7 Best Snow Blowers of 2026

Jake Morrison, a licensed general contractor, reviews the 7 best snow blowers for every driveway size and budget — from powerful two-stage gas machines to lightweight cordless models and electric snow shovels.

Updated

Ariens snow blower clearing a driveway during a winter snowstorm

As a licensed general contractor who has spent over twenty years working through Northeast winters, I can tell you that a reliable snow blower is not a luxury — it is essential equipment. I have cleared everything from quick 3-inch dustings to brutal 24-inch nor’easters, and the right machine makes the difference between a 15-minute chore and a back-breaking two-hour ordeal.

After evaluating dozens of snow blowers across every power source, size, and price point, I narrowed it down to 7 models that cover every homeowner scenario. Whether you need a commercial-grade gas beast for a long rural driveway or a lightweight cordless unit for a city sidewalk, there is a machine on this list that fits your situation and budget.

ProductPriceBuy
EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch Two-Stage Cordless Snow BlowerBest Overall$1,638.28 View on Amazon
PowerSmart 26-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow BlowerRunner-Up$999.00 View on Amazon
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow BlowerPremium Pick$2,899.00 View on Amazon
Greenworks 80V 20-Inch Cordless Snow BlowerBudget Pick$356.45 View on Amazon
Snow Joe SJ627E 22-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower$259.99 View on Amazon
AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower$699.99 View on Amazon
Earthwise SN70016 12-Amp Corded Electric Snow Shovel$129.71 View on Amazon

Quick Picks

Best Overall: The EGO Power+ SNT2405 delivers gas-rivaling two-stage performance with zero emissions, near-silent operation, and the convenience of push-button starting.

Budget Pick: The Greenworks 80V 20-inch offers genuine cordless snow clearing at an accessible price point, backed by over 4,000 verified reviews.

Runner-Up: The PowerSmart 26-inch pairs a proven Briggs and Stratton engine with heated grips and a 26-inch clearing width for serious snow removal value.

Upgrade Pick: The Ariens Deluxe SHO is the professional-grade machine that moves 72 tons of snow per hour and is built to last decades.

How We Chose These Snow Blowers

I evaluated over 25 snow blowers based on real-world performance in actual winter conditions, not lab tests. Every machine on this list was assessed on clearing power, ease of use, build quality, reliability track record, and value for the money. I cross-referenced manufacturer specs with thousands of verified buyer reviews to identify patterns — especially recurring complaints that only show up after a full season of use.

I weighted reliability heavily because a snow blower that fails during a major storm is worse than useless. I also paid close attention to real-world runtime for cordless models and cold-weather starting reliability for gas machines, since those are the two most common failure points I encounter when clients call me frustrated. The lineup spans every power source and price range so that regardless of your driveway size, snowfall region, or budget, you have a well-vetted option.

EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch — Best Overall

The EGO Power+ SNT2405 is the machine that finally made me take cordless snow blowers seriously. I have used gas two-stage blowers for most of my career, and the EGO is the first battery-powered model that genuinely competes with them. The dual 56V battery system powers a true two-stage design with a steel auger and impeller that throws snow up to 50 feet — numbers that match mid-range gas machines.

The real selling point is everything gas cannot offer. Push-button start every single time with no priming, no choking, no pull cord. Noise levels low enough that you can clear your driveway at 5 AM without waking the neighborhood. Zero maintenance — no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel stabilizer, no carburetor cleaning. The LED headlights are among the brightest I have seen on any snow blower, illuminating the entire clearing path for those dark early-morning sessions.

The 24-inch clearing width and 20-inch intake height handle most residential snowfall conditions effectively. On a standard two-car driveway with 8 to 10 inches of dry snow, the EGO clears the job comfortably on one charge. Where it shows its battery limitations is in heavy, wet snow or extended sessions beyond 45 minutes — runtime drops and the motor works noticeably harder. It also tends to ride up over compacted ice rather than cutting through it, which gas machines handle with brute force.

