If you live in a place where you experience heavy snowfall, then it is better to have the best snow blower to clean your passage and driveways. It will shovel the pathway with convenience. However, if you are not sure which one you need, here I am simplifying the difference by sketching a single stage vs two stage snow blower.
Other than that, you can read about the 4 best single-stage snow blower, as well as 4 best two-stage snow blower
· Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Blower
· Greenworks 13 AMP 20 Inches Corded Snow Blower
· Wen 5664 Blaster 13.5 AMP Electric Snow Thrower
· EGO Power + SNT2102 21 inches Battery Powered Snow blower
· EGO Power + 24 Self-propelled two stage snow blower
· Powersmart snow blower 212 cc Engine
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Choosing the right snow blower according to your needs could be a little tricky; hence, if you are buying it for the first time, evaluate your requirements and then make a purchase. Which one suits you the best? Here is a guide for you.
Types of Snow Blowers
As a new buyer, it is a common concern about what stage snowblower do I need; the best answer to which is that it depends on your requirement. For that, you must be aware of the available types. However, the key difference between each type is its auger.
What is an auger?
Auger is a part of the snowblower that looks like a corkscrew that collects the snow from the surface. Here is how it distinguishes different snow blowers.
Snow blowers and their types
The snowblowers are available as
1. Single-Stage Models
In single stage snow blowers, the auger is responsible for pulling and throwing away the snow with a discharge distance of around 36 inches. Due to the direct contact with the surface, the auger is completely covered with rubber to keep it safe and work smoothly.
2. Two-stage Snow Blower Models
Along with the auger (made of all metal), dual-stage snow blowers have another component called the impeller that throws the snow from the chute, which throws it at a long distance of around 60 inches.
3. Three-stage snow blowers
They are the snow blowers with tracks that are robust and come with an accelerator that breaks up heavy and frozen snow before it enters the auger and the impeller. It handles snow at a larger level by clearing deep snow and icy condition. They are usually gas-powered and are used for commercial use mainly.
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So, let’s dig in deep for single stage vs two stage snow blower differences and similarities.
Single stage vs Two Stage Snow Blower
The two popular options are single-stage and two-stage models. Each type has its own set of features and capabilities. Here I am simplifying 2 stage vs 1 stage snow blowers to help you make it easy.
1. Operation and Snow Clearing Capacity
Single-Stage Snow Blowers: These snow blowers use an auger to gather and propel snow through the discharge chute in a single motion. They are effective for clearing light to moderate snow accumulations, typically up to around 8-12 inches deep. Single-stage blowers work best on paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks; they are generally lighter and easier to maneuver.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Two-stage snow blowers have an auger that gathers the snow and feeds it to an impeller, which then throws the snow through the discharge chute.
The two-stage process allows for better handling of heavier snow accumulations and more challenging conditions. These blowers can handle deeper snow depths, typically up to 2 feet or more, and they excel on various surfaces, including gravel and uneven terrain.
Two-stage blowers are usually larger and more powerful, making them suitable for larger areas and heavy-duty use.
2. Clearing Width
Single-Stage Snow Blowers: Single-stage models generally have a narrower clearing width, typically ranging from 18 to 22 inches. This means you may need more passes to clear wider areas, which can be time-consuming for larger properties.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Two-stage blowers feature wider clearing widths, usually ranging from 22 to 30 inches or more. The wider clearing width allows for quicker snow removal, reducing the time and effort required to clear larger areas.
3. Engine Type and Power
Single-Stage Snow Blowers: Single-stage models are typically powered by electric motors, either corded or cordless, or smaller gas engines. Electric models are quieter and require less maintenance, while gas-powered single-stage blowers offer more power and mobility.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Gas engines usually use two-stage blowers, providing more power and performance. Gas engines allow for better handling of heavy snow and challenging conditions, making them suitable for larger areas and more demanding tasks.
4. Price and Maintenance
Single-Stage Snow Blowers: Single-stage blowers are generally more affordable compared to two-stage models. They also require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and simpler mechanisms.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Two-stage blowers are usually more expensive due to their larger size, increased power, and added features. They require regular maintenance, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and other upkeep tasks.
5.Snow Clearing Capacity
Single-stage snow blowers are suitable for light to moderate snow accumulations, typically up to 8-12 inches deep.
Two-stage snow blowers excel in handling heavier snowfall and can tackle snow depths of up to 2 feet or more.
6.Surface Compatibility
Single-stage snow blowers work best on paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. They are designed to clear snow on flat, even terrain.
Two-stage snow blowers, on the other hand, can handle various surfaces including gravel and uneven terrain, making them suitable for larger properties with diverse landscapes.
7.Clearing Width
Single-stage snow blowers usually have a narrower clearing width, typically ranging from 18 to 22 inches. This means you may need more passes to clear wider areas, increasing the time and effort required.
Two-stage snow blowers feature wider clearing widths, ranging from 22 to 30 inches or more, enabling quicker snow removal.
8. Power Source
Single-stage snow blowers are available in both electric and gas-powered models. Electric models are typically quieter and require less maintenance, while gas-powered models offer more power and mobility.
Two-stage snow blowers are predominantly gas-powered, providing increased power and performance for heavy snow and challenging conditions.
9. Price and Maintenance
Single-stage snow blowers are generally more affordable than two-stage models due to their simpler design and smaller size. They also require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts.
Two-stage snow blowersare often larger and more complex, resulting in higher costs and requiring more regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
10. Maneuverability
Single-stage snow blowers are lighter and easier to maneuver, making them suitable for smaller properties and areas with limited space.
Two-stage snow blowers are typically larger and heavier, which may require more effort to maneuver, but they offer increased power and clearing capacity for larger areas.
Aamna Ayub
Our Top 4 Picks for Single-stage snow blowers are
1. Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Blower
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 23.4 x 22 x 26 inches
· Weight: 34.8 lbs.
· Power Source: Electricity
· Maximum throw: 25 Feet
· Voltage: 120 V
This snow blower has power similar to the snow blower as this model has two rechargeable 24-V batteries, each with 40 minutes of runtime.
It can throw 14 tons of snow every charge, with a manageable weight, it is easy to move, but it is heavy, still lighter than the gas snow blower.
Furthermore, it allows 180 degrees adjustable snow chute that throws the snow up to 20 feet, which you can use day and night with ease with the LED headlight.
Pros
· Available with 2 rechargeable batteries of 24 Volts
· Has an adjustable snow chute
· It has a runtime of 40 minutes
Cons
· Battery might be a little troublesome
· It is heavy
Aamna Ayub
2. Greenworks 13 AMP 20 Inches Corded Snow Blower
Product Specification
· Dimensions: 31 x 21.6 x 37 inches
· Weight: 30 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Maximum throw: 20 feet.
· Voltage: 120 Volts
This corded electric snow blower weighs 30 lbs. unit is another good option. It starts with a push button connected with an extension cord which is 12 to 14 gauge.
Greenworks corded thrower has a led headlight that can help to clear the snow at night. This compact snow blower is equipped with a robust 14-amp electric motor, providing impressive power for its lightweight design.
With a single pass, it can clear a generous 20-inch swath of snow. The machine's clearing depth reaches nearly one foot, ensuring efficient snow removal. The adjustable discharge chute allows you to direct the thrown snow up to 20 feet away, keeping your cleared area neat and tidy.
Featuring rubber auger blades, this snow blower makes direct contact with the paved surface, effectively removing snow and leaving it clean.
Pros
· Has an electric motor which is the 20-inch swath of snow in a single pass
· The discharge chute moves 20 foot
· The auger blades are built-in rubber
Cons
· Works only 120 V
· Extension cord is not included
3. Wen 5664 Blaster 13.5 AMP Electric Snow Thrower
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 37 inches
· Weight: 32 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Maximum throw: 20 feet
If you're searching for a reliable snow blower on a tight budget, the Wen Blaster is an excellent choice. This lightweight single-stage electric blower weighs only 28 pounds, making it easy to maneuver.
