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Best Single Stage Snow Blower Review

With the approaching winter, it is time to find ways to deal with the harsh elements. Managing snows after just a simple snowfall can get quite challenging with all the busy schedules. Offices are closing, Christmas is just around the corner, and everything is hectic. This is when you need the best single-stage snowblower.

n this unpredictable time and weather, it is always best to be prepared for anything. Investing in a single-stage snow blower may seem like a waste as you will not use it the other time of the year. But think of the massive time and energy you will save every year during winter.

Well, you do not need to be afraid of a little snow any longer. In this article, we will walk you through some of the best single stage snow blowers on the market to make your life easier and your winters more enjoyable.

Editor’s Recommendation: Best 5 Single Stage Snow Blower

Toro 38381 Snow Blower Check Price
Snow Joe SJ625E Snow Thrower Check Price
Power Smart DB5023 Snow Thrower Check Price
Greenworks 2600502 Snow Thrower Check Price
WORX WG650 Electric Snow Thrower Check Price

10 Best Single Stage Snow Blower Reviews

A high-quality snow blower can clear away your driveway within a short amount of time. If you’re having trouble deciding which one to purchase, fret not, because we’re going to review the ten best single stage snow blowers with their pros and cons.

Winter is the time of year I hate for many reasons. I hate shoveling snow just like many who live in cold climates. That’s where a snow blower comes to the rescue. Here are some of the best single stage snow blowers on the market.

1. Toro 38381 Snow Blower


If you’re tired of using a shovel to clear piles and piles of snow, then it’s high time for you to purchase a snowblower. It’s a powerful and compact equipment that can quickly remove the snow away for you.

The Toro 38381 is constructed for clearing small ranges of snow. It can remove 700 pounds of snow within a minute, which ensures high efficiency. Unlike its previous model, this has an ample 18-inch clearance and can slice 12 inches of deep snow.

It weighs around 25 pounds and is perfectly suitable for sweeping snow from walkways, driveways, and sidewalks. Now that it has a 15-amp motor, it’s also capable of clearing much larger areas.

Moreover, it is effortless to use the machine with its mounted controls on the ergonomic handle. You can also use the zip deflector to adjust and shut the angle of the ejector chute. This will allow you to control the direction and throw the snow wherever you want to.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Strong and sturdy built
  • Able to clear 700 pounds of snow in a minute
  • Has an ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy and wet snow

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2. Snow Joe SJ625E Snow Thrower


With so many types of snow blowers in the market, it can be a bit confusing to select a particular one. There are many things to consider while buying the equipment, for instance, places to clear snow and length of your property.

The Snow Joe SJ625E is a powerful and efficient snowblower with a 15-amp engine. It does a fantastic job of clearing the snow by applying the maximum power with this motor.

You can use this to pick up snow from walkways and average-sized driveways. The machine can plow 800 pounds of snow per minute, which is very impressive compared to other models.

It runs through an extension cable, which hardly makes any noise. Moreover, the machine contains a steel auger; its blades are made of firm and solid rubber. The equipment includes LED light for perfect nighttime visibility.

You don’t need any oil, tune-ups, or gas to start the machine, and it requires zero effort to maintain it.

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly device
  • Includes LED light
  • Can clear 800 pounds of snow per minute
  • Contains steel auger with rubber blades

Cons

  • Stiff plastic chute

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3. Power Smart DB5023 Snow Thrower


Shoveling snow can be an arduous and frustrating task. By the time you’re finished with it, the sky seems to be full of snow again. So, you need to have a snowblower to make the whole process easier.

The Power Smart DB5023 is an affordable and highly efficient snow blower that is powered by electricity. It has an 18-inch clearance, which makes it suitable for sweeping snow from average-sized gardens.

Since it is electric powered, the device is easy to use and maintain. The 13-amp motor engine produces enough power in comparison to other gas-powered snow blowers in the market.

Its steel auger with solid rubber blades can throw snow up to 30 feet so your surroundings will be completely clear of snow. The 180 degrees spinning chute can be adjusted, and it will enable you to redirect the discharge anywhere you want.

Although the machine struggles a little with wet snow, it is better to clear off the snow while it’s still fresh.

Pros

  • Has an 18-inch wide clearance
  • Includes steel auger with rubber blades
  • Durable foam-covered handle
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Difficulty clearing wet snow

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4. Greenworks 2600502 Snow Thrower


Shoveling mounds of snow in the peak of winter isn’t a situation you want to be in. It’s a hard job to do while staying out in the bitter cold. Buying a snow blower is the perfect solution in these conditions.

