Craftsman 88780 Review
Available from Sears
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.
Available from Sears
Available from Sears
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Walmart
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Home Depot and Walmart
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Home Depot
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Sears
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Walmart
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Available from Home Depot
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Also available from Home Depot
Pros:
Cons:
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.