At over 1,600 dollars, this is a significant investment. But if you factor in years of zero fuel costs and zero maintenance, the total cost of ownership starts to look competitive with premium gas machines. For homeowners in moderate snow regions who value convenience and quiet operation, the EGO is the best snow blower you can buy right now. If you are already invested in battery-powered outdoor tools like a cordless leaf blower, the EGO fits naturally into that ecosystem.

Best Overall

EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower

by EGO Power+

★★★★☆ 4.4 (190 reviews) $1,638.28

The EGO Power+ SNT2405 is the most powerful cordless snow blower available, delivering gas-rivaling clearing performance with zero emissions, near-silent operation, and push-button starting.

Clearing Width
24 inches
Intake Height
20 inches
Power Source
56V Dual Battery (Cordless)
Weight
130 lbs
Throw Distance
50 feet
Drive Type
Self-Propelled

Pros

  • Most powerful cordless snow blower on the market that genuinely rivals gas performance
  • Dramatically quieter than any gas model so you can clear snow at 6 AM without angry neighbors
  • Zero maintenance with no gas, oil, spark plugs, or pull-start headaches ever again
  • Excellent LED headlights illuminate the entire clearing path for early morning or evening use

Cons

  • Premium price tag north of 1,600 dollars puts it out of reach for many homeowners
  • Runtime drops noticeably when tackling heavy wet snow or deep compacted drifts
  • Tends to ride up and over compacted ice rather than cutting through it

PowerSmart 26-Inch — Runner-Up

The PowerSmart 26-inch is the snow blower I recommend to homeowners who want proven gas performance without spending two thousand dollars. The Briggs and Stratton 208cc engine is the same reliable powerplant found in machines costing twice as much, and it handles heavy wet snow that would choke a single-stage or budget cordless model.

Heated hand grips are the feature you do not know you need until you have spent 45 minutes clearing a driveway in single-digit temperatures. Once you have used them, you will never buy a snow blower without them. The dual-start system with both electric push-button and manual recoil means you are never stranded if one method fails. The 180-degree one-hand chute rotation lets you redirect snow on the fly without breaking stride — a genuine time saver on long driveways.

The 26-inch clearing width paired with a 20-inch intake height puts this machine in the sweet spot for two-car driveways and moderate to heavy snowfall. Six forward speeds and two reverse give you fine control over pace depending on snow conditions. The 13-inch snow tires provide solid traction even on sloped driveways.

The concerning pattern in buyer reviews centers on durability of the control cables — multiple owners report broken discharge chute and drive cables after one or two seasons. Replacement parts can be hard to source through official channels. This is not a deal-breaker at the price point, but it does mean you should inspect cables before each season and consider keeping spares on hand. For the money, the PowerSmart delivers more clearing capability per dollar than nearly anything else on the market.

Runner-Up

PowerSmart 26-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

by PowerSmart

★★★★☆ 4.2 (965 reviews) $999.00

The PowerSmart 26-inch pairs a trusted Briggs and Stratton engine with heated grips and a generous 26-inch clearing width, making it the best value in full-size two-stage gas snow blowers.

Clearing Width
26 inches
Intake Height
20 inches
Power Source
208cc Briggs & Stratton Gas
Weight
220 lbs
Throw Distance
45 feet
Drive Type
Self-Propelled (6 Forward / 2 Reverse)

Pros

  • Proven Briggs and Stratton 208cc engine handles heavy wet snow without hesitation
  • Heated hand grips keep your fingers warm during extended clearing sessions in bitter cold
  • Both electric start and recoil backup so you are never stranded with a dead battery
  • One-hand 180-degree chute rotation lets you redirect snow without stopping forward progress

Cons

  • Multiple reports of broken discharge chute control cables and drive cables after one season
  • Replacement parts can be difficult to source through authorized dealers
  • Customer service response times are inconsistent based on verified buyer feedback

Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch — Upgrade Pick

The Ariens Deluxe SHO exists for homeowners who refuse to compromise. When a client tells me they have a 100-foot driveway, they get 16-inch storms regularly, and they want a machine that will still be running in 15 years — this is what I recommend. Ariens has been building snow blowers in Wisconsin since 1933, and the Deluxe SHO represents the peak of their residential lineup.

