When the first snow falls to the ground, it’s a magical experience. Watching the icy wonderment drift gently to the floor is soothing and a sign of the season. It’s all peaches and cream until the following day when you realize someone has to shovel all that snow.
Spending your Saturday morning digging out your driveway might be good exercise, but we imagine you have more pressing matters to attend to with your life. Still, shoveling the driveway and sidewalk, and clearing the porch are necessities of living in a city.
A snow blower can save you time and effort shoveling during the winter. Imagine if you could start up a machine and finish your snow clearing duties in a few minutes? Owning a snow blower is the winter equivalent of a lawnmower.
As with lawnmowers, you get gas-powered and electric snowblowers. Choosing the right model to match your snow clearing needs is vital if you want a user-friendly experience. If you live in the regions that receive a light snowfall, you can get away with using an electric model.
However, if your state receives deep snowdrifts in the wintertime, you will need some mechanical assistance for your snow clearing tasks. A gas snow blower can help you handle large snowfalls, clearing your drive, sidewalk, and porch in minutes.
In this review of the best gas snow blower, we’ll look through the top models available to find the standout. We’ll give you everything you need to know about choosing the right gas snow blower for your yard this winter.
Our Top Picks
We looked through dozens of models to find the best gas snow blowers and the machines in this review feature top-quality design and construction. We think any of them will make a great choice for clearing your yard this winter.
However, we realize it’s challenging to settle on one model from the options in this review. We decided to save you some time, rounding up the top picks in this review. We have the best overall, premium, and budget gas snow blower to suit your yard clearing needs and bank account.
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Husqvarna ST224 Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This two-stage model from Husqvarna wins our pick for the best overall gas snow blower in this review. With this model, you get a rugged design, featuring a hi-viz orange finish for easy identification in the snow. The Husky ST224 features a 24-inch blower deck, power steering, electric start, and a 3-year limited warranty. - The Premium Pick: Honda HSS928AATD Two-Stage Track-Drive Gas Snow Blower
Homeowners and contractors looking for a reliable and powerful mach9ine can go with this Honda model. With the HSS928AATD Two-Stage gas snow blower, you get a track design for easy use in deep snow. The 270cc motor makes short work of your clearing tasks, with a 28-inch blower deck. With this track Honda model, you get 1,900lb/min of snow throw, with an electric start and multiple speeds. - The Budget Pick: PowerSmart Snow Blower Gas Powered
If you’re looking for an affordable gas-powered snow blower, this PowerSmart model is a great choice. This gas snow blower features a 212cc motor with electric start and a 24-inch wide blower deck. You get a wear-resistant polymer auger and manual chute rotation.
Gas Snow Blower Reviews
Now that you have an idea of the top models in this review, let’s unpack them further. We’ll also look at a few other single-stage and two-stage gas snowblowers. You’re sure to find the right gas snow blower for your yards from one of the models in this review.
If you need further assistance settling on your yard work’s best choice, check out our buyer’s guide section. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know when selecting the best gas snow blower.
Husqvarna ST224 Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
If you’re looking for the best gas snow blower, the Husqvarna ST224 two-stage model is the best choice in this review. You get a powerful and reliable 208cc Husky motor, a 24-inch clearing deck, and a heavy-duty auger.
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model comes with an electric start and heated handle grips for operator comfort. The remote chute deflector adds to the user-friendly operation of the machine, with a powerful throw. This model blasts through packed snowdrifts in seconds, with no slipping or sliding, thanks to the cleated track-drive system. You get zero-turn functionality, with hydrostatic transmission and power steering for ultimate control over the machine.
- Trusty 208cc Husqvarna 6.3hp engine with top performance
- Electric start for cold weather
- Remote chute deflector
- 24-inch clearing deck
- Heated handle grips
- Heavy-duty auger
- No track design available
Honda HSS928AATD Two-Stage Track-Drive Gas Snow Blower
Homeowners with large estates and property managers or contractors will love this Honda model. The HSS928AATD Two-Stage Track-Drive Gas Snow Blower wins our top award for this review’s best premium model. This standout model features a track-drive system, allowing you to cover rough terrain.
- Two stage
- Track drive, with adjustable auger height
- 270Cc Honda gx ohv engine
- Clears 28” wide, 1900 lb./min
- Electric start
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This machine features a powerful 270cc Honda motor, producing a throw of 1,900lbs/min, at distances of over 50-feet. This machine comes with multiple operating speeds, self-propelled operation, and a durable, corrosion-resistant auger.
The 28-inch clearing deck makes short work of the larges snowdrifts. This gas snow blower is a great choice for clearing walkways and parking lots at shopping malls.