The Greenworks 2600502 Snow Thrower is an innovative and excellent quality machine, which runs on a 13-amp motor engine. It provides sufficient power and capacity to clear around 12 inches of deep snow in a short time.

You can power the device with a sturdy extension cord. Combining the machine with a 12-gauge 15-amp cable will allow you to use the tool to its full capacity. It also features directional discharge with a flexible 180-degree chute, which will make the snow throwing easy.

The machine has a compact and sturdy design. Its grip handles are strong and durable, and its fold-down design will help you to store it easily. The ergonomic handles are also useful when you use the machine. Moreover, you can start it with a simple push of a button.

Pros

  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Ergonomic handles for easy transport
  • Affordable price
  • Rotatable 180-degree chute

Cons

  • Plastic covering-case

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5. WORX WG650 Electric Snow Thrower


There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a snowblower; if you have a small driveway, you’ll be able to get away with a snow shovel. However, if you’re often hit with snowstorms, then it’s time for you to purchase a snowblower.

The WORX WG650 is an ideal snowblower for those who want to spend less time removing the snow. Its sturdy 13-amp motor can efficiently clear the pathways. Moreover, it can sweep the snow with its 18 inches of clearing range.

This machine can efficiently discharge the snow up to 30 feet, which is quite brilliant considering its small size. It is suitable for leveled driveways, patios, and decks in places that have a moderate amount of snowfall.

The equipment features an adjustable 180-degree discharge chute. It also has a flexible handle with three different positions, so you can choose the one that is right for your height. The handle can also be folded, so it will help you move the machine from one place to another.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to store
  • Adjustable handle with three positions
  • Durable and affordable

Cons

  • Tough to assemble

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6. Troy-Bilt Squall 208cc Snow Thrower


Although shoveling snow off the ground is a great exercise, it can be quite time-consuming. You might not have the luxury of time in the early hours of the morning before going to work.

For this reason, you need a snowblower like the Troy-Bilt Squall 208cc, which can powerfully cut across the dense pile of snow. Its 208cc motor is an efficient piece of the engine that is guaranteed to get the work done.

Most of the snow blowers contain two augers, one for lifting the snow and another for tossing it through the chute. But this equipment comes with a single and powerful drill that can simultaneously pick the snow and throw it in the chute.

Since this is a gas-powered machine, you need to prime it first. But once the priming is complete, you can start up the engine with a simple push of a button. Also, it has a two-way remote and 190-degree discharge chute; therefore, you can toss the snow away with a smooth movement of its handle.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to operate
  • Strong and efficient engine
  • Has 190-degree rotatable chute

Cons

  • Weak wheels

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7. Honda Power HS720AA Snow Blower


Snowthrowers or snow blowers are known to provide efficient and rapid snow removal. If you live in places that often have snowfalls, these machines can be a lifesaver for you.

The Honda Power HS720AA has many benefits and is quite easy to operate in cold weather. This gas-powered machine has a 190cc OHC motor engine, which means that it has plenty of power to slice through piles of snow.

It features a four-stroke engine for easy maintenance, so you don’t have to spend your time mixing oil and gas. The device has a snow clearing range of 20 inches and 12 inches of clearing height.

You can quickly move the adjustable deflector from right to left by 204 degrees. The discharge chute can toss the snow up to 33 feet, and you can change the direction of the chute with the help of the joystick.

This equipment can move 1800 pounds of light, fluffy snow within a minute, which is quite impressive. It is also quite lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Pros

  • Easy to operate
  • Able to remove 1800 pounds of snow in a minute
  • Suitable for light and fluffy snow
  • Tosses the snow up to 33ft

Cons

  • Tires accumulate snow

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8. Briggs and Stratton 1022ER Snow Thrower


Removing the snow with a shovel has many disadvantages. The process can give you an aching back, and the longer you stay outside, the faster you’ll catch a cold. Having a snow blower can reduce the discomfort and make the whole process easier for you.

The Briggs and Stratton 1022ER is a budget-friendly gas snow thrower. It provides sufficient power to clear up light and average snowfalls. The device runs on a 4-stage OVH engine, so you don’t have to combine oil and gas.

Even though the equipment has some limitations, it is suitable for average snowfalls, and once it achieves its peak of the torque curve, the machine can produce adequate power.

The machine doesn’t make much noise and has a minimal amount of vibration. It has a heavy-duty auger made of plastic. Moreover, the paddles on the auger are made of firm rubber, which will make it easier for you to clean the surface.

