The first snowfall of the year can be beautiful, but it also means a lot of shoveling. Imagine facing a driveway covered in fluffy white stuff. Do you dread the back-breaking work? You’re not alone. Choosing the right single-stage snow blower can feel overwhelming. There are so many different models, and it’s tough to know which one will actually make your life easier when winter hits.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll break down what makes a great single-stage snow blower. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect one for your needs without all the confusing jargon. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding a machine that tackles snow efficiently, saving you time and energy.
Let’s dive into the world of single-stage snow blowers and find the one that will make winter cleanup a breeze.
Our Top 5 Single Stage Snow Blower Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Single Stage Snow Blower Detailed Reviews
1. PowerSmart Snow Blower Gas Powered 21-Inch Single-Stage 212cc Engine with Recoil Start
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of shoveling snow? The PowerSmart 21-Inch Single-Stage Snow Blower offers a simpler way to clear your paths. Its compact size and powerful engine make quick work of light snow, so you can get back inside faster.
What We Like:
- It has a 21-inch clearing width, which is great for most driveways.
- The 212cc engine is strong enough to throw snow up to 35 feet.
- It’s lightweight and easy to move around.
- You can easily turn the chute to send snow in the direction you want.
- The rubber auger is tough and doesn’t get stuck easily.
- It handles up to 8 inches of light, fluffy snow easily.
- You don’t need to mix oil and gas, making it simple to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s best for light, fluffy snow, so heavy, wet snow might be a challenge.
- The 12.5-inch intake height means it can’t handle very deep snowdrifts.
For anyone needing to clear light snow from their driveway or sidewalk, this PowerSmart snow blower is a solid and user-friendly option.
2. AMERISUN 21-Inch Snow Thrower 212cc Gas Snow Blower
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of shoveling snow? The AMERISUN 21-Inch Snow Thrower is here to make winter cleanup a breeze. This powerful single-stage snow blower tackles even the heaviest snowfalls, clearing your driveway, sidewalks, and patio with ease. Its user-friendly design means you can get the job done quickly and efficiently, without breaking a sweat.
What We Like:
- Powerful 212cc 4-stroke engine easily handles tough snow.
- 21-inch wide clearing path covers a good area quickly.
- 180° adjustable chute lets you control where the snow goes, up to 40 feet away.
- Lightweight design (80.4 lbs) and 8-inch wheels make it easy to move.
- Simple recoil start means no electric cords needed.
- Low maintenance gas power for reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Single-stage design might struggle with very deep, wet snow compared to two-stage models.
- Recoil start can be a bit challenging for some users in extreme cold.
This AMERISUN snow thrower offers a fantastic balance of power and portability for homeowners. It’s a solid choice for efficient and straightforward snow removal.
3. Westinghouse WSnow20 Corded Snow Blower 20 Inch
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of shoveling snow? The Westinghouse WSnow20 Corded Snow Blower is here to make winter cleanup a breeze! This electric snow thrower packs a punch with its 1800-watt motor, easily clearing driveways, sidewalks, and more. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller areas, but it’s powerful enough to handle significant snowfall.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making snow removal less of a chore.
- The rubber-tipped steel auger handles snow safely and quickly on various surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
- It throws snow up to 25 feet, so you can clear a good distance with each pass.
- Dual LED headlights light up your path, making it safe to clear snow even at night.
- The 180-degree adjustable chute lets you control where the snow goes.
- It clears a 20-inch wide and 10-inch deep path, getting the job done fast.
- Westinghouse offers a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a corded electric snow blower, you are limited by the length of the extension cord and need access to a power outlet.
- It’s best suited for lighter to moderate snowfalls, not extremely heavy or wet snow.
Overall, the Westinghouse WSnow20 is a solid choice for those seeking an easier way to manage winter snow. It provides good performance for its size and price point.
4. PowerSmart Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of shoveling snow? The PowerSmart Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower is here to help! This powerful machine makes clearing your driveway a breeze. It’s designed for easy use, even when the snow piles up.
What We Like:
- Easy Start: Get going quickly with the electric start. No more pulling cords in the cold!
- Bright Light: The built-in LED light helps you see clearly, even when it’s dark.
- Powerful Engine: The 212cc 4-stroke engine throws snow up to 35 feet away. It clears 1600 pounds of snow per minute.
- Wide Clearing: The 21-inch clearing path and 12.5-inch intake height tackle snow from 1 to 8 inches deep fast.
- Fast Snow Shredding: Four rubber auger blades cut through snow quickly. This makes it easier to clear even heavy snow left by plows.
- Directable Chute: Aim exactly where you want the snow to go with the 180-degree adjustable chute.
- Space-Saving Design: It’s compact and foldable, making it easy to store and ready for the next snowfall.
What Could Be Improved:
- Single-Stage Limitations: This is a single-stage blower, so it’s best for lighter to moderate snowfalls (up to 8 inches). It might struggle with very deep or heavy, wet snow.
- Fuel Requirement: Being a gas-powered machine, you’ll need to buy and store gasoline.
For homeowners looking for a reliable and user-friendly snow blower, this PowerSmart model is a solid choice. It simplifies winter chores, saving you time and effort.
5. AMERISUN 21-Inch 212cc Gas Snow Blower
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of shoveling snow? The AMERISUN 21-Inch 212cc Gas Snow Blower is here to make your winter much easier. This single-stage snow thrower is designed to tackle driveways and sidewalks with ease. It’s powered by a strong 212cc gas engine that can handle even heavy snowfalls.
