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Comparison: Best Snow Blower Single Stage (Updated | Jan 2nd)

ByAlexis

Winter mornings are beautiful until you’re staring down a foot of snow with a shovel in hand. If you’re tired of the backbreaking work and need a machine that can handle moderate snowfall like a pro, a single-stage snow blower might be your perfect match. We’ve done the heavy lifting to find the best options that combine power and ease of use. Let’s dive into our top picks and help you find the right tool to keep your driveway clear all season long.

Editor’s Choice

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower
High-Performance Power

Best for a specific purpose

Product Comparison: Best Snow Blower Single Stage

Compact Cold Start

Amerisun 21-Inch 212cc Single-Stage Snow Blower Gas Powered with Compact Size, Lightweight Design, Easy Chute Control

Amerisun 21-Inch 212cc Single-Stage Snow Blower Gas Powered with Compact Size, Lightweight Design, Easy Chute Control

AMERISUN
The Amerisun 21-Inch Single-Stage Snow Blower features a robust 212cc gas engine designed to start reliably even in freezing temperatures as low as -20°F. It clears 21-inch wide paths and handles snow depths up to six inches efficiently, moving up to 1,600 pounds of snow per minute. Weighing only 68 pounds, this lightweight unit is easy to maneuver around driveways and patios. It includes foldable ergonomic handlebars for compact storage and a convenient chute adjust handle for precise snow directing. The comfort handle design ensures a secure grip, making operation simple even while wearing thick winter gloves.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Powerful reliable engine
  • Lightweight and easy
  • Easy chute control
  • Handles cold starts
  • Compact for storage

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Limited clearing depth
  • Manual recoil start
  • No headlight included

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High-Performance Power

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower, 212cc Single-Stage Snow Thrower, Lightweight 21″ Snow Removal Machine with 180° Adjustable Chute, High-Performance Gas Powered Snow Cleaner for Driveways & Sidewalks

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower, 212cc Single-Stage Snow Thrower, Lightweight 21

AMERISUN
Engineered for harsh winters, this AMERISUN 21-inch gas snow blower utilizes a high-power 212cc single-stage engine to tackle heavy, wet, and packed snow. The unit features a 21-inch clearing width and an impressive 12.5-inch clearing height, allowing you to cut through deep accumulation quickly. Its 180-degree adjustable chute gives you full control over snow direction, protecting your car and walkways. Weighing less than competitors, this machine reduces user fatigue and makes pushing effortless. With reinforced augers and sturdy housing, it is built to last through multiple seasons of reliable performance on residential driveways.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Handles heavy snow
  • Deep clearing capacity
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Durable construction
  • Effortless pushing

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Gas maintenance required
  • Louder than electric
  • Requires fuel mixing

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Remote Chute Ease

NOVUS Single Stage Gas Snow Blower, 18″ Clearing Width, 10.5″ Clearing Depth, 190° Remote Chute Control, Compact, Lightweight Design, Steel-Reinforced Rubber Auger, Recoil Start

NOVUS Single Stage Gas Snow Blower, 18

NOVUS
The NOVUS Single Stage Gas Snow Blower is an ideal choice for homeowners with small to medium-sized areas. Its 99cc engine provides consistent power to propel snow up to 23 feet away. With an 18-inch clearing width and a 10.5-inch intake height, it navigates tight spaces like sidewalks and narrow driveways with ease. The wear-resistant steel reinforced rubber auger grinds through compacted snow effectively. It features a convenient one-hand 190-degree remote chute control for precise directing without stopping. Additionally, the soft-grip handle ensures maximum comfort and control, allowing you to finish the job quickly.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Compact 18-inch width
  • Easy remote chute
  • Comfortable soft grip
  • Great for tight spaces
  • Reliable cold start

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Smaller 99cc engine
  • Narrower clearing path
  • Not for deep snow

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Proven Pro Power

Poulan Pro Snow Blower Gas Powered, Single Stage 18 Inch Gas Snow Thrower with Electric Start, 190° Remote Chute Control, Steel-Reinforced Rubber Auger, Compact, Lightweight Design

Poulan Pro Snow Blower Gas Powered, Single Stage 18 Inch Gas Snow Thrower with Electric Start, 190° Remote Chute Control, Steel-Reinforced Rubber Auger, Compact, Lightweight Design

Poulan Pro
The Poulan Pro PR100 offers exceptional performance for small to medium driveways. Powered by a robust 99cc 4-stroke engine, it starts reliably even in frigid temperatures down to -22°F. With an 18-inch clearing width and 10.5-inch intake height, it handles moderate snowfall with ease. The steel-reinforced rubber auger cuts through packed snow while remaining gentle on surfaces. One-hand remote chute control allows for precise snow placement. Its lightweight, compact design ensures easy maneuverability, while the soft-grip handle provides comfort during use, making it a solid choice for residential snow removal.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Reliable cold weather start
  • Powerful 99cc engine
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy chute adjustment
  • Gentle on surfaces

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Narrow clearing width
  • Limited intake height
  • Requires gas maintenance

