We Braved Snow, Wind, Sludge, and Sleet to Find the 5 Best Snow Blowers of 2024

Mar. 15, 2025

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Instead of hauling out a cumbersome snow shovel this winter, you can pull out yourwinter boots,heated coat, and a snow blower and clear your driveway and sidewalks with the push of a button. To find the best snow blowers available, we took to our driveways to determine which ones plowed through thick piles of snow with ease.According toCheryl Higley, director of education at the Snow and Ice Management Association, anyone in the market for a snow blower should consider “the type of snow, the accumulation amount they plan to clear, and the surface type they’ll be clearing” when picking the right machine for their needs.We braved snow, wind, sludge, and sleet to find the absolute best snow blowers, rating them on performance, ease of use, safety, and value. In the end, we were left with five top-performing machines. Keep reading to find the best snow blower to clear your paths with ease.Our Top PicksBest Snow Blower Overall:Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower at Cubcadet.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Snow Blower:EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$699Jump to ReviewBest Cordless Snow Blower:SALEEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$1,800$1,500Jump to ReviewBest Self-Propelled Snow Blower:Ariens Classic Snow Blower at Amazon$1,296Jump to ReviewBest Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO at Amazon$1,899Jump to ReviewBest Ice Scraper:Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Heated Jacket:SALEOroro Classic Heated Jacket at Amazon$200$140Jump to Review

According toCheryl Higley, director of education at the Snow and Ice Management Association, anyone in the market for a snow blower should consider “the type of snow, the accumulation amount they plan to clear, and the surface type they’ll be clearing” when picking the right machine for their needs.

We braved snow, wind, sludge, and sleet to find the absolute best snow blowers, rating them on performance, ease of use, safety, and value. In the end, we were left with five top-performing machines. Keep reading to find the best snow blower to clear your paths with ease.

Our Top PicksBest Snow Blower Overall:Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower at Cubcadet.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Snow Blower:EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$699Jump to ReviewBest Cordless Snow Blower:SALEEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$1,800$1,500Jump to ReviewBest Self-Propelled Snow Blower:Ariens Classic Snow Blower at Amazon$1,296Jump to ReviewBest Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO at Amazon$1,899Jump to ReviewBest Ice Scraper:Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Heated Jacket:SALEOroro Classic Heated Jacket at Amazon$200$140Jump to Review

Best Snow Blower Overall:Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower at Cubcadet.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Snow Blower:EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$699Jump to ReviewBest Cordless Snow Blower:SALEEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$1,800$1,500Jump to ReviewBest Self-Propelled Snow Blower:Ariens Classic Snow Blower at Amazon$1,296Jump to ReviewBest Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO at Amazon$1,899Jump to ReviewBest Ice Scraper:Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Heated Jacket:SALEOroro Classic Heated Jacket at Amazon$200$140Jump to Review

Best Snow Blower Overall:Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower at Cubcadet.comJump to Review

Best Snow Blower Overall:Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower at Cubcadet.com

Best Snow Blower Overall:

Best Budget Snow Blower:EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$699Jump to Review

Best Budget Snow Blower:EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$699

Best Budget Snow Blower:

Best Cordless Snow Blower:SALEEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$1,800$1,500Jump to Review

Best Cordless Snow Blower:SALEEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower at Amazon$1,800$1,500

Best Cordless Snow Blower:

SALE

Best Self-Propelled Snow Blower:Ariens Classic Snow Blower at Amazon$1,296Jump to Review

Best Self-Propelled Snow Blower:Ariens Classic Snow Blower at Amazon$1,296

Best Self-Propelled Snow Blower:

Best Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO at Amazon$1,899Jump to Review

Best Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO at Amazon$1,899

Best Snow Blower for Heavy Snow:

Best Ice Scraper:Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush at Amazon$17Jump to Review

Best Ice Scraper:Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush at Amazon$17

Best Ice Scraper:

Best Heated Jacket:SALEOroro Classic Heated Jacket at Amazon$200$140Jump to Review

Best Heated Jacket:SALEOroro Classic Heated Jacket at Amazon$200$140

Best Heated Jacket:

Best Snow Blower OverallCub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Anna KniefView on Cubcadet.com$1,300 at Farmandfleet.comView on Acmetools.comStar QualitiesVery easy to maneuver with steering assistMultiple speed options allow you to clear snow at your own paceTires have deep treads, which helps ensure they don’t slipRed FlagsTakes a bit of time (and some tools) to assembleOne of the trickiest parts of clearing snow from a driveway is maneuvering the snow blower. But the Cub Cadet snow blower was shockingly simple to maneuver thanks to steering assist, and the multiple speed options allowed us to plow through varied snow thicknesses with no trouble. It turned on a dime with barely any effort on our part.We tested this machine through 7 inches of powdery snow on a -5-degree day and had no trouble turning it on with the helpful electric start. The choke was easy to adjust, and the tires had plenty of grip on ice, slush, and snow and never slipped. Even on a day with thicker, wetter snow, we had no trouble guiding this machine to clear it all without needing to adjust anything.This machine came mostly assembled, but the tube frame that all the controls are mounted onto needed to be unfolded, levered into place, and then secured with bolts. Some of the control wires that run from the handles to the various systems had to be shifted around so that they didn’t catch on anything.Power Source:Gas |Weight:227 pounds |Dimensions:35 x 28 x 48.5 inches |Throw Distance:40 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 12 inchesPHOTO: People / Anna KniefPHOTO: People / Anna KniefBest Budget Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Katie Bowler$699 at Amazon$699 at Walmart$549 at Ace HardwareStar QualitiesVery quick setupUses rechargeable batteries instead of gasSmall footprint makes this snow blower easy to storeRed FlagsDoesn’t have as many features as more expensive optionsThis snow blower gets the job done — and for a fraction of the price of other machines. The Ego Power+ Peak snow blower took just 10 minutes for us to assemble and quickly cleared 3 inches of powdery snow from a two-car driveway.Powdery, light snow is naturally easier for snow blowers to tackle, so we brought this machine out for a second time after a particularly dense, wet snowfall. This time, we had to adjust the chute and fiddle with the auger speed. We were pleasantly surprised at how well this budget-friendly model cut through the denser snow, though when the snowfall got above 4 inches, we had to go over those patches with the machine a few times.Another helpful feature of this machine is an attached headlamp to light your path through the dark. Even on a -25-degree day, we were able to easily start this blower with a push-start button. While it might not have as many bells and whistles as the more expensive options, the Ego Power+ Peak snow blower has everything we need to clear away light and heavy snow with no clogging, slipping, or dead batteries.Power Source:Battery |Weight:60 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 35 x 22 inches |Throw Distance:35 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inchesPeople / Katie BowlerBest Cordless Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Anna Knief$1,800$1,500 at Amazon$1,499 at Walmart$1,299 at Ace HardwareStar QualitiesRechargeable batteries mean no gas, fumes, or smellBatteries held up through our 45-minute testRed FlagsTook a bit of adjusting to make it work on different surfacesRechargeable batteries are to thank for the Ego Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower’s power — which means no gas, no fumes, and no smell. This model is more expensive thanthe other Ego cordless snow blowerwe tested, but it can handle 10 more inches of snow than the cheaper model. The batteries lasted through 45 minutes of testing without needing a recharge. We were able to successfully clear a 10-foot-wide one-car driveway and 35 yards of hilly sidewalk with this machine.Our one complaint with this two-stage snow blower was the manual adjustment required to position the skid shoes (the plastic shims that govern how far the snow-sucking mechanism is lifted from the pavement). The sidewalk that we tested this machine on was uneven, and this required us to go back and adjust the skid shoes a few times so that it would remove enough snow without dragging on the pavement.Power Source:Battery |Weight:150 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 26 x 49 inches |Throw Distance:50 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inchesPHOTO: People / Anna KniefPHOTO: People / Anna KniefBest Self-Propelled Snow BlowerAriens Classic Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger$1,296 at Amazon$1,099 at Lowe’sView on Farmandfleet.comStar QualitiesSelf-propelling feature makes for easy maneuveringCompact design takes up less space for storageCut through large piles of snow easily and quicklyRed FlagsSetup took about 40 minutes before first useThe Ariens Classic snow blower blew us away (pun intended). Two thick-treaded wheels lift the base of this machine off the ground, and a self-propelling feature offers six forward and two reverse speeds to help you easily go up or down driveways and sidewalks at an incline without any strenuous pushing.On the day we tested this snow blower, we faced 4.3 inches of wet snow covering the driveway and more than a foot of snow piled at the end of the driveway. The Ariens Classic easily cut through heavy, wet snow down the driveway and handled the foot-high pile of snow within just a few minutes.While this machine cleared the snow quickly, it took about 40 minutes to set up. The snow blower comes with both paper and video instructions and requires you to have a few tools at home to assemble.Power Source:Gas |Weight:187 pounds |Dimensions:44 x 26 x 54 inches |Throw Distance:40 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 12 inchesPeople / Ashley CraigerBest Snow Blower for Heavy SnowAriens Deluxe 28 SHOPHOTO: People / Jodi Espinosa$1,899 at AmazonView on Ariens.comView on Aeoutdoorpower.comStar QualitiesCan clear a large path in secondsOffers both choke and electric start optionsGreat extra features like LED headlights and auger-control gripsRed FlagsVery large machine might be hard to storeHeavy-duty snow piles were no match for this tough snow blower. The gas-powered machine easily cut through tall end-of-driveway snow piles, and though the machine itself is quite heavy, the self-propelling feature made it feel light and easy to maneuver.We tried out both the electric start and choke-start options and found that both turned the machine on quickly and easily. The electric-start option might come in handy during colder temperatures because it doesn’t require the tugging of a choke start. The machine’s chute has a lever on the side that makes it easy to direct the snow away from the path, and it comes with anice scraperto remove any possible clogs in the machine.Another handy feature is an auger-control option on the handle grips that allows you to keep the self-propelling function going without the auger. This machine also comes with LED headlights for plowing any time of day. Overall, this machine was easy to set up and use, and we recommend it to anyone who wants a snow blower that can easily tackle big jobs with minimal effort.Power Source:Battery |Weight:267.5 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 30 x59 inches |Throw Distance:55 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 14 inchesPeople / Jodi Espinosa

Best Snow Blower OverallCub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Anna KniefView on Cubcadet.com$1,300 at Farmandfleet.comView on Acmetools.com

Best Snow Blower OverallCub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower

Best Snow Blower Overall

Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower

PHOTO: People / Anna Knief

Person removing snow using the Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower

View on Cubcadet.com$1,300 at Farmandfleet.comView on Acmetools.com

Star QualitiesVery easy to maneuver with steering assistMultiple speed options allow you to clear snow at your own paceTires have deep treads, which helps ensure they don’t slipRed FlagsTakes a bit of time (and some tools) to assemble

Star QualitiesVery easy to maneuver with steering assistMultiple speed options allow you to clear snow at your own paceTires have deep treads, which helps ensure they don’t slip

Very easy to maneuver with steering assist

Multiple speed options allow you to clear snow at your own pace

Tires have deep treads, which helps ensure they don’t slip

Red FlagsTakes a bit of time (and some tools) to assemble

Takes a bit of time (and some tools) to assemble

One of the trickiest parts of clearing snow from a driveway is maneuvering the snow blower. But the Cub Cadet snow blower was shockingly simple to maneuver thanks to steering assist, and the multiple speed options allowed us to plow through varied snow thicknesses with no trouble. It turned on a dime with barely any effort on our part.

We tested this machine through 7 inches of powdery snow on a -5-degree day and had no trouble turning it on with the helpful electric start. The choke was easy to adjust, and the tires had plenty of grip on ice, slush, and snow and never slipped. Even on a day with thicker, wetter snow, we had no trouble guiding this machine to clear it all without needing to adjust anything.

This machine came mostly assembled, but the tube frame that all the controls are mounted onto needed to be unfolded, levered into place, and then secured with bolts. Some of the control wires that run from the handles to the various systems had to be shifted around so that they didn’t catch on anything.

