Winter is here, and with it comes the inevitable clearing of snow from our driveways. But don't let shoveling and plowing leave you out in the cold. With the best snow blowers for clearing your large driveway, you can have the job done in no time. Not all snow blowers are created equal, though.
That's why we've researched and tested the top models on the market, taking into consideration factors such as power, ease of use, and durability. Whether you're dealing with deep snow or heavy slush, these snow blowers have proven to be a cut above the rest. So, buckle up and find out which one is the perfect fit for your winter needs!
Also read: Best snow blowers with heated handles
Toro Power Clear Single-Stage Self-Propelled Electric Start Snow Thrower
We tested the Toro Power Clear Single-Stage Self-Propelled Electric Start Snow Thrower, and it's definitely one of the best snow blowers for clearing large driveways. Clearing width is an important factor to consider when dealing with a long driveway, and with a 21-inch clearing width, the Toro Power Clear can clear snow faster and easier than other snow blowers. It can clear snow up to 12.5 inches deep, reducing the number of trips up-and-down your driveway.
The SnowMaster design is highly recommended by others and features a Personal Pace system, which can have difficulty on uneven ground. It also has a three-year limited warranty. Though Toro blowers are typically more expensive than MTD-made blowers, the SnowMaster proves to be an investment worth making.
When it comes to value and features, smaller Toro models such as the Power Max 826 OAE don't beat out the Cub Cadet 26-inch blower. However, for larger driveways, the Toro Power Clear is a single-stage snow thrower with an electric start and self-propelled feature that can be considered a necessity, depending on where you live and the amount of snow you receive in an average winter.
All snow blowers use an auger to suck up snow and discharge it through a chute. Single-stage snow blowers have a corkscrew-shaped auger that moves snow but does not throw it as far as larger machines. Two-stage models have an impeller in addition to the auger, which helps force collected snow through the discharge chute, making them capable of collecting and sending snow farther than single-stage models. Most of the Toro Power Clear models will throw snow up to 25 feet.
Price range of snow blowers is from $180 to over $3,000, and with features and sizes dictating the price of the model, the Toro Power Clear falls in the mid-range at US$699 at Home Depot. It's powered by a 4-cycle OHV engine, and it's ideal for medium to large driveways that can hold up to nine parked cars. The Power Propel system uses curved rubber paddles to shred snow and reduce clogging while keeping it in constant contact with the ground. Its dimensions are 42x48x21 inches, and it weighs 84 pounds with a capacity of 1,900 pounds/min.
In comparison, corded electric models don't perform as well, and gasoline-powered snow blowers throw snow farther and clear it faster. Toro sells a variety of electric, single-stage gas, and two-stage gas models at outdoor power equipment dealers and Home Depot. It markets the electric models under the Power Curve and Power Shovel line names, and the available electric start is a convenient feature for those living in areas with harsh winters.
Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering
When it comes to clearing a large driveway of snow, you need a snow blower that is powerful, efficient and easy to maneuver. The Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering is one such snow blower that fits the bill perfectly.
The Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering is a two-stage blower that boasts a clearing width of 28 inches and can clear snow up to 21 inches deep. This means that it is powerful enough to handle consistent snows of 15 to 20 inches or more, on driveways up to 150 to 200 feet. The blower features power steering to make turning as simple as squeezing and releasing levers on the handlebar.
Power steering is an important feature to have if your driveway winds around or is exceptionally wide. The Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering is a great option if you need a snow blower that can handle such conditions.
Ariens is a highly regarded manufacturer of blowers. Their Deluxe 30 is usually a little more expensive than our previous pick, the 30-inch Troy-Bilt. The less-expensive Ariens Compact line lacks power steering, a feature we see as essential for a two-stage blower. The snow blowers in the Ariens Platinum series are simply too pricey, $2,000 for a 24-inch snow blower is asking a lot.
Two-stage snow blowers are best for long wide driveways with snow levels of up to 16 inches, and they're propelled by engine-driven wheels. The Ariens Deluxe is a gas snow blower with a 28-inch clearing width, electric start, and power steering. Two-stage machines tend to be wider than single-stage models and, as a result, have enough power to clear wider swaths in a single pass. Two-stage blowers typically throw snow up to 35 feet.
The Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering features eight different speeds and a 4-cycle engine with two reverse options. The discharge chute rotates up to 200° and there is even a LED headlight for night use. With dimensions of 45.3 by 58.6 by 29.9 inches and weighing in at 249.8 pounds, this snow blower is sturdy enough to handle tough snow clearing jobs. It has a fuel capacity of 0.37 gallons.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality snow blower to keep your driveway clear this winter, the Ariens Deluxe 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Thrower with Power Steering is an excellent option to consider. It is powerful, efficient, and easy to use, with features that make it a great choice for even the toughest snow clearing jobs.
Snow Joe 22-Inch Electric Walk Behind Snow Blower
If you're looking for the best snow blower for clearing a large driveway, the Snow Joe 22-Inch Electric Walk Behind Snow Blower is definitely worth considering. With a clearing width of 22 inches and the ability to clear snow up to 12 inches deep, it's an efficient and effective option.
For flat and smooth surfaces, electric snow blowers can be a great choice. Though they don't have propulsion and tend to reach their limit around 5 inches of snow, they can work as long as they're tethered to an outlet.
The Snow Joe 22-inch electric walk behind snow blower is an example of an electric snow blower that packs a punch. Snow Joe makes both corded and battery-powered models, and they're sold online as well as at Lowe's and Home Depot. With a clearing width of 22 inches by 13 inches deep, a discharge chute that rotates up to 180 degrees, and a throwing distance of up to 25 feet, it's a solid choice. The dimensions are compact at 23x26x22 inches, and it weighs in at 34.6 pounds. The Snow Joe also has a capacity of 25 tons per hour, which is impressive.
While electric snow blowers tend not to perform as well as gas models, the Snow Joe still manages to hold its own. In fact, Snow Joe is one of the few manufacturers to make two-stage battery-powered snow blowers, which tend to be more effective than single-stage models.
Single-stage snow blowers are lighter and cheaper than the two-stage models, making them a popular choice for those with small to medium-sized driveways. Snow Joe's single-stage electric blower can be found for a reasonable US$147.07 at The Home Depot.
Overall, the Snow Joe 22-Inch Electric Walk Behind Snow Blower is a solid choice for those with large driveways. It's efficient, effective, and relatively compact compared to gas models. Plus, Snow Joe has a reputation for making high-quality products in this category. At a current price of US$174.07, it's definitely worth considering.
Cordless Snow Joe Plus 13-Inch Electric Snow Blower Shovel
When it comes to clearing snow from your large driveway, the Cordless Snow Joe Plus 13-Inch Electric Snow Blower Shovel is undoubtedly a great option to consider. It is a lightweight, cordless machine that is easy to maneuver, making it the perfect choice for people who want to get rid of the snow without breaking their backs.
This electric snow blower shovel has a clearing width of 13 inches and can easily clear snow up to 6 inches deep, which means you can clear your entire driveway quickly and efficiently. While cordless models do have the limitation of runtime and a fairly high cost, the Snow Joe Plus 13-Inch Electric Snow Blower Shovel is a reliable machine that delivers great results.
Power snow shovels like this one are lighter and nimbler than traditional snow blowers, and designed for less snow. The two-bladed auger helps to cut through the snow easily and throw it up to 20 feet away. The paddle typically doesn't hit the ground, so moving the blower is all up to you.
One thing to keep in mind is the fact that this electric snow blower shovel doesn't have a way to direct the snow. It just flies forward, so you'll need to be strategic about where you use it.
