Best Snow Blowers 2024

Sometimes, when faced with a driveway blanketed with thick snow, you know that a snow shovel and elbow grease simply won’t cut it. And when the snow is less of a fine mist and more of a dense slush, manually shoveling is near impossible. Enter the best snow blowers, which are designed to efficiently clear away all quantities of snow from a variety of surfaces. Our top pick is the Toro Power Max 824 OE, a bestselling two-stage model that can make short work of snow-covered surfaces.

Whether you’re facing a foot of snow or just a few inches, having one of the best snow blowers (like … [+] the Toro Power Max 824 OE) means you’ll never need a shovel again.

Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailer

Not sure if you should get one of these mighty machines? “If you’re on the fence about purchasing a snow blower, there are two main factors you need to consider: How often it snows and how much area you need to clear,” says Rupa Mehta, a home expert at Angi. “You probably don’t need a snow blower if you only see snow a few times a year, but if you live in an area where it snows frequently and heavily, a snow blower may be one of the most helpful tools you ever buy.” Ahead, to help you select the perfect model for your home, here are the best snow blowers for all households. (And whatever you do, don’t forget your winter boots.)

Best Snow Blower Overall: Toro Power Max 824 OE
Best Budget Snow Blower: Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower
Best Two-Stage Snow Blower: Ariens Classic Two-Stage Snow Blower
Best Blower For Heavy Snow: Ariens Deluxe Two-Stage Snow Blower
Best Blower For Light Snow: Toro Power Clear 721 Snow Blower
Best Battery-Powered Snow Blower: Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower
Best Easy-To-Use Snow Blower: PowerSmart 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower

Acme Tools

Toro Power Max 824 OE

Type: Two-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: No

If you’re looking for a top-rated snow blower with a healthy set of capabilities, the Toro Power Max 824 OE delivers. Its two-stage design ensures it effortlessly clears light and shallow snow, while also possessing the power to carve through much harsher accumulations (including heavy and wet as well as compacted and icy conditions.) It’s a great multi-surface machine, able to tackle snowfall on everything from paved driveways to gravelly garden paths.

While plenty of competitors possess similar versatility and power, the Power Max 824 OE differentiates itself with its premium construction. It includes six self-propelled forward speeds and is operated with single-hand power steering—a handy combo for steep inclines, even if you’re piloting it through a foot of powder. Toss in its impressive 24-inch clearing width, electric start, automatic steering and adjustable chute, and the Power Max practicality makes the dreaded cold weather chore a pleasure. And if the machine’s auger encounter any sort of hard material, the engine will temporarily halt to prevent potential damage.

Pros:

PowerfulGood for all types of surfaces

Cons:

Doesn’t have headlights

Amazon

Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower

Type: Single-stage | Power: Electric | Cord: Yes

Many snow blowers require a significant financial investment. But the Greenworks Corded Snow Thrower is almost impossibly inexpensive. Capable of clearing 20-inch paths—buried beneath 10 inches of snow—the Greenworks can tackle sidewalks, walkways and even small driveways. Best of all, it does all this without burdening you with yearly maintenance or complex bells and whistles. There’s no gas, oil or rechargeable batteries—simply plug in an outdoor extension cord, and you’re good to go with a modest 13-amp motor.

Of course, its practicality doesn’t come at the cost of overall power and user-friendly features. Its electric start and 180-degree directional chute—conveniently adjustable from behind its handle—provide some of the perks of pricier options. Just don’t expect the machine to toss heavy snow very far, and keep in mind that the lightweight plastic construction might not survive rough handling for many winter seasons.

Pros:

Inexpensive180-degree chute

Cons:

Not ideal for bigger jobsMay not last as long as more expensive models

Lowe’s