Our Favorite Snow Blowers That You Can Get the Fastest

Snow in the forecast? These tested tools are our favorites for clearing paths and driveways—and they'll deliver or be ready for pickup within the week.
Ryobi 40V 22 Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower presented outside next to a truck
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila

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When snowflakes start to fall, it can be tempting to run out and buy the first snow blower that fits your budget. However, it’s worth taking a little time to learn which machine will work best for your climate and specific driveway and walkways rather than snapping up the first one you see. We’ve done the homework for you, We used over 35 top models to remove snow and ice from hundreds of feet of pavement and gravel—and we’ve narrowed down further to focus on in-store availability and shipping within the week. If you see a snowstorm in the week’s forecast, you still have time to get exactly the machine you need for your property and climate. 

Snow Joe Snow Blower close-up
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila

Snow Blowers Comparison

To help you select the right snow blower, each of the following reviews details important aspects like fuel source, surface compatibility, clearing width and depth, and ease of use. They also discuss unique insights gained from our hands-on tests. Here’s a preview of what lies ahead.

For Light Snow Coming This Weekend

Snow Joe 48V 18" Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Best Buy

What We Like

  • Includes 2 rechargeable 24-volt batteries
  • Quadruple-bladed steel auger 
  • Moves up to 10 tons of snow per charge
  • 180-degree adjustable snow chute

What We Don’t Like

  • Plastic blade may chip on hard objects

If you want an economical single-stage snow blower with solid power, simple operation, and great performance, this could be the model for you. Powered by two rechargeable 24-volt batteries, this Snow Joe delivers up to 40 minutes of runtime and can move more than 10 tons of snow per charge. During testing, the batteries charged remarkably quickly (about 2 hours), making it possible to get back up and running without long delays.

 

As an affordable rechargeable snow blower, the Snow Joe proved dependable in a variety of conditions. While it doesn’t have a drive or propulsion system, the 18-inch rubber-tipped auger helped pull the 39-pound machine forward as it worked through snow. The wide auger also allowed it to cut a 10-inch-deep path faster than several other models we tested. It threw snow well beyond the manufacturer’s 20-foot claim and includes LED headlights for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

 

Get the Snow Joe snow blower at Amazon or Best Buy.

More Power, If You Can Wait a Week

Toro Power 60V MAX e24 24″ Two-Stage Snow Blower

Buy at Lowe's Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

  • 24-inch path fits larger driveways
  • High headlights increase visibility
  • 2 batteries provide over 30 minutes of runtime
  • Durable steel construction

What We Don’t Like

  • Very heavy at 172 pounds

Property owners and managers looking for a powerful two-stage electric snow blower will want to consider this Toro cordless model. The e24 is built on the same platform as Toro’s gas-powered two-stage machines, and it delivers the brand’s signature performance. In our tests, the beefy steel auger, which is surrounded by a steel box and frame, stood out immediately. Its joystick-style chute control was the most intuitive we tested, allowing quick and precise adjustments to both throwing angle and direction.

 

The Toro’s battery compartment is larger than most, with room for the two included batteries plus an optional third. Adding a third battery is an easy way to increase runtime between recharging, and with all three installed, this pick can clear snow for over an hour. Runtime may drop slightly in dense, wet snow, but it’s still competitive with that of other models.

 

What our tester says: “This machine performs much like top-tier gas models. Its drive system is powerful enough to push through heavy snow, and its wide path can clear driveways quickly, even in challenging conditions.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

 

Get the Toro snow blower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.

Best Gas Option Within a Week

Troy-Bilt Squall 208E 21" Snow Blower

Buy at Walmart

What We Like

  • Easy to start, runs efficiently, and is impressively quiet
  • Auger throws snow with remarkable force
  • Fairly affordable for a high-quality gas-powered snow blower

What We Don’t Like

  • Wheels may be too small for deep snow

The Squall is a smooth-running unit with an efficient 208 cubic centimeter (cc) 4-stroke engine, meaning it doesn’t require users to mix oil and gas as with a 2-stroke machine. Its user-friendly design features an easily accessible gas-fill neck and an oil fill that doesn’t require any manipulation of the machine or leveling. The unit’s electric start performed flawlessly, repeatedly firing up on the first push.

 

During testing, we really appreciated how quiet the engine ran and how easy it was to push this snow blower around, especially considering how loud and heavy gas models can be. We were impressed with the auger’s ability to virtually vacuum up snow before projecting it through the chute at high speeds. While its standard-size half-gallon fuel tank may seem small, the machine’s efficiency allowed us to clear multiple properties without needing to refill. The 100-pound machine pushed along easily, even though its wheels are smaller than is ideal for deep snow. Overall, however, this gas snow blower is perfect for moderate storms and snow loads under 12 inches.

 

What our tester says: “We tested several gas models that performed exceptionally well, so assigning this award wasn’t easy. Ultimately, the Troy-Bilt Squall took the top prize, but we think shoppers will also want to take a hard look at the Toro self-propelled model. Both snow blower brands excel in the gas snow blower design with reliable engines and smooth functionality.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

 

Get the Troy-Bilt single-stage snow blower at Walmart.

Worth Checking Your Local Store

Ryobi 40V HP 22” Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit

Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

  • Changes direction easily
  • Plenty of power in deep snow
  • Intuitive controls and powerful drive system

What We Don’t Like

  • Batteries need recharging after 30 minutes

Driveways come in all shapes and sizes, and they don’t all call for an extra-large snow blower. With a 22-inch-wide cutting path, this small snow blower from Ryobi may not be as big as some of the models we tested, but it still makes a substantial dent on each pass. The tires have great traction, and the machine also has a steel auger, speedy drive system, and skids for raising the blade over gravel.

 

In testing, the Ryobi’s ease of use and ability to maneuver in tight spaces were a bonus. It turned and pivoted without resistance, and the drive system was powerful enough that we didn’t need to push much. According to the manufacturer, the batteries last up to 30 minutes, but ours went even longer in light snow. For the average driveway, that’s more than sufficient to get the job done, but for wet and heavy snow or large properties, it may make sense to pick up an extra battery to avoid waiting for a recharge.

 

What our tester says: “This two-stage brushless snow blower was such a big surprise in our tests that we were reminded just how valuable hands-on testing is. It delivered a ton of power and an impressive overall performance that we just wouldn’t have believed had we not experienced it ourselves.” —Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

 

Get the Ryobi snow blower at The Home Depot.

Budget Pick with 2-Day Shipping

Worx Nitro 40V 20” Brushless Snow Blower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's

What We Like

  • Lightweight and easy to push
  • Throw snow up to 20 feet
  • Excellent auger speed

What We Don’t Like

  • Not self-propelled
  • Not for over 12 inches of snow

At first glance, the affordable Worx 40V 20-inch electric snow blower doesn’t scream “power,” but during testing, it moved quickly through snow loads up to 12 inches deep. But it’s not just effective, it’s also easy to assemble and operate. After attaching the multipiece handle with the included hardware, you simply push the start button and squeeze the lever to power the auger. Dual LEDs light its path, and although we primarily used it in daylight, our nighttime tests proved they’re able to illuminate a reasonable area. The 180-degree chute has a convenient lever to change directions, and it never jammed or stuck during use.

 

This snow blower requires both batteries to operate, which together deliver 40 volts of power for up to an hour of runtime. It has a dual charging port for simultaneous charging, and we ran the machine in 30-minute segments before recharging without fully draining the battery. In terms of downsides, it only throws snow about 20 feet, which might not be enough for those tackling deep snow or large spaces.

 

Get the Worx snow blower at Amazon and Lowe’s.

Great Value for Gravel Driveways

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Buy at Walmart

What We Like

  • Very affordable price relative to similar models
  • Chute allows for clearing snow at almost any angle
  • Push-button electric start, anti-clogging system, and self-propelled design

What We Don’t Like

  • Less capable on steep inclines and icy surfaces

With a price tag that’s significantly less than many other snow blowers, this two-stage model from PowerSmart is a good snow blower for those looking to clear a gravel driveway without breaking the bank. As with other two-stage snow blowers, the PowerSmart’s auger uses skids to remain above the ground, ensuring it won’t pick up gravel as it goes. Its 180-degree chute is easy to control from the handles with one hand, enabling quick changes after each turn.

 

Not all affordable snow blowers offer the array of features found on top-rated machines, but the PowerSmart is quite competitive with what it includes. This model has a push-button electric start, an anti-clogging system, a self-propelling design, and 13-inch inflatable tires with traction. It also has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds, which helped us work through powder, wet snow, and icy snow without issue. It doesn’t quite have the traction and power of some more expensive models, but it’s more than ample for the average user.ction and power of some more expensive models, but it’s more than ample for the average user. We really enjoyed this unit and although it’s not the top choice, it does offer a great value for budget shoppers.

 

Get the PowerSmart snow blower for gravel driveways at Walmart.

Designed for Hills

Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower

Buy at Tractor Supply Co.

What We Like

  • Durable steel auger and design that is built to last
  • Powerful engine for pushing hard and climbing hills
  • 6 drive speeds and reverse for easy use

What We Don’t Like

  • Must manually adjust skids to raise blade height

For those looking for a durable, all-around performance machine, the Husqvarna is a great option. The brand is known for its small engine-operated power tools, and this snow blower lives up to the high brand standards. This 24-inch two-stage snow blower is made to work hard, and we were impressed with its combination of power and speed.

 

The Husqvarna’s 212 cubic centimeter (cc) engine offers 5.9 horsepower, making it a good choice for gravel driveways with inclines. Its rugged tires offer excellent traction when working over icy surfaces, and we liked the user-friendly controls and good-size headlight for working in the dark. We loaned this model out to a local property management company to assist with a gravel driveway on a rural rental property, and they said it did a great job.durable, all-around performance machine, the Husqvarna is a great option. The brand is known for its small engine-operated power tools, and this snow blower lives up to the high brand standards.

 

Get the Husqvarna snow blower for gravel driveways at Tractor Supply Co.

Best for Light, Fluffy Snow

Wen 5664 Snow Blaster 18" Electric Snow Thrower

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

  • Lightweight, portable snow blower
  • 13.5-amp motor clears snow up to 7.8 inches deep
  • Can move up to 490 pounds of snow per minute

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires some assembly and an extension cord
  • Not designed for deep snow removal

This 13.5-amp electric blower by Wen is a lightweight, 32-pound machine designed for use in small areas. It can clear an 18-inch swath of light to medium snow accumulation up to 7.8 inches deep and features a 180-degree rotating chute that’s easy to adjust with minimal effort. Despite its compact and simple design, we found it to be a powerful and effective tool for removing light snowfall as well as wet snow (if we gave it a little extra push).

 

The plastic auger worked surprisingly fast, and the throwing distance was more than ample for those spaces. We also liked that this unit has a folding handle that makes it easy to transport and store.

 

Get the Wen single-stage snow blower at Amazon.

Best Medium-Duty

DeWalt 21" 60V MAX Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit

Buy at Tractor Supply Co. Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

  • Impressive 21-inch clearing path
  • Steel auger is tough enough for hard, icy snow
  • Electric controls enable quick throwing-direction changes

What We Don’t Like

  • Auger angle control requires manual adjustment

With this medium-duty model, DeWalt introduces some great features into the electric snow blower market. It’s one of the few single-stage options available that has a steel auger, making it great for chopping through ice and wet snow. It also offers an impressive 21-inch width so users can process more snow in less time, and its batteries provide about 40 minutes of continuous runtime.

 

During testing, the DeWalt worked through light snow with no resistance, and once conditions iced up, it continued to do really well. We had to use a bit more effort as the snow got heavier, but the auger was more than capable and still threw snow reasonably far. We were also impressed by how easy it was to change throwing directions via this machine’s electric tab-style buttons. If you need a snow blower that’s a bit more powerful than a light-duty model but not as heavy-duty as a two-stage machine, the DeWalt is a great choice.

 

Get the DeWalt single-stage snow blower at Tractor Supply Co. or The Home Depot.

 
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Glenda Taylor Avatar

Glenda Taylor

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries. 


Tom Scalisi Avatar

Tom Scalisi

Contributing Writer

Tom Scalisi is a writer for some of the largest DIY and construction-related websites in the world. He has a passion for building: he loves creating something from the ground up, stepping back, and admiring a job well done.


Zach Lazzari Avatar

Zach Lazzari

Contributing Writer

Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he covers a variety of projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.


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