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A must-have gadget for braving the winter snow.
Photo:Real Simple
That way, you’re free to skip shoveling and spend more time simplyenjoying the seasonal weather.
Its setup takes longer and requires additional tools.
It traveled with minimal effort, too, even on an incline, thanks to its self-propel function.
PHOTO: Lowe’s
The installation also required additional tools, such as needle-nose pliers and various socket wrenches.
This snow blower isnt ideal for frequent, heavy snowfall.
The two included batteries also arrived fully charged, so it was ready to use almost immediately.
PHOTO: Real Simple
While it isnt self-propelled, we found this smaller model easy enough to move with little effort.
This snow blower easily made it through shorter runtimes of 15 minutes or less with battery life to spare.
However, it takes an hour to recharge the batteries.
This large machine takes up a lot of space.
If you need a model that can handle significant, regular snowfall, look no further.
It was extremely simple to adjust the chute to control in what direction and how far the snow traveled.
We also liked the maneuverability of this snow blower.
The motor is on the loud side.
We especially liked this models steering assist function, which made it incredibly simple to turn and otherwise maneuver.
The speed controls and other options were similarly easy to use.
It also features bright LED headlights for added safety during use.
The motor was loud during operation, but not so loud that it was problematic.
It also took 45 minutes to installthe longest of any model on this list.
The user manual didnt provide enough detail on certain functions.
This two-stage, self-propelled snow blower is our top choice if youre looking for a battery-powered model.
Its self-propelled design excelled at moving through snow.
Its a great option for anyone looking for a solid gas-powered snow blower.
TheEGO POWER+ Snow Blower with Peak Poweris also a standout and our top budget option.
Heres a little more information on how we chose our favorite models.
Because we had to wait for it to snow, the specific conditions varied from test to test.
Always review the safety instructions provided with the snow blower before use.
Self-propelled snow blowers work similarly to self-propelled lawn mowers.
Rather than muscling the machine forward, a self-propelled snow blower handles a lot of that work for you.
While our favorite electric snow blower, theEGO POWER+ 24 in.
PHOTO: Ace Hardware
Theyll often require multiple passes to get the job done and are better suited for clearing small areas.
Headlights:Some models come equipped with headlights to enhance visibility during use.
This is a nice safety feature both for the operator and for anyone else nearby.
The Ego Power SNT2102 cleared our two-car driveway, handling several inches of snow with ease.PHOTO: Real Simple
Heated Grips:Certain snow blower models come with heated grips so your hands stay warm as you work.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers?
Single-stage snow blowers are outfitted with an auger, which both collects and throws the snow, Meinecke explains.
What size snow blower do you need?
That depends on your specific needs.
How much do snow blowers cost?
Snow blowers are definitely an investment.
If you only get light, infrequent snow, you wont need a heavy-duty machine.
When is the best time to purchase a snow blower?
For this roundup, we tried out several gas- and battery-powered snow blowers in real-world scenarios.
PHOTO: AE Outdoor Power
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PHOTO: The Home Depot
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PHOTO: Walmart
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