Every homeowner has thought about the necessity of buying a snow blower at least once in their life. If you cleared the way to your country house with a shovel, your desire to go for the machine is understandable. At first glance, it is not so difficult to regularly remove the fallen snow, but it often happens that it is not possible to always monitor the cleanliness of the territory, especially when a large amount of snow falls during a week.
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In such a situation, this type of machine becomes indispensable. These devices have different engines, bucket sizes, and snow clearing principles. What is the best single-stage snow blower? Let’s find it out.
8 Best Single-Stage Snow Blowers Reviewed
- PowerSmart: Best Gas-Powered Single-Stage Machine – Top Pick
- No products found. – Runner-Up
- WORX 40V: Best Convenient Electric Cordless Snow Blower – Premium Option
- EGO Power+: Great Cordless Model for the Noise Level
- Snow Joe 18”: Top Cordless Snow Blower for Compactness
- Snow Joe 21”: Top Durable Electric Snow Blower
- Greenworks: Best Adjustable Corded Snow Blower
- Earthwise: Best Electric Corded Machine for Small Yard
A snow thrower is a machine for clearing roads of snow. With the help of it, you can clean the paths in your garden and a huge area of impassable drifts, where a shovel does not cope. In this article, you can find detailed reviews of 8 single-stage snow throwers with useful information about the desired model and tables of pros and cons.
Gas-Powered Single-Stage Snow Blowers
1. PowerSmart: Best Gas-Powered Single-Stage Machine
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For the price I paid for this product, it was a good investment. This is a model for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time putting together the device and working with it. PowerSmart is known for its perfect usability and comfort, and I can confirm it after a month of constant use.
The 21-inch snow blower is considered to be medium-sized, but it’s quite compact in reality. The only issue I had with it was the need to hold the extension cord to the machine plug because it didn’t attach tightly. Any slight move without holding the cords together — and it disconnected. I managed to fix it with a patch of scotch.
However, I don’t think that this problem is common among the devices of this company.
- Very easy to operate;
- Comfortable handles to work with;
- Powerful.
- Plastic case;
- Problems with cord.
2. Briggs & Stratton: Best Gas-Powered Tool for the Engine
No products found.
Briggs & Stratton is a company known for its quality engines, so it’s not a surprise that this snow blower boasts a powerful motor. The toothed auger easily shreds heavy, frozen snow. The large controls make the machine easy to operate, even with thick gloves, and the built-in headlights illuminate your path in dim conditions.
I used this snowblower about 6 times. I ran into a cord on the drive, and it caused this part to shear off. This part is called the Auger Claw Ring, and it locks the belt pulley to the auger shaft. Without it, the snowblower will not work.
- Copes with frozen snow;
- Powerful engine;
- Well-known producer.
- Not very effective in light snow.
- The cord might interfere with movement.
Electric Single-Stage Snow Blowers
- Cordless single-stage tools
3. WORX 40V: Best Convenient Electric Cordless Snow Blower
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This electric wired snow blower comes with a scraper and rotating auger, which provides capture and vertical discharge of snow masses. Assembling the machine takes a couple of minutes. The arc handles are accurately sized and curved, and they literally fit into the seats.
The noise level produced by the device can be assessed as average. No screeching or growling, only a calm and measured sound of the engine running at high rpm.
The passport of the blower indicates the maximum distance of the snow jet: up to 6 meters. I mean, only its potency on freshly fallen snow. However, as field tests have shown, the snow blower can make even old snow fly long distances. This unpretentious blower is easy to operate and does not require any special user skills or knowledge to work with it.
The affordable price will more than compensate for the shortcomings. You will not even notice them if you stick to the safety precautions.
- Sturdy construction;
- Eye-catchy design;
- High engine efficiency;
- Remarkable snow throwing capacity;
- Modest price.
- Plastic auger and scraper.
4. EGO Power+: Great Cordless Model for the Noise Level
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Compared to any gas-powered device, this tool is a lot quieter. It’s not silent: There’s a definite whir, and it sounds crunchy when used on harder snow. But I didn’t feel like I needed hearing protection. The device might be quiet enough not to wake the neighbors.
It comes with a single-battery charger, so you have to charge one at a time. The charger is huge. This isn’t an electric drill, after all. You can mount it on the wall. I put it downstairs: It charges faster when it’s not out in a cold garage.
There’s a lever to rotate the discharge chute, although you have to step to the side of the machine and use a handle on the chute if you want to change the up/down angle. Up for further distance; down if it’s windy and blowing back in your face.