With its 18-inch clearing width and powerful 13.5-amp motor, it can effectively handle light to medium snow accumulations of up to 7.8 inches deep.
The 180-degree rotating chute allows you to adjust the snow-throwing direction according to your needs.
With the Wen Blaster's rotating chute, you can control where the snow is thrown. Despite its compact size, this machine is surprisingly mighty, capable of throwing over 490 pounds of snow per minute. The Wen Blaster is a small but powerful solution if you have modest snow removal needs.
Pros
· Suitable for areas with light to medium snowfall
· A powerful motor that clears up 7.8 inches of deep snow
· Cleans 490 lbs. snow every minute
Cons
· Need to be assembled
· Not suitable for deep snow
Jason Schott
4. EGO Power + SNT2102 21 inches Battery Powered Snow blower
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 22 inches
· Weight: 60.63 lbs.
· Power Source: Battery Powered
· Maximum throw: 35 feet
· Voltage: 56 Volts
If you are looking for a low-maintenance snow blower, consider this. These snow blowers are easy to use, and due to battery-powered features, they are more convenient for clearing small passages.
This will clear an area of 35 feet, intakes snow 21 inches wide and handles it 8 inches. It charges quickly and lasts for around an hour; you will get two batteries of 5.0 Ah alone.
It is easy to start with a simple push button, which offers more convenience. Furthermore, it can be used in the dark, too, with the help of built-in LED headlights.
Pros
· Comes with 2 batteries 5.0 Ah and a charger
· Fast charging, 45 minutes
· Push the start button
· LED headlights
Cons
· Heavy Construction
· Difficult to move
Josephine Halim
Our Recommended Top 3 Two-stage snow blowers
5. Ariens 921047 Deluxe 30
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 48 inches
· Weight: 252 lbs.
· Power Source: gas-powered
· Maximum throw: 50 feet
This dual-stage snow blower is a gas-powered model that copes with the heavy snow with its 306cc robust engine, which offers convenience to clear the passage.
It has reduced the hassle of starting a snow thrower with just an electric start button that turns it on quickly. What I liked about this model is its inclusion of heated handles that keep your hands warm even in the cold.
Although this 30 inch snow blowers is heavy, it is easy to move with less or no effort with a smart feature, it lets you know if there is any obstacle.
Pros
· Has a powerful engine
· impressive clearing capacity
· clears wet snow
· solid steel auger
Cons
· Expensive
· Not suitable for deep snow
6. EGO Power + 24 Self-propelled two stage snow blower
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 26 x 49 x 45 inches
· Weight: 149.9 lbs.
· Power Source: Battery Powered
· Maximum throw: 50 feet
This is a good option for battery operated dual stage snow blowers, which is self-propelled and has 24-inch model that stands out with its different speed-controlling feature.
It assembles effortlessly and charges really quickly, you will get two batteries of 7.5 Ah that keeps your snow blower running smoothly with ease.
You can expect to remove the snow from bumpy sidewalks of 60 yards short driveway and clears your pathway in no time.
Pros
· Powerful model with self-propelled feature
· Assembles effortlessly
· Battery-operated, comes with battery charger
· Impressive snow throw
Cons
· Might be a little tough to move during freezing days
· Very expensive
7. Powersmart snow blower 212 cc Engine
Product Specifications
· Dimensions: 48.7 x 24.8 x 44.2 inches
· Weight: 143 lbs.
· Power Source: Gasoline powered
· Maximum throw: 40 feet
This one is designed to handle deep snow with its powerful engine and 2-stage capabilities. It works even in the tough and heavy snow conditions effortlessly.
Its engine is 212 cc gas-powered, which justifies its strength and offers efficient snow removal for snow accumulation.
Pros
· Handles wet and heavy snow
· 212 cc gas-powered engine
· Clears large areas effortlessly
Cons
· Hassle of re-filling
· Noise and emissions due to gas burns
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Electric Snow Blower vs Gas Snow Blowers
The two popular options for snow blowers are electric and gas-powered models; both have their own significance and usability. So, let’s get started.
