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In this report
  • Electric Snow Blowers{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
  • Gas Snow Blowers{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
  • Our Sources

See Also

Snow Blowers: Ratings of Sources

Total of 12 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers Ratings
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org has the best comparative review available on snow blowers. Editors evaluate factors such as throwing distance, removal speed, ease of handling and noise level to rank 76 two-stage gas-powered, single-stage gas-powered, and electric snow throwers and identify recommended models. Compact two-stage gas blowers are rated separately from larger two-stage gas models. When a blower is similar enough to a tested model to be rated without being tested, the rankings chart indicates this.
2. Amazon.com
As of September 2012
Snow Throwers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAlthough Amazon.com sells a considerable variety of snow-removal products, only the less expensive electric snow blowers attract a large number of owner ratings. The best get 4 stars out of 5 or better with 75 or more user reviews. While the Toro 1800 Power Curve 38381 is notable for garnering feedback from more than 250 owners, its predecessor, the Power Curve 38025, attracts more than 750 mostly positive user comments.
3. Sears.com
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBecause Craftsman products aren't available anywhere else, this is the best place to find owner opinions on Craftsman snow blowers. The highest rating given to any blower is 4 stars out of 5; five models achieve this score with input from 50 or more users.
4. Lowes.com
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLowes sells primarily Snow Joe electric and Troy-Bilt gas snow blowers. Only two models, both from Troy-Bilt, get better than 4-star ratings out of 5 after 100 or more user reviews.
5. Snow Blowers Direct
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Contributors to SnowBlowersDirect.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis retail site shows owners' reviews of the blowers they carry. Most models have at least a few comments, and many accumulate enough feedback to provide a good idea of how they perform over time. Ariens two-stage gas, and Toro single-stage gas and electric snow blowers get the most reviews and the highest ratings here. Standouts get at least 4.5 stars out of 5 or better -- and many quite a bit higher -- after at least 40 user reviews. One electric model scores a near-perfect rating from 20 owners.
6. Snow Blowers Direct
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Kriss Schrader
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSnowBlowersDirect.com sells a wide range of models and offers many resources for consumers, including buyer's guides, a tool for comparing product specifications, and an online forum that offers tips and advice. Product expert Kriss Schrader selects a good, better and best model among electric, gas single-stage and gas two-stage snow blowers based on his knowledge and experience.
7. HomeDepot.com
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com sells Ariens, Toro, Sno-Tek (made by Ariens) and a few other snow blower brands. Several models receive 4.5 stars out of 5 or better, but the ones that stand out are those that maintain their rating even after 100 or more users weigh in. The fact that so many blowers attract so many reviews makes this an excellent resource for determining how each model performs over time and in real-life situations.
8. Walmart.com
As of September 2012
Snow Throwers
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWalmart.com sells about 20 snow throwers. Only two models, both inexpensive Snow Joe electric blowers, are reviewed by more than a handful of users. Both get high ratings from 45 or more owners.
9. AceHardware.com
As of September 2012
Snow Throwers
by Contributors to AceHardware.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJust two snow blowers get 4 stars out of 5 or better on this retail website. Ace sells fewer than a dozen models, mostly from Toro and Husqvarna.
10. Viewpoints.com
As of September 2012
Snow Blowers
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSeveral snow blowers get more than a dozen user reviews on this survey website, but only one -- the Craftsman dual-stage 88957 -- also gets an average score of more than 90 out of 100. The handful of higher-rated machines attracts so little feedback that we can't be sure their scores truly reflect user consensus.
11. MovingSnow.com
Oct. 22, 2011
2011 Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yardman, MTD Pro, Yard-Machines, Craftsman/MD Snow Blowers What's the Difference?
by Paul Sikkema
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis is a 2011 update of a 2010 review comparing six 26-inch, two-stage gas snow blowers manufactured by MTD and sold under four brand names. Paul Sikkema says all the blowers "will give you years of service if you buy the right size" and maintain them. He adds that the 26-inch blowers covered here "can easily handle 60 to 80 inches of snow a year on a two-car driveway up to 150 feet long." While the four brands have similar features, the Cub Cadet and two Craftsman models edge out the others and the Craftsmans cost less, says Sikkema.
12. GardenWeb.com
As of September 2012
The Tool Shed
by Contributors to GardenWeb.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis forum has a number of helpful threads that address specific snow-removal problems, such as using blowers on steep driveways, the best times of day to remove snow, and which blower brands and models are best. Opinions vary widely on specific models and most owners have experience only with their own blower, so little comparative information is provided.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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