Clearing snow with a shovel is backbreaking work. It requires effort and stamina, not to mention it takes a lot longer than using a snow blower. When you need to free your car from the white stuff, a snow blower is the best tool.
We check out the 5 best single-stage snow blowers, judging them for power, capability, versatility, and cost.
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- Optimum OHV engine
- Compact size, easy to use & store
- Auger-assist drive system
- No maintenance needed
- Weighs 337 pounds
- 15-amp motor
- Clear all types of snow
- Can start in below freezing conditions
- Easy control buttons
- 15-amp motor
- Has 2 LED headlights
- 180 degree rotating chute
- Go-anywhere capability
- Lightweight at 33 pounds
- Battery & charger included
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, our professional experience and hands-on testing allow us to provide a thorough evaluation of single-stage snow blowers. Our analysis includes a comprehensive check and comparison of key performance criteria, such as power, durability, ease of use, and design. We measure and track each product’s performance, using this data to rank and review each model. We also identify what sets each product apart from its competitors, providing you with the facts and findings needed to make an informed decision. Our assessment is based on first-hand usage, ensuring our recommendations are grounded in real-world tests and results. We understand the importance of key decision-making factors when selecting a snow blower, and our comprehensive reviews reflect this. Trust Sensible Digs to guide you to the best single-stage snow blower for your needs.
The Best Single-Stage Snow Blowers of 2024
We rate the best-known brands to see how their single-stage snow blowers fared for power, capability and price. We also focus on the best gas-powered and electric models.
Briggs & Stratton 1022 Single-Stage Snow Blower
Best Powerful Single-Stage Snow Blower
The winter snowfall is no match against this Briggs & Stratton snowblower. Thanks to the durable and sturdy construction and 208cc engine, this system is ready to tackle the snow slowing you down.
Briggs & Stratton have been in the business since 1908, so they know what they’re talking about. You can depend on this awesome snowblower with its easy-to-use chute-mounted rotation, deflector controls, and other valuable features.
While it’s designed for light to moderate snow types, it can tackle snow up to 12.5 inches deep, which is incredible! It works on paved surfaces, ensuring a completely clear pavement.
What We Like
Optimum OHV Engine
The OHV engine delivers optimum results. You’ve got this engine on your size when tackling snow in extreme weather conditions. The oversized controls are also extremely easy to operate, even while wearing large gloves or mittens.
Compact Size, Easy to Use and Store
Trust us, you don’t need another enormous power tool that takes up tons of space in your garage or shed. This snow blower is more on the compact size. It also makes it easier to use since it’s simple to maneuver.
Auger-Assist Drive System
This handy system makes all the difference. It has a super durable rubber-edged auger that clears the snow without damaging the ground. It then propels the snowblower forward, so you don’t get stuck on obstacles.
What We Don't Like
Not for Wet or Icy Snow
If you have soft or light snow, this will work wonderfully. But if you have icy, crunchy, or wet snow, this snowblower might disappoint. It’s not designed to tackle this hard snow, so the blower will squeal, stop or even break.
Drive Belt Isn’t the Most Durable
Some customers found that the drive belt was easily breakable. This is down to the design of the product. You can replace the belt, but it might take a while to get a replacement directly from the company.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 93 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 33.1 x 25 x 23 |
| Plowing clearance (inches) | 22 |
| Plowing depth (inches) | 12.5 |
| Throwing distance (feet) | 30 |
| Power source | Gasoline |
| Engine power | 208cc |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year for service parts |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Snow Joe SJ623E Electric Snow Blower
Best Budget Single-Stage Snow Blower
For a budget snow blower, this model can hold its head high. It has an 18-inch clearance path, coupled with a depth of 10 inches. The 15-amp motor provides enough power to shift 720 pounds of snow every minute, which should get the job done.
You also get a 4-blade steel auger and a 180-degree rotating chute; plus, it throws the snow up to 25 feet in distance.
Because it’s electric, it requires no maintenance, oil or gasoline, making it the ideal tool for those less mechanically minded. It has an instant start feature, weighs just 33.7 pounds, and comes with a special tool to unclog the chute when it gets full of snow.
What We Like
No Maintenance
Imagine no maintenance, no oil and no expensive gasoline. All these things are banished with this budget all-electric snow blower. Simply plug it in, and you are ready to start work.
Weighs 33.7 Pounds
Forget an aching back and extra strain on your hands and arms; this snow blower is lightweight compared to the gas varieties at just 33.7 pounds. It should be a breeze maneuvering it across your driveway.
