It’s about that time of year. If you’re a homeowner, I bet you’re switching out your summer lawn care tools for winter weather essentials. You’re moving that bag of salt out of the shed and getting ice scrapers in your vehicles. And then it hits you:
You’re going to have to shovel snow… again.
If your back already hurts just thinking about it, this is the year to invest in an affordable snow blower.
Most people who don’t have a snow blower haven’t made the jump because they’re worried about the cost. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable snow blower. In this article, we’ll explore six affordable snow blowers for winter 2024-2025.
Whether you have a small path or a large driveway, there’s a snow blower for you. We’ll highlight features, prices, and what makes each model stand out. Get ready to enjoy winter without the hassle of shoveling snow.
What to Look For in an Affordable Snowblower
First of all, you want to pick the right type of snow blower for your property. Think about the size of your property and how much of it will need snow removal. If you have a single-car driveway and a bit of sidewalk, a single-stage snowblower is a good choice. They’re lightweight and easy to handle. For larger areas, those two- or three-car garages or corner lots, a two-stage model is better. These can move more snow more quickly and get you back in the heat where you belong.
Also, check the features. Look for an adjustable chute control. This helps you direct where the snow goes so that you’re not plowing the same snow over and over again. Some snowblowers have LED lights to help you see in those early mornings or late nights. Some models even come with heated hand grips for comfort, which can be nice during frigid weather!
Finally, think about your budget. You can find affordable models that still offer great performance. Make sure to read reviews and ask the professionals at a dealership any questions you have. There’s no need to guess which snow blower will work when there are professionals who can help you get the right match the first time.
Six Great Snowblowers That Won’t Blow Your Budget
A good snowblower just makes winter better (or at least easier to tolerate). But it’s important to find one that fits your budget.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good snowblower. Here are six great snowblowers that are powerful and affordable. Each one is designed to help you clear your path without breaking the bank.
Best Snowblower for Long Driveways or Lots of Sidewalks
If you have a long driveway or a lot of sidewalks to clear, the Ariens Deluxe 28 is the best snow blower for you. This powerful machine can handle heavy snow with ease. It has a strong engine that delivers lots of torque. This means it can easily push through thick snow without getting stuck.
The Deluxe 28 features a big 28-inch clearing width, which is great for clearing large areas quickly. It also has adjustable skid shoes, which let you set the height so you won’t damage your driveway! Another plus is the efficient chute rotation. You can easily change the direction of the snow, keeping your path clear where you need it most.
You can even get heated hand grip accessories that make this more comfortable to use in cold weather. (No more frozen fingers!) Plus, the electric start feature means you won’t struggle to get it going on chilly mornings. All these features make the Ariens Deluxe 28 a smart choice for anyone with a long driveway or many sidewalks to keep clear. It’s durable, efficient, and user-friendly.
Best Snowblower for Deep, Heavy Snow
If you’re looking for an affordable snow blower that stands up to deep, heavy snow, the Ariens Deluxe 30 is the best choice for you. This snow blower is powerful and efficient, and it’ll cut through the worst winter conditions.
When the snow piles up, this no-nonsense beast is all business. Its large impeller and auto-turn steering technology, paired with big, grippy tires, means no slipping and no stalling. This two-stage machine has a 14″ auger diameter and a high 21″ housing height for the big blizzard days. Plus, the Ariens Deluxe 30 will blow snow up to 50 feet and clear up to 62 tons of snow per hour.
It’s designed to last for years, even through the worst winter storms. The controls are easy to understand and use, making it simple to adjust the direction and distance of the snow you throw.
Overall, if you want a reliable snow blower for heavy snow, consider the Ariens Deluxe 30. It’s built for tough jobs and helps you stay ahead of winter’s challenges.
Best Self-Propelled Snow Blower
When it comes to self-propelled snow blowers for homeowners, the Toro PowerClear line stands out as the best option without breaking your budget.
The Toro PowerClear is designed to tackle small to medium-sized areas. Its size makes it perfect for sidewalks and driveways. Toro’s powerful 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine gives you the power to slice through snow in no time and throw it 35 feet. Plus, it’ll be a lot easier to move, and you’ll get the job done faster with the self-propel Power Propel® system.
These machines are designed for user comfort, with commercial-grade ergonomics and enhanced handles, plus extended life paddles.
Best Cordless Electric Snow Blowers
If you’re looking for a wide clearing path and a little more power, we suggest the Toro 21″ PowerClear® e21 60V Snow Blower.
Not only will it keep even the deepest snow flowing and throw it farther, but it’s also ready whenever you are, as it starts the first time, every time. This blower is ideal for concrete and asphalt surfaces and can clear an area of 9- to 18-parked-car driveway on average, with 2 – 9 in. of snow at a time. This PowerClear model can throw snow 40 feet away.
This electric snow blower is designed to move snow quickly and clean patios, decks, sidewalks, and driveways. Its locking deflector provides a choice between high, low, and in-between snow throwing, while its quick-turn chute lever helps you direct the snow in all directions. This model features an ergonomically designed handle for a comfortable grip. Plus, since this snow blower uses a Toro Flex-Force battery, you can use the same battery power that you use in the summer for your trimmers and mowers!
Easiest Snow Blowers to Maneuver
This isn’t a specific model but a brand recommendation. Toro snow blowers are designed with ease of use in mind. Their PowerClear technology keeps the machine from clogging, and their PowerPropel system makes it extremely easy to push snow without exhausting yourself.
The steering on Toro snow blowers is simple, too. They have a unique turning system that helps you navigate tight spaces. You can change direction with just a flick of your wrist. This means you can move quickly around your driveway or sidewalk without crossing over areas twice.
Toro also features easy-to-use controls. Most models have a single lever to adjust the speed, allowing you to focus on clearing snow rather than fumbling with complicated buttons while your hands are encased in mittens or gloves. In short, Toro snow blowers are built to help you get the job done with less effort, making them a great choice for keeping your home safe during winter.
Most Durable, Reliable Snow Blowers
Ariens brand snow blowers are known for their durability and reliability. Their residential models are truly commercial grade, and they’re built to handle tough winter conditions. When heavy snow falls, these machines are ready to work.
The engines in Ariens snow blowers are powerful. They provide the strength needed to clear driveways and sidewalks quickly. Owners also appreciate how easy these machines are to start, with electric start options that fire up fast. This makes even the coldest winter conditions much easier to bear.
Ariens also designs their snow blowers with user comfort in mind. The controls are simple and easy to use. They provide good stability and traction on slippery surfaces. This makes snow clearing safer and more efficient.
Many owners report that Ariens snow blowers run without problems year after year. This trust in the product’s quality and durability is what sets Ariens apart from other brands.
Don’t Forget About Used Options
By now, you’re probably ready to buy that snow blower. You might think about buying one second-hand online. Used equipment can extend your budget, buying more power for fewer dollars. Just be careful where you buy.
Snow blowers listed on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace feel like a good deal. Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a mixed bag. Many people sell snow blowers on these Marketplace sites without checking or servicing them first. This means you might buy a machine that’s not in good shape or has hidden issues the original owner doesn’t know about.
Instead, consider shopping the used inventory of a dealership like Ty’s Outdoor Power. A good dealership will check each snow blower carefully before selling it, fully service the machine, and fix any problems. This gives you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about hidden issues.
Buying from a dealership also means you can ask a small engine professional any questions you have. The pros at a dealership will show you how to start and run the machine and make sure you know how to use all the features. Dealerships often have used equipment that’s still under some kind of warranty. This can protect you in case something goes wrong later.
For an affordable snow blower, consider buying a used one from a dealership. You’ll know it’s been serviced and is reliable, and it’s a hassle-free way to prepare for winter storms.
Trust the Snow Pros at Ty’s Outdoor Power
For 20 years, the team at Ty’s Outdoor Power has been proud to help homeowners, acreage owners, and commercial snow removal businesses keep people and properties safe when the snow starts flying. We’re Nebraska’s outdoor power superstore, and we’re proud to be this state’s first choice for small engine service and snow removal equipment! Make sure you have the right equipment for your job. Compare options today. Prefer to shop in person? Stop by any time.
