Best Snowblowers

The best snowblowers can be difficult to find, especially since there are so many factors and features to consider. As a matter of fact, snowblower ratings can be pretty confusing since different manufacturers use different standards to rate the power of their products.

Some use engine displacement measured in cubic centimeters while some use torque power measured in ft. lbs. The power rating is just one of the many considerations you have to make.

To save yourself the trouble, it is important to check out your needs first, then narrow down the market to the best models that fit your needs. This guide will help you choose not just the best, but also the right snow clearing equipment for you.

Your Snowblower and Your Snow Coverage

The type of snowblower you need will depend on the amount of snow you get in your location. For light snow less than 4 inches deep, an electric snowblower is sufficient. Most of these have long handles to help you clean without having to bend over but look for models with folding handles so you can store the equipment easily. Also, since these have power cords, make sure the power cord is long enough or you’d have to use an extension cord. These machines are only ideal for stairs, porches, and small sidewalks.

For moderate snow that reaches up to 4 to 6 inches and when the area to be cleaned is paved, a single-stage model is ideal.

Single-stage models come in two types: those powered electrically or those that come with a gas engine. The best snow blowers in this product range usually have 11 to 24-inch clearing widths, and usually use a rubber-edged auger that won’t scratch paved flooring. Look for a model with chute adjustment and an easy to use deflector.

For heavy snow ranging between 6 and 18 inches, you will need a dual-stage snow thrower. It has to have a powerful gas engine. Since these are usually used in cleaning large driveways and parking spaces, wider clearing paths ranging between 22 to 31 are necessary. Also, since these machines will be facing thick layers of hard snow, make sure they also have an auger with a serrated blade plus an impeller that will take the snow out of the chute with enough power and throw distance.

Best 3 Electric Snowblowers

1. Toro 1800 Electric Curve Snow Thrower

The Toro 1800 Electric Curve is currently the most popular among all best snowblowers. It has almost 800 reviews from online shoppers. With prices ranging between $300 and $450, the Toro 1800 is a compact sized, ligtweight model that offers excellent power, ease of maintenance, and portability. The engine is a 12-amp Series Wound that offers enough power to throw snow up to 30 feet away.

This is ideal for clearing smaller areas with its 18-inch clearing width and for 4 to 10 inches of snow coverage with its 10-inch cut depth. It cuts through snow with a rubber-edged two-blade curved rotor, which is part of Toro’s patented Power Curve system. The machine also moves eloquently thanks to its 7 x 1.5 inch tires.

Take note, however, that this is designed only for paved surfaces. Many consumers also noted its plastic body, although it has so far proven durable enough.

When you need more info about electric snowblowers you should take a look at this link.

2. Toro 38361 Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

The Toro 38361 Power Shovel is the little brother of the Toro 1800. It is cheaper at only $150 and has 7.5 amps of power instead of 12. But it is also very popular with almost 400 online reviews to its name. The main advantage that makes the Power Shovel one of the best snowblowers is that it is ultra lightweight, which makes it easy to use. It also has an adjustable telescoping handle that reduces the strain on your back.

This is a great option for clearing snow off small sidewalks, porches, and other small areas with up to 6 inches of snow coverage, thanks to its two-blade curved rotor made of plastic. It has a sufficient 12-inch clearing width to keep your tasks short, and it can blow away up to 300 lbs. of snow per minute. The only downside consumers found was that it cannot direct snow off toward the side.

The Toro Power Shovel is also dual-purpose. It can be flipped around and used as a broom. This means it is also useful even when it’s not winter; it can sweep away dirt, debris, and leaves effectively.

3. Snow Joe 322P 12-Inch 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

If you’re looking for a budget option among the best snowblowers lineup, check out the Snow Joe 322P, which costs as low as $75. For this amount, you get 6.6 amps of power and a 12.5 inch clearing width. It can also throw snow up to 20 feet away. The only limitation is that this electric equipment can only handle snow coverage of up to 4 inches deep.

There is, however, another version of the Snow Joe 322P, which is sometimes known as the 322P Plus. This model has an upgraded 7.5 amps motor and comes in a light 12-pound model, which makes it comparable to the Toro Power Shovel. Still, the Snow Joe offer is less expensive at an upgraded price of $90.

The Snow Joe 322P series is excellent for clearing snow off sidewalks, steps, small driveways, paved pathways, and other small paved areas.

Best 3 Single-Stage Snowblowers

1. Poulan Pro PR621 Single Stage Gas Snowblower

If you are looking for a gas-powered single stage snowblower, one of the most popular models is the Poulan Pro PR621, which boasts of a 21-inch clearing width and a 13-inch intake height.

The distinctive yellow and black machine can easily clear snow off small driveways, patios, yards, and so on. As one of the best snowblowers around, this single stage model plows through snow with its 8 inch auger – not the largest, but definitely effective. The auger is powered by a 208cc LCT 4 cycle gas engine; this is quite impressive since you can find some two stage models with an even lower engine displacement rating. For a single stage model, that’s enough power to go around.

To make snowblowing even easier for you, the Poulan Pro PR621 comes with an ergonomically designed handle that easily steers the machine to the direction where you want it to go. You also get a recoil handle for starting the machine, which proved easy enough despite the gas engine. Once started, the machine can go nonstop for 1 hour and 45 minutes on a single gas tank.

