Most people looking for snow blowers are looking for models that pack a punch, with powerful engines and snow removing capabilities. After all, if you aren't dealing with moderate to heavy snowfalls, a shovel would probably suffice for your snow situation.
It's undeniable that gas-powered snow blowers are the most powerful type of snow blower. However, like the snowflakes they clean up, every gas snow thrower model is completely unique, with different quality levels.
To help you find the perfect gas snow blower, this comprehensive guide includes reviews on the best models available this year, along with an in-depth buyer's guide with helpful purchasing tips.
Our Top 3 Gas-Powered Snow Blowers
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Briggs & Stratton Light Duty Model 1696610 Dual-Stage Snow Blower |
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Why You Should Trust Us
When your car, driveway, and pathways are covered with snow, Backyard Boss has got you covered.
Our dedicated team has used countless snow removal tools including shovels, snow blowers, and even power brooms. We've researched all of the industry's top brands and tools and have written on almost every snow removal topic under the sun.
We can help you decide whether you need a three-stage or a two-stage snow blower, we've explored the the benefits of handheld power brooms, and we've reviewed the best ergonomic snow shovels.
For the easiest winter of your life, check out our informative, in-depth guides, so you get the best gear for you. We're not only passionate about tools, we're passionate about genuinely helping our readers have a happy and hassle-free winter.
Top 5 Gas Snow Blower Reviews
The Best All Around Gas Snow Blower
This is a seriously powerful little blower with a manageable size but the strength to take on large, wet slushy snow banks.
- Works well in wet, slushy snow
- Clears down to concrete
- Huge 23 inch intake height
- Easy assembly, but poor tools
- Impeller may dent with the uptake of rocks
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Husqvarna is one of the most recognizable names in snow blowers with a wide range of high-quality models. One of their best models is the Husqvarna ST224 Two-Stage Snow Thrower which pairs its compact size with impressive snow removal capabilities.
This machine has a 208cc engine that enables it to take on moderate to heavy snowfalls with ease, clearing large areas quickly. The adjustable skid shoes allow you to work over uneven surfaces and clear all the way down to the concrete.
With a 24-inch clearing wide and a 20-inch intake height, this snow blower is more than capable of taking on large snowdrifts. The auger is serrated to help get into packed snow, which enables this blower to power through the annoying chunks that snow plows leave at the end of your driveway.
Its auger and impressively powerful discharge chute allow this machine to throw snow as far as 30 feet away. One downside of this blower, though, is that its impeller may dent if it picks up rocks.
This product also comes with some awesome details to help make your work more comfortable. Heated handle grips keep you toasty warm, and an adjustable handle height allows anyone of any stature to operate this machine. Plus, headlights allow you to work through any conditions, at any time.
This is a seriously powerful little blower made specifically for residential use but with the power to double for professional work. The ST224 clears large driveways and pathways with ease, which is impressive considering its compact size.
The Most Affordable Gas Snow Blower
This two-stage snow thrower is easy to maneuver and perfect for areas that experience frequent, moderate snowfalls.
- Great for deep, light snow
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy electric start
- Can be difficult to assemble
- May not handle deep, wet snow well
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Synonymous with durable, long-lasting products, Briggs & Stratton is known across the industry for their high-quality and impressive line of snow blowers. When it comes to their Light Duty Model 1696610 Dual-Stage Snow Blower they really knocked it out of the park.
This light-duty model is nothing to scoff at, and with a 208cc engine, and huge 14 x 20-inch housing, it can power through frequent, moderate snowfalls with ease. This is their smallest dual-stage design and is made specifically for residential use. Although they do offer a slightly larger version of the same design for more medium-duty work, most reviews state that this model stands up to its specs and more.
Six forward speeds, two reverse speeds, and large 13 x 5-inch tires make this machine more than easy to maneuver over almost any terrain. It has other convenient features too like freehand control, side manual chute rotation, and an electric starter.
The main downside of this snow blower is that it's better suited for light snow, instead of heavy, wet snowfalls. It has trouble picking up wet snow, which can slow it down significantly. Other than that, this a great, light-duty snow thrower for residential use.
The Best Gas Snow Blower for Clearing on an Incline
With an inexpensive price tag and easy-to-maneuver system, this self-propelled snow blower is an excellent choice for people new to using snow blowers.
- Inexpensive
- Self-propelled
- Easy-to-maneuver
- Some parts are cheaply made
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Gas-powered three-stage snow blowers are some of the toughest snow removal machines on the market. The Wen Three-Stage Self-Propelled Snow Blower is no exception, with a powerful 212cc engine that can go through 1800 pounds of snow per minute.
Plow through the snow on your walkways and driveway with this beast of a machine's 21-inch intake height and 24-inch clearing width. Easily take on larger driveways and wider walkways.
No need to worry about snow piling up where you don't want it. This machine's durable discharge chute can throw snow up to 30 feet away. Its crank handle allows you to rotate the chute 190 degrees so you can move snow exactly where you want it to be.
You may worry that because of all of its power this machine may be hard to push, but in reality, with its self-propelled system and four forward settings and two reverse ones, it's extremely easy to maneuver. Its rugged 13-inch tires make moving over the toughest terrains simple. What's more, at 172 pounds, it's also the lightest model in this list.
This is one of the most affordable three-stage snow blowers, and even one of the most affordable gas snow blowers. However, that cost is reflected in some of the parts being cheaply made. Otherwise, this is an excellent machine for people who want an inexpensive, powerful gas-powered three-stage snowblower.
The Most Powerful Gas-Powered Snow Blower
Perfect for dealing with tall snowbanks and uneven, snow-covered terrains, this compact snow blower gets the job done fast.
- Handles tall snowbanks
- Great for steep terrains
- Long warranty
- Hard to turn it
- Weak headlights
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Looking for a compact snow blower that can get into small spaces but doesn't make any compromises when it comes to power? Then you'll love the Ariens Compact Two-Stage Snow Blower.
Making no concessions when it comes to power, this little snow blower that can is an absolute beast. While it's much smaller than other Ariens models, its powerful 223cc engine and tall 20-inch intake height enable it to take on the fiercest snowstorms.
In fact, it can even take on banks much larger than its intake height which is a sign of a high-quality snow blower. With a fairly sizable clearing width of 24 inches, it's also capable of clearing wide pathways and larger driveways quickly.
Using this model's convenient electric start, you can easily get it going in mere seconds. All it should take is one or two pulls. It has other convenient features, too, like self-propulsion, which includes six forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
It's good that this snow blower has self-propulsion because if it didn't, it would be almost impossible to push, weighing 370 pounds. At 370 pounds, it's one of the heaviest snow blowers on this list.
Instead of tires, this snow blower has tracks that allow it to easily maneuver on uneven terrains. However, the downside of tracks is that, paired with its heavy weight, they make this machine a total pain to turn.
Otherwise, this durable gas-powered snow blower is easy to use and extremely powerful, working well on uneven surfaces and efficiently moving piles of wet, heavy snow.
The Best Snow Blower for Large Driveways or Pathways
Featuring heated handgrips, cup holders, self-propulsion, and other convenient features, this premium snow blower makes snow removal a hassle-free experience.
- Extra-wide clearing width
- Convenient features
- Good for all types of snow
- Needs assembly
- Metal shoes
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If you're looking for a premium, hassle-free snow blowing experience then the YB6770 Two-Stage Snow Blower is the best gas-powered snow blower for you. It includes all of the necessary features in gas-powered blowers, like self-propulsion, and so much more.
It has a pretty standard intake height of only 21 inches, however, its clearing width is really where it shines. With an extra-wide mouth that's 26 inches wide, this snow blower is perfect for people who have particularly large pathways and driveways to clear.
Balancing power with comfort, this snow blower has tons of convenient features like an electric push start button so you can turn it on in seconds, heated handgrips so your hands stay warm while you work, and a cup holder for holding your coffee or hot cocoa.
The headlights that are installed in this snow blower's dashboard allow you to work whenever you want to, whether it's daytime or nighttime and whether it's after the storm has already passed or is still coming down.
With an impressive three year warranty, this snow blower is built to last and work on all kinds of tough terrains. Its only real downside is that its metal shoes can scrape surfaces, causing damage. Otherwise, this impressive snow blower will blow you away.
What Is a Gas-Powered Snow Blower?
A gas-powered snow blower is run by a 4-stroke cycle engine. This is an engine that uses four different stages of work to complete a single cycle of operation: the intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This is one of the most common small engines to be used both residentially and commercially and can be found in many pieces of home and yard maintenance equipment.
Run by gas, these snow blowers have a separate oil level and require more maintenance than electric snow throwers. You have to regularly clean their carburetors, properly place spark plugs, and maintain these machine's belts to name a few maintenance requirements.
However, before the possibility of a little extra maintenance makes you to run out and buy an electric snow blower, keep in mind that gas-powered snow blowers are much more powerful than electric ones and have other advantages, like reliable engines and being easy to use.
Why Choose a Gas Powered Snow Blower?
One of the main reasons to choose a gas-powered snow blower is because of the power that it provides. When it comes to strength, gas wins hands-down.
These are durable machines, built specifically for the movement of large amounts of snow to help cut your workload, and time, by more than half. Plus, with a gas-powered version you are not limited in the space you can cover by cords or run time.
Of course, there are some excellent cordless snow blower models to choose from, and every day, electric blowers become more advanced and more powerful. If you care about your environmental impact and receive lighter snowfalls, I would recommend going with an electric snow blower.
Types of Gas Blowers
The three types of gas-powered blowers are single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers.
Which type you should choose depends on how much power you need, how much snow you are receiving, how frequently it snows in your area, and how much ground you have to uncover with your snow blower.
Each type of snow blower processes snow a little differently. Read the descriptions below to determine which type of snow blower is the best for you.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Single-stage models are usually smaller in design and built specifically for home use. They are driven by a single auger, hence the name, that both propels the machine forwards to take up snow in its way, and to toss it through the chute to clear a path. Usually measuring up to approximately 21 inches in width, they can handle around 8 inches of new, light snowfall.
