BUYING GUIDE · OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

How to Choose a Snow Blower

The best snow blower for a property is the one suited to its driveway, walkways, typical snow conditions and available storage. Start with the area you need to clear rather than choosing by engine size or clearing width alone.

Browse snow blowers and outdoor equipment at Armley Bigdiscount →

1. Match the machine to the area and surface

Measure the driveway and walkways and note whether the surface is smooth pavement, concrete, gravel or uneven. A compact single-stage machine may suit smaller paved areas and lighter to moderate snowfall. A two-stage model is often worth comparing for larger areas, deeper snow, gravel surfaces or heavier clearing work. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific model and conditions.

Toro’s snow blower selection guide distinguishes single-stage machines for small to medium paved areas from two-stage machines designed for medium to large areas and surfaces that can include gravel. Use that as a starting point, then confirm the product’s own specifications.

See Toro’s snow blower selection guide.

2. Understand single-stage and two-stage designs

• Single-stage: The auger gathers and moves snow in one process. These models are commonly considered for smaller paved driveways, sidewalks and moderate snowfall.
• Two-stage: The auger gathers snow and an impeller helps discharge it through the chute. These machines are commonly considered for larger areas, deeper snow and some gravel-driveway applications.
• Power shovels: Compact tools for steps, decks and short walkways; they are not a substitute for a full-size blower when clearing a large driveway.

3. Compare gas and battery power

Gas models avoid battery recharge planning and can suit longer clearing sessions, but require fuel, engine maintenance and appropriate storage. Battery models avoid gasoline and engine maintenance, but the battery capacity, number of included batteries, charger and expected clearing workload matter. Check the product listing carefully: some battery snow blowers are sold as bare tools without batteries or a charger, while others include a complete kit.

4. Check the specifications that affect everyday use

• Clearing width and intake height: These indicate the path and depth a machine is designed to take in per pass.
• Drive system: Push, self-propelled or other drive arrangements affect maneuvering.
• Chute control and throwing distance: Check how the chute is adjusted and the manufacturer’s stated throwing-distance conditions.
• Starting method: Recoil and electric start options differ by model.
• Lighting, heated grips and tracks: Treat these as model-specific features, not standard equipment.
• Storage and maintenance: Measure the storage space and review the manual, warranty and maintenance requirements.

Examples from the Armley catalogue

Snow blower buying checklist

• Measure the driveway, path and storage space.
• Identify pavement, gravel, slope and areas where snow piles up.
• Compare typical snow depth with the model’s stated capacity.
• Confirm whether batteries and a charger are included, if applicable.
• Read the operator’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Check the product page for current price, availability, warranty and delivery details.

Need help comparing models? Visit the outdoor equipment catalogue or contact Armley Bigdiscount with the model names you are considering.