The 7 Best Snow Blowers, Tested by BHG

If you’ve ever stared at a snow-packed driveway at 6 a.m. and wondered if you really need to live
somewhere with “real winters,” a good snow blower can feel like a personality-saving investment.
Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) recently put seven snow blowers through weeks of testing on real
driveways and sidewalks, rating them on performance, ease of use, safety, and value.

In this guide, we’ll walk through those seven standout machines, break down which type of snow
blower works best for different homes, and weave in insights from other trusted sources like
Consumer Reports, Bob Vila, Popular Mechanics, Family Handyman, and more.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what kind of snow-clearing beast belongs in your garageand what
features are worth paying for when the forecast says “12 inches and windy.”

How BHG Tested Snow Blowers (and Why It Matters)

BHG’s team tested seven snow blowers over about two months, running them through fresh powder,
heavy wet snow, and refrozen, compacted drifts across real home driveways and sidewalks. They
evaluated:

• Performance: How far and how cleanly each blower threw snow
• Ease of use: Maneuverability, controls, starting, and chute adjustments
• Design: Build quality, ergonomics, and smart features like heated grips or LEDs
• Safety: Guarding around moving parts, intuitive controls, and stability
• Value: How well the machine’s power and features matched its price

They also consulted industry experts, who emphasized matching the machine to your region’s
typical snowfall and snow type: dry and fluffy, heavy and wet, or a lovely combo of both.
That’s a theme echoed by Consumer Reports and other testers, who consistently note that
oversizing or undersizing your machine is one of the most common buying mistakes.

The 7 Best Snow Blowers BHG Tested

Here’s a closer look at the seven snow blowers that impressed BHG, plus how they compare to
expert opinions across other major review outlets.

1. Ariens Classic 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower Best Overall

BHG’s top pick is the Ariens Classic 24-inch two-stage gas snow blower, a machine
that strikes that sweet spot between brute force and everyday practicality.
With a 24-inch clearing width and a robust gas engine, it’s built to handle moderate to heavy
snowfall, including the dreaded end-of-driveway plow piles.

Two-stage blowers use an auger to gather snow and a separate impeller to throw it, which helps
the Ariens Classic launch snow impressive distances while still being relatively easy to steer.
Testers appreciated:

• Confident performance in deep and dense snow
• Self-propelled drive that cuts down on pushing
• Controls that are straightforward, not intimidating

Other reviewers also tend to praise Ariens for its durable all-steel construction and
long-lasting drivetrains. Bob Vila and Popular Mechanics frequently highlight Ariens models as
reliable workhorses for snowy regions with long winters.

Best for: Homeowners in the Snow Belt with a mid-size to large driveway who want a
serious machine that will last for years without feeling like a tank to maneuver.

2. EGO Power+ Peak Power Snow Blower Best Budget Pick

“Budget” in snow blower land doesn’t always mean “cheap.” In BHG’s lineup, the
EGO Power+ Peak Power is the more affordable option, but it still delivers solid
performance as a cordless single-stage machine.

EGO has become a darling of cordless outdoor tools, and multiple sourcesincluding Slashgear,
Good Housekeeping, and Consumer Reportsnote that EGO’s battery-powered snow blowers often punch
above their weight, rivaling smaller gas machines in light to moderate snow.
With Peak Power, two batteries work together to provide more torque and runtime, making it ideal
for driveways and sidewalks where you’d like to avoid fumes, noise, and gas maintenance.

Best for: Suburban homeowners with paved driveways and frequent light to moderate
storms who want cordless convenience and quieter operation.

3. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Best Heavy-Duty Gas Machine

If you regularly wake up to knee-high drifts or have a wide driveway that collects windblown
snow, the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is the “bring it on” option in this lineup.
With a larger 28-inch clearing width, more powerful engine, and aggressive auger design, it’s
built for blizzards, not flurries.

This machine shines in:

• Deep snow: The high-output (SHO) design moves a lot of snow quickly.
• Heavier accumulations: It powers through wet, compacted snow that bogs down
  smaller units.
• Wide or sloped driveways: Larger tires and strong traction help keep it
  moving in tough conditions.

Similar heavy-duty machines from Ariens, Toro, and Cub Cadet often top “best snow blower” lists
for regions that measure snow by the foot instead of the inch.

Best for: Large properties, rural driveways, and anyone who wants to be the hero
that clears not just their driveway, but half the block’s.

4. EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower Best Cordless Powerhouse

BHG’s pick for best cordless two-stage snow blower is the EGO Power+ 2-stage
model, which aims to give you gas-level performance without the gas-level hassle.

