Electric Snow Blowers vs. Gas Snow Blowers

The type of power you choose for your snow blower will depend upon the type of snow you receive and your application.  Much like other pieces of power equipment, gas and electric snow blowers both have their advantages and disadvantages.

For areas where snow storms will typically only bring a couple inches of snow, an electric snow blower will serve you just fine.  What makes them even better in this scenario is that they are pretty   

Snow Joe iON Snow Blower

much maintenance free – no oil, no gas, no tune ups – just make sure the machine is free of snow before storage to prevent any parts from freezing.

Using an electric snow blower to clean up after a major snow storm will be quite a hassle, and in this case, what were their advantages become their disadvantages.  It’s great that they are lightweight, but if you have a heavy snow fall, electric snow blowers will tend to ride up the snow instead of blow through it.  This can even compact the snow further, and a vicious cycle of underpowered & under-weighted attempts at clearing snow begins. 

This is where gas snow blowers step in.  The extra depth and weight of the snow requires a gas powered engine and a step up in auger & auger housing capability.  There are 3 main types of gas snow blowers – single stage, two-stage, and three-stage – each a step up in performance and capability.  A single stage snow blower can handle up to about a foot of snow, but if that’s what you are frequently receiving, it will be a struggle. 

Cub Cadet 3 Stage Snow Blower

At this point you should step up to a two stage, because if you’re getting a lot of 12” snowfalls, you’ll probably receiving snowfalls above that as well, and you’ll need the extra height, width, and power.  Three stage snow blowers employ an additional forward facing auger that is capable of chewing through heavy, icy snow mixes typically left at the end of driveways by city plows..  If you find yourself muscling through this mass of snow, a three stage snow blower will serve you well.

Toro Power Shovel

Some people will employ both types of snow blowers to finish clearing snow at their home.  Because of their light weight and maneuverability, an electric snow blower is great for large patios, long staircases, and hard to reach areas.  Weighing in at only 13 pounds, the Toro Power Shovel is perfect for this.  Patios constructed of pavers or wood planks can also catch the edge of a snow shovel, causing them to chip.  The softer rubber paddle will clear all the way down without catching edges, preserving your patio.