If you live where snow “flurries” are really mini blizzards, you know the drill: you open the door, see a wall of white, and briefly consider listing the house and moving to Florida. A good snow blower will not make winter shorter, but it will make those long, icy months a lot less backbreaking.

Better Homes & Gardens editors spent weeks clearing real driveways and sidewalks with a lineup of snow blowers, then ranked the standouts for power, ease of use, and value. Their findings line up closely with what other major review teams and testing labs have seen in recent years: modern machines are more capable, more user-friendly, and increasingly electricwithout giving up performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the seven best snow blowers tested by BHG and explain which one makes the most sense for your winter realitywhether that’s light powder in the suburbs or heavy, wet slush at the end of a long rural driveway. We’ll also cover key buying tips, safety basics, and real-world lessons learned from many hours behind the handle.

How These Snow Blowers Were Chosen

BHG’s team tested snow blowers in real conditions, clearing actual driveways, walkways, and plow piles over multiple storms. Each model was evaluated for:

• Performance: How quickly it cleared snow, how far it threw it, and how it handled heavy, wet snow versus dry powder.
• Design & features: Controls, chute adjustments, headlights, heated handles, and overall ergonomics.
• Ease of use: Starting (especially in cold weather), steering, turning at the end of a pass, and overall maneuverability.
• Durability & build: Metal versus plastic parts, auger housing, tires, and overall construction quality.
• Value: How much performance you actually get for the price, not just specs on paper.

Alongside BHG’s hands-on testing, we also looked at recommendations from other expert reviewers and owner feedback to understand how these machines hold up over multiple winters. The result is a rounded list that covers different budgets, property sizes, and snow typesnot just “the biggest machine wins.”

Quick Look: The 7 Best Snow Blowers, Tested by BHG

• Best Overall: Ariens Classic Snow Blower
• Best Budget Electric: EGO Power+ Peak Power Snow Blower
• Best Heavy-Duty Gas: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
• Best Cordless Two-Stage: EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower
• Most Durable Gas: CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower
• Best for Long Driveways: Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower
• Easiest to Use: Toro SnowMaster Gas Snow Blower

Let’s dig into what makes each pick stand out, who it’s best for, and a few trade-offs to keep in mind.

The 7 Best Snow Blowers, Tested by BHG

1. Ariens Classic Snow Blower Best Overall

The Ariens Classic is the “Goldilocks” snow blower: not the biggest, not the fanciest, but just right for most homeowners. It’s a two-stage, gas-powered machine that combines serious snow-moving muscle with surprisingly easy handling.

In testing, this model tackled moderate to heavy snow without bogging down, even along the packed, icy mounds created by street plows. The electric push-button start reduces that dreaded pull-cord workout on frigid mornings, while the self-propelled drive gently pulls the blower forward so you’re guiding, not wrestling, it.

• Best for: Typical suburban driveways, frequent storms, and homeowners who want a long-lasting, mid-priced machine.
• What you’ll love: Strong performance for its size, durable metal construction, straightforward controls, and an excellent reputation for reliability.
• What to know: It skips some extras like headlights and advanced steering systems, which helps keep the price in check but may matter if you clear snow before sunrise or on tight, twisty paths.

If you want one gas blower that can handle most winters without feeling like overkill, this is the sweet spot.

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

Gas engines are powerful, but not everyone loves fuel, fumes, and annual tune-ups. The EGO Power+ Peak Power snow blower shows just how far modern battery-powered models have come. Using two 56V batteries, it delivers impressive clearing power in a compact, easy-to-store frame.

During testing, this blower impressed in typical residential conditions: up to about a foot of snow on driveways and sidewalks. The instant-on start is a dream on cold mornings, and there’s no oil, gas, or pull cord to mess with. For light to moderate storms, it almost feels too easy.

• Best for: Small-to-medium driveways, townhomes, and anyone who wants easy, low-maintenance operation.
• What you’ll love: Quiet operation, no fumes, compact storage, and fewer maintenance tasks.
• What to know: Like all battery tools, runtime depends on snow depth and density. Heavy, wet snow or very long driveways may require stopping to recharge or swapping in spare batteries.

If you’re trying to get away from gas but still want something that feels like a “real” snow blower, this is a great entry point.

3. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Best Heavy-Duty Gas

When your “dusting” is everyone else’s snow emergency, a heavy-duty model like the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO earns its keep. This two-stage gas snow blower offers a wide clearing width and a high-output impeller designed to chew through deep, packed snow.

In tougher conditions, such as the dense piles left by plows at the end of the driveway or drifts over a foot deep, the Deluxe 28 SHO flexes its muscles. Larger tires and aggressive treads help with traction, while multiple forward speeds let you slow down for heavy sections and speed up on clear stretches.

• Best for: Large driveways, frequent heavy snowfalls, and rural properties where plow piles and drifts are the norm.
• What you’ll love: Impressive throwing distance, robust steel construction, and features built for demanding winters.
• What to know: It’s heavier and more expensive than midrange models. If your area only occasionally gets big storms, this may be more machine than you need.

For snow belt homeowners who are basically running a small-scale snow removal operation every winter, this is the kind of machine that makes the job feel manageable.

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

The EGO Power+ cordless two-stage snow blower is what happens when battery tech meets big-machine capability. With a two-stage design, self-propelled drive, and multiple batteries providing serious watt-hours, it closes the gap between gas and electric in a way that will appeal to many modern homeowners.

Testers found that it handled deeper, heavier snow better than smaller single-stage electrics, while still offering quiet, low-vibration operation. Adjustable speeds and chute controls make it easy to adapt to different snow conditions and property layouts.

• Best for: Homeowners who typically deal with moderate to heavy snow but prefer to avoid gas engines.
• What you’ll love: Push-button start, less maintenance, and no exhaust fumes compared with gas models.
• What to know: It’s priced like a premium machine, especially once you factor in batteries and charger. For occasional, light snow, it may be more than you need.

If you already own other EGO tools or want a “future-proof,” battery-based setup for your yard, this two-stage cordless model is a compelling centerpiece.

5. CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower Most Durable

CRAFTSMAN’s self-propelled gas snow blower stands out for rugged construction and straightforward reliability. It’s the kind of machine many owners expect to keep for a decade or more with basic maintenance.

During testing, it plowed steadily through repeated storms without showing signs of strain or flex in the housing. Self-propelled drive reduces pushing effort, and the combination of a sturdy metal auger and reinforced chute inspires confidence when you’re punching into compacted piles.

• Best for: Homeowners who want a solid, “buy it once” machine without premium frills.
• What you’ll love: Durable build, reliable gas engine, and a track record of long service life when properly maintained.
• What to know: It may lack some convenience featuressuch as advanced steering aids or heated gripsthat show up on more expensive models.

If your main goal is a tough, dependable workhorse that shrugs off rough usage, this CRAFTSMAN model deserves a close look.

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

Long driveways are where average snow blowers often show their limits. The Cub Cadet 2X with IntelliPower technology is designed to deal with that reality by offering extra torque when conditions demand it, such as heavy or wet snow.

With a robust two-stage design, wide clearing path, and strong engine, this model is built to keep moving when others might stall. IntelliPower technology adjusts engine output automatically, helping maintain impeller speed and throwing distance as conditions change.

• Best for: Long or sloped driveways, frequent storms, and properties where you need consistent power over a lot of ground.
• What you’ll love: Extra torque under load, sturdy construction, and controls that remain manageable despite the machine’s size.
• What to know: As with other heavy-duty gas units, it’s bigger, heavier, and more expensive than models meant for smaller yards.

If you’ve ever reached the end of your driveway with your current snow blower and thought, “That took way too long,” a machine like this can dramatically change the experience.

7. Toro SnowMaster Gas Snow Blower Easiest to Use

The Toro SnowMaster combines the speed of a single-stage design with some of the power you might expect from a two-stage machine. It’s a gas-powered model that focuses heavily on user-friendly operation and quick clearing.

