15 best snow blowers & snow throwers for winter 2024, according to reviewers
Should you buy a snow blower or a snow thrower? Here's what to know.
If this winter has felt warmer than usual, you have El Niño to thank. El Niño, a climate pattern marked by above-average sea surface temperatures, has delayed consistent cold conditions for many Canadians, postponing the season's snow, ice and frost. However, some climate scientists forewarn a "dramatic pattern change" in January and February, bringing blizzard-like conditions back to several provinces. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for all of Alberta, and in eastern Canada, one weather system is expected to bring 20 to 40 centimetres of snow. Though the season's snowfall can be challenging to predict, the white stuff will eventually find its way, prompting the need for a new snow blower or thrower.
Snow blower vs. snow thrower: What's the difference?
While they essentially perform the same task, snow blowers and snow throwers are, in fact, two different things.
A snow thrower is a single-stage machine, meaning it uses a rotating auger to pick up snow and cast it out of the shoot in one continuous motion.
A snow blower, on the other hand, works in two stages. Similar to a snow thrower, it uses a rotating auger to scoop up snow, but rather than immediately shooting it out, it feeds the snow into an impeller (a powerful fan) which blows it out of the chute.
Do I need a snow blower or a snow thrower?
There are a few factors to consider to determine whether you need a snow blower or a snow thrower.
Snow conditions: If you don't typically get a lot of snow, a snow thrower may be a better option as they're smaller and less powerful than a snow blower, which means they tend to be less expensive. If you're used to seeing heavy snow conditions, you'll be better off with a snow blower as they're larger, more powerful and equipped to handle heavy snowfall.
Gas-powered vs. electric: Many snow throwers are corded, meaning you can rely on your home's electricity for power. However, that also means you have limitations on how long the cord is and where you can take your machine. On the other hand, snow blowers tend to be fuel-powered, so you have flexibility on where you can take them, but in turn, they require gasoline and more maintenance than their electrical counterparts.
Where to buy a snow blower/thrower in Canada
If you're interested in investing in a snow blower or snow thrower this winter season, scroll down to shop 15 reviewer-loved-and-tested snow blowers and throwers under $500, $1,000 and $2,000.
💰 Best budget snow blower: Certified 13.5-Amp Electric Corded Snowblower
This small but mighty electric snowblower has earned hundreds of five-star reviews from Canadian Tire shoppers who praise its "stunning performance" and "easy to use" design.
Certified 13.5-Amp Electric Corded Snowblower
$200
💰💰 Best middle-of-the-road snow blower: Briggs & Stratton 1022ER 208cc Single Stage Gas Snowblower
This mid-range unit has earned near-perfect reviews from Canadian Tire shoppers who call the unit a "beast" and say it "gets right down to the pavement."
Briggs & Stratton 1022ER 208cc Single Stage Gas Snowblower
$800$900Save $100
💰💰💰 Best high-end snow blower: Briggs & Stratton 1696807 208cc 2-Stage Gas Snowblower
If you're looking for bells and whistles, we suggest checking out Briggs & Stratton's 208cc two-stage gas snowblower. Backed by a 4.6-star rating, Canadian Tire shoppers promise it's "extremely easy to use" and say the snowblower makes them the "envy of [their] neighbours."
Briggs & Stratton 1696807 208cc 2-Stage Gas Snowblower with Electric Start
$1,400$1,500Save $100
Best snow blowers & snow throwers under $500
Snow Joe 18" 13-Amp Electric Single-Stage Snow Thrower
Reviews: 2,800
User rating: 3.8 stars
A steal at less than $250, this affordable snow thrower is an ideal size for small to mid-sized driveways and walkways. Its powerful 13-amp motor can move up to 550 lbs of snow per minute and its 180-degree adjustable directional chute can throw snow up to 20 ft.
This affordable snow thrower moves snow up to 550 pounds per minute.
Benchmark 22" Electric Snow Blower
Reviews: 100+
User rating: 3.5 stars
With a powerful 15A motor, this affordable machine moves up to 25 tons/hr. of snow, features a 180-degree adjustable directional chute and has dual 3W LED headlamps to brighten the way during nights and early mornings.
This 15-amp snow blower moves up to 25 tons per hour of snow.
GreenWorks 2600502 13 Amp 20" Corded Snow Thrower
Reviews: 4,500+
User rating: 4.1 stars
This budget-friendly electric snowblower features a powerful 13-amp motor that can throw snow up to 25 feet. It's ideal for quick snow removal on mid-sized driveways and walkways and comes backed by a 4.1-star rating from Amazon shoppers. This snowblower is "amazingly good!" writes one reviewer. "It has done a great job for us all winter, they say. "I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again."
This "Amazon's Choice" snow thrower is a reviewer-favourite.
Certified 13.5-Amp Electric Corded Snowblower
Reviews: 200+
User rating: 4.1 stars
When winter weather strikes, forget the shovel and grab this 18-inch electric snow thrower from Certified instead. Small but mighty, the unit features a 13.5-amp electric motor that effortlessly moves up to 650 lbs (295 kg) of snow per minute.
This electric snowblower is easy to start and maintain.
