New $795.00
Best Reviewed
Snow Blowers
- Electric snow shovel Toro Power Shovel *Est. $100
- Single-stage electric snow blower Toro 1800 Power Curve *Est. $300
- Budget single-stage gas snow blower Craftsman 88780 *Est. $500
- Best single-stage gas snow blower Toro Power Clear 621 QZE *Est. $750
- Small two-stage gas snow blower Craftsman 88957 *Est. $700
- Large two-stage gas snow blower Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP *Est. $1100
Get info about new reports and updates
- Good price for features
- Single-handed operation
- Extended chute
- Electric starter
- No power steering
- Headlight optional
- No heated handgrips
Experts recommend the Craftsman 88970 as very good medium-duty snow blower. This two-stage model has a 26-inch clearing path, a 208cc engine and a 21-inch intake height. If you want to spend a little less, the Craftsman 88957 (*Est. $700) has a 24-inch clearing path and a smaller engine, but many of the same features of this model.
No extras, but ease of operation still a plus
The Craftsman 88970 doesn't have power steering, a headlight or heated handgrips. Even so, this blower's features make it easy to use, beginning with its electric starter. A four-way joystick control lets you direct the snow exactly where you want it without stopping the blower, and an extended-length chute allows you to dump the snow farther away. It's self-propelled with six forward and two reverse speeds, and single-hand operation frees the other hand to steer and control the chute.
Despite the 88970's lack of power steering, owners say they have no trouble turning it, and Paul Sikkema of MovingSnow.com writes, "Good tires and good balance make this snow blower easy to operate." Folding handles make it easier to store, and its four-cycle OHV engine requires only routine maintenance.
Designed to clear lots of snow quickly
Experts say the Craftsman 88970 can clear 6 to 12 inches of snow quickly and deeper snow more slowly, and can handle the thick piles of snow left behind by snowplows. It gets high marks for how well it cleans down to the surface. One owner writes, "Cuts through snow like butter and the 26-inch path means only one trip down the sidewalks. It works great even after the county trucks have added an extra foot of heavy, wet snow." Another says, "I have used it in 4 inches to over 12 inches of snow and it has worked flawlessly every time." Several owners say it throws snow as far as 25 feet.
Best reviews for the Craftsman 88970
ConsumerReports.org tests the Craftsman 88970 and includes it in its latest ratings chart, ranking it among 29 larger two-stage gas snow blowers. Paul Sikkema of MovingSnow.com covers the 88970 in a single-product review, plus compares it with five 26-inch snow blowers manufactured by MTD and sold under different brands. More than 95 owners post ratings and reviews of this model on Sears.com
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Craftsman 88970 is among 29 26-to-30-inch gas snow blowers tested by ConsumerReports.org for its latest rankings. Comparative ratings are shown in a chart that's available to subscribers.
Review: Snow Blowers Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, As of Dec. 2011
In this single-product review, Paul Sikkema gives the Craftsman 88970 high marks, saying it's "a medium-sized snow thrower with a well-matched motor and all the basic features you need. The four-way chute makes it easy to operate and control where the snow goes." He calls it a very good value for the price.
Review: 2011 Craftsman 26-Inch 208cc Snow Thrower Model 88970 Review, Paul Sikkema, Aug. 20, 2011
In this comparative review, Paul Sikkema compares five MTD-manufactured snow blowers with 26-inch clearing paths and sold under different brands: Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yardman and Yard-Machines. They're compared in terms of engine size, price, chute control, skids and warranty. According to Sikkema, the Cub Cadet and the Craftsman have the best features, but the Craftsman is the best value. It also wins out on the availability of parts and service and for its optional three- or five-year full protection plans.
Review: 2011 Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yardman, MTD Pro, Yard-Machines, Craftsman/MD Snow Blowers What's the Difference?, Paul Sikkema, Oct. 22, 2011
4. Sears.com
Close to 100 owners rate and review the Craftsman 88970 here, giving it an average score of 4 out of 5 stars. The only negative comments are from owners who wish the blower came with a headlight, and a few who say they received a defective unit to begin with.
Review: Craftsman 26" 208cc Dual-Stage Snow Thrower, Contributors to Sears.com, As of Dec. 2011
Snow Blowers Runners Up:
3 picks including: HomeDepot.com…
2 picks including: Sears.com…
2 picks including: HomeDepot.com…
2 picks including: YouTube.com…