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Classic 21-Inch

Troy-Bilt 31A-2M5GB66 123cc 4-Cycle Single Stage 21 in. Gas Snow Blower

Troy-Bilt 31A-2M5GB66 123cc 4-Cycle Single Stage 21 in. Gas Snow Blower

Troy-Bilt
This Troy-Bilt single-stage snow blower is designed to tackle winter chores efficiently. Equipped with a 123cc 4-cycle engine, it provides consistent power for clearing a 21-inch path. The unit is built for durability and ease of use, making it ideal for homeowners with moderate snowfall amounts. Its straightforward operation allows users to clear driveways and walkways quickly. The design prioritizes stability and control, ensuring you can maneuver through snow easily. Whether dealing with light snow or heavier drifts, this gas-powered thrower delivers reliable results for seasonal maintenance needs.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Wide 21-inch path
  • Reliable gas engine
  • Easy to operate
  • Good for moderate snow
  • Durable construction

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • No electric start
  • Louder than electric
  • Heavier to push

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Long-Range Cordless

PRORUN 60V 22-Inch Cordless Snow Blower, Single-Stage Battery Snow Thrower with Brushless Motor, Includes (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and (2) Chargers

PRORUN 60V 22-Inch Cordless Snow Blower, Single-Stage Battery Snow Thrower with Brushless Motor, Includes (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and (2) Chargers

PRORUN
Experience the freedom of cordless snow removal with the PRORUN 60V Snow Blower. Its high-efficiency brushless motor delivers impressive power, clearing a 22-inch wide path and throwing snow up to 45 feet. With included batteries, enjoy up to 30 minutes of runtime, enough for a 10-car driveway. The auger-assist drive propels the unit forward up to 2.7 mph, reducing effort. Dual battery ports ensure continuous operation with auto switchover. Perfect for eco-conscious users, this blower combines gas-like performance with the convenience of battery power for a hassle-free winter experience.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Cordless convenience
  • Brushless motor efficiency
  • Long 30-minute runtime
  • Self-propelled drive system
  • Impressive throwing distance

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Battery charge time
  • Limited snow depth
  • Higher initial cost

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Electric Headlight

Snow Joe Ultra 18 Inch 15 Amp Single Stage Electric Snow Thrower with Headlights

Snow Joe Ultra 18 Inch 15 Amp Single Stage Electric Snow Thrower with Headlights

Snow Joe
The Snow Joe Ultra is a reliable single-stage electric snow thrower designed to handle residential snow removal with ease. Powered by a robust 15-amp motor, it moves up to 720 pounds of snow per minute, clearing an 18-inch wide path in a single pass. It features a four-blade auger to cut through packed snow and a 180-degree adjustable chute for precise snow placement. The integrated halogen headlight ensures visibility during early mornings or late evenings, while the scraper blade protects your pavement. Ideal for those seeking a maintenance-free alternative to gas models without sacrificing power.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Powerful 15-amp motor
  • No gas or oil needed
  • Built-in headlight
  • Adjustable chute control
  • Cuts packed snow well

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Limited by cord length
  • Not for heavy wet snow

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Cordless Dual Battery

Westinghouse WSnow18 48V Cordless Snow Blower 18 Inch Kit, Steel Auger, LED Light, 1200W Brushless Motor, 25ft Throwing Distance, Plows 650lbs/min, Compatible with Snow Joe Batteries

Westinghouse WSnow18 48V Cordless Snow Blower 18 Inch Kit, Steel Auger, LED Light, 1200W Brushless Motor, 25ft Throwing Distance, Plows 650lbs/min, Compatible with Snow Joe Batteries

Westinghouse
Experience the freedom of cordless snow removal with the Westinghouse WSnow18. This 48V blower features a brushless motor that throws 650 pounds of snow per minute, clearing an 18-inch wide path efficiently. The rubber-tipped steel auger cleans down to the pavement while protecting surfaces. It includes two 24V batteries for extended runtime and a dual-port fast charger. The 180-degree adjustable chute and LED light enhance usability in various conditions. Backed by a 2-year warranty, it offers a maintenance-free experience perfect for quick cleanups on driveways, sidewalks, and decks.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Cordless convenience
  • Brushless motor efficiency
  • Includes two batteries
  • Safe on surfaces
  • Fast charging capability

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Limited run time
  • Heavy with batteries

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Deep Snow Master

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Powered Snow Blower, 212cc Single-Stage Snow Thrower with 180°Adjustable Chute, Lightweight Fordable Snow Removal Machine for Driveways, Sidewalks, and Walkways

AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Powered Snow Blower, 212cc Single-Stage Snow Thrower with 180°Adjustable Chute, Lightweight Fordable Snow Removal Machine for Driveways, Sidewalks, and Walkways

AMERISUN
The AMERISUN 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower combines power and convenience for tackling tough winter conditions. Equipped with a 212cc engine, it easily cuts through heavy, wet, or compacted snow. With a 21-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch intake height, it handles large snowfalls quickly. The 180-degree adjustable chute throws snow up to 40 feet away, giving you precise control. Its lightweight design ensures easy maneuverability around tight spaces, while the reinforced auger and all-weather wheels provide durability. This machine is a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable gas-powered performance.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Powerful 212cc engine
  • Wide 21-inch path
  • Throws snow far
  • Durable construction
  • Easy to maneuver

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Requires gas maintenance
  • Louder than electric

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Rear Crank Control

SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20 in. Single Stage Snow Blower Kit, 30’ft Throwing Distance, Includes 6.0Ah Battery and Charger- SB2001C-10 red

SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20 in. Single Stage Snow Blower Kit, 30'ft Throwing Distance, Includes 6.0Ah Battery and Charger- SB2001C-10 red

Skil
Clear snow effortlessly with the SKIL PWR CORE 40 Snow Blower Kit. This cordless, single-stage machine features a digital brushless motor that delivers gas-like performance without the fumes or maintenance. It throws snow up to 30 feet and offers 180-degree directional control via a rear crank for easy adjustments. The 20-inch rubber-tipped steel auger cleans pavement effectively while preventing damage. Included is a high-capacity 6.0Ah battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger to keep you running. It is an excellent option for those seeking balance between power, convenience, and usability.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Brushless motor power
  • Includes 6.0Ah battery
  • Throws snow 30 feet
  • Easy chute adjustment
  • No gas emissions

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Higher battery cost
  • Battery limits runtime

Check price

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Best Snow Blower Single Stage

Clearing Width and Intake Height

  • Choose a clearing width between 21 and 24 inches for average residential driveways
  • Check the intake height to ensure it can handle typical snow accumulation in your region
  • Consider wider models for large open areas to reduce the number of passes required
  • Measure narrow walkways and gate openings to ensure the machine will fit

Engine Power and Source

  • Compare cubic centimeters (cc) ratings for gas models to gauge engine power
  • Look for corded electric options for low maintenance and quiet operation
  • Consider battery-powered blowers for portability and ease of starting
  • Evaluate torque ratings rather than just engine size for single-stage performance

Auger and Chute Design

  • Look for rubber-paddle augers that contact the ground to clear down to the pavement
  • Check if the chute control is remote operated so you do not have to stop throwing snow
  • Ensure the chute material is durable and resists clogging from wet snow
  • Verify the chute rotation range for easily directing snow away from buildings

Ease of Use and Maneuverability

  • Check the overall weight of the unit to ensure you can push it easily
  • Look for models with ergonomic handle designs to reduce fatigue during operation
  • Consider foldable handles for compact storage in small garages or sheds
  • Ensure the auger drive system engages smoothly for responsive control

Terrain and Surface Considerations

  • Note that rubber paddles work best on paved surfaces like concrete and asphalt
  • Avoid single-stage models on gravel as the paddles may throw stones
  • Consider the type of tires for traction on icy or sloped driveways
  • Check for adjustable scraper bars to optimize clearance on different surfaces

Maintenance and Durability

  • Check the ease of access to the spark plug and oil fill for routine maintenance
  • Look for durable construction materials like heavy-grade steel or reinforced plastic
  • Consider the availability of replacement parts like paddles and scraper bars
  • Evaluate warranty coverage to protect against engine and component failures

FAQs

What is the main advantage of a single-stage snow blower?

The primary advantage is their lightweight and maneuverable design, making them easy to store and operate for residential use. They clear snow down to the pavement in a single pass because the auger contacts the ground directly. They are ideal for areas with moderate snowfall and paved surfaces.

How much clearing width do I need?

For most suburban driveways, a clearing width between 20 and 22 inches offers the best balance of agility and efficiency. Wider models can handle deeper drifts but may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. If you have a large open area, consider a 24-inch model to finish the job faster.

Can a single-stage model handle gravel driveways?

It is generally not recommended to use a single-stage snow blower on gravel surfaces. Since the auger spins fast enough to scrape the ground, it will likely pick up and throw loose stones, creating a safety hazard. You should opt for a two-stage model with adjustable skid shoes if you need to clear gravel.

Should I choose an electric start or a recoil start?

Many modern single-stage units offer electric start, which eliminates the strenuous pull-cord process in cold weather. While recoil-only models are usually cheaper, the convenience of a simple push-button or plug-in start is worth the investment. Even if you choose electric, a backup recoil starter is useful in case of power failures.

What engine power is sufficient for my needs?

For single-stage units, look for engines ranging from 200cc to 250cc for reliable performance in wet snow. Higher torque ratings are more important than raw horsepower when pushing through heavy, packed snow at the end of the driveway. A smaller engine may struggle with heavy accumulation, causing the machine to stall.

Are cordless electric single-stage blowers worth it?

Cordless models are excellent for small to medium jobs because they require no gas or oil mixing and start instantly. They are quieter than gas models but offer limited run time that decreases in very cold temperatures. If you have a small driveway and value convenience over raw endurance, a high-voltage cordless model is a great choice.

How do single-stage and two-stage blowers compare in value?

Single-stage blowers offer better value for homeowners with smaller, flat paved areas and lighter snowfall. Two-stage models are more expensive and heavier but are necessary for handling large volumes of wet, heavy snow or steep inclines. If you live in a region with frequent heavy snowstorms exceeding 6-8 inches, a two-stage unit is a better long-term investment.

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