When winter unleashes its full fury, a reliable gas snow blower transforms from a luxury into a necessity. Shoveling a long driveway after a heavy snowfall is a back-breaking chore that can take hours. A powerful gas-powered machine, however, can clear that same space in minutes, saving you time, effort, and strain, and ensuring you can get on with your day regardless of the weather.
Choosing the right model is crucial. From robust two-stage beasts designed to plow through deep, heavy snowdrifts to nimble single-stage units perfect for lighter accumulations, the best gas snow blower for your driveway depends on your specific needs. This roundup cuts through the cold to bring you ten of the top-performing models available, each ready to make winter cleanup a breeze.
The Best Gas Snow Blowers for Your Driveway
- PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower, 24-Inch Self-Propelled 208cc B&S Engine
- PowerSmart 24-Inch Self-Propelled Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower with 212cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine
- AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower, Powered by 4-Cycle 212cc OHV Engine
- PowerSmart Snow Blower Gas Powered 21-Inch Single-Stage 212cc Engine
- Troy-Bilt 31A-2M5GB66 123cc 4-Cycle Single Stage 21 in. Gas Snow Blower
- PowerSmart 24-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower, Powered by B&S 208cc Engine
- Westinghouse WSnow20 Corded Snow Blower 20 Inch, Steel Auger, Dual LED Lights
- Snow Joe Corded Electric Snow Blower, 15A Motor, 21″ Clearing Path
- PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
PowerSmart Gas Snow Blower, 24-Inch Self-Propelled 208cc B&S Engine
This PowerSmart model is built to handle significant winter challenges. Its Briggs & Stratton 208cc engine provides substantial power, while the two-stage system is designed to move large volumes of snow efficiently. The self-propelled drive with six forward and two reverse speeds gives you excellent control over your pace, whether you are navigating a clear section or powering through a dense snowdrift.
User comfort is a key focus with this machine. The large 13-inch snow tires offer reliable traction on slippery surfaces, and the handle warmer is a welcome feature during long, cold clearing sessions. For early mornings or late evenings, the built-in LED lights illuminate your path, making snow removal safer and more convenient.
PowerSmart 24-Inch Self-Propelled Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Ideal for larger driveways and walkways, this PowerSmart blower combines a wide 24-inch clearing path with a dependable two-stage snow removal system. This setup is particularly effective for heavy, wet snow that can bog down lesser machines. The powerful 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine ensures consistent performance, giving you the confidence to tackle tough winter conditions.
Maneuverability is enhanced by the self-propelled drive system, which reduces the physical effort required to push the machine. The 13-inch snow tires grip the ground firmly, providing stability and control on icy or uneven terrain. This combination of power and ease of use makes it a strong contender for handling substantial snowfall.
AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower with 212cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine
With a robust 212cc OHV engine, this AMERISUN snow blower is built for demanding jobs. The overhead valve design contributes to fuel efficiency and longer engine life, making it a durable choice for many winters to come. Its 24-inch width allows you to clear a large area quickly, minimizing the time you spend in the cold.
The self-propelled system takes the hard work out of moving the machine, allowing you to focus on steering and guiding the blower where it needs to go. This feature is especially useful on longer driveways or when dealing with heavy, packed snow. It’s a capable machine designed for users who need reliable power and a wide clearing path.
AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower, Powered by 4-Cycle 212cc OHV Engine
This model offers a more compact 21-inch clearing width without sacrificing engine power. The same potent 212cc OHV engine found in larger models drives this blower, making it excellent for medium-sized driveways and sidewalks where a smaller footprint is an advantage. It can handle up to 8 inches of snow depth, throwing it up to 35 feet away.
Engineered for practicality, it features a rubber auger that effectively scoops up snow while being gentle on paved surfaces. When the season is over, the foldable handle makes for easy storage, saving valuable space in your garage or shed. This blower is a great balance of power and convenient, space-saving design.
