A single-stage snow thrower works great for areas that get up to eight inches of snow at a time and most can handle drifts up to 12 inches. All the models listed here have power assist augers and will clear snow right down to the pavement. Many people buy these as a “second” snow thrower for the light snows because they will clear 2-6 inches of snow as fast as you can walk. Unless noted these all have push-button electric start. In general, single-stage snow throwers are too small to be your primary machine if you live anywhere in the U.S. north of Interstate 70. None of them, unless designated, will throw snow more than 30 feet or so. Because of that, you will end up with much taller piles of snow along your driveway than with a good 2-stage snowblower. This can cause more drifting right on your driveway the next time it snows.
I’ll list these from best to good. If it’s not on the list I don’t recommend it this year but you are welcome to ask questions about one not on the list in the comment section below.
Note: Single-stage snowthrowers work best on hard surfaces. They work best on pavement, blacktop, pavers, decks, and patios. If you have to clear a gravel driveway or a spot on your lawn for your dogs I still suggest a 2-stage snow thrower instead. Go here for the best 2-stage snowblowers: The Best Snow Blowers For You! Fall 2019
1. Toro 824 SnowMaster QXE Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 36003
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Toro SnowMaster 824 is a lightweight, self-propelled snowblower that clears snow fast from your hard surface driveway, patio, and decks. The SnowMaster is unique for a single-stage in that it use Toro’s Personal Pace drive system to self-propel itself through the snow. It has the power and throwing capabilities of most 2-stage snow throwers under $1000 yet it weighs about 100 lbs less. It very fast compared to a 2-stage so many people are buying these instead of a 2-stage snowblower. The SnowMaster 824 QXE snow thrower will clear up to 18-inch drifts and has plenty of power for wet/heavy snow. It will throw most types of snow up to 40 feet. If you have a hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time they are a great choice. I personally own this snow blower and like it a lot. Note: Because this snow blower is lightweight compared to a 2-stage it does not have as much traction so it is not the best choice for driveways with more than a 10-degree slope.
2. Toro Power Clear 821 QZE 21 in. 252 cc Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 38757
Buy Here at The Home Depot. Toro Power Clear snow throwers are the “standard” of single-stage snowthrowers. For 2019 Toro has changed the design so the engine is now easily accessible. It’s now easy to change the oil, change the spark plug and do other maintenance tasks to the engine. The Power Clear 821 QZE snow thrower will clear up to 12-inch drifts. It has plenty of power for wet/heavy snow and is designed to shred the chunks of snow the snowplow leaves you. By lifting up on the handles the rubber front paddle can scrape off driven on snow. It will throw most types of snow up to 40 feet. If you have a hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time they are a great choice. It is a great choice if you get heavy/wet snow. This QZE model features a quick and easy to use remote chute control.
3. Toro 724 SnowMaster QXE Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 36002
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE is identical to the 824 QXE above except for a slightly smaller 212cc engine. It is a lightweight, self-propelled snowblower that clears snow fast from your hard surface driveway, patio, and decks. The SnowMaster is unique for a single-stage in that it use Toro’s Personal Pace drive system to self-propel itself through the snow. It has the power and throwing capabilities of most 2-stage snow throwers under $1000 yet it weighs about 100 lbs less. Many people are buying these instead of a 2-stage snowblower. The SnowMaster 824 QXE snow thrower will clear up to 18-inch drifts and has plenty of power for wet/heavy snow. It will throw most types of snow up to 35 feet. If you have a hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time it is a great choice. Note: Because this snow blower is lightweight compared to a 2-stage it does not have as much traction so it is not the best choice for driveways with more than a 10-degree slope.
4. Toro Power Clear 721 QZE Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 38756
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The 721 QZE is identical to the 821 QZE above except for a slightly smaller 212cc engine. To repeat: Toro Power Clear snow throwers are the “standard” of single-stage snowthrowers. For 2019 Toro has changed the design so the engine is now easily accessible. It’s now easy to change the oil, change the spark plug and do other maintenance tasks to the engine. The Power Clear 721 QZE snow thrower will clear up to 12-inch drifts. It has plenty of power for wet/heavy snow and is designed to shred the chunks of snow the snowplow leaves you. By lifting up on the handles the rubber front paddle can scrape off driven on snow. It will throw most types of snow up to 35 feet. If you have a hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time they are a great choice. It is a great choice if you get heavy/wet snow. This QZE model features a quick and easy to use remote chute control.At $599 it is one of the best value snow throwers on the market.