Amazing Value for Money
You can’t argue with the price of this snow blower. Compare it to the Briggs and Stratton model, and you could buy 7 Snow Joe’s for the same price.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capabilities
It’s electric, which hampers the size of the yard you want to clear. It also struggles with snow above 10 inches in depth. If you have a larger plot, get a gas-powered model.
Cord Length
The power cord will restrict the snow blower’s reach, which reduces the lengths you can travel without needing either an extension cable or an additional outside electrical socket.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 33.7 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 45 x 19 x 26 |
| Plowing clearance (inches) | 18 |
| Plowing depth (inches) | 10 |
| Throwing distance (feet) | 25 |
| Power source | Electric plugin |
| Engine power | 15 amps |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Briggs & Stratton 1022EX Snow Blower
Best Gas Single-Stage Snow Blower
This Briggs and Stratton model is one of the best gas-powered all-rounders money can buy. It has a 22-inch plowing width, a depth maximum of 12.5 inches, and a 208cc motor that produces 9.5 foot-pounds of torque.
It comes with an electric start for those cold mornings, and you’ll find a Snow Shredder Serrated auger that features patented-pending technology. This consists of 14 serrated surfaces, which help with ice chopping and incredible clearing power, even in harsh conditions.
You also get on-the-go chute rotation which moves 200 degrees from left to right, making this easier to maneuver.
Lastly, it also has a quick-adjust chute deflector. You can change the height and distance at which you throw the snow, so you can assure it’s out of your way.
What We Like
Clear All Types of Snow
Whether you have a beautiful soft snowfall or heavy wet snow — this snow blower can handle it. Its multiple serrated steel surfaces can chop icy snow and clear light snow without hassle.
Can Start In Below Freezing Conditions
WIth a 208cc engine, this can start in below-freezing conditions. We’re talking 20 degrees below zero. It even has an electric start for backup if the gas doesn’t work in the cold.
Easy Control Buttons
It’s easy to control this now blower. It has oversized controls that are easy to access, even while wearing mittens. No need to take off your gloves just to press intricate buttons. Keep your hands cozy during operation!
Self-Propelled Auger
Ready for a more effortless user experience? This utilizes a self-propelled auger which clears the snow and propels the unit forward so you can enjoy a stress-free snow-blowing afternoon.
What We Don't Like
Poorly Positioned Exhaust Unit
You might not be a fan of the exhaust vent. It’s at the back of the unit, pointing down. Therefore, the exhaust sends debris down to the ground, where it can bounce back up towards you. This is annoying, but it also smells quite bad!
Belt Isn’t Durable
One of the main complaints about this snow blower is the belt. The belt tends to come off, according to some customers. You might find that you have to reinstall it a few times. In worst-case scenarios, some customers found the belt burnt out after a few uses.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 108 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 46 x 22 x 40.5 |
| Plowing clearance (inches) | 22 |
| Plowing depth (inches) | 12.5 |
| Throwing distance (feet) | Not specified |
| Power source | Gas and electric |
| Engine power | 208cc |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Blower
Best Electric Single-Stage Snow Blower
This is our second Snow Joe snow blower to feature, and this one is bigger in every way. It has a 22-inch width, which is 4 inches wider than the other model, and the maximum depth clearance is 13 inches. That’s 3 inches more.
It throws the snow 25 feet, clears 25 tons of snow every hour, thanks to the 15-amp motor. That’s the equivalent of 840 pounds per minute! You also get two LED headlights so you can keep working even when the light fades.
The chute rotates 180 degrees, and because it’s electric, the motor is about 65 percent quieter than the gas-powered models.
What We Like
Wide and Deep
Twenty-two inches is about the maximum clearance width for electric snow blowers. You also get a depth of 13 inches, which is 1-inch more than most top-end electric models can handle.
No-Fuss
The convenience of owning and using an electric snow blower is obvious. You don’t need oil, maintenance, or gasoline, which drastically reduces your annual running costs.
Amazing Price
When you compare the price of this Snow Joe to the Briggs and Stratton snow blowers, you can see why some people are put off paying hundreds and even thousands of dollars. This model is a fraction of the price yet comes with all the convenience.
