Best Snow Blower Brands for a Quick Winter Clean Up.

If you live in an area where it snows, even a little, having a snowblower on hand can be a lifesaver (literally, in some emergency cases!). But what models are best, and what are the best snow blower brands? This article takes a look at several of the top manufacturers of snowblowers and examines a wide variety of individual units at various price points, fuel types, sizes, and capabilities. By the end of the article, you’ll have a great deal of context to help you find the perfect snowblower for your environment and needs.

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Snow Blowers and Snow Removal Equipment

As the swirling leaves of Fall finally leave us, we know that winter is on its way. It would be wonderful if we could hibernate and only come back out when spring returns. But, there’s no hiding away from that cold winter weather, so its best to prepare for the worst. One thing you can do to make life easier when the snow falls is to invest in a high-quality snow blower. It will make the winter months so much more manageable to get in and out of your home and continue with your normal routine. It can be confusing when it comes to choosing which snow blower might serve your needs best. In this article, we’ll look at several of the top snow blower brands on the market, and highlight a few interesting specific models. In general, the most powerful and costly are going to be gas powered, with corded and cordless electric options bouncing around in terms of price and power output. Also, it’s a good idea to keep all of your snow blower tools and equipment in easy access by storing everything in a good location in a snowblower storage shed.

Fuel Types

There are two major categories of snow blower in terms of fuel: gas powered, and electric powered. Both have advantages and drawbacks.

Gas Power

Gas powered snow blowers are almost always stronger, more powerful, and capable of moving more snow. However, you have to deal with storing gasoline, ensuring you have an appropriate amount on hand, safely filling your snow blower, etc. Gas is a pain to deal with, and that’s without even mentioning the whole environmental cost to burning gas in a fairly inefficient engine. But gas-powered snow blowers get the job done.

Corded Electric Power

Corded electric snowblowers have a variable amount of power, depending on the specific model, but generally electric engines are a bit weaker than gas, especially in the larger units. And you have to worry about dealing with electric cords, which can get pretty costly especially when using the high amp outdoor-rated cords that are almost universally required among electric snowblowers. Using a cord that is too small can risk damaging the engine.

The other significant problem with corded electric snowblowers is your power goes out, you can’t blow yourself out. Given that power outages and storms frequently occur together, this is an important issue to keep in mind when shopping for a snow blower.

Cordless Electric Power

Cordless electric snow blowers are relatively new, and many of them work great for light to medium snowfall. Cordless models are super convenient, as they start easily, require no setup, and can be used any distance from the house. However, they sometimes struggle with heavy, wet snow, and often users will run out of battery power mid-way through the job. It’s a good idea to have multiple batteries on hand and charged if you know that a big storm is on its way.

Best Snow Blower Brands

No need to break your back with the shovel this winter. There is help at hand in clearing your yard, path or driveway, of that wonderful winter snow. In no particular order, here are several of our favorite snow blower brands.

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Snow Joe

A popular brand, and specialists in producing high-quality outdoor tools. They began in 2004 with only a single tool, dubbed the Snow Joe. It was an electric snow shovel and they’ve come a long way since then. Each product is ETL approved, so you know it meets current standards on safety, and comes with a 2-year warranty. Here we will look at a couple of Snow Joe models, but if you want to check out a cross-section of their product line, see our Snow Joe Snow Blower Reviews article here.

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1. Snow Joe iON18SB Ion Cordless Snow Blower

Key Features at a Glance

• For paved areas such as driveways sidewalks and even decks
• Lightweight (32lbs)
• Approximate size (Assembled) H 28" x W 20.5" x D 50"
• Runs on a rechargeable battery
• Rubber blades run silently when engine is on
• 180° rotation
• Chute system, disposing of snow up to 20-feet away

The Snow Joe iON18sb is their latest addition to their snow blower range. It is a cord-free model, running on a rechargeable 40-volt lithium-ion battery. This gives you 50 minutes of usage time when fully charged, and has zero carbon emissions. This setup means no fussing with annoying cords and connections. You can head outside and get right to work removing snow, as opposed to spending a while setting up.