Electric Snow Blower vs Gas Snow Blowers
The electric snow blowers are electrically powered and available in corded and cordless variants. Here are a few features of electric snow blowers.
1. Power Source
They require an electrical power outlet, and for cordless models, they are battery-operated. Corded snow blowers need a consistent electric supply which is a drawback as it is not always available. However, in that way, cordless is more convenient.
2. Ease of Use
Electric snow blowers are generally lightweight, compact, and easy to move around. They require minimal maintenance, like the hassle of removing oil changes and spark plugs, etc.
On the contrary, apart from being user-friendly, gas-powered blowers need regular maintenance to run smoothly, along with regular refills if the tank size is limited.
3. Noise Level
This is the plus point, electric snow blowers do not make noise; hence, it is a good option for people living in noise-sensitive areas. However, the gas-powered generator makes noise, but there are a few options that have minimal noise.
4. Environmental Impact
Electric snow blowers are environment-friendly as they produce zero emissions when working. On the other hand, gas snow blowers produce harmful fumes and emit smoke.
5. Cleaning Capacity
The cleaning capacity of an electric-powered snow blower is not as powerful as gas-powered. Usually, the gas-powered options clear more area in width and depth. Compared to electric snow throwers. Due to the cord, the electric blowers can only clean the area within 50 to 60 feet.
I recommend gas powered snow blower (available in both single and two-stage snow) are more convenient than electric snow blowers. This is because there is no hassle of an extension cord, and it offers more mobility, so my vote is for gas-powered snowblowers.
Frequently Asked Question | Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blower
1. How heavy is a snowblower?
The weight of the snowblower varies as per their design and size. Remember that the bigger the snowblower, the heavier the unit will be. However, the weight ranges of snow blowers that work with different power sources are here.
|
Snow
Blower with different fuel Source |
Weight
Range |
|
Gas Snow Blower |
68 to 403 lbs. |
|
Cordless Snow Blower |
30 to 69 lbs. |
|
Corded Snow Blower |
26 to 38 lbs. |
|
Cordless Snow Shovel |
13 to 23 lbs. |
Usually, the two-stage and the three-stage snow blower are heavier than cordless snow blowers due to their portability.
2. Do I really need a 2 stage snow blower?
The 2 stage snow blower is heavy and the best option to have for heavy snowfall. They effectively cover a large area and clear your gravel driveways. Such snowblowers are more effective in removing snow from areas around 60 feet long.
A dual-stage snow blower handles around 8 inches of snow with a minimum depth of 18 inches or above. They can also remove heavy wet snow and ice too.
Thus, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, then yes, you need a 2 stage snow blower.
3. Are one stage snow blowers any good?
One-stage snow blowers are good for you only if your passage is small to medium. This snow thrower single-stage is more portable, compact, and easy to maneuver with user-friendly controls, making it a more convenient option.
The single-stage gas-powered snow blowers are more time savers than the bulkier options and remove around 6 inches or so of snow.
However, these snow blowers are not recommended for regions that are prone to heavy snowfall or wet snow as they are not powerful for that purpose. In a nutshell, these are good for small to medium areas.
4. How much snow can a single stage blower handle?
Usually, a single-stage snow blower can handle and blow the snow light and is around 6 to 12 inches. However, a two-stage snow blower is great for coping with heavy snow.
5. How far does a two-stage snowblower throw snow?
Many top rated snow blowers can throw snow far away. When the average is estimated, a two-stage snow blower has the ability to throw about 15 to 20 feet away. However, the throw of each snow blower varies based on its brand as well as on the power source too.
Conclusion | Best Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blowers
Which snow blower do you need actually brings down to the circumstances you go through during winter? Comparing single stage vs two stage snow blower, both are great in their own ways; however, for heavy-duty and dense yet wet snow, consider a two-stage snow blower, and for lighter snow, consider a one-stage snow blower.
I hope this guide has helped you to make a wise decision.
