Photo: Snow Joe
During wintertime, many people are faced with a thick layer of snow on their yard or walkway. The snow blower remains the best tool for the job because it removes snow effortlessly.
However, let’s face it. The snow blower is not the cheapest tool out there. Most models cost several hundred dollars, which is out of the reach of many people.
So, those on a short budget are oftentimes left stranded, forced to remove snow manually with a shovel instead.
Our budget snow blower review below contains some handpicked models that are reasonably priced and do not sacrifice features for the cost.
Without any ado, let’s see which snow blower you need to purchase right now!
In this post:
- 7 Best Budget Snow Blowers – Review
- 1. PowerSmart DB7624E – Durable and Excellent Performance
- 2. Snow Joe SJ625E – Most Affordable Solution
- 3. PowerSmart DB7651BS – Good Price to Performance Ratio
- 4. PowerSmart DB72024PA – Power Assisted for Effortless Snow Clearing
- 5. Snow Joe iON18SB-CT – Compact and Beginner-Friendly
- 6. Champion 100434 – Heavy-duty and High-performing
- 7. Snow Joe ION8024-CT – Superior Maneuverability
- How to Buy the Best Budget Snow Blower
- Conclusion
7 Best Budget Snow Blowers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. PowerSmart DB7624E (Durable and Excellent Performance) |
| |
 | 2. Snow Joe SJ625E (Most Affordable) |
| |
 | 3. PowerSmart DB7651BS (Good Price to Performance Ratio) |
| |
 | 4. PowerSmart DB72024PA (Power Assisted for Effortless Snow Clearing) |
| |
 | 5. Snow Joe iON18SB-CT (Compact & Beginner-Friendly) |
| |
 | 6. Champion 100434 (Heavy-duty & High-performing) |
| |
 | 7. Snow Joe ION8024-CT (Superior Maneuverability) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. PowerSmart DB7624E (Durable & Excellent Performance)
|
2. Snow Joe SJ625E (Most Affordable)
|
3. PowerSmart DB7651BS (Good Price to Performance Ratio)
|
4. PowerSmart DB72024PA (Power Assisted for Effortless Snow Clearing)
|
5. Snow Joe iON18SB-CT (Compact & Beginner-Friendly)
|
6. Champion 100434 (Heavy-duty & High-performing)
|
7. Snow Joe ION8024-CT (Superior Maneuverability)
|
1. PowerSmart DB7624E – Durable and Excellent Performance
Photo: PowerSmart
- Power source: Gas-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
- Auger type: 12 inches Steel
- Throw distance: 40 feet
There is 2 main department where the PowerSmart DB7624E absolutely shines. Firstly, it has a steel build construction that makes it durable and long-lasting. Secondly, it is equipped with a powerful gas-powered motor rated at 212 cc.
This powerful motor will allow this snow blower to clear any time of snow, thick or thin in record time. In terms of power, the DB7624E is one of the best budget snow blowers in this review.
Clearly, it is ideal for clearing thick snow with its clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches. The chute is also fully adjustable with one hand, and it has a very decent throw distance of 40 feet.
Maneuverability is very good, and the handles have grooves making them very ergonomic to use for an extended period.
The only disadvantages we see with this product is that its price could have been more competitive. Aside from the price, the tires of this snow blower are a bit thin and provide poor traction. Especially on slippery snow.
However, we still nominate this model as the best inexpensive snow blower because of its superior build construction and excellent performance.
Pros:
- Excellent performance with a powerful motor of 212 cc
- Durable and long-lasting steel build construction
- The chute can be adjusted remotely with one hand
- Large augers of 12 inches made from steel
Cons:
- The price could have been a little bit better
- Thin tires. Provides poor traction on slippery snow
2. Snow Joe SJ625E – Most Affordable Solution
Photo: Snow Joe
- Power source: Electric-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 21 inches x 12 inches
- Auger type: Steel
- Throw distance: 20 feet
By far, the Snow Joe SJ625E is the lowest cost snow blower that you can buy. Very rarely, you will find a budget snow blower that is below the $200 mark. This model is one of them.
