Single-stage snow blowers are the sweet spot for most homeowners, because one fast-spinning auger picks up snow and throws it in a single step, and the machines are light, simple and easy to store.
The best single stage snow blower can run on gas, a battery or a cord, and these five picks from four brands cover all three, so you can choose the power source that suits you.
| Product Name | Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower | Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower | EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower | Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower Kit | Snow Joe SJ625E 21-Inch Electric Snow Blower |
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| Power Source | Gas | Gas | Battery | Battery | Corded |
| Engine or Battery | 212cc Toro | 208cc 950 Snow Series | 56V, two 5.0Ah | 40V, two batteries | 15-amp motor |
| Clearing Width | 21″ | 22″ | 21″ | 21″ | 21″ |
| Throw Distance | 35 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft | 35 ft | 20 ft |
| Maintenance | Fuel and oil | Fuel and oil | Battery charging | Battery charging | None |
| Standout Feature | Power Propel self-propel, 84 lbs | SnowShredder serrated auger | Rapid charger, folding handle | Clears 13 inches, five-year warranty | About 34.6 pounds, 800 lbs per minute |
| Best For | Reliable everyday clearing | Light to moderate snow | Quiet, powerful clearing | Ryobi tool owners | Small, mid-size driveways |
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| Product Name | Image | Power Source | Engine or Battery | Clearing Width | Throw Distance | Maintenance | Standout Feature | Best For | Buy Now |
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| Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower | |
Gas | 212cc Toro | 21″ | 35 ft | Fuel and oil | Power Propel self-propel, 84 lbs | Reliable everyday clearing | |
| Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower | |
Gas | 208cc 950 Snow Series | 22″ | 30 ft | Fuel and oil | SnowShredder serrated auger | Light to moderate snow | |
| EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower | |
Battery | 56V, two 5.0Ah | 21″ | 35 ft | Battery charging | Rapid charger, folding handle | Quiet, powerful clearing | |
| Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower Kit | |
Battery | 40V, two batteries | 21″ | 35 ft | Battery charging | Clears 13 inches, five-year warranty | Ryobi tool owners | |
| Snow Joe SJ625E 21-Inch Electric Snow Blower | |
Corded | 15-amp motor | 21″ | 20 ft | None | About 34.6 pounds, 800 lbs per minute | Small, mid-size driveways | |
1. Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower
The Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower is the benchmark single-stage machine, with a 212cc engine, push-button electric start and a Power Propel self-propel system.
It cuts a 21-inch path with a 12.5-inch intake, throws snow up to 35 feet and weighs about 84 pounds.
A two-year limited warranty and a starting guarantee come with it.
Features
- 21-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch intake height
- 212cc Toro engine with push-button electric start
- Power Propel self-propel system
- Throws snow up to 35 feet
- Two-year limited warranty and guaranteed start promise
Pros
- It starts reliably in cold weather
- The Power Curve rotor reduces clogging
- Self-propel makes it easy to handle
- It folds down for storage
Cons
- It costs more than the electric options
- It is best for snow of about 9 inches or less
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
If you want a single-stage blower that just works, season after season, this is the one to beat.
It suits paved driveways of medium size.
Use non-ethanol fuel for the best results.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower
The Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower is a value single-stage machine with a 208cc engine, electric start and a SnowShredder serrated auger.
It has a 22-inch clearing path and a 12.5-inch intake, and it is designed for up to about 12 inches of light snow.
The serrated surfaces help chop up ice and compacted snow.
Features
- 22-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch intake height
- 208cc 950 Snow Series gas engine
- Push-button electric start
- SnowShredder serrated auger with fourteen serrated surfaces
- Designed for up to about 12 inches of light snow
Pros
- The serrated auger chops the hard end-of-driveway pile
- Electric start makes cold mornings easier
- The engine comes from a famous maker
- It is priced lower than many gas machines
Cons
- It is not for very heavy or packed snow
- It needs fuel, oil and basic engine care
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
This is a good fit for people who want a gas single-stage with electric start without paying premium prices.
It handles normal snowfalls on a paved driveway.
Keep it fueled with fresh gas before the first storm.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
The EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower is the premium battery single-stage, with a brushless motor, a 21-inch intake and a throw of up to 35 feet.
It includes two 5.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, and many buyers rate it about 4.4 out of 5.
It can clear up to a 10-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge, according to the maker.
Features
- 21-inch clearing width
- Two 56V 5.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger included
- Throws snow up to 35 feet
- Two LED headlights
- Handle folds flat for storage
Pros
- It is quiet and has no fumes
- The rapid charger refills a battery in about 40 minutes
- The batteries work across the EGO tool range
- Maintenance is minimal
Cons
- It is not self-propelled
- It costs more than most single-stage blowers
- Wet, heavy snow can slow it down.
If you want single-stage convenience without the gas, this is the battery model to buy.
It is a great fit for mid-size driveways.
Keep a steady pace for the best results.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower Kit
The Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower Kit has a brushless motor that clears up to 13 inches of snow and throws it up to 35 feet.
It runs on two 40V batteries and has a telescoping, folding handle for compact storage.
Ryobi backs it with a five-year limited warranty.
Features
- 21-inch clearing width
- Brushless motor and two 40V batteries
- Clears snow up to 13 inches deep
- Throws snow up to 35 feet
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros
- It clears deeper snow than most single-stage electrics
- The five-year warranty is generous
- The batteries work with Ryobi 40V tools
- It folds down for storage
Cons
- Batteries limit runtime on large driveways
- It is not for heavy packed snow
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
If you own Ryobi 40V tools, or you want a battery single-stage with a long warranty, this is an easy choice.
It suits mid-size driveways.
Keep spare batteries charged.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. Snow Joe SJ625E 21-Inch Electric Snow Blower
The Snow Joe SJ625E 21-Inch Electric Snow Blower is the simplest single-stage here, with a 15-amp corded motor and a 21-inch by 12-inch clearing path.
It weighs about 34.6 pounds, moves up to 800 pounds of snow per minute and throws snow up to 20 feet.
A 3-watt LED light and a two-year warranty are included.
Features
- 21-inch wide, 12-inch deep clearing path
- 15-amp corded electric motor
- Steel auger with two rubber blades
- 180-degree adjustable chute, up to 20 feet
- About 34.6 pounds, two-year warranty
Pros
- It starts instantly with no fuel or batteries
- It is light and easy to store
- The price is very low
- The LED light helps at night
Cons
- You need an extension cord and a nearby outlet
- It suits light, fluffy snow best
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
For a small driveway and a few light snowfalls a year, this is the lowest-cost way to stop shoveling.
It never runs out of power while plugged in.
Use a heavy-duty outdoor cord.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Decide whether you want gas, battery or corded power, since that choice shapes the weight, the runtime and the upkeep.
Compare the clearing width and the throw distance.
Make sure it suits your driveway surface, since gravel usually needs a different type.
Read each listing fully before you finally decide.
Tips for Choosing a Single Stage Snow Blower
Remember that single-stage blowers are best for about a foot of snow or less, and they work best on paved driveways.
Think about the surface, because the auger touches the ground, so gravel can be thrown and the machine may not suit it.
Choose a power source you will enjoy, since gas needs fuel, battery needs charging and corded needs an extension cord.
Check the weight and the storage space, because single-stage machines are light enough to store easily.
Walk your driveway before the first snowfall, so you know where the edges, the hose bibs and the hidden bumps are.
Change the oil before the first storm, and use the grade your manual names, since thick oil can make a cold engine hard to turn over.
A good rule is to clear snow as it falls.
Check the fuel or the battery before the storm arrives.
Never put your hands into the chute to clear a clog, and always use the clearing tool and switch the machine off first.
Clear snow soon after it falls, since a single-stage machine works best on fresh, light snow.
FAQ
What is a single-stage snow blower?
It is a machine with one auger that picks up snow and throws it out of the chute, which makes it light and easy to use.
Is a single-stage snow blower enough for my driveway?
If you get about a foot of snow or less on a paved driveway, yes, but heavy storms and gravel need a two-stage model.
Is gas or electric better for a single-stage blower?
Gas offers more range and power, while electric is quieter, cleaner and easier to maintain.
Can a single-stage blower handle ice?
Models with serrated augers, like the Briggs & Stratton, handle compacted snow and thin ice better, but very thick ice needs a different tool.
Conclusion
A good single-stage snow blower is the easiest way to say goodbye to the shovel.
The Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower is the best all-round pick for reliability.
Choose the EGO Power+ SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower for a premium battery model, the Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower Kit for a long warranty, and the Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower for an affordable gas machine.
Pick the Snow Joe SJ625E 21-Inch Electric Snow Blower when you want the simplest and cheapest option.
Check the current price, review each listing, and choose with confidence.