The best snow blowers – or snow throwers – provide fast and efficient snow removal when you need it.
As we know: snow can build up within a few minutes, let alone a few hours, so getting one (or two) of these to help clear the driveways and pathways which surround your home will save a whole lot of time and effort when compared to getting out the shovel.
Still, choosing the best snow blower isn't as easy as we think. There are single-stage, two-stage, and – in some areas – three-stage snowblower types, plus the cordless, corded, and gas snowblower models to consider, too.
With so many options to research, it can be a whirlwind honing in on the best snow blower for you — which is where we come in.
We've conducted our very own snow blower reviews to showcase the top-rated and top-selling models in this guide, hoping to land you with the best snow blower to fit your home's needs.
Check them out below, or see our best leaf blowers if you need something to clear fall leaves first.
5 best snow blowers according to our team
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This Toro snow blower gets our vote for the best snow blower you can buy because it does everything you need it to with minimal effort.
Powered by gas
As with all gas snow blowers, you're not tethered to a plug anywhere nearby, so you have the freedom to go where you need to clear the snow.
It's also self-propelled, so it uses the engine to power the wheels, making the machine super easy to move around. It will seamlessly clear a driveway that can park up to nine cars, no sweat.
Mounted chute lever
The mounted chute lever means that you can aim where you want to throw snow and put it just where you need it with a touch of the hand; the locking deflector allows you to designate where you want to throw snow from the chute.
Additional notes
For best results, use fresh, non-ethanol fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher. The design is also sleek and compact, meaning you can easily store it for quick use. Some people noted that it can kick out a lot of heat, so check the plastic is not overheating with sustained use.
This Cub Cadet snowblower is a fantastic option if you're someone with a larger budget. If you have a larger budget to spend on clearing the snow, then this model is one which we can highly recommend.
Easy clearing
Powered by gas, the Cub Cadet offers a 26-inch width with a 21-inch intake height. It has a full range of clearing width options – including one perfect for your needs. Plus, with trigger-control power steering, you can engage the power steering to give you unmatched control, effortless maneuverability, and single-hand operation.
Point and chute
Featuring an impressive chute, the single-hand 4-way control allows you to change the direction and pitch of the snow you throw with one hand. It'll easily throw snow up to 40 feet, freeing up the driveway and pathways of any snowbanks.
Additional notes
The new LED dual headlights mean that you'll be in a position to work in the dark, should you need to. And, the cool blue, no rust, non-marking, reversible skid shoes will glide along surfaces for better maneuverability.
When your budget is on the lower end and the snow is falling heavily, but you want a worthwhile investment, the Greenworks snow shovel will work spectacularly.
Small but mighty
This machine is small but mighty and weighs in at just 14lbs. Designed with a clearing width of 12-inch, which makes it easy to maneuver. The adjustable auxiliary handle adds comfort and control during use, too.
Additional notes
There's no chute with this model, so you'll need to have a few dry runs to try to direct the snow where you want it to end up. Furthermore, the snow shovel is corded, so you won't be able to travel too far away from the home because you'll need to use a plug.
A solid cordless snow blower will do a very good job of clearing and throwing the snow a decent distance.
Robust snow clearing
Comparable to the gas snow blowers, this model is built with a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 21-inch wide intake for clearing large driveways. And being cordless, you'll have the freedom to move snow away from any distance away from the house.
Snow chute
Capable of throwing snow to 35-feet and with a variable-speed auger to control how far the snow is thrown, the EGO Power+ SNT2100, will make light work of clearing the driveway, walkways, and sidewalks.
Additional Notes
It features LED headlights and a quick-fold handle for compact storage so if you need to go out into the dark to clear snow you can, and quickly.
This snow thrower from Snow Joe gets some top votes on Amazon, and we think it offers everything you need to clear a drift for a reasonable price, too.
Impressive performance
The Snow Joe SJ623E is stacked with a 15-amp motor that can move up to 720 pounds of snow per minute. With no gas, no oil, or no tune-ups required, it makes clearing snow effortless as it cuts and clears areas up to 18 inches (45.7 centimeters) wide and 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) deep in one pass.
