Ariens Deluxe 28
#1 in Two-stageFull review
A long running favorite for big driveways in snowy regions: wide, tall and easy to steer. Choose the SHO version if your snow is often heavy and wet.
Russo Power Equipment $1,649$1,649
The Ariens Deluxe 28 is the better snow blower overall, rated 3.7 to 3.4. The Ariens Deluxe 28 leads on throw, width and warranty. The PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage wins on value. The PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage costs $650 less ($999 vs $1,649).
PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage
#9 in Two-stageFull review
For budget buyers who want heated handles and a widely serviced Briggs engine on a 26 in machine. If you can skip both, the 252cc PowerSmart is much cheaper.
Amazon $999$999
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Ariens Deluxe 28 for throw (throws snow up to 50 ft vs throws snow up to 40 ft), width (28 in clearing width vs 26 in clearing width) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage for value ($38.42 per inch of width ($999, 26 in) vs $58.89 per inch of width ($1,649, 28 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every two-stage snow blower; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Ariens Deluxe 28 | PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 45 $58.89 per inch of width ($1,649, 28 in) | 90 $38.42 per inch of width ($999, 26 in) |
| Width 20% | 75 28 in clearing width | 50 26 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 100 throws snow up to 50 ft | 50 throws snow up to 40 ft |
| Intake 15% | 60 21 in intake height | 40 20 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Ariens Deluxe 28 | PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 28 in | 26 in |
| Intake height | 21 in | 20 in |
| Throw distance | 50 ft | 40 ft |
| Chute control | Crank or lever at the handle | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 252 cc (Ariens AX 252cc) | 208 cc (Briggs & Stratton 950 Snow Series 208cc) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Heated grips | No | Yes |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 232.7 lb | - |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |