6 Best Two Stage Snow Blowers Reviews & Buying Guide in 2020

If you live in a region that receives heavy snowfall then you must be aware of how important a snow blower can be. Buying a two stage snow blower is probably one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. However, choosing the best two stage snow blower can be difficult due to the huge number of options out there. 

To help you in this regard, we have picked the six best two stage snow blowers for you and reviewed each one based on engine power, reliability, and machine durability along with ease of use.

Let’s get started!

Best Two Stage Snow Blowers: Comparison Table

You’ll find a number of options in the market, each one with its own unique set of features.

Before we give you a detailed review of each of the six best two stage snow blowers, we’d like you to have a look at this small comparison chart to understand the products better:

What is a Two Stage Snow Blower?

A two stage snow blower comes with power assisted wheels that make it easy to clean on slopes. In case of a single stage snow blower, you will have an auger directing the snow straight through a discharge chute. Whereas, in the case of a two-stage snow blower, you will be able to choose where you want to throw the snow.

Moreover, a two stage blower is also larger than a one stage blower and offers better control.

Best Two Stage Snow Blowers: Product Review

We’ve given you a brief summary of the six best two stage snow blowers above, now let’s look into each of these in a bit more detail in our product review section.

Along with main features we’ve also included a detailed product description and a few pros and cons separately for your ease.

#1 PowerSmart  DB7624E – Best Electric Start Snow Blower

The DB7624E from PowerSmart clears snow like an absolute pro; it weighs in at 180 pounds and is gasoline powered. The engine is a powerful 212cc PowerSmart Engine which offers dual starts up functions including both a push button and a manual start. It will easily give you a throw of up to 40 inches. Hence, you will never feel stuck.

It features powerful blowers which have a snow clearing width of anywhere up to 24 inches along with a clearing depth of 21 inches. This makes it perfect for regions where heavy snowfall is common. 

Guaranteed to start at even -20 Degrees Fahrenheit, it has a versatile drive system that gives you 4 forward and 2 backward variations, offering enhanced drive convenience. It features 13 inch inflatable tires which are just perfect for deep snow tread bites and slippery terrains.

#2 Briggs & Stratton Elite 1024 – Best Dual Trigger Steering Snow Blower

The Elite 1024 from Briggs & Stratton has a 208cc OHV engine that can handle a width of 24 inches. This makes it ideal for regions with moderate to heavy snow. Plus, its powerful engine is good at clearing pathways or driveways.

Packed with features that makes clearing snow easier, it has a push button electric start system that ensures it starts even in freezing cold. In fact, it is said to work when the temperature is down to -20 degrees.

You will easily be able to release the dual trigger steering to the left or the right. There is a small learning curve but most people will enjoy the process. 

It offers free hand control which means you can operate it with one hand while using your other hand to adjust the speed or rotate the chute. With dash mounted chute rotation and deflector controls you can adjust the direction in which to throw snow on the go.

Briggs & Stratton have made it sturdy with a durable steel frame and included certain luxuries such as heated hand grips with on/off switch.

The YARDMAX YB5765 offers a recoil start with a 6.5 HP 196cc engine, it offers multiple speed options via the propelled drive which includes 2 reverse and 5 forward speed gears. That’s more options than most products in this price range. 

Its steel augers coupled with axe shaped housing allow you to easily slice and chop your way through hard packed snow and icy patches. The powerful engine ensures you do not have to spend a lot of time having to deal with snow.

It has a 22 inch snow clearing width, and weighs in at just about 166 pounds. YARDMAX has built in an aluminum gear case that has alloy steel gears. 

The extended chute maintains a tighter discharge while the high speed impellers consume more snow than others in the same league. Combined together, this makes for maximum snow throwing and minimum blowbacks.

#4 Husqvarna ST224 – Best Homeowner Snow Blower

ST224 from Husqvarna has a 208cc engine that makes it quite powerful. The machine is meant for occasional use mainly by homeowners to clear snow off their driveways. It has adjustable skid shoes which mean it works through all terrains and in all snow conditions.

