Gas Snow Blowers

For heavy snow, you need a gas-powered snow thrower

Single-stage gas snow blowers are heavier and more expensive than electric snow throwers, but they can handle snowfalls of up to 8 inches. They also clear a wider path than electric snow blowers do, and their range isn't limited by a cord. Most have two-cycle engines that use a gas/oil mix. Because the auger on single-stage blowers actually scrapes the surface, they make a cleaner sweep than two-stage blowers do, but they should not be used on gravel or other loose surfaces. The auger's movement over the surface helps propel the blower, and all have wheels as well; despite being heavier than electric models, single-stage gas blowers are fairly easy to use.

Toro is a reviewer favorite in this category, especially the Power Clear series. The Power Clear blowers are covered by a Guaranteed to Start (GTS) promise: Toro will repair a unit free of charge during the first two years if, when the user attempts a recoil start, the blower engine doesn't fire up in one or two pulls. A Toro-produced video demonstrating these features can be accessed on YouTube.

The newest model in this series is the entry-level Toro Power Clear 210R 38587 (*Est. $580), which has the guaranteed recoil starter. The 210R has a clearing width of 21 inches and is powered by a 141 cc two-cycle engine. It is rated to clear up to 1,700 feet of snow per minute, depending on conditions, with a throw distance of up to 30 feet. At 73 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for a gas snow blower. The Toro Power Clear 210R single-stage snow blower performs well in comparative tests and earns high ratings from experts, though it's been the subject of few user reviews so far.

The next step up in the Power Clear series is the Power Clear 221, which comes in two versions. The Toro Power Clear 221 38581 (*Est. $570) has a recoil start, while the Power Clear 221 38582 (*Est. $650) adds a push-button electric starter. The Power Clear 221 has the same basic features as the 210R, plus a deflector control on the handlebar that allows the user to alter the throwing distance by changing the angle of the deflector at the top of the chute. The recoil-start Toro Power Clear 221Q 38583 (*Est. $620) gets all the 221's features and adds a sliding joystick on the handle that controls the direction of the chute; the Power Clear 221Q 38584 (*Est. $720) is the same model with an electric starter. Although these models have not been tested, they are similar enough to the 210R for consumers to expect their performance to be much the same.

The top-end versions are the four-cycle Power Clear 421Q snow blowers, which also comes in two variants, the Power Clear 421Q 38588 (*Est. $720) and its electric-start equivalent the 421Q 38589 (*Est. $820). The four-cycle 163 cc OHV engine are quieter and less polluting, and you don't have to mix gas with oil. However, four-cycle engines require regular oil changes and weigh more. The Power Clear 421Q also has a higher capacity -- up to 1,800 pounds of snow per minute -- and a longer throw distance, up to 35 feet. Both Toro Power Clear 421Q models are recommended as best in the prosumer category by online retailer SnowBlowersDirect.com. Paul Sikkema of MovingSnow.com specifically reviews the 421Q and gives it high marks, but he extends his praise to the entire Power Clear lineup. All Toro Power Clear blowers come with a two-year full warranty.

The Honda HS520AS (*Est. $820) also scores points in reviews. It runs on a four-cycle OHV 166 cc engine that meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements -- mandatory if you live in northern California and need a blower, but also less polluting for those living in any state. This Honda snow thrower has an electric starter, a 12-inch maximum snow cut depth, a 20-inch clearing path and a 26-foot throw distance. Like most snow blowers, the Honda HS520AS is backed by a two-year residential warranty. The Honda HS520AS snow blower is available mainly through independent authorized Honda power-equipment dealers.