Snow Blower Reviews

Comparing reviews of snow blowers

The most thorough and credible review of snow blowers comes from ConsumerReports.org, where editors identify the best two-stage, compact two-stage, single-stage and electric snow throwers based on comparative performance testing. Helpful ratings and reviews from owners are easy to find at retailer websites such as Amazon.com, Sears.com and HomeDepot.com. Freelance reviewers like  Paul Sikkema of MovingSnow.com and product experts at SnowBlowersDirect.com offer analyses of various brands and models based on their features, but don't perform hands-on testing.

Snow blowers (also called snow throwers) remove snow and ice much more quickly than a shovel, but they can be awkward to maneuver; owners say using a gas-powered snow blower is sort of like pushing a large, heavy lawn mower. Most reviews begin by advising readers to gauge their snow-removal needs, but experts say you should estimate on the high side because smaller blowers can labor in heavy snowfalls or wet snow. In the course of our research, we saw many comments from owners who wish they had bought something more powerful.

There are two basic classes of snow throwers: single-stage and two-stage. The type that's best for you will depend on the volume and kind of snow (wet vs. dry, for example) you deal with, as well as what type of surface you need to clear. In general, single-stage blowers are best for relatively light-duty snow removal and for use on paved surfaces, while two-stage blowers are capable of handling heavier jobs and can be used on either pavement or gravel.

Single-stage snow blowers may be powered by either gasoline or electricity. They use a rubber-tipped auger that scoops up snow and either propels it forward or ejects it through a chute. Since the auger blade actually scrapes the driveway or sidewalk, you can't use it on gravel drives. The clearing path for both gas and electric single-stage blowers ranges from 11 to 24 inches, depending on the model.

Two-stage snow blowers use a slow-turning metal auger to scoop up snow and a fast-spinning impeller to propel snow out the chute. Most two-stage blowers are self-propelled, with at least four forward and two reverse speeds. You provide the guidance, taking care not to run over things you don't want scooped up and tossed out. These more powerful snow blowers have wider clearing paths that typically range from 21 to 31 inches.