What We Like:
- The powerful 212cc 4-stroke engine easily clears snow.
- It has a wide 21-inch clearing width, so you can clean your paths faster.
- You can easily change the direction the snow is thrown with the 180° adjustable chute.
- It’s lightweight at only 80.4 lbs, making it easy to move around.
- The 8-inch wheels help you push it through snow without much effort.
- Starting it is simple with the recoil start – no cords needed!
- It requires low maintenance, saving you time and hassle.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a single-stage blower, so it might struggle with very deep or wet, heavy snow compared to larger, two-stage models.
- While lightweight for its power, it’s still a gas-powered machine and will require some physical effort to operate.
This AMERISUN snow blower offers a great balance of power and ease of use for most winter needs. It’s a solid choice for keeping your walkways clear this season.
Your Guide to the Perfect Single-Stage Snow Blower
Winter brings snow, and sometimes, a lot of it! A single-stage snow blower can be a lifesaver when you need to clear your driveway or walkways. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? This guide will help you find the best single-stage snow blower for your needs.
What is a Single-Stage Snow Blower?
A single-stage snow blower is a lightweight and easy-to-use machine. It uses a rubber or plastic auger (the spinning part) to scoop up snow and throw it out a chute in one motion. These are best for lighter snowfalls and smaller areas.
Key Features to Look For
1. Clearing Width
This tells you how wide a path the snow blower clears with each pass. Wider is usually better for larger areas. Look for a clearing width that matches the size of your driveway.
2. Intake Height
This is how tall a pile of snow the blower can handle. If you get deep snow, a higher intake height is important.
3. Auger Material
Most single-stage augers are made of rubber or a strong plastic. Rubber augers are gentler on your driveway surface. They are good for paved surfaces.
4. Engine Power (if electric) or Motor Type (if electric)
For gas models, a stronger engine means it can handle heavier snow. For electric models, more power means better performance. Corded electric blowers offer unlimited run time. Cordless electric blowers give you freedom to move.
5. Chute Control
This lets you point where the snow goes. Some models have manual chute control, while others have electric or remote controls. Easy chute control helps you avoid blowing snow onto areas you just cleared.
6. Starting System
Most single-stage blowers have an easy pull-start system. Some electric models offer push-button starts, which are even simpler.
Important Materials and Quality
Auger Material
As mentioned, rubber augers are common. They are durable and won’t scratch your driveway. Some models might use a reinforced plastic auger, which is also effective.
Housing and Frame
Look for a sturdy metal or heavy-duty plastic housing. This protects the engine and internal parts. A well-built frame makes the blower last longer.
Wheels
Durable wheels help you move the snow blower easily. Some have larger wheels for better traction on snow and ice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Snow Blower Better?
- A powerful motor or engine helps it clear snow faster and more efficiently.
- A wider clearing width saves you time on larger driveways.
- Adjustable chute control lets you direct snow exactly where you want it.
- A comfortable handle makes it easier to push and control.
- Easy starting systems mean less effort to get going.
What Makes a Snow Blower Less Good?
- A weak motor struggles with heavier or wetter snow.
- A narrow clearing width means more passes.
- Chutes that are hard to adjust can be frustrating.
- A flimsy build might not last many winters.
- Difficult starting can make you dread using it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Needs a Single-Stage Snow Blower?
These blowers are perfect for homeowners with:
- Smaller to medium-sized driveways.
- Paved surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
- Areas that get light to moderate snowfalls.
- People who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver machine.
Ease of Use
Single-stage snow blowers are designed for simplicity. They are lighter than two-stage models. This makes them easy to push and control. You don’t need a lot of strength to operate them. They are great for quick cleanups after light snow.
When Not to Use a Single-Stage Snow Blower
If you have a very long driveway, very deep snow, or a gravel surface, a single-stage blower might not be enough. For those situations, a two-stage snow blower is usually a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers?
A: A single-stage blower uses one auger to pick up and throw snow. A two-stage blower uses an auger to pick up snow and then an impeller to throw it further and faster. Two-stage blowers are better for heavy snow and larger areas.
Q: How much snow can a single-stage snow blower handle?
A: Most single-stage snow blowers are best for snowfalls of 6 to 10 inches deep. They work best on lighter, fluffier snow.
Q: Are electric single-stage snow blowers good?
A: Yes, electric models, both corded and cordless, are very good for light snow and smaller areas. They are quieter and require less maintenance than gas models.
Q: Can a single-stage snow blower damage my driveway?
A: If you have a paved driveway (asphalt or concrete), a single-stage blower with a rubber auger is unlikely to cause damage. Be cautious on gravel driveways.
Q: How do I store my single-stage snow blower?
A: Store it in a dry place, like a garage or shed. Make sure it is clean and free of snow and ice before storing.
Q: What maintenance do single-stage snow blowers need?
A: For gas models, you’ll need to check the oil and spark plug. Electric models generally need very little maintenance, just keeping them clean.
Q: Are single-stage snow blowers easy to start?
A: Yes, they are designed to be easy to start. Most have a simple pull-cord. Electric models often have a push-button start.
Q: What is the clearing width I should look for?
A: For smaller driveways, 18-20 inches is usually fine. For medium-sized driveways, consider 21-24 inches.
Q: How important is chute control?
A: Chute control is very important. It allows you to direct snow away from your house, car, or walkway. Some are manual, while others are electric.
Q: Are single-stage snow blowers good for wet snow?
A: They can handle some wet snow, but they work best with lighter, dry snow. Very heavy, wet snow might clog the auger.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!