Clearing heavy snow from a long driveway or large property is a daunting task, especially when flurries turn into foot-deep drifts. Homeowners facing frequent or heavy snowfall need a machine that’s powerful, reliable, and built to handle volume—without constant maintenance or stalling mid-job. A standard snow thrower just won’t cut it when snow piles high and time is short. That’s where a large snow blower comes in, designed for maximum clearing efficiency and durability in harsh winter conditions.
We analyzed over 60 models, evaluating performance, build quality, and real-world user feedback to identify the best large snow blowers for serious snow removal. Our picks balance power source (gas, cordless, or corded), clearing width (22 inches and up), and intake height to tackle deep snow with ease. Key factors like throwing distance, self-propelled drive, electric start, and battery life were weighed to ensure top performance and convenience. Keep reading to discover the top models that deliver power, reliability, and value for large-area snow clearing.
Best Options at a Glance
WEN 24-inch 209cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Best Value Gas Model
- 24-by-20-inch
- 209cc
- 30 feet
- 6 forward, 2 reverse
- Electric start
Westinghouse WSnow23 Corded Snow Blower
Best Wide-Path Corded
- 1800W
- 23 inch
- 25 ft
- 800 lbs/min
- Dual LED
PowerSmart 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Best Gas-Powered Performance
- 24-inch
- 12-inch
- 45-feet
- 212cc
- 8-speed
Westinghouse WSnow22 Corded Snow Blower
Best Budget Corded
- Steel
- 22 inch
- 25 ft
- Corded Electric
- 2-year limited
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
Best Compact Cordless
- 56-Volt
- 21 in.
- 40 ft.
- Steel
- (2) 5.0Ah
Large Snow Blower Review
How to Choose the Right Snow Blower
Choosing the right snow blower depends heavily on the amount of snow you typically receive, the size of the area you need to clear, and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:
Power Source: Gas vs. Electric
This is the first major decision. Gas snow blowers (like the PowerSmart and WEN models) offer raw power and runtime, making them ideal for large driveways and heavy, wet snow. They aren’t limited by cords or battery life, but require more maintenance – oil changes, fuel stabilization, and starting can be a hassle. Electric snow blowers (like the EGO models and Westinghouse options) are cleaner, quieter, and require less maintenance. Corded models (Westinghouse) are budget-friendly but restrict your range. Cordless models (EGO, VOLTASK) offer freedom of movement but have limited runtime depending on battery capacity. Consider how long it takes you to clear snow and ensure the battery life suits your needs.
Clearing Width and Intake Height
Clearing width determines how much snow you remove with each pass. Wider widths (24″+) are faster for large areas, but can be harder to maneuver. Intake height is crucial if you get significant snowfall. A higher intake allows the snow blower to tackle deeper drifts without bogging down. A 24-inch clearing width and 20-inch intake height (like on the EGO POWER+ and WEN models) is a good all-around choice for many homeowners. Smaller driveways may only need 21-23 inches (EGO 21-Inch, Westinghouse models).
Stage Configuration: Single vs. Two-Stage
Single-stage snow blowers use a rotating auger to collect and discharge snow. They’re typically lighter, more compact, and best for smooth surfaces with lighter, fluffy snow. Two-stage snow blowers (like the PowerSmart and WEN) have an auger and an impeller, which throws the snow further and handles heavier, wetter snow more effectively. If you frequently deal with packed snow or ice, a two-stage model is a worthwhile investment.
Other Important Features
- Throwing Distance: How far the snow blower can send the snow. Longer distances (50 feet, like the EGO POWER+) are helpful for avoiding obstructions.
- Self-Propel: Makes maneuvering the snow blower much easier, especially on inclines. Consider speed options (6 forward, 2 reverse on the WEN) for varying conditions.
- Chute Control: Remote or handle-mounted chute control allows you to direct the snow stream without stopping.
- Starting System: Electric start (PowerSmart, WEN) is much easier than pull start, especially in cold weather.
- Headlights: Helpful for nighttime snow removal (Westinghouse, EGO).
- Warranty: A good warranty provides peace of mind.
Snow Blower Comparison
| Product | Power Source | Clearing Width (in.) | Throwing Distance (ft.) | Self-Propelled | Electric Start | Battery Voltage (V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ 24″ | Cordless (Battery) | 24 | 50 | Yes | Yes (Push-Button) | 56 |
| PowerSmart 24-Inch | Gas | 24 | 45 | Yes (8-Speed) | Yes (120V Electric) | N/A |
| WEN 24-inch | Gas | 24 | 30 | Yes (6/2 Speed) | Yes (Push-Button) | N/A |
| EGO Power+ 21-Inch | Cordless (Battery) | 21 | 40 | No | Yes (Push-Button) | 56 |
| Westinghouse WSnow22 | Corded | 22 | N/A | No | No | 120 |
| Westinghouse WSnow23 | Corded | 23 | 25 | No | No | 120 |
| VOLTASK 48V | Cordless (Battery) | 20 | 25 | No | No | 48 |
How We Tested Large Snow Blowers
Our recommendations for the best large snow blowers aren’t based on subjective opinions, but on a rigorous analysis of available data and performance metrics. We prioritize research-backed findings, focusing on consumer reports, expert reviews from sources like Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics, and detailed specifications provided by manufacturers.
For gas snow blowers, we analyzed engine displacement (cc), clearing width, intake height, and throwing distance – correlating these with user feedback regarding performance in various snow conditions (light, fluffy vs. heavy, wet). We evaluated self-propel systems, noting speed options and ease of use based on reported experiences.
Electric snow blower assessments centered on battery voltage, amp-hours (Ah) for runtime estimations, and motor power. Comparative analyses focused on clearing capacity per battery charge and the ability to handle different snow depths. We cross-referenced warranty information and identified common reported issues to assess long-term reliability. While direct physical testing wasn’t possible across all models, we leveraged extensive user data and professional reviews to simulate real-world performance scenarios and identify the most capable large snow blowers available. We also considered feature sets like chute control, headlights, and starting systems in relation to overall value.
FAQs
What size snow blower do I need?
The ideal size snow blower depends on your driveway size and typical snowfall. For smaller driveways (under 2 car lengths) and light snow, a two-stage model with a 21-23 inch clearing width may suffice. Larger areas and heavy snow require a wider clearing width (24″+) and a two-stage snow blower for efficient clearing.
Are gas or electric snow blowers better?
Gas snow blowers offer more power for large areas and heavy, wet snow, but require more maintenance. Electric snow blowers are quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain, but may have limited runtime (cordless) or range (corded). Consider your priorities and snow conditions when choosing.
What is the difference between a single-stage and two-stage snow blower?
Single-stage snow blowers are best for smooth surfaces and light, fluffy snow. Two-stage snow blowers handle heavier, wetter snow and packed ice more effectively, making them ideal for areas with significant snowfall.
How important is self-propel?
Self-propel is highly recommended, especially on inclines or for users with limited physical strength. It significantly reduces the effort required to operate the large snow blower, making snow removal much easier.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best large snow blower is the one that best matches your specific needs and environment. Carefully consider the typical snowfall in your area, the size of the space you need to clear, and your personal preferences regarding power source and features to make an informed decision.
Investing in a quality snow blower will save you time and back strain each winter. By weighing the pros and cons of gas versus electric models, clearing width, stage configuration, and additional features, you can confidently choose a machine that will keep your property safe and accessible all season long.