PowerSmart Snow Blower Gas Powered 21-Inch Single-Stage 212cc Engine
For those dealing with lighter, fluffier snow, this single-stage PowerSmart blower is an efficient and nimble option. Its 212cc engine provides plenty of power for a single-stage machine, throwing snow up to 35 feet. The simple recoil start gets you going quickly, and the 4-stroke engine means no messy oil and gas mixing.
The compact and lightweight design makes it highly maneuverable, ideal for clearing decks, patios, and sidewalks in addition to driveways. It’s easier to handle and store than larger two-stage models, making it a perfect fit for homes that receive moderate snowfall and where easy storage is a priority.
Troy-Bilt 31A-2M5GB66 123cc 4-Cycle Single Stage 21 in. Gas Snow Blower
Coming from the trusted Troy-Bilt brand, this single-stage snow blower is built for reliability and ease of use. Its 123cc 4-cycle engine is designed for efficient operation on smaller properties and lighter snowfalls. The single-stage system is straightforward and effective for clearing paved surfaces quickly.
This model is a solid choice for anyone seeking a no-fuss, dependable machine from a well-known manufacturer. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making snow removal a simple task without a steep learning curve. Its reputation for durability means it’s a machine you can count on season after season.
PowerSmart 24-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower, Powered by B&S 208cc Engine
This heavy-duty PowerSmart model is engineered for maximum performance. It boasts an impressive snow plowing capacity of 2380 pounds per minute and can throw snow up to 50 feet, making it suitable for the largest driveways and the heaviest snow conditions. The heavy-duty steel auger and impeller are built to break through tough, icy snow.
Starting the machine is easy in any weather thanks to the convenient 120V electric start, with a recoil start available as a backup. With a 24-inch clearing width and a 20-inch intake height, this is a true workhorse designed to make quick work of major snowstorms, handling everything from fluffy to wet, heavy snow with ease.
Westinghouse WSnow20 Corded Snow Blower 20 Inch, Steel Auger, Dual LED Lights
For those who prefer the convenience of electric power, the Westinghouse WSnow20 offers a powerful alternative. Its 1800-watt motor can move 680 pounds of snow per minute, clearing a 20-inch wide path. The rubber-tipped steel auger is effective at picking up snow while protecting your paving surfaces from scratches.
This model is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for quick cleanups on driveways, walkways, and decks. The dual LED lights are a great feature for low-light conditions, and the 180-degree adjustable chute gives you control over where the snow is directed. Just plug it in, and it’s ready to go.
Snow Joe Corded Electric Snow Blower, 15A Motor, 21″ Clearing Path
The Snow Joe SJ625E is a popular choice for electric snow removal. Its 15-amp motor can move up to 800 pounds of snow per minute, offering substantial clearing power without the need for gas or oil. This eliminates the maintenance associated with small engines, such as tune-ups and fuel stabilization.
This blower is perfectly suited for mid-sized driveways and walkways. The 180-degree adjustable chute allows you to throw snow up to 20 feet away from your clearing path. It’s a straightforward, effective tool for dealing with moderate snowfall, providing a clean result with minimal hassle.
PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This PowerSmart two-stage snow blower pairs a wide 24-inch clearing path with a high-displacement 212cc engine, creating a machine capable of tackling serious snow removal tasks. The two-stage system is the key to its effectiveness, first gathering snow with the auger and then discharging it with a high-speed impeller, which is ideal for wet and heavy snow.
Built for durability and performance, this model is designed to clear large areas efficiently. It’s a powerful option for homeowners who face challenging winter conditions and need a machine that can move a high volume of snow quickly and reliably, season after season.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Gas Snow Blower for Your Driveway
When winter hits hard, a reliable gas snow blower is the only thing standing between you and a back-breaking shoveling session. I’ve used my fair share of machines, and I can tell you that not all snow blowers are created equal. The key is matching the machine’s capabilities to your specific driveway and the type of snow you usually get. It’s all about finding the right tool for the job without overpaying for power you don’t need or getting stuck with a machine that can’t handle the load.