The Super High Output engine is not a marketing gimmick. The 306cc Ariens AX motor produces measurably more torque than standard engines in this displacement class, which translates to a machine that moves 72 tons of snow per hour. To put that in perspective, the PowerSmart moves roughly 40 tons per hour. The SHO never bogs down, not in the heavy wet stuff, not in plowed-in end-of-driveway berms, not in anything residential winter can throw at it.

The cast-iron gear case is the detail that separates premium machines from disposable ones. Where budget models use stamped steel or aluminum gearboxes that wear out, cast iron handles decades of stress without degradation. The Auto-Turn steering system makes pivoting at the end of each pass nearly effortless — you lean into the turn and the inside wheel slows automatically. It works beautifully on flat surfaces, though it can wander unpredictably on uneven or sloped terrain.

At nearly 2,900 dollars, the Ariens is a serious investment. It also weighs over 260 pounds, so maneuvering it in tight spaces requires planning. But this is a machine built for people in heavy-snow regions who want to buy one snow blower for the rest of their lives. If your winters demand it, the Ariens will not let you down. Pairing it with a portable generator means you can clear your driveway and keep your house powered even during extended winter outages.

Premium Pick

Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

by Ariens

★★★★☆ 4.2 (76 reviews) $2,899.00

The Ariens Deluxe SHO is the professional-grade upgrade for homeowners in heavy snow regions who want a machine that clears everything in its path without compromise.

Clearing Width
28 inches
Intake Height
21 inches
Power Source
306cc Ariens AX SHO Gas
Weight
260 lbs
Throw Distance
55 feet
Drive Type
Self-Propelled (Auto-Turn)

Pros

  • Super High Output engine never bogs down even in the heaviest end-of-plow-pass snow banks
  • Moves an astonishing 72 tons of snow per hour for the fastest clearing possible
  • Cast-iron gear case and commercial-grade auger built to last decades of hard use
  • Auto-Turn steering system makes turning at the end of each pass effortless

Cons

  • Very expensive at nearly 2,900 dollars which is overkill for light-snow regions
  • Extremely heavy at over 260 pounds making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Auto-Turn steering can wander on uneven or sloped surfaces requiring constant correction

Greenworks 80V 20-Inch — Best Budget

The Greenworks 80V is the snow blower that proves you do not need to spend four figures to get legitimate cordless snow clearing performance. With over 4,000 verified reviews and a 3.9 rating, this machine has a massive real-world track record that confirms it does exactly what it promises — clears moderate snowfall quickly and quietly with zero maintenance.

At 37 pounds, the Greenworks is light enough for anyone in the household to operate. There is no fighting with pull cords, no mixing fuel, no winterizing the carburetor. You push a button and start clearing. The brushless motor extracts maximum efficiency from the 80V battery, and the 20-inch clearing width is well-matched to single-car driveways and walkways.

The 180-degree chute control lets you direct snow where you want it, and the foldable handle makes off-season storage easy in a crowded garage. If you already own Greenworks 80V tools like a string trimmer or leaf blower, the batteries are interchangeable across the entire platform — which means you probably already have spare batteries ready to go.

The limitations are honest and predictable. The included 2.0Ah battery provides roughly 30 minutes of runtime, which is enough for a short driveway but requires a second battery for larger areas. The 10-inch intake height means anything deeper than about 8 inches requires multiple passes at different angles. And like all single-stage cordless models, it struggles with heavy, wet snow that a two-stage gas machine would eat without hesitation. But for homeowners in regions with moderate snowfall who want a hassle-free machine at a reasonable price, the Greenworks hits the mark.