User Experience

The iON18SB has an easy, quick startup with the push of a button, plus, an adjustable handle for ease of use. Two heavy duty rubber blades can shift up to 495 pounds of snow per minute, leaving you with a clearance width of 18- inch, to a depth of 8-inch. This model uses a rubber scraper to avoid damaging the surface that you’re clearing, and you can rotate the chute at a flick of a switch. It’s lightweight and even has an LED headlight, should you find yourself clearing snow in the dark.

Assembly

Comes equipped with a manual, and instructions for easy assembly that takes around 5 minutes. Most find that it works great with most snow types. That said, the chute can freeze up when used with heavy wet slush, which it is not recommended usage anyway. The cordless aspect is super convenient, though some found that the batteries died too quickly. You may want to pick up another battery if you’ve got a decent sized area to clear. Also, many find that regularly spraying the blades with Teflon snow and ice repellant helps prevent clogs and sticking.

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2. Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E - 15-amp Snow Blower

Key Features at a Glance

• For larger driveways
• Lightweight (33lbs)
• Measures (Assembled) approx H26in x W19 x D54.5"
• 15 amp power
• 4 blade rotor
• 180° rotation of chute system, disposing of snow up to 25 feet away

The SnowJoe Ultra SJ623E is a corded electric model, boasting the power of 15-amps. With a 4-blade rotor made of heavy grade steel, it can shift up to 720-lbs of snow, cutting through an 18-inch width and 10-inch depth clearance. Easy glide wheels make maneuverability easier, with a scraper blade at the base. There’s even a tool included to clean out the chute, and a 20w halogen headlight so you can see for night-time snow plowing. The 180° directional snow chute can dispose of snow up to 25-ft away.

User Experience

Most find that this snowblower flies through the dry stuff, but there is need to go a little slower when the wetter heavier snow is around. Consider doing two runs to get to bottom of it. Some have found that it needs a longer cord, but be careful of that output if you decide to add on an extension cord. Get only an outdoor rated 15 amp cord like the US Wire Cord shown here.

The scraper blade at the front clears the snow from the ground, making it good to use on wooden decking. The easy glide wheels also assist with easier control. The outer plastic housing of this machine means that it remains lightweight.

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Husqvarna

Next up is a Swedish based specialist in outdoor tools and equipment. Husqvarna is well known as an extremely high quality outdoor goods manufacturer, and their chainsaws are among the best in the business. Their snow blowers are also fantastic. We’ll look at two options here.

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1. HUSQVARNA Single Stage Snow Blower ST 111

Key Features at a Glance

• For lighter snowfall of up to 6 inches
• Has a 136cc engine.
• Recoil start
• Works on gasoline and oil
• 8-inch tires
• 180° chute rotation
• Heavy-duty rubber augers
• Size approx. - 31" x 23" x 26"
• Weighs 83 lbs
• Warranty 1 year

The Husqvarna ST 111 is an auger system that functions differently than a rotating blade snowblower. It’s also gas powered, as opposed to the electric models Snow Joe makes. Gas-powered machines are generally thought of as more powerful, but more of a pain to deal with. In this case, the Husqvarna ST 111 is a solid snowblower, but it’s not super powerful. This model is a one-stage system. It’s only meant to work with a light snowfall of up to 6-inch depth, giving a clearance of around 27-inch. The rubberized auger makes it suitable for wooden decking.

2. HUSQVARNA High Performing ST 224

Key Features at a Glance

• For larger clearance areas
• Has a 208cc engine
• Electric starter
• 2.7-liter fuel tank, working on gasoline and oil
• 25-inch tires
• 180° chute rotation
• Metal auger
• Heated handle grip
• LED headlight for night work
• Size - 58.5" x 40.5" x 24"
• Weighs 198.6 lbs
• Warranty of 1 year

The Husqvarna St224 boasts a two-stage system whereby it feeds in the snow, aerates it, and then throws it back out again through the chute. This design makes it very effective in all snow conditions. It works from depths of 2-12 inches of snow, with a 24-inch clearance area.