First, consider the size and type of your driveway. If you have a short, paved driveway, a single-stage model might be sufficient. These are lighter and more maneuverable, using a fast-spinning auger to pick up and throw snow in one motion. They work best on surfaces like concrete and asphalt and are great for snowfalls under 8 inches. However, if your driveway is long, gravel, or you regularly deal with heavy, wet snow, you need a two-stage model. These have a slower-turning auger that chews up the snow and an impeller fan that throws it out of the chute. The second stage is what gives it the extra power to handle deep, dense snow without clogging. For the toughest jobs and the longest driveways, a three-stage model adds an accelerator before the auger to break up ice and super-packed snow, but they are a bigger investment.
Next, pay close attention to the clearing width and intake height. The clearing width determines how wide a path you cut with each pass. A wider path means you finish the job faster. For most residential driveways, a width between 24 and 30 inches is the sweet spot. The intake height is the maximum depth of snow the machine can handle in a single pass. If you get a lot of lake-effect snow or nor’easters, look for a higher intake height, typically 20 inches or more, to prevent the machine from getting bogged down.
Finally, don’t overlook the features that make the job easier. Power steering is a game-changer on larger two-stage models, making it much less physically demanding to turn the machine. Heated handgrips are a small luxury that makes a big difference on freezing mornings. Electric start is almost a must-have, saving you the frustration of pull-starting a cold engine. Also, check the chute controls; some models allow you to adjust the direction and distance of the snow discharge from the handlebars, which saves you from walking to the front of the machine constantly. Taking the time to think about these factors will help you find one of the best gas snow blowers for driveways that will serve you well for many winters to come.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a gas snow blower over an electric one?
The biggest advantage is power and cordless freedom. Gas models are typically more powerful, allowing them to tackle heavy, wet snow and larger areas without slowing down. You don’t have to worry about the range of a cord or the battery life of a cordless model, which makes them ideal for clearing long driveways after a significant storm.
How difficult is it to maintain a gas snow blower?
It requires a bit more upkeep than an electric model, but it’s not complicated. The most important tasks are using a fuel stabilizer if you’re storing gas for the season and running the engine dry at the end of winter to prevent old fuel from gumming up the carburetor. You’ll also need to periodically check the oil, spark plug, and shear pins. It’s an extra half-hour of work a couple of times a year for a machine that starts reliably when you need it most.
Can I use a gas snow blower on a gravel or uneven driveway?
Yes, but you need to be careful, especially with a single-stage model. Two-stage snow blowers are better for this because you can adjust the skid shoes to raise the scraper bar slightly off the ground. This creates a small gap that prevents the machine from sucking up and throwing gravel. It might leave a thin layer of snow, but it protects your driveway surface and the machine itself.
What does the engine size (CC) mean, and how much do I need?
The CC, or cubic centimeters, refers to the engine’s displacement. Generally, a higher CC means a more powerful engine. For a small to medium driveway with moderate snow, an engine between 200cc and 250cc is usually plenty. For larger driveways or areas that get heavy, wet snow, look for an engine in the 250cc to 350cc range. More power helps ensure the machine won’t stall in tough conditions.
Are there any specific features that make using a snow blower easier?
Absolutely. Features like electric start, power steering, and heated handgrips significantly improve the user experience. Electric start eliminates the struggle of pull-cording a cold engine. Power steering assists with turning heavy, packed snow, reducing arm fatigue. Heated handgrips are a simple comfort feature that makes a cold job much more pleasant. When looking at the 10 best gas snow blowers for driveways, these are the amenities that separate the good from the great.
Is it worth paying more for a tracked model over one with tires?
Tracked models offer better traction and stability, especially on slopes or uneven terrain. They distribute the machine’s weight more evenly, preventing it from sinking into deep snow. If your driveway has a significant incline or is unpaved, tracks are a worthwhile investment. For flat, paved driveways, models with tires are usually less expensive and work perfectly fine, especially if the tires are chained for extra grip.