A budget two stage for a one or two car driveway when price matters most. Expect fewer refinements and less dealer support than Toro or Ariens.
PowerSmart $689.99The PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage is the better snow blower overall, rated 3.4 to 2.9. The PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage leads on value. The Ariens Platinum 24 SHO wins on throw, warranty and intake. The PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage costs $1,409.01 less ($689.99 vs $2,099).
For buyers who want the most power in a size that fits a normal garage, with grips and light included. If width matters more than power, the Deluxe 28 SHO is better value.
Russo Power Equipment $2,099Prices were last checked November 2, 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 PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage for value ($28.75 per inch of width ($689.99, 24 in) vs $87.46 per inch of width ($2,099, 24 in)).
- Choose the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO for throw (throws snow up to 55 ft vs throws snow up to 40 ft), warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) 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 | PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage | Ariens Platinum 24 SHO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $28.75 per inch of width ($689.99, 24 in) | 3 $87.46 per inch of width ($2,099, 24 in) |
| Width 20% | 25 24 in clearing width | 25 24 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 50 throws snow up to 40 ft | 100 throws snow up to 55 ft |
| Intake 15% | 40 20 in intake height | 60 21 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage | Ariens Platinum 24 SHO | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 24 in | 24 in |
| Intake height | 20 in | 21 in |
| Throw distance | 40 ft | 55 ft |
| Chute control | - | Crank or lever at the handle |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 212 cc (PowerSmart 212cc) | 389 cc (Ariens AX 389cc) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Heated grips | - | Yes |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | - | 267 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
