Types of Snow Blowers
The main types of snow blowers are single stage, two stage and, for some areas, three stage. They’re broadly categorized based on the use of the auger and power. This two-stage process moves snow faster and farther than single-stage blowers, throwing snow up to 60 feet. The three-stage snow blower can clear heavy snow more quickly than a two-stage model. Each type of snow blower is available in various widths, and single-stage and two-stage snow blowers are available as electric snow blowers or gas-powered models. In addition to matching the snow blower to your terrain and snowfall, consider the advantages of each snow blower type.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Single-stage snow blowers are the lightest and easiest to handle. In a single-stage snow blower the auger gathers and pushes the snow out of the chute.
- Best for clearing mid-size areas with a snowfall of 12 inches or less
- Can handle both light and wet snow
- Discharges and throws snow up to 35 feet from the chute
- Best for use on level or slightly inclined paved surfaces
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
On a two-stage snow blower, an auger first collects the snow and an impeller fan then discharges the snow through a chute. The best two-stage snow blowers typically have larger intakes. You can find a greater range of features on two-stage snow blowers than on single-stage models.
- Can work in depths up to about 23 inches
- Can move wet and icy snow
- Best for clearing larger areas, like driveways more than 60 feet long
- Handle inclines and reduce operator fatigue with engine-driven wheels (if equipped)
- Handle unpaved surfaces when equipped with skid shoes, which elevate the auger slightly
When deciding on a single-stage versus a two-stage snow blower, a two-stage snow blower will clear a wider path than a single-stage snowblower; however, the single-stage snow blower is less prone to clogging.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
Three-stage snow blowers make the most of your effort, moving more snow in less time. A three-stage blower uses an accelerator in addition to the auger and impeller. This accelerator spins perpendicular to the auger, like a screw, working with the auger to collect the snow and then forcing the snow into the impeller, which discharges it. The accelerator can also help cut through icy snow.
- Can handle inclined paved and unpaved surfaces
- Great for driveways over 60 feet long
- Can work in depths of up to 23 inches
- Used to clear a tall snowdrift or the wall of snow left by a snow plow
- Can throw snow up to 50 feet
Electric Snow Blowers
An electric snow blower starts with the push of a button, operates without gasoline and needs less maintenance than a gas model. The electric motor means there’s no need to change or dispose of motor oil. They’re available in cordless or corded models, so you can choose the best electric snow blower for you.
These snow blowers are usually lighter and more compact than gas machines. You can find electric snow shovels with powered augers that collect and throw the snow out of your path. These machines are smaller and lighter and offer a more economical option for clearing snow from a small area like a sidewalk, patio, deck or steps.
Startup
Cordless and corded electric snow blowers offer a switch start.
Clearing Width
Battery snow blowers clear between 18 and 24 inches per pass.
Corded snow blowers clear between 15 and 22 inches per pass.
Ideal Snow Depth
Cordless snow blowers can be effective in 18 inches of snow or more.
Corded snow blowers can move up to 12 inches of snow.
Surface
Battery snow blowers are available in models that clear paved and unpaved surfaces.
Corded snow blowers are usually best for paved areas.
Drive Type
Battery snow blowers are available in push, auger-assisted and self-propelled models.
Corded snow blowers will usually be either push models or auger assisted.
Weight
Cordless snow blower weights range from 30 to 69 pounds.
Corded snow blower weights range from 26 to 38 pounds.
Maintenance
Battery snow blowers will need battery care and may also need scraper bar, auger paddle and drive belt changes from time to time.
Corded snow blowers will need scraper bar, auger paddle and drive belt replacements over time.
Available Features
Cordless snow blowers are available with brushless motors, headlights and adjustable chutes.
Corded snow blowers may have headlights and adjustable chutes.
Battery Snow Blowers
Cordless snow blowers provide power like a gas model, moving up to a foot of snow with less vibration and operating with less noise and no fumes. Battery-powered snow blowers also have the mobility of gas models since they don’t require a power cord. You can even find self-propelled cordless snow blowers that help reduce the effort needed to clear your driveway. To save money, look for cordless snow blowers with batteries that work across different tools and equipment.
