Management Association. When using a corded model, always be sure to use outdoor-safe extension cords, and pay extra attention to where you’re walking and pushing the machine.

Lastly, battery-powered snow blowers have all the perks of electric, but without the frustration of a cord. These are typically considered the most convenient model, but they also have the shortest runtimes—and the amount of snow being cleared can significantly affect battery life. During testing, we charged our batteries fully before operating, and no battery-operated model ran out during the time it took us to clear the snow. However, if you have a large area to clear or a significantly heavier snowfall, this may be something to consider. When it comes to electric models, you’ll want to stick to clearing up lighter snowfall accumulations for the best performance.

Type

When shopping for snow blowers, you’ll notice that each model is classified as single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage. The stage you need depends on the amount and type of snowfall you need to clear.

“It's all about the amount of snow you get, and the kind of snow,” Kiser says. If you get heavy wet snow, it's going to take a more significant machine.”

Single-stage snow blowers, sometimes called snow throwers, are the least powerful and are best for those who experience light snowfall (no more than 8 inches) and have a relatively small area to clear. A single-stage snow blower has a singular rubber auger that takes in the snow and throws it out in a single motion. The paddles come directly in contact with the ground, which provides a clean surface, but isn’t ideal for gravel or dirt surfaces as they can pick up debris. We tested one single-stage snow blower, the Ego Power+ SNT2102, and we found it powerful enough to clear most snow in one pass. It did require a second pass on denser snow at the end of our driveway, though.

Two-stage snow blowers are more powerful and can handle up to 18 inches of snow, making them ideal for regions with moderate to heavy snowfall and those with larger driveways. These machines have two metal augers that scoop up the snow and an impeller that throws the snow out. They do not make direct contact with the ground, so they will leave a very thin layer of snow on the surface, which can then be removed with a snow shovel or ice melt.

Three-stage snow blowers are similar to two-stages, but with a third auger that accelerates the rate of snow removal. These machines are the largest and most expensive of the three models, provide greater acceleration and power, and typically require professional maintenance. They are only recommended for those with large areas to clear and experience very heavy snowfall. We didn’t test any three-stage models, as they’re not a great fit for most homeowners. 

Features 

Clearing Width and Depth

Clearing width refers to the surface area the snow blower can clear in one pass, while the depth explains how tall of snow banks it can tackle. Most single-stage blowers clear paths between 12 and 22 inches wide and under 12 inches deep, making them ideal for areas with lighter snowfall and small areas like walkways and shorter driveways.

If you experience heavy snowfall or have a large area to clear, you’ll want to opt for a snow blower with a larger clearing width, which will typically be a two-stage or three-stage model. These can offer clearing widths anywhere from 20 to 38 inches and intake heights up to 30 inches deep. Most mid-sized models, like our best overall pick, have a clearing width of 24 inches and an intake height of around 20 inches.

Throwing Distance

The point of a snow blower is to blow the snow away from the area you’re trying to clear. At the very least, this requires a throwing distance of at least 15 to 20 feet to ensure the snow lands in a different area so you don’t pass the same snow over and over. Most models boast throwing distances upwards of 40 to 50 feet and offer adjustable chutes to control where you’re throwing. The average throwing distance of our top picks was 45 feet, with the Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe topping the list at 55 feet.

Self-Propelling Transmission

Snow blowers are supposed to make cleanup easy, but they can also be extremely heavy pieces of machinery. Most two-stage snow blowers offer a self-propelled transmission so you can push and steer the machine without breaking a sweat. During testing, we found even the largest models were easy to maneuver with self-propelling. Most self-propelling snow blowers offer multiple speeds (both forward and backward) to adjust for how quickly you want to move and how much snow there is to clear. 

Additional features

• Headlights: Purchasing a model with LED headlights can improve your visibility, aiding with safety. During testing, we appreciated using the headlights when we had them, as they allowed us to throw snow earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
• Grip-Activated Auger and Automatic Shutoff: A grip-activated auger allows you to disengage the snow blower’s auger while still pushing along with the self-propelling feature. For additional safety and control, look for snow blowers that automatically shut off when you let go of the handles. 
• Heated Handles: You’ll only find this on high-end models with all the bells and whistles, but a bit of extra heat through your gloves makes the chore of clearing snow much more comfortable on freezing days. While a nice feature, we never found that heated handles were a deal breaker on any model.

Other Snow Blowers We Tested

Toro Power Max HD 1030 OHAE 30 in. 302 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start

The Toro Power Max HD was one of the largest snow blowers we tested, and while we loved its features—like a built-in light, joystick, and hand warmers—we found the large size difficult to maneuver.

Ryobi Brushless Whisper Series 24" 2-Stage Cordless Electric Self-Propelled Snow Blower

Like the name suggests, the Ryobi Brushless Whisper Series snow blower was extremely quiet during our tests, something that impressed us immediately. And while we loved the additional features like heated handles, the assembly took us almost three hours—over two hours longer than any other model. This was the most expensive electric model we tested, and we thought it performed similarly to less expensive options. 

Your Questions, Answered

How wide should the clearance be on a snow blower?

Your ideal clearance width depends on the width of the surface you need to clear and how long you expect the task to take. A standard clearance width is 24 inches (the average of our top picks was 24.6 inches), but if you have a small driveway or less storage space, a smaller model may be more useful. The smallest option we tested was the Ego Power+ SNT2102 at 21 inches. For those with a large driveway to clear, a wider clearance, like 28 inches from the Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe can help clear your space faster.

Can you use a snow blower on a gravel driveway?

Yes, but only two-stage snow blowers should be used on a gravel driveway. Because the paddles on one-stage blowers make direct contact with the surface, you risk throwing loose rocks which can pose a risk to both the machine and anyone in the clearing path. Make sure to read your snow blower’s instructions before operating, though, as we found some two-stage models like the Ryobi Brushless Whisper Series Snow Blower stated to only use on smooth surfaces. 

How long do snow blowers last?

These machines are significant investments, and the best snow blowers should last at least 10 years but many last longer with regular upkeep. These maintenance tasks can include regular oil changes, replacing belts and tires, and changing the air filter as necessary. 

Kiser cautions to always take safety precautions ahead of using a snow blower to protect yourself and the machine. Ahead of a snowstorm, he recommends to “Look at the area that you intend to snow throw. Clear it up, because that machine will find the garden hose and the dog toy and sticks.”

Who We Are

Jessica Comstock is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens who writes about the best products for your home. For this article, she spoke with Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, to learn more about the types of snow blowers and safety risks they pose. She also consulted insights from our expert testers who tested these snow blowers over a two-month period and additional insights from Cheryl Higley, education and content director at SIMA Snow and Ice Management Association.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks.

Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.