You’ve to adjust the angle of the discharge chute manually, and the deflector moves smoothly with zero amount of clogging.

Pros

  • Able to handle wet and heavy snow
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Robust auger with firm rubber paddles
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Doesn’t include remote chute stick

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9. Snow Joe iON18SB Snow Blower


One of the worst scenarios is to wake up in the morning and find the driveway piled high with snow. Using a shovel can take hours to clear off the snow, which will inevitably make you late for work.

However, if you have a snowblower, the whole procedure can be done in a brief period. The Snow Joe iON18SB is an ideal snow thrower for the first time users because of its smooth operation and excellent features.

It has a compact and lightweight design that can quickly sweep off snow from decks, sidewalks, and driveways. You don’t need an extension cord to operate the machine because it is cordless and has rechargeable batteries made of lithium-ion.

The batteries provide 50 minutes of quiet and smooth runtime. It features a 180 degrees directional auto-rotate chute with which you can toss the snow up to 20 feet. Another innovative feature is its LED light, so you can use the machine at nighttime with perfect visibility.

Pros

  • Cordless machine with lithium-ion batteries
  • 180 degrees rotatable chute
  • Suitable for sidewalks and driveways
  • Includes LED light

Cons

  • Thin plastic cover

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10. Poulan Pro 961840001 Snow Thrower


It is quite a chore to move heavy, wet snow off the ground because it usually weighs more substantial than the dry snow. Typically, many single-stage blowers have difficulty removing heavy snow.

But the Poulan Pro 961840001 performs efficiently under the pressure of thick, heavy snow. It is unique and straightforward to use, compared to other models. The device has a dynamic 136cc LCT engine that can smoothly clear the snow off your estate.

Moreover, it has a snow clearing range of 21 inches, and the intake height is around 13 inches. While throwing the snow out of the discharge chute, the device uses durable auger blades to propel it forward to gather all the snow effectively.

The controls on the snowblower are quite easy to operate. You don’t have to remove your gloves to use the controls, because they’re large, which makes them easy to handle.

This device is suitable for paved areas, smaller areas, average-sized sidewalks, and driveways.

Pros

  • Able to remove heavy, wet snow
  • Extensive controls which are easy to use
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Has strong auger blades

Cons

  • Difficult to maneuver

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What to Look for before Buying a Single Stage Snowblower?

Before you go around spending your hard-earned money on a single-stage snowblower, you need to be aware of some factors.

This type of device has a lot of things hidden under the hood that you must look at before committing to a purchase. Here are some things that you should look for to find the best single-stage snowblower.

Electric or Gas

First and foremost, you must decide whether you want an electric-powered unit or a gas-driven one. There are upsides and downsides to both types, and people have divided opinions on which one is the best.

Gas-powered machines are better in a sense because you do not need to worry about the cord length. However, electric units are easier to maintain and also cost less in upkeep.

As a rule of thumb, if you have to deal with a large space, you would be better off with a gas-powered snowblower. With electric devices, you are limited by the length of the power chord. There are also battery-powered options if you want to avoid going gas.

Width

Another critical factor to consider is the width of the unit. It might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people overlook it. With a broader snowblower, you need to make fewer passes saving you a lot of time and energy. And considering the nature of the job, it is a lifesaver.

However, if you mostly work with narrow pathways, you can be a bit lenient with this factor. Wider snowblowers are no doubt versatile, but storage can be a problem. Compact sizes are more comfortable to store during the summer and bring out when needed.

Handle

The handle is a vital part of the snowblower. If you want the most out of your purchase, make sure you get a device with a comfortable handle. Comfortable grips are a must for a pleasant experience. Nowadays, you can find snowblowers that feature adjustable handles to give you better control.

How to Use a Single Stage Snowblower?

The following step by step guide will help you understand the proper way of using a snowblower.

  • Prep the Snowblower

Before you start using your device, you need to prepare it. If you are using a gas-powered single-stage blower, make sure that the fuel tank is empty and filled with fresh fuel. You should never store this device with fuel remaining in the tank. If the fuel from last year is present, you should siphon it off before you add new gas.

You should then check the different sections of your device to verify that everything is working properly. Give some attention to the engine oil and also inspect the handle.

  • Prep the Workspace

You need to plan ahead on how you will work with the space that you have. Make sure that there is no unwanted material present in the path of the machine. Materials such as newspapers or plastic could get sucked up by the auger and damage the machine. If you find such elements, you should remove them by hand before starting.

