Best Small Snow Blowers

Although the common assumption is that bigger is better, this is not necessarily true. There are smaller, higher-quality versions that surpass their bigger counterparts in performance. The significant benefit of these compact snow blowers is their easy operation and maneuverability. Using a small, portable snow thrower is just as effective for clearing snow and ice from your driveway and walkway. In addition, its storage and maintenance in your garage will not be a problem.

However, there are many options out there, so its not a walk in the park to choose the right model for your needs. We have compiled a list of the best small snow blowers on the market to make things easier for you.

5 Best Small Snow Blowers

1. Toro 38381 Snow Blower

Key Features

• It clears up to 700lbsof snow in a minute.
• It features a moving width of 18 inches and an intake height of 12 inches.
• It uses power curve technology to clean snow down to the pavement.
• It has an adjustable 160-degree chute to provide optimal snow-blowing control.
• It comes with a full-bail ergonomic handle.
• It has a lightweight design.

An electric snow blower like this Toro 38381 allows you to work on time and get to work early. This small blower is perfect for areas that receive less amount of snowfall every day. You can quickly free the car and clear the driveway within a little time.

Why we like it

• The power curve technology helps to prevent clogging.
• It has a zip deflector that helps to change the snow direction.
• It has a chute lever to adjust the chute quickly.
• It is a well-known brand.
• It is lightweight.
• It is easy to assemble.

What we don’t like

• It is not ideal for gravely sidewalks or driveways.

Our Verdict

This is excellent for anyone who needs a snow blower that is easy to operate, lightweight, and clears snow down to the ground.

2. Craftsman Gas Powered Blower

Key Features

• It has a moving width of 21 inches and a clearing depth of 13 inches.
• It comes with a dependable 4-cycle gas engine.
• It features a two years limited warranty.
• It is designed with 8 inches tires.
• It features an auger tipped with rubber that grips the ground for a smooth forward movement.

It is sturdy and reliable enough to handle the most hardened snow and ice.

Why we like it

• The treaded tires make it easier to move the unit through the deep snow.
• It is sturdy and reliable.
• It clears your walkway efficiently and quickly.
• It is durable.
• It clears a broader length.

What we don’t like

• It can be challenging to push since it isn’t self-propelled.

Our Verdict

We recommend this unit for anyone with a large driveway as it clears a wide path of up to 21 inches. It operates quickly to finish the job on time.

3. Snow Joe iON13SS Snow Blower

Key Features

• It is cordless.
• It uses a 40V rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
• It doesn’t need tune-ups, oil, or gas.
• It features a paddle auger fitted with two blades.
• It throws snow to 25 feet.
• It has a lightweight design.

This Snow Joe iON13SS allows you to cut the cord, so you no longer need to run along with extension cords, limiting you from clearing long paths.

Why we like it

• It is versatile and can clear sidewalks, patios, steps, and decks.
• It is maintenance-free.
• It comes with an adjustable back-saving handle.
• It is backed up with a two years warranty.

What we don’t like

• It may operate slowly in tightly packed snow.

Our Verdict

The ergonomic construction allows you to maneuver through the snow quickly. It is perfect for those who receive light snow. You can clear long pathways, driveway, and there is no length limit.

4. WEN 5662 Blaster Snow Blower

Key Features

• It has a throwing capacity of 490lbs per minute.
• In each pass, it clears snow of 18 inches wide by 7.8 inches deep.
• It comes with a 13.5Amp brushless motor capable of throwing snow to 20 feet away.
• It features 6-inch wheels for easy movement in the snow.
• It has 180-degree quick-to-adjust chute.
• It features a wide round-mouthed chute to reduce the build-up of snow during operation. This maximizes the ability to clear the sidewalks, patios, and driveway.

The WEN snow blaster is ideal for anyone looking for a machine that will easily maneuver even under the harshest conditions. It comes with a collapsible frame that makes it easy to store and carry.

Why we like it

• You can easily adjust the chute angle for full blast control.
• It has a lightweight design for effortless mobility.
• It comes with an onboard handle for carrying the unit in between jobs.
• It can maneuver easily in harsh conditions.
• It has flexible edges that prevent damage on the driveway.

What we don’t like

• It may clog easily.
• It might not work well in deep snow.

Our Verdict

This unit features a robust framework, especially on the auger, making it plow effortlessly through the snow. It is easy to operate and transport in and out of the garage.

5. Greenworks 13Amp 2600502

Key Features

• It comes with LED lights for excellent visibility while working in the dark.
• It features an adjustable 180 degrees directional chute.
• It has an electric start.
• It has a clearing width of 20 inches and a depth of 10 inches.
• It discharges snow to a distance of 20 feet.
• It works on 120V only.

If you are looking for a moderately powerful snow power, try this. It uses a 13-Amp motor that can clear snow of 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep.

Why we like it

• You can work with it at any time of the day.
• It comes with 7-inch wheels to increase mobility.
• It offers a hassle-free operation.
• It is easy to manage the snow throwing direction.
• The handles are foldable for secure storage.

What we don’t like

• It clogs easily.

Our Verdict

This is a great choice for it has unlimited runtime, so if you have a long pathway or sidewalk, you can try it. It offers hassle-free operation and produces less noise.

6. Briggs & Stratton 1024 Snow Blower

Key Features

• It has a clearing width of 24 inches and an intake depth of 20 inches.
• It features reversible steel skid shoes.
• It comes with a three years limited engine and equipment warranty.
• It features a friction disk drive system.
• It is equipped with an electric start.

This model gives you a comfortable time while in the cold as it comes with an electric start for effortless starting. It has a durable construction to ensure it withstands harsh weather conditions.

Why we like it

• It requires less effort to maneuver through snow.
• It has a convenient electric start.
• It has a durable design with a steel frame, notched auger, and chute.
• It comes with headlights for visibility.

What we don’t like

• It is hard to assemble.

Our Verdict

The Briggs & Stratton 1024 is well constructed and equipped to make your plowing easier. The dash-mounted chute makes it easy to throw the unwanted snow from your driveway. Although it has a compact design, the powerful machine devours snow.

7. Snow Joe SJ623E

Key Features

• It features an adjustable 180-degree chute for easy direction of the snow.
• It comes with a 23W halogen light for clear paths during the night.
• It uses a 15-Amp motor that clears up to 720 pounds of snow within a minute.
• It features a 4-blade steel auger that clears 10 inches deep and 18 inches wide of the snow path.
• It throws snow to a distance of 25 feet.
• It comes with a two years warranty.
• It is constructed with heavy-grade steel.

The Snow Joe SJ623E snow thrower features different extras, but most of all, it is a mighty small machine that clears snow on your porch, deck, sidewalks, and driveway. You won’t need to refill engine oil or gas.

Why we like it

• It clears massive snow in a minute.
• The steel auger clears snow to the ground without damage.
• It is versatile.
• It is maintenance-free with no need for tune-ups, oil, and gas.
• It comes with a convenient electric start.
• It has a chute cleaning tool for removing snow build-ups.

What we don’t like

• It operates slowly through the snow.
• It isn’t self-propelled.

Our Verdict

If you want a sturdy but small snow blower that can clear around your property. It easily fits in the garage, or the storage closet, this Snow Joe option is a perfect choice.

Small Snow Blower Buying Guide

If you are looking for a compact and lightweight snow blower, there are certain factors and features to look for. To decide on the model you want, consider the type of snowfall you will be handling. You should think of how much snow you will be clearing on your driveway and paths.

Maneuverability

Big machines are hard to move through the snow and to take it to the garage as well. They are heavy and eat a lot of space more than the small machines. The smaller Snow Blowers are lightweight and more comfortable to push around. You can also transport it to the garage with much ease. You won’t get too tired to move it up and down the driveway. However, when dealing with icy banks, you may need a heavy-duty machine to work through it.

Clearing to the Ground

Whether you are choosing a powerful 0r single-stage machine, you will have to make a few sacrifices. The clearing width determines the amount of time it will take to clear your pathway. Your device should be able to clear densely packed snowfall down to the pavement. A small snow thrower is easier to operate, and they sit on the ground and scoop up the entire white stuff and throw it away from the sidewalks and driveways.

Amount of Snow

If you stay in areas that receive between 8 – 10 inches of snowfall from a typical storm, you need a snow clearing machine that will make your work easier. And still, you don’t have to break your back while shoveling. Single-stage throwers are designed to solve such problems. They come with a powerful drill that cuts through the snow and throws it out of the driveway.

Additionally, you should check the quantity of snow the machine clears per minute to ensure you will spend less time in the cold while moving snow from your driveway and pavement. Some can move at least 700lbs of snow each minute.

Budget

Generally, smaller machines are cheaper than heavy machines. Some of the snow throwers are battery-powered to make your operation easy without an extension cord. You should choose the device that suits your budget, but it should not compromise on the quality.

Throwing Distance

The discharge distance is also significant as it helps you to have an idea of how far your snow blower will throw the snow. For sidewalks and driveway, you will need a machine with at least 20 feet. When the snow is thrown far away, it prevents blowbacks and clogging.

Electric Start

Some snow blowers use gasoline engines, which are hard to start, especially in cold weather. When flooded, it could take even 20 good pull-ups with quality ropes to remove the flood and start. This is tough when it comes to large engines. With an electric start unit, you just plug it to an AC outlet and start the driver with a push button. This could be the best option for you if your back has some health problems. Again, rope pulling under the cold weather can be a real hassle.

Gas or Electric

The two options have advantages, but gas-powered models are more powerful. Electric models are usually quiet, compact, and light, while a gas option is heavier, louder, and uses fuel.

Corded snow blowers come with a cord that you plug into the power outlet for a quick start, but it restricts your movement as you are tied to the outlet. So you are limited to the amount of distance you can cover depending on the length of your extension cord. But that is a small price compared to dealing with loud volumes, frequent oil changes, and smelly emissions from a gas snow blower.

Type of Snowfall

The type of snow you receive in your area can also guide you. You are free to go for a small, lightweight snow blower if your location only gets dry, fluffy snowfalls. But if you live in an area receiving heavy, wet, slushy snow, you have to consider buying a heavy-duty and powerful model. Using your smaller unit on such a type of snow will only damage it and even cause clogging.

Moreover, single-stage snow blowers are more compact for small snow blowing jobs like clearing short driveways, sidewalks, walkways, and patios. These machines can only handle snow volumes of up to 8 inches.

Headlights

In most places during winter, it’s always dark when you are leaving for work and when getting back home, so whether you remove the snow after dinner or early mornings, it will still be dark. Choosing a snow blower with headlights will help you see obstacles on the driveways, which can harm or jam your machine. You can clear snow at any time of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Snow Blowers 2-cycle Engines?

The engine can be either 4-cycle or 2-cycle, but most homeowners prefer the 4-stroke engine models because it is environmentally-friendly and quiet. The engine doesn’t require gasoline mixture and oil.

Should I Drain Gas from my Snow Blower?

If you have an added fuel stabilizer to your gas, you can refill the tank before storing it, and you won’t have to worry about damage to the internal component. However, if you are using gas-filled from the gas station, it’s advisable to remove the fuel from the machine before storage.

Are Gas Snow Blowers Better than the Electric Models?

An electric model is lightweight and easy to maneuver, hence the best choice for areas that receive very little snow, and you wouldn’t want to break your back clearing with a shovel. However, some electric models can move huge snow piles but are not as powerful as gas.

Final Thoughts

Snow blowers have different designs and construction, so it can take you a while before finding the one that suits you. When you are looking for a small blower, we believe you only receive little snowfall, and there is very little accumulation by the weekend. Therefore, you only need a lightweight and well-designed blower for quick clearing.