5. Toro Power Clear® 721 E Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 38753
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Toro Power Clear 721 E Single Stage Snow Thrower is one of the best value snow throwers on the market. It is a no-frills snow blower. It has an electric start but no remote chute or deflector. As with the rest of the Power Clear line for 2019 Toro has changed the design so the engine is now easily accessible. It’s now easy to change the oil, change the spark plug and do other maintenance tasks to the engine. The Power Clear 721 E snow thrower will clear up to 12-inch drifts. It has plenty of power for wet/heavy snow and is designed to shred the chunks of snow the snowplow leaves you. By lifting up on the handles the rubber front paddle can scrape off driven on snow. It will throw most types of snow up to 35 feet. If you have a hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time they are a great choice. It is a great choice if you get heavy/wet snow. This E model features an electric start but no remote chute controls.
6. Toro Power Clear 821 R-C 21 in. 252 cc Commercial Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 38755
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Toro Power Clear R-C are the snow throwers commercial operators use. No frills – just a heavy-duty ergonomic handle and extra thick auger paddles. The new Toro Power Clear 821 R-C adds the extra power needed for quick efficient snow clearing. Note: This snow thrower does not have an electric start.
7. Ariens Professional SS 21 in. 208cc Single Stage Snow Thrower Model 938025
Buy Here at The Home Depot. This Ariens Commercial Single Stage without electric start is a better choice if you haul your snowthrower around to clear other people’s driveways. It is designed so one person can easily slide it into a pickup, van or SUV. The heavy-duty rubber auger will last you years and years. Remote chute control! The ergonomic handle reduces the stress on your wrists for hours and hours of use.
8. Toro Power Clear 721 R-C 21 in. 212 cc Commercial Single-Stage Self Propelled Gas Snow Blower Model# 38754
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Toro Power Clear R-C is the snow thrower commercial operators use. No frills – just a heavy-duty ergonomic handle and extra thick auger paddles. The Toro Power Clear 721 R-C has been around in one form or another for years and is the snow thrower you see in the back of most commercial snow plow trucks for cleanup and sidewalks the big plows can’t reach. Note: This snow thrower does not have an electric start.
9. Ariens Professional SS 21 in. 208 cc Single-Stage Manual Chute Recoil-Start Gas Snow Blower Model# 938024
Buy Here at The Home Depot. The snow thrower is rated as one of the best by Consumer Reports. If you don’t want a Toro or an Ariens this is an excellent snow thrower! It’s a Honda, what else needs to be said, but it’s more expensive than the top-performing Toro models. A lot of owners hate the chute controls but like the way the snow blower throws snow
11. Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP and 208EX Single Stage Snow Thrower
Buy Here at The Home Depot. MTD makes a dizzying amount of single stage snow blowers. The Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP and 208EX are the best value of the bunch. Both feature ergonomic handles and electric start. The XP features a remote chute control. They will throw snow 20 feet.
12. Briggs & Stratton 22 in. 250cc Single Stage Snow Thrower with Snow Shredder Auger Model 1696741, Briggs & Stratton 1022EX, Simplicity 1222EE
Buy Here at The Home Depot. If you really want to buy a single stage snow thrower with metal teeth on the auger to chew up hard snow buy the 250cc SnowShredder. It features electric chute rotation and the 1150 series Briggs snow engine. It will throw snow up to 30 feet. It’s also available from your local Simplicity dealer as the 1222EE
The Best Single Stage Snow Thrower For You! Fall 2019
A single-stage snow thrower works great for areas that get up to eight inches of snow at a time and most can handle drifts up to 12 inches. All the models
About Paul Sikkema
Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand.
He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.
16 Comments
Dave LaC
Had a chance to use my new 721 on our long paver walkway and patio and it did a good job. Had to break up the snow a bit as it was about 20″ high and kind of heavy since the weather warmed up, but the little Toro cleaned up well around the grille and patio furniture and blew the snow a good 20-25 ft to the woods.
Tried to clean up the edges of the driveway left by the plow guy and I think it did the best it could considering the tire track ruts I was trying to navigate around.
Now that the snow on the driveway is totally melted, it should be a good job with any fresh snows. So far, so good.
December 12, 2019
Dave LaC
Hi Paul – appreciate your reply.
A Power Clear 721 QZE gets dropped off tomorrow from a local Toro dealer. Opted for the “QZE” over the “E” because I like how easy it was to swing the chute around with the slider versus the handle. Will try to do some cleanup around the house and report back.
Still get teary-eyed missing my Ariens SHO 30″ workhorse, just didn’t think I would need it – boy was I wrong!