Along with that, you get remote chute deflectors and remote chute rotators to adjust the direction in which to throw the snow. The machine is quite quick to work and pretty reliable as well.

The two stage system is efficient with a high snow throwing capacity, the handles are adjustable according, meaning you can set the height according to your comfort. It ensures smooth operations via its friction-disc transmission.

In addition to this, you will find some cool features such as LED lights, heated handle grips. Plus, it has an electric start system which means no need to worry about the unit not working when it’s cold.

#5 PowerSmart DB7651BS – Best Convenience Snow Blower

The PowerSmart DB7651BS comes with a 208cc powerful Briggs & Stratton engine which is ideal for any snow clearing action. The engine is equipped with variable throttle control and a safety key switch, with a spare key. 

Thanks to a capacity of 24 inches (width) and 16 inches (depth), you will have no problem in using this device even if the snow is deep.

Featuring multiple speed variations, the unit is quite easy to use. Plus, PowerSmart has also built in a push button electric start engine. It has a throwing capacity of up to 40 inches, which makes for a powerful performance as you will not have to worry about water or clearance after performing the job.

Ergonomically designed, it comes with foldable handles making it easy to store when not in use. Also, there is a fuel shut off valve for maintenance and off-season storage, this also helps in running the carburetor dry.

#6 Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 243cc – Best for Heavy Snow

This two stage snow thrower from Troy Bilt is powerful and reliable. Available in multiple settings, it is among the best when it comes to width as it offers up to 26 inches of coverage. Plus, it goes 2 inches deep. You will notice that the unit clears snow in a single go thanks to the presence of reversible skid shoes that improve control.

Do not worry even if the wind is strong as the unit's strong 2-way discharge system ensures snow goes far away. Its tires are durable and offer excellent traction even on wet roads.

Plus, you can use the device with just one hand, making it a good option for people who have no experience in using snow blowers.

CONS

Best Two Stage Snow Blower: Buyers Guide

That’s our take on the six best snow blowers out there. However, before you pick one, it is important that you’re aware of all the factors one must pay attention to when buying a snow blower. 

Let’s talk about these factors now:

Let's have a look.

Clearing Width:

This is for your own ease; always consider how wide a path your snow blower is able to clear with each pass. A typical clearing width is between 20 to 25 inches and a few robust models will be able to clear paths up to 30 inches or more.

A narrow clearing width in layman terms would mean you’d need to make several passes to clean the sidewalk or driveway. Wider clearing width would save time, help you clear faster so you can go inside sooner.

Briggs & Stratton Elite 1024 has a clearing width of 24 inches making it ideal for moderate to heavy snowfall areas.

Motor Type:

You’ll find snow blowers which are both gas and electric powered, although the majority of electric powered ones are limited to lighter duty and single stage models. Decide whether you’d prefer the convenience of an electric powered motor or the extra power gas motors have to offer.

A downside to all gas powered motors is having to keep up with regular maintenance and fuel. Remember gas powered snow blowers are rated in terms of horsepower while electric engines are rated in amps.

Speed Control:

Choose one that has variable speed controls. This will let you move faster.

Remember to check to see where the speed control lever is at, it should be at a comfortable position for you to adjust. If it’s hard to use or out of reach you won’t enjoy the convenience offered nearly as much.

The YARDMAX YB5765 offer multiple speeds via its propelled drive option along with 5 forward and 2 reverse gear options.

Other Features:

There are a number of other features you should look into as well when shopping for a two stage snow blower. A lot of these will be aimed towards making your job easier, quicker and more comfortable. 

Some of the most common features are built-in handle warmers, LED lights, drift cutters and the like.

Always keep an eye out for these.

Best Two Stage Snow Blowers: Conclusion

This was our take on the six best two stage snow blowers, consider your choice carefully and go through the details we’ve given in the buyer’s guide before you head out.

From the list we’ve reviewed, the PowerSmart  DB7624E is a clear winner, it covers all ground and features a lot of key elements including a 212cc powerful engine with the option of manual and push button electric start. It has a powerful clearing width of 24 inches along with a clearing depth of 21 inches.