10 Best 2-Stage Snow Blowers of 2023

Photo: Poulan

If you live in an area where the snow is measured in feet rather than in inches, then a shovel is not enough for you to clear your yard.

For this, you need a 2-stage snow blower. This tool has a powerful engine, varying speeds, as well as large tires for better traction.

Moreover, the augers are sharp, durable, and heavy-duty. They will easily cut through any type of snow and not get damaged if they hit a hard obstacle.

All those factors make this tool able to remove snow with minimum effort.

The main advantages of the 2-stage snow blower are:

• Equipped with a powerful motor that will not stall
• Large snow clearing capacity of at least 22 inches in width
• Variable speeds that are easy to change
• Long and adjustable chute to expel snow far away
• Highly durable auger for heavy-duty snow removal

Without any further ado, let’s check our review below, which has a selection of some of the best 2-stage snow blowers on the market.

10 Best 2-Stage Snow Blowers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. PowerSmart DB7624E (Compact & Excellent Clearing Capacity)	Compact and small form factor Good clearing capacity of 24 inches x 21 inches Great performance for its compact size Durable and long-lasting 12 inches augers
	2. PowerSmart DB7651BS (Superior Throwing Distance)	Long throwing distance of 40 feet Very competitive pricing The chute can be controlled with one hand Augers can cut through any type of snow easily
	3. PowerSmart DB72024PA (Competitive Price & Excellent Value)	Great price and great value Easy to switch on with the electric start Decent clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches
	4. YardMax YB5765 (Easy to Maneuver)	Highly maneuverable Soft and ergonomic handle Designed to produce minimum blowback
	5. Husqvarna ST224 (Hand Heated Grips for Handling Comfort)	The handle is heated for more comfort Large augers of 12 inches remove snow efficiently The chute can be controlled remotely with one hand
	6. Briggs & Stratton 1696156 (Powerful & Ergonomic)	A powerful model with an engine of 250 cc Ergonomic form factor. Easy to maneuver without causing fatigue Superior clearing width and depth of 27 inches x 19.5 inches
	7. Ariens 921046 (Above Average Clearing Width)	Excellent clearing width of 28 inches Superior sized augers that measure 14 inches 8 variable speeds are easy to control
	8. Troy-Bilt 2625 (Airless Tires for Better Traction)	Tires are heavy-duty and airless. Excellent traction Possibility to purchase in different sizes It clears snow in one pass only
	9. Champion 100434 (Superior Auger Build Construction Quality)	Very durable auger made from carbon-steel Long throwing distance of 29.3 feet 2-year manufacturer warranty and free lifetime support
	10. Briggs & Stratton 1696563 (Heavy-duty & High-performing)	Heavy-duty with a powerful motor of 306 cc Above-average weight and depth clearance of 29 inches x 19.5 inches 8 versatile variable speed control

1. PowerSmart DB7624E – Compact and Excellent Clearing Capacity

Photo: PowerSmart

• Engine: 212 cc, 7 HP
• Clearing Width/Depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
• Auger type: 12 inches Steel
• Drive System: 6 Speeds

If you need a small and compact snow blower, then the PowerSmart DB7624E is an excellent choice. We also like the fact that despite its small size, this model has a generous clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches. It does not sacrifice its clearing capacity in any way.

Moreover, it is equipped with a 212 cc engine that, despite not being the most powerful in this review, still delivers good performance. It matches the small size of this snow blower quite well.

The augers measure 12 inches in diameter and made from steel. They are durable and long-lasting, offering good resistance against impacts. Also, there is a push-button electric start that makes it very convenient to use.

For all instances and purposes, the PowerSmart DB7624E is one of the best compact 2-stage snow blowers that money can buy.

However, this model is intended for light to medium-duty snow removal only. Also, the quality of the instruction could have been better for the price.

Pros:

• Small and compact. Easy to maneuver and easy to store
• Decent clearing width/depth of 24 inches x 21 inches for its size
• Good performance for a compact snow blower
• Durable 12 inches augers made from steel

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty use
• The instructions could have been better

2. PowerSmart DB7651BS – Superior Throwing Distance

Photo: PowerSmart

• Engine: 208 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 24 inches x 16 inches
• Auger type: 10 inches Steel
• Drive System: 6 Speeds

The problem with many snow blowers is that they remove snow efficiently, but they don’t discard it well. That is, their throwing distance is quite small which defies the purpose of this snow blower.

This is not a problem with the PowerSmart DB7651BS, as this model has one of the best throwing distances we have seen. Indeed, it can throw snow as far as 40 feet away.

Best, you can quickly and easily control the chute with one hand. It also has to perform 10 inches augers made from steel. It will have no problem cutting through solid and hard snow with ease.

