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5 Best Snow Blowers (2025 Guide)

In this buyer’s guide, our team compared the most impressive snow blowers available today. We reviewed solutions ranging from lightweight electric shovels to sophisticated self-propelled machines that will help you conquer any winter storm that comes your way.

 

Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Updated 04/30/2025

Homeowners in colder regions need a snow blower to clear thick snowfall effectively when snow shovels and salt prove inadequate for winter weather removal. Though buying a snow blower requires an investment, this powerful tool saves you time and energy when severe winter conditions strike.

David Angelov, founder of Plant Parenthood, emphasizes that snow blowers play a crucial role in home winterization strategies for areas that regularly have heavy snowfall. “Having a plan…is more important than the size of your machine,” he noted. “[Planning] for the inconsistencies and the human errors is wise with emergencies like snow removal.”

The This Old House Team conducted thorough research on the best snow blowers to help you overcome the challenges of selecting the right model, ensuring you find a high-quality, effective tool to easily clear snow from your home. We list our top recommendations below.

Top 5 Snow Blowers


Compare Top Snow Blowers

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Product Power SourceClearing WidthClearing DepthMax ThrowWeight
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air ConditionerCheck Price
Battery21 inches8 inches40 feet50.6 pounds
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air ConditionerCheck Price
Power Cord22 inches13 inches25 feet34.8 pounds
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air ConditionerCheck Price
Gas24 inches12 inches40 feet143 pounds
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air ConditionerCheck Price
Battery18 inches10 inches20 feet39 pounds
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air ConditionerCheck Price
Battery16 inches8 inches32 feet19 pounds

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Best Overall

EGO Power+ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Courtesy Amazon

This cord-free snow blower from EGO Power+ harnesses a powerful 56-Volts and high-efficiency brushless motor. The steel, weather-resistant auger clears a 21-inch path through ice and snow, and the blowing spout offers up to 40 feet of throwing distance.

Courtesy Amazon
$799 At Amazon
Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of EGO Power+ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Pros
  • Features weatherproof steel composite construction
  • Offers variable-speed auger control
  • Capable of clearing space for 12 cars on a single charge
Cons
  • Lithium-ion batteries require regular charging
  • Model is more expensive than many alternatives

What People Are Saying About The EGO Power+ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Customers indicated that setup was extremely easy, were impressed by the auger’s ability to carve through deep, wet snow, and like the battery-level indicator. Some buyers were critical of the SNT2112’s throwing distance, which one user claimed was under 15 feet.

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Best Corded Electric

Snow Joe 40-Volt Electric Snow Blower

Courtesy Amazon

This corded, 15-amp electric snow blower from Snow Joe removes the oil changes and tune-ups necessary for gas models. It features a large, 21-inch clearing width and houses an LED light to illuminate night-time snow removal. Additionally, this single-stage snow blower is lightweight.

Courtesy Amazon
$249 $184.72 At Amazon
Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Snow Joe 40-Volt Electric Snow Blower

Pros
  • Features light weight construction
  • Capable of clearing 21-inch paths
  • Includes a LED headlight for nighttime jobs
Cons
  • Power cord limits the blower’s range
  • Single-stage design is less powerful than two-stage options

What People Are Saying About The Snow Joe 40-Volt Electric Snow Blower

Many positive reviews raved about the machine’s light frame, which one customer explained was easy to push despite the snow blower’s lack of self-propelled wheels. Additional positive reviews applauded the snow blower’s affordable price. Negative reviews centered around the product’s lack of power, with one reviewer stating that it was inefficient at removing snow accumulation above one foot.

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Best Gas-Powered

PowerSmart 2-Stage Gas Powered Snow Blower

Courtesy Amazon

With a 24-inch clearing width and 20-inch clearing depth, this PowerSmart snow blower is an effective two-stage model capable of taking on heavy snowfall. The gas-powered snow blower has self-propelled wheels that offer six forward speeds and two reverse speeds.

Courtesy Amazon
$549.99 At Amazon
Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of PowerSmart 2-Stage Gas Powered Snow Blower

Pros
  • Capable of handling snow up to 20 inches deep
  • Includes adjustable shoes for various terrains
  • Features self-propelling wheels
Cons
  • Gas-powered motor produces exhaust
  • Weighs a heavy 160 pounds

What People Are Saying About The PowerSmart 2-Stage Gas Powered Snow Blower

Many positive reviews centered around the product’s affordability and how simple it was to set up. Other positive reviews complimented the snow blower’s simple electric start option. This product has just two one-star reviews, with one reviewer receiving a damaged product and the other claiming the snow blower didn’t work properly.