What We Don't Like
It’s Electric
No matter how you try to sell it, this snow blower will always come up short when comparing gas to electric models. It cannot compete for power, performance, and clearing capabilities.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 34.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 23.4 x 22 x 26 |
| Plowing clearance (inches) | 22 |
| Plowing depth (inches) | 13 |
| Throwing distance (feet) | 25 |
| Power source | Electric plugin |
| Engine power | 15 amps |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Greenworks Pro 80V 20-Inch Snow Blower
Best Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower
If you want the best of both worlds, with the convenience of an electric snow blower with the go-anywhere capability of a gas model, this is the one to buy. It has a 20-inch plowing width and clears snow to a depth of 10 inches.
You also get a 2Ah lithium-ion battery and a charger, so you can get started straight out of the box. The super-quiet brushless motor delivers greater efficiency, giving you 45 minutes of runtime.
The throwing distance is 20 feet, the chute rotates 180 degrees, and you get 8-inch wheels to aid maneuverability. Storage is also simple, thanks to a collapsible handle, and because this snow blower is cordless, it only weighs 33 pounds.
What We Like
Go-Anywhere
Why go through all the hassle of maintaining a gas snow blower just to have a go-anywhere tool. This cordless model does all that without the need for oil or gasoline.
Lightweight
Cordless snow blowers are among the lightest models you can buy. This is important, especially if you suffer from mobility issues or you are an older person with limited upper body strength.
Battery and Charger Included
Why is this such a big deal? You’d be surprised how many cordless snow blowers don’t include the battery and charger, making your overall expenditure increase significantly.
What We Don't Like
It’s Electric
No matter how you try to sell it, this snow blower will always come up short when comparing gas to electric models. It cannot compete for power, performance and clearing capabilities.
Limited Runtime
Unlike gas-powered models, this go-anywhere snow blower has the limitation of a 45-minute runtime before it needs recharging. This will restrict the size of the plot you can clear.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 33 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 31 x 21.6 x 37 |
| Plowing clearance (inches) | 20 |
| Plowing depth (inches) | 10 |
| Throwing distance (feet) | 20 |
| Power source | Electric battery |
| Engine power | 80V |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 4-year limited |
Our Ratings
User Experience
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Plowing clearance | Plowing depth | Throwing distance | Power source | Engine power | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton 1022 | Best Powerful | 93 lbs | 33.1 x 25 x 23″ | 22″ | 12.5″ | 30′ | Gasoline | 208cc | 1-year limited |
| Snow Joe SJ623E | Best Budget | 33.7 lbs | 45 x 19 x 26″ | 18″ | 10″ | 25′ | Electric plugin | 15 amps | 2-year |
| Briggs and Stratton 1697292 | Best Gas | 93 lbs | 33.1 x 25 x 23″ | 22″ | 12.5″ | 30′ | Gasoline | 208cc | 3-year limited |
| Snow Joe SJ627E | Best Electric | 34.8 lbs | 23.4 x 22 x 26″ | 22″ | 13″ | 25′ | Electric plugin | 15 amps | 2-year |
| Greenworks Pro Snow Blower | Best Cordless | 33 lbs | 31 x 21.6 x 37″ | 20″ | 10″ | 20′ | Electric battery | 80V | 4-year limited |
What Is a Single-Stage Snow Blower?
A single-stage snow blower uses an auger located at the front that scoops the snow into the belly of the machine and throws it out of the exhaust chute at the top. Because it is a single-stage machine, the auger makes contact with the ground surface, propelling the snow blower forward.
The advantage of this type is they are lighter, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. When you compare them to two-stage models, the difference is as much as 100 to 150 pounds.
These snow blowers are also easier to maneuver and much cheaper to buy. You also get options because single-stage snow blowers come in gas and electric models.
If you have a smaller plot or get the odd sporadic fall of snow, a single-stage snow blower is the best tool you use.
Types of Single-Stage Snow Blowers
As we’ve already touched on, there are different types of snow blowers. But what are they and which is the best?
Electric
Electric snow blowers are the most convenient because they require no maintenance, oil or gasoline. They are lighter and cheaper than gas-powered models, and yet they are high-performance machines.
Corded
Corded snow blowers are better suited to lighter snowfall and smaller yards. You are also severely limited by the length of the power cable. Even when you use an extension cord, it still restricts where you can go.
The advantage is you get continuous power without any dips in performance, keeping you working for longer.
Cordless
Cordless snow blowers offer the best of both worlds because they give you the convenience of electric models with zero maintenance, no oil or gasoline, but they are also go-anywhere tools.
The lithium-ion battery enables you to roam, so if you have a deck at the bottom of the garden that needs clearing, this machine can handle it. The downside is batteries hold a limited charge, so you are restricted by the runtime.