Corded Electric Snow Blowers
Corded snow blowers create less vibration and noise with no emissions. However, they require an outdoor extension cord that remains flexible in cold weather. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for selecting a compatible extension cord.
Gas Snow Blowers
Gas snow blowers offer more mobility since they don’t require a power cord to operate. Gas-powered models often have greater clearing widths and intake heights than electric models. They’re also available in self-propelled models that use the engine to power the wheels, making the machine easier to move than models that have only auger-assisted drive. Single- and two-stage gas snow blowers are the most common, but you can find three-stage gas-powered snow blowers in some areas.
Startup
Gas snow blowers feature either a pull-start or electric ignition.
Clearing Width
Gas snow blowers clear from 18 to 36 inches per pass.
Ideal Snow Depth
Gas snow blowers can clear snow that’s 18 inches deep or more.
Surface
Gas snow blowers are typically effective on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
Drive Type
Gas snow blowers are available as push models, auger-assisted models and self-propelled models.
Weight
Gas snow blower weights range from 68 to 403 pounds.
Maintenance
Gas snow blowers will need regular air filter, spark plug and engine oil changes and may need drive belt, skid shoe and scraper bar replacements.
Available Features
Gas snow blowers are available with features such as headlights, heated handles and adjustable chutes.
Learn more about fuel and how you can keep your gasoline-powered machines running smoothly. A gas snow blower needs the right kind of fuel. Check your manual for fueling instructions and read Fueling Outdoor Power Equipment.
Snow Blower Buying FAQs
Ask yourself these questions to find the best and top rated snow blower for your terrain, snowfall and type of snow.
Which type of snow blower is best for walkways and driveways?
Single-stage blowers work for walkways and smaller driveways. If your driveway is over 60 feet long, choose a two or three-stage snow blower.
What snow depth can a snow blower handle?
Single-stage and two-stage snow blowers are great for up to a foot of snow. Three-stage units can handle 16 inches of snow or more.
What’s the best snow blower type for light snow?
Single-stage units are small snow blowers best for light snow.
Which snow blower should you buy for heavy snow?
The impeller on two-stage and three-stage snow blowers helps prevent clogging and makes them the best snow blowers for heavy, wet snow.
Which snow blower works on icy snow?
Serrated augers on two- and three-stage models cut through hard-packed snow or ice. Three-stage units move even heavier, wetter snow in less time.
What’s the best snow blower type for level or sloped areas?
Auger-assisted, push-propelled models are ideal for level surfaces. Engine-driven wheels or tracks will work best for sloped driveways. You can use tire chains with some models to enhance traction in all conditions.
What's the difference between a snow blower versus a snow thrower?
A snow thrower, which typically runs on electricity, can only clear small areas of light snow. Snow throwers are also smaller and less powerful than snow blowers. The more affordable of the two is the snow thrower. Blowers, however, have features that come with the higher price tag that a snow thrower doesn't have.
Once you’ve decided on the machine that best suits your needs, explore the best-rated snow blowers at Lowes.com. If you're not sure how to operate a snow blower, check out our informative resource guide.
Snow Blower Accessories
- Snow blower cabs are available for many medium and large snow blowers, helping shelter you from the snow, sleet and freezing rain. The snow blower cab creates a dome complete with a clear vinyl front and side panels. When the season is over, the cab folds up for easy storage.
- A clean-out tool allows you to remove ice and snow from a snow blower discharge chute. Never use your hands to clear a snow blower discharge chute. Note that some snow blowers come with clean-out tools.
- Snow blower tire chains give engine-powered wheels on a self-propelled snow blower better traction, making it easier to maneuver.
- A heavy-duty snow blower floor mat will protect the floor of your garage or storage shed from scratches, water and stains.
- A snow blower cover protects your investment from dust, dirt, rust and the elements.
- You can also find snow blower attachments for lawn mowers that let you take advantage of the power offered by a riding mower’s engine to clear snow. These snow-moving mower attachments typically have a wider clearing path than walk-behind models (up to 54 inches) and are available in two-stage and three-stage models. Make sure the attachment fits your mower model and consider installing a set of compatible tire chains on your mower.