To find a suitable snow blower for under $1,000 can be challenging. If you are on a budget, you will have to sacrifice a quality product for your bank account to stay intact. However, there are high-quality budget options available in the market if you have enough time to look for it.
Unfortunately, many people have no time to shop for the best products, but instead, go for those recommended by other users. Mostly, unwanted snowfall is commonly found on the roads, pathways, driveways, and lanes. For power, the unit uses either gas, electricity, or batteries. You will find three major types of snow blowers: three-stage, Two-Stage, and single-stage snow blowers. There are affordable machines available in most stores today.
Top 5 Snow Blowers Reviews
Best Overall
Key Features
Rating: 4.3/5
If you have mid-sized to extensive walkways and driveways, you should get a Snow Joe iON8024 to clear off the snow. It doesn’t use turn-ups, oil, or gas to work. It is created to deliver the performance of a gas snowblower. This is an excellent option for removing snow during winter.
Our Verdict
This is a versatile option for people with medium to large driveways to clear as it moves up to 1000 pounds of snow in a minute. It is maintenance-free, hence the right choice for the seniors and elderly who can’t do frequent maintenance service.
Best Premium
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
Husqvarna ST224 is another affordable unit that is powered by a 208cc gas engine. It is a great option for the homeowners looking for a high-quality performing snow blower to move snow from long paths and garage driveways.
Our Verdict
We recommend the Husqvarna ST224 for it is efficient and delivers high performance. It will work regardless of your surface type and clears broad pathways and driveways. It has a friction-disc transmission to ensure smooth operation.
Best Budget
Key Features
Rating: 4.3/5
This is yet another affordable smart snow blower that guarantees to get the work done right, without over-exerting or overpaying for it. YARDMAX YB5765 is an ideal solution for clearing snow off your driveways and pavements. Moreover, it delivers a perfect combination of performance and practicality. If you are a professional contractor or typical homeowner, this product can be the right choice for your snow problems.
Our Verdict
This machine boasts of both robust features and value. It has an impressive throwing capacity and starts quickly, even in cold conditions. Furthermore, it has a durable construction, and we would recommend it to homeowners with a tighter budget. The unit has a user-friendly design, which is useful if you are a beginner.
Key Features
Rating: 4.1/5
With this Briggs & Stratton S1024 Two-Stage system, you can clear a wide path of 24 inches wide and an intake height of 20 inches. It starts effortlessly, even in the coldest weather. It is best because it allows a free-hand operation to eliminate the simple struggles of operating a two-stage snow blower.
Our Verdict
Briggs & Stratton S1024 is perfect for basic snow bowing as it features a medium-duty construction. It is backed with a three-year warranty for the equipment and engine, so don’t worry about its quality. The system ignites effortlessly under all weather conditions.
Key Features
Rating: 4.1/5
This is a famous brand with robust and durable tools for various applications. The two-stage snow blower model designed by them is gas-powered and offers a solution for your snowfall problems in winter. Although it’s affordable, it comes with great features that outperform some expensive models in the market.
Our Verdict
The best thing about this gas-powered snow blower is that it features a versatile drive system with varying speeds for better user control. It is safer as it includes a CARB compliant. Additionally, it is backed with a two years warranty as a guarantee for its durability and power.
Buying Guide
Most of these snow blowers are designed especially for heavy-duty and commercial usage. They are efficient, more powerful, and work quickly to remove snow from your driveways and garage paths.
So, here are detailed facts of what determines a better snow blower machine.
Augers
A snow blower auger is a tool-like head with a spiral-like design fitted with various blades that lets you cut through the snow. It cuts down, chops, and then discharges it out of the machine through the chute to leave a clean way.
It is important to check the material used for the construction of the drill before buying a snow blower. Mostly, augers are made of steel, but you may encounter some designed from plastic. In general, the steel augers are more potent and durable than the plastic ones. There are drills with up to four blades, and a higher number of blades allow you to carve and remove snow from the driveway or sidewalks smoothly.
Engine or Motor Power
You have to choose a powerful engine or motor type for your snow blower to ensure you won’t face any power problems while operating. The higher power rating is better for removing the hardened snow. Most snow blowers come with different speed triggers to control and adjust the speed or power desired to complete the task faster and efficiently.
Snow Moving Capacity
The blade depth and width of the machine gives you an idea of its performance. But to figure out its performance, you have to check out it’s clearing capacity. The snow blower moving size is given in terms of tons per hour or pounds per minute. For instance, you might find machines with a moving capacity of 700 pounds or 800 pounds, if your budget allows, you should go for the unit with higher ratings.
Tires Size
You should look for a snow blower that is easy to use through the snow without much effort. One of the features that make the machine more comfortable to work with is wheels. The wheels should be large-sized for better traction. A snow blower with 15-inch wheels will perform better than that with 6-inch wheels. The large tires will also save you time when clearing snow. For straight and hassle-free driving, you can go for airless tires. These wheels have high traction, reduce sidetracking, never go flat, and are maintenance-free.
Stage Type
There are various snow blowers in the market, which are single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage blowers. They all can dig, break down, and throw off snow using an auger. When choosing the right model you should consider the stage type depending on your needs. You can invest in a two-stage stage blower if you experience heavy snowfall or a gravel driveway. Its auger scoops up the snow without touching the surface, clearing snow off the gravel driveway without damage.
Warranty and Durability
If you live in an area with higher snowfall, then you have no choice but to look for the best snow blower, failure to which you risk breaking your back while shoveling. These machines help to clear hardened and deep snow from your property. So in winter, you will have to remove snow frequently, which results in wear and tear of your unit. Therefore, acquiring one with a warranty to cover such issues will be the best solution. Also, get a snow blower with durable construction and reliability.
Weight and Size
Snow blowers are available in different sizes and shapes. For quick and easy operation, you have to look for the unit’s weight and size that you can handle comfortably. To be precise, a small compact snow blower is quick to maneuver through the snow and clear any corner. It can fit in limited space.
Additional Features
Some added features help to enhance the ease of use of a snow blower. These features are useful for an effective, easy, and quick usage of the unit. There are functions like heated hand grips, electric start, cup holder, reversible skid shoes, adjustable chute rotation and deflector, and easy access to controls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I store a Snow Blower while not using It?
The snow blower should be stored in a shattered area while covered to keep it safe from inflammable and extreme temperatures. You should also store it in a clean and dry place. Besides, you must ensure the engine has cooled completely to prevent damage. No corrosive materials should be kept near it.
Can I use my Snow Blower on a Gravel Driveway?
This depends on the kind of snow blower you are using to remove the snow. There are snow blowers recommended for that job. If you use the wrong machine, it could cause accidents like breaking your glass windows or hitting your neighbor’s head with a stone.
Final Thoughts
There are still the best snow blowers under 1000 in the market today that can tackle your snow blowing jobs perfectly well. The units look gorgeous and offer higher performance. The best 2 stage snow blower is Snow Joe iON8024 Cordless Two-Stage Snow Thrower as it provides excellent features with TracAssist tires included for superior maneuverability. It comes with a brushless motor to increase its service time.