Yardworks 48V Battery-Powered Cordless Snow Shovel
Reviews: 25+
User rating: 4.3 stars
If you don't have the space for a snow blower, a battery-powered snow shovel is your next best option. This cordless shovel has a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 48V max lithium battery, providing strong, gas-like power. "We have a single-car driveway, so it didn't make sense to buy a snow blower," writes one shopper. "This snow shovel is just small enough to store and makes shovelling my driveway so much faster!"
This 12-inch cordless snow shovel is handy to have on hand during storm season.
Snow Joe SJ623E 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Snow Thrower
Reviews: 5,700+
User rating: 4.1 stars
With 5,700 reviews and an average rating of 4.2 stars, Amazon shoppers called this electric snow thrower a "time saver" and "much lighter than you realize." The snow thrower boasts a 15-amp motor and can move up to 720 pounds of snow per minute. I "can't believe how good it is," raved one reviewer.
Snow Joe's powerful 15-amp motor moves up to 720 pounds of snow per minute.
Best snow blowers & snow throwers under $1,000
Briggs & Stratton 1022ER 208cc Single Stage Gas Snowblower
Reviews: 15+
User rating: 4.7 stars
This single-stage gas snowblower from Briggs & Stratton offers a 22" (55.8 cm) clearing width to quickly remove snow from your driveway, walkway and wherever else the white stuff is piling up. "I bought this to replace an older machine that was worn out, and I am so glad I did," writes one shopper. It "came fully assembled" and does a "great job" of blowing snow. It's "well worth the price."
This snow blower has a rubber auger that won't damage sensitive surfaces.
Worx WG471 40V Power Share 20" Cordless Snow Blower
Reviews: 650+
User rating: 4.1 stars
This Worx snow blower has earned an average rating of four stars from more than 650 reviewers. Shoppers say the battery-operated snow blower is "simply the best" and offers a "good bang for your buck!"
Throw your snow up to 20 feet in any direction with a 180-degree rotating chute.
Yardworks 96V Single Stage Cordless Snowblower
Reviews: 50+
User rating: 4.1 stars
This single-stage cordless snowblower features a push-button start, dual 5W LED lights and variable-speed auger control. The unit has a run time of up to 30 minutes, with a battery charge time of 150 minutes. "The Yardworks electric snowblower has all the bells and whistles of a gas one, but with less weight, noise and cost," writes one shopper. "Great for a fresh snow fall and easy to handle."
Yardworks 96V Cordless Snowblower is backed by powerful 96V (2x48V) 5Ah batteries.
Best snow blowers & snow throwers under $2,000
EGO 56V Power+ 2-Stage Cordless Snowblower
Reviews: 1,300+
User Rating: 4.5 stars
Ego Power's cordless electric two-stage snowblower offers the power of a gas snowblower without the noise, fuss or fumes. It's built with two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries to tackle nasty snow conditions and with a 24" clearing width and 20" intake height, it can handle even the deepest snow.
This powerful snow blower throws snow up to 50 feet.
Briggs & Stratton 1696807 208cc 2-Stage Gas Snowblower
Reviews: 25+
User rating: 4.6 stars
With a promising average rating of 4.6 stars, this Briggs & Stratton snow blower is a unit worth investing in, according to Canadian Tire reviewers. The two-stage snowblower is powered by a 208 cc Snow Series engine and has a push-button electric start for quick and easy starting down to -28.8° C. "[You] can't beat Briggs & Stratton," writes one shopper. "I couldn't believe how handy the power steering is," they add.
This top-rated snowblower has a 4.7-star average rating on Canadian Tire.
Troy-Blit 2-Stage Gas Snowblower with Electric Start
Reviews: 100+
User rating: 4.1 stars
A trusted pick among Canadian Tire shoppers, this two-stage gas snow blower has been called a "pleasure to operate" and "worth the money." One reviewer said it "starts easy and has more than sufficient power to move the snow. Banks at the end of the driveway were a breeze," and added, "This is my third snowblower and I'm kicking myself for not buying this the first time."
The Troy-Bilt Storm Snowblower is equipped with rugged 2-stage technology, ideal for clearing snow on large driveways.
Greenworks 60V 3x5Ah 2-Stage Cordless Snowblower
Reviews: 15+
User rating: 4.6 stars
Tackle winter weather on any surface with this fan-favourite two-stage snow blower. The powerful device features a 24-inch clearing width and a 200-degree rotational chute to keep snow out of your path. It's "powerful and maintenance-free," writes one shopper.
This Greenworks snowblower is powered by 3 x 60V, 5Ah battery which offers up to 45 minutes of run time.
Troy-Blit 675-SU OHV Storm 2820 272cc 2-Stage Gas Snowblower
Reviews: 40+
User rating: 4.4 stars
This reviewer-loved gas snowblower features finger-tip controlled power steering on each handle to improve maneuverability, has a 28-inch clearing width, a 12-inch serrated auger and best of all, it's equipped with heated hand grips.
Troy-Bilt's 2-Stage Gas Snowblower is powered by 272cc Troy-Bilt gas engine with electric and manual start.
Yardworks 224cc 2-Stage Snowblower
Reviews: <10
User rating: 4 stars
This Yardworks two-stage snowblower with power steering is powered by a 224cc OHV (over-head valve) Champion snowblower engine featuring cold start technology. It's equipped with electric and manual start and offers six forward and two reverse speeds.
This snow blower offers six forward and two reverse speeds.
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