Power Source:Gas |Weight:227 pounds |Dimensions:35 x 28 x 48.5 inches |Throw Distance:40 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 12 inches

PHOTO: People / Anna KniefPHOTO: People / Anna Knief

Person removing snow using the powerful Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower

Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower displayed on a cleared driveway

Person removing snow using the powerful Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower

Cub Cadet 2X 26 Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower displayed on a cleared driveway

Best Budget Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Katie Bowler$699 at Amazon$699 at Walmart$549 at Ace HardwareStar QualitiesVery quick setupUses rechargeable batteries instead of gasSmall footprint makes this snow blower easy to storeRed FlagsDoesn’t have as many features as more expensive optionsThis snow blower gets the job done — and for a fraction of the price of other machines. The Ego Power+ Peak snow blower took just 10 minutes for us to assemble and quickly cleared 3 inches of powdery snow from a two-car driveway.Powdery, light snow is naturally easier for snow blowers to tackle, so we brought this machine out for a second time after a particularly dense, wet snowfall. This time, we had to adjust the chute and fiddle with the auger speed. We were pleasantly surprised at how well this budget-friendly model cut through the denser snow, though when the snowfall got above 4 inches, we had to go over those patches with the machine a few times.Another helpful feature of this machine is an attached headlamp to light your path through the dark. Even on a -25-degree day, we were able to easily start this blower with a push-start button. While it might not have as many bells and whistles as the more expensive options, the Ego Power+ Peak snow blower has everything we need to clear away light and heavy snow with no clogging, slipping, or dead batteries.Power Source:Battery |Weight:60 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 35 x 22 inches |Throw Distance:35 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inchesPeople / Katie Bowler

Best Budget Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Katie Bowler$699 at Amazon$699 at Walmart$549 at Ace Hardware

Best Budget Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower

Best Budget Snow Blower

EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower

PHOTO: People / Katie Bowler

Person using the EGO Power+ 21-Inch Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower to clear snow

$699 at Amazon$699 at Walmart$549 at Ace Hardware

Star QualitiesVery quick setupUses rechargeable batteries instead of gasSmall footprint makes this snow blower easy to storeRed FlagsDoesn’t have as many features as more expensive options

Star QualitiesVery quick setupUses rechargeable batteries instead of gasSmall footprint makes this snow blower easy to store

Very quick setup

Uses rechargeable batteries instead of gas

Small footprint makes this snow blower easy to store

Red FlagsDoesn’t have as many features as more expensive options

Doesn’t have as many features as more expensive options

This snow blower gets the job done — and for a fraction of the price of other machines. The Ego Power+ Peak snow blower took just 10 minutes for us to assemble and quickly cleared 3 inches of powdery snow from a two-car driveway.

Powdery, light snow is naturally easier for snow blowers to tackle, so we brought this machine out for a second time after a particularly dense, wet snowfall. This time, we had to adjust the chute and fiddle with the auger speed. We were pleasantly surprised at how well this budget-friendly model cut through the denser snow, though when the snowfall got above 4 inches, we had to go over those patches with the machine a few times.

Another helpful feature of this machine is an attached headlamp to light your path through the dark. Even on a -25-degree day, we were able to easily start this blower with a push-start button. While it might not have as many bells and whistles as the more expensive options, the Ego Power+ Peak snow blower has everything we need to clear away light and heavy snow with no clogging, slipping, or dead batteries.

Power Source:Battery |Weight:60 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 35 x 22 inches |Throw Distance:35 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inches

People / Katie Bowler

EGO Power+ 21-Inch Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower displayed on a driveway cleared of snow

Best Cordless Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Anna Knief$1,800$1,500 at Amazon$1,499 at Walmart$1,299 at Ace HardwareStar QualitiesRechargeable batteries mean no gas, fumes, or smellBatteries held up through our 45-minute testRed FlagsTook a bit of adjusting to make it work on different surfacesRechargeable batteries are to thank for the Ego Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower’s power — which means no gas, no fumes, and no smell. This model is more expensive thanthe other Ego cordless snow blowerwe tested, but it can handle 10 more inches of snow than the cheaper model. The batteries lasted through 45 minutes of testing without needing a recharge. We were able to successfully clear a 10-foot-wide one-car driveway and 35 yards of hilly sidewalk with this machine.Our one complaint with this two-stage snow blower was the manual adjustment required to position the skid shoes (the plastic shims that govern how far the snow-sucking mechanism is lifted from the pavement). The sidewalk that we tested this machine on was uneven, and this required us to go back and adjust the skid shoes a few times so that it would remove enough snow without dragging on the pavement.Power Source:Battery |Weight:150 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 26 x 49 inches |Throw Distance:50 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inchesPHOTO: People / Anna KniefPHOTO: People / Anna Knief

Best Cordless Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Anna Knief$1,800$1,500 at Amazon$1,499 at Walmart$1,299 at Ace Hardware

Best Cordless Snow BlowerEGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Best Cordless Snow Blower

EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Person clearing snow with the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

$1,800$1,500 at Amazon$1,499 at Walmart$1,299 at Ace Hardware

Star QualitiesRechargeable batteries mean no gas, fumes, or smellBatteries held up through our 45-minute testRed FlagsTook a bit of adjusting to make it work on different surfaces

Star QualitiesRechargeable batteries mean no gas, fumes, or smellBatteries held up through our 45-minute test

Rechargeable batteries mean no gas, fumes, or smell

Batteries held up through our 45-minute test

Red FlagsTook a bit of adjusting to make it work on different surfaces

Took a bit of adjusting to make it work on different surfaces

Rechargeable batteries are to thank for the Ego Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower’s power — which means no gas, no fumes, and no smell. This model is more expensive thanthe other Ego cordless snow blowerwe tested, but it can handle 10 more inches of snow than the cheaper model. The batteries lasted through 45 minutes of testing without needing a recharge. We were able to successfully clear a 10-foot-wide one-car driveway and 35 yards of hilly sidewalk with this machine.

Our one complaint with this two-stage snow blower was the manual adjustment required to position the skid shoes (the plastic shims that govern how far the snow-sucking mechanism is lifted from the pavement). The sidewalk that we tested this machine on was uneven, and this required us to go back and adjust the skid shoes a few times so that it would remove enough snow without dragging on the pavement.

Power Source:Battery |Weight:150 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 26 x 49 inches |Throw Distance:50 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 8 inches

Closeup of a person adjusting the power settings on the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Closeup of the warning sticker on the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Closeup of a person adjusting the power settings on the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Closeup of the warning sticker on the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

Best Self-Propelled Snow BlowerAriens Classic Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger$1,296 at Amazon$1,099 at Lowe’sView on Farmandfleet.comStar QualitiesSelf-propelling feature makes for easy maneuveringCompact design takes up less space for storageCut through large piles of snow easily and quicklyRed FlagsSetup took about 40 minutes before first useThe Ariens Classic snow blower blew us away (pun intended). Two thick-treaded wheels lift the base of this machine off the ground, and a self-propelling feature offers six forward and two reverse speeds to help you easily go up or down driveways and sidewalks at an incline without any strenuous pushing.On the day we tested this snow blower, we faced 4.3 inches of wet snow covering the driveway and more than a foot of snow piled at the end of the driveway. The Ariens Classic easily cut through heavy, wet snow down the driveway and handled the foot-high pile of snow within just a few minutes.While this machine cleared the snow quickly, it took about 40 minutes to set up. The snow blower comes with both paper and video instructions and requires you to have a few tools at home to assemble.Power Source:Gas |Weight:187 pounds |Dimensions:44 x 26 x 54 inches |Throw Distance:40 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 12 inchesPeople / Ashley Craiger

Best Self-Propelled Snow BlowerAriens Classic Snow BlowerPHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger$1,296 at Amazon$1,099 at Lowe’sView on Farmandfleet.com

Best Self-Propelled Snow BlowerAriens Classic Snow Blower

Best Self-Propelled Snow Blower

Ariens Classic Snow Blower

PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger

Person using the Ariens Classic 2-Stage 24-Inch Snow Blower to clear snow from a sidewalk

$1,296 at Amazon$1,099 at Lowe’sView on Farmandfleet.com

Star QualitiesSelf-propelling feature makes for easy maneuveringCompact design takes up less space for storageCut through large piles of snow easily and quicklyRed FlagsSetup took about 40 minutes before first use

