The Best Gas Powered Snow Blowers

The Best gas snow blowers

Gas-powered snow blowers have been a staple of American homes for decades. With their dependable four-stroke engines and heavy-duty construction, they are the most powerful type of snow thrower on the market. In fact, some gas-powered models can move up to 450 pounds of snow per minute!

However, choosing a gas-powered snow blower over an electric one is not as simple as it sounds. There are many things to consider before making a purchase. Well, today we're going to take a look at the best gas-powered snow blowers on the market and help you decide which one is right for your home this winter!

#1 Choice - Husqvarna ST224 (Best for Large Driveways or Pathways)

Perfect for homeowners with large driveways or pathways, the Husqvarna ST224 is our #1 choice due to it's self-propelled 208 cc 4-stroke engine, power steering, and its ability to clear out just about all types of snow, quickly.

The controls are easy to master, it's easy to move around due to being self-propelled and my 68 year old grandmother has no problem using it either!

This is my #1 choice for Gas-Powered snow blowers, and I think you'll love it too!

The ST224 Footprint

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Self Propelled, Has 6 Speeds Including Reverse
  • The electric-start makes it a breeze to start up and go
  • The Power Steering on this model makes it easy to handle, definitely worth the upgrade!
  • Moves all types of snow, wet & dry

Cons

  • At 198.6 pounds, it's not exactly light weight.  The power steering is a MUST, and makes it quite manageable.
  • The (self-propelled) reverse speed is a bit too slow to be useful.

Our Top 3 Gas-Powered Recommendations

Recommended
Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Electric Start Snow Blower

Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Snow Blower

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Husqvarna ST224 is our #1 choice due to it's self-propelled 208 cc 4-stroke engine, power steering, and it's ability to clear out just about all types of snow, quickly.

PowerSmart Snow Blower, 212cc 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower Thrower

PowerSmart PSSAM24, Self-Propelled 212cc 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

The PowerSmart PSSAM24 is a 2-stage gas snow blower, featuring a self-propelled (6-forward and 2-backwards speed) engine

Briggs & Stratton Single-Stage Snow Blower, Push Button Start

Briggs & Stratton 1022e Single-Stage Snow Blower, With Push Button Start

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

The Briggs & Stratton 1022e has a 22-inch wide clearing path with a 12.5-inch intake height.  It's powered by 208cc engine with 9.50-foot pounds of torque

#2 Choice - PowerSmart PSSAM24 Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 

The PowerSmart PSSAM24 is definitely up there among the high-quality snowblower, AND - for a fraction of the price of the more expensive models!

The engine, blades, and all the technology it boasts will get the snow out of your space as efficiently and swiftly as one can expect from a machine of its price.

If you're looking for a snowblower to last you a long time, and get that snow away from your driveway as quickly as possible, then the PowerSmart PSSAM24 is a buy you won't regret.

PowerSmart Snow Blower, 212cc 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower Thrower

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Despite the 212cc gas engine not being super powerful, it packs quite a punch and surprised us with how much snow it can move
  • It's durable. The machine is made from good quality steel and does not rust easily. It can also easily deal with wet and hard snow alike.
  • It's built to last. Of course with a little TLC now and again, you have a snowblower that can last you many, many winters. You get the PowerSmart PSSAM24 when you're one of those people who doesn't want to keep buying snowblowers every wintertime.

Cons

  • It might be too much for some people. Some people might not need a powerful machine. If you live in a place where it is not snowing often, then this machine will be overkill.
  • Shipping problems. Though rare, some reviewers have complained that the unit was delivered either damaged or missing the necessary instructions. If it's your first time dealing with a snow blower, then using it without reading the instructions first is not recommended.

#3 Choice - Briggs & Stratton 1022e Single-Stage Snow Blower

The Briggs & Stratton 1022e Single-Stage is our #3 Gas Choice for a few reasons, the engine is amazing, the augers are made from thermoplastic urethane and do an amazing job clearing the snow, and the electric start just makes it a pleasure to start and get going.  On top of all of this, it's got a THREE-YEAR warranty, the longest warranty I've seen of any snow blower, gas or otherwise!
Briggs & Stratton 1022E 22-Inch Single-Stage Snow Blower with Push Button Electric Start

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The engine. For being 'just' a single-stage blower, the engine works surprisingly well! 
  • 22 inch wide clearing path, and a 12.5 inch intake height
  • Electric Start to get going quickly
  • As one reviewer put it, it's got the power of a 2-stage for 60% less cost

Cons

  • The chute is operated manually.  Not a big deal, but still worth noting
  • It might actually be a bit too much for some people, though only a single-stage it's quite powerful

What to Look for in a Gas-Powered Snow Blower?

There are many different points you should consider before purchasing a gas-powered snow blower. Certain models may excel in certain areas, but fall short when it comes to others. With that said, here are some of the most important factors to keep an eye out for when shopping around.

1. Engine Size

The engine size is arguably the most crucial aspect of any gas-powered snow blower. Larger engines produce more power, which means they can move more snow per minute than smaller ones. Different models have different sized engines, so be sure to check how powerful yours will need to be before making a purchase!

2. Drive Type,

Unfortunately, not all four-wheel-drive snow blowers are created equally. Some feature only two-wheel drive, while others boast four- or all-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive models provide the greatest traction, allowing you to clear even the thickest snow with ease.

Nowadays many gas-powered snow blowers come equipped with headlamps for working in dark conditions. Although this is certainly a nice bonus, it won’t necessarily make or break your choice in snow blower, so keep that in mind before making a purchase!

4. Chute Controls

 A chute control system lets you direct the path of your snow thrower’s discharge chute independently of the direction you are moving and without having to stop. Dual chute controls are the best, as they allow you to angle your discharge chute in different directions.

5. Directional Controls

Having directional control over your snow blower is very important, especially if it has a U-Shaped handle. Not only can directional controls help you maneuver with ease, but they may also prevent accidental damage if you accidentally run into something with the auger.

6. Auger Size

The size of an auger plays a huge role in how well your gas-powered snow blower will work. Larger augers move more snow per minute than smaller ones, so be sure to take this into account when shopping around!

7. Weight

Although gas powered models still reign supreme when compared to electric snow blowers, don’t let their weight fool you. Some of these machines can be quite heavy and difficult to maneuver, so we recommend that you stick with a lightweight model if possible.

8. Warranty

The warranty that comes with your snow blower is very important as well. A longer warranty means the manufacturer has more confidence in their product, which ultimately translates to a higher quality machine.

About the Author

Madison Meyers is a Minneapolis native who knows what it takes to survive in the land of 10,000 lakes.

She’s made it her mission to make sure people never have to shovel again by combining her love for snow with the entrepreneurial skills she picked up at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer

Liberty Snow Blowers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

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