  • Choose How You Want to Throw the Snow

When using a snowblower, you need to find the right spot to deposit the pile. Otherwise, you might end up making a mess. You can choose to handle it in two ways

Firstly, you can choose to walk down the middle of the path while the snow accumulates on both sides of the road. You can do this by starting at the center and make your way towards the edge in orbit.

Or, you could pile snow on one side. To do this, you need to start at one side and make your way to the other edge in an elaborate pattern.

Make sure to adjust the discharge chute to keep the direction of the snow accurate.

  • Removing the Pile

Now that you are done with your passes, you need to handle the plow pile. If you do not take care of it right away, it will quickly turn rock-solid, leaving you with a lot more problems.

For this, you need to turn the snowblower in the slow setting. This step is quite delicate, and you must proceed steadily. When the blower reaches the pile, force onto it so that the nose dives into the snow. Then you can take the blower into the yard and drop the snow off. Repeat this process until you get the perfect results.

How to Maintain a Single Stage Snowblower

To ensure that a single-stage snowblower performs well, it needs proper maintenance. The following to-do list will help improve the lifespan of your unit and make sure it stays in the best possible working condition at all times.

  1. The spark plug is an important element in the snowblower and must be checked for problems. If there is no sign of an issue, plug it back in securely without overtightening it.
  2. If there are any wear and tear in the belt of the unit, you need to replace it. If not, put it back inside the correct way.
  3. Next is the most finicky part of maintenance; auger paddles. As it is the part that makes the most contact with surfaces, it is the most susceptible to damage. Make sure to check them regularly.
  4. The shave plate needs to be checked thoroughly. If you find any wearing, you can reverse it in case of a single-stage blower to get more use.
  5. Check for damages in the shear pins. They serve as a safety measure that breaks in case the auger is pushed too far. If there is damage, it means you are overloading your device.
  6. Change the oils when needed. If the oil dries up, you can heat up the blower to make it easier to replace.
  7. Finally, fill up your unit with fresh gas and add a fuel stabilizer. Stabilizers ensure that the gas lasts longer and does not clog up.

How Does a Single Stage Snow Blower Work?

Single-stage snow blowers are the most common and also the simplest type of snow blowers available to the consumer market. They are lightweight and compact, making them highly accessible for a general user. It does not feature too many complicated functions and is quite easy to maneuver.

A single-stage snowblower usually features a rubber auger. The engine in the unit uses the drill to scoop the snow when activated. A chute located on top of the auger discharges the scooped-up snow. Since this type of unit works in one single motion, it is called a single-stage snowblower.

It is the perfect tool for removing light to moderate snowfalls. In fact, when compared with a two-stage snow blower, it can clear snows faster. And since the product is so easy to use, it is not as strenuous.

What’s the Difference Between Single Stage Snow Blower and Two?

Snowblowers can come in many different configurations. You have single-stage electric, single-stage gas, two or even three-stage gas. The one that you need will depend on a variety of factors such as the size of your property and the terrain that you have to deal with usually.

By looking at the difference between a single-stage blower and a two-stage blower, you can figure out which one is better for your needs. Firstly, single-stage snow blowers are compact. These lightweight units are perfect when you need to remove eight or fewer inches of snow.

You can only use this device effectively on a paved road because of how the auger is designed. The discharge chute in this type of unit takes on the responsibility of discharging the snow. For this reason, the blades must make contact with the surface directly.

A two-stage snowblower, on the other hand, is not as lightweight. This type of device comes with wheels to help move it around. The best thing about these devices is that the auger does not need to contact the surface because of the internal fan that discharges the snow. As a result, you can use it over dirt or rough terrains.

Toro Single Stage Snow Blower

Power Clear 518 Ze 18 In. Single-stage Gas Snow Blower

The Power Clear 518 ZE is an 18-inch wide compact snow blower weighing in at 58 lbs/27 kg. It is best for areas that get light snow up to 9″ deep. The wheels on this model are smaller in size which will have trouble in the deeper snow.

Auger System Power curve rotor Capacity per Minute Up to 1100 lbs (500 kg)
Chute Control Chute-mounted handle Clearing Width 18″ (45.7 cm)
Drive System Rotor propelled Engine 99cc Toro 4-cycle OHV
Engine Displacement 99cc Fuel Capacity 1.4 Quarts (1.3 L)
Ignition Electric start Scraper Stationary
Starter Electric Throw Distance Up to 25′ (8 m)
Weight 58 lbs (27 kg) Warranty 2 year warranty

Snow Joe iON18SB Electric Single Stage Snow Blower

The Snow Joe iON18SB is an electric single stage snow blower with a 40-volt rechargeable battery. It may just be one of the lightest snow blowers I’ve seen at 32 lbs (14.5 kg).