Poulan Pro is also a brand well revered for the durability of their machines. Sure enough, this single stage gas model has a fully welded steel frame with E-dip paint that protects it and keeps it looking good as new for a long time.

2. Murray 1695537 21-Inch Single Stage Snow Thrower

If you want a cheaper but also powerful single stage gas-powered snow thrower, check out another brand such as Murray. Murray may not be as popular as Toro, but it is also well-known for its powerful and durable products, with the added advantage of lower prices. For only $400, Murray can give you a single stage snow clearing equipment powered by a 190cc 4-cycle OHV gas engine from the Briggs and Stratton Snow Series. The powerful equipment can clear snow off a 21-inch path in one sweep.

One of its best features is its uniquely designed discharge chute that keeps clogs at bay. Its fold-down handle also makes storage easy. In addition, consumers say the machine is lightweight and is easily maneuverable.

However, reviews also say this doesn’t perform as well as expected in clearing off moderate snow, although it is effective in light snow conditions with depths of 4 to 6 inches.

3. Toro 38272 Power Clear 180 Single Stage Snow Blower

If you can’t afford the Toro CCR 2450 GTS but want the best snowblowers from Toro, check out the cheaper Toro Power Clear 180. This is more comparable to the Murray offer at only $400, but it has the tried and tested quality of Toro’s famous snow blowers. This is powered by a reliable 4-cycle 87cc Toro R Tek engine, which has enough power to throw snow up to 25 feet away.

This also features Toro’s renowned Power Curve technology with is curved rotor and rubber scrapers that clean right down to the pavement. But like most single stage snow blowers, this machine is ideal on smooth surfaces only.

The Toro Power Clear 180 has an 18-inch clearing width, a 1.8 quart recoil fuel tank, and an EZ chute, which rotates up to 180 degrees, hence the name Power Clear 180.

Best 2 Stage Snowblowers

1. Poulan Pro PR627ES Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower

Another very similar model in the best snowblowers lineup is the Poulan Pro PR627ES. Reviews describe this as easy to set up within 10 minutes, easy to maintain, and very durable. The snow thrower comes with a powerful 208cc LCT gas engine with an electric start. The engine is encased in a durable body with an ergonomic design and user-friendly controls.

Using the machine’s 12×12 inch diameter for the auger and impeller, it easily cuts through deep and heavy snow of up to 23 inches height. All snow is then effectively and easily thrown away with its single motion chute adjustment control. It also makes sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned thanks to its skid adjustment control.

As a bonus, this machine comes with a drift cutter. Depending on your needs, you may or may not find much use for it. Most consumers say they don’t use it much. Thankfully, it can be removed to make sure it doesn’t cause trouble when it accidentally falls off.

Still not convinced whether you need a two stage snowblowers? Take a look at this link.

2. Toro Power Max 1128OXE Two Stage Snow Blower

While Toro boasts of the best snowblowers in the electric and single stage departments, it is not as all-powerful in the two stage department as it contends with other brands such as Poulan Pro. Nevertheless, the Toro Power Max 1128OXE 2 stage snow blower is quite popular in its own right. The only thing keeping it from winning over all the consumers is its rather expensive price of almost $2000.

Even so, if you have the money to spare and you are willing to pay that much, the Toro Power Max 1128OXE is worth it. It comes with a 342cc 4-cycle OHV Briggs and Stratton engine with a 120 volt electric start and a mitten grip recoil handle for backup.

This model also boasts of an exclusive pivoting scraper that allows the scraper to pivot from front to back to make sure the pavement is thoroughly cleared of snow. Another unique feature is the Power Max auger system, which reduces clogging by keeping track of snow intake, returning snow to the auger when it is not thrown, and minimizing buildup thanks to an inverted funnel design.

Many consumers also liked the Quick Stick, a single lever that can change the chute direction and deflection is one step. Thanks to its one-hand interlock, you can control the speed of the machine with one hand then use the other to adjust the Quick Stick lever. This, combined with the freewheel steering, makes the machine easy to control and maneuver even in demanding conditions.

3. Poulan Pro PR927ES Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower

The Poulan Pro PR927ES is one of the best snowblowers with a two stage gas engine. This is powered by a 205cc Briggs and Stratton 800 Series gas engine, which is specifically designed to work powerfully even in colder climates. The engine can be started using the built in electric starter or the traditional recoil start. With this much power and with a 27 inch clearing width, the Poulan Pro PR927ES can blast away snow off large driveways, parking spaces, and other spacious areas thoroughly and expediently.

To make hard snow problems easier to solve, the equipment uses an auger with an additional impeller to remove snow faster then throw it at a great distance. You can easily control the discharge chute and deflector to direct snow toward your chosen direction. The machine can also plow through deep and hard snow without a problem thanks to its 16-inch deep-tread tires. Best of all, you can choose not only the speed and direction of the machine but also the height of the scraper bar and skid plate depending on the type of surface you are cleaning.

User-friendly features include a flood light for dark conditions, comfortable loop handle grips, and an easily accessible control panel.

Must-Have User Features

Here’s another important thing you should remember when choosing your snowblowers. You can see a lot of the best snowblowers out there looking like tanks built to destroy even deep trenches of snow. However, no matter how powerful your machine is, make sure that it is manageable for you to use.

Look for common user-friendly features such as an electric start with a manual backup, comfortable handles or handgrips, headlights, and easy to control wheels or tires. Some brands also have their own special technologies to make usage lighter such as one-hand steering, single-lever chute control, and so on.