Budget Pick

Greenworks 80V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Blower

by Greenworks

★★★½☆ 3.9 (4,062 reviews) $356.45

The Greenworks 80V is the best entry point into cordless snow removal, offering lightweight battery-powered convenience at a price that makes sense for moderate snowfall regions.

Clearing Width
20 inches
Intake Height
10 inches
Power Source
80V Brushless Motor (Cordless)
Weight
37 lbs
Throw Distance
25 feet
Drive Type
Push

Pros

  • Excellent value with cordless convenience and a proven 80V battery platform
  • Over 4,000 verified reviews provide strong confidence in real-world performance
  • Ultra-lightweight at just 37 pounds so anyone in the household can operate it comfortably
  • Part of the Greenworks 80V ecosystem so batteries work across dozens of outdoor tools

Cons

  • Included 2.0Ah battery only provides about 30 minutes of runtime per charge
  • Struggles significantly with heavy wet snow and anything over 8 inches deep
  • 10-inch intake height limits effectiveness in regions with deep or drifting snowfall

Snow Joe SJ627E 22-Inch — Best Corded Electric

The Snow Joe SJ627E fills a specific niche that makes perfect sense for the right homeowner: unlimited runtime electric snow clearing without the cost or complexity of batteries. You plug it into a standard outdoor outlet, and it runs as long as you need it. No batteries to charge, no gas to buy, no runtime anxiety.

The 15-amp motor drives a steel auger with rubber-tipped blades that clears up to 840 pounds of snow per minute. The rubber tips are a thoughtful design choice — they are safe for wooden decks, decorative pavers, and composite surfaces that a metal auger would scratch and gouge. The 22-inch clearing width is wider than most single-stage electrics, which means fewer passes on a standard driveway. Dual LED headlights and an included protective cover round out a well-thought-out package.

The obvious limitation is the cord. You are tethered to your outlet, and managing a 100-foot extension cord while operating a snow blower requires a technique — always blow away from the cord and work in a pattern that keeps the cord behind you. This limits practical range to about 80 feet from your outlet, which covers most residential driveways but not all.

The 13-inch intake height improves on the Greenworks’ 10 inches but still limits effectiveness in regions with heavy snowfall. The plastic housing also feels less substantial than metal-body competitors. But at 35 pounds and under 260 dollars, the Snow Joe is an excellent choice for homeowners with short to medium driveways who want reliable electric snow clearing without investing in a battery platform.

Snow Joe SJ627E 22-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower

by Snow Joe

★★★½☆ 3.8 (146 reviews) $259.99

The Snow Joe SJ627E offers unlimited runtime and respectable clearing power for homeowners with shorter driveways who want to avoid the hassle of batteries and gas engines.

Clearing Width
22 inches
Intake Height
13 inches
Power Source
15-Amp Corded Electric
Weight
35 lbs
Throw Distance
25 feet
Drive Type
Push

Pros

  • Unlimited runtime since it plugs into a standard outdoor outlet with no batteries to drain
  • Powerful 15-amp motor clears up to 840 pounds of snow per minute through the steel auger
  • Rubber-tipped auger blades are safe for use on wooden decks and decorative pavers
  • Dual LED headlights provide excellent visibility for early morning snow clearing sessions

Cons

  • Extension cord management limits your effective range and creates a tripping hazard
  • Plastic housing feels less durable than metal-body competitors at similar price points
  • Replacement parts are difficult to source if the auger or chute components break

AMERISUN 24-Inch — Best Mid-Range Gas

The AMERISUN 24-inch occupies an interesting position in the market as the most affordable two-stage self-propelled gas snow blower you can buy. At 700 dollars, it undercuts the PowerSmart by 300 dollars while still delivering the core features that make two-stage gas machines effective: a proper auger and impeller system, self-propelled drive, electric start, and a 24-inch clearing width.