December 6, 2019
Dave LaC
Paul – looking for your recommendation for a small unit that I want to use to do spot cleaning after the snowplow guy (part of our HOA fees) does our driveway and walkway up to the front door. Had a 30″ Ariens SHO Platinum at our former house up until last year and sold it thinking the plow guy at our new house would do a decent job (nope). I’m now thinking single stage to clean up edges of driveway, clear paver path to back patio and pathway on the lawn to the generator to keep it clear. Just got hit with 18″ of snow last night in our area (Albany NY) which is unusually high for one storm. Thinking Toro PowerClear models at this point because easier to store in crowded garage. Your thoughts?
A second choice is the Toro Power Clear 518 ZE 18 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower. It smaller, lighter and not as powerful but it doesn’t take up any more room than a Rubbermaid Tote. You could even store it on a shelf. It will still clear down to the pavement and chew up the chunks of snow well – just not as fast.
December 3, 2019
Robert Kerr
what about the Ariens professional SSRC 21 snow blowers compare to the Toro power clean R-C821? have you tested the Ariens yet. They look good on paper.
Performance-wise the Ariens and the Toro 721 R-C are comparable. Both are good, longlasting, single-stage snowblowers. The 821 is new this year and just has a little more power. If you are clearing sidewalks and pushing back corners from hard-packed areas that were cleared with a snowplow the 821 will do it a little faster.
I don’t have any videos of the Ariens but I’ve used it and it throws snow well and clears right down to the pavement. I expect the 821 to be as good as the 721 R-C.
October 27, 2019
Sky Dancer
thanks, how about between the Ariens path pro model 938033 and toro 721 QZE . I am focusing on these 2 now.
regards Rob
November 2, 2019
Paul
Hi Sky, The Toro is still the best by far. The Ariens Path Pro is just a mediocre snow thrower. Consumer Reports agrees – the Toro 721 gets it highest ratings the Ariens 938033 has the honor of being at the very bottom of their list.
November 2, 2019
Phil
HI Paul – I live in the Inland Northwest, so about 40-60 inches per year…sometimes across the winter, sometimes all in a month or two (weather’s gotten weird) 🙂
I’ve been using a Toro Power Curve 1800 for the last several years. Sometimes slower going than I’d like, but still got the job done. Handing it down to my daughter purchasing her first house, and I’m seeking a replacement / upgrade.
I’m thinking, based on my location and history, a 2-stage or even the SnowMaster single stage are overkill. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
Therefore, I’m trying to decide between the Power Clear 721 R-C and the 821 R-C. Is the difference of 40cc in the engine size really going to make the cost increase worth it?
Thanks for your fantastic site and your wisdom regarding my situation.
October 19, 2019
Paul
Hi Phil, The only difference is speed. The 721 will handle the snow but the 821 will just do it faster. If you get a heavy/wet snowplow drift at the end of your drive the 821 will throw it farther.
October 26, 2019
Chris
Hi Paul- I discovered your website about a month ago, and I’ve really enjoyed reading your reviews and watching your YouTube videos. Thank you for all the excellent info! I’m currently considering the purchase of a single stage snow thrower to handle the lighter snowfalls, before I bring out my larger 2-stage machine. I’m debating between the Toro 821 QZE (#2 on your list) and the Honda HS720AS (#10 on the list). Can you go into details on what the differences would be if I could compare them in the snow side by side? I live in central South Dakota and we lack a local Toro dealer, but it appears Home Depot sells for $749. I have looked at the Honda, and it seems well built and compact, as storage space is an issue in my 2 car garage. I like the dual chute controls on the Honda, and it is available locally for about $659. I suppose the slightly smaller engine on the Honda means it won’t throw as far as the Toro, but what are its other downfalls that would drop it all the way to #10? Price of the machines isn’t really a factor; I’m concerned with performance, noise, ease of maintenance, and storage space. Thanks again.
October 8, 2019
Paul
Hi Chris, The Honda compares to the #5 Toro Power Clear® 721 E @ $599 and the #4 Toro Power Clear 721 QZE @ $699. The same power, has chute control similar to the QZE.
The Toro 821 QZE has a larger engine and will throw snow faster and farther than the Honda or the Toro 721 models.
The biggest complaint with the Honda is the chutes controls. That is the only reason, it falls to #10. Some owners complain they are hard to use. So – before you buy it I suggest trying the controls and then if Home Depot has a QZE model try that control also before you buy.
October 9, 2019
Ed
Quick question, your Toro number #1 above vs. your Toro number #1 Electric , what can I use to decide?
