Snow Blowers Reviews

The most thorough snow-blower review can be found at Consumer Reports, where editors plowed through 8,700 linear feet in their quest for the best two-stage, single-stage and electric snow throwers. We also found some helpful comments from owners posting on Amazon.com and Sears.com websites and, to a lesser extent, on Epinions and GardenWeb.com. Much of the information found at these websites regards ease-of-use -- no small consideration when some two-stage gas-powered snow blowers can weigh 150 to 250 pounds.

Most reviews begin by advising readers to estimate their snow removal needs. However, experts caution that you should estimate on the high side. That's because smaller snow blowers can labor in heavy snowfalls or in wet snow. We found many comments from owners who wish they'd bought something more powerful. At Sears.com, two Craftsman snow blowers receive some low ratings for being underpowered. The gas-powered, 4-horsepower Craftsman 88140000 (*est. $270) is a single-stage snow blower that weighs 78 pounds. Although some reviewers praise this “little” machine, most find that it can't handle more than light, dry snowfall. Many owners complain that the chute clogs in wet snow and that the handle design is awkward.

The more expensive Craftsman 5.5-hp 31A-3CDE799 (*est. $500) is a two-stage gas powered snow blower with more power. However, many reviewers complain that it does not throw snow very far and that it, too, has a hard time with wet snow. We also read some unusual complaints that the tires quickly go flat or need to be replaced. Other reviewers cite mechanical problems with the starter and the auger. In contrast, Craftsman has a larger 5.5-horsepower snow blower, the Craftsman 31AS6BCE799 (*est. $650), that gets far better scores from owners. The two-stage Craftsman 31AE5HTG799 (*est. $950) is highly rated in professional reviews and owner-written evaluations.
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Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Two-Stage Snow Throwers: (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Toro Power Max 828 LXE (*est. $1,500)	-
1 each	Craftsman 88775, Craftsman 88790, Yard-Man H5Q3G, Yard Man E5KLF, Troy-Bilt Storm 10030, Ariens ST524, Honda HS724WA, Toro 826 LE, Ariens 926 DLE
# of Picks	Single Stage Snow Throwers: (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Honda HS520AS (*est. $800)	-
3	Toro 1800 Power Curve (*est. $300)	details
3	Toro CCR 2450 GTS (*est. $700)	details
1 each	Craftsman 88521, Toro Power Shovel, YardMan E295, Snapper LES3190E

Reviewers highlight Toro models most often as the best choice for most homeowners. However, the Honda HS520AS scores points for its cleaner four-stroke engine on a single-stage snow blower, and the Craftsman 88790 (also sold as the Craftsman 31AE5HTG799) is a good value.