The 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine produces 7 horsepower, which is adequate for the 24-inch housing. The 20-inch intake height matches the PowerSmart, and the 40-foot throw distance is respectable. At 126 pounds, the AMERISUN is significantly lighter than comparable gas two-stage machines — nearly 100 pounds lighter than the PowerSmart — which makes it noticeably easier to maneuver and store.

The 13-inch snow tires and self-propelled drive handle moderate slopes and packed surfaces. Electric start eliminates the most frustrating aspect of gas snow blower ownership. The overall package delivers genuine two-stage gas performance at a price point that competes with premium single-stage cordless models.

The trade-off is brand maturity. With only 80 reviews, the AMERISUN lacks the long-term reliability data of established brands. The dealer and service center network is limited, which could complicate warranty claims or parts sourcing. It also lacks heated grips and some convenience features found on the PowerSmart and Ariens. For homeowners who want two-stage gas capability at the lowest possible price and are comfortable with a newer brand, the AMERISUN delivers where it matters most — clearing snow effectively. Keeping a pressure washer in the garage alongside this machine means you can maintain your driveway and outdoor surfaces year-round.

AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower

by AMERISUN

★★★½☆ 3.9 (80 reviews) $699.99

The AMERISUN delivers two-stage gas snow blowing capability at a mid-range price point, making it an appealing option for homeowners who need gas power without the premium price tag.

Clearing Width
24 inches
Intake Height
20 inches
Power Source
212cc 4-Cycle OHV 7HP Gas
Weight
126 lbs
Throw Distance
40 feet
Drive Type
Self-Propelled

Pros

  • Strong value proposition as the most affordable two-stage self-propelled gas option
  • Significantly lighter than comparable gas models at 126 pounds for easier handling
  • Electric start with self-propelled drive eliminates the two biggest gas snow blower frustrations
  • Full 24-inch clearing width handles medium to large driveways in fewer passes

Cons

  • Less-established brand with limited dealer network and service center availability
  • Only 80 verified reviews make long-term reliability data limited at this point
  • Lacks heated grips and some convenience features found on pricier competitors

Earthwise SN70016 — Best Electric Snow Shovel

The Earthwise is not a snow blower in the traditional sense — it is a powered snow shovel, and understanding that distinction is important. At 14 pounds and 16 inches wide, this is a tool for walkways, front steps, decks, and light accumulations on small areas. It is not designed to clear a full driveway, and expecting it to do so will lead to frustration.

What it does, it does remarkably well. The 12-amp motor drives a dual-curved auger that handles up to 6 inches of snow on paved and wooden surfaces. At just 14 pounds, it is genuinely easier on your body than a manual snow shovel — which is exactly the point. Over 2,700 verified reviews confirm that for its intended purpose, the Earthwise is reliable, effective, and dramatically easier on your back and shoulders than shoveling by hand.

The dual-curved auger design is an upgrade over flat-paddle snow shovels because it handles moderately packed snow rather than only light powder. The 30-foot throw distance is surprisingly strong for such a small machine. The corded design means unlimited runtime, and at under 130 dollars, the price barely registers.

The limitations are obvious and by design. The 16-inch width and 8-inch intake mean this is a multi-pass proposition for anything wider than a walkway. Discharge direction control is minimal. But for elderly homeowners, anyone with back problems, or as a complement to a larger snow blower for doing walkways and steps, the Earthwise is the most practical option available. I recommend it to clients all the time as a second machine specifically for areas where a full-size blower does not fit or is overkill.

Earthwise SN70016 12-Amp Corded Electric Snow Shovel

by Earthwise

★★★½☆ 3.7 (2,723 reviews) $129.71

The Earthwise snow shovel is the most accessible powered snow removal tool available, perfect for walkways, decks, and light accumulations where a full snow blower is overkill.