The lithium-ion battery is said to last up to 50 minutes on a single charge.

The iON8SB can cut a path 18 inches wide in snow up to 8 inches deep.

If you live in an area with light snow this will do the job. It will not, however, replace a gas powered snow thrower. Good for smaller areas and shorter driveways.

Auger System Curve rotor Capacity per Minute Up to 495 lbs (224 kg)
Chute Control Chute-mounted handle Clearing Width 18″ (45.7 cm)
Drive System Rotor propelled Engine 500W Brushless Electric
Engine Displacement N/A Battery 40-volt 4.0Ah Lithium-ion
Ignition Electric start Scraper Stationary
Starter Electric Throw Distance Up to 25′ (8 m)
Weight 32 lbs (14.5 kg) Warranty 2 year warranty

Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower

The Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 is powered by a 208cc 4-cycle gas engine. It includes an electric push-button start and can clear a 21″ wide path up to 13″ deep. The chute has a 190-degree rotation via the control lever.

Auger System Curve rubber rotor Capacity per Minute Up to 495 lbs (224 kg)
Chute Control Chute-mounted handle Clearing Width 21″ (53 cm)
Drive System Rotor propelled Engine 4-cycle OHV
Engine Displacement 208cc Fuel Capacity 0.5 Gallons (1.89L)
Ignition Electric start Scraper Stationary
Starter Electric Throw Distance Unknown
Weight 97 lbs (43 kg) Warranty 2 year warranty

Single Stage Snow Blower vs Two Stage

There are two types of snow blowers: single stage and two stage. Each of them has their own pros and cons which we will discuss.

What is a Single Stage Snow Blower?

Single stage snow blowers do not have a traditional auger system to clear the snow. The augers on a single stage make contact with the surface and do not leave any snow behind. When the auger makes contact with the ground the snow is pushed up into the chute.

When the auger contacts the surface it will help propel the snow blower so you don’t have to push as hard. The downside to the system is the chance of throwing rocks. Single stage blowers cannot be used on gravel driveways.

Single stage snow blowers are best for snow less than 10 inches. If you live in a region with heavy snowfall you might need a two-stage snow blower.

Pros:

  • Lightweight unit
  • Cost less than two-stage machines

Cons:

  • Not good for heavy snowfall
  • Cannot be used on gravel driveways

What is a Two-Stage Snow Blower?

The auger on a two-stage snow blower

The auger on a two-stage snowblower has two parts: the auger which gathers the snow, and the impeller to throw it out the chute. Two-stage augers do not contact the ground so they are safe to use on gravel driveways.

Two-stage machines are heavier and can take up more space but have more power. Since the machines are larger they can clear a wider area in less time. The drive wheels on these machines are powered and take less effort to push.

Pros:

  • More clearing power in heavy snow
  • Wider swath to clear more in less time

Cons:

  • Heavy and take up more storage space
  • Cost more than single stage machines

Single Stage vs Two-Stage Snow Blower Video

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are Single-stage snowblowers any good?

Yes, for clearing light to average snowfalls, the power of a single-stage snowblower is hard to beat.

  1. How far can a snowblower throw snow?

In an ideal condition, you can expect your snowblower to throw snow up to a distance of 15 feet. But in most cases, you will get about 10 feet of throwing distance.

  1. What do you spray on a snowblower chute?

To keep it from clogging up, you need to spray a non-stick spray. It serves as a lubricant for the chute.

  1. Why are Single-stage snowblowers so expensive?

A single-stage snow blower is a highly versatile tool that can last you a long time. The products we reviewed are priced reasonably for the features they offer. In most cases, the price of a snowblower is quite low when you think about its high utility.

  1. Do I need a single-stage or two-stage snowblower?

Whether you need a single-stage or two-stage snowblower, it depends on your requirements. If you are working with small sidewalks and driveways, a single-stage unit will serve you best. However, if you are working with deep snowfalls of more than 8-inches, you need to get a two-stage snowblower.

Final Thoughts

A single-stage snow blower is your best friend when you need to get through a snowy winter. Because this device is so easy to use and maneuver, you can get the chore done soon and get back to the comfort of your home. So, it is wise always to have the best single-stage snowblower ready to go in your work shed.

We hope you found our review of the best single stage snowblower enlightening. The recommended products in our lists are sure to give you the best working experience without busting your wallet.

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