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Best Cordless

Snow Joe 48-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Courtesy Amazon

This cordless Snow Joe blower can clear 14 tons of snow on a single charge. The electric blower has an 18-inch clearing width and a 10-inch clearing depth that’s suitable for walkway and driveway snow removal. It also features headlights for night jobs and an adjustable chute.

Courtesy Amazon
$399 $312.59 At Amazon
Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Snow Joe 48-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Pros
  • Features a cordless design for greater mobility
  • Includes headlights for nighttime snow removal
  • Offers an adjustable-angle snow chute
Cons
  • Compact design limits the blower’s clearing power
  • Battery life is weaker than some competitor models

What People Are Saying About The Snow Joe 48-Volt Cordless Snow Blower

Many customers stated that they were impressed with the power provided by this affordable, single-stage model. Other positive reviews expressed the product’s usefulness in tackling small jobs outside the home, like clearing pathways for cars and removing snow from porches. Negative reviews centered around the snow blower’s weak battery life and inability to tackle large snow accumulation.

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Best Compact Design

Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel

Courtesy Amazon

This battery-operated snow shovel from Earthwise features a medium-duty brushless motor that can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute. Although just 19 pounds when assembled, the SN74016 can throw snow up to 32 feet away and clear a 16-inch path.

Courtesy Amazon
$353.49 At Amazon
Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel

Pros
  • Battery lasts more than 1 hour per charge
  • Compact, light construction is easy to maneuver
  • Features an adjustable-angle snow chute
Cons
  • Safety feature requires operators to hold the trigger and safety button simultaneously
  • Location of the handle may be too low for some users

What People Are Saying About The Earthwise 40-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel

Customers were impressed with the snow blower’s ability to clear deep, iced-over snow. They also liked the fast-charging battery and how long the unit ran on a single charge. Critical reviews indicated that the handle was too low to be comfortable and felt that the safety button was too sensitive.


Buying Guide for Snow Blowers

In this buying guide, we intend to help you select the right snow blower by explaining how each product’s motor type, speed control, additional features, equipped wheels or tracks, and clearing width and depth impact the user experience.

Power Source

Snow blowers use electric- or gas-powered motors. While single- and two-stage snow blowers can be powered by either of the two, three-stage snow blowers need to be generated by gasoline to complete heavy-duty projects.

Per Kvarby, Vice President of commercial product development at Greenworks, said that electric and battery-powered snow blowers are typically easier to maintain.

“They require little to no maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability with minimal effort,” he said. “These features make electric snow blowers an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an easy-to-use, eco-friendly, and neighbor-friendly snow removal solution.”

Electric snow blowers come in two types: battery-powered and corded. Battery-powered snow blowers are usually single-stage models that are easier to control than their gas-powered counterparts. The downsides are that battery-powered snow blowers have a short runtime before they need to be charged and provide less power than gas- or electric-powered blowers. Angelov recommends charging any batteries indoors.

“Even if you have a plug outside, I would [charge them] at a stable room temperature,” he said.

Angelov explained this is because the charger will try to warm up the battery and charge it simultaneously if it’s outside, which isn’t ideal. He also said charging outside risks water and other hazards getting inside the chargers.

Corded snow blowers offer powerful snow removal without the extensive maintenance seen in gas-powered models. Corded snow blowers offer similar benefits to battery-powered models, though they’re usually more powerful, have longer runtimes, and are available in single- or two-stage models.

Gas-powered snow blowers are designed for heavy-duty snow removal and come in single-, two-, or three-stage models. Their engines are typically more powerful, and the use of gasoline removes the need for charging batteries or dealing with extension cords. Although more powerful than battery-powered or corded snow blowers, gas-powered snow blowers require regular engine maintenance, give off fumes, are considerably louder, and can be more difficult to control due to their size.

If you own a gas-powered blower, Angelov said it is best to make sure there are no loose components or any missing springs. He also advises ensuring all lights on the model work and the oil is completely drained before refilling it.

“You want to check your carburetor is not filled with water. Make sure your tires are inflated and the scraper blade has enough depth to it where it’s scraping enough material off of your driveway,” Angelov said.

Speed Control

Variable speed control is a feature that’s usually reserved for two- or three-stage snow blowers. While single-stage snow blowers use their equipped auger to grip the ground and propel the machine forward, two- or three-stage models use a self-propelled system that allows you to adjust its forward and reverse speeds.

