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 3.3. The Ariens Deluxe 28 leads on width, throw and intake. The Toro Power Max 826 OAE costs $150 less ($1,499 vs $1,649).
Toro Power Max 826 OAE
#12 in Two-stageFull review
A well rounded two stage for a two or three car driveway, with automatic steering that makes a 189 lb machine easy to turn. Worth the step up from the 824 OE for the wider path and light.
Russo Power Equipment $1,499$1,499
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 width (28 in clearing width vs 26 in clearing width), throw (throws snow up to 50 ft vs throws snow up to 45 ft) and intake (21 in intake height vs 20 in intake height).
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 | Toro Power Max 826 OAE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 45 $58.89 per inch of width ($1,649, 28 in) | 47 $57.65 per inch of width ($1,499, 26 in) |
| Width 20% | 75 28 in clearing width | 50 26 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 100 throws snow up to 50 ft | 75 throws snow up to 45 ft |
| Intake 15% | 60 21 in intake height | 40 20 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Ariens Deluxe 28 | Toro Power Max 826 OAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 28 in | 26 in |
| Intake height | 21 in | 20 in |
| Throw distance | 50 ft | 45 ft |
| Chute control | Crank or lever at the handle | Crank or lever at the handle |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 252 cc (Ariens AX 252cc) | 252 cc (Toro Premium 252cc OHV 4-cycle) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Heated grips | No | - |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 232.7 lb | 189 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |