24-inch and 26-inch 2-stage snow blowers are good for your typical 1 or 2 car driveway up to 60 feet long. They will also clear snow from gravel, dirt, and turf. Since they are smaller and lighter weight even smaller people can use them. The models with a 14-inch impeller will handle any snow you get including the wet/heavy snowplow drift the city leaves you at the end of your driveway. If you have a bad back buy one with automatic/power steering.
I’m only listing snow blowers here that are proven to work well. There are over 400 snow blowers available today. While there are many good snow blowers offered there are also snow blowers that have poor repair history, a poor service network and a few that are very hard to get parts for. This year the good 2-stage snow blowers with good service networks and good parts availability start around $700.
I’m only listing snow blowers from retailers and dealers that have good service networks. These networks use local servicing dealers to repair your machine under warranty. The models I’ll recommend here will all last you years (with a little preventative maintenance) and you’ll be able to get service and parts locally. I will not recommend retailers and brands that ship your machine off to some faraway location where it may sit for months before the repair is made.
Protection Plans. Protection plans are NOT extended warranties. Extended warranties are offered directly from the manufacturer. Because extended warranties are directly from the manufacturer they are always a good choice. Those warranties are handled by a local servicing dealer. Protection plans, on the other hand, offered by retailers are not always a good choice. If you feel a retailer’s protection plan is a good choice for you be sure you understand what is offered for your gas-powered snowblower and how you go about using the Protection Plan. Many plans will ship your snowblower off to some far away repair center where it can sit for months before it’s even looked at.
Looking for a smaller or larger snow blower? Check out this article: The Best Snow Blowers For You! Fall 2019
24-Inch, 26-Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower
I’m going to start with the best available and then work down to the cheapest snow blower I can recommend.
1. Heavy-Duty Snowmageddon:- Will handle areas that get over 100 inches a year.
Ariens Platinum 24 SHO Model 921050 and Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI Model 921053. 24 inch, 369cc. Model 921050 and Model 921053 with EZ-Launch EFI Engine. Dealer only: These two snow blowers have over-the-top power and can handle any type of snow and any driveway including gravel and turf. Yet, they are very easy to use. If you have a small driveway but get a lot of snow this is a great choice. It will clear any amount/type of snow. It will not clog on heavy/wet snow. Because it has a larger engine and more capacity than all other 24 inch machines it works well for driveways 2-3 cars wide by 40-80 foot long. It has great traction for sloped driveways. This is one of the few snow blowers I recommend for Lake Tahoe and their 200-400 inches of snowfall per year. It works on pavement, gravel, and turf. It’s also the best choice for smaller driveways in areas that get lake-effect and the North-East U.S. that gets the “Noreasters.” Some of you will feel the price is too high for the EFI model but this heavy-duty 24-inch snow blower with Electronic Fuel Injection will not have the starting issues carbureted engines have on today’s fuels. Either model will last you many years. Please use the dealer locator at Ariens.com to find a store near you:
2. 2-Stage Snow Blowers That Won’t Clog On Heavy/Wet Snow – Good for areas of the country that get 30-100 inches of snow a year!
If the snowplow leaves you a wet mess or a solid rock wall of snow – these snow blowers will power right through it!
Recommended: Ariens Deluxe 24 Model 921045 Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Ariens Deluxe 24 and it’s bigger brother, the Ariens Platinum 24 are unique in the 24-26 inch size. They use a larger, 14-inch impeller and discharge chute so it is very, very hard to clog them on heavy, wet snow. I highly recommend the Deluxe 24 to anyone who struggles with the drift the snowplow truck leaves at the end of the driveway. It’s all-metal and pretty much indestructible. It’s also very easy to use because it has automatic steering (AutoTurn) and basic chute and deflector controls.
Recommended: New Cub Cadet 26 in. 243 cc 2X HP Buy Here at The Home Depot. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start, Trigger Power Steering and LED Headlights. The large 243cc engine, metal chute and easy to use chute controls make this one of the best snow blowers Cub Cadet has ever made.
Model# 2X 26 HP
Recommended: Toro Power Max® 826 OXE (37799) Buy Here at The Home Depot. Again, this is one of the better small frame snow blowers on the market. It has Toro’s patented ACS (Anti-Clog System) so it does not need a huge impeller and large motor to do the task. It also has automatic steering so both wheels drive the snowblower giving it excellent traction – yet it is easy to turn. No extra levers to pull – it just goes where you point it. I have no problems recommending this for any suburban driveway in the Midwest, Central Atlantic or anywhere that normally gets up to 80 inches a year. If you normally get wet/heavy snow you may want to move up to the Power Max HD models.
Husqvarna ST324? I have not reviewed it at this time but will most likely make this list.
Husqvarna ST 424 Dealer Only: More power than the ST324. 291cc. Onboard electric start. Hydrostatic Transmission. Adjustable handle height. If you are considering the Honda HSS724AWD this snowblower beats the Honda in every way. (my opinion)
3. Dependable, Long Lasting. Good For Most Areas Of The Country That Get 30-60 Inches Of Snow. 2-Stage Snow Blower
Recommended: Cub Cadet 2X™ 24. 24 inch, 243cc. Buy Here at The Home Depot. I’ve been recommending this snow blower for many years. It’s very easy to use and the handles are short enough so even if you are 5″2″ you can use this snowblower. This updated model includes a larger engine, power steering, and updated dash with LED headlights.
Toro Power Max® 824 OE (37798) Buy Here at The Home Depot. No Power Steering. I normally recommend the Toro Snow Master instead of this model for hard surface driveways. But this snowblower is a better choice if you have a gravel driveway. You can use this snow blower on any surface including gravel, turf, and dirt. This is a very well-built, dependable snowblower.
Ariens Compact 24 Model 920027. Buy Here at The Home Depot. No Power Steering. If you are considering the Ariens Classic this snow blower is a solid step up from it. Larger engine and the same Ariens quality you get with the Deluxe models – just less capacity.
Recommended: Husqvarna ST224P. Buy Here at ACME Tools. One of the most popular 24-inch snow blowers. It has power steering and for 2019 Husqvarna fixed all the little problems you read about it in reviews. Better v-belts, improved hand warmers, etc. This is an excellent snow blower if you live in the suburbs and need to clean rough areas like a spot on the lawn for your dogs. Don’t confuse this model with the Husqvarna ST224 that you normally see on the sales floor at Lowes and your local hardware store. The St224 does not have power steering like this one does.
Recommended: Troy-Bilt Storm™ 2460 Snow Blower Buy Here at The Home Depot. 24 inch, 208 cc. For all types of snow, about 60-inch average snowfall a year, and will clear gravel/turf areas. It does not have power steering but uses the new airless tires that give you great traction yet turn easily.
Recommended: Troy-Bilt Storm™ 2625 XP Snow Blower Buy Here at The Home Depot. My favorite best value snow blower. A little wider than the 2460 above and has a great 243cc engine. For all types of snow, about 60-inch average snowfall a year, and will clear gravel/turf areas. It does not have power steering but uses the new airless tires that give you great traction yet turn easily.
4. 2-Stage Snow Blower – Cheap But Good.
If you have to buy the cheapest snow blower – buy one of these. (There is no reason to buy a Chinese Import that does not have a good service network.)
Recommended: Ariens Classic 24 Model 920025 Buy Here at The Home Depot. No Power Steering but a lot of features making it a best value snowblower. Good engine, hanging chute, all-steel construction.
Cheapest: Briggs & Stratton 24 in. Model 1696610. Buy Here at The Home Depot. No Power Steering. This is the cheapest 2-stage snowblower I recommend. One thing you need to know. After you use this snow blower – before you turn off the engine – let the auger/impeller run for 1-2 minutes to make sure ALL the snow is out of the front. If you don’t the auger/impeller will freeze and you will break the impeller belt the next time you go to use it.
Recommended: Troy-Bilt Storm 24 in. Model# Storm 2460, 208cc with Airless Tires. Buy Here at The Home Depot. No Power Steering. The airless tires make this one of the best 24-inch snowblowers for areas of the country that get 30-60 inches of snow a year. The tires give is more traction and makes the snowblower surprisingly easy to turn. I also like the easy to use hanging chute.
Cheapest: Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 Buy Here at The Home Depot. Check out my video on YouTube. If you must have the least expensive snowblower, this is the BEST least expensive snow blower available. There is no need to even consider a Chinese made snowblower anymore. You get a good engine, 6 speeds forward, 2 reverse, good tires, poly skids and a machine that will handle your 30-40 inch Midwest winters. It’s simple, easy to operate and has an excellent review rating. It does not have power steering.
If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below. I do answer and moderate comments so it may not show up right away.
2-Stage Snow Blowers I do not recommend.
Honda 2-stage snow blowers. The Honda 24 in. Hydrostatic Wheel Drive 2-Stage Snow Blower with Electric Joystick Chute Control Model# HSS724AW. This Honda sold online for around $2200 is a good snowblower but in reality, it offers no better performance than the $850 Troy-Bilt 2460. The Troy-Bilt is also dependable and has just as extensive of a service/parts network. To get an electric start on the honda you have to purchase the snow blower from a dealer and the cost of the electric start is over $200!
Poulan Pro/Jonsered. Poulan Pro and Jonsered snow blowers are made by Husqvarna and offer fewer features than the Husqvarna models. Spend the extra $50 and buy the Husqvarna brand. There are very few Poulan Pro and Jonsered dealers and not all Husqvarna dealers will support the equipment.
PowerSmart, Dirty Hand Tools, YardMax, Aavix, Stark, Worldlawn, Champion Power, Lawn-Boy, Massimo, Power Care, Sportsman. Most of these snow blowers are made in China and lack any type of nationwide service network. A few like PowerSmart, Dirty Hand Tools and Worldlawn do offer online help to order parts but you are responsible for the repairs. I also have the feeling that since the price is so low on many of these that they are older models and were shipped here before the China tariffs were introduced.
If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below. I do answer and moderate comments so it may not show up right away.
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The Best Small 2-stage Snow Blower For You! Fall 2019
24-inch and 26-inch 2-stage snow blowers are good for your typical 1 or 2 car driveway up to 60 feet long. They will also clear snow from gravel, dirt, and turf. Since they are smaller and lighter weight even smaller people can use them. The models with a 14-inch impeller will handle any snow you get including the wet/heavy snowplow drift the city leaves you at the end of your driveway. If you have a bad back buy one with automatic/power steering.
Dany Levesque
Hi Paul,
I have a little problem with my platinum, On my fourth usage the chute control cable froze up and I was unable to direct the snow. Can you help me?
Thank you!
Dany
Paul
Hi Dany, Disconnect the cable from the discharge chute. Then move the chute by hand to make sure nothing is binding. Then do the same at the handle end. If you are then sure it’s just the cable talk to your local Ariens service dealer on how to get it repaired/replaced.
Ben Davis
Howdy Paul:
Thrilled with your videos. Excellent advice from knowledgable and experienced source is dire in choosing these machines. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share all this.
We’re in the mountains of Maine and the drive inclines 10-15 degrees. Maybe more importantly, it’s a reclaimed asphalt drive.
1) Which do I choose if I’m going to blow it 100% of the time?
&
2) Which blower if I have it plowed for the big, heavy snows and want one more for clean-up and to clear paths to the heating oil fill?
I’d love the convenience of a Cordless but will heed your advice. Are cordless impossible to use on a reclaimed drive?
PS. Just watched your Ariens Pro 21 SSRC videos and really liked the build qualities you pointed out, but HD doesn’t have it currently. (I dream of the 100-V Sun Joe.)
Thank you,
Ben
Paul
Hi Ben, if your asphalt is packed down and smooth a single-stage should work. But, if it’s loose then you will need a 2-stage.
Yes, we had snow very early in the Midwest this year so all the brands are struggling to keep snowblowers in stock.
You didn’t mention how long the driveway was but since it’s so steep your best option is a tracked snow blower. If you are doing the entire driveway a snow blower like the Ariens Platinum 28 RapidTrak is an excellent choice. It will give you the traction you need and handle any snow you get. You can get it through your local Ariens dealer or the Home Depot here: Platinum Rapid Trak SHO 28
Most of the mountains in Maine average around 95 inches of snow a year so the Platinum RapidTrak is also a good choice for a cleanup snowblower. If you really wanted to go smaller for the cleanup I suggest the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO. Since it’s a wheeled snow blower it may struggle a little going up your slope clearing snow but it’s one of the heaviest 24-inch snow blowers so it will have the best traction you can get. (You can always clear going down the slope and then walk it back up – repeat)
Brian H
Hi again Paul! I have a question about Ariens snow blowers. I really like my Deluxe 30 EFI, but you warned me that my long (400’) Massachusetts driveway with some incline might need Trak-tion, and indeed that’s what I found. I could try chains, but I’m starting to feel that a tracked unit is the way to go. Looking again at the Ariens lineup, one would think that they’d make the “ultimate” machine with the “big three”: RapidTrak, Hydro transmission (continuous gearing, low maintenance), and EFI (you correctly called it “the future”; who wants to mess around with three extra engine controls when you can have the reliable simplicity of a key and a pull?). Surprisingly, they don’t. Can you imagine why Ariens doesn’t make this snow blower? It’s beyond me. I was ready to splurge on the Professional 28 Hydro RapidTrak, when I realized that I’d have to be dealing with a carbuerator. I know that Ariens’ are pretty good, usually start cold, but maybe I’m spoiled by not having to turn on the gas, bulb it through the fuel line, and fiddle with the choke. Plus, the more ethanol they’re putting in fuel, the worse off I think carb engines are. It’s almost 2020, and their top of the line tracked units should be fuel injected! Any hints at products to come (i.e., should I wait longer?) or alternative recommendations?
Thanks again for letting us benefit from your experience!
– Brian
Paul
Hi Brian, By the way, DO NOT put the higher E15 fuels in your lawn & garden equipment! E15 will ruin your engine! E15 is designed only for autos 2011 and newer.
Personally, I think Ariens has been holding off because adding EFI will bring the cost of the RapiTrak Pro 28 to almost $3500. Yes, more and more people want the EFI but will the cost be too high for them to buy it? That said, Ariens is very aware that people want the EFI but when I asked in October they wouldn’t commit to a rollout schedule. I suggest going one more winter with your Deluxe 30 and see if they come out with a RapiTrak EFI next spring.
Roberto
Hi Paul,
I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada so we get plenty of snow. I have a two car driveway, 28ft
long.
I can get an Ariens 24 Deluxe for CAD $1349 from Home Depot or an Ariens 24 Platinum SHO from a dealer for CAD $2169. Is the 820 CAD difference worth it ?
Given the fact that I have been for the last 5 years shovelling and using an electric corded 18 inch snow joe I would assume the Deluxe 24 would be a hell of an upgrade.
Thanks
Paul
Hi, Roberto, I can’t get a handle on the prices up there. The Deluxe 24 here is $1099 and the Platinum is $1599. Anyway…
Yes, the Deluxe 24 will be a big step up for you 🙂 It will handle any snow you get – it just won’t be as fast as the Platinum 24.
Joe
Hi Paul. Thinking of getting this blower and wanted to get your opinion? https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-SB470-28-in-243-cc-Two-Stage-Self-Propelled-Gas-Snow-Blower-with-Push-Button-Electric-Start-Headlight-s-Heated-Handles/1000602839
Really wanted the Ariens 24 deluxe but saw the craftsmen on sale. Is the Ariens really worth the extra $400?
Thanks
Paul
Hi Joe, Did you mean the Ariens Deluxe 28? There is only a $200 difference between the Deluxe 24 and that Craftsman. The Deluxe 28 is only $300 more.
Is the Ariens really worth paying extra for? It depends on where you live, the type of snow you get, the type of service you expect, and how long you want to keep the snowblower.
1. The Ariens will not plug on heavy/wet snow – ever. That Craftsman at Lowes is pretty much the same snowblower as the Troy-Built Storm 2890 I have here. It’s a decent snow blower but it does have issues clearing the wet/sloppy snow plow drift out by the road. (I live on an ambulance route so my snowplow drift is wet/salted snow that freezes into a rock-solid wall) The Ariens throws the snow farther (10-20 feet farther depending on the snow)
2. The Ariens is heavier so it has better traction pushing through deep drifts. It’s still balanced very well so it is as easy to maneuver as the Craftsman. Personally, I like the AutoTurn steering on the Ariens a lot better than the trigger steering on the Craftsman.
3. Everything on the Ariens is built tough – including the control cables and all those other little things that wear out on the Craftsman. Most owners get well over 20 years out of their Ariens without any problems. ie.s just change the oil and fill it with fuel.
4. Warranty and Parts for Ariens. Ariens are serviced by local dealers. Any warranty issues are quickly dealt with. Parts are easy to get. Just walk into your local Ariens dealer and they will either have the parts in stock or they can get the part quickly. (If you buy through Lowes check with your store first for warranty work. They may have one designated Ariens dealer in your area that does the work for them)
5. Warranty and Parts for Craftsman. Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) owns the Craftsman at Lowes merchandise. So, if you have an issue with your Craftsman you have to go through SBD’s service network to get it repaired. At this point in time, you have to call an 800 number. Then take it to a “Service Center” or have it shipped off someplace for repairs. I strongly suggest that you research this before you buy a Craftsman at Lowes. Talk to your Lowes store and ask them about the repairs. If they say they use a local repair shop – call that repair shop and ask them if they actually do service the Craftsman snowblowers. (I’ve had a few readers say they did this and when they called the repair center, the center said, they did repair Craftsman in the past but no longer work on them) Just to be fair, SBD has the option to buy MTD in two years. If they buy that company these service complaints should go away after that because they get a nationwide service network with the deal.
6. Craftsman at Lowes will always be on sale. It appears SBD has taken a page out of the Sears Marketing Handbook. Jack the retail price way up and then offer “huge sales” all the time.
Jane McNeely
Paul I have a single car gravel driveway that is approximately 60 feet long. I have never owned a snowblower and I am 65 years old. I live in SSM, ON and we get snow. Can tire presently has a troy bilt 24 inch machine with a 243 cc Quiet engine with power steering and heated hand grips. I realize that we get alot of snow but we generally get snow each day with the odd large snowfall. I was wondering with the larger engine in a smaller machine it would be able to push the snow faster and further, yet be small to maneuvre with the power steering. The price is quite attractive and I found it on sale at TFS and Can Tire will match the price $1150 out the door. I am just wondering if I should go to a larger machine.
Paul
Hi Jane, Yes, that is a good choice for your size driveway. You can get a lot of snow but if you are not in a hurry that snow blower will do the job for you. The extra power of the 243cc engine will make it work for you.
Greg B.
Hi Paul, I am considering a briggs & stratton 1696619. I live in the Milwaukee area with a 3 car long driveway (paved) 1/4 acre city lot. Menards will sell me this for $712 when they run 11% off. What do you think? I like the 250cc engine, remote chute controls and 27″ width. I would like to be around $700… is there a better option. I am hesitant to go single stage for the end of driveway plow mess. My current machine is a craftsman 179 cc 24″, which is ready to retire. Appreciate any insight!
Paul
Hi Greg, the Briggs & Stratton 27 inch is a decent snow blower for Milwaukee. And Menards will have the cheapest price. Just remember once you put gas in it you can’t return the snowblower for any reason to Menard’s. You are also responsible for finding a servicing dealer for any warranty repairs or parts. (Ask the manager – Some stores have a local shop they work with but many don’t)
Travis Taylor
I’m moving to Park City UT this winter (84098). The neighborhood we’re moving into got 24 feet last year. What would you recommend for that?
It’s a two-car drive, probably 70-80 feet long. It’s a mix of asphalt and gravel. I’d call the slope moderate – maybe 15% (2″/12″)
No fences, but there’s a decently tall retaining wall (maybe 5′ above the drive) that I’ll need to clear. Some sidewalks. I will travel a bit, so it’s important that my wife (5′-6″ 110lbs) can run the thing. If needed, I can get two (one for regular use and one for her to run if I’m out of pocket)
First-time snow-blower from the southeast here!
Thanks!
Paul
Hi Travis, That’s a lot of snow! I’m thinking of a snowblower that will throw snow as far as possible, its not too large and is easy to operate. The two best choices are the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO and the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI. You can check them out here: https://www.ariens.com/en-us/snow-products/snow-blowers/platinum
These models will handle any snow you get and the 24-inch width is easy for your wife to handle.
These are dealer-only snow blowers. The dealer will be glad to show you how to use them. It looks like the closest dealer is.
Jordan Garden Center (20.7 Mi)
Ariens Preferred Dealer
7000 S State St, Midvale, UT 84047
801-255-1374
Dany Levesque
Hi Paul,
Following your recommendations I just bought the platinum 24 SHO. Now I’m ready for the big storm. 🙂
Thank you!