Tracks vs. Wheels

Snow blowers are propelled through the snow using either wheels or tank-like tracks. Track-driven snow blowers are useful when removing dense snow in rough terrains. While tracks are better suited for heavy-duty projects, wheel-driven blowers are usually more affordable, easier to control, and faster.

Clearing Width and Clearing Depth

A snow blower’s cutting width refers to how much snow the machine can collect in one pass. Its cutting depth refers to how far down it can reach to remove and discharge snow.

If you’re using a snow blower for a large driveway or yard, select a snow blower with a large cutting width, which will shorten the number of passes required to clear the area. If you live in an area that sees large accumulations of snow, purchase a snow blower that has a large cutting depth to scoop through the entire height of fallen snow.

Kvarby told us it’s best to choose minimum clearing depth and width based on property size and snow conditions. Here are his recommendations:

  • In small properties for pathways, decks, or light snow, a single-stage snow shovel with a 12″ clearing width and 6″ depth is adequate.
  • For larger urban properties in light to moderate snow conditions, a single-stage unit with an 18-20″ width and a 6-8″ depth works well.
  • Mid-size suburban properties with moderate snow conditions may require a single-stage blower with a 22″ clearing width and 8-10″ depth to handle larger areas efficiently.
  • Large suburban and rural properties with significant snow accumulation, a clearing width of 24″ or more is recommended to ensure quicker, more effective snow removal.

“Choosing the right size ensures the snow blower can handle snowfall efficiently while being practical for the property’s size and layout,” he said.

Additional Features

While all snow blowers contain an auger that churns and collects snow to be discharged, some models offer additional features that make the work of clearing an icy driveway or sidewalk simpler.

Some additional features include a rotating fan chute to change the direction of the discharged snow, heated handle grips to protect your hands from the elements, and electric start capabilities to help gas-powered engines run during extreme temperatures.


Types of Snow Blowers

When selecting a snow blower, there are three general types popular models to choose from: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage.

Single-stage

With a single-stage snow blower, the auger rests flush on a surface and uses its rubber paddles or metal blades to suck snow from the surface and blow it out of the chute. Because the rotating auger touches the surface while it works, single-stage blowers are not recommended for uneven terrain.

Single-stage blowers are usually smaller than their two- and three-stage counterparts and are recommended for medium-sized jobs like clearing a sidewalk or a large driveway. Single-stage blowers typically have the smallest clearing width and depth.

Two-stage

Two-stage snow blowers couple a powerful auger with a separate fan for discharging snow. Since a two-stage snow blower doesn’t rely on its auger for both snow removal and discharge, they throw the snow at a greater distance than one-stage snow blowers. Two-stage snow blowers are often equipped with powered wheels to help you power through thick accumulation.

Three-stage

Three-stage snow blowers are similar to two-stage models in that they use both an auger and an additional fan to scrape and discharge snow. However, three-stage models are equipped with an additional auger system that works to break down clumps of snow and shards of ice.

Three-stage snow blowers have the largest clearing width and depth, which makes them suitable for homeowners who need to clear a large area covered in multiple feet of snow. Like two-stage snow blowers, three-stage models can be used on uneven terrain since their auger doesn’t sit flush against the ground.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are snow blowers dangerous?

Snow blowers work by churning snow and discharging it through a chute. This process can send shards of ice and other collected projectiles into the air. Before clearing a driveway or walkway, be cognizant of any debris on the ground to ensure you aren’t running over large rocks or items that can damage property or other people. Additionally, it’s important that you conduct regular snow blower maintenance and keep up with oil changes and belt inspections.

What’s the difference between a single-stage and two-stage snow blower?

A single-stage blower uses its included auger to clear snow and discharge it through its chute. As a result, single-stage snow blowers are typically less powerful than two-stage models, which use an auger for snow removal and a fan to discharge snow. Additionally, two-stage models often come with more advanced features like self-propelled wheels.

When is the best time of the year to buy a snow blower?

The best time to buy a snow blower is in late summer or early fall. At this time, suppliers will be gearing up for the winter, which will allow you to have a full selection of snow blowers at a reasonable price.

What’s the difference between a snow thrower and snow blower?

A snow thrower, also referred to as a single-stage snow blower, uses a rotating auger to pick up and throw snow. A snow blower uses two parts, an auger, and a fan, to pick up and discharge snow at a greater distance.


Why Trust The This Old House Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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