How to Choose the Best Snow Blower

With several models of snow blowers and with varying capacities, here are some points to keep in mind when choosing one for your requirements:

• Know the amount of snow and land area you need to clear: For instance, if there are 2 to 4 inches of snow that need to be cleared, using an electric snow blower (either corded or cordless) can be ideal.

• Compact: For a compact model that you can stow away easily, look into the Earthwise Cordless Electric 40-Volt, 18-Inch Snow Thrower (Model SN74018), which is designed like a vacuum and easy to put away in a closet.

• Simple: If you are looking for single-stage snow thrower models, look into electric-powered ones that do not require gas; for instance, Greenworks 80-Volt snow throwers.

How to Choose the Best Snow Shovel

When choosing a snow shovel, ensure that you check the following parameters:

• Choose a shovel as per your strength; Short, slender individuals should opt for a small, lightweight model. Stronger people can opt for an all-metal snow shovel.

• Choose a shovel as per your height: The shovel should match the height of the user; if a person is tall or short, the shovel's handle should have the appropriate length.

• Comfortable grip: Shovel handle should be of a diameter that is comfortable to grip and use.

• Good quality: It is best to opt for a quality product and not simply opt for a cheap item.

Why You Should Consider Buying a Snow Blower or Snow Shovel

Snow shovels and snow blowers are used for similar jobs, but situations can differ. In order to make the right purchase, the specific snow conditions that one faces need to be kept in mind. Often, it is ideal to have one of each, keeping a shovel for small, handy jobs while larger areas can be easily handled with a snowblower.

If you have a small amount of snow to deal with, only occasionally and limited to your driveway, it is best to purchase a shovel. It is cheaper and simpler to operate and use, as compared to an electric snowblower.

Pros and Cons

When you have a small amount of snow to remove, a shovel is easy and simple to operate. On the other hand, owning an electric snow blower would require more effort in storing and handling. There are several steps involved in using an electric model, such as finding an electrical outlet, maneuvering around parked cars for accessibility, plugging in the blower model, using it, unplugging it, and cleaning it off. However, when a lot of snow accumulates, then the time and effort put in using a snow blower are less when compared to the manual effort in using a shovel.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Snow Blower or Snow Shovel?

Snow Blowers

When it comes to snow blowers, there are certain factors to consider. As models vary in their blowing capacity, make and model, or whether they employ a track or wheels, or whether they are gas-powered or electric, you can choose your purchase accordingly:

• Depth: The depth of snow should be the first aspect to consider.

• Single and Multiple-stage blowers: Single-stage snow blowers are most popular if you have sticky, wet snow that needs to be removed. Self-propelled models, and two- or three-stage blowers are also ideal for homeowners who need to clear snow off their driveways.

Snow Shovels

If you thought that these are rudimentary tools with handles, think again. Today there are different models of different materials and designs that make the work practically effortless. Features to look out for are:

• Materials: If you have a small amount of snow to put aside, a basic shovel with a metal blade and wooden handle would work; others are lightweight but efficient models made of fiberglass; some are also designed on wheels.

• Comfort: At the time of purchase, it is best to choose what is comfortable and if it feels balanced while shoveling.

• Physical strength and height: The shovel should be chosen to suit the strength and height of the user. Also, look at the diameter of the handle and blade size before making a choice.

Top 6 Snow Blowers & Snow Shovels

Here are some of the best snow shovels and snow blowers, designed to help you clear driveways and pathways in varying snow conditions.

Snow Joe Ultra 21-Inch Single Stage Snow Thrower (Model SJ625E)

This particular model of snowblower offers the following features:

• It is a powerful, versatile model that is ideal for picking up snow, with a 15 Amp motor that can move 800 pounds of snow!

• It is designed for walkways and driveways.

• The model does not require any tune-ups, which makes it easier to maintain.

• It has 3 Watt LED lights to let you use it safely at night.

• It is fitted with tires that are 2.5" wide and 8" in diameter.

• It is backed by warranty coverage of two years.

YARDMAX Two-Stage Snow Blower (Model YB5765)

This is a two-stage model snowblower that showcases the following features:

• It is fitted with a 6.5 HP YARDMAX engine which is easy to start.

• It has multiple speeds and is self-propelling, with 2 reverse and 5 forward gears.

• It slices through hard-packed ice and snow with serrated steel augers.

• It has an ax-shaped housing that chops easily through snow and ice.

• The gear case is aluminum and comes with a synthetic oil-based steel alloy gear.

• It has a high-speed impeller that can pick up more snow in every scoop, and an extended chute that distributes the snow into a tighter area.

• The control crank allows you to adjust the chute easily.

Snow Joe 40-volt Cordless Snow Shovel (Model iON13SS)

This battery-operated snow shovel makes moving snow effortless and quick:

• It is fitted with a 40-volt and 4.0-ampere rechargeable battery.

• The cord-free model is quick and easy to use, whether on patios, sidewalks, decks or steps.

• It has minimal maintenance requirements and is lightweight in design.

• It has an adjustable handle that prevents you from straining your back.

Suncast Snow Shovel (Model SC2700KDD)

There are several top products in the snow shovel category, and this is one such product which features the following advantages:

• It has a blade design that combines elements of a pusher and a shovel.

• The blade has a galvanized steel wear cover and comes with a grip handle.

• The blade has a ribbed pattern that makes it efficient for collecting.

• The steel shaft is durable, rust-resistant, and comes with a powder coating finish.

Multifun Snow Shovel KIt, with Snow Brush and Ice Scraper

This is a shovel set that comes with certain accessories or attachments which make it easy to use with a snowmobile, car, SUV, RV, and more.

• This shovel has an aluminum collapsible design; it can be folded into three parts, which makes it ideal to carry along in a car.

• The shovel is lightweight and compact in size; it is a sports utility design and is ideal for backpacking and camping.

• It is convenient to keep around in your car during winter months so that you can dig your way out of the snow with this handy device.

• The shovel adjusts from 26 inches to 32 inches, providing leverage according to your height and weight.

Snow Joe Shovelution (Model SJ-SHLV01)

This model of the Snow Joe series has the following properties:

• The shovel is made of a durable, impact-resistant blade.

• The handle has a spring-assist feature that helps to reduce strain.

• It offers leverage to makes it easier to lift a large amount of snow with ease.

• It has an ergonomic design that does not affect posture.

• The product is covered by a two-year manufacturer's warranty.

Final Verdict

With several models available of either snow shovels and blowers, it depends on your specific requirements and snow conditions. It might be beneficial to own a model of each, so as to provide you with power and versatility to deal with the varying snow conditions that you might encounter. Hence, you might consider putting a shovel aside for small pathways, while larger homes and driveways would require using a snowblower.