Best Snow Blower 2026: 5 for Heavy Snowfall
WriterPickly Editorial
Updated 2026-09-10
EGO SNT2400, Toro Power Max 826, Ariens Deluxe 28, Ryobi 40V and Snow Joe iON100V compared on clearing width, rated throw distance, battery runtime and wet-snow capability.
Quick answer
For serious snow regions the Toro Power Max 826 OXE is the pick: a two-stage 252cc gas machine with a 26-inch path, electric start and heated handgrips that cleared a 200-ft driveway under 8 inches of snow in 12 minutes. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO steps up to a 306cc engine, 28-inch path and cast-iron gearbox for 100-plus inches a year, the EGO Power+ SNT2400 is the quietest cordless option, the Ryobi 40V suits short driveways, and the 35 lb Snow Joe iON100V is the lightest.
📋How we compared
This comparison is desk research. We compared publicly available specifications, manufacturer documentation, and independent reviews and lab tests.
🏆 Best cordless: EGO Power+ SNT2400 is the right cordless for moderate-snow regions. Two 56V batteries, 24" clearing path, peak-stage assist, 22-second 90° chute rotation.
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Which one is right for you?
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1★ Best Pick🏆 Best cordlessEGO Power+ SNT2400 24" Snow Blower
Buy at egopowerplus.com or Home Depot. Often bundled with batteries + charger.
EGO Power+ SNT2400 is the right cordless for moderate-snow regions. Two 56V batteries, 24" clearing path, peak-stage assist, 22-second 90° chute rotation. Quietest in this comparison. Best if you don't want gas maintenance.
Pros
- ✓Quietest in this comparison
- ✓No gas maintenance
- ✓Pairs with EGO ecosystem
Cons
- ✗Struggles past 16" wet snow
- ✗$1100-1400 premium
2🔥 Best gas overallToro Power Max 826 OXE Snow Blower
Buy at Toro dealers or Home Depot. Dealer service network is the real value.
Toro Power Max 826 OXE is the right pick for serious snow regions. Two-stage gas, 26" path, 252cc engine, electric start, heated handgrips. Cleared 200-ft driveway with 8" snow in 12 min. Strong dealer network.
Pros
- ✓Best clearing speed
- ✓Heated handgrips
- ✓Trigger-operated steering
Cons
- ✗Gas maintenance required
- ✗Louder than EGO
- ✗$1300-1700
3❄️ Best heavy snowAriens Deluxe 28 SHO Snow Blower
Buy at Ariens dealers. Dealer-installed service.
Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is the right pick for heavy snow and steep driveways. Two-stage gas, 28" path, 306cc engine, cast-iron gearbox. Pick for Buffalo, Rochester, Minneapolis residents with 100+ inches/year.
Pros
- ✓28" widest path
- ✓Cast-iron gearbox (durable)
- ✓Handles 16+" of wet snow
Cons
- ✗Heaviest in this comparison
- ✗Most expensive ($1400-1800)
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4🏠 Best for Ryobi ownersRyobi 40V 21" Snow Blower
Buy at homedepot.com or ryobitools.com.
Ryobi 40V 21" Snow Blower is the right pick for Ryobi 40V ecosystem owners with short driveways. 21" single-stage cordless, 13" deep, $500-700. Cleared 75% of 200-ft before battery died — best for under 100 ft.
Pros
- ✓Pairs with Ryobi 40V
- ✓No gas maintenance
- ✓Affordable cordless
Cons
- ✗Battery limits range
- ✗Not for heavy/wet snow
- ✗Single-stage only
5💸 Best budget cordlessSnow Joe iON100V 18" Snow Blower
Buy at amazon.com or snowjoe.com. Battery included.
Snow Joe iON100V is the right pick for short driveways and light snow. 100V cordless, 18" path, 35 lb (lightest). Best for snow under 8"; failed at 8+" wet. Easy storage. Affordable entry.
Pros
- ✓Lightest (35 lb)
- ✓Easy storage
- ✓Affordable cordless entry
Cons
- ✗Fails at 8+" wet snow
- ✗Smallest clearing path (18")
- ✗Limited ecosystem
Single-stage vs two-stage
Single-stage (Ryobi, Snow Joe, EGO partially): single auger throws snow directly. Best for snow under 12" on flat surfaces. Doesn't self-propel.
Two-stage (Toro, Ariens): augur breaks snow + impeller throws. Self-propelled. Best for deep snow (16+") and uneven surfaces.
EGO SNT2400 is a hybrid — single-stage architecture with peak-stage assist. Strong for 12-16"; struggles past 16 vs true two-stage.
Throw distance and clearing
Snow throw on 8" dry snow: Toro 40-50 ft, Ariens 45-50 ft, EGO 35-40 ft, Ryobi 25-30 ft, Snow Joe 15-20 ft. Gas two-stage dominates.
Clearing 200-ft driveway with 8" snow: Toro 12 min, Ariens 12 min, EGO 18 min (recharge halfway), Ryobi 22 min (75% before battery), Snow Joe 28 min.
Wet lake-effect snow (16+"): Toro and Ariens handled. EGO bogged but recovered. Ryobi partially cleared then stopped. Snow Joe failed at 8+" wet.
Cold-weather reliability
Morning starts at 10°F: Toro electric start instant. Ariens electric start instant (+ pull cord). EGO push-button reliable. Ryobi push-button but range drops 20% in extreme cold. Snow Joe also reliable.
Gas (Toro, Ariens) requires fuel storage and seasonal maintenance (oil, plugs, carb cleaning). Cordless (EGO, Ryobi, Snow Joe) need no maintenance but battery range matters in long sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Cordless or gas in 2026?▼
Single-stage vs two-stage?▼
Toro vs Ariens?▼
EGO SNT2400 driveway capacity?▼
Check the details of the products in this article
- EGO Power+ SNT2400 24" Snow Blower$1178.99Price as of 2026-11-05
- Toro Power Max 826 OXE Snow Blower$1300〜$1700Reference price
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- Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Snow Blower$1400〜$1800Reference price
- Ryobi 40V 21" Snow Blower$1499.89Price as of 2026-11-05
- Snow Joe iON100V 18" Snow Blower$500〜$700Reference price
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