Craftsman 88780 Review
Available from Sears
Best Cheap Snow Blowers
Unless you live in a region that's regularly slammed with substantial snowfall, there's little need to spend more than $500 for a snow blower that will see only occasional use. A cheap snow blower can reliably clear small to medium-size driveways, walkways, decks, and patios of around half a foot of snow, or more if you're willing to make multiple passes. The cheapest sub-$200 snow blowers are usually corded electric models, but spending a bit more -- over $300 -- can buy the cordless convenience of a battery-powered blower or the added power of an electric start gas snow blower.
Our Top Pick
Our Picks
Craftsman 88780 Review
Available from Sears
Pros:
- Enough power to manage heavier snowfalls, including icy deposits, users say in online reviews.
- 21-inch clearing width.
- Convenience features include self-propulsion and push-button start.
- Excellent or very good marks in expert tests for handling, plow-pile removal, and surface cleaning.
- 4-cycle engine with separate tanks for fuel and oil; no premixing required.
Cons:
- Some reviews suggest that the throwing distance is not very far; deep snow may further shorten the range.
- As a single-stage snow blower, it's not designed for use on gravel or rough surfaces.
- Some reviewers complain of vibration and others say the build is not as sturdy as it could be.
Takeaway: Users say this Craftsman singlestage gas snow blower is adept with fairly hefty accumulations of up to about a foot on smooth surfaces. Because it's self-propelled and easy to handle, this electric start gas snow blower is a good pick for buyers who need a powerful snow thrower but can't manage a heavier two- or three-stage gas model.
Greenworks 2600502 Review
Buy on $130.87
Also available from Walmart
Pros:
- Longer warranty (4 years) than most snow blowers, gas or electric.
- Very lightweight and easy to maneuver, at only 32 pounds, and compact for easy storage, users say.
- Clears a 20-inch path, slightly wider than other cheap electric blowers, so fewer passes may be necessary.
- Less maintenance than a gas blower.
- Relatively quiet; owners compare the noise to a loud vacuum cleaner.
Cons:
- Too many plastic flimsy plastic parts to stand up to long-term use, many users say; some reports of units that were dead upon first use.
- Models that come with an outdoor extension cord are more expensive.
- Recommended 50-foot cord length may not be sufficient for long driveways and sidewalks.
Takeaway: Budget-conscious buyers who don't regularly battle blizzards should be pleased with the Greenworks 2600502. Users who've gotten used to managing the cord praise the ability of this lightweight electric blower to clear snow up to about 8 inches. Even with some complaints regarding durability and construction, the majority consensus is that, among sub-$200 snow blowers, this snow thrower is hard to beat.
Snow Joe iON 18SB Review
Buy on $260 $399.99
Also available from Home Depot and Walmart
Pros:
- Battery means no fussing with a power cord.
- LED headlight.
- Very lightweight, at only 32 pounds, making it easy to lift and maneuver.
- Good marks for surface cleaning in expert tests.
- 8-inch snow intake makes it well-suited for occasional use and light accumulations.
- Less noisy than gas models.
- Energy Star certified.
Cons:
- Not enough power to deal with heavy snow; don't expect to easily clear more than 3 to 4 inches at a time, several owners warn.
- Many say this blower clogs easily and has a limited throwing distance.
- With up to 50 minutes of run time per charge, the battery might not last long enough for larger jobs.
- Some complaints of long recharge times.
Takeaway: Although the battery-powered Snow Joe iON 18SB can't compete with other snow blowers on power, many owners say this Snow Joe snow thrower has the chops to chew through lighter snowfalls on smaller driveways and sidewalks. They also say it's hard to beat the quiet engine and cord-free, lightweight maneuverability compared with bulkier gas blowers.
Toro Power Clear 518 ZE Review
Also available from Home Depot
Pros:
- Very light for a gas blower, at 58 pounds.
- Locking deflector to direct snow high or low and a discharge chute that rotates 210 degrees to throw snow where users want it.
- Backup electric starter and variable speeds.
- High marks in expert tests for throwing distance, surface cleaning, and handling.
- Collapses for easy storage.
- 4-cycle engine with separate tanks for fuel and oil; no premixing required.
- 2-year, guaranteed-to-start (in one or two pulls) warranty in addition to a 2-year full-coverage warranty.
Cons:
- Struggles somewhat with wet snow, according to reviews.
- Rubber paddles don't make much of a dent in tightly compressed snow, some users say.
- Reports of paddles breaking and screws loosening or falling out.
- Some users complain that the oil tank is awkwardly positioned, making refills difficult, and the gas tank lid can be hard to remove.
Takeaway: This single-stage Toro model is light, compact, and cheap for an electric start gas snow blower. While the Toro Power Clear 518 ZE doesn't have the oomph of more expensive blowers, users say it's plenty adept with snowfalls of up to about a foot. Its modest weight and ease of operation are top selling points for consumers who want an entry-level gas blower that's simple to use from start to finish. Experts say the brand deserves the positive feedback it receives from bargain-minded consumers.
PowerSmart DB5023 Review
Also available from Sears
Pros:
- 8-inch intake height easily clears up to 6 inches of powdery snow, owners say.
- 30-foot throwing distance is farther than competitors.
- Quieter and lower-maintenance than a gas blower.
Cons:
- At 37 pounds, it's a bit heavier than comparable electric blowers.
- Too many flimsy plastic parts, reviewers say.