Star QualitiesSelf-propelling feature makes for easy maneuveringCompact design takes up less space for storageCut through large piles of snow easily and quickly

Self-propelling feature makes for easy maneuvering

Compact design takes up less space for storage

Cut through large piles of snow easily and quickly

Red FlagsSetup took about 40 minutes before first use

Setup took about 40 minutes before first use

The Ariens Classic snow blower blew us away (pun intended). Two thick-treaded wheels lift the base of this machine off the ground, and a self-propelling feature offers six forward and two reverse speeds to help you easily go up or down driveways and sidewalks at an incline without any strenuous pushing.

On the day we tested this snow blower, we faced 4.3 inches of wet snow covering the driveway and more than a foot of snow piled at the end of the driveway. The Ariens Classic easily cut through heavy, wet snow down the driveway and handled the foot-high pile of snow within just a few minutes.

While this machine cleared the snow quickly, it took about 40 minutes to set up. The snow blower comes with both paper and video instructions and requires you to have a few tools at home to assemble.

Power Source:Gas |Weight:187 pounds |Dimensions:44 x 26 x 54 inches |Throw Distance:40 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 12 inches

People / Ashley Craiger

Ariens Classic 2-Stage 24-Inch Snow Blower displayed on pavement

Best Snow Blower for Heavy SnowAriens Deluxe 28 SHOPHOTO: People / Jodi Espinosa$1,899 at AmazonView on Ariens.comView on Aeoutdoorpower.comStar QualitiesCan clear a large path in secondsOffers both choke and electric start optionsGreat extra features like LED headlights and auger-control gripsRed FlagsVery large machine might be hard to storeHeavy-duty snow piles were no match for this tough snow blower. The gas-powered machine easily cut through tall end-of-driveway snow piles, and though the machine itself is quite heavy, the self-propelling feature made it feel light and easy to maneuver.We tried out both the electric start and choke-start options and found that both turned the machine on quickly and easily. The electric-start option might come in handy during colder temperatures because it doesn’t require the tugging of a choke start. The machine’s chute has a lever on the side that makes it easy to direct the snow away from the path, and it comes with anice scraperto remove any possible clogs in the machine.Another handy feature is an auger-control option on the handle grips that allows you to keep the self-propelling function going without the auger. This machine also comes with LED headlights for plowing any time of day. Overall, this machine was easy to set up and use, and we recommend it to anyone who wants a snow blower that can easily tackle big jobs with minimal effort.Power Source:Battery |Weight:267.5 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 30 x59 inches |Throw Distance:55 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 14 inchesPeople / Jodi Espinosa

Best Snow Blower for Heavy SnowAriens Deluxe 28 SHOPHOTO: People / Jodi Espinosa$1,899 at AmazonView on Ariens.comView on Aeoutdoorpower.com

Best Snow Blower for Heavy SnowAriens Deluxe 28 SHO

Best Snow Blower for Heavy Snow

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

PHOTO: People / Jodi Espinosa

A person clears snow from a driveway with Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Snow Blower

$1,899 at AmazonView on Ariens.comView on Aeoutdoorpower.com

Star QualitiesCan clear a large path in secondsOffers both choke and electric start optionsGreat extra features like LED headlights and auger-control gripsRed FlagsVery large machine might be hard to store

Star QualitiesCan clear a large path in secondsOffers both choke and electric start optionsGreat extra features like LED headlights and auger-control grips

Can clear a large path in seconds

Offers both choke and electric start options

Great extra features like LED headlights and auger-control grips

Red FlagsVery large machine might be hard to store

Very large machine might be hard to store

Heavy-duty snow piles were no match for this tough snow blower. The gas-powered machine easily cut through tall end-of-driveway snow piles, and though the machine itself is quite heavy, the self-propelling feature made it feel light and easy to maneuver.

We tried out both the electric start and choke-start options and found that both turned the machine on quickly and easily. The electric-start option might come in handy during colder temperatures because it doesn’t require the tugging of a choke start. The machine’s chute has a lever on the side that makes it easy to direct the snow away from the path, and it comes with anice scraperto remove any possible clogs in the machine.

