Toro Power Clear 621 QZE

Ease of Operation

Easy to handle, with great controls. All single-stage snow blowers are designed to scrape snow right down to the ground, which is why you can't use them on non-paved surfaces. In addition, the Toro Power Clear 621 QZE's rubber auger actually propels the blower forward as it scrapes the pavement. The machine gets the highest possible rating for its handling characteristics from one expert source; owner comments generally agree, saying this 89-pound blower is easy to turn and maneuver.

The Toro Power Clear 621 QZE lacks features such as heated handgrips, a headlight and single-hand operation, but still receives very good scores for its control system. Owners like the joystick that lets you change chute direction remotely: "The Quick Shoot is an excellent feature, along with the electric start," posts one on HomeDepot.com. However, you do have to stop the blower and adjust the deflector manually. The four-cycle, 163cc OHV engine requires only routine maintenance, and several users say the Power Clear is very easy to assemble. It's loud, though, so hearing protection is recommended.

A few owners post gripes, but they're almost exclusively related to units arriving damaged. There aren't enough reviews to determine whether this is an issue with the manufacturer, distributor or shipping companies.

Snow-clearing Effectiveness

Great on flat surfaces, and berms aren't a problem. Experts from an independent research organization give the Power Clear 621 QZR -- the same blower minus the electric start -- the highest score possible for cleaning right down to the pavement. Its ability to chew through piles of snow left by snowplows is also praised. Owners agree, noting that this Toro blower clears snow very well. "It threw a wet 6" as well as or better than the 2-cycle did. Bring it on!" says one at SnowBlowersDirect.com.

The Power Clear 621 QZE's throwing distance is rated at up to 35 feet, and it can remove up to 1,800 pounds of snow per minute, according to the manufacturer. Although user reviews are scant, they're almost unanimous about this blower's ability to clear long stretches of walkway or medium-sized driveways. One HomeDepot.com poster sums up: "Worked great! Couldn't be happier."

The Bottom Line

Great for small- to medium-size driveways. Experts say the Toro Power Clear 621 QZE is one of the best single-stage gas snow blowers, and quite capable of handling moderate snowfalls of up to 8 to 10 inches on flat, paved driveways. However, you can't use it or any other single-stage model on gravel or other loose, uneven surfaces.