- 1-year warranty is half the industry standard.
- Requires an outdoor extension cord that can be pricey.
Takeaway: Very inexpensive but effective for lighter accumulations, the corded electric PowerSmart DB5023 suits buyers who need a snow blower only occasionally and are willing to drag along a power cord. Users say this electric single-stage snow thrower has surprising power and clears small driveways and walkways with minimal effort, as long as the snow's not too wet or too deep.
Snow Joe Ultra SJ622E Review
Buy on $156.15
Also available from Walmart
Pros:
- 15-amp engine is on the powerful side for an electric blower.
- Handles up to about 10 inches of powdery snow with ease, users say.
- 4blade steel auger
- Very lightweight, at just over 32 pounds, making it easy to push and maneuver.
- Earns high praise for quick and easy assembly -- less than 5 minutes by most accounts.
- Requires little maintenance and folds up for storage.
Cons:
- Lacks the power to deal with wetter snow, many users say, leading to clogging and reduced throwing distance.
- Requires an outdoor extension cord that can be pricey.
Takeaway: The corded electric Snow Joe Ultra SJ622E does a fine job even on heftier accumulations of powdery snow, owners say. They love the lightweight frame and no-hassle upkeep of this Snow Joe electric blower. Many say it's good for clearing off a deck. Reviewers warn that this electric single-stage snow thrower is underpowered for wet snow, or that the cord gets in the way, but those are complaints levied against all electric models. Users say it beats a snow shovel any day and score the Snow Joe brand tops among electric blowers for reliability.
Ego SNT2102 Review
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
- More powerful than cheaper cordless blowers, with two 56-volt batteries.
- High-efficiency brushless cordless-electric motor
- Can handle up to a foot of powdery snow and smaller accumulations of wet snow, users say.
- Top marks from experts for surface cleaning and handling.
- 35-foot throwing distance means snow won't pile up where users don't want it.
- No fussing with extension cords.
Cons:
- Heavy for an electric blower, at 64 pounds.
- Some experts and owners claim it's hard to manage on rough surfaces or in heavier accumulations.
- Still slower and less effective than gas blowers, experts say.
Takeaway: The Ego SNT2102 is for consumers who long for a low-maintenance cordless snow blower with the power of a gas model. Although it comes with a comparatively hefty price tag, this is one of the only electric models we researched, corded or cordless, that users say is capable of slicing through up to a foot of powder without getting bogged down. The mix of convenience and performance that compares favorably with an electric-start gas snow blower might be well worth the added expense.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 Review
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
- Tackles wet, icy snow and accumulations up to a foot with ease, users say.
- Convenience features include self-propelled drive, push-button electric start, and remote chute control.
- Six forward speeds, two reverse speeds.
- 24-inch clearing width.
- Experts give it very good marks for speed, plow-pile removal, surface cleaning, and handling.
Cons:
- Heavy, at 195 pounds.
- A twostage gas snow thrower can be overkill in many parts of the country.
- Remote chute control can be finicky, reviewers say.
- Experts warn that a lack of freewheel steering can make it more difficult to turn.
Takeaway: Though just outside the Cheapism price range, this Troy-Bilt snow blower is one of the best values on the market for buyers who want a two-stage snow blower for quick snow pickups of even heftier snowfalls or to clear rough surfaces like gravel or dirt. The Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 twostage electric-start snow thrower receives kudos for relatively rugged construction, with several users saying it will last for years with proper maintenance.
Cub Cadet 3X 26" Review
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
- Can handle even the biggest snowfalls and be used on gravel, dirt, or hilly terrain, users say.
- Extra-wide 26-inch clearing path.
- Dual augers and an induction accelerator break up snow and push it into the impeller, helping make cleanup quicker.
- Convenience features include heated hand grips, trigger-controlled power steering, push-button electric start, and a headlight.
Cons:
- Heavy, at 267 pounds.
- Shear pins that protect the gearbox break too easily, some users grouse.
- High-speed accelerator may make a mess with smaller amounts of snow, experts say.
Takeaway: This Cub Cadet snow blower is pricey, no doubt, but a solid value for a three-stage blower that's powerful and fast enough for large, frequent snowfalls. This electric-start gas snow blower is also in another league when it comes to features, with a headlight, heated hand grips and power steering to make it easy enough to maneuver with one hand despite being relatively heavy. If you need more snow clearing power than a singlestage gas snow blower, or even a twostage gas model can deliver, the Cub Cadet belongs on the top of your list.
Toro Power Shovel Review
Also available from Home Depot
Pros:
- With a 6-inch intake, this electric shovel easily clears up to 4 or 5 inches of powdery snow, users say.
- High marks for clearing snow down to the surface in expert testing.
- Much lighter, less bulky, and easier to control than a full-size snow blower.
- Fits in areas a snow blower can't reach.
Cons:
- Not enough power for densely packed or icy snow.
- Front-only discharge might leave users covered in snow, depending on the wind.
- "On" switch must be pressed continuously while operating.
- Some complaints about weight given the lack of wheels.
- Some gripes regarding cheap materials and reports of broken handles.
Takeaway: Although it's definitely not meant for heavy-duty work, the Toro Power Shovel is a lightweight alternative to a snow blower that is especially adept at clearing snow from small decks or walkways where a larger blower would be a no-go. Users say it's best for small amounts of powdery snow, although some reviewers have used it to clear deeper accumulations a little at a time.