October 2, 2019
Paul
Hi Ed, At this point in time if you buy the cordless Toro with the 7.5 AH battery it will clear a 2-car 60-foot paved driveway with no problems on one charge. It’s very quiet. If you are planning to go all-electric and want a good cordless mower, string trimmer, and blower the Toro electric is a good choice because it uses the same batteries as the other Toro 60 volt.
The gas-powered Toro SnowMaster will have more power. It will work better if you get a wet/heavy snowplow drift at the end of your driveway. It will handle up to 18-inch drifts whereas the electric will only handle 12 inches. It also self-propelled so it will push through 6-8 inches of snow better. The 824 SnowMaster is very fast and you can easily clear 2-8 inches as fast as you can walk.
October 2, 2019
Ed
Thanks Paul
I live in Indianapolis area and I-70 goes right through and I’m just north of it.
Thinking 824 for the driveway drifts you mention, we have lucky lately here as no large snows in years. I have a local Toro dealer, should I take advantage of their assembly and delivery or take advantage of Home Depot?
Also thanks as I have the lawn EGO products so thanks for steering me away from the push snow blower they put out
October 2, 2019
Paul
Hi Ed, The 824 is an excellent choice. It will work well for the normal snows you get and it will power through that occasional wet, sloppy blizzard that may come along.
I always recommend checking out your local dealer. If you like them, buy from them. Any questions or problems you have will be dealt with quickly. Most will match THD’s prices but be aware they may charge a set-up fee to assemble it and show you how to use it.
You’re welcome. EGO makes good products but the snow blower is not one of them…
October 2, 2019
I'll be glad you help you find the best snow blower. Please tell me the city, state and how large an area you want to clear. Cancel reply
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Dave LaC
Had a chance to use my new 721 on our long paver walkway and patio and it did a good job. Had to break up the snow a bit as it was about 20″ high and kind of heavy since the weather warmed up, but the little Toro cleaned up well around the grille and patio furniture and blew the snow a good 20-25 ft to the woods.
Tried to clean up the edges of the driveway left by the plow guy and I think it did the best it could considering the tire track ruts I was trying to navigate around.
Now that the snow on the driveway is totally melted, it should be a good job with any fresh snows. So far, so good.
Dave LaC
Hi Paul – appreciate your reply.
A Power Clear 721 QZE gets dropped off tomorrow from a local Toro dealer. Opted for the “QZE” over the “E” because I like how easy it was to swing the chute around with the slider versus the handle. Will try to do some cleanup around the house and report back.
Still get teary-eyed missing my Ariens SHO 30″ workhorse, just didn’t think I would need it – boy was I wrong!
Dave LaC
Paul – looking for your recommendation for a small unit that I want to use to do spot cleaning after the snowplow guy (part of our HOA fees) does our driveway and walkway up to the front door. Had a 30″ Ariens SHO Platinum at our former house up until last year and sold it thinking the plow guy at our new house would do a decent job (nope). I’m now thinking single stage to clean up edges of driveway, clear paver path to back patio and pathway on the lawn to the generator to keep it clear. Just got hit with 18″ of snow last night in our area (Albany NY) which is unusually high for one storm. Thinking Toro PowerClear models at this point because easier to store in crowded garage. Your thoughts?
Paul
Hi Dave, My first choice is the Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. 212 cc Single-Stage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower. It has plenty of power to chew through those big, hard chunks of snow the plow guy leaves and it will clear any snow left on your driveway/sidewalk even if the snow has been driven on and packed down.
A second choice is the Toro Power Clear 518 ZE 18 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower. It smaller, lighter and not as powerful but it doesn’t take up any more room than a Rubbermaid Tote. You could even store it on a shelf. It will still clear down to the pavement and chew up the chunks of snow well – just not as fast.
Robert Kerr
what about the Ariens professional SSRC 21 snow blowers compare to the Toro power clean R-C821? have you tested the Ariens yet. They look good on paper.
Paul
Hi Robert, I like the SmartLoad feature on the Ariens a lot. If you take your snow blower places to help others you can load the snow blower in your pickup, van or SUV all by yourself. Check it out here: https://www.ariens.com/en-us/snow-products/snow-blowers/professional-21.
Performance-wise the Ariens and the Toro 721 R-C are comparable. Both are good, longlasting, single-stage snowblowers. The 821 is new this year and just has a little more power. If you are clearing sidewalks and pushing back corners from hard-packed areas that were cleared with a snowplow the 821 will do it a little faster.
