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Are Gas Snow Blowers Still Worth It in 2025?

As snow starts to pile up more regularly, you might be thinking about purchasing a snow blower to make it easier to prep you walkways and driveway for ice melt and foot traffic. In addition to being available in single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage models, snow blowers can be gas-powered or electric, with corded and rechargeable battery options. Gas snow blowers have long been the go-to choice for homeowners and snow removal professionals. However, in recent years, battery-operated snow blowers have become more popular among homeowners. In this piece, we outline the pros and cons of each so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

Understanding Gas and Electric Snow Blowers

Gas snow blowers fall into one of three categories: a single-stage, double-stage, or three-stage machine. These stages refer to the number of steps the tool takes to collect and dispose of the snow. Triple-stage snow blowers are the most powerful but also among the most expensive. Corded and battery-powered snow blowers are available only in one- or two-stage models.

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Whether you choose a gas- or battery-powered snow blower, a single-stage machine has a revolving auger that can clear piles of snow up to nine inches deep and up to 22 inches wide. They are a good choice for paved driveways and small sidewalks.

Two-Stage Snow Blowers

Snow blowers with a double-stage system are more powerful and wider than single-stage ones, making them the optimal choice for most homeowners. The machine features an auger and impeller that make it work exceptionally well on gravel and dirt pathways and driveways. A two-stage snow blower can clear piles of snow up to 16 inches deep and up to 30 inches wide.

Three-Stage Snow Blowers

Three-stage snow blowers are available only in gas models and are the most powerful and largest. This type has an auger, impeller, and accelerator that work together to power through heavy and even icy snow. They can clear tall piles of snow up to 18 inches deep or more and clear paths up to 30 inches per pass. Three-stage models perform well across all terrain types, including flat and sloping surfaces.

How to Pick the Right Snowblower for Your Needs

Joe Palumbo, president of Ice Dam Guys, LLC, explains that the amount of snow you get, the snow type (heavy, light, or wet), and your property terrain are important factors to consider when choosing the right snow blower. In addition, factors such as fuel type, location, and budget may influence which snowblower is best for you.

Snow Frequency

The amount of snow you get per winter can help you decide what kind of snow blower to get. For light to medium snowfall, an electric snow blower will get the job done and requires minimal maintenance. Gas snow blowers are the best choice for areas with heavy snow, as they offer nearly uninterrupted running time since you’ll only have to pause to refuel. However, they will require more upkeep.

Property Size and Terrain

The length of your driveway and sidewalk is another important factor to consider when choosing a snow blower. A battery-powered snow blower should be able to handle clearing small- to medium-sized driveways on a single charge, but if you have a long, uneven, or sloping driveway, you will benefit from a gas snow blower, as you can refuel the tank and continue clearing snow without having to wait for a battery to recharge. For corded snow blowers, you’ll be limited by the size of your longest extension cord, so these work best for smaller driveways.

In addition, if your driveway is unpaved, you’ll want to choose a two-stage model at a minimum, as single-stage models may scoop up pebbles or small rocks that can damage the machine.

Corded electric snow blowers may not work for large driveways, even with a long extension cord.

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Fuel Type

The most significant advantage of gas snow blowers is their ability to operate continuously for extended periods. You can easily refill your machine’s tank and continue the snow removal process, making a gas blower a top choice for large properties and snow removal professionals. However, electric snow blowers are easy to maintain and operate and can quickly clear a small to medium-sized driveway on a single charge. A corded or battery model is the best option if you don’t want to deal with fumes, extra maintenance, and noise.

Budget

The price of gas and electric snow blowers varies based on the type of model, features, and power source.

Gas snow blowers cost between $500 and $3,500, with double- and three-stage models being the most expensive. Battery and corded snow blowers come in a wide range of prices, from $300 to $2,300. Although some of the best models are more expensive than gas models, you could save money in the long run, as battery snow blowers require little maintenance and you don’t have to pay for fuel.

Features

Both gas and battery snow blowers have similar features. Although battery models are easier to start, many gas models now have an electric start option, so you don’t have to yank a cord every time you start the machine. If you want specific features in your snow blower, such as headlights or an electric start, compare different models and ensure they offer what you’re looking for.

Gas Snow Blowers: Pros and Cons

For years, gas snow blowers have been the number one choice for homeowners and professionals. They’re powerful and reliable. However, they require more maintenance and can be more difficult to operate. Palumbo notes, “Like most outdoor equipment, electric can have appealing features, but you'll generally achieve more power and overall runtime with gas-powered machines. This is because you can refuel when needed.”

Pros of Gas Snow Blowers

Offer unlimited running time
Are powerful and the best option for large properties
Available in many more models than battery-operated snow blowers
Come in compact and heavy-duty models
Many brands to choose from

Cons of Gas Snow Blowers

Require more maintenance
Are noisy
Emit fumes
Some units can be very costly

Corded and Battery Snow Blowers: Pros and Cons

Battery snow blowers are becoming more popular among homeowners. They are eco-friendly, easy to use, and can perform almost as well as gas-powered snow blowers. In addition, they are easy to maintain and operate. “[Electric snow blowers] can be useful for smaller properties that have concrete or asphalt surfaces. You can go with a corded or a battery-operated model,” Palumbo explains.

Pros of Battery Snow Blowers

Easy to start and use
Eco-friendly
Quiet
Batteries may be compatible with other products from the same brand/line
Perform almost as well as gas models
Easy to maintain

Cons of Battery Snow Blowers

Limited run time, unless you have multiple batteries
Not that many models are available
Charging batteries takes extra time
Some models are expensive
Limited reach for corded models

Are electric snow blowers good in heavy snow?

Electric snow blowers can perform well in heavy snow if they are a two-stage model, but the runtime can be limited to the battery's life cycle. The best option for heavy snowfall is a two-stage gas snow blower.

Are electric snow blowers worth it?

Yes, electric snow blowers are worth it, but you need to understand their limitations: limited run time for battery-powered blowers and limited reach for corded blowers. Otherwise, electric snow blowers are very easy to start, operate, and maintain.

How long do electric snow blowers last?

Electric snow blowers, when properly stored and maintained, can last up to 10 years. More likely than not, most of the year, your electric snow blower will remain unused, so it is important to store it in a dry space, out of the elements.

Are electric snow blowers quieter than gas blowers?

Yes, electric snow blowers are quieter than gas blowers because they use an electric motor that’s less noisy. Also, electric snow blowers are easy to use, require minimal upkeep, and are the most eco-friendly option.

Are gas or electric snow blowers better?

Gas snow blowers remain the best option for heavy, wet snow. They still outperform battery-operated snow blowers, but not by that much. As technology evolves, electric snow blowers are becoming more powerful and offer snow-removal capabilities comparable to gas models.