Clearing Width
16 inches
Intake Height
8 inches
Power Source
12-Amp Corded Electric
Weight
14 lbs
Throw Distance
30 feet
Drive Type
Push

Pros

  • Extremely affordable entry point into powered snow removal at under 130 dollars
  • Ultra-lightweight at just 14 pounds making it ideal for elderly users or those with back issues
  • Over 2,700 verified reviews confirm reliable performance for light snow clearing tasks
  • Dual-curved auger design handles moderately packed snow better than flat-blade competitors

Cons

  • Only 16-inch clearing width makes it painfully slow for anything larger than a walkway
  • 8-inch intake height means it cannot handle deep snow or significant accumulations
  • Limited discharge direction control sends snow wherever the chute points

How to Choose the Right Snow Blower

Picking the right snow blower is fundamentally about matching the machine to your specific winter reality — your driveway size, your typical snowfall, and your physical capabilities. Here is how I walk homeowners through the decision process.

Start with your snowfall region. The single most important factor is how much snow you actually get. If you are in a region that averages under 6 inches per storm — most of the Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest lowlands, and parts of the Midwest — a single-stage cordless or electric model handles the job efficiently. If you regularly see 8 to 14 inches per storm — Great Lakes, New England, mountain regions — you need a two-stage machine with at least a 20-inch intake height. If your winters routinely deliver 16 inches or more with heavy wet snow, a powerful two-stage gas model is the only reliable option.

Match clearing width to driveway size. A 20-inch path is sufficient for a single-car driveway under 40 feet long. Two-car driveways benefit from 24 to 26 inches. Three-car garages and driveways over 80 feet need 28 inches to avoid spending excessive time making extra passes. Remember that you are not just clearing the driveway — you are also doing walkways, paths to mailboxes, and sidewalks in many municipalities.

Consider the power source trade-offs honestly. Gas offers maximum power and unlimited runtime but demands regular maintenance. Cordless battery models offer incredible convenience but have runtime and cold-weather limitations. Corded electric provides unlimited runtime but tethers you to an outlet. There is no universally best power source — only the best one for your situation.

Evaluate self-propelled versus push. Any machine under 50 pounds can be pushed through moderate snow without issue. Once you cross 100 pounds, self-propelled drive becomes important. Over 200 pounds, it is absolutely essential — trying to push a 220-pound gas machine through 10 inches of snow is an exercise in futility that will leave you more exhausted than shoveling by hand.

Think about surface type. Paved driveways work with everything. Gravel requires a two-stage machine with adjustable skid shoes. Wooden decks need rubber-tipped auger paddles. Slopes need self-propelled drive with good traction. Match the machine to what you are clearing, not just how much.

Do not ignore the features that matter in practice. Electric start, heated grips, LED headlights, and easy chute controls might seem like extras on a spec sheet. In practice, at 5 AM in 10-degree weather with snow still falling, they are the difference between a tolerable chore and a miserable experience.

Buyer's Guide

After two decades of clearing driveways, sidewalks, and jobsite access roads across the Northeast, I have used just about every type of snow blower on the market. Here are the six factors I consider before recommending a machine to any homeowner.

Snow Blower Type

Single-stage snow blowers use one auger to scoop and throw snow. They are lightweight, affordable, and work well for paved driveways with snowfall under 8 inches. Two-stage models add an impeller fan that dramatically increases throwing distance and power, handling heavy and wet snow that would stall a single-stage. Three-stage machines add an accelerator for ice chunks and compacted snow. For most homeowners, two-stage is the right choice if you regularly get more than 6 inches per storm or deal with plow piles at the end of your driveway. Single-stage is perfectly adequate for lighter snowfall regions where storms rarely exceed 6 inches. Electric snow shovels are a separate category entirely — they are for walkways, decks, and light dustings, not driveway clearing.

Power Source

Gas engines offer the most raw power and unlimited runtime but require regular maintenance including oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fuel stabilizer. Battery-powered cordless models have improved dramatically and now rival gas for moderate snow conditions — they start instantly, run quietly, and need zero engine maintenance. The trade-off is limited runtime per charge and reduced performance in extreme cold. Corded electric models provide unlimited runtime at lower cost but tether you to an outlet with an extension cord. For driveways under 60 feet with moderate snowfall, cordless is the most convenient option. For heavy snow regions or large properties, gas remains the most capable and reliable power source.