User Experience

Many customers are reporting success in 3-4 feet of snow, but do go with caution if you decide to do this, as it’s not really designed for these circumstances, and you may want to do some pre-clearing, or multiple passes if possible. It also has adjustable skid shoes allowing it to work on any type of surface, which makes it great for those who need to clear decks, walks, driveways, etc. That said, the body is a metal housing, so it’s on the heavy side. It’s not ideal for if you need to move it all over the place! With six speeds, forward and reverse gears, these are all controlled on the handle. This self-propelled machinery is powered by oil and gasoline. The ST224 starts pretty easily with an electric starter, so there’s no need to fuss around in the cold with pull starts and the like.

Yardmax

With their headquarters in Illinois, Yardmax is a leading US-based, global outdoor power equipment manufacturer. Yardmax does not presently sell electric powered snow blowers, only models that run on gasoline and oil. They start as small as 18 inches. There are a few more sizes in between, up to their high powered 26 inch snow blower. This one boasts all the bells and whistles you could ever need in a snow blower. All their snow blowers come with a two year Warranty for domestic use, and a 1 year warranty for commercial use. This is dependent on the engine type, as they sell a range of brands. All manuals can be found at the Yardmax website and are easy to locate if you need to do any troubleshooting or maintenance. We’ll look at two Yardmax snow blowers here.

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1. YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower 22inch

Key Features at a Glance

• 196cc, 6.5hp, engine
• Recoil start
• Self-propelled multiple speeds
• 13 inch tires
• Serrated steel auger
• Size approx - 47" x 43" x 22"
• Weighs 125 lbs

The YARDMAX YB5765 snow blower is ideal for the heavier snowfalls, and will clear large areas. The marketing materials advertise that this snow blower can easily clear a 22inch swath of up to 16inch depth of snow in one pass. This is a two-stage snow blower, which means there are two separate stages for removing the snow. First, the serrated metal auger scoops up the snow, transferring it further into the machine. The second stage is the high-speed impeller which breaks the snow up further. Finally, the snow is thrown out through the chute. There is control crank so you can change the direction of the chute.

User Experience

The YARDMAX YB5765 has a pull-cord starter. There are instructions for both warm and cold scenarios. The machine comes with 5 forward gears and 2 reverse. Because it is self-propelling, it is very easy to use and control, no pushing involved. If you want an electric starter button, then you would need to purchase one of the larger models between 24 and 26-inches, as these have electric starters. The snow blower takes around 30-minutes to assemble, so best done before the snow arrives.

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2. YARDMAX YB6270 Two-Stage Snow Blower 24inch

Key Features at a Glance

• 208cc, 7.0hp, engine
• Dashboard
• Heated Handgrips
• LED headlights
• Electric start with recoil backup
• Self-propelled multiple speeds
• 13 inch tires
• Serrated steel auger
• Size: 42" x 55" x 28"
• Weighs: 161 lbs

The YARDMAX YB6270 has one more forward gear than the smaller model, with 6 forward and 2 reverse. Like the YB5765, it is self-propelled, making it easier to cut through snow, particularly on inclines. Having a dashboard, it makes changing the speed control and gears are within easy reach. This is another two-stage blower. The two-stage design reduces the chances of clogging up, and lessens the maintenance. The chute is metal and can clog a little in heavy weather. Also, the plastic flange based at the bottom, must align up with the chute for rotation. This is a model built for those heavier snowfalls, clearing up to a 24-inch area, in a depth of up 21-inches of snow. Nice!

User Experience

The YARDMAX YB6270 comes with an electric starter button that requires a domestic 120V electric supply. That said, you will need the correct outside electrical extension for far reaching areas, and you should be sure that the cord you use is outdoor rated. Like the YB5765, most buyers are quite happy with this model. It is a good compromise in size, somewhere in the middle of the 16 to 26-inch models that they produce. It works well in virtually all types of snow, and can make quick work of pretty substantial snowfall. It is shipped via freight, but most customers indicate that they can pick it up single-handedly. Though, it can take up to an hour to assemble, depending on your experience and capabilities.

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Wen Products

Founded in 1951, Wen was one of the pioneers who electrified tools. With headquarters in Illinois, they now boast their own brand. They back their products with a 2-year warranty. Wen only appear to have a single model of snow blower, at the time of this review. But it is a nice one, and worth checking out!

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1. WEN 5662 Electric Snow Thrower

Key Features at a Glance

• 13.5amp motor
• Multidirectional chute with 180° swivel.
• Clears an 18inch wide space, up to 8-inches deep
• Electric start push-button and pull back lever.
• 6-inch wheels.
• Size approx - 40 x 18 x 36 inches.
• Lightweight at 32 lbs, with a carry handle.