Despite its affordable price, it still does not sacrifice features. It has a generous clearing width and depth of 21 inches x 12 inches, which is impressive for its compact size. This is more than enough to clear a yard or walkway of average size.
Furthermore, the augers are made of steel and offer decent durability. Since this model is electric-powered, it uses clean energy. The motor inside is also quite powerful, with 15 A.
And, you have nothing to lose by choosing this model because the manufacturer provides you 2 years warranty on this purchase.
Of course, it cannot compete with a gas-powered model, but for light or medium-duty snow removal, it gets the job done. It is also quiet in operation.
However, there are a few disadvantages with this snow blower. For one, it is almost entirely made from plastic, which does not give it the best durability. Also, the chute easily gets clogged, so this model is not ideal for removing thick snow.
But despite all this, the fact remains that this model is still the best cheap snow blower in this review based on price alone.
Pros:
- Most affordable pricing
- Uses electricity. Does not output harmful gases
- Fairly quiet in operation
- Comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Made from plastic. Not very durable
- The chute easily gets clogged
3. PowerSmart DB7651BS – Good Price to Performance Ratio
Photo: PowerSmart
- Power source: Gas-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 24 inches x 16 inches
- Auger type: 10 inches Steel
- Throw distance: 40 feet
The PowerSmart DB7651BS is a gas-powered model that sports a 208 cc motor and a competitive price considering its high performance.
This model can easily be used for both medium-duty or heavy-duty snow clearing. In fact, it offers a large clearing width of 24 inches for those with a large yard.
The clearing depth of 16 inches is still more than decent to clear thick snow. Even if it is not the best clearing depth in this budget snow blower review.
Furthermore, we like the big throwing distance of 40 feet. It will allow you to clear snow without creating a mess around it. The 10 inches augers are also heavy-duty and made from steel for durability.
You will have no problem staring this snow blower because it has a handy electric start. Simply push a button, and it will automatically start for you.
The only problem we note with this snow blower is that the chute is a little more difficult to control. But considering its performance, this model has one of the best prices on a snow blower that you can buy.
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Large clearing width of 24 inches
- The long-throw distance of 40 feet
Cons:
- The chute is a bit difficult to adjust
4. PowerSmart DB72024PA – Power Assisted for Effortless Snow Clearing
Photo: PowerSmart
- Power source: Gas-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
- Auger type: 10 inches Steel
- Throw distance: 40 feet
The PowerSmart DB72024PA is a high-performing and gas-powered snow blower. This model demarks itself from the rest of the competition with its power assist functionality.
Even in very deep snow, you will be able to easily maneuver this snow blower, and all it requires is one pass to clear. It will not stall because it contains a powerful 212 cc gas-powered engine that delivers a lot of torque to the augers.
You have 6 variable speeds with this snow blower, 4 forward and 2 backward. You can quickly and easily switch between those different speeds using the joystick system.
One nice surprise with this model is that it comes with spare auger shear bolts. Those bolts are usually the first thing that comes off or break down in a snow blower, so it is good that the manufacturer provides you with spare ones.
The only real disadvantage is with this unit is its higher than average price relative to others. This model is not the best cheap snow blower because it is quite expensive. Also, this snow blower does not come fully assembled.
However, despite those few disadvantages. This unit offers superior performance, and the power assist makes it extremely easy to use, especially by absolute beginners.
Pros:
- Power assist feature for superior maneuverability
- Heavy-duty performance with a powerful 212 cc engine
- Easy to change the variable speeds
- You get spare auger shear bolts
Cons:
- The price is quite high
- Comes only 90% assembled
5. Snow Joe iON18SB-CT – Compact and Beginner-Friendly
Photo: Snow Joe
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 18 inches x 8 inches
- Auger type: Steel
- Throw distance: 20 feet
If you have never operated a budget snow blower before, then the Snow Joe iON18SB-CT is an excellent choice to consider. This is mostly because this model is one of the easiest to operate by absolute beginners. It’s also very compact for easy storage when not in use.
Additionally, it is one of the lowest cost snow blowers that you can get. The iON18SB-CT is battery-powered and contains a brushless motor that is durable and efficient.
But it doesn’t have the highest clearing width and depth we have seen. In fact, at 18 inches width and 8 inches depth, it is below average when compared to other models.
It is still a performing model for those who need to remove thin layers of snow from their walkway or yard. You also have the possibility to easily control the chute with its 180 degrees adjustment. Moreover, it comes with 3 W LED lights for clear illumination at night.
However, there are some important caveats with this model.
It does not come with a battery and a charger. You get only the snow blower. You will need a separate purchase to get the battery and charger. Also, it isn’t very durable because the front is mostly plastic.
Pros:
- Very easy to use by absolute beginners
- Small and compact. Easy to store
- Brushless motor for durability and efficiency
- 3 W LED light for better visibility at night
Cons:
- Does not come with a battery charger
- Not the most durable. The front is mostly made from plastic
6. Champion 100434 – Heavy-duty and High-performing
Photo: Champion
- Power source: Gas-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 24 inches x 21 inches
- Auger type: 12 inches Carbon-Steel
- Throw distance: 25 feet
A budget snow blower does not have to mean low power. The Champion 100434 is excellent proof of that. Indeed, this model is equipped with a powerful gas-powered motor of 224 cc that delivers superior performance.
Even if this unit is not the best cheap gas-powered snow blower that you can buy, the high performance cannot be ignored, especially if you must remove thick and compact snow.
The build construction is also superb. Especially at the augers, which are made from 12 inches carbon-steel material. It is extremely durable and will not bend or get damaged during an impact.
What we really like about this unit is its generous clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches. This is one of the best values that you will find in a budget snow blower.
Really, the only things that we don’t like about the snow blower are its average throw distance of 25 feet. Also, you will need to perform regular belt changes if you use it as a heavy-duty snow blower because the belts get used up quickly.
Pros:
- High performance with a powerful 224 cc gas engine
- Heavy-duty 12 inches augers made from carbon-steel
- Above-average clearing width and depth of 24 inches x 21 inches
- Excellent built construction. Durable
Cons:
- The throw distance of 25 feet could have been better
- Requires regular belt changes
7. Snow Joe ION8024-CT – Superior Maneuverability
Photo: Snow Joe
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Clearing width/depth: 24 inches x 13 inches
- Auger type: Serrated Steel
- Throw distance: 32 feet
The Snow Joe ION8024-CT is a battery-powered budget snow blower that really shines when it comes to maneuverability. This model has very ergonomic handles that literally allows you to control it with your fingertips.
It has 4 different speeds that are extremely easy to change. Furthermore, it is powered by 2 heavy-duty batteries that are rated at 40 V. They can deliver up to 5.0 AH for 40 minutes that makes this model ideal for light to medium-duty snow removal.
The augers are made from serrated steel that is very durable and long-lasting. There will not break easily. In addition, it has a 3 W LED headlight that does not consume a lot of power but still offers decent illumination.
You get a chute cleanout tool with this purchase. The only caveats we have with this unit is its price, which is on the expensive side for a budget snow blower. It also takes about 3 hours to charge the batteries, which are quite long.
However, even if this model does not have the best price on a snow blower that we have seen, it is still a worthwhile investment. Especially if you’re looking for a model that is battery-powered and very maneuverable.
Notes: Only the XR and XRP models come with batteries and chargers. For the CT Snow Joe models like this unit, you will need to purchase them separately.
