Every snow blower gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Blowers are grouped by kind, single-stage and two-stage, and each group has its own scales.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per inch of clearing width | 30% |
| Width | clearing width | 20% |
| Throw | maximum throw distance | 15% |
| Intake | intake height, the deepest snow it takes in one pass | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
Where the numbers come from
Clearing width, intake height, throw distance, engine or battery, weight, warranty and the rest come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet or manual, or the maker’s own copy on its Amazon listing. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used. Battery machines are priced as kits with batteries and charger.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the clearing width in inches, on a log scale for each group, so going from $40 to $20 per inch counts as much as going from $80 to $40.
| Group | Scores 0 | Full marks |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stage | $55 per inch | $12 per inch |
| Two-stage | $90 per inch | $35 per inch |
Width is the clearing width: for single-stage blowers 16 in scores zero and 22 in full marks; for two-stage blowers 22 in scores zero and 30 in full marks. A wider path means fewer passes.
Throw is the maximum throw distance the maker states: for single-stage blowers 20 ft scores zero and 40 ft full marks; for two-stage blowers 30 ft scores zero and 50 ft full marks. Farther throws keep snow off the edge of the drive, so the banks don’t build up as fast.
Intake is the intake height, the deepest snow it takes in one pass: for single-stage blowers 10 in scores zero and 13 in full marks; for two-stage blowers 18 in scores zero and 23 in full marks.
Warranty is the length of the consumer warranty on the machine: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks. Battery warranties are listed separately.
What isn’t scored
Engine size, battery size, drive type, chute control, heated grips, headlights and weight are listed but not scored. Fit matters most: pick single-stage or two-stage for your driveway’s surface and the snow you get, and a battery machine on a platform you already own if you can. Independent tests are listed where they exist, but there are too few to score.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.