The only caveats we have with this snow blower is its below average clearing depth of 16 inches. This model is not intended for clearing very thick snow. In addition, the engine of 208 cc, while performing, is not the most heavy-duty out there.

Despite all this, we still have no problem nominating this model as one of the best 2-stage snow blowers that you can get. Mostly because of its superior throwing distance and very competitive price.

Pros:

• Superior throwing distance of 40 feet
• Competitively priced
• The chute can easily be controlled remotely
• Augers cut through snow effortlessly

Cons:

• Below average clearing depth of 16 inches
• Smaller engine at 208 cc. Not the most performing

3. PowerSmart DB72024PA – Competitive Price and Excellent Value

Photo: PowerSmart

• Engine: 212 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
• Auger type: 10 inches
• Drive System: 6 Speeds

What makes the PowerSmart DB72024PA a unique offering is its very competitive price. Considering its rich feature set, this 2-stage snow blower brings a lot of value to the table. It is by far the best budget 2-stage snow blower out there.

When compared to other models in this review, this unit is not the most powerful. It is equipped with an engine of 212 cc only. Of course, even with lower engine power, this unit is more than capable of light to medium-duty uses.

You will appreciate the fact that this blower has an electric start. Simply push a button, and it will immediately start, regardless of the temperature. The motor will have no difficulty starting up, even in very cold temperatures.

Moreover, it has a good clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches. This means that its 10 inches auger will dig deeper into the snow.

All in all, this is an excellent model to get if the price is a concern to you. The only thing we don’t like about this unit is that this model does not come fully assembled. You will have to perform some assembly on your side. Also, the chute does not throw snow very far away.

Pros:

• Very competitively priced. Good value
• Excellent clearing width/depth of 24 inches x 21 inches
• Electric push start button
• Small but heavy-duty 10 inches auger

Cons:

• Does not come fully assembled
• The chute does not throw snow far enough from the blower

4. YardMax YB5765 – Easy to Maneuver

Photo: YardMax

• Engine: 196 cc, 6.3 HP
• Clearing Width/Depth: 22 inches x 16 inches
• Auger type: 9.5 inches Steel
• Drive System: 7 Speeds

The YardMax YB5765 is a bit smaller when compared to other snow blowers in this review. It is also equipped with a smaller engine of 196 cc that delivers 6.3 HP. But its small size has a major advantage. It makes it more maneuverable, especially to a person of average build.

It is fully power-assisted with 7 multiple speeds, 5 forward and 2 backward. You can easily change between the speeds. The handle themselves are soft and ergonomic.

The augers are a little on the small side at 9.5 inches. But they are heavy-duty and made from high-grade steel that will not dent or break if they encounter a rock. In addition, the steel construction of this snow blower is made from steel, so it is durable and long-lasting.

Furthermore, it has a special design that allows it to remove a greater amount of snow while reducing blowback. This makes it safe to use.

With its motor of 196 cc, this model is still performing but not for heavy-duty use. Also, it has a small clearing depth of 16 inches because of the smaller diameter augers of 9.5 inches.

But regardless of this, it remains one of the best compact 2-stage snow blowers on the market.

Pros:

• Easier to maneuver than others
• Soft and ergonomic handles
• Designed in a way to produce minimum blowback
• Durable and long-lasting steel construction

Cons:

• Less performing motor of 196 cc
• Smaller clearing depth of 16 inches

5. Husqvarna ST224 – Hand Heated Grips for Handling Comfort

Photo: Husqvarna

• Engine: 208 cc, 6.3 HP
• Clearing Width: 24 inches
• Auger type: 12 inches Steel
• Drive System: 7 Speeds

The Husqvarna ST224 tries to provide the user with great comfort while blowing away snow. For this, this model is equipped with a very soft handle that is ergonomic and will not cause hand fatigue.

Best, it is heated to provide comfort and prevent your hand from sticking on the handle in very cold temperatures. Moreover, it has a large steel auger of 12 inches to remove snow fast.

In addition, the chute can remotely be controlled with one hand. All in all, in terms of comfort and ease-of-use, the Husqvarna ST224 is one of the best 2-stage snow blowers for the money.

We have a few disappointments with this model. For one, vital parts of this snow blower like the impeller are not easily accessible and difficult to replace in case of damage. Additionally, the belt and pulley or noisy on this model.

Pros:

• The handle is heated for more comfort
• Large steel auger of 12 inches. Durable and removes snow fast
• Remote chute control with one hand

Cons:

• Impeller is difficult to replace. Not easily accessible
• Noisy belt and pulley

6. Briggs & Stratton 1696156 – Powerful and Ergonomic

Photo: Briggs & Stratton

• Engine: 250 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 27 inches x 19.5 inches
• Auger type: Steel

There are many aspects that make the Briggs & Stratton 1696156 an excellent purchase. For one, this model is equipped with a powerful and efficient engine of 250 cc. It will not stall even when removing the thickest and toughest of snow.