- Track design wheels for easy movement over rugged terrain
- Heavy-duty construction with premium controls
- Electric start
- 270cc Honda motor
- 28-inch clearing deck moves 1,900lbs/min
- User-friendly controls
- Premium Price
PowerSmart DB72024PA 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The PowerSmart is another great choice for a two-stage gas snow blower. This model features power steering, with zero-turn functionality. You get large air-filled tires for use on rugged terrain and an electric start function.
- Tackle Heavy Snow: this PowerSmart PS24 snow blower adds LED Light to increase your visibility and safety when working in dark.
- Power Up: equipped 212cc powerful gas engine delivers 2400 lbs/min snow plowing capacity. Ideal for 1-12 in. of snow.
- Quicker Snow Removal: snow clearing width 24" and intake height 20" clean up snow with less time.
- Two-stage Technology: all-steel auger easily cuts through tough icy snow and the impeller blows snow 40ft away.
- Easy to Operate: electric start, one-hand 180° chute control, self-propelled system, easily clean up snow of most terrains and larger areas.
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 212cc engine has all the power you need for the two-stage design to clear snow fast. This model features four forward gears and two reverse speeds.
- Power steering assist
- Zero-turn capability
- 212cc engine with 24-inch clearing deck
- Versatile drive system with 6-speeds
- Electric start
- Folding handles
- A little pricey
Honda HSS1332AAT Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Estate grounds managers and contractors will get the best performance from this Honda model. You get a powerful 389cc motor with a massive 32-inch clearing deck. This model throws snow over 55-feet, clearing more than 2,750lbs/min.
- Two stage
- Track drive, with adjustable auger height
- 389Cc Honda gx ohv engine
- Clears 32” wide, 2750 lb./min
- Throws snow up to 56 feet
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get an adjustable auger height, along with a user-friendly control panel and adjustable handle height/ this model features a track-drive system for easy maneuvering on heavy snowfalls. You get an automatic snow chute and easy-to-access controls with this gas snow blower.
- Suitable for professional use
- Track wheel design for rugged terrain
- Adjustable auger height
- 32-inch clearing deck moves 2,750lbs/min
- 56-foot snow throw
- Ergonomic and user-friendly controls
- Premium Price
Ariens ST24LE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This Ariens two-stage gas snow blower features a powerful 254cc motor, with a 24-inch clearing deck. You get a user-friendly dash control system, with heated handles. This model comes with zero-turn functionality, featuring six forward speeds and two reverse gears.
- Engine: Ariens AX 254cc
- Throws Snow 50 ft
- Housing: 24 inch, 21 inch
- Auto-Turn™ Steering: Sports-car handling
- Engine: Reliable Ariens® AX engine
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get 14-inch headlights for working in the dark, and an automatic snow chute with a 200-degree turning radius. This model features an electric starter and an adjustable auger height. There are large air-filled tires in the rear, with a sturdy, powder-coated frame.
- Powerful 254cc motor
- 24-inch clearing deck
- Large air-filled tires for use on rugged terrain
- Auto-turn steering technology
- 14-inch headlights
- Electric start
- A little pricey
Other Best Selling Options
- More Power: equipped with 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine, throw snow up to 35ft., snow plowing capacity: 1680lbs/min.
- Fast Snow Clearing: clearing width 21" and intake height 12.5", removing snow fast for 1 in. to 8 in. of snow.
- Tackle Heavy Snow: 4-paddle rubber auger shreds snow fast, allow you tackle the mountain of snow that snow plow truck left easier.
- 180 Degree Chute: aim exactly where you want to throw snow from the chute.
- Compact & Foldable Design: compact designed for best performance-size, easily store it for quick use and save your space.
- [VERSATILE]: Ideal for quick snow pickups on mid-sized driveways and walkways
- [POWERFUL]: 15-amp electric motor moves up to 25 tons/hr. Of snow and clears a 22-in x 13-in path in a single pass
- [LED LIGHTS]: 2 x 1.5 W LED lights facilitate night-time snow removal
- [STEEL AUGER]: All-steel auger cuts 22 in. Wide by 13 in. Deep path with each pass
- [RECOMMEND]: We do recommend customers use a certain gauge and length extension cord. Do not use extension cord over 100 ft (30 m)
- Efficient Snow Clearing - Clears a path 24 inches wide and 20.5 inches deep, throwing snow up to 40 feet away, making winter maintenance quicker and more efficient.
- Nighttime Operation Ready: An integrated LED headlight makes this snow blower ideal for night use. Its 13" x 4.1" flat-free tires offer excellent traction on all surfaces, including gravel and concrete.
- Powerful & Reliable Engine - Boasting a 209cc, 7hp 4-cycle engine with a 3600 rpm speed, it ensures consistent power and performance in heavy snow conditions.
- Robust Two-Stage Auger - The 10-inch serrated steel auger cuts through thick snow, enhancing your ability to manage even the toughest snowfalls with ease.
- Reliable and Supported: If you have any questions please feel freee to contact us directly. Our support team is readily available for any questions or concerns, ensuring peace of mind for users.
Last update on 2024-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gas Snow Blower Buyer’s Guide
After reading our reviews on the best gas snow blower, you should have some idea of the right model to suit your yard work. However, we realize some of the terminologies might sound confusing. What size clearing deck do you need for your home? How much engine capacity does your gas snow blower require?
In this section, we’ll unpack these questions. We’ll look at every aspect of a gas snow blower, helping you understand what to look for in a prospective model.
Does the Driveway Material Matter when Using My Snowblower?
If you have a gravel driveway, you will need a two-stage or three-stage gas snow blower. These models have adjustable auger heights that let you throw the snow, and not the gravel.
How are Gas Snow Blowers Different to Electric Models?
There are two types of snow blowers – gas and electric. Typically, electric snow blowers come in corded and battery-powered models. However, they lack the power needed for heavy-duty clearing jobs. If you live in an area that gets plenty of snowfall in the winter, and electric model might not have the power to complete the task.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to rely on a gas-powered snow blower to clear your yard. Gas-powered models come with various engine capacities, allowing them to clear larger areas than electric models. With a gas snow blower, you get larger clearing decks, with the machines moving large snowdrifts in minutes.
Is the Throw Distance of the Gas Snow Blower Important?
Your gas snow blower’s throw distance refers to the distance it throws snow away from the machine. High-powered snow blowers have long throws, allowing you to move snow up to 50-feet from your clearing area.
The snow chute controls the direction of the throw. Some models come with automatic chutes, while others require manual operation.
Do I Need Tracks or Wheels for My Gas Snow Blower?
Most single-stage gas snow blowers feature design with smaller plastic or rubber wheels. These machines can handle smaller snowfalls without the wheel catching on the snow or rough terrain.
However, if you have deeper snowfalls, you’re going to need air-filled tires. Air tires help to navigate over large stones and cracks, and heavy snowpack’s.
Suppose you live in an area that gets heavy snowfalls. Or you live on a property with rough grounds; a track-drive option is a good choice for your gas snow blower. The tracks move effortlessly over the terrain, ensuring your machine never get’s stuck.
What are the Different Stages for Gas Snow Blowers?
Gas snow blowers come in three different stage designs. First stage models feature a corkscrew-shaped auger design that sucks up snow, discharging it through a chute. With a single-stage model, the auger is the only part of the machine moving the snow.
Two-stage gas snow blowers use an auger to move the snow, but they also feature an impeller that helps with the clearing process. The impeller acts as a fan, pulling the snow from the auger, throwing it out of the chute. The impeller allows the machine to move more snow while improving the throwing distance from the chute.
Three-stage gas snow blowers feature an auger and impeller and an additional “accelerator,” helping force the snow from the sugar towards the impeller.
Three-stage models clear snow the fastest, but they are more expensive and not suitable for residential use. These machines are ideal for contractors or property grounds managers that need to clear large areas like parking lots or football fields.
Single-stage models are fine if you live in regions that get light snowfalls. However, Americans living in the northern states or on the eastern seaboard can benefit from a two-stage gas snow blower. The addition of the impeller helps you handle heavier snowfalls, moving more snow faster than single-stage machines.
What Features Do I Look for In My Gas Snow Blower?
When researching the best gas snow blower listings, we recommend looking for the following features in your machine.
How Does the Gas Snow Blower Start?
When the mercury drops below the freezing point, it can be hard to start your car – or your snow blower. Gas snow blowers rely on older motor technology, using the more affordable carburetor over a fuel-injection system.
As a result, you get some issues with starting the engine on cold mornings, as you would with any other machine or vehicle running this fuel system. Therefore, it’s important to look for models featuring electric start buttons. An electric start ensures you get the optimal spark and fuel delivery, providing a reliable ignition every time.
Long Handle
When reviewing your gas snow blower, check the handle setup. You’re looking for a height-adjustable handle offering a customizable ride height. If you get a handle that’s too short or long, it results in early operator fatigue in your arms.
Most models come with control panels fitted to the handle. Check that the controls are at a comfortable operating distance to reduce fatigue.
Some models offer folding handles for compact storage. However, many of these machines have the control panel lower down, making for an uncomfortable operating position when using the controls.
Does the Gas Snow Blower Have a Headlight?
If you need to do your clearing in the early morning or at night, a headlight is a must-have feature in your gas snow blower. The headlight helps you see when it’s pitch-black outside. Look for models offering LED headlights with decent lumen counts.
Does the Gas Snow Blower Have a Handlebar Trigger?
This trigger mounts to your handlebar, disengaging the power to the drive shaft on two-stage models. As a result, you get a zero-turn action for the gas snow blower, providing excellent maneuverability.
Is there a Dead Man’s Switch on the Gas Snow Blower?
If you’re using a self-propelled machine, there’s a chance it gets away from you. Even if you think it will never happen to you, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A dead man’s switch on the handlebars resolves this problem. This switch features a cable that attaches to your arm.
If the snow blower starts moving away, it pulls on the cable and throws the dead man’s switch. The machine shuts down and stops working until you restart; it’s a great safety switch for this power tool.
Does the Gas Snow Blower Have Power Steering?
When selecting your gas snow blower, check if the model you like offers power steering. Snow blowers are heavy machines, and they operate in hostile environments where the snow is deep.
If your gas snow blower features power steering, you get zero-turn functionality in your machine, allowing you to turn on a dime without any effort.
Does the Gas Snow Blower Have Self-Propelled Movement?
When selecting your ideal gas snow blower., look for a model offering self-propulsion. Self-propelled gas snow blowers are user-friendly machines. If you’re a senior and you don’t want to waste your energy clearing snow, one of these machines can reduce the effort in your snow clearing tasks.
Some models come with multiple speeds, including forward and reverse gears. However, self-propelled models do cost more than manual versions. Therefore, if you want a self-propelled gas snow blower., expect it to come with a steep price tag.
What Kind of Auger Do I Need on My Gas Snow Blower?
When selecting your gas snow blower, we recommend choosing a model with a durable plastic or steel auger. Some polymer augers offer better wear-resistance than steel, and they reduce the weight of the machine.
Steel augers require coating with corrosion-resistant materials to prevent rusting. If you do get a steel auger with your snow blower, check it periodically for rust and corrosion. At the end of the season, oil the auger to prevent rust.
How Do I Maintain a Gas Snow Blower?
Make sure you maintain your gas snow blower throughout the season. Keep the carburetor and fuel lines clean, and check the fuel filter in the middle and end of the season., Replace old filters that look dirty.
Since gas snow blowers are mechanical machines, they are prone to breakdowns. Serious breakdowns require you to send the snow blower in for repairs or servicing. However, you can do plenty of home maintenance on your gas snow blower to keep it in tip-top shape during the snow season.
Choose a model that has spares readily available. We recommend keeping the following spares on hand.
- Drive Belts – You’ll need two drive belts for two-stage snow blowers.
- Shear Pins – These pins protect the transmission and engine. They might break if the snow auger hits something hard like a rock.
Gas Snow Blower FAQs
How long can I leave fuel in my snow blower tank before it goes bad?
It might surprise you to learn that fuel eventually goes bad. The additives separate, causing damage to your machine if you try to use it to power the engine. We recommend that you don’t leave fuel in your snow blowers tank for longer than a month.
At the end of the snow season, make sure you drain all the remaining fuel in the tank and the fuel lines before storing your machine away for the summer. When the next season arrives, fill up your tank and start up your snow blower.
Does using winter-grade fuel in my gas snow blower make a difference in its performance?
It’s important to use the right fuel grade in your gas snow blower. The machine might work with regular unleaded gasoline. However, it’s a better call to opt for winter-blend fuels. This gasoline contains additives that help the engine start in cold weather.
If it’s an icy morning, regular gasoline might take some time to get a spark and start up your snow blower. If the fuel doesn’t ignite, you risk flooding the engine with attempted starts. Winter-blend fuels are the best choice for your machine for fast and effective clearing of your yard.
What’s the best type of snow blower for hilly terrain?
If you’re using your snowblower on hilly terrain around the yard, we recommend buying a self-propelled model. These gas snow blowers feature driveshafts that power the wheels or track froward while the machine works.
Track-drive gas snow blowers are also a good choice for rugged use in the garden. The tracks handle gaps, cracks, and holes in the lawn or yard. The wide footprint of the snow blower provides easy operation and movement of the machine. Tracks create more traction and easier operation and maneuverability of your gas snow blower.
Where do I buy my gas snow blower?
We recommend buying your gas snow blower from Amazon. Amazon has some of the best deals across all brands right now. Prime members get free shipping, which is handy considering the weight of these machines. Amazon also offers you buyer protection on your order and hassle-free returns if you’re not happy with the product.
1 Comment
If you’re going to choose between a SnowJoe and a PowerSmart which brand will you go with? We would like someone who has a reliable support system in place just in case something unexpected happens to our snow blower.