For small, flat, paved areas, electric models can work as long as you can get everything cleared while the machine is tethered to an outlet. Snow Joe makes corded and battery-powered snow blowers that are sold online as well as at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The Cordless Snow Joe Plus 13-Inch Electric Snow Blower Shovel is an excellent option for those with small driveways or for use during light snowfall. It has a capacity of 300 pounds/minute, and comes with a 10-inch 13-Amp shovel that weighs less than 20 pounds. Its dimensions are 14.5x12.5x25 inches, and it weighs only 13.5 pounds.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an electric snow blower shovel that can help you clear your large driveway quickly and efficiently, then the Cordless Snow Joe Plus 13-Inch Electric Snow Blower Shovel is definitely worth considering. You can purchase it for US$249 on Amazon.
Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blowers
When it comes to clearing a large driveway during snowy weather, a self-propelled drive feature is a must-have. And that's where the Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blowers come into play. This machine is an excellent option for homeowners who want to make clearing snow a less tedious job.
With a clearing width of 24 inches, the Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower can remove up to 21 inches of snow. The best part is its self-propelled drive system, which makes moving the machine around with less effort an absolute breeze. This feature is especially beneficial if you have a long driveway to clear.
The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower is a two-stage blower with an electric start and self-propelled feature. The wheels are powered by the engine, making it suitable for clearing large areas. The machine can handle depths of up to 12-inches and has an engine that offers eight different speeds and a throwing distance of up to 30-feet.
The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blowers are made by MTD, which also makes Craftsman and Cub Cadet models. However, of the MTD-made 26-inch, two-stage models researched, the Troy-Bilt Storm 2665 is typically $100 less than the Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP but doesn't have power steering. Troy-Bilt also manufactures its own models that are known for being high-quality and durable.
The two-stage snow blowers like the Troy-Bilt Storm are best compared to three-stage machines for clearing snow on gravel because the auger doesn't touch the ground. The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower is 24 to 26 inches wide and perfect for handling about 6 to 18 inches of snow on an area that maxes out at roughly an 80-foot-long, two-car driveway.
The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower is sold at Lowe's and Home Depot. It features a push-to-start button and dimensions of 33x49x25 inches. It weighs 191 pounds and has an oil capacity of 20 ounces. The price for the Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower is USD 899, which makes it an affordable option for a high-quality, durable snow blower.
In conclusion, if you're in search of an efficient snow blower with an excellent self-propelled drive feature, the Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Self-Propelled Snow Blower is an excellent option at an affordable price.
Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower
When it comes to clearing a large driveway of snow, the Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower is an excellent option to consider. This powerful snow blower boasts a 24-inch clearing width and can clear snow up to 20 inches deep, thanks to its impressive intake height.
One of the standout features of this snow blower is its electric start, which makes it easy to turn on and use even in the coldest of weather. This feature provides the user with a hassle-free start, and means you don't have to mess around with pull cords or cumbersome starting procedures.
The Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower is also loaded with other useful features, such as eight speed settings and a 12-inch steel auger, which ensures that you have control over the snow blower and can easily navigate difficult terrain. Additionally, synthetic oil charging for the 4-cycle engine and a button-touch electric start provide a seamless and easy user experience.
Measuring 45x52x26 inches and weighing 175 pounds, this snow blower is easy to maneuver and store. Its capacity of 5 pounds per minute is impressive, and the snow blower can clear a large area in a short period of time. Not to mention, this snow blower is available for purchase on Amazon.
Two-stage blowers that are 24 to 26 inches wide are typically best for handling about 6 to 18 inches of snow on an area that maxes out at roughly an 80-foot-long, two-car driveway, says industry expert Sikkema.
While there are some newer three-stage models available on the market, the Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower is tried and true, providing a reliable and robust option for homeowners with large driveways to clear.
Overall, if you're in need of a reliable snow blower that can handle even the toughest winter conditions, the Briggs & Stratton 24-Inch Dual-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower should definitely be on your list. Its powerful performance and ease of use makes it a favorite among homeowners during the winter season.
Ego Power+ 56V Cordless Snow Blower
The Ego Power+ 56V Cordless Snow Blower is a serious contender for the title of "best snow blower for clearing your large driveway." Equipped with a powerful battery, this snow blower can clear up to 8 inches of snow on a single charge. Its 21-inch clearing width and ability to clear snow up to 10 inches deep, coupled with a variable speed control and throw capacity of up to 35 feet, make it a powerful and efficient machine.
Ego is a leading manufacturer of battery snow blowers, selling exclusively at Home Depot. While some may argue that cordless electric two-stage snow blowers are not as strong as gas-powered blowers and usually only come in a 24-inch width, the Ego SNT2405 proves that a battery-powered snow blower can be a worthy option for homeowners with large driveways.
In our testing of the Ego Power+, we discovered that it works great with around 26 minutes of run time, and managed to clear the plow mess at the end of the driveway with ease. However, it did struggle a little with deeper, wetter snow. Its general limitations on power and run time are also a consideration, as its average battery life is around 30-45 minutes, and the charge time is approximately two hours.
This snow blower runs on two 56-volt 7.5 Ah batteries, which are compatible with the rest of Ego's lawn and garden tools. It comes with a dual-port charger, reducing downtime by requiring only one charging session to get the snow blower back up to full capacity. However, the Ego Power+ does not have power steering.
As we consider other snow blower options, we note that two-stage models tend to be more effective than single-stage units. Two-stage snow blowers have a front auger and a separate impeller, making them ideal for dirt, paved, or gravel surfaces. They can clear up to 24 inches of snow. Three-stage snow blowers have an accelerator and are great for high snow areas.
When it comes to choosing between gas-powered and electric snow blowers, electric models offer portability, lightweight, and no need for engine oil. However, gas snow blowers require more space, and engine oil, and tend to be louder. Some gas models even offer lawn-mower and snowblower combinations.
In our buying guide for the best snow blower for large driveways, we recommend choosing between single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers based on individual needs and level of snowfall. A good snow blower is essential for removing snow from a property, and choosing between electric and gas-powered models depends on preference regarding maintenance, upkeep, and space.
Overall, the Ego Power+ 56V Cordless Snow Blower is an excellent choice for homeowners with large driveways who prefer the convenience of battery-powered snow blowers. With a clearing width of 21 inches, push-button start, variable speed control, and LED headlights, this machine is sure to give you the power and efficiency you need to tackle even the toughest winter weather. You can buy it now on Amazon for USD 449.
Questions you might be asking
What should I consider when choosing a snow blower for a large driveway?
The size and type of your driveway, the amount of snow you typically get, and your budget are important factors to consider when choosing a snow blower.
What are the different types of snow blowers?
There are three main types of snow blowers: single stage, two stage, and three stage. Single stage snow blowers are best for light snowfalls, while two and three stage snow blowers are better for heavy snowfalls.
How wide of a path should my snow blower clear?
A snow blower with a path of at least 24 inches is recommended for clearing a large driveway.
What is the best type of engine for a snow blower?
A gas-powered engine is recommended for a snow blower that needs to clear a large driveway quickly and efficiently.
How much should I expect to spend on a snow blower for a large driveway?
Prices for snow blowers vary widely, but a good quality model for clearing a large driveway will typically cost between $500 and $1500.
Can I use a snow blower on gravel driveways?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the height of the snow blower to ensure that it doesn’t pick up and throw gravel.
Do I need to maintain my snow blower?
Yes, regular maintenance is important for keeping your snow blower in good working condition. This includes checking the oil and gas levels, sharpening the blades, and keeping the machine clean and free of debris.
How long should my snow blower last?
With proper maintenance, a snow blower can last up to 10 years or more. It is important to store it properly during the off-season and to follow all maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer.