Which type of snow blower is best? Experts reveal the right option for your yard

Recent extreme weather has brought snow to all fifty states at once, and if you're new to frequent snowfall, you may be wondering how to shift it all from your driveways and paths.

One of the best ways of moving snow is with a snow blower. However, just like lawnmowers, these machines are sold with a lot of marketing jargon. One of the more confusing distinctions is the difference between single- and two-stage snow blowers. If you're in the market for the first time, you may not know which is best.

I spoke to a winter maintenance specialist about the difference between the two types of snow blower, and which is best for clearing snow from a yard.

What's the difference between the two types of snowblower?

The difference between the two machines is fairly straightforward. Winter maintenance specialist Angelika Zaber explains that 'A single-stage snow blower uses a single auger to scoop up and discharge snow through its chute in one motion, which is where its name comes from.'

A two-stage snow blower, on the other hand, has two key mechanisms. Angelika says 'A two-stage snow blower is also a machine designed to remove snow. The auger pulls up the snow from the ground, and then another component, the impeller, throws the snow out from the chute.' This mechanism means that snow can be blown further than a single-stage snow blower, and it can also handle more snow.

Angelika Zarber

Angelika is a De-Icing and Winter Maintenance Specialist working at Online Rock Salt with expertise in creating informative content on effective winter solutions. Experienced in the application and benefits of rock salt, white de-icing salt, and snow removal products, she provides valuable insights to help businesses and individuals manage ice and snow removal safely.

What are the advantages of a single-stage snow blower?

Given that two-stage snow blowers are more effective at moving snow, it seems surprising that anyone would use a single-stage snow blower. However, these small machines have a lot to recommend them.

The first advantage is price. Angelika Zaber says 'While the exact cost will vary depending on the model you choose, single-stage machines are usually a significantly cheaper option than two-stage ones.'

On top of that, single-stage snow blowers are easier to store and use. Angelika says 'Another advantage is their size - single-stage machines are much smaller and lighter, making them easy to maneuver and store.'

Single-stage blowers also need less work. According to Angelika, 'They also make direct contact with the pavement, clearing the snow right down to the ground.' This means you don't need to do any extra clean-up after you've used the blower.

If money is tight and you only see a little snow over winter, a single-stage snow blower is a much better choice.

What are the disadvantages of a single-stage snow blower?

The drawback with single-stage snow blowers is that they can't handle large amounts of snow, especially after rain.

Angelika says 'Single-stage snow blowers do not handle wet, heavy snow very well – it can quickly clog the machine, reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, they can only manage snowfall of up to 10 inches, making them unsuitable for areas with extreme winter conditions. It works best when dealing with a light to moderate amount of snow, typically no more than 8–10 inches. If your local area frequently experiences heavier snowfall, a two-stage model may be a better option.'

Single-stage snow blowers are also most effective on flat ground, unlike two-stage blowers which can handle trickier terrain. Angelika says 'Single-stage snow blowers also do not have enough power to handle steep inclines, so they are better suited for flat areas.'

What are the advantages of a two-stage snow blower?

The big advantage of two-stage snow blowers is that they're much more powerful than single-stage snow blowers. Angelika says 'The main advantage of a two-stage snow blower when compared to a single-stage is its strength. A two-stage snow blower can easily handle up to 23 inches of snow and does not clog up easily, so can deal with wet and heavy snow with no issues.'

Two-stage snow blowers are much better at handling different terrains than single-stage snow blowers. Angelika says 'Two-stage snow blowers are ideal machines if the area that you are trying to clear has a steep incline. They don't clear the snow all the way to the ground, making it a more suitable choice if you have any gravel on your property.'

What are the disadvantages of a two-stage snow blower?

By far the biggest drawback with two-stage snow blowers is price. Angelika says 'The two-stage snow blower is usually much more expensive than a single-stage.

Two-stage snow blowers are much larger than single-stage machines, so they're harder to move around and take up a lot of room in storage.

Finally, two-stage snow blowers are much fussier than single-stage snow blowers. Angelika explains that 'Since two-stage machines have more moving parts, they will require more frequent maintenance and it may be more expensive to fix them if they break down.'

But before you head out and buy a snow blower, bear in mind that it isn't the only way to de-ice paths and patios in the winter. Ice melt can be a much cheaper preventative, and there are even homemade ice melt alternatives that can save you even more money.