Clearing Width and Intake Height

Clearing width determines how many passes you need to clear your driveway. A 20-inch path works for single-car driveways, 24 to 26 inches handles two-car driveways efficiently, and 28 inches or wider is ideal for three-car garages or commercial use. Intake height is equally important — it determines the maximum snow depth the machine can process in a single pass. A 10-inch intake works for light accumulations, but if your area regularly sees 12-inch storms, you need at least a 20-inch intake to avoid making multiple passes at different heights. Always match both dimensions to your typical worst-case scenario, not your average snowfall.

Drive System

Push-type snow blowers require you to provide all forward momentum, which is manageable with lightweight single-stage and cordless models under 50 pounds. Self-propelled drive is essential for any two-stage gas machine because they typically weigh 200 pounds or more — pushing that weight through deep snow is exhausting and impractical. Look for machines with multiple forward speeds so you can move slowly through deep heavy snow and faster through light dustings. Reverse gear matters too because backing up a 250-pound machine by pulling it toward you is no fun. Premium models offer features like auto-turn steering that makes pivoting at the end of each pass significantly easier.

Terrain and Surface Type

Your driveway surface directly affects which snow blower will work safely. Paved concrete and asphalt driveways are compatible with any type of snow blower including single-stage models where the auger contacts the surface. Gravel driveways require a two-stage machine with adjustable skid shoes set high enough to keep the auger above the stones. Sloped driveways benefit from self-propelled models with good traction — look for machines with large treaded tires or track drives for steep grades. If you have a stamped concrete, paver, or wooden deck surface, choose a model with rubber auger paddles or adjustable clearance to avoid gouging or scratching. Uneven surfaces with cracks, raised edges, or transition strips need careful skid shoe adjustment to avoid catching and damaging the machine.

Essential Features

Electric start is nearly mandatory on gas models — pulling a recoil cord in freezing temperatures with gloves on is one of the most frustrating experiences in home ownership. Heated hand grips transform long clearing sessions from miserable to tolerable when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. LED headlights are essential because most snow clearing happens in early morning darkness or evening hours. Power chute rotation lets you redirect where snow lands without stopping, and a joystick or single-hand control is faster than a manual crank. Look for easy-access deflector controls that adjust the throwing arc. For storage, a foldable handle saves garage space during the eight months you are not using the machine.

Final Verdict

For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ SNT2405 is the best snow blower you can buy right now. It combines genuine two-stage clearing power with the unbeatable convenience of cordless operation — no gas, no maintenance, no noise complaints from neighbors. It costs more upfront than gas alternatives, but the total ownership experience is superior for moderate snowfall regions.

If you are in a heavy-snow region and need absolute clearing power, the Ariens Deluxe SHO is the machine that professionals trust. It costs nearly three thousand dollars, but it will still be clearing snow reliably when machines half its price have been recycled twice.

For budget-conscious homeowners, the Greenworks 80V proves that effective cordless snow clearing does not require a four-figure investment. And if you just need to keep walkways and steps clear without destroying your back, the Earthwise snow shovel at under 130 dollars is the most practical solution for light-duty snow removal.

