Being snowed in caused by a snowy sidewalk or driveway can be frustrating for anyone.
This adds to the gray feelings while enduring cold winter temperatures outside.
In the past, while people had to shovel snow from their backyards, it often took a long and exhausting time for the person doing the shoveling.
However, snow clearers and throwers came in to help.
Currently – there are multiple models in the market, such as electric, single-stage, and multi-stage.
Here are the seven best snow clearers and throwers available for you.
1. Snow Joe 24V-SS11-XR 24-Volt 1 Cordless Snow Shovel
- Ergonomic design
- 27 minutes run time
- 20-foot throwing distance
If you’re a fan of portable machines, then you should check out this model from Snow Joe.
The company has a long history of building reliable power tools, and this model is no different.
It has the iON 24-volt Lithium-ion battery system that is Snow Joe’s claim to fame, which allows you to clear snow for up to 27 minutes without stopping.
You can use this on your deck, your driveway, and your sidewalks with very little trouble.
Of course, one of the best things about this product is its portability (it only weighs 12lbs).
Even though it is small, you can saw through up to 2025lbs of snow on a single charge.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Easy to set up and operate
- Attractive design
Cons
- It isn’t self-propelled
- Unsuitable for gravel surfaces
The 24V-SS11-XR boasts a durable auger paddle with a pair of blades able to toss snow as far as 20 feet.
It’s built with strong materials that allow it to cut through the snow but can still be safe to use on a wood deck or pavement surface.
But, again, it should not be used – or recommended – on a gravel surface.
2. PowerSmart Snow Blower
- All-steel auger
- Electric starter
- 13” snow tires
- 180-degree chute control
You won’t find two-stage throwers any better than the, PowerSmart Snow Blower.
This gas powered engine, with its 212-cc capacity, is strong enough to turn over fluffy snow, light snow, and even heavy snow without breaking a sweat.
It is also pretty simple to operate; simply push the button, and the machine will turn on from the electric starter that is already built in.
Pros
- Inbuilt air conditioning system
- Self-propelled function
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- We couldn’t find any disadvantage of this snowblower
One more awesome characteristic of this product is the 180-degree chute control.
It lets you decide on which side you want to throw the snow, and you can throw snow as far as 40 feet.
Another thing that this machine has is the all-steel auger, which is great for heavy snow.
3. Briggs & Stratton 1022 Single-Stage Snow Blower
- Auger-Assist Drive System
- 208cc Briggs & Stratton OHV Engine
- Chute-mounted rotation and deflector controls
Are you looking for a dependable single-stage snow thrower? If so, you should definitely consider purchasing the Briggs and Stratton 1022.
This snow thrower arrives with the latest design from Briggs & Stratton, the Snow Series Engine, which provides maximum power in extreme winter conditions.
Best of all, the snow blower is outfitted with oversized controls for easy operation.
As with all of the products from the brand, it is designed with a compact design that allows for better manoeuvrability.
This also aids storage in your garage or shed.
Pros
- Easy to control
- Compact design
- Excellent value for money
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavy snow
The unit includes the worthy Auger-Assist Drive System.
The snow-clearing auger paddles are fitted with a wear-proof rubber skin. These near-indestructible paddles throw snow while also protecting your pavement from deterring damage. As a bonus, the rubber paddles assist with forward propelling.
4. EGO Power+ SNT2102 Cordless Snow Blower
- 35-foot throwing distance
- On-board chute control
- Peak Power technology
There are some who say electric snow clearers are not nearly as effective as gas clearers.
Well, not with the EGO Power+ SNT2102. In fact, one of its defining features is its Peak Power technology, where its two ARC lithium-ion batteries run its high efficiency brushless motor.
Plus, you get a variable-speed auger, which allows you to control how far you want to throw the snow!
Pros
- Impressive throwing distance
- Easy to use
- Excellent battery life
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Charger and batteries are purchased separately
This unit can throw snow as far as 35 feet at maximum.
Think about all of this without the harmful fumes and the pesky noise associated with gas-powered engines.
5. Earthwise SN74018 Cordless Electric Brushless Motor
- 180-degree rotating chute
- Brushless 40-Volt motor
- 30-foot throwing distance
Earthwise is an environmentally-conscious company, and they’re committed to that vision with their SN74018.
That means it is exceptionally quiet, and exceptionally quick.
It has a powerful 40-volt brushless motor that moves up to 500 lbs. of snow per minute.
Because it’s battery-operated, it runs without oil or gas, resulting in a machine with very little noise, and no pollution!
Pros
- Bright LED lights
- 500lbs per minute plowing capacity
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Defective charging system
Your snowblower can serve you for many years since it comes with the reliable Earthwise battery and 4Ah battery charger.
6. WORX WG471 40V Power Share 20” Cordless Snow Blower
- Enclosed battery compartment
- 180° rotating chute
- Single stage rotary auger
In addition to being highly effective, this cordless snow thrower is easy to use.
You can clear up to 20 inches of snow and throw up to 20 feet of debris. In other words, you can comfortably clear off debris in a two-car driveway.
Pros
- Dual LED lights to provide good visibility in poor lit conditions
- One touch snow deflector. This allows for fast throw height and distance adjustment.
Cons
- Its stalls with just a few inches of snow
Like other electric blowers, this product is cost-effective and requires little maintenance.
7. Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower
- Lightweight design
- Directional throwing
- Push-button start
The 13amp motor included in this product is pretty impressive for such an affordable unit.
It’s as good as the gas-powered models, as it can throw snow for up to 20 feet.
Pros
- Extreme portability
- Easy maneuverability
- Self-propelled function
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- It doesn’t have enough power for heavy snow
Unlike the other models above, this has a 360-degree rotating chute. This guarantees an almost seamless control.
How to Choose the Best Snow Clearers and Snow Throwers
There are four different snow clearers currently available to homeowners:
- electric
- single-stage
- two-stage
- and three-stage
These are all perfect for specific purposes, with the main factors being snow depth, snow type, and where you will be clearing snow off.
Here’s how to choose the right equipment for clearing snow from your back yard or entrance, based on snow type.
Electric Models
If your home gets a light dusting of snow, an electric snow thrower is a wise investment.
This equipment is capable of clearing snow depths of up to 12 inches to make your home accessible.
Electric blowers are small and can be used on decks and steps that would be impossible for heavier gas-powered models.
Electric blowers are always convenient to maintain and use at home as they don’t have moving engine parts and thus eliminate the need to change or refill engine oil.
In most cases, an extension cord is all that is required, depending on how long your driveway is.
In fact, the growing trend of battery-operated blowers has become an option that, beyond portability, no longer requires a nearby mains outlet to operate!
Even Better: Some of these batteries can be used for chainsaws, blowers, lawnmowers, and other power tools!
Single-Stage Snow Blower
As the name implies, single-stage snow clearers throw scoops of snow once through the chute after you turn on their gas-powered engines.
This is why they’re the lightest and most portable of gas-powered models.
They’ll only be effective at removing snow depths of more than 12 inches because they’ve got a simple design.
That’s about what you’d find in a driveway of an ordinary suburban residence in areas with a moderate snowfall rate. And they’re also affordable.
It’s not good to use these blowers over gravel surfaces since the auger paddles brush against the ground.
You could injured someone else or break glass on the ground or get hurt on a driveway.
On the Downside: Although too flimsy to deal with 12-in snowdrifts, this is the advantage of the heavy-duty two-stage and three-stage models.
Two-Stage Snow Clearers
As might be expected, a two-stage thrower is much better than electric and single-stage blowers.
Specifically, you can actually put a two-stage thrower through 18 inches of snow without any issues. Therefore, they are ideal for areas where significant snowfall will occur.
A two stage thrower works by scooping the snow and ice and then a high-speed impeller throws the snow through a chute.
The snow will not clog up the intake bucket. In addition, unlike a single-stage snow thrower, the auger does not touch the surface of the ground when a two-stage thrower is used.
As a result, you can use a two-stage thrower on either concrete or gravel surfaces without worrying.
Again, two stage throwers have large intake buckets that allow you to keep going for much longer time frames.
Three-Stage Snow Clearers
The most potent and efficient snow removal devices you can acquire are three-stage snow blowers.
They are equipped with two metal augers that collect the snow and ice, subsequently directing it through their center to an accelerator that discharges the slush into the impeller.
The impeller will discharge the remains through the discharge chute.
These models boast unmatched efficiency and are therefore suited for heavy-duty operations.
With heated handgrips, self-propelled wheels, and one-touch chute control, these blowers can cut through deep, heavy, and wet snow.
What Are the Must-have Snow Thrower Accessories?
The following are the must-have accessories if you want to make the most of your snowblower.
The Melt Buddy
Of course, snow can be heavy due to its moisture. This is one of the reasons why people use salt to turn snow into water to dispose of it.
What makes this accessory even better is the fact that it works with several different types of snow blowers.
So, now you don’t have to lug around a large bag of salt while you’re clearing off the snow off the driveway.
Snow Cab
Another important accessory for your snow thrower is a snow cab.
This will protect you from harsh winter conditions like strong winds and snowstorms.
Also, if any snow were to blow back towards you from the chute, it will prevent that from hitting you.
Most snow cabs feature a durable fabric shell that is freeze resistant against the strongest blizzards.
Like the Melt Buddy, this is compatible with all types of snow blowers.
Clean Out Tools
Like other mechanical equipment, snow blowers deserve consistent cleaning, in order to function at their best.
The most critical maintenance activity for a snowblower is removing clogs of snow and ice.
Wet snow tends to a clog the inside of the auger housing, after lengthy clearing.
If nothing is done, clogs reduce the effectiveness of your machine.
Also, removing clogs adds to your safety. How? Large clogs of snow can be dangerous if they hit you during operation.
Tire Chains
If your snow blowers’ tires don’t have enough grip, you’ll run into problems when you are clearing your driveway.
Specifically, you will experience some issues with your machine skidding across the surface while you are using it.
But what causes sliding? On days with thawing snow, the snow thaws during the day and turns to ice overnight. This forms a layer of ice under your driveway.
This causes the tires to slide as you drive your machine across the surface.
The best option to eliminate this issue is putting chains on your tires to allow for more traction.
Floor Mats
After you clear your sidewalk, your snow clearer is going to have some snow in it.
Once you put the machine back in your garage the snow will melt and make your garage floor slippery.
If you have a floor mat, the melted snow will stay on the mat; you won’t have to worry about wetting down your floor after every time you remove snow from your property.
The mat keeps water off the floor as well as protecting it from snow-melt fluid leaks and from scratching your floor. The mat also helps keep your machine from freezing and gives your machine a longer usable life.
Front Weight Kit
Adding a front weight kit to your snow thrower allows for more stability and increases the digging ability of the equipment.
The added weight from the weight kit pushes the augers downward. This allows for a deeper dig into the snow.
In addition to this benefit, weight kits provide stability if your snow thrower has snow cabs as they each weigh a minimum of 10lbs.
Snow Jet Spray
Snow blowers often deal with melted snow that can become jammed inside of your machine.
One solution may be to purchase a jet spray to facilitate rinsing to help relieve any clogs in the metal parts of your machine and to keep it from rusting.
Snow Blower Gloves
Did you know that operating your machine with cold, frozen hands may increase the chance of damaging your machine? That’s why gloves are a great accessory to have on-hand!
Gloves also provide added protection from potential cuts and bruises, provide added warmth, and ensure additional comfort while using the snowblower.
Snow Blower Covers
For the unmotivated, snow blower covers are worth getting.
They are designed to keep your machine as clean as possible for the next season, even if you do not clean it during the off-season.
Snowblower covers are made out of a waterproof material that will not stretch or shrink.
Because it is waterproof, it can protect your machine from bad weather, and also from other debris like bird poop and leaves.
Wrapping Up
If you live in an area that frequently encounters snowstorms, the best snow clearers and snow throwers are a necessity.
After all, who can afford to wake up in the morning, grab a shovel, and just remove snow off their driveway? Nobody, especially not you.
The ultimate solution to this predicament is investing in the machines we review in this article.
You’ll never be disappointed and, better yet, can guarantee performance for a lifetime, as long as you perform.