The WEN 5662 is a pretty standard 13.5 amp, 18“ snow blower. It is not cordless, and you should be sure you use an appropriate outdoor rated electric cord with this one, as cords that are too weak can damage the engine over time.

User Experience

It’s difficult to find anything negative to say about this powerful little model. Most of the customer complaints are related to its inability to clear heavier snowfalls. Though in all fairness, it is not designed to do that. This is the perfect model for the lighter snowfall, and for those who cannot manage the heavier gasoline powered snow blowers. It makes shoveling a thing of the past. If you really must nitpick, then it should be that the plastic blades can get caught on larger bumps, such as stones.

Greenworks

Greenworks is a Chinese company, with headquarters in Europe and North America. Their North American headquarters are based in Mooresville Cotton Mills complex, located in downtown Mooresville, NC. They are a leading manufacturer in mains supply and battery powered tools. Plus, they also produce gas-powered outdoor equipment. Greenworks offer a Warranty from new for 4-years, on their snowblower body, and 2-years on the battery and charger of their cordless model. We’ll look at a couple of Greenworks options here.

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1. Greenworks PRO 2600402 20“ Cordless Snow Thrower

• Powered by an 80V 2AH lithium-ion battery, with up to 45 minutes running time
• No electrical cords or cables required
• Electric Start
• LED headlight
• 180° swivel chute, discharging snow up to 20-feet
• Clears a 20-inch wide path through snow up to 10-inch deep
• Brushless motor for quieter operation
• 7-inch wheels
• Size: 31“ x 22“ x 37“
• Lightweight at 33 lbs

Not everyone is keen on battery powered tools, as batteries can flatten while still in use. One major advantage though is ease of use. They tend to be lighter and have no trailing wires, no risk of getting the wires caught in the snowblower, and no risk of blowing out the snowblower with by using an inadequate cord. They also run with minimal costs.

User Experience

One of the great aspects of the Greenworks 2600402 is if the battery depletes while working, it only takes around 30 mins to fully charge up again. That’s just enough time for a sip or two of hot chocolate, and you’ll soon be back on the job. Plus, the battery in the snow blower can run other Greenwork’s equipment, so if you’ve got a shredder and chipper or a power shovel, you won’t need to purchase a new battery. This means that you can swap them around if you have one already charged while waiting for the main one to charge. Actually, you can just buy the snowblower without the battery and charger, if you already own the correct battery. And having a spare battery on hand is always a good idea.

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2. Greenworks 2600502 20“ Snow Blower

Key Features at a Glance

• 13amp, 120v electric motor
• Requires outdoor electrical extension
• Electric push button start
• LED headlight
• Plastic auger
• 180° swivel chute, discharging snow up to 20-feet
• Clears a 20-inch width space, up to 10-inch depth
• Low noise emissions
• 7-inch wheels
• Size approx - 31" x 22" x 37"
• Lightweight at 32 lbs

This appears to be an excellent performer. It is a smaller lightweight model when compared to a gas powered one, but that’s part of its appeal. There are a few parts to assemble, but nothing too taxing. Folding handebars make it useful for storage. As with any electric equipment, you do have to work around the cord, so take care when snow ploughing. It is not meant to clear heavy wet snow, but performance is good for the lighter snowfall.

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Conclusion: Best Snowblower Brands

To summarize, virtually all of the snow blower brands on our list are great options, with many high-quality products in various formats, fuel types, and price points. Husqvarna and Yardmax are excellent choices for a gas powered machine. Snow Joe, Wen, and Greenworks are all great options for those who are interested in corded or cordless electric snowblowers. Any machine is going to save you breaking your back with a shovel. Unless you spend a large amount on a huge, heavy, gas-powered machine, try not to push the smaller models too far. Follow the guidelines of how deep the snow can be your machine is meant to cope with, and be sure you have an appropriate electric cord to use with your snow blower. You really cannot complain if your snow blower struggles because you’ve pushed it too hard, or are using it in circumstances it wasn’t designed for. Good luck, and be safe out in the winter cold!

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