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
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Single-stage electric snow blower
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Quiet
- Easy to store
- Handles only light snows
- Only for flat, paved surfaces
- Cord limits range
The Toro 1800 Power Curve is the top-rated single-stage electric snow blower. It's best suited to remove light snow accumulations on flat, paved (not gravel) surfaces such as sidewalks or short driveways. The 2011 edition (look for manufacturer model #38381) has several new features, including a more powerful motor (15 amps), larger wheels and remote chute adjustment. If you need to clear a larger area or just don't want to deal with a cord, experts recommend the single-stage gas-powered Toro Power Clear 621 QZR (*Est. $650) or the electric-start version, the 621 QZE (*Est. $750) .
Easy to operate
In comparison tests, the Toro 1800 Power Curve scores high on handling and ease of operation, and owners say almost anyone could use it. Its light weight (25 pounds), ergonomic handle and a lift handle on the body make it easy to transport and maneuver. Other features include remote chute adjustment via a lever, a zip deflector that lets you change and lock in the chute angle, 6-inch wheels that provide good traction in the snow and, of course, the ability to just plug it in without worrying about gas and oil. It's compact and easy to store, and virtually maintenance-free.
This small snow blower is also quiet, so you can use it without hearing protection. One reviewer bought it for her 67-year-old mother to use to clear a 35-foot driveway and a 15-foot walkway, and says, "After using it for the first time, she loves it." A cord restricts the blower's range to 150 feet.
Snow removal capability not the best
While they're generally easier to operate, electric snow throwers don't remove as much snow or move it as quickly as even the least powerful gas models, and the Toro 1800 Power Curve is no exception. Reviewers say it's best at clearing relatively small paved areas and clears right down to the surface, so it shouldn't be used on gravel or other loose surfaces. The blower has an 18-inch clearing path, and according to the manufacturer can handle snow up to 1 foot high. Several owners say it removes dry snow well, but heavy, wet snow tends to clog the chute even if it's not very deep. Reviews say it can't handle snow piled at the end of a driveway by a snowplow.
Best reviews for the Toro 1800 Power Curve
ConsumerReports.org has the best snow blower ratings overall and includes seven single-stage electric blowers in its most recent rankings, including the Toro 1800 Power Curve. Amazon.com has more than 235 owner reviews of the 2011 model and about three times that number of the previous model. ConsumerGuide.com doesn't always base its ratings on hands-on use, but says it tested the Toro 1800 and calls it a best buy. Retail sites SnowBlowersDirect.com and HomeDepot.com provide more owner reviews, and a product expert for SnowBlowersDirect.com recommends the Toro Power Curve as one of the best models for homeowners.
Toro Power Clear 621QZR (21") 163cc 4-Cycle Single Stage Snow Blower w/ Zip & Quick Shoot - 38458
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Toro Snowblower Power Clear 621 QZE 163cc ES (21") #38459
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| Toro 38381 18-Inch 15 Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Thrower | |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Toro 1800 Power Curve is one of seven electric single-stage models tested and rated by ConsumerReports.org. In all, more than 70 snow blowers are included on the ratings chart, which is available only to subscribers. However, you can read the brief overview and a few general buying-guide pages for free.
Review: Snow Blower Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, As of Dec. 2011
2. Amazon.com
While nearly 800 owner reviews of the previous version of the Toro 1800 Power Curve (model #38025) remain on the site, Amazon.com also offers feedback from more than 240 users of the new version, model #38381. Owner ratings average 4.2 out of 5 stars and reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Complaints focus mainly on the 1800 Power Curve's struggles in wet snow or snow deeper than 6 to 8 inches.
Review: Toro 38381 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Thrower, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Dec. 2011
This evaluation, which includes some hands-on testing, calls the Toro 1800 Power Curve a best buy. Editors say the previous version of the Toro 1800 can handle deep snow but may require more passes. The current version has a more powerful motor and other enhanced features.
Review: Expert Review: Toro 1800 Power Curve, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Oct. 1, 2007
Product expert Kriss Schrader picks the Toro 1800 Power Curve as the second-best electric snow blower sold by this site (his top pick is the two-stage Ariens AMP, which sells for about $1,500). According to Schrader, the Toro Power Curve is "ideal for residential use."
Review: Toro 1800 Power Curve Electric (18") 15-Amp Snow Blower, Kriss Schrader, Not dated
More than 55 owners review the 1800 Power Curve here, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5. The only complaints are from someone who says it isn't powerful enough for the amount of snow his area gets, and another user who finds it hard to maneuver since the wheels don't pivot but move in a forward direction only. One owner says his Toro Power Curve handles snowfalls of up to a foot deep with little difficulty.
Review: Toro 1800 Power Curve Electric (18") 15-Amp Snow Blower, Contributors to SnowBlowersDirect.com, As of Dec. 2011
About 60 owners rate and review the Toro 1800 Power Curve at HomeDepot.com. The ratings average out to 4.3 out of 5 stars, and we saw few complaints. One 54-year-old woman writes, "Don't think for a minute that clearing snow with this machine is effortless, but it is definitely less work and strain than doing it with a shovel."
Review: 18 In. Power Curve Snowblower, Contributors to HomeDepot.com, As of Dec. 2011
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Cub Cadet (21") 208cc Electric Start Single Stage Snow Blower w/ Headlight - 221LHP
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