In testing, the SnowMaster’s responsive drive system and intuitive controls stood out. It moves briskly, which can help you clear a driveway much faster than with heavier, slower machines. The auger and drive are designed to keep you gliding along rather than inching forward.

• Best for: Busy homeowners who want to clear their driveway quickly and don’t need a full-on heavy-duty beast.
• What you’ll love: Fast clearing, simple controls, and a design that feels less intimidating if you’re new to gas snow blowers.
• What to know: In extreme conditions with very deep or icy snow, a large two- or three-stage model may still be the better choice.

If your winter goal is “in and out in 20 minutes,” the Toro SnowMaster’s efficiency is a major perk.

Gas vs. Electric: Which Snow Blower Is Right for You?

One of the biggest choices you’ll make is fuel type. Both gas and electric snow blowers can be excellentif they match your typical conditions.

Choose Gas if:

• You regularly get over 8–10 inches of snow in a single storm.
• Your driveway is long, steep, or includes plow piles that turn into icy boulders.
• You do not mind basic engine maintenance and safely storing fuel.

Choose Battery Electric if:

• Your driveway is short-to-medium length with mostly light to moderate snow.
• You prioritize quieter operation, no fumes, and easier starting.
• You already own other cordless tools and like sharing batteries.

Corded electric snow blowers exist too, but their range is limited by an extension cord. They can work for short walkways or small patios, but for most homeowners dealing with regular winter storms, gas or battery models are far more practical.

Key Features to Compare Before You Buy

Beyond fuel type, pay attention to these specs and features, which can dramatically change how your snow blower feels to use.

Snow Blower Stage

• Single-stage: Lighter and simpler. The auger both scoops and throws the snow. Great for light to moderate snow on flat, paved surfaces.
• Two-stage: Uses an auger to collect snow and a separate impeller to throw it. Better for deeper or heavier snow and rougher terrain.
• Three-stage: Adds an accelerator to break up extremely heavy, icy snow. These are typically large, premium machines aimed at the harshest conditions.

Clearing Width and Intake Height

A wider clearing path means fewer passes up and down the driveway, but very wide machines can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Taller intake housings handle deep drifts better, especially near the street where plows pile everything up.

Drive System and Steering

Self-propelled drive is a game-changer for heavier machines. Look for multiple speeds and, on larger models, steering aids or triggers that help you pivot at the end of each pass. If you have tight turns, fences, and cars to work around, easy steering will matter more than raw power.

Chute Control and Throwing Distance

Ability to change chute direction and angle from the handle is essential. You want to send snow away from driveways, cars, and neighbors’ yards, not on top of them. Longer throwing distance is helpful in wide-open spaces; in small yards, precise control is more important than maximum distance.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated grips, LED headlights, one-handed chute controls, and electric start may feel like luxuriesuntil you’re out there at 6 a.m. in the dark, trying to beat the school bus. If you routinely clear snow in low light or extreme cold, these features are worth prioritizing.

Safety and Maintenance Basics

Snow blowers save your back, but they demand respect. A few core habits go a long way toward keeping you safe and your machine running well:

• Never reach into the chute or auger with your hands. Use the clearing tool that comes with the machine, and shut it off completely before unclogging.
• Watch for hidden obstacles. Toys, rocks, and chunks of ice can become dangerous projectiles and damage the auger or housing.
• Protect your footing. Wear boots with good traction and consider traction cleats if you’ll be working on steep or icy surfaces.
• Check your surroundings. Keep kids, pets, and bystanders well away from the discharge chute and the area you’re clearing.
• Stay on top of maintenance. For gas models, change oil as recommended, use fresh fuel, and drain or stabilize the tank before off-season storage. For battery models, store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid fully draining them.

These small steps help your investment last longer and significantly reduce the risk of injury or property damage.

Real-World Snow Blower Lessons from the Driveway (Extra Experiences)

Reading specs is helpful, but snow blowers earn their reputation in the wild. Here are some lived-in lessons and “I wish I’d known that” moments that can help you choose and use your machine more confidently.