I don’t have any videos of the Ariens but I’ve used it and it throws snow well and clears right down to the pavement. I expect the 821 to be as good as the 721 R-C.
Sky Dancer
thanks, how about between the Ariens path pro model 938033 and toro 721 QZE . I am focusing on these 2 now.
regards Rob
Paul
Hi Sky, The Toro is still the best by far. The Ariens Path Pro is just a mediocre snow thrower. Consumer Reports agrees – the Toro 721 gets it highest ratings the Ariens 938033 has the honor of being at the very bottom of their list.
Phil
HI Paul – I live in the Inland Northwest, so about 40-60 inches per year…sometimes across the winter, sometimes all in a month or two (weather’s gotten weird) 🙂
I’ve been using a Toro Power Curve 1800 for the last several years. Sometimes slower going than I’d like, but still got the job done. Handing it down to my daughter purchasing her first house, and I’m seeking a replacement / upgrade.
I’m thinking, based on my location and history, a 2-stage or even the SnowMaster single stage are overkill. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
Therefore, I’m trying to decide between the Power Clear 721 R-C and the 821 R-C. Is the difference of 40cc in the engine size really going to make the cost increase worth it?
Thanks for your fantastic site and your wisdom regarding my situation.
Paul
Hi Phil, The only difference is speed. The 721 will handle the snow but the 821 will just do it faster. If you get a heavy/wet snowplow drift at the end of your drive the 821 will throw it farther.
Chris
Hi Paul- I discovered your website about a month ago, and I’ve really enjoyed reading your reviews and watching your YouTube videos. Thank you for all the excellent info! I’m currently considering the purchase of a single stage snow thrower to handle the lighter snowfalls, before I bring out my larger 2-stage machine. I’m debating between the Toro 821 QZE (#2 on your list) and the Honda HS720AS (#10 on the list). Can you go into details on what the differences would be if I could compare them in the snow side by side? I live in central South Dakota and we lack a local Toro dealer, but it appears Home Depot sells for $749. I have looked at the Honda, and it seems well built and compact, as storage space is an issue in my 2 car garage. I like the dual chute controls on the Honda, and it is available locally for about $659. I suppose the slightly smaller engine on the Honda means it won’t throw as far as the Toro, but what are its other downfalls that would drop it all the way to #10? Price of the machines isn’t really a factor; I’m concerned with performance, noise, ease of maintenance, and storage space. Thanks again.
Paul
Hi Chris, The Honda compares to the #5 Toro Power Clear® 721 E @ $599 and the #4 Toro Power Clear 721 QZE @ $699. The same power, has chute control similar to the QZE.
The Toro 821 QZE has a larger engine and will throw snow faster and farther than the Honda or the Toro 721 models.
The biggest complaint with the Honda is the chutes controls. That is the only reason, it falls to #10. Some owners complain they are hard to use. So – before you buy it I suggest trying the controls and then if Home Depot has a QZE model try that control also before you buy.
Ed
Quick question, your Toro number #1 above vs. your Toro number #1 Electric , what can I use to decide?
Paul
Hi Ed, At this point in time if you buy the cordless Toro with the 7.5 AH battery it will clear a 2-car 60-foot paved driveway with no problems on one charge. It’s very quiet. If you are planning to go all-electric and want a good cordless mower, string trimmer, and blower the Toro electric is a good choice because it uses the same batteries as the other Toro 60 volt.
The gas-powered Toro SnowMaster will have more power. It will work better if you get a wet/heavy snowplow drift at the end of your driveway. It will handle up to 18-inch drifts whereas the electric will only handle 12 inches. It also self-propelled so it will push through 6-8 inches of snow better. The 824 SnowMaster is very fast and you can easily clear 2-8 inches as fast as you can walk.
Ed
Thanks Paul
I live in Indianapolis area and I-70 goes right through and I’m just north of it.
Thinking 824 for the driveway drifts you mention, we have lucky lately here as no large snows in years. I have a local Toro dealer, should I take advantage of their assembly and delivery or take advantage of Home Depot?
Also thanks as I have the lawn EGO products so thanks for steering me away from the push snow blower they put out
Paul
Hi Ed, The 824 is an excellent choice. It will work well for the normal snows you get and it will power through that occasional wet, sloppy blizzard that may come along.
I always recommend checking out your local dealer. If you like them, buy from them. Any questions or problems you have will be dealt with quickly. Most will match THD’s prices but be aware they may charge a set-up fee to assemble it and show you how to use it.
You’re welcome. EGO makes good products but the snow blower is not one of them…