- LED backlight;
- Very quiet and easy to maneuver;
- The optimal cost justifies the quality.
- Not powerful enough.
5. Snow Joe 18”: Top Cordless Snow Blower for Compactness
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If you are looking for an inexpensive, rechargeable blower for light jobs, this is a good one. It is small, light, and easy to use. It blows snow for about 20 minutes on a charge, which ensures clearing about 400-500 square feet of 4-5 inches of fresh snow. Then, it takes about 2 hours to charge up again.
Its small size is suitable for clearing decks and fitting in the garage for storage. You can fold the handle to make it even smaller. This 18-inch snow blower is really good for its price, also, this is the easiest snowblower to use.
- Powerful enough;
- Compact;
- A comprehensive, detailed manual;
- A foldable handle for easy storage.
- Plastic case.
- Corded single-stage snow blowers
6. Snow Joe 21”: Top Durable Electric Snow Blower
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The machine’s blade consists of hardened rubber attached to a steel auger. This is a huge improvement over all other manufacturers who still use plastic blades. This rubberized blade doesn’t crack or chip in cold weather conditions, and the steel auger is strong. The rubber parts of the blades are easy to replace by removing a couple of bolts once they get dog-eared.
For power control, all of the newer Snow Joe models have the flip-out plastic lever on one side. They’re a pain to use because they’re only for one (working) hand. If you have a lot of snow to blow, that hand gets tired fast. The top bar on this model ensures you can power the tool with either one or both hands; it reduces fatigue and makes it easier to run.
The producer has removed this bar from the newer designs, but I don’t think it’s an improvement.
- Very effective and powerful;
- Easy to maneuver even for hard snow;
- Remarkable durability.
- Heavy enough compared to other models on the list.
7. Greenworks: Best Adjustable Corded Snow Blower
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The power of the motor of this tool can be compared to its gasoline counterparts. However, there are no harmful emissions from this electric snow blower, and you don’t have to fill it up. Like the previous model, all you have to do is plug it in and press a button.
Here you can adjust the direction of the snow throw, the accidental start protection system, and the folding handle. It makes it easy to store the tool whenever it’s convenient for you.
I’ve been using this Greenworks’ corded electric snow thrower on various types of snow all season long. I used it on icy snow, light snow, powder, heavy snow, and two-inch-deep snow to probably eight inches deep. It was equally effective during operation.
- Affordable;
- Highly powerful;
- You can regulate the direction of throwing snow.
- Plastic paddle.
8. Earthwise: Best Electric Corded Machine for Small Yard
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If you have a smaller yard and don’t get too much heavy snow every year, this model might be a great option for you. I had this machine when I started my way in gardening, and in my opinion, this is the best fit you can find for the money. It’s an efficient single-stage, wire-powered model.
This snow blower tackles drifts up to 30 feet deep and throws snow up to 30 feet. Keep in mind that this is not a heavy-duty machine. If you purchase a model to clear huge areas of wet and heavy snow, you might be disappointed.
- Reliable built;
- Easy operation;
- Adjustable support handle for user comfort.
- Heavy enough when compared to other models.
Single-Stage Snow Blower Buyer’s Guide
Let’s start with the main differences between 1, 2, and 3-stage snow blowers. Overall, devices with more stages are more powerful and capable of cleaning harder snow areas. There is a more detailed description:
- A 1-stage snow blower is the most compact and easy machine to operate, and it is designed for clearing snow in small areas. The system is effective for clearing soft snow with a snow cover height not exceeding 6-8 inches. Snow is removed by a rubberized auger and ejected through a chute;
- 2-stage snow blowers handle icy snow in medium to large areas. A snow blower with a two-stage system is ideal for clearing drifts up to 11.8 inches. These machines are suitable for clearing driveways, wide sidewalks, and parking lots. The two-stage auger system first shreds the snow, gradually pushing it into the rake bucket;
- Snow blowers with a 3-stage auger system are the best in their class. This revolutionary technology makes it possible to remove pressed snow over large areas without too much difficulty.
Benefits of using a single-stage snowblower
Here are the following advantages of the single-stage system: It is lightweight, compact, easy to use, and does not take up much space. The single-stage auger system shovels the snow in the rake bucket and ejects it through the chute. The blades are made of durable reinforced rubber and protect the pavement from damage.
It is ideal for clearing snow on sidewalks and paths. It can handle up to 5.9 inches of snow.
Types of single-stage snow blowers
These machines are distinguished by a method of powering. There are 3 main types:
- Electric snow blowers are limited by the cable length. They are easy to start with the push of a button. Used in a cottage or country house, they remove fresh and lightly caked snow;
- Cordless models come without a cord but work for a limited time. On average, a full battery charge lasts for 20 minutes of work. It is enough to clear a few parking spaces, the road in front of the house, or the driveway;
- Gasoline snow blowers are powerful, heavy, and productive. They cope with large drifts and frozen or icy snow. They are started by a cable, and you need to apply some force to start the tool. It is suitable for the prolonged cleaning of large areas.
How to choose a single-stage snowblower
For cleaning a small area, an inexpensive electric or battery-powered snow blower is enough. Its compact size allows for easy storage inside the house. Commercial single-stage snow blowers might be the best option for a large household. If your area has a non-standard, complex shape, you should choose a highly reliable snow plow.
Type/power source
There are electric and gasoline-powered machines:
- The electric motor of 2.5-3 hp is used in small areas. The advantages of such equipment are its environmental friendliness, ability to be powered from the network or battery, low speed, and relatively low price;
- The power of gasoline engines is higher — from 5 hp, they are equipped with a gearbox, a powerful metal auger, and large wheels, which allows you to use them on any surface.
Size and weight
By weight, snow blowers are divided into light (up to 121 pounds), medium (up to 176 pounds), and heavy (up to 198 pounds). The bigger the size, the higher the power, as a rule.
Clearing width and depth
The size of the bucket determines how much snow the machine can remove in one “run”. Respectively, this is one of the key indicators affecting performance. Buckets with snow blowers on the sides are preferable — they push the snow from the top of the snowdrift directly into the cleaning area.
Intake height
This parameter indicates the height of the fallen snow that a snow blower can capture in one pass. The range of this value does not vary much — it is from 15 to 22 inches for gasoline models and 4-10 inches for electric ones. More powerful snow blowers can handle a large layer of snow at a time.
Handle adjustment
Not all models have the feature to adjust the position of the handles. Cheap options can’t afford it.
Snow throwing distance
The throwing distance differs from model to model. Usually, it does not reach more than 15 meters.
Wheels or tracks
Snow plows on wheels are usually cheaper than those on crawlers. The choice depends on the environment and your requirements:
- Wheeled type. It is installed on both non-self-propelled and self-propelled models. The wheels have a pattern that prevents slippage;
- Crawler type. It is renowned for its excellent traction, high cross-country ability, and feature to work on steep inclines.
Speed control
Self-propelled snow blowers often come with the ability to shift speeds. This way, you can regulate the pace of work.
Chute control
The chute can turn sideways (up to 180 degrees) and change its angle. The adjustment is done manually or with buttons/handles, which is very convenient because you don’t have to stop the snow blower.
Electric start (if gas powered)
According to the type of starter, a snow blower can be manual or electric. The electric starter is effective at low temperatures when you need to quickly start the engine. The manual starter is simpler in construction and does not require an additional power source (electricity or battery).
Additional features
Let’s examine a short list of features that might be included in your model. Some additional safety functions might be present too.
- Headlamp availability: Expensive models can be equipped with one or two powerful headlamps so that you can clear snow at any time of day;
- Heated handles make snow removal more comfortable, especially during severe frosts;
- Wheel release: It is a necessary feature on massive blowers, which provides good maneuverability. When you press the lock button on the go, the unit turns in the direction of the blocked wheel.
FAQ on Single-Stage Snow Blower
There is no specialist in the world that can fit the whole information about these handy devices in one article. So, here are the most popular questions about single-stage snow blowers.
Are single-stage snow blowers any good?
Their biggest advantage is a relatively low price and ease of use. If you need a snow blower for your home, there’s no point in spending money on a two-stage system.
How to make a single-stage snow blower work better?
Like all snow blowers, it’s nearly impossible to improve the performance of this model. Only a basic technical service of old machines can improve their performance. It is easier to buy another device but with upgraded characteristics.
How much snow can a single-stage snow blower handle?
Such a snowplow cannot cope with particularly large drifts. However, there are gas-powered models that can handle any snowdrift, even old and heavy snow.
Choose Top-Quality Single-Stage Snow Blower
I hope that with my reviews, you will manage to choose the right single-stage snow blower for any purpose and territory. A corded snow blower like the Snow Joe SJ625E will be the right choice for harsh climate conditions. Any single-stage snow blower can handle light snow. If you want to save a little money, the model EGO Power will come in handy.
Share your thoughts about the topic in the comments below. Which type of single-stage snow blowers do you like best? Why do you want to choose among single-stage throwers when there are other powerful stage systems?