The answer is to get a spare battery that stays charged and on standby when the other one dies.
Gas
Gas models are more powerful, they can go anywhere, and they tackle the heaviest snowfalls with ease. The downside is they require maintenance, as well as oil and gasoline, which increases your running costs.
The plowing width on gas snow blowers is wider, with some clearing as much as 30 inches. The depth clearance is more generous at 12 to 30 inches. A gas model is a good investment if you live in a colder climate where snowfall is commonplace.
How To Choose the Best Single-Stage Snow Blower
Not all single-stage snow blowers are equal. So, how do you decide which model is right for you? Here’s our simple buying guide.
Gas or Electric?
The decision comes down to two factors: convenience versus maximum reach. Gas snow blowers can go anywhere, which frees you to clear as much snow as you want. They are also more powerful, so plowing width and depth increase dramatically, improving your snow clearing capabilities.
Electric models are cheaper and lighter and are less equipped to sweep away thicker snowfalls. The power cord also restricts you, so your reach decreases unless you get a cordless version.
But then you get limited runtime because the battery holds a finite charge.
Plowing Width
The plowing width of your snow blower makes a huge difference when it comes to clearing large amounts of snow. Most single-stage models have a width range of 12 to 30 inches, depending on the make, model and power source.
A wider clearance requires less effort and covers more ground in less time.
Plowing Depth
As important as the clearance width is the plowing depth. Deep snow is notoriously difficult to clear.
Most electric single-stage snow blowers can handle 6 to 12 inches and about 20 inches for the gas-powered ones.
Weight
Most single-stage snow blowers weigh between 20 and 60 pounds, but there are variations. Some of the smaller electric models are as light as 14 pounds, while some of the gas-powered versions weigh over 100 pounds.
Multi-Directional Chute
When you change direction, the chute needs to rotate to throw the snow away from the clearance area. Most chutes spin 180 degrees, but it is possible to get a full 360-degree rotation.
You should also lookout for a machine with easy chute controls. Some have buttons that auto-adjust the chute, while others have a long lever that you pull to change direction.
The Price
Everything comes down to price in the end. Remember that cheaper models will have fewer features and lower quality components, which raises a question about their longevity. Is it better to spend a lot of money and get a machine that lasts the distance, or go cheap?
Work out how much you want to spend and stick to it. The best advice is to go somewhere in the middle. Mid-priced snow blowers offer the best features for the most competitive price.
Single-Stage Vs. Two-Stage Snow Blowers
When you compare the two, on the surface at least, there appears to be little that separates them. Both do the same things, and both look the same, but that is where the similarities end.
Single-stage snow blowers have an auger that scoops up the snow and pushes it into the machine, propelling it out of the chute. It is a simpler process but one that delivers some advantages and disadvantages.
In the plus camp, you get a snow blower that costs less, which is ideal for the budget-conscious among you. Not everyone gets large amounts of snow or has a 6-car driveway that needs clearing.
Sometimes, a smaller snow blower is all that’s required, and single-stage machines cater to that need perfectly. You also get options when it comes to power sources because single-stage blowers can be electric or gas-driven.
Two-stage snow blowers are more powerful and can handle thicker snowfalls. They cost more but are better at clearing larger plots or that 6-car driveway. Because you get an auger and an impeller, they are more efficient, clearing more snow in less time.
Two-stage snow blowers are better suited to domestic and commercial settings, thanks to their enhanced capabilities.
FAQs
What Size of Cord Is Used for Single-Stage Snow Blowers?
Snow blowers generally use a 12-gauge cord because it handles electrical loads more efficiently. Most single-stage snow blowers have motors rated between 10 and 15 amps, with most domestic electrical supplies capable of handling 20 amps.
A 12-gauge power cable will safely handle this amperage up to a length of about 100 feet.
How To Start a Single-Stage Snow Blower in the Cold Season?
There are two ways to do this; using a recoil start or electric start. Recoil starts are more efficient than they used to be. Simply tug the cord, and the engine kicks into life. Ensure the choke is open, especially on the coldest days, as this allows more gas through to aid a cold start.
Some models have an electric start, which takes the hassle out of pulling a recoil cord. Simply plug in the blower to an electrical socket and press the button, and the engine fires into life. Now you can remove the plug and get clearing.
Some models have an onboard battery to aid this but remember that batteries don’t like the cold, so you might not have enough juice in the cell to get it started.
Electric models are the easiest because all they need is a plug socket, and away you go.