Easy to move and start
At the push of a button, the SJ623E is ready to go, and the easy-glide wheels make it super easy to turn and maneuver.
Additional Notes
This model is corded, yep, but you'll need to buy the cord separately. Look out for one which can handle a 15-amp motor. Reviewers recommended finding one which is bright in color so you can see it in the dark.
How to choose the best snow blower
When you come to choose one of the best snow blowers, it can be mighty overwhelming, but you'll soon find that, essentially, you'll need to think about the size of the area you want to clean and what kind of surface it is. These impact the type and power option.
From there, the type of snow blowers you'll need to keep your backyard snow-free will be solely reliant on your budget (aside from your personal preferences).
What are the different types of the best snow blowers?
There are three common types of snow blowers: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Single and two-stage snow blowers are best suited for accumulation under 10 inches, while three-stage snow shooters can tackle an impressive 16 inches of snow. The surface you’ll be clearing should also be taken into consideration, as well as the incline. For small jobs such as clearing walkways, garden paths, or a patio, a single-stage snow blower will do the trick and for larger driveways, choose a two- or three-stage option.
If you tend to get heavier, more wet snow, you'll want an impeller and serrated augers on two-three stage throwers. These will slice through compacted snow with ease and be less prone to clogging.
Single-stage snow blowers
Single-stage snow blowers are perfect for residential snow blowing. Driveways, walkways, and sidewalks are easily cleared by these compact devices. Perfect for pavement, but not ideal for gravel.
Two-stage snow blowers
Two-stage snow blowers are ideal for extra cold and snowy climates. Two-stage blowers can throw snow farther than their single-stage competitors, making this a good choice for larger, longer driveways and walkways, and those with gravel surfaces. 'Two stages' refers to the two steps in removal: first, the snowblower separates ice and snow through the auger. Secondly, the snow is thrown out in the direction of the chute.
Three-stage snow blowers
Three-stage snow blowers are a great choice for heavy snow and ice. If you live in an area notorious for wet conditions, you can count on a three-stage blower to effortlessly remove the wet snow. The good news is, three-stage models have all the right tools to cut through ice, a feature single and two-stage blowers lack. It’s also worth noting these machines can handle steep slopes.
Should you get a or electric snow blower?
Amongst the vast choice of snow blowers, you'll need to consider which fuel type you prefer.
Gas snow blowers, for example, have been around the block a bit longer but do often tend to chuck out a fair amount of fumes when in use and can be heavy to push around. That said, these guys do have a greater clearing width and intake than most comparable models.
Electric corded snow blowers will require a cable running to an electrical socket. And, which you'll often have to buy separately. Most corded models are available in single-stage only. So, they are only suitable for clearing sidewalks, patios, or steps.
Cordless snow throwers will give you the ultimate in snow blowing freedom. They are available in single-stage and two-stage models. These are comparable to the gas models because they have the mobility to move around more freely. There are self-propelled cordless snow blowers out there that would be worth keeping a lookout for – they can significantly reduce the amount of effort needed to complete your winter garden jobs as the machine will do the hard work to clear the way for you.
While all have their advantages, there are a few key variables to consider before making a decision.
Length of driveway
If your driveway is longer than the power cord, be prepared to pull out an extension cord. While some models boast cordless capabilities, the price is reflective. Gas-powered models offer more power.
Area to be cleaned
Perhaps your driveway isn’t especially long, but you plan on snow plowing your sidewalk and walkway. Rather than lugging around an extension cord, a gas snow blower would be the best option.
Proximity to electrical outlets
If the areas you’ll be clearing are out of reach from outlets, a gas blower may be your best bet. Depending on the gas tank, top-of-the-line gas snow blowers can run for an impressive two-hour span.
If you want to get the most from your new buy, our guide on how to use snow blower has plenty of expert tips on fast and efficient snow removal.