1. Your First Storm Is a Test Drive, Not a Final Exam

Many owners report that the first storm with a new snow blower feels a bit chaotic: you’re figuring out speeds, chute direction, turning radius, and where to pile snow. That’s completely normal. Treat that first run as a practice session. Start with the flattest, most open parts of the driveway, get a feel for forward speeds and reverse, and only then tackle tricky slopes or tight spots around cars and steps.

By the second or third storm, most people find their rhythm and can clear the same space in half the time.

2. Plan Your Snow Piles Like a Game of Chess

Where you put snow on the first storm affects every storm after that. If you pile snow too close to the driveway edges early in the season, you’ll run out of room quickly. Aim to throw snow farther back when possible, especially near the entrance to your driveway where plows stash extra. Heavy-duty models like the Ariens Deluxe or Cub Cadet 2X earn their keep here with longer throwing distances and more power to push snow well away from traffic areas.

3. Battery Reality vs. Marketing Numbers

Battery-powered blowers often advertise impressive runtimes, but conditions matter. Cold batteries, deep snow, and wet slush will shorten runtime compared with light, fluffy snow on a mild day. Many homeowners find that a “45-minute” runtime translates into closer to 20–30 minutes in challenging conditions.

The practical takeaway: if you choose a cordless model like the EGO Peak Power or the EGO two-stage, consider buying extra batteries or scheduling your clearing in stages. Clear the driveway once mid-storm, then again after the snow stops, instead of waiting for 12 inches to pile up.

4. The Right Size Is About Control, Not Ego

It’s tempting to buy the biggest, most powerful machine you can afford. However, a snow blower that’s too large for your space can actually be harder to live with. Oversized machines can feel awkward on short driveways, tight turns, or narrow walkways, and their extra weight may overwhelm smaller operators.

Owners with compact suburban lots often report that mid-range models like the Ariens Classic or Toro SnowMaster feel “just right”powerful but still nimble. Reserve the heavy-duty beasts for long, wide, or rural driveways that genuinely need them.

5. Early Starts Beat Last-Minute Scrambles

One of the most repeated pieces of advice from seasoned snow blower users is to clear early and often during big storms. Waiting until the snow stops may sound efficient, but by that time you could be dealing with deep, compacted layers that challenge even powerful machines.

Instead, run your blower once when you have three to four inches on the ground, then again when the storm ends. You’ll reduce strain on the machine, protect your driveway surface, and have a much easier time keeping walkways clear for mail carriers, delivery drivers, and your own sanity.

6. Off-Season Care Pays Off Big Time

Snow blowers often fail not in the middle of winter, but on the first cold morning of the season, when they’ve been sitting for six to eight months. Simple off-season stepslike draining or stabilizing fuel, changing oil, checking belts, and lubricating moving partsdramatically reduce the chance that your machine will refuse to start when you need it most.

Battery owners should store packs partially charged (often around 40–60%, as recommended by the manufacturer) and avoid leaving them attached to the machine in an unheated shed year-round. A few minutes of prep in spring and fall can add years to your snow blower’s life.

7. Match the Machine to the Person Who Will Use It Most

Finally, think about who will be behind the handle most often. If it’s someone who hates dealing with engines, a cordless model with push-button start may be the difference between consistently cleared paths and “we’ll just drive through it.” If it’s a taller or shorter user, handle height and control layout matter. If multiple people will share the job, look for machines with intuitive controls and adjustable features.

The best snow blower is not just the one with the highest horsepower or longest spec sheetit’s the one you (and your family) will actually feel comfortable wheeling out whenever the forecast turns ugly.

Conclusion

The seven snow blowers highlighted heretested by Better Homes & Gardens and backed by broader expert insightscover a wide range of winter situations. From the all-around capable Ariens Classic to the battery-powered convenience of EGO models, the long-driveway strength of Cub Cadet, and the user-friendly speed of the Toro SnowMaster, there is a smart option for nearly every homeowner.

Choose your machine based on your typical snowfall, property size, and comfort with maintenance, and you’ll transform snow removal from a dreaded chore into a quick, manageable task. Your back, your schedule, and your driveway will all thank you.

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