Snow Blowers: What To Look For

Updated October 2009

Electric power shovel Toro Power Shovel *Est. $110
Single-stage electric snow blower Toro 1800 Power Curve *Est. $330
Single-stage gas snow blower Toro Power Clear 210R 38587 *Est. $580
Budget two-stage gas snow blower Craftsman 88957 *Est. $600
Powerful two-stage gas snow blower Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP 31AH55Q5711 *Est. $1100

Snow blower power ratings can be confusing

One of the most significant recent industry changes involves snow blower engine ratings. In the past, horsepower was the standard by which an engine's power was measured, but now many manufacturers list engine displacement (cubic centimeters, or cc) or torque ratings (foot pounds, or ft.-lb.) in their technical specifications.

This change comes as the result of a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2004, which cited the majority of lawn mower and lawn mower engine manufacturers for fraudulent horsepower ratings. According to the ConsumerReports.org article, "Mower Makers' Horsepower Ratings Challenged: Industry Accused of Blowing Smoke to Hide Inflated Specs," manufacturers were "reporting one horsepower rating to the EPA but labeling machines as much as 88 percent higher in their marketing to customers."

This labeling change has created confusion for consumers who aren't familiar with the ratings system. The problem is compounded by conflicting manufacturer ratings, The Washington Post reports. It's hard to compare engine power when two different measurements are used; comparing displacement to torque is like comparing apples to oranges. In this report, we give a model's displacement rating, since all manufacturers except one -- Simplicity -- provide this figure.

Important features

Here's what experts say to look for when choosing a snow thrower:

Look for a snow blower with a deadman control for safety. If you release it, the machine stops.

Check for easy deflector and chute adjustment. These adjustments change the direction and height at which the snow is thrown. You don't want to have to stop the machine and get out tools to move the chute. Instead, look for a simple crank, preferably on the control panel.

Choose a clearing width that matches your needs. There's no point paying for a model with a 28-inch clearing path if you have a narrow front walk. Conversely, if you're plowing a large driveway or small parking lot, you'll want the widest clearing path you can afford.

Check rated throw distance. You'll need a snow blower than can throw at least as far as half the width of your driveway, but err on the high side.

Pick the right amount of power. If you regularly get 12- to 18-inch snowfalls, you'll need a two-stage model with a powerful engine and a high one-pass clearing depth. Mid-range two-stage snow blowers are good for 4- to 12-inch accumulations on a regular basis, while a single-stage snow blower is adequate for accumulations up to about 4 to 6 inches (less for an electric single-stage blower) and smooth surfaces.

Make sure you can handle your machine. Those two-stage, 250-pound monsters will blitz through a ton of snow, but they're heavy and often tricky to steer. If you're strength- and/or patience-challenged, go for a smaller model that's more tractable -- or a larger model with power steering and the ability to disengage one wheel at a time to turn the unit.

Look for a model with a headlight if you can afford it. Headlights are a handy feature, since days during snow season are so short. Halogen lamps offer the best light.

If you have limited garage space, some single-stage models have folding handles for compact storage. Some makers, notably Ariens, offer compact.

A serrated blade on the auger is great for breaking ice and hard snow.