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 3.1. The PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage leads on value. The Toro Power Max 824 OE wins on warranty and throw. The PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage costs $709.01 less ($689.99 vs $1,399).
For a medium driveway, paved or gravel, in regular snow. The easy chute control and Toro dealer network are the reasons to pay more than budget brands.
Russo Power Equipment $1,399Prices 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 $58.29 per inch of width ($1,399, 24 in)).
- Choose the Toro Power Max 824 OE for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and throw (throws snow up to 45 ft vs throws snow up to 40 ft).
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 | Toro Power Max 824 OE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $28.75 per inch of width ($689.99, 24 in) | 46 $58.29 per inch of width ($1,399, 24 in) |
| Width 20% | 25 24 in clearing width | 25 24 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 50 throws snow up to 40 ft | 75 throws snow up to 45 ft |
| Intake 15% | 40 20 in intake height | 40 20 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage | Toro Power Max 824 OE | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 24 in | 24 in |
| Intake height | 20 in | 20 in |
| Throw distance | 40 ft | 45 ft |
| Chute control | - | Crank or lever at the handle |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 212 cc (PowerSmart 212cc) | 252 cc (Toro Premium 252cc OHV 4-cycle) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Headlight | Yes | - |
| Weight | - | 184 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