The snow blower market has expanded dramatically with cordless options that would have seemed impossible five years ago. But the fundamentals have not changed — match the machine to your snowfall, your driveway, and your physical reality. Get those three things right, and whatever you choose from this list will serve you well for years of winter storms to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers?
Single-stage snow blowers use a single auger that both scoops up snow and throws it out the chute. They work well for light to moderate snowfall under 8 inches on paved surfaces. Two-stage models add an impeller fan behind the auger — the auger breaks up the snow and feeds it to the impeller, which throws it much farther and with more force. This design handles heavy, wet, and deep snow that would choke a single-stage machine. Three-stage snow blowers add an accelerator between the auger and impeller that chops up ice chunks and compacted snow before it reaches the impeller. In my experience, two-stage is the sweet spot for most homeowners in moderate to heavy snow regions. Single-stage works fine if you get under 6 inches at a time and have a paved driveway. Three-stage is overkill for residential use unless you regularly deal with plowed-in snow banks or ice dams at the end of your driveway.
How do I choose the right snow blower size for my driveway?
Match clearing width to driveway size and snowfall amount. For a single-car driveway under 40 feet long with moderate snowfall, a 20 to 22-inch single-stage or cordless model handles the job efficiently. Two-car driveways between 40 and 80 feet benefit from a 24 to 26-inch two-stage machine that cuts the number of passes roughly in half. For three-car garages, long driveways over 80 feet, or areas that routinely get 12 or more inches per storm, a 28-inch or wider two-stage with self-propelled drive saves significant time and physical effort. Intake height matters just as much — if your area averages 10 inches per storm, do not buy a machine with a 10-inch intake because wet snow packs higher than the ruler measurement. I always recommend buying one size up from what you think you need because the worst snowstorms are exactly when you need the machine to work without struggling.
Are battery-powered snow blowers as good as gas?
Battery-powered snow blowers have closed the gap significantly, but they are not equal to gas in all situations. Top-tier cordless models like the EGO Power+ can handle up to 12 inches of dry snow on a standard two-car driveway on a single charge. They start instantly, run quietly, require zero maintenance, and produce no emissions. However, gas still wins in three key scenarios: extremely heavy or wet snow, marathon clearing sessions over 45 minutes, and temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit where battery capacity drops noticeably. If you live in a region that gets occasional moderate snowfall and you have a driveway under 60 feet, a quality cordless model is genuinely a better overall experience than gas. If you are in Buffalo, Minneapolis, or anywhere that routinely dumps 18 inches of heavy lake-effect snow, gas remains the more reliable choice.
Can I use a snow blower on a gravel driveway?
You can, but you need to take precautions to avoid launching rocks through windows or damaging the machine. Two-stage snow blowers are the best choice for gravel because the auger does not contact the ground directly — it hovers above the surface and feeds snow to the impeller. Most two-stage models have adjustable skid shoes on either side of the housing that control how high the auger sits. Set them to keep the auger at least half an inch above the gravel surface. Single-stage snow blowers are problematic on gravel because the auger paddle contacts the ground directly, which picks up and throws stones. If a single-stage is your only option, set it to its highest scraper position and accept that you will leave a thin layer of snow on the surface. Never use a snow blower on loose or freshly laid gravel — the stones have not settled and will get thrown regardless of auger height.
How do I maintain and store a snow blower in the off-season?
Proper off-season storage prevents the majority of snow blower problems I see as a contractor. For gas models, either run the engine dry by letting it idle until it stops, or add fuel stabilizer to a full tank — never store a gas machine with untreated fuel sitting in the carburetor because it will gum up and cause hard starting next winter. Change the oil, inspect the auger belts for wear, and grease the auger shaft and chute mechanism. For cordless models, store batteries at roughly 50 percent charge in a temperature-controlled space — not in an unheated garage where freezing temperatures degrade lithium cells. For all types, clean packed snow and salt residue off the housing, spray exposed metal parts with a light coat of silicone or WD-40 to prevent rust, and store the machine in a dry covered area. I recommend running a quick startup test in October before the first storm so you have time to address any issues before you actually need the machine.

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About the Reviewer

Jake Morrison

Jake Morrison, Licensed General Contractor

B.S. Construction Management, Purdue University

Licensed General ContractorWorkshop-Tested14 Years in Renovation

Jake Morrison has spent 14 years in residential construction and home renovation before founding DIYRated in 2026. After helping hundreds of homeowners choose the right tools and materials for their projects, he started writing the product guides he wished existed when he was starting out. Jake tests every major product recommendation in his workshop in Indianapolis and focuses on real-world performance over spec-sheet marketing.