Gas snow blowers are still the workhorses of winter, because they give you strong power, long runtime and the ability to clear a big driveway in one go.
The best gas snow blower depends on your snow and your driveway, and these five picks from five different brands cover two single-stage and three two-stage machines.
| Product Name | Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower | Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower | Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | BILT HARD 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower |
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| Type | Single-stage | Single-stage | Two-stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Engine | 212cc Toro | 208cc 950 Snow Series | 208cc Troy-Bilt | 212cc PowerSmart | 209cc 4-cycle |
| Clearing Width | 21″ | 22″ | 24″ | 24″ | 24″ |
| Start | Push-button electric | Push-button electric | Push-button electric | Push-button electric | Electric and recoil start |
| Self-Propelled | Power Propel self-propel | Auger-assisted | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds |
| Standout Feature | Power Curve rotor, 35-foot throw | SnowShredder serrated auger | 12-inch serrated augers, 20-inch intake | 13-inch snow tires, 40-foot throw | LED headlight, 40-foot throw |
| Best For | Reliable everyday clearing | Light to moderate snow | Big driveways | Heavy, deep snow | Budget two-stage power |
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| Product Name | Image | Type | Engine | Clearing Width | Start | Self-Propelled | Standout Feature | Best For | Buy Now |
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| Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower | |
Single-stage | 212cc Toro | 21″ | Push-button electric | Power Propel self-propel | Power Curve rotor, 35-foot throw | Reliable everyday clearing | |
| Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower | |
Single-stage | 208cc 950 Snow Series | 22″ | Push-button electric | Auger-assisted | SnowShredder serrated auger | Light to moderate snow | |
| Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | |
Two-stage | 208cc Troy-Bilt | 24″ | Push-button electric | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds | 12-inch serrated augers, 20-inch intake | Big driveways | |
| PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | |
Two-stage | 212cc PowerSmart | 24″ | Push-button electric | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds | 13-inch snow tires, 40-foot throw | Heavy, deep snow | |
| BILT HARD 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower | |
Two-stage | 209cc 4-cycle | 24″ | Electric and recoil start | 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds | LED headlight, 40-foot throw | Budget two-stage power | |
1. Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower
The Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower is the polished single-stage choice, 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.
Toro adds a two-year limited warranty and a starting guarantee.
Features
- 21-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch intake height
- 212cc Toro engine with electric start
- Power Propel self-propel system
- Throws snow up to 35 feet
- Two-year 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 most single-stage models
- It is best for snow of about 9 inches or less
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
For a typical paved driveway and a typical winter, this machine does everything you need with very little fuss.
It is simple to use and simple to store.
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 an affordable single-stage machine with electric start, a 208cc engine 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 a single-stage unit, so it is not for heavy 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 machine without paying for a two-stage model.
The electric start is a big convenience.
Keep it fueled with fresh gas before the first storm.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower is a strong all-round two-stage, with a 24-inch clearing width, a 20-inch intake height and a 208cc engine.
Electric start, a self-propelled drive with six forward and two reverse speeds and 12-inch serrated augers make it easy and effective.
It handles up to about a foot of snow.
Features
- 24-inch clearing width with a 20-inch intake height
- 208cc Troy-Bilt engine with electric start
- Self-propelled, 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
- 12-inch serrated steel augers and a 12-inch impeller
- 200-degree crank chute control
Pros
- The two-stage system handles heavy snow
- The wide path saves time
- Self-propel takes the effort out of pushing
- The extended chute reduces blowback
Cons
- It is heavy and needs storage space
- It is more machine than a small driveway needs
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
If you have a long driveway or heavy storms, a two-stage like this is the upgrade that makes winter easier.
It also handles the heavy pile the plow leaves behind.
Leave a clear path to the garage door.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower offers strong power at a friendly price, with a 212cc engine, electric start and 13-inch snow tires.
It has six forward and two reverse speeds and a 24-inch clearing width, and it throws snow up to 40 feet.
LED lights help you work in the dark.
Features
- 24-inch clearing width
- 212cc gas engine with electric start
- 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
- 13-inch snow tires
- Throws snow up to 40 feet
Pros
- It combines two-stage power with a lower price
- The six speeds suit different snow depths
- The big tires give good traction
- The 40-foot throw clears the pile far away
Cons
- It is a heavy machine
- The brand is newer than Toro or Troy-Bilt
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
When you want maximum clearing power per dollar and you have a big driveway, this machine is a strong contender.
It handles heavy, deep snow better than any single-stage model.
Check the listing for the latest weight and intake details.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. BILT HARD 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The BILT HARD 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower is a budget-friendly two-stage with a 209cc engine, a 24-inch width and a 10-inch serrated steel auger.
It has both electric and recoil start, six forward and two reverse speeds and 13-inch wheels.
An LED headlight helps with night use.
Features
- 24-inch clearing width
- 209cc 4-cycle gas engine
- Electric start and recoil start
- 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, 13-inch wheels
- LED headlight and up to 40-foot throw
Pros
- It is a low-cost way to get two-stage power
- The electric start needs only an outlet and a button
- The LED headlight helps in the dark
- The 40-foot throw is generous
Cons
- The brand is newer than the big names
- Check the listing for parts and service details
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
This is the one to look at if you want two-stage power on a tight budget and you do not mind a newer brand.
It handles deep snow that smaller machines cannot.
Keep the manual and the warranty details handy.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Decide between single-stage and two-stage, since single-stage suits light snow and paved drives while two-stage suits big storms.
Compare the engine, the width and the self-propel system.
Make sure it will fit through your garage door and your own garage storage space.
Read each listing fully before you finally decide.
Tips for Choosing a Gas Snow Blower
Choose the stage type based on your snow, because single-stage machines are best for about a foot or less while two-stage machines handle much more.
Look for electric start, since a push button makes cold mornings much easier than pulling a cord.
Check the weight and storage space, because two-stage machines are large and heavy.
Think about maintenance, since gas machines need fresh fuel, an oil change and a spare set of shear pins.
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, because a few light passes are far easier than one big pass through two feet of drifts.
Check the fuel or the battery before the storm arrives, since a machine that will not start is the most common winter problem.
Never put your hands into the chute to clear a clog, and always use the clearing tool and switch the machine off first.
Consider self-propel for a big driveway, because it saves your arms from pushing a heavy machine.
FAQ
What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage gas snow blowers?
Single-stage machines use one auger to pick up and throw snow, while two-stage machines add an impeller for more power and distance.
How much snow can a gas snow blower handle?
Single-stage models handle about a foot or less, while two-stage models handle much more.
Do I need electric start?
It is a very handy feature in cold weather, and all five of these have it.
How should I store a gas snow blower?
Drain or stabilize the fuel at the end of the season, and store the machine in a dry spot.
Conclusion
A gas snow blower gives you power and range for the toughest winters.
The Troy-Bilt Storm 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower is the best all-round pick for most big driveways.
Choose the Toro Power Clear 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower for a premium single-stage machine, the Briggs & Stratton 1022EX 22-Inch Gas Snow Blower for an affordable single-stage, and the PowerSmart 24-Inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower for power per dollar.
Pick the BILT HARD 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower when you want two-stage power on a tight budget.
Check the current price, review each listing, and choose with confidence.