Gas-powered snow blowers are the best garden power tools to clear heavy, wet snow from your driveway, garden paths, patios, and sidewalks. Gas snow blowers have powerful engines that can quickly clear many inches of snow. The best gas-powered snow throwers also have an electric starter to make it effortless to start the machine on freezing mornings.
There are many types of snow blowers on the market. Electric corded snow blowers can be a cost-effective solution if you need to clear light snow occasionally. Cordless snow blowers are becoming more popular due to their low maintenance requirements. However, cordless electric models tend to be expensive with limited runtime. But suppose you have a large yard and experience heavy snowfall during the winter. In that case, the best option is to invest in a quality gas-powered snow blower.
It can be challenging to find a suitable snow blower with a gas engine for your needs. For example, it can be confusing knowing the difference between the stage types—a two-stage snow blower and a three-stage snow blower. In addition, you must consider the engine capacity and its ability to shift heavy snow many inches deep.
This article is a review of the seven best snow blowers currently on the market. Our unbiased review also looks at the pros and cons of each gas model and its best features. Knowing these facts will help you make an informed decision on the best gas-powered model for clearing deep snow from paved surfaces.
Review of the Best Gas-Powered Snow Blowers
1. PowerSmart Snow Blower, PSSAM24 24-inch
The PowerSmart PSSAM24 is a high-quality, affordable dual-stage snowblower that operates efficiently on uneven terrain. This gas model makes light work of clearing a heavy layer of snow up to 20 inches deep and 24 inches wide. The snow blower features a variable six-speed self-propelled engine, powerful auger, and up to 40-foot discharge distance.
Other features of the PowerSmart PSSAM24 are dual-trigger steering, inflatable snow tires, and adjustable chute. Although the 212cc engine isn’t the most powerful in this review, it performs well in most conditions.
Pros:
- Two-stage gas snow thrower
- Inexpensive price tag
- Electric starter
- Lightweight compared to other gas-powered snow blowers
- Compact design and easy to store
- Four-cycle 212cc engine
Cons:
- The reverse speed isn’t great
- It can be tricky to assemble
Best Feature: Easy to start and has an affordable price tag.
2. Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO
The Ariens ST28DLE model is a professional-grade snow blower suitable for residential properties. The heavy-duty snow blower has a clearing girth of 28 inches and a 14-inch impeller. Thanks to the powerful 306cc engine, this gas model can blow snow up to 55 feet away. In addition, its durable metal construction ensures excellent performance and value for money.
The wide augur does an impressive job of clearing deep snow up to 21 inches deep. Additionally, Ariens Super High Output (SHO) design ensures that clearing snow from wide driveways is effortless.
Pros:
- High-output impeller for fast removal of snow
- Throws snow up to 55 feet
- Clears 72 tons of snow per hour
- Auto-turn triggerless steering
- Four-cycle 306cc engine
Cons:
- The self-propelling engine may be too powerful and fast for some users
- Steel skid shoes make steering more difficult
Best Feature: Interlocking handles for one-handed operation and triggerless auto-turn.
3. Ariens 921047 Deluxe 30
The Ariens Deluxe 30 is a well-designed gas-powered snowblower with a two-stage auger, inverter, and powerful engine. One of the advantages of this Ariens gas model is its wide snow clearing capacity of 30 inches. This means that it takes less time to clear large driveways or gravel paths. In addition, as with the majority of snow blowers, this gas-powered model has an electric starter for easy operation on the coldest of mornings.
Other excellent features of the Ariens Deluxe 30 are its eight-speed engine, robust gear case, auto-turn steering, and chute with a 200° wide rotating angle.
Pros:
- Auto-turn steering technology
- Heated hand grips
- One-hand operation
- Tires provide directional traction in all conditions
- Robust construction that will last a long time
- 306cc engine
Cons:
- Heavy, wet snow might get stuck in the auger
Best Feature: The powerful engine and auto turn steering reduces strain when clearing snow from large areas.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Gas Snow Blower
Before choosing a gas-powered snow blower for your winter yard maintenance, it’s vital to consider the essential feature of gas models. It’s also crucial to think about the type of snow you get, the surfaces to clean, and how often snow falls in your area.
Here are some handy tips on what factors are worth considering before purchasing a gas snow blower:
- Single-stage snow blower: This type of snow blower is suitable for light snow up to 6 inches (15 cm) deep. It has a rubber auger to lift the snow. However, this type of snow blower isn’t suitable for gravel paths, uneven surfaces, or steep slopes.
- Dual-stage snow blower: An impeller and large auger clear snow up to 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Most dual-stage models are self-propelled, and some have power steering. They also chew up ice and compacted snow effortlessly.
- Three-stage snow blower: The most expensive snow blowers have two augers and an impeller. The difference between a dual-stage and a three-stage model is speed and snow depth. Three-stage snow throwers clear snow faster and up to 18 inches (45 cm) deep.
- Surfaces: If you need to clear snow from a gravel driveway or path, you should purchase a two- or three-stage blower. However, a single-stage model is sufficient if you only need to clear snow from a concrete or paved driveway.
- Features: Look for features that make clearing vast amounts of snow easier. These include power steering, auto chute rotation, headlights, heated hand grips, low-profile airless tires or tracks, and electric start.
Gas-Powered Snow Blowers — In Conclusion
The choice of gas-powered snow blower depends on the type of snow you must clear, what kind of yard you have, and your budget.