Also, it has great ergonomics. The handle is comfortable to hold, and you can quickly and easily control the chute position remotely. Best, you can tilt this snow blower in any position with minimum effort. This makes it very maneuverable.

Its large clearing width and depth of 27 inches x 19.5 inches will allow this model to remove snow fast. If thick and deep snow accumulates on your yard or walkway, then get this model.

Moreover, this top-rated 2-stage snow blower has a solid steel build construction that makes it durable and long-lasting.

The only caveats here are that due to its larger size, this Briggs & Stratton model is more difficult to maneuver. Also, the chute is a bit short and doesn’t throw the show far away enough.

Pros:

• Equipped with a powerful engine of 250 cc
• Ergonomic and comfortable to use
• Large clearing width and depth of 27 inches x 19.5 inches
• Steel build construction. Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Shorter chute. Does not throw snow very far
• Bigger in size. More difficult to operate

7. Ariens 921046 – Above Average Clearing Width

Photo: Ariens

• Engine: 254 cc
• Clearing Width: 28 inches
• Auger type: 14 inches Steel
• Drive System: 8 Speeds

The Ariens 921046 is a true beast when it comes to clearing snow in large areas. Indeed, this model has a clearing width of 28 inches and a powerful motor of 254 cc. This will allow you to clear large walkways or yard very quickly.

It is equipped with a quick electric start, which will immediately start the motor when pushed. It will not stall or have difficulty starting even in very cold weather.

The augers are also very durable and heavy-duty. They are made from high-grade steel and measures 14 inches in diameter. With such a big size, they will remove thick and hard snow efficiently.

Best, there is an impressive 8 variable speed. You can easily switch between 6 forward and 2 backward speeds for better maneuverability.

If you need a large clearing width in your snow blower, then this model is one of the best dual-stage snow blowers on the market. The only problem we have with it is a very high price.

Pros:

• Superior clearing width of 28 inches
• Large 14 inches auger for removing snow efficiently
• 8 variable speeds that are easy to control

Cons:

• The most expensive model in this review

8. Troy-Bilt 2625 – Airless Tires for Better Traction

Photo: Troy-Bilt

• Engine: 243 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 26 inches x 21 inches
• Auger type: 12 inches Steel
• Drive System: 8 Speeds

What immediately strikes us with the Troy-Bilt 2625 are its heavy-duty 15” x 5” airless tires. The manufacturer has designed it in such a way that it provides superior traction, especially on slippery snow.

This better grip on ice allows this top-rated 2-stage snow blower to dig deeper into the snow, thus removing it faster.

Furthermore, what we really like about this unit is that it comes in different sizes in case the features and specs of the Troy-Bilt 2625 model does not suit your need.

The various models are equipped with an engine anywhere from 208 cc up to 357 cc, so you have a lot of choice in terms of performance.

Regardless of the model you get, this snow blower is very efficient and will clear snow on any walkway or yard with one pass only.

Also, the large augers of 12 inches are heavy-duty and made from steel. They have been specially designed to dig deeper into the snow.

This model would have been perfect if not for its high price. However, it is still a very decent and a great model to get especially if you need superior traction on slippery snow.

Pros:

• Airless wheels. Durable and provides better traction
• Clears snow in one pass
• Heavy-duty and durable 12 inches augers
• Easy to use chute control. Can be controlled with one hand

Cons:

• The price could have been a bit more competitive

9. Champion 100434 – Superior Auger Build Construction Quality

Photo: Champion Power Equipment

• Engine: 224 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
• Auger type: 12 inches Carbon-Steel
• Drive System: 8 Speeds

The Champion 100434 is one of the smallest 2-stage snow blowers on the market. But what makes this model unique is its heavy-duty and extremely durable 12 inches augers made from carbon steel. If it encounters a rock or an obstacle during blowing, it will not break easily.

Moreover, the chute of this snow blower can easily be adjusted. It will throw snow up to 24.9 feet away from the blower, which is quite impressive considering its small size.

Even if this blower is not equipped with the most powerful engine of 224 cc, it comes with an impressive 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.

However, this model is not perfect. The belt requires frequent changing, especially if you use it as a heavy-duty snow blower. Also, with its engine of 224 cc, this model lacks power for clearing compact snow.