Two-stage cordless units are still relatively new, but testers at Consumer Reports, Good
Housekeeping, and Family Handyman note that EGO has made real strides here.
With robust brushless motors, steel augers, and strong battery systems, these machines can
handle serious snow while offering:

• Push-button starting (no pulling cords in 10°F weather)
• No fuel storage, oil changes, or carburetor issues
• Quieter operation that’s kinder to neighbors at dawn

Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners or those who already own EGO tools and
batteries, and who see frequent snow but want to ditch gas maintenance.

5. CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower Most Durable

BHG calls out a CRAFTSMAN self-propelled gas snow blower as the most durable
option in their test group.
Craftsman has long been associated with solid, repairable outdoor equipment, and this model is
designed with rugged components, metal housings, and reliable controls.

Reviewers across sites like Tools In Action and big-box retailer customer reviews often note
Craftsman units as “no drama” machines: not always the flashiest, but dependable season after
season when properly maintained.

Best for: Homeowners who prioritize longevity and straightforward mechanical
systems over cutting-edge features.

6. Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower Best for Long Driveways

For those with a driveway that feels more like a runway, the
Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower is BHG’s pick.
IntelliPower is Cub Cadet’s tech that automatically boosts engine output when conditions get
toughlike when you’re chewing through plow banks or dense drifts.

Multiple roundups from Consumer Reports and the New York Post also highlight Cub Cadet’s
multi-stage snow blowers as strong options for bigger properties, noting their wide clearing
paths, powerful engines, and thoughtful features like power steering and heated grips on some
models.

Best for: Long or hilly driveways where consistent power and traction matter
more than compact storage.

7. Toro SnowMaster Gas Snow Blower Easiest to Use

Finally, BHG highlights the Toro SnowMaster as the easiest snow blower to use.
Toro blends characteristics of single- and two-stage designs in the SnowMaster, focusing on
maneuverability and user-friendly controls. The result is a machine that’s powerful enough for
many suburban homes but feels lighter and more responsive than some full-size two-stage units.

Toro is frequently recommended by experts like Bob Vila, Popular Mechanics, and Consumer
Reports for its snow blower lineup, especially for buyers who value intuitive design and strong
dealer networks for service.

Best for: First-time snow blower owners or anyone who wants capable performance
without a steep learning curve.

How to Choose the Right Snow Blower for Your Home

Before you fall in love with a specific model, it helps to understand how snow blowers are
categorizedand which type actually fits your winter reality.

1. Match the Machine to Your Snowfall

• Light snow (up to ~6 inches, a few times per year):
  A single-stage electric or cordless blower is usually enough. EGO’s Peak Power or similar
  cordless models from Greenworks and Snow Joe are common recommendations.
• Moderate snow (6–12 inches, regular storms):
  Consider a beefier single-stage or entry-level two-stage blower. Gas or high-voltage battery
  models both work here.
• Heavy snow (frequent storms, over 12 inches, plow piles):
  Go for a two-stage blower like the Ariens Classic, Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO, or Cub Cadet 2X with
  strong engines and wide clearing paths.

2. Consider Your Driveway Size and Surface

• Small, short driveways or townhomes:
  A compact, cordless single-stage blower is easier to store and maneuver.
• Long, straight driveways:
  Look for 24–30 inch clearing widths, decent top speeds, and bright headlights for early
  morning runs.
• Gravel surfaces:
  Two-stage blowers are safer because their augers don’t scrape the surface like most
  single-stage models.

3. Gas vs. Electric: The Real Trade-Offs

Most expert guides frame the choice this way:​

• Gas: More raw power, better for heavy and frequent snow, but requires fuel,
  oil changes, and off-season storage prep. Louder and more maintenance heavy.
• Cordless electric: Cleaner, quieter, and easier to start. Runtime depends on
  battery capacity and snow conditions. Best for small to mid-size jobs.
• Corded electric: Rare for big jobs, but inexpensive and low-maintenance if
  you’re dealing with a short walkway and light snow and don’t mind managing the cord.

4. Features That Are Actually Worth It

Based on testing from BHG and other review outlets, these features tend to be worth paying for
if you’re in a snowy area:​

• Self-propelled drive: Saves your back on slopes and in heavy snow.
• LED headlights: Essential if you’re clearing snow before sunrise or after
  work.
• Easy chute controls: Lever or joystick-style controls make it easy to aim
  snow away from cars, neighbors, and freshly cleared areas.
• Heated handgrips (on higher-end models): Not mandatory, but surprisingly
  nice during long sessions.

Smart Snow Blower Safety and Maintenance Tips

Having a powerful snow blower is greatusing it safely is non-negotiable. Experts and safety
organizations consistently recommend:​

• Never use your hands to clear a clog. Always shut off the engine, wait for
  moving parts to stop, and use a clearing tool or stick.
• Dress for visibility and traction. Think bright layers, gloves with grip,
  and boots with good tread.
• Check for debris before starting. Hoses, newspapers, or rocks hidden in the
  snow can damage paddles, augers, or shear pins.
• Maintain it like your car. End-of-season fuel treatment, oil changes, and a
  quick yearly tune-up can add years to your blower’s life.