Another handy feature is an auger-control option on the handle grips that allows you to keep the self-propelling function going without the auger. This machine also comes with LED headlights for plowing any time of day. Overall, this machine was easy to set up and use, and we recommend it to anyone who wants a snow blower that can easily tackle big jobs with minimal effort.

Power Source:Battery |Weight:267.5 pounds |Dimensions:45 x 30 x59 inches |Throw Distance:55 feet |Ideal Snow Depth:Up to 14 inches

People / Jodi Espinosa

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Snow Blower in its box

While a snow blower can drastically reduce the time it takes to clear your driveway, using one will still require you to be out in the cold for a bit. To make braving the cold temperatures more bearable, we recommend the following PEOPLE Tested cold-weather winners.

Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush$17 at AmazonOroro Classic Heated Jacket$200$140 at AmazonView on Ororowear.com

Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush$17 at Amazon

Moyidea Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush

Moyidea 36-Inch Extendable Ice Scraper Snow Brush

$17 at Amazon

Ororo Classic Heated Jacket$200$140 at AmazonView on Ororowear.com

Ororo Classic Heated Jacket

Ororo Women’s Classic Heated Jacket

$200$140 at AmazonView on Ororowear.com

What to Know About Snow Blowers

Types of Snow Blowers

Traditionally, snow blowers (much likelawn mowers) relied on gas and oil as the sole source of power. Nowadays, you can also find a handful of electric-powered options on the market. Both gas and electric snow blowers have pros and cons: Gas-powered snow blowers are often more powerful than their electric counterparts but also give off fumes that can negatively affect the environment. While electric snow blowers are more eco-friendly, Higley tells us they’re only recommended for light, fluffy snow because they’re less durable than their gas-powered counterparts.

Single-stage snow blowers use an auger to pick up and propel the snow out of your path. They usually can’t handle quite as much snow as double-stage machines. Double-stage snow blowers use an auger to pick up the snow and a separate fan-like mechanism to throw the snow away from your path. Double-stage machines can typically throw the snow further than single-stage machines.

Surface Type

While snow blowers can be used on concrete and asphalt driveways without worry, Higley says gravel driveways are a different story. “If you’re clearing a gravel driveway, you will need to choose a two-stage blower,” Higley says. “The paddles on electric and one-stage blowers make contact with the surface, so you risk throwing rocks and gravel with these machines.” Our top pick for a two-stage blower is theCub Cadet 2X 26-Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower.

Climate

The right snow blower for you is highly dependent on the climate that you live in — whether you get lots of snow or just a sprinkling (or if the snow tends to be moist and dense or light and powdery). If you live in a climate that tends to get a lot of sun and snow during the winter, you should keep in mind that melted snow that freezes over can turn into icy sludge that might require a tougher machine. Each snow blower is rated for different depths and types of snow, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing the right machine for your local climate.

Price Range

While most double-stage snow blowers are in the $1,000-$1,700 range, you can find less expensive singe-stage models for around $600, including our pick for the best budget snow blower, theEgo Power+ Peak Power 21-Inch Snow Blower.

People / Anna Knief

Close up of a person adjusting the power settings on the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

We tested the best snow blowers on the market to narrow it down to the five top-performing machines. We rated each snow blower on design, performance, ease of use, value, and safety.

At the end of our winter testing period, we determined the five best snow blowers to clear your path quickly and efficiently. Our top pick, theCub Cadet 2X 26-Inch IntelliPower Snow Blower, impressed us with its power and maneuverability.

Cai Crameris a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE who covers the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To compile this article, she consulted our testers for their opinions on a range of snow blowers, considering design, ease of use, performance, and safety. Cai grew up in snowy Colorado and knows from experience how frustrating large snowfalls can be when clearing your driveway. During her research, she also spoke with expert Cheryl Higley.

Our Expert PanelCheryl Higleyis the director of education at theSnow and Ice Management Association.

Our Expert Panel

Cheryl Higleyis the director of education at theSnow and Ice Management Association.

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source: people.com