Pros:

• Highly durable augers made from carbon-steel
• Small and compact. Maneuverable
• Long-range chute blows snow up to 24.9 feet away
• 2-year manufacturer warranty and free lifetime technical support

Cons:

• The belt requires frequent maintenance
• Lacks a bit of power for clearing compact snow

10. Briggs & Stratton 1696563 – Heavy-duty and High-performing

Photo: Briggs & Stratton

• Engine: 306 cc
• Clearing Width/Depth: 29 inches x 19.5 inches
• Auger type: Steel
• Drive System: 8 Speeds

In terms of raw power, few models can beat the Briggs & Stratton 1696563. Indeed, this unit is equipped with an impressive engine of 306 cc. This powerful engine produces 14.5 ft.lb of torque that allows it to remove any type of snow quickly and easily without stalling.

Most impressively, it has a high clearing width and depth of 29 inches x 19.5 inches. This value is the best that you will encounter in this 2-stage snow blower review.

It has a superior drive system with 8 speeds that provided with excellent maneuverability. You can quickly change between the speeds without your hands leaving the handle.

And when it comes to starting this snow blower, no problem. It is equipped with an electric start.

Frankly, the only thing we don’t like about this model is its very high price. Other than this, this is an excellent model for those looking for a heavy-duty 2-stage snow blower.

Pros:

• The powerful engine of 360 cc. Heavy-duty and high performing
• Superior width and depth clearing of 29 inches x 19.5 inches
• 8 variable speeds. Easy to change
• Equipped with an electric start for an effortless start

Cons:

• The price. It is very expensive

How to Buy the Best 2-stage Snow Blower

Photo: realhomeadvice.ca

1. Climate

When purchasing a 2-stage snow blower, you need to consider the climate. This is because the climate will decide what thickness of snow you get on your walkway.

For example, if you live in a climate where it snows a lot, and the snow is measured in feet rather than inches, then it is best to go with the most powerful 2-stage snow blower that you can buy.

On the other hand, if you mostly deal with thin snow, then you don’t need to invest a lot of money in a performing snow blower. A simple and affordable model will work just fine.

2. Engine

The engine is what provides power to the 2-stage snow blower. A more powerful engine will provide more torque to drive the snow blower’s augers.

Therefore, if you must clear a large width as well as a deep stretch of snow, then it is always best to go with a 2-stage blower that has an engine of at least 208 cc.

This is the strict minimum engine capacity that you should aim for.

But if you want the best of the best experience, then go with a model with at least a 250 cc engine. It will remove any type of snow effortlessly.

3. Clearing width/depth

One of the best things about the 2-stage snow blower is that it can clear snow both vertically (depth) as well as horizontally (width). Each model has its own specifications in terms of depth and width.

We recommend that you go with a size of at least 24 inches in width and 16 inches in depth when choosing a 2-stage snow blower.

If you have bigger demands and need to remove a lot of snow in a short period of time, then go ahead and choose a model that has the biggest width and depth that you can get.

4. Auger type

The auger blades are what does the cutting in a snow blower. It works pretty much the same way as regular cutting knives that literally cut through the snow.

Since this part of the snow blower comes in direct contact with the snow, it is important that it has a heavy-duty and durable build construction.

You need to ensure that your auger is made from heavy-duty material like steel. Furthermore, the size of the auger matters because it will dictate how fast it is able to cut through the material.

An auger width of a diameter of 9.5 inches or more will ensure smooth performance, especially when cutting through thick and compressed ice.

5. Chute control

The chute is what guides the snow away from the snow blower as well as from yourself.

But one very important part of the snow blower is the chute control, which allows you to guide the direction that the chute blows snow away.

The chute control is maneuvered with a handle that turns chute by a connecting rod. When purchasing a 2-stage snow blower, ensure that the chute can be controlled remotely with one hand.

Extra features

Electric starter: Some snow blowers require you to pull a cord for the engine to start. However, those are only limited to small engines. If your chosen model has a bigger engine of at least 196 cc, then it is best to go with a unit that is equipped with an electric start.

Large tires: A snow blower equipped with large tires is easy to maneuver, especially in thick and deep snow. Furthermore, ensure that the tires have tire grooves as this will provide better traction.

Headlights: For easier operation in the dark or in lowlight conditions, you must ensure that your 2-stage snow blower comes with powerful headlights.

Heated grips: Heated handle grips will be more comfortable to hold. Also, a heated grip will prevent your gloves from sticking to the handle in case you hold the handle too firmly for too long.

6. Budget

Let’s face it; the 2-stage snow blower is not the cheapest snow removal tool out there.

So, when purchasing it, we recommend that you make a budget and try to stick to it as far as possible.

Read More: The Best Budget Snow Blowers

Conclusion

If you live in an area where it snows heavily, then the 2-stage snow blower is an absolute must-have. It will remove thick snow quickly and easily with minimum effort.

Also, anyone can use the 2-stage snow blowers, so don’t feel intimidated by its looks. You don’t need any experience to work with it.