Pros:
- Highly maneuverable
- Ergonomic handle. Speeds can be changed with your fingers
- Good performance despite being battery-powered
- Bright LED headlights
Cons:
- It takes 3 hours to fully charge the batteries
- You do not get a battery and charger with this purchase
How to Buy the Best Budget Snow Blower
Photo: Getty Images
1. Budget
Even if this review contains some of the best affordable snow blowers that you can get online, this does not mean that they are “cheap.” Indeed, they still cost several hundred dollars.
Therefore, it is important to make a budget and, as far as possible, try to stick to this budget.
This is because prices can quickly get out of hand, even when purchasing a budget snow blower online. A reasonable budget to keep is anywhere from $150 up to $600.
Obviously, the higher up you go in your budget, the more feature-rich, better performance, and better construction your snow blower will have.
2. Power source
An important factor to consider is the power source of the budget snow blower. There are 3 main types of power sources. Battery-powered, Electric-powered, and Gas-powered.
Electric-powered: An electric-powered snow blower is usually corded to the power socket and has the inconvenience of a wire.
However, its main advantage is that it can draw more power from the socket, and therefore, it is equipped with a powerful and yet efficient engine.
Battery-powered: The battery-powered snow blower is quiet in operation and equipped with a very efficient motor.The main disadvantage of this type of snow blower is that it is usually low powered and intended for lightweight or medium-duty snow removal. If you must remove thick snow fast, the battery-powered is not the type of snow blower to go with.
Gas-powered: Out other 3 types of snow blowers, the gas-powered is the most heavy-duty and powerful. It is equipped with a very powerful and large engine that provides a lot of torque to the augers. This allows it to break even the toughest of snow with great ease.But, the main disadvantage of the gas-powered snow blower is that it is very noisy and can’t normally be used at night.
3. Clearing width/depth
The clearing width and depth will tell you how fast the snow blower can remove snow. A model with a large width of 24 inches is usually the standard size and enough for most people with a regular walkway.
In addition to the clearing width, you should also consider the clearing depth. The clearing depth will decide the number of passes necessary to clear the snow.
For light snow in your yard, we recommend you go with a model that has a clearing depth of at least 8 inches.
However, if you had to deal with thick snow that is measured in feet, then it is best to go with a model that has a clearing depth of 21 inches.
You won’t need multiple passes with this type of clearing depth.
4. Auger type
The auger is what slices through the snow. So, this special and a very important component of your snow blower need to be very durable and heavy-duty.
Ensure that the augers are made from high-grade steel for durability. Moreover, this should be at least 9.5 inches in diameter to offer a satisfactory performance when clearing snow.
5. Throw distance
When evacuating snow, it should be thrown away at a reasonable distance so as not to clutter your yard again.
We recommend that you go with a snow blower that has a throwing distance of at least 25 feet for light snow, and 40 feet or more for heavy snow.
6. Chute control
The chute is a special part of the snow blower that guides the evacuated snow away. Therefore, you must have the possibility to adjust the direction of the chute.
Ensure that your favorite model allows you to control the chute remotely and with one hand. This will provide superior ease of use when operating the snow blower.
7. Extra features
Electric starter: For more convenience, it is best to go with a snow blower that has an electric starter. This electric starter will allow you to start the engine by simply pushing a power button.Headlights: In order to work in the dark, your snow blower must be equipped with powerful headlights as well. LED headlamps of at least 3 W will offer plenty of luminosity without consuming too much power.
Heated grips: In a cold environment, the handles of the snow blower can quickly become very cold. This cold temperature can cause your hands to stick on the handle. In order to prevent this, it is ideal to go with a model that has heated grips.
Conclusion
As we have seen, even if you are on a short budget that this does not mean that you can’t get a quality snow blower.
In fact, our review above contains some of the best budget snow blowers on the market. Those models are used by both regular people as well as professionals to clear snow every day.
In addition, they are feature-rich, affordable, and easy to use. You get a lot of value here. Hopefully, they will help you clear snow from your yard or walkway on the cheap.