The Bottom Line

The “best snow blower” isn’t just the one with the biggest engine or the highest price. It’s the
one that fits your driveway, your typical snowfall, your tolerance for noise and maintenance,
and your budget.

BHG’s testing highlights a great cross-section: from the well-balanced Ariens Classic and
heavy-duty Deluxe 28 SHO to versatile cordless options from EGO, plus durable and user-friendly
picks from Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and Toro. When you layer those findings with independent data
from Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics, Family Handyman, and others, a clear pattern emerges:
pick the right type first, then fine-tune by brand and features.

Do that, and the next snowstorm becomes less of a dreaded chore and more of a quick power-tool
sessionfollowed by coffee, not sore muscles.

Real-World Experiences with the Best Snow Blowers

Spec sheets and lab-style testing are helpful, but snow blowers really prove themselves on icy,
windy mornings when everyone just wants to get to work on time. Drawing from homeowner reviews,
expert testers, and anecdotal reports, a few themes keep popping up.

Why People Upgrade from a Shovel (and Don’t Look Back)

Many owners describe buying their first snow blower after one particularly brutal wintera heavy
late-season storm, a back strain from shoveling, or a move to a home with a much longer
driveway. For those switching to machines like the Ariens Classic, the difference is dramatic:

• Clearing a two-car driveway goes from a 45-minute workout with breaks to a 10–15 minute task.
• Dense plow piles that used to require chipping and heaving with a shovel become one or two
  slow passes with the blower.
• Older homeowners or people with back or heart concerns can manage snow removal more safely,
  as long as they still respect the physical exertion involved.

Many reviewers mention that once they own a blower, they also end up clearing short sections of
sidewalk for neighbors or familysomething that’s far less realistic with a shovel alone.

Lessons Learned from Battery-Powered Blowers

Cordless models like the EGO Peak Power and two-stage EGO blower get a lot of praise, but users
also share some common “lessons learned”:

• Manage expectations in heavy, wet snow. Battery runtime can drop noticeably
  when snow is dense, so some owners keep a spare battery set or clear in shorter sessions.
• Storage and charging are easy wins. No fuel odors in the garage, no oil
  changes, and you just plug batteries into a charger on the wall.
• Noise is much lower. For townhomes or tightly packed neighborhoods, cordless
  blowers are less likely to make enemies at 6 a.m.

Real-world reviews often read like this: “I thought I’d miss gas power, but for my size driveway
and average storms, this cordless blower is more than enough.”

Heavy-Duty Owners: When Bigger Really Is Better

For owners of machines like the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO or powerful Cub Cadet and Toro models,
satisfaction often centers on one idea: they don’t get overwhelmed. When a storm leaves
12–18 inches or kicks up icy ridges at the road, these blowers still cut a clear path with a
little patience and steady pacing.

However, these owners also point out trade-offs:

• Larger machines take up more garage space.
• Learning the controls and turning the machine in tight spaces takes practice.
• Maintenancespark plugs, oil, belts, and skid shoesis important to schedule before winter
  hits.

For many in rural or lake-effect regions, though, the peace of mind is worth it. They know they
can get out after most storms without calling a plow service.

Small But Mighty: User Experiences with Compact Models

Owners of compact cordless or single-stage models often highlight how easy they are to live
with. Lightweight blowers are:

• Simple to pull out for a quick two-inch dusting
• Perfect for decks, narrow walkways, and tight city driveways
• Often stored vertically or on hooks to save floor space

Unexpected benefit? Many people say that because their blower is easy to move and start, they
actually clear snow sooner and more frequently, which prevents ice buildup and makes the entire
winter feel more manageable.

Final Experience-Based Advice Before You Buy

When you read through dozens of hands-on reviews and test notes, a short list of practical tips
emerges:

• Think about where the snow will go. Make sure you have space to pile snow and
  that your blower can aim it there without blasting cars, porches, or windows.
• Practice on a light snowfall first. Get comfortable with the controls, chute
  direction, and turning before a major storm hits.
• Do a preseason check. Test start the blower, inspect belts and shear pins,
  and confirm you have fresh fuel (for gas) or charged batteries (for cordless).
• Respect the machine. Snow blowers are powerful tools; using them calmly and
  methodically is safer and usually faster than rushing.

Combine a thoughtfully chosen snow blower with those real-world habits, and winter starts to
feel less like a battle and more like a series of manageable, powered-up choreswhich is about
as close to “fun” as snow removal gets.