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We put snow blowers to the test in our own driveways and sidewalks.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Here are our favorites.
But tackling heavysnow with a shovelcan be tiring.
Kiser recommends considering the snowfall in your region to choose the right snow blower for your needs.
Credit: Lowe’s
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.
Currently Testing
We’re currently testing three new snow blowers this winter.
The Ariens Classic Snow Blower offered effortless maneuverability and powerful throwing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
For more information, readour initial insightsbelow.
Its a simple model without extra features, such as headlights.
This pick fromAriens Classic lineis the best snow blower we tested.
This single-stage model doesnt offer a self-propelling feature.
It took us just 10 minutes to get the machine out of the box and running.
Storing is also a breeze with its quick-fold handle and compact size.
As a cordless, battery-powered model, no extension cords or outlets are needed during operation.
It was also much more powerful than we expected from a smaller, single-stage model.
Still, we were able to eventually cut through the dense snow.
Youll need ample storage space to store this large machine.
The grip-activated auger proved useful when passing over areas that had previously been cleared.
We also liked the LED headlights that provided better visibility during low-light hours.
Its on the expensive side for an electric model.
This eco-friendly pick is effective, quiet, and easy to assemble and use.
It also has four bright LED lights for added visibility.
While its on the more expensive side, we think its worth its value.
It doesnt have any extra features like heated handles.
While we didnt need it often, the machine comes with a handy tool to clean out tough clogs.
And once the job is done, the handles fold down for compact storage.
In our five years of using this snow blower, it hasnt required more than regular maintenance.
Its such a durable pick that when our neighbors snow blowers have broken, theyve borrowed ours.
If you only get a few inches of snow each year, this machine is a bit overkill.
With seven drive speedssix forward and one reversethis machine plowed through snow without trouble, no matter the depth.
While operating, the motor never chugged or clogged.
Credit: Amazon
We found the speed and chute angle controls comfortable and easy to use.
But our favorite part by far was how it turned with zero effort thanks to its steering assists.
In addition to its user-friendly operation, this snow blower also stands out when it comes to safety features.
Credit: AE Outdoor Power
It also has a kill key to cut power quickly, which gave us peace of mind while testing.
It comes with a tool to dislodge clogs, though we didnt need to use it.
The oil and gas tanks have secure caps and indicators that let you know they are fully filled.
The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Snow Blower is powerful enough for large driveways and heavy snowfall.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Lastly, LED headlights made it easy to see when clearing snow early in the morning.
When operating the snow blower after a heavy snowfalltwo feet of snow in 10 daysit handled it with ease.
It works just as well after a year in storage as when we first tested it.
Credit: Walmart
This machine is definitely more than you need if youre in a light snowfall area.
The snow blower is gas-powered, so its loud and may require hearing protection to use.
We thought the maneuverability of the snow blower was one of its best features.
The EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower is effective, quiet, and easy to use.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
It was comfortable for both beginners and experienced users to move around, even for extended periods.
We also appreciated the simple push-button start.
The snow blower never became congested or clogged, even when clearing almost 6 inches of snow.
Most obviously, they dont 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.
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.
Luckily, many high-end gas-powered models do include electric push-button starts.
Every gas-powered model we tested included an electric start.
Most obviously, they dont 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.
However, corded models also require taking some extra precautions.
Credit: Lowe’s
Lastly,battery-powered snow blowershave all the perks of electric, but without the frustration of a cord.
The stage you need depends on the amount and pop in of snowfall you oughta clear.
It’s all about the amount of snow you get, and the kind of snow, Kiser says.
Credit: The Home Depot
If you get heavy wet snow, it’s going to take a more significant machine.
It did require a second pass on denser snow at the end of our driveway, though.
These machines have two metal augers that scoop up the snow and an impeller that throws the snow out.
The Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower features an easy-to-use electric start.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Three-stagesnow blowers are similar to two-stages, but with a third auger that accelerates the rate of snow removal.
They are only recommended for those with large areas to clear and experience very heavy snowfall.
We didnt test any three-stage models, as theyre not a great fit for most homeowners.
These can offer clearing widths anywhere from 20 to 38 inches and intake heights up to 30 inches deep.
During testing, we found even the largest models were easy to maneuver with self-propelling.
DeWalt 60-Volt 21 in.
Maximum Cordless Electric Single Stage Snow Blower
We appreciated the long battery runtime of theDeWalt 60-Volt 21 in.
Maximum Cordless Electric Single Stage Snow Blowerwhich lasted about 35 minutes on the regular power mode.
The snow blower was also lightweight and had intuitive controls that made it easy to operate.
Your Questions, Answered
How wide should the clearance be on a snow blower?
The smallest option we tested was theEgo Power+ SNT2102at 21 inches.
Can you use a snow blower on a gravel driveway?
Credit: Ace Hardware
Yes, but only two-stage snow blowers should be used on a gravel driveway.
How long do snow blowers last?
Kiser cautions to always take safety precautions ahead of using a snow blower to protect yourself and the machine.
The Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE Snow Blower was lightweight and easy to move around.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
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.
Were currently testing three new snowblowers and have some initial thoughts on setup and storage.
Were waiting for more snowfall to get more insight on how these models perform further.
This article was updated byMolly Blanco, a senior writer forBetter Homes & Gardens.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
Looking for more products that have earned ourBHG Recommends seal of approval?
Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
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