Imagine this: a blizzard hits, blanketing your driveway and walkways in a thick layer of snow. You sigh, knowing the long, tiring chore of shoveling lies ahead. But what if there was a powerful machine that could conquer even the deepest drifts with ease? That’s where a two-stage snow blower comes in, ready to make your winter cleanup significantly less daunting.
Choosing the right two-stage snow blower can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, engine sizes, and features to consider. You want one that’s tough enough for heavy snow but not too complicated to use. Making the wrong choice could mean struggling with a machine that’s too small for your needs or one that’s a hassle to maintain. Nobody wants that when winter storms are raging.
This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a two-stage snow blower a game-changer, explain the key features you should look for, and offer tips to help you find the perfect model for your home and your budget. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your decision and ready to face winter head-on.
Our Top 5 Two Stage Snow Blowers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Two Stage Snow Blowers Detailed Reviews
1. EGO POWER+ 24″ Electric Snow Blower
Rating: 8.8/10
Conquer winter’s worst with the EGO POWER+ 24″ Electric Snow Blower. This powerful, cordless machine tackles heavy snow with ease, making snow removal less of a chore. It’s designed to handle even the toughest winter storms, so you can keep your driveway clear and safe.
What We Like:
- Peak Power technology uses two EGO 56V 7.5 Ah ARC Lithium batteries for serious muscle.
- It throws snow up to an impressive 50 feet.
- You can clear an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on just one charge.
- It has a wide 24-inch clearing width and a 20-inch intake height to move lots of snow quickly.
- The variable speed self-propelled feature makes it easy to push, with both forward and reverse.
- You can also control the auger speed for different snow conditions.
- Its strong steel and composite construction is weather-resistant for durability.
- Four bright LED headlights help you see clearly for nighttime snow removal.
- The chute can be adjusted 200 degrees from the back, and it has a rear chute deflector.
- It comes with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the upfront cost might be higher than gas-powered models.
- Operating in extremely deep, wet snow might require more effort than a larger gas machine.
This EGO snow blower offers a fantastic blend of power, convenience, and eco-friendly operation. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to make snow removal simpler and more efficient.
2. EGO Power+ SNT2400 24 in. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power Battery and Charger Not Included
Rating: 8.7/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the EGO Power+ SNT2400 24-inch self-propelled snow blower. This powerful machine uses EGO’s Peak Power technology, which combines two EGO POWERplus 56V ARC Lithium batteries for serious snow-busting strength. It throws snow up to an impressive 50 feet, so you can clear your driveway in no time. Imagine clearing an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on just one charge when you use the two recommended 7.5Ah batteries (sold separately). That’s a lot of snow cleared without gas or fumes!
What We Like:
- Peak Power technology gives you gas-like power.
- Throws snow far, up to 50 feet.
- Clears a large driveway on a single charge with the right batteries.
- It has a 24-inch wide clearing path and a 20-inch intake height.
- Self-propel works with variable speed, forward and backward.
- You can change how far the auger spins for better control.
- Separate brushless motors for the auger and self-propel mean more power.
- It’s built tough with steel and composite materials to handle bad weather.
- Four bright LED lights help you see when it’s dark.
- The chute can turn 200 degrees, and you can adjust where the snow goes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries and charger are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
The EGO Power+ SNT2400 is a robust and smart choice for anyone looking for a powerful, eco-friendly way to clear snow. Its advanced features make a tough job much easier.
3. PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower 24-Inch 2-Stage Self-Propelled 212cc Engine Gas Powered with Electric Start
Rating: 8.8/10
Conquer winter’s worst with the PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower. This machine is built tough to handle heavy snowfalls. Its powerful engine and wide clearing path make quick work of even the deepest drifts, saving you time and effort.
What We Like:
- The 212cc engine is super strong. It moves 2400 pounds of snow every minute.
- It clears a 24-inch path and can handle up to 12 inches of snow at once.
- It throws snow far, up to 45 feet away.
- Starting it is a breeze with the electric start. Just plug it in and push a button.
- The two-stage system breaks up ice and snow easily.
- It’s self-propelled with 6 speeds forward and 2 speeds backward. This makes moving it easy.
- The bright LED light helps you see when it’s dark.
What Could Be Improved:
- The electric start requires an outdoor extension cord.
- For very deep or wet snow, it might struggle a bit more.
This snow blower is a reliable partner for winter. It makes snow removal much easier and faster.
4. WEN 24-inch 209cc Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas-Powered Snow Blower with Electric Start (SB209E)
Rating: 8.6/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the WEN 24-inch 209cc Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas-Powered Snow Blower with Electric Start (SB209E). This snow blower is built to handle heavy snowfalls and icy conditions, making your snow removal tasks much easier.
What We Like:
- It clears over 2000 pounds of snow every minute.
- The 24-by-20-inch clearing path covers a good amount of ground quickly.
- Its powerful 209cc engine works with an adjustable chute to throw snow up to 30 feet away.
- The self-propelled drive wheels have 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, so you can choose the best pace for the job.
- Sturdy steel construction and a notched 4-blade auger easily break through ice and packed snow.
- It comes with two 13-inch snow tires for better grip.
- The push-button electric start means no more pulling on a cord.
- A chute clearing tool is included to keep things running smoothly.
- It also has a recoil starter for backup.
- WEN offers a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large driveways, a wider clearing path might be desirable.
- While powerful, the 209cc engine might require a bit more fuel for extended use in extreme conditions compared to larger engines.
Overall, the WEN SB209E is a robust and capable snow blower that simplifies winter cleanup. It offers excellent features for its class, making it a reliable partner against snow.
5. Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower. This orange powerhouse is built for homeowners who need to clear large driveways and paths with ease. Its 24-inch clearing width means you get the job done faster. The powerful 5.9-HP, 212-cc engine with electronic fuel injection starts up with just the push of a button. You can even idle down the engine when you’re not clearing snow, saving fuel.
What We Like:
- Starts easily with push-button electric start.
- The ribbon auger helps break up and throw snow far.
- Power steering makes it easy to turn and maneuver.
- Adjustable skid shoes protect your driveway surfaces.
- Bright LED headlight lets you clear snow anytime.
- Throttle control allows you to adjust engine speed.
- The two-stage system throws snow a long distance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a wider clearing path for extremely large areas.
- While power steering is great, very deep, heavy snow can still require some effort.
This snow blower offers a strong combination of power and user-friendly features. It’s a reliable tool to keep your property clear all winter long.
Conquer the Snow: Your Ultimate Guide to Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Winter can bring beautiful snowfalls, but it can also bring back-breaking shoveling. A two-stage snow blower is your secret weapon against deep drifts and heavy snow. Let’s dive into what makes a great two-stage snow blower and how to pick the perfect one for you.
Why Two-Stage?
Single-stage snow blowers are good for light, powdery snow. But when the snow gets heavy, wet, or deep, a two-stage model is a game-changer. It has two steps to clear snow: first, an auger breaks up the snow, and second, an impeller throws it far away.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Engine Power
- Horsepower (HP): This tells you how strong the engine is. More HP means it can handle tougher snow. For heavy snow or large driveways, aim for 8 HP or more. Smaller driveways might be fine with 5-7 HP.
- Starting System: Most have electric start. This makes starting much easier, especially on cold days. You just plug it in and push a button.
Clearing Width and Height
- Clearing Width: This is how wide a path the snow blower can clear in one pass. Wider is better for large areas, but it can be harder to steer. Common sizes range from 24 to 36 inches.
- Intake Height: This is how tall a snowdrift the machine can handle. Look for 18 inches or more for deep snow.
Drive System
- Wheel Drive: Most two-stage blowers have self-propelled wheels. This means the machine powers itself forward, making it easy to push.
- Speeds: Look for multiple forward and reverse speeds. This lets you adjust how fast you move, depending on the snow and your pace.
Auger and Impeller
- Auger Type: Steel augers are strong and durable. Serrated augers can cut through ice and packed snow.
- Impeller Size: A larger impeller throws snow farther.
Other Handy Features
- Adjustable Chute: This lets you aim the snow exactly where you want it to go. Look for one that rotates easily.
- Headlights: Great for clearing snow early in the morning or late at night.
- Heated Grips: A nice luxury for those very cold days.
Important Materials
The materials used in a snow blower affect its durability and performance.
- Steel: Most of the body and the auger are made of steel. Strong steel means the machine can take a beating and last a long time.
- Cast Iron: Some gearboxes are made of cast iron, which is very strong and helps the machine run smoothly.
- Rubber: Tires are usually rubber for good grip on slippery surfaces.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a snow blower better, while others make it less good.
- Improved Quality:
- A powerful engine.
- A sturdy steel construction.
- Easy-to-use controls.
- Good traction from the wheels.
- A chute that can be adjusted easily.
- Reduced Quality:
- A weak engine that struggles with heavy snow.
- Plastic parts that can break easily.
- Difficult starting.
- Poor traction, causing the machine to slip.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good two-stage snow blower makes clearing snow much easier and faster.
- For Large Driveways and Hills: These machines are ideal for clearing long driveways, steep inclines, or areas with lots of snow. Their power and self-propelled drive handle the work for you.
- For Heavy and Wet Snow: If you live in an area that gets a lot of heavy, wet snow, a two-stage blower is essential. It can break up and throw snow that would stop a single-stage model.
- For People with Physical Limitations: The self-propelled feature and powerful engine make it a great choice for anyone who finds manual shoveling too difficult.
Two-Stage Snow Blower FAQs
Q: What is the biggest difference between a single-stage and a two-stage snow blower?
A: A single-stage blower uses one auger to scoop and throw snow. A two-stage blower uses an auger to break up snow and then an impeller to throw it much farther and with more force. Two-stage blowers are better for deeper, heavier snow and larger areas.
Q: How much horsepower do I need for my snow blower?
A: For light snow and small driveways, 5-7 HP is usually enough. For heavy snow, large driveways, or hilly areas, look for 8 HP or more.
Q: What does “clearing width” mean?
A: Clearing width is the size of the path the snow blower clears in one pass. A wider path means you can clear your driveway faster, but it can also make the machine heavier and harder to steer.
Q: Is electric start really necessary?
A: Electric start makes starting the snow blower much easier, especially in cold weather. You just plug it in and push a button, instead of pulling a cord.
Q: How important is the drive system?
A: The drive system, usually self-propelled wheels, is very important. It powers the machine forward, so you don’t have to push it. This makes clearing snow much less tiring.
Q: What is an auger, and why does it matter?
A: The auger is the part that spins and breaks up the snow. Steel augers are strong. Serrated augers can cut through hard, icy snow better.
Q: What is an impeller?
A: The impeller is a fan behind the auger. It takes the snow broken up by the auger and throws it out of the chute. A bigger impeller throws snow farther.
Q: Can I use a two-stage snow blower on gravel or uneven surfaces?
A: Yes, most two-stage snow blowers can handle gravel and uneven surfaces better than single-stage ones because they have larger wheels and are heavier. Some models have adjustable skid shoes to help with this.
Q: How do I maintain my two-stage snow blower?
A: You should check the oil, keep the machine clean, and sharpen or replace the auger blades when they get dull. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a two-stage snow blower?
A: With proper maintenance, a good quality two-stage snow blower can last for many years, often 10 years or more. Strong materials and a good engine help it last longer.
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!