Single-stage blowers are powerful, usually compact, tools that are easy to use and store. Plus, their lighter weight makes them more maneuverable to clear a wider variety of surfaces, such as decks and patios. They are preferred for smooth driveways and walkways as they clean straight to the ground surface without leaving a layer of snow behind.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Two-Stage, or rather, dual-stage snow blowers can be found in a wide variety of sizes, and range from compact versions specific to home use, to powerful, tracked machines for use over larger, uneven yards or commercial properties. Two-stage blowers are driven by both an auger and impeller to take up and throw snow, and also include a drive system complete with gears for even more control and power.
Dual blowers can have clearing widths as wide as 40+ inches and intake heights as tall as 23+ inches. They are capable of taking on the worst of your packed, drifted snow. Most are compact in order to meet the wider variety of needs of homeowners. They also leave behind a thin layer of snow, but only because they are built to be used over uneven terrain and gravel drives without getting caught up by too low a profile.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
This new type of snow blower blows two-stage and single-stage models out of the snow when it comes to power. The only people who truly need three-stage snow blowers are those who encounter frequent, heavy snowstorms.
Unlike two-stage models, three stage-snow blowers have 2 augers. The first auger pulls in snow and ice, directing it the impeller fan, while the second auger munches it up, breaking up compact and tough to get through mounds of snow and ice. This allows three-stage snow blowers to work through hard snow at a much faster rate than two-stage snow blowers.
In fact, three-stage snow blowers can clear away snow at a rate that's 50% faster than two-stage snow blowers. Their only downsides are that they tend to be more expensive and bulky than single-stage and two-stage snow blowers.
Gas-Powered Snow Blower Engine Care
Gas-powered engines are typically larger and have more components than an electric blower. This means they require a lot more maintenance than electric snow blowers do.
To make sure that you never have to try to cash in on a warranty, and to keep your snow blower up and running, be sure to always give it the correct type of fuel, and that you clean it off after every use.
Other maintenance steps include caring for your snow blower's belt, spark plug, and carburetor as soon as you notice any problem with them.
Although it sounds like a lot, it isn't any more care than you provide to a lawn mower; just take care to properly store your blower through the warmer months to keep from gumming up the system.
How to Choose the Best Gas Powered Snow Blower For You
Because of the many available gas blower models, you need to first define your specific needs before choosing one. It's easy to become overwhelmed with brand names and the different types of blowers they offer, but if you first consider how you will be using your machine, you can better narrow down your search.
Do you get regular, deep snowfalls?
Regular, deep snowfalls will call for a more durable two-stage or three-stage machine, while infrequent lighter snowfalls may call for a single-stage snow blower, an electric snow blower, or even just a shovel.
Larger machines often use more gas, are more expensive, and can be harder to handle, so there is no sense in buying one unless you actually need it.
However, if you're receiving snowfall that isn't deep but does involve packed, heavy, and icy snow, a two-stage snow blower might be a better option for you than these less powerful snow removal tools.
Do you own a commercial business?
If you plan on using your blower commercially, you'll want to look into what sort of warranty coverage the company offers on their products for such usage. This is due to how much more use these machines will get compared to residential use only.
Don't mess around with blowers with one year limited warranties, but shoot for at least three years, although that can be hard to find for commercial warranties.
These should be two-stage or three-stage snow blowers, and larger, more expensive models. Look for convenient features, like power steering and self-propulsion because you'll be using this machine a lot.
Do you have limited storage?
If you have limited storage, you'll want to look at both single and dual-stage compact designs made specifically for storage solutions.
Small sizes don't necessarily mean less power. You can find some pretty strong engines in many small housing models. To conserve even more space, folding handles are also a good feature to watch out for in a snow blower.
Are you on a budget?
Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to look for a cheap, unrated model. Many snow blowers can be had for under $500, especially if you are looking for a single stage design, many of which are unexpectedly powerful and have high-quality ratings.
Of course, you also have to be realistic about what type of snow blower and engine you'll be able to find, especially if your budget is particularly restrictive. Other snow removal options, like power brooms, are much cheaper than blowers but still quite effective and better than shovels.
How We Picked
In picking these five gas-powered snow blowers as the absolute best on the market this year, we reviewed the models of the best snow blower brands in the industry, looking at snow blowers offered by Troy-bilt, Cub Cadet, Snow Joe, Toro, Husqvarna, Ariens, Wen, and YARDMAXX.
We wanted to pick snow blowers that represented everything a gas-powered snow blower should be: powerful, convenient, and easy-to-maneuver. That's why every option on this list is notable for its strong engine and capabilities to take on high volumes of snow on tough terrains.
We included a range of snow blowers, for small driveways to large driveways, for handling light snow to wet snow, for numerous different price ranges. Every snow blower on this list was a winner, but only one can be the best.
And Our Winner Is...
For us, the clear winner of the round-up was the YARDMAX YB6770 Two-Stage Snow Blower. It encapsulated everything that a gas-powered snow blower should, with convenient features, strength, and the capability to take on tough terrains. Of course, every snow blower on this list was incredible, so if the YARDMAX YB6770 Two-Stage Snow Blower wasn't your favorite pick a different one.