The 10 Best Snow Blowers for Driveways and Sidewalks, Tested and Reviewed
When there’s snow on the ground, it can be tempting to run out and buy a snow blower. After all, they do make short work of clearing driveways and walkways. But before investing, it’s important to learn about the key features of these machines to select a model that fits the bill.
Choosing the best snow blowers for various properties depends on typical snowfall levels, how much sidewalk or driveway needs to be cleared, and whether the area is flat or sloped. Keep reading to learn the top tips and recommendations for choosing the right model, and see the hands-on testing results of each.
- BEST OVERALL: Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- UPGRADE PICK: Cub Cadet 2X 30″ Max Snow Blower
- BEST BATTERY: Ego Power+ 24″ Snow Blower With Peak Power
- BEST SINGLE-STAGE GAS: Troy-Bilt Squall 208E Single-Stage Snow Blower
- BEST SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC: Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Single-Stage Snow Blower
- BEST TWO-STAGE ELECTRIC: Toro 24″ Power Max e24 60V Two-Stage Snow Blower
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- MOST VERSATILE: Ryobi 40V HP Two-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower Kit
- ALSO CONSIDER: Troy-Bilt Storm 2600 Two-Stage Snow Blower
How We Tested the Best Snow Blowers
Because we were testing some serious machines for this guide, we needed to wait for a real winter storm to try them out. With about 10 inches of heavy, wet snow on the ground, we cleared two 75-foot-long 4-car driveways, about 200 feet of sidewalk, several small walkways, and the plow-piled snow at the ends of both driveways. We also ran the snow blowers on a loose gravel driveway and a compact gravel road to test their abilities on challenging terrain.
First, we tested how easily these models started. We used the pull cords to see how difficult they were to start by hand. Next, we hooked up each one to an extension cord to test their electric starters. Then, we ran these snow blowers over rocky, uneven terrain. The recent thaw before the storm caused several deep mud ruts, which were perfect for the test and allowed us to determine which models were the best for rough areas.
We then cleared the driveways and sidewalks, using each model in a side-by-side test to see which were most effective and how far each threw snow. Finally, we used the two-stage versions on the packed snow left behind by the snowplows. We also noted each machine’s maneuverability, power, control, and any added features such as heated grips and LED lights.
Our Top Picks
When evaluating snow blowers, we considered typical annual snowfall, the machine’s fuel source, and ease of use. Since individual conditions and snowfall depths vary widely, we included models for varying precipitation in our picks. To ensure they’re high quality and worthy of their price and your consideration, we included our insights based on hands-on testing for each of the following snow blower models.
Best Overall
Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 28 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Track-style drive provides better traction on loose and icy surfaces
- Cuts a broad 28-inch-wide swath of snow with each pass
- Trigger-controlled Touch N’ Turn power steering makes changing directions quick and easy
What We Don’t Like
- This model’s track system makes it more expensive than other similarly sized snow blowers with wheels
Clearing snow on paved and gravel or dirt surfaces has never been easier than with the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker. With 28 inches of clearing width, a powerful auger and drive system, and tracks for superior traction, this machine is an absolute beast in big storms. We did some of this model’s testing on pavement, but after seeing how well it performed, we moved to gravel and pushed it hard for the rest.
On loose substrate, the tracks maintained excellent surface contact and pushed forward with ease. The same was true on icy surfaces. It has adjustable skids to set the lower blade height, and its settings adjust even further with a lever that quickly raises or lowers the blade. When working through gravel and rocky areas, this user-friendly system was a huge benefit.
The Troy-Bilt’s 272 (cubic centimeter) cc motor has plenty of power for big jobs, and the many drive settings allow for perfect speed control. The pull-cord start required only one or two pulls on each start, and the electric start fired immediately. With its heated grips, trigger turn tabs on the handle, and easy chute controls, this model is a win in every area.
Read our full review: Troy-Bilt 2890 Storm Tracker Snow Blower
Get the Troy-Bilt 2890 snow blower at The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, Walmart, or Troy-Bilt.
Best Bang for the Buck
PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 24 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Great price point when compared with other 2-stage models
- Powerful enough to clear driveways large enough for 10 parked cars covered in 6 to 10 inches of snow
- 180-degree chute allows for moving snow greater distances
- Packed with features, including an easy-to-use push-button electric start, anti-clogging system, and self-propelled design
What We Don’t Like
- Narrower intake requires more back and forth when clearing large areas
- Traction and power are less capable on steep inclines and icy surfaces
Budget-minded shoppers will want to take a hard look at the PowerSmart two-stage snow blower. It has many of the desired features found in more expensive models at a more modest price. It’s plenty capable in big storms, with an intake height of 20 inches and a high-speed impeller that works well in dense snow. It also performs mightily on uneven surfaces and inclines with a quality drive system that includes reverse options.
We had great results with this model and think it’s an excellent fit for moderate-size properties. There are better options for extreme conditions, but this one can handle the occasional big storm and all light-to-medium snow loads. It fires up easily, especially with the electric start option, and its 208cc engine ran great through all of our testing. It even threw snow through the chute with power that matched models costing twice as much.
While there are certainly upgraded options on the market, this budget-friendly snow blower easily beats even the best electric snow shovel, and it’s more than adequate for the average driveway. It feels durable and built to last as well.
Get the PowerSmart snow blower at Amazon, Walmart, or PowerSmart USA.
Upgrade Pick
Cub Cadet 2X 30" Max Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 30 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Powerful 357cc gas engine is capable of propelling dense snow with ease
- Heavy-duty construction; this machine is built to last
- Power steering for easy maneuvering; ideal for uneven terrain
- Cozy hand warmers in the grips for more comfortable use in extreme temperatures
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy-duty option is better for those needing to move lots of snow; not a budget-friendly model
For those with consistently high snow removal needs, Cub Cadet’s 2X 30-inch snow blower might be the answer. This large model is equipped with a 357cc gas engine, a two-stage removal system, and self-propelled wheels, allowing it to burrow through heavy snow. Its heavy-duty construction has a rotating steel chute with easy-access angle controls built into the top panel. The Cub Cadet also features onboard headlights for safety and visibility during snowy nights or early mornings.
Yes, the Cub Cadet is expensive, but what a powerhouse it turned out to be during testing. We pushed this thing through our heaviest snowdrifts and banks to see how it would do. Its power steering and 16-inch knobby tires make it easy to manipulate, even in deep snow, and the large engine gives it power far beyond every other model we tested. We also really like the heated hand grips, but who wouldn’t?
For property owners and managers who need a capable snow blower for big jobs and deep snow, the Cub Cadet is an excellent option.
Get the Cub Cadet snow blower at The Home Depot or Cub Cadet.
Best Battery
Ego Power+ 24" Snow Blower With Peak Power
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Width: 24 inches
- Self-propelled: Yes
What We Like
- Powerful yet quiet; ideal for use in busier areas without disturbing neighbors
- Throws snow every bit of 50 feet; great for shifting heavy precipitation
- User-friendly operation; features large tires for easier maneuvering and control
What We Don’t Like
- Can stall if overloaded too quickly while moving extremely heavy piles of snow
Whether snow is piling up on a sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage snow blower is powerful enough to push through. We were initially concerned about its abilities as a battery model, but its two-stage system can scoop and throw snow up to 50 feet, and its self-propelled wheels make for easy pushing.
This battery-powered model runs for up to 135 minutes before the batteries need recharging. The Ego’s biggest drawback is that it weighs more than many other electric models, but the powerful drive system handles the weight easily. It also has a generous 200-degree adjustable chute and a 50-foot throwing distance. The bright onboard headlights add a bit of safety and visibility in poor conditions.
As a result of our testing, we’re big fans of the Ego Power+ 24-inch snow blower. First, we like that this thing is so much quieter than a gas-powered model and even easier to use (though the throttle and auger controls are reversed from a typical model, which took us some getting used to). Also, we found that this model threw snow so far that we truly had to be careful where we aimed it. It has a throttle that adjusts the machine’s overall output from “eco” to “turbo,” but we found it could handle everything on eco, which helped maximize the runtime of its rechargeable batteries. One heads-up: The machine stalled when we buried the auger in extremely heavy snow too quickly. At low speed, however, this rarely happened.
For folks who want a quiet yet capable two-stage snow blower with the low-maintenance benefits of being battery-powered, this is a great choice.
Get the Ego snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.
Best Single-Stage Gas
Troy-Bilt Squall 208E Single-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: Single-stage
- Width: 21 inches
- Self-propelled: No
What We Like
- Engine fires right up, runs efficiently, and is surprisingly quiet
- Auger works great for forcefully throwing snow through the